When you have a big event or special occasion, you might want a darker tan than you're used to getting with your regular tanning mousse application or to self tan two days in a row. To achieve that, our sunless tanning expert recommends using a professional strength product, like the viral GlowPro Tans 14% DHA Tanning Mousse, and following these steps to get a dark, even, spray-tan result at home by layering the tan correctly. Here’s a quick guide to help you get the best results:

1. Double Exfoliation Skin Prep
   Exfoliate your skin thoroughly to remove dead cells and ensure an even application. TWICE. The fresher your skin is, the longer your tan will last. But we also don't to ruin your skin barrier and scrub it raw. That's why we're doing two (one per day) showers with a tanning exfoliation mitt ($15) to get rid of buildup without stripping the skin (seriously, your tan won't develop as dark if you strip it).

2. Always Use a Mousse Formula
   If you want a dark tan, always use a mousse formula instead of a lotion. Make sure you are using a DHA-verified product from a professional line, like GlowPro Tans. DHA is the active ingredient in all self tanners that will keep you dark after the instant bronzer rinses off. Aim for 10-14% DHA which is equivalent to salon airbrush solutions, instead of the low 5-8% DHA found in most drugstore tanners.

3. Apply The First Layer
   Apply a heavy layer of self tanner to you skin. You want to fully saturate your skin to maximum capacity with the tanner. And don't worry about streaks; tanner streaks actually come from applying too little product!

4. Give It Time To Absorb
   Here you can go anywhere from 1 to 10 hours between applications depending on your schedule. The goal is to let the self tanner absorb, and then look for any leftover available space in your skin cells to make you even more tan. You can also choose to do a quick, lukewarm rinse between applications for the darkest possible tan (this removes the superficial instant bronzer).

5. Apply The Second Layer
   This part isn't going to be pretty and you're going to be sticky for a few minutes if you do it right. Apply second layer of a high DHA (10-14%)  self tanner to your entire body. This layer does not have to be as heavy as the first, but don't skimp either. After this layer, give it a minimum of 8 hours to develop. The 8 hours starts from the end of the application of the second layer (not the first). 

6. The Shower
   When you shower, rinse only- no soap (intimate parts are okay). Ladies, this cannot be your hair wash shower! Get in and out of there in 10 minutes, no steam, and pat your skin dry.

7. Lock & Load With Moisturizer
   Keep beefing up your tan with something like this Tan Boosting Body Lotion (this one is only $25) or by adding tanning drops to your body lotion. 

You can absolutely tan two days in a row if you're using the right products. Keep in mind, you want your tan to look dark, but still natural. Avoid products with heavy instant bronzer like Bondi Sands or Loving Tan Ultra that clog your pores and rinse off in the shower. Instant bronzer sits on top of your skin, while DHA adheres to your outer skin cells and stains them bronze. When looking for a high DHA tanner, keep in mind that current drugstore tanners only contain 5-8% DHA while professional spray tan artists are always spraying between 10-14% DHA. If you want a deep, long-lasting tan at home, the most important thing is to use a tanning mousse that is also in the 10-14% DHA range. 

If you need more help selecting the right DHA to get a spray tan at-home, take this short sunless tanning quiz.