Self-tanners can add a golden glow to an otherwise dreary winter day.

But there are many more steps than slathering on a layer of cream. The day before you self-tan, test a few colors by making a thin streak in an inconspicuous place.

Sephora.com, the Web site for beauty-goods retailer Sephora, suggests the following steps:

l Exfoliate. It’s especially important to remove dead skin cells from “pigment traps” such as elbows, knees and ankles. On the face, use an exfoliator in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin).

l If applying self-tanner to the body, you’ll need to remove the hair from your legs to give the product a smooth canvas.

l When tanning your body, stand in front of a full-length mirror so you can be sure you are applying the self-tanner evenly. Wear medical gloves to prevent palms from tanning — a dead giveaway that your glow is faux.

l Use a quarter-size amount of self-tanner at a time. Massage in with horizontal, then vertical motions.

l Save your hands, feet, knees and ankles for last because the self-tanner should be mixed in an even amount with a light moisturizer in these typically darker areas.

l After application, gently wipe your skin with a damp cotton ball to even out color and to remove any excess tanner.

l For the face, use only pea-size amounts of tanner, massaging it into your skin.

l Gently wipe face with a damp cotton ball to even out any overlapping layers or to remove any excess tanner, paying careful attention to the hairline and eyebrows.

l Self-tanner should be applied 10 to 12 hours before showering or exercising to avoid streaks.