I too am extremely pale, I'm glad to hear that you're not exposing yourself to the harmful effects of UV radiation through natural sunlight or artificial tanning. Unfortunately, there isn't a "safe" lotion to apply that will simultaneously protect your skin and allow you to tan. UV light prompts melanin production, which produces a darker skin tone. It's also the driving influence behind cellular mutations of DNA, which can lead to certain types of skin cancer.
When I was in highschool, I tried several different self tanners for formal events, but always managed to look a bit streaky and orange. I have friends who use the "spray-on"/sunless tans in which you're sprayed in a shower-like chamber with coloring or chemicals which interact with your skin over a few hours. It may be an option that you can look into, it's offered as a service at many tanning salons. They seem to look a little more natural than products you can get a drug store, but it still looks a little bit off to me.
I've just come to terms with my ghostly skin, I figure I'd be in vogue during Victorian times. :)