Let’s face it – it's finally getting chilly in Sacramento and being albino isn’t necessarily the best way to go about things. I don't care if you're a girl or a guy - when winter hits we’re all having to face that dry pasty look! If you want to take the more convenient, and certainly more affordable approach at keeping your skin bronze here’s a few tips to help you maintain a successful tan that doesn’t make you come out looking like you went and painted yourself in orange stripes.

Hint number 1 –
Make sure that you apply it in the bathroom – fake tan will stain carpet, sheets, and towels so it would probably be the best idea not to do it in your bedroom.

Hint number 2 -
In order for you to achieve a perfect fake tan you need to start with smooth skin. (UGH! Yesssss.... that means shaving.) What a pain!

Hint number 3 –
Make sure you really exfoliate – take a bit of your favorite body scrub and apply it taking extra concern with your knees and your elbows. That’s where you get a build-up of dead skin. Work into your skin then shower it off.

Hint number 4 –
Try to wear gloves – not your mom’s marigolds but thin latex gloves to avoid your hands getting stained. Otherwise, your hands could potentially be bright orange for a couple weeks. (Next time you’re at a doctor’s or dentists grab a handful!)

Hint number 5 –
To get a salon strength tan, apply a moisturizer to your knees first and then to your elbows to avoid them going too dark.

Hint number 6 –
Use a colored tanning lotion. This will help you see where about you have applied it and the bits you have missed. Start at your feet and work your way upwards towards your face.

Hint number 7 –
When it comes to the bits that you just can’t reach (such as the middle of your back) use a sponge on the end of a wooden mixing spoon or ask your partner, friend, sister or SOMEONE to help you out!

Hint number 8 –
When it comes to your face try to use a tanner specifically for the face. If you’re into the more natural look, you can even mix it with your moisturizer.

Hint number 9 –
Wait about 5 to10 minutes then put on something really loose such as an old raggedy dressing gown while you wait for your tan to develop.

Hint number 10 –
After 4 – 6 hours jump into the shower and you should hopefully be left with a nice glowing tan.

*If you end up using your hands, MAKE SURE to wash them.... a.s.a.p.! Apply evenly, not in blotches... unless of course that is the look you are going for.

*Also, make sure you always remember that a fake tan will not give you any protection from the sun’s rays so you will still need to wear a sunscreen. Skin cancer is not worth the browned legs... Ok, so maybe some of us have to think twice about that one...

Oh wait... THERE'S ONE RULE –
When someone compliments your skin tone, or asks how you’re still tan... simply say, “It’s natural.”