Last time a friend did mine for me (that's her job ) she told me to really scrub everywhere to exfoliate first so i did it daily for about a week b4 and lots of moisturiser so my skin wasn't dry when the tan went on. It really made a difference to any i've had previously! She also got me to moisturise my knees and ankles which i found good too! I think it also helps if you go to someone you've heard is good at it, i think alot of it comes down to skill and patience of the person! Good luck!!