Not sure where to start with self tan

[MrsCarson]

I noticed this morning in the shower how milky white my legs are.
I don't usually bother with a tan but could do with just making my legs a bit less pale so I can wear a dress.
So I started to google, and went down a bloody rabbit hole. So I've come here for help.
Do I exfoliate, or not, use a special moisturiser before, not use certain products, use a gradual tan, not stain the sheets, not stain my hands, looking all streaky is a bad look how to avoid.
OMG is a minefield I last used the stuff about 15 years ago I think, it looked ok, but I can't for the life of me remember which one or how I did it.

Most certainly… following!

I do a rough exfoliation, but nothing OTT. No special moisturiser. I use Bondi Sands foam in medium or dark and apply with a velvet mitt (usually £3-£5) which are a worthwhile investment. Apply it and buff it round in a circular motion, taking it down onto your feet and toes. It does stain the sheets, but somehow always washes off (although I don’t have pure white sheets for this reason!).

For beginners I love any gradual tan moisturiser

Can you control how dark it goes, so I can stop when I just get past pale before it's too noticeable with gradual, I read that gradual means it gets darker with time.
I've just seen an ad for Dove one.

Why don't you go for a spray tan, the lightest and see how it looks then you can always darken.
My local salon often has offers on but averages £12/15

I’ve never had the best success with gradual; I find them quite streaky as there is no colour guide. Foams like Bondi sands go on dark with the guide colour, and then you shower it off and are left with a nice natural colour (just go with the lightest shade).

Op there is no need for any faffing with exfoliating. Just buy a gradual tanning moisturiser like dove or Nivea and put on after a shower or bath. Just make sure to wash your hands after and then put a little on the front of your hands, job done. It's very subtle but effective.

Get this. It is fabulous. Slow build up therefore no streaking and is a beautiful colour. And smells good too.

www.boots.com/dove-dermaspa-summer-revived-fair-med-lotion-200ml-10197534

There is a darker one too.

My legs no longer look like milk bottles!

I'd wondered about a spray, some of the younger ladies at work do that but say it only lasts a week or less.
I may bite the bullet and buy the dove one and try. I will report back if my milk bottles look any better.
How often do you apply it.

Twice a week should do

I agree with the pp - about twice a week for maintenance, but I would suggest doing it every couple of days when starting off. Until you can see how it has taken effect.
Good luck!

@MrsCarson how did you get on?

After many trials, I found Dove’s tanning moisturiser great and have used it for many years.
I’m fair skinned and use their “Light to Medium” one.
use it in the summer, only on my legs, once or twice a week.
Great stuff.