Banana Boat always works best for me. The main thing is to exfoliate prior to applying.

Why not just go get a base tan at the salon. Lotioned on tans are unpredictable, messy and can turn you orange as well as your palms orange. But if I had to go with one I would use Clarins. Its the best.

Don't go there Betty!

Wondering: <BR><BR>Why not just wear some sleeveless tops and shorts and go outside and take 1 or 2 hr walks wearing an SPF 8, and gradually get a tan? I have been outside alot this summer and did not even try to get a tan but have a medium tan on my arms.

Depending upon your heritage and natural skin tone, that is not necessarily an option. My sister can't spend 30 minutes outside without burning. I, however, am naturally pale, luckily don't burn easily, but also don't tan easily. My daughters would have an awesome tan if they were as dark as some of their friends are naturally.<BR><BR>wondering, if you don't have a tan by now, try some of the fake tans here. But don't forget to use a sunscreen on vacation! Have fun.

Can these products be applied to the face area?

If you are fair-skinned, try Bronze Booster by Estee Lauder. It gives a light, natural-looking tan that you can build up - dries fast, too.<BR><BR>I'm so light-skinned that most fake tanners look REALLY fake on me.