I'm beginning to blend in with my white walls.

I caught a glimpse of my bare legs this morning and I was mildly horrified.  I am white, casper-esque white.  I usually tend to err on the whiter side.  However, I think I've reached a new level whiteness.  Have I said white enough in the last two sentences?   Being an aesthetician, I would go straight to hell if I went to a tanning booth/bed and I live in Portland, so natural sunlight is not an option.  with those two options eliminated, my only ali is tanning lotion.  I must say I have not had the best of luck with bronzers and self- tanners.  They usually stink, get on my clothes, or I always miss a spot (or 5).  While I will admit, self tanners still have a ways to go, they have come along way.

As of now, my top two self tanners are:
1. St Tropez
2. Decleor

Tips to creating the perfect "tan":
1.  Exfoliate with a grainy and chemical exfoliant.  This means look for one that contains jojoba beads and glycolic or lactic acid
2.  Use a riffi mitt with normal body wash, after using the exfoliant.  This will up the exfoliating ante.
3.  Shave.  Shaving works as a wonderful exfoliant
4.  Make sure your skin is completely dry
5.  Apply a creamy lotion on all rough spots (ie palms, elbows, tops of feet, heels)
6. Apply self tanner of choice
7. Hangout in the nude for a good 10-15 minutes before applying clothes
8. Apply your lotion of choice, it keeps your "tan" last a wee bit longer

Happy Tanning!!!