We get it: everyone feels thinner -- and maybe even prettier -- with a tan. And that's especially true this time of year when you'll inevitably be wearing a swimsuit in public at some point.

Still, under no circumstances do we advise tanning of the sun or bed variety (we're firmly in camp SPF). And that's where self-tanners come in. Even if you had a tanning mishap in the past, we promise it will be a whole new experience this time around: The formulas have come a long way in recent years.

While most new self-tanners won't leave you orange (phew), every self-tanner will leave you streaky if you apply it wrong. Follow these eight expert tips, and you're guaranteed a beautiful, even, tawny tan that will make you feel amazing.