i find i have to apply three days in a row to get the color i really like. possibly four days in a row, but i don't want to go through them that fast, so i stick with three!! but this is the most realistic looking tan i have ever gotten from a self tanner. and the fact that the color fades evenly like a real tan is even better. i still haven't mastered the hands and feet yet, but one of these days i'll get it.