Throwing on that first pair of shorts of the season can be a little discouraging when you realize just how little sun they saw during the cold months. Of course, tanning is always a thought when the summer months begin to roll around but when you budget it into your frugal lifestyle it could seem absolutely impossible. In fact, tanning can cost you thousands of dollars especially if you plan on continuing it throughout the year. There are several ways to get the tan you want for a whole lot less though. So, this season put away those expensive treatments and check out these ten tips that will have you rocking those bikinis and short shorts in no time at all. From now on you’ll really be ready to show off your dazzling skin without over thinking your paleness.

1. Join a Membership Program
If you enjoy a particular spa or salon then you might want to look into what their tanning details are. You may also look into tanning places in your area to see if they have a special program. A lot of places will have a membership program that allows you to tan whenever you want for one lump sum. Of course, it might take a little bit of looking around before you find the perfect program for you. If you don’t plan on tanning frequently then stick with the basic program, but if you’re a weekly or bi-weekly tanner then you may want to consider going for a premium package. This will allow you to use the services that would normally cost you a lot for free at times. Make sure you add up the cost you would spend on tanning weekly before you buy the package as this will help you determine if it is the right plan for you.

2. Spend Time Outdoors
Although it might seem totally obvious, spending time outdoors is the best way to get tan. If you’re embarrassed by your skin tone then try going into your backyard, or any other personal space in a pair of shorts, tank top or even a bathing suit. This will ensure you get some natural sunlight without anyone seeing you in your pale state. One great thing to do is complete your gardening dressed like this as it good exercise while adding some sun and Vitamin D to the body. Of course, you could always relax with a book, play with kids or enjoy an early season dip in your pool. The more time you spend outdoors the better off you’ll be when it comes to getting a tan without actually paying a dime for it.

3. Bulk Tanning Lotion
A lot of people will go through tanning lotion like it is going out of style. This could be incredibly great for your gorgeous skin, but may become terrible for your budget. Instead of going out and buying lotion every time you run out you may want to look for bulk packages. This could be as small as a two pack of lotion or as large as a box full of the tanning aid. While you may end up paying a higher price on the larger packages, you’ll actually save quite a bit of money. Typically, bulk products are sold at a reduced price so you’ll end up paying a fraction of the price for each individual bottle. Apart from sun tan lotion you should also consider buying sun block. This product is just as important and should be applied every time you go out in the sun, even if you are just looking to tan. Try a lower SPF level if you want to tan, but make sure you have a higher level for the kids.

4. Consider Home Spray On
It’s fairly easy to spend thousands of dollars on spa style spray on tans if you plan on keeping your bronzed look all year long. This could be a huge mistake for anyone trying to save money. Although the spa tans tend to be flawless and require little effort from you, they’re generally a bad idea for the financial conscious consumer. Instead of going to a salon to get your tan going you might want to try a home kit. There’s lot of different brands to try so you may want to start cheap and work your way up. Of course, you probably shouldn’t apply the tanning solution to your entire body right away. Instead, try it on a small patch of skin to make sure you aren’t allergic or that the color isn’t entirely off. If the solution doesn’t suit your needs then move on. Even purchasing a number of different tanning solutions can still be cheaper than paying for one session at the salon. Plus, when you finally find the right tanning solution for you you’ll always be set to get your tan going before summer break.

5. Look for Coupons/Groupons
One certain way to get the best deal on a tanning day is to check out coupons and groupons for deals. Coupons are usually great if you plan on trying out a new place or are looking for a one time only tanning process. Typically they will cut down the price enough that it makes sense to treat yourself to the tanning process. Of course, if you’re looking to get a tan done for an upcoming wedding or other major event then you might want to try a groupon. This will allow you to go tanning with more than one person so you can look amazing with your group. Groupons are fairly easy to come by and tanning options should be more frequent now that summer is practically here. You should always spend a little extra time refining your coupon or groupon search though as this will help you get the best possible deal on the service you’re looking for.

6. Maintain the Tan
If you’re planning on staying tan all year long then the most important thing you can do is maintain your tan. This is actually quite simple to do and won’t cost you a lot of money. As you begin to spend less time in the sun then try to head to a sunny location at least once a month, or even check out your local tanning bed. This will help keep your tan look which means you won’t have to work as hard to get it going next summer. The more of a tan you keep throughout the year the less time and money you’ll spend on it when bathing suit season hits. This can save you substantially as hanging out at the tanning salon or purchasing tanning solutions can really get pricey if you go from a very pale shade to a tanner shade. When you keep the tan shade up you should only have to work on reapplying lotion or finding a place tan every so often, which is great for your wallet and your confidence.

7. Purchase Tanning Bed
The concept of purchasing your own tanning bed might be entirely scary if you’re looking at the initial cost of a tanning bed. Sure, they tend to run about $2,000 and you have to supply the with electricity every time you use them. However, even though this might seem a lot at the time you’ll actually save more money this way then you would visiting a tanning bed each week, or even each month. The average tanning bed with last you up to ten years and uses a surprisingly low amount of energy. By the time you’ve had the tanning bed two years it would have actually paid for itself with the amount you’ve saved on going to salons, spas and tanning center. These figures aren’t even incorporating the amount of gasoline you will save by not having to drive to the tanning place of your choice. One of the best things about having your own tanning bed is you can use it whenever you want, thus you won’t have to schedule around work or the kids just to get that little bit of sun you need.

8. Make Your Own Tanning Solution
If you’re into DIY projects or just saving a whole lot of money then you may consider making your own tanning solution. Believe it or not, you can actually give yourself a fantastic tan with basic ingredients you can find in your home. There’s tons of recipes for this amazing tanning product online, so look around and find something you believe will work for you. This is great for people who love to experiment with beauty products and recipes and will help you find your own personal preference in regards to tanning solution. A lot these homemade tanning products are actually incredibly good for your skin too which will make your tanning solution labor all the more worth it. Of course, if you’re not ready to take on the full recipe then there are also small cheats that will make your store bought tanning products last even longer.

9. Drink Water
One of the cheapest ways to help improve and maintain your tan is to drink some water. It might seem a little ridiculous, but many people actually fail to keep hydrated, especially in the summer months. Keeping your body hydrated will actually help restore all of the natural oils that your skin needs to look and feel healthy. The water will actually help flush the toxins out of the skin too which will ensure your new tan looks amazing all season. Try packing a water bottle in your lunch box with you and drink another at lunch and dinner. You should also consider packing extra water to use to tide you off snacking, which will encourage your body to look more radiant and stay healthier. If you get sick of the flavor of water then try adding a little fruit to it, like lemon or lime. Citrus fruits are usually best as they contain Vitamin C which will also work to help keep your body and skin looking flawless while you tan.

10. Shop Packages
If you’re just looking for a boost up when it comes to tanning then you might want to look for a package at a spa or salon. This will allow you to tan or get a spray on tan for a whole lot less than you might pay without a package. Of course, packages usually include other aspects which could help your tan last a whole lot longer or will just help boost your confidence. If you’re really looking to improve the way your skin looks you may want to stick with a tanning package at a salon. Here, you will be able to find a massage or other skin soothing sessions so your tan will become healthy, last longer and add a healthy glow to your skin. Another great option is the salon though, especially if you’re looking for a spray on tan. Here you should be able to tan and work on a pedicure and manicure to ensure that you look incredibly beautiful when you go outdoors.

Tans seem to go hand in hand with the summer and you may feel left out if you go into the hot season looking like its the middle of winter. Tans can be pricey though if you aren’t sure how to save money on them. With these simple tips you’ll be able to rock your style while showing off some incredible skin that will make others envious of your tanning ability. So, let summer greet you kindly and don’t feel uncomfortable by your skin when you get ready to try on your bathing suits!