Love the Dove? (Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion)

Member Name: fergusa

Product:	Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion
Date:	19/06/09 (88 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Moisturises aswell as tanning. Nice smell.

Disadvantages: High Maintenance.

Until this year I have always used Lancome Flash Bronzer to brighten up my lily white skin in the summer. However, maternity leave has put a stop to such frivolous spending and I've been trying out some better value alternatives.

I have used Dove moisturisers in the past and been happy with the outcome (nice texture, moisturises well, good value), so as this was half price in Waitrose I thought I'd give it a go.

The main difference between this and my previous brand is that this is a moisturiser that builds a gradual tan, whereas the flash bronzer is a traditional self tan that does it in one application.

What I liked and didn't.
Well, the gradual tanning meant that any mistakes were less obvious (you know the usual suspects - around the ankles, orange cuffs at the wrist, darker knees than legs.) It also meant that I didn't have to moisturise aswell as tanning, saved time is always a good thing in my book.

I also like the smell, or lack of it. I've never found a traditional self tan that didn't have a slightly musty, cooked smell. Big ticks for that.

The texture of the lotion was good, as expected from Dove, and was easily absorbed and non-greasy. I waited 5 minutes before dressing and there were no stain marks on my clothes.

On the flip side the gradual tan was very light and I didn't really feel like I had enough coverage until the 3rd application. I bought the fair to medium, there is a medium to dark but I still think this might be a bit too dark for me.
I should say that after the third application the colour was very good, not at all orangey, very natural.

You also have to be very dedicated to applying as it will disappear within a few days, my previous brand would be a good colour for the best part of a week. The product says to apply daily.

Price and Packaging.
I bought the 250ml bottle half price at £2.49 (normally £4.99). At half price it's an absolute steal, at full price it is a good buy as it doubles up as a moisturiser.

As with traditional self tans, there are some precautions!!! Exfoiliate before to ensure even application, apply sparingly over dry areas such as knees and elbows, wash your hands thoroughly after application and then rub a little over the backs of hands and wrists so you don't get cuff lines.

Summary
Good Value
Nice smell
Works if you're dedicated to applying
A bit too much work for me to maintain.

Summary: Good gradual self tan if you've time to keep re-applying.