Very simply, a tanning bed sticker is placed somewhere on your body where you don't mind not getting a tan before you start tanning. The sticker blocks the ultraviolet rays that darken the skin pigmentation, allowing you to see how much you have tanned during a single session. If you continually place a new sticker in the same place every time you tan, ultimately you can see your long-term progress.

The stickers work the same way when used with sunless tanning products and spray on tanning booths. By covering a small area of skin, you can later see how much of a tan you have achieved.

If you're concerned about creating an unsightly white splotch and ruining your gorgeous tan, treat it like a tattoo by choosing an eye-catching design, like a butterfly, heart, or a catch phrase like "Hot Stuff!" and place it somewhere special, like right above your bikini line, or on your breast or shoulder. You can even use henna or skin safe paints to decorate your new "tattoo".

For a more elaborate tanning bed sticker tattoo design, string several butterflies across your belly in a loose flight pattern or place a path of footprints down your thigh. Vary the coloring by replacing one less sticker before each tanning session so the footprints gradually fade away like footsteps in golden sand.

Most tanning salons offer its patrons tanning bed stickers free of charge, or you can purchase rolls of stickers for as little as $10 from online vendors, eBay, or where ever you purchase your residential tanning bed supplies.

Since safe tanning is such a gradual process, it is beneficial to have a way of tracking your progress, especially if you tan in the nude. By using inexpensive and fun tanning bed stickers, you can see how well your tanning sessions are paying off and even create a little personal art in the process. Remember, stickers aren't just for kids and have a good time!