A golden tan can wipe years off your complexion and trim inches from your waistline. But if you want to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun (i.e., wrinkles, brown spots, or, worse, skin cancer), the only safe glow is one that comes from a bottle. Good news for all of you self-tanning skeptics: "The technology has changed dramatically," says Sophie Evans, St. Tropez's celebrity tanning expert. Gone are the days of smelling like an old sock for eight hours until your color develops. New tanning formulations dry quickly, show up instantly, and can be washed off in as little as an hour.

DON'T SKIP THE PREP The proper tools are crucial for long-lasting results. Whether you're self-tanning your face or body, you must exfoliate first. FOR FACE Wash away rough, dry skin, and create a smooth surface with a cleansing brush like the Clarisonic Mia ($99). FOR BODY Use an oil-free exfoliator (oil can leave a residue that causes streaks) like Bliss Hot Salt Scrub ($38), or try the Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt ($19.99), which can be used along with your regular body wash. Once your skin is cleansed, exfoliated, and dried, make sure to moisturize your knees, ankles, elbows, knuckles, and wrists—areas notorious for over-absorbing color and getting too dark. We like Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion ($5.49).

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TANNER Wipes, sprays, mousses, gels, lotions, oils—when it comes to picking your formula, the options can seem endless. FOR FACE The most goofproof approach is to use a product that allows you to build color over time like BareMinerals Faux Tan Face Gradual Glow($24). Or try a wipe. We're fans of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pads ($35), which also contain skin-brightening ingredients. They're impossible to streak; rub the wipe all over your face, ears, and neck in a circular motion. FOR BODY Follow Evans's rule: On normal skin, use a mousse or a gel. We like Jergens Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse ($11.99) or L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelée ($10.99). For dry skin, lotions or oils are best. Try Clarins Self Tanning Milk ($37) or St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil ($50). Avoid using a spray for an allover application (it can drip and seriously stain your bathroom), and instead use only for your back or to touch up specific areas between tanning sessions. Try Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Mist ($36). Whichever product you select, go for a tinted formula with a built-in bronzer. It will help you see where the color is going so you don't miss any spots.

APPLICATION SECRETS Even the most pricey tanner won't look natural on your skin if you don't apply it correctly. FOR FACE If you use a skin-care product that contains antiaging or acne ingredients like retinol and glycolic, alpha hydroxy, and salicylic acids, apply them before self-tanner, recommends New York dermatologist Dennis Gross. Then moisturize afterward. FOR BODY Work in sections to ensure even application, and apply your color with a tanning mitt to keep from staining your palms. Try Tarte Brazilliance Mitt Duo ($12). "Start from your feet and move upward so that you don't create crease marks on your stomach or arms," suggests Anna Stankiewicz, a New York tanning expert. Try this: Feet to knees; knees to thighs; stomach and chest; arms; back; neck. If one area gets too dark, all is not lost. When Evans needs to lighten a dark patch (common on the elbows, knees, and feet), she applies hair-removal cream like Nair with a Q-tip for three minutes. "It works really, really well," she says. Want to look extra toned in a particular area? Apply an additional layer of color under your arms, to your thighs, or on your stomach. "It's like an instant workout," says Stankiewicz.

MAINTENANCE TIPS To keep a fake tan looking flawless for days, remember that water is the enemy. Take short, cool showers, then pat—don't rub—yourself dry. "People don't realize the towel takes off your tan," says Stankiewicz. If you're going to be at the beach or a pool, wear a water-resistant SPF, and apply a moisturizing tan-extending formula daily. We like James Read Tan Accelerator ($34). Finally, buff it off once a week, then start over again. There's nothing worse than old patches of self-tanner to give your (faux) tan away.

THE NONCOMMITTAL OPTION Bronzing makeup gives you a temporary radiance without the hard work. FOR FACE Try Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow ($80) or Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer ($62). Either can be applied with your fingers to warm your skin in seconds. If you prefer powder, we like Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour SPF 15 ($65). Apply where the sun would hit your face naturally: your cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and forehead. FOR BODY Try Givenchy Brume Bonne Mine Powder Spray ($49). It contains coconut oil extract, silica microspheres, and bronzing pigments that disguise imperfections; buff it into your skin with the Spray di Solé Kabuki Body Brush ($30). Or for an allover sheen, try Estée Lauder Shimmering Body Oil Spray ($40).

This article originally appeared in the June/July 2015 issue of Harper's BAZAAR.