Tantowel works best on clean, DRY skin. Open foil and remove towelette. Wipe towelette over the area to be tanned, just like washing yourself. Continue applying to the area until the towelette is dry. Remember, you cannot go over an area too much, but if you miss an area no color will develop. WASH HANDS IMMEDIATELY. You can dress as soon as Tantowel is dry to the touch (approximately 1 minute). Color will develop over about 3-4 hours (do not wet the skin in any way during this time – this includes moisturizers, make-up, swimming, bathing, etc.). After the 3-4 hour developing time, you can reapply for a deeper color. A Tantowel tan generally last about 4-7 days. Reapply as necessary. For optimal results, exfoliate before application.

It generally takes 2-3 towelettes to cover the body.

Tantowel can be applied to the face but, as with any cosmetic, use caution around the eye area.

Tantowel contains no stains or dyes so you will not see any immediate color. The only way any discoloration will appear is if you miss a spot (or if you apply to wet skin), so be thorough in your application.

When applying Tantowel, start with larger body parts and end with hands and feet. There will be a lesser quantity of tanning solution in the towelette after some use and these drier areas will not absorb so much.

To tan the backs of your hands: Have a wet, soapy washcloth prepared before you apply Tantowel. When finished with your application, rub your palms on the wet, soapy washcloth and then dry on a clean towel. Another option is to apply Tantowel while wearing gloves and apply to the backs of your hands last.

Tantowel X-tend is a moisturizing towelette that can be applied directly after Tantowel application because it does contain some tanning agent and will not move your tan around (or it can perk up your tan mid-week). Moisture Mist can also be used after self-tanning (or anytime), though it should be misted on and not rubbed.
Tantowel works with the proteins in your skin to create a change in color in the surface layer. It is actually your skin that is tan, not just a color on top of it. It will not wash off, though as your skin naturally sheds so does your tan, fading much like a tan from the sun. Anything that accelerates the natural shedding process (ie exfoliating, swimming, etc.) may cause your tan to fade faster.