Get the Tan
The show has become famous for its sparkly costumes and golden tans. Here's how to get the glow at home.
Gradual Tanner
After exfoliating, we applied a gradual tanner ($29.95), which claims to develop after two or three hours. On application, it does have dark pigment, which makes you wary of applying too much. Because of this, we applied too little and didn't see the glow we were hoping for. Don't be scared to use a big dollop. The yummy vanilla-like scent doesn't hurt either.
After
The formula, however, glides on like a gel-cream, which makes absorption all the easier. Just use less on your elbows, knuckles, knees and ankles, which are all areas that can absorb too much and look extra tan.
Airbrush Spray
Because we didn't get the pigment we wanted from the gradual tanner, we tried the Performance Self-Tanning Airbrush Spray ($37.95), which instantly darkened the skin. Application is super easy. The problem? Consistently applying the spray tan. We're no experts, so getting that even coverage proved slightly difficult. If you press on the spray top too hard one way and not hard enough the next, you may see a difference in coloration. Don't shower for the next 24 hours and your tan can last up to five days.
Shimmering Mist
Of course, it wouldn't be a Dancing With the Stars shine without a little glitter. So on top of our newfound tan, we added the Dazzle Shimmering Mist ($14.95), which works on skin or hair. While a few specs of glitter were apparent, it wasn't as shimmery as we had hoped. Perhaps we were expecting Mirror Ball reflections.
The Result
Voilà!