I have never tried self-tan as I naturally tan easily but recently I was feeling a little left out when we were set to have a get together and all my freends had been spending time in the sun, when my tolerance for the sun as of late is close to zero! I decided to give this a try but was petrified I would look like one of those girls from Jersey Shore. I am so happy I tried this! I had no streaking and no orange (To my relief) I followed the instructions, and yes - exfoliated before. I had my mom help me to make sure it was evenly applied. The best part is, I could go tanning without looking so white - and gradually got my own tan.