Face and body are two different jobs. I would never put the body mousse on my face without thinking, and a lot of brands agree, which is why the drop format has become so popular. You add a few drops to your usual moisturizer and control the shade yourself.

Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Bronzing Drops with Peptides are the ones most people know. Isle of Paradise's Self-Tan Face Drops and Lux Unfiltered's Sunstruck Self Tanning Face Drops are the mix-in options as well, and I would start with one drop, not four. Caudalie's Self-Tan Hydrating Face Drops are the hydrating pick.

Westman Atelier's Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops are a little different, a hydrating matte bronzing formula, which suits anyone who wants a tanned look with a soft finish. Dolce Glow's Acqua Hydrating Self-Tanning Face mist is a mist, best for a quick even layer and for touching up as the color fades.

Apply drops to clean skin, blend well at the hairline, jaw and ears, and use a fresh, damp sponge or your palms. Wait a few hours before deciding you want more. Face skin shows every streak, so the patient approach wins.

Keep in mind that a self tan does not protect you from the sun, and you still need your usual sunscreen every day.

Prep is the difference between a glow and a patchwork. A tan grips dry, rough patches and turns them dark, so the day before, exfoliate gently, especially knees, elbows, ankles and wrists.

The INKEY List's PHA Exfoliating and Hydrating Body Water Cream is a mild way to do that, since PHAs are generally considered gentler than the stronger acids. Topicals' Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs is a stronger choice, so use it a couple of days ahead and not on the night before, and never on the same day as a fresh tan. Give skin a full day to settle.

Then there is the mitt. Bondi Sands' Self-Tanning Application Mitt and Jergens' Instant Sun Application Mitt For Self Tanners are both streak-free tanning gloves, and I keep two, one for the body and a separate one for the legs. Do not skip them. Hands stain, and a mitt is what keeps palms pale and lines even. Rinse the mitt after use and let it dry fully before you put it away.

What I would skip: a rich body cream just before you tan, since it can make the tan slide and streak. Moisturize the day before, apply the tan to clean, dry skin, and use only a tiny amount of lotion on the dry spots such as knees and ankles.

My favorite tan night goes like this. Exfoliate the day before. On the night, shower, dry off fully, and put a little lotion on knees, elbows and ankles. Mitt on, and work from the top down in circles, using a bit less on hands and feet.

Let it dry before you dress, wear dark loose clothes, and sleep in old sheets you do not mind. In the morning, rinse when the mousse tells you to. Keep the color going with a light body lotion every day, and refresh with a gradual tan lotion or mist when it starts to fade. If you get a rash, stop and see a doctor. Patch test any new product on your inner arm first.

The last thing I would say is to be kind to yourself on the first try. Most streaks fade within a few days, and a second round with a mitt will teach you more than any guide. Take a photo of the shade you liked and note which product made it, so you can repeat it next time without guessing.