It's that time of the year - everyone else miraculously became tan overnight and somehow you still are buying the lightest color of foundation and could easily cosplay anyone from the Twilight movies.

The only options are a spray tan (and a Ross Geller spray tan incident?- no thanks) or heading to the drug store and getting self-tanner. I mean, what could go wrong?

1. Buying the wrong color

I have made this mistake one too many times.

Yes, you may want a "deep, dark" tan, but there is no way that will come out of a bottle and look even slightly natural. Trust me on this one.

The best way to get a dark color is with gradual tanner or just a light tan, then build up some color.

2. Uneven color/streaks

You're loving your new glow until you realize you missed half your arm so there is a stark line between your actual skin and the color you put on.

3. Not washing your hands

You make this mistake once. Once, and never again.

Somehow, it takes fake tan FOREVER to come off of your hands. Looks like its glove season again.

4. Too much too soon

When the bottle says "use every 2-3 days" it is a suggestion that you should not take unless you are preparing to meet Willy Wonka at his chocolate factory for a job interview.

5. Not using a mirror

You wouldn't paint with your eyes closed, so why would you essentially dye your body a different color without using a mirror as guidance?

You will miss your back, your chest will look blotchy, and don't even get me started on your face. Use a mirror (and natural light) and thank me later.