Okay so...my legs are super white. Yeah. I feel self-conscious wearing shorts and dresses. It's nearly summer time annnnd I feel like I can't just be wearing trousers all season long sooo... Are there any tanning lotions that actually work well? I've only used lotions a couple time and of course it came out blotchy and too dark. Does the blotchy-ness go away with repeated use?

I used to do indoor tanning and after reading about just how high the skin cancer rates were I stopped, especially since I had a strange, dark lump on the back of my leg (it went away, but it spooked me obviously).

Please teach me about how to use these products properly, I feel like they should work, but I've just had a couple bad experiences and want to hear from other people before buying any more. Also, if it can be bought online that'd make it even better. Helllp.

Make sure to exfoliate before using, also use less in areas like knees cause it tends to get more spotty. Also rub it real well into the skin and choose a light/medium shade and build up from there maybe? You could also mix the tanner with your usual body lotion - it will keep your skin hydrated and help with the spots.

I really like Jergens Natural Glow. It's a gradual tanner that's difficult to fuck up. I like to start with the Fair to Medium and then once my tan starts to develop I use Medium to Tan. It's really natural looking and you can find it at the drugstore. As far as how to prevent blotchy-ness, make sure you exfoliate reeeally well. Especially on places like knees, elbows, and feet. Shave your legs and use a moisturizing body wash for cleansing. Use your towel when drying to gently exfoliate any dead skin that may have been left behind. Once you've done that, apply a rich moisturizer to your legs/body and apply the tanning lotion the following morning or evening (I prefer evening) so the tanning lotion won't settle in the open pores of your legs. Apply in circular motions, not just up and down the legs. Careful not to apply too much on your knees and ankles/feet. If it gets too dark on your knees, apply some lemon juice to the area. If you apply the tanning lotion too soon after shaving, the tan will develop in the pores and you'll notice spots on your legs. If you can't wait until the following day, run cold water over your legs/body (wherever you're applying the tanner), apply a rich moisturizer, and wait several hours before putting the tanner on. I prefer to apply self tanners at night before bed so I can stand around naked while it dries and I don't have to worry about getting anything on my clothes. Lastly, make sure you wash your hands right after applying. I hope your tan turns out okay!

Edit: Just wanted to say that self tanners have come a looong way over the years, so they're not as streaky and orange as they used to be!

Yesss. This is exactly the kind of advice I needed! Thank you both very much!