best self tan routine: -shave + exfoliate the night before -apply evenly with the mit, but I feel like this mouse is so forgiving so you can really just rub it in loosely and it always turns out pretty even -I like to let it bask for 3-4 hours -rinse off with just water -I also try to avoid the loofa/scrubbing my skin the next couple of days -apply lotion generously throughout the next week to keep the tan going