It seems that maybe I was a little bit presumptuous when I wrote about spring fashion back in February, because I am starting to think that spring is never going to arrive in Toronto this year. It looks like this will be one of those years that we go straight from winter into summer. So I thought that I would write some tips for those of you who would like a little bit of a tan when that day arrives.
It goes without saying, I hope, that we are talking about getting a subtle glow with self-tanners — not looking for melanoma, wrinkles, or a spot on the next season of Jersey Shore. If this appeals to you, here are my tips.
There are two ways to get a safe tan: with an at-home self-tanner or a salon spray tan. At-home self-tanner is less expensive and can be more convenient because there is no need to make an appointment or leave your house. Salon spray tanning lasts longer and the airbrush option, where a technician applies the tan for you, has the advantage of being foolproof (no streaking or missed spots). Most major cities even have companies offering mobile airbrush tanning now, where a technician comes to your house and applies your airbrush tan! They bring a little half-tent for you to stand in to protect your surroundings from the spray.
For best results, exfoliate immediately before a self tan and do not apply anything, like moisturizer, after your shower. If you are applying self-tanner at home, the key to an even application is to use a generous amount and keep rubbing it in for much longer than you think you need to. This also applies to salon spray tans where you are automatically sprayed in a booth (eg. Mystic Tan). Start from the top and work down, but leave your arms until last. If you apply it to your back, you will probably get some on your wrists, so before you start your arms, wash your hands and your wrists. Wash the palms 
of your hands thoroughly when finished, being careful not to let too much water hit the backs of your hands.
Contrary to popular belief, you can self-tan your own back, it just looks funny and that is why people help each other out with sunscreen at the beach. Just apply it to your back by reaching back the obvious way, then also by reaching your arms like you are doing the cow face yoga pose. This ensures you get your entire back, assuming you can touch your fingers together in this position.
For at home self-tanning, I recommend Avène’s Moisturizing Self Tanner ($20, drugstores) for a natural look.
Donna Wilson is a Toronto-based commercial litigator at Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP. Her style and beauty column appears every second Wednesday.
Photo by Debra Brown