The bottle of self-tanner said "subtle glow," but what I got is a streaky mess.

Next time: Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate before you even get near self-tanner, and make sure your skin is completely dry. Tinted formulations, like Lancôme Flash Bronzer Glow 'n Wear, are easier to apply because you can see the spots you missed. We can't say enough great things about slow-build self-tanners (like our new golden girl, Victoria's Secret Bare Bronze Daily Glow Moisturizer). They really are subtle (it'll take a few days to get a truly tanned look). If you've gone overboard with a self-tanner, all you can do is scrub off the streaks, says makeup artist Julie Hewett. For more concentrated stains around the ankles or wrists, she recommends cuticle remover.