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 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 darker your tan will be. Don't ruin your skin barrier and scrub it raw, but do two (one per day) good showers with an tanning exfoliation mitt ($15) prior to beginning your tan. 

2. Always Use a Mousse Formula
   If you want a dark tan, use a mousse formula instead of a lotion. The maximum amount of DHA (active ingredient) your skin can absorb is 14%. Make sure you are using a DHA-verified product from a professional line, like GlowPro Tans. Aim for 10-14% DHA. This is what will keep you dark after the instant bronzer rinses off.  

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. Wait 

4. Give It Time To Absorb
   Here you can go anywhere from 2 hours to 10 hours between applications depending on your schedule. The goal is to let the self tanner absorb and sink it, 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. 

5. Apply The Second Layer
   This part isn't going to be pretty and you're going to be sticky if you do it right. Apply second layer of professional strength 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 Extending Body Lotion 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, know that airbrush tanning artists are typically spraying between 10-14% DHA in their salons, so try to aim for similar numbers. 

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