The safest tan, as any dermatologist will tell you, is a sunless tan. And no, tanning beds aren't an option. If you really want to protect yourself from melanoma and sun damage, a self-tanner is the only way to go.

You can always opt to go to a salon and have your tan done by a professional, but that can get pretty pricey if you want a St. Bart's glow all year round. Thankfully, at-home products have become much better in recent years, making the transformation to bronze goddess way easier. Here's what you need to know for a Do-It-Yourself tan.

How to apply

For the body:

1) Shower, shave your legs and exfoliate using a mild scrub or loofah, paying attention to elbows and knees. This will remove dead skin and smooth out any rough patches, ensuring a more even application.

2) Dry your skin thoroughly. This is very important — if your skin is wet, the product won't apply evenly. Apply a thin layer of body lotion all over, and allow it to absorb completely.

3) Wear latex gloves — like the kind that come with home haircolor kits — to apply, as the tanner will stain your hands and nails. A good rule of thumb: use slightly more product than you used lotion to moisturize your body. Begin at your ankles (complete one leg and arm at a time), spreading the product evenly over skin and rubbing it in thoroughly. The key is to work slowly and methodically. You'll need to get a friend or significant other to help you with your back.

4) Keep in mind that the tops of your feet and hands and the backs of your arms don't tan as dark, so use a lighter hand. One option is to add a little moisturizer to these areas and blend slightly into the tanned areas. This will give a more natural-looking tan line.

5) No matter what it says on the package, wait at least half an hour (but an hour is better) before getting dressed or going to bed. Tanner stains, and if hasn't dried completely, it will stain your clothing and sheets.

6) After the tanner has dried, you can use a cotton pad or Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide to lighten any streaks.

7) Color usually lasts three to five days.

For the face:

1) Tie your hair back. Wash and gently exfoliate your face, making sure to remove all makeup.

2) Apply a thin layer of moisturizer — don't use topical acne creams or a moisturizer with AHAs or retinol. Swipe a thin layer of Vaseline along your hairline and over your eyebrows to prevent discoloration.

3) Take a pea-sized amount of tanner and apply a thin layer over your cheeks, nose, forehead and chin, blending thoroughly. You can use either latex gloves or a makeup sponge for application.

4) Allow at least half an hour drying time before using any other makeup.

Suggested products

For the body:

• Hawaiian Tropic Island Glow Daily Moisturizer ($7.79, drugstore.com)

• Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel ($29.50, sephora.com)

• Coppertone Oil-free Sunless Tanning Lotion ($7.99, drugstore.com)

• L'Oreal Sublime Bronze ($8.49, drugstore.com)

• Philosophy The Big Skinny Body Bronzer ($28, beauty.com)

• St. Tropez Auto-Bronzante Lotion ($35, drugstore.com)

For the face:

• Bonne Bell Gel Bronzer ($3.99, walgreens.com)
  

• Chanel Perfect Colour Face Self-Tanner ($35, sephora.com)

• Clarins Liquid Bronze ($28, sephora.com)

• Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelettes ($14.99, drugstore.com)

• Dove Energy Glow Daily Moisturizer ($7.99, drugstore.com)

Tips

• Apply tanner either on the weekend or in the early evening — not right before going to bed or before you have to go out. Otherwise, you'll risk staining your sheets and clothes.
• Don't choose a shade that's too dark. Remember, the goal is a healthy, natural-looking tan. It's better to start lighter, then add more tanner if necessary. Wait at least six to twelve hours before a second application — it will take that long for the full color to appear.
• Don't apply to the same area twice. You'll end up with patches that look uneven, dirty or orange.
• One of the biggest complaints about self-tanners is the smell. The chemical scent is normal, and will disappear after you shower. In the meantime, you can try using California Tan Sunless Neutralizer ($15), which is supposed to "neutralize" the smell.
• Don't apply self-tanner in a steamy bathroom or hot room. Heat and humidity can cause skin to sweat and dampen which will lead the tanner to streak or apply unevenly.
• Don't apply tanner the day of a special event; do it a day or two before, to allow the scent to dissipate and any streaks and imperfections to fade.
• If you're not going in the water, you can opt to use powder bronzer for your face. It's much quicker and easier to work with, and will wash off like any regular makeup product.
• Wearing self-tanner doesn't excuse you from sun protection. You still need to apply sunscreen.