One Thing You Should Never Do Using Self-Tanner

Self-tanner can be so glorious and give you that I'm-magically-tan-despite-winter-just-ending glow, but a #flawless application requires a little effort. There's one thing you should never do when using self-tanner, and if you do, you risk ending up with a blotchy and uneven tan. So before you reach for one of the seven instant self-tanners, read up!

Have you ever started rubbing on self-tanner and then notice you missed a spot shaving as you're applying it? Unfortunately, the one thing you should never do while using self-tanner is go back and shave right after applying it. Anna Stankiewicz of Louise O'Connor Salon in New York City told Allure, "[Shaving] can remove self-tanner" since it's a form of exfoliation. You have to wait at least a few days before shaving to not wreck the color.

Funny enough, shaving and exfoliating before you apply self-tanner are actually the best ways to guarantee your results will be streak-free. Dr. Bank, the founding dermatologist at The Center For Dermatology in New York, tells me, "Before applying self-tanner, make sure to exfoliate in the shower using a washcloth" to get the smoothest application possible.

Now that you know to always shave and exfoliate before self-tanning and not right after (even if you have stubble), check out some great exfoliating options for spring self-tanning!

1. Cherry Sugar Scrub

Cherry Sugar Scrub, $12.45, TheBEEKEEPERshop

Bright and super fruity, this exfoliating scrub will not only slough off dead skin, but it will also smell super delicious, too.

2. Pumpkin Oatmeal Glow

Pumpkin Oatmeal Glow, $18, bambuearth.com

This one smells like slathering yourself in fresh pumpkin pie. Nom.

3. Frank Body Scrub

Original Scrub, $14.95, Frank

Give your skin a kick of java with this ground coffee scrub.

4. Exfoliating Soap Bar

Exfoliator Soap, $7, RusticJoySoap

Prefer soap to scrub suds? Check out this beautiful bar.

5. Minty Lime Body Scrub

Mint And Lime Body Scrub, $8.50, ItsaNaturalThing

Channel all your mojito vibes with this one.

6. Rose Sandalwood Sea Salt Scrub

Rose Sandalwood Sea Salt Scrub, $12.95, Iyoba

Soft and romantic, this sea salt scrub is perfect for date night (or #TreatYoSelf night)!

7. Jasmine Body Scrub

Jasmine Body Scrub, $12, KBsNaturalCreations

So clean and sweet smelling, you'll want this scrub on your bod 24/7.

Want more fashion and beauty tips? Check out the video below and subscribe to Bustle on YouTube!

Images: Carrie O'Brien/Unsplash; Courtesy of Brands