Self-Tanner.

Byline: Ellen Miller

A healthy glow in minutes.

The bronze age is officially over. Using self-tanner to become deep brown (or, Donatella forbid, a vivid orange) seems prehistoric, says Sally Blenkey-Tchassova, owner of Brazil Bronze Glow Bar in New York City. Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera, and other celebrity clients are asking her for a "subtle warm glow" rather than a dark tan. Choosing the right formula for your skin tone, applying it sparingly, and buffing it into your skin will help you achieve the lightest result, says Ann Marie Cilmi of Bliss Spas in New York City. While many beauty companies now have spray self-tanners to mimic professional airbrush applications, Blenkey-Tchassova says that tinted lotions or gels are better for at-home use because they go on visibly and evenly. A few steps can equal a tan that's pure golden.

Shave your legs and use a coarse (but not oily) scrub to eliminate dry skin from the rest of the body in the shower, then towel-dry yourself thoroughly. Skip your normal moisturizing routine.

Once you're completely dry, smooth a light layer of moisturizer onto the knees, heels, and elbows to keep them from turning too dark. (Dry skin tends to absorb more DHA, the active ingredient.)

Put on a pair of surgical gloves and smooth on self-tanner in short, upward strokes, a teaspoon at a time. Start at the ankles and work your way up to the shoulders. (Use facial self-tanner on the neck and above.)

Immediately buff every surface of your body with the palm of your still-gloved hand. Use a circular motion similar to that of buffing a car, and hyperextend your fingers so they don't touch your skin at all.