I have quite pale skin naturally and from around November to May I tend to look quite ghostly unless I use some kind of self tanning lotion. I have used many different types over the last few years and the one I'm currently using is this Dove Summer Glow. I have the one that's made for people who have fair/medium coloured skin.

The product comes in a big pale yellow bottle which has a flat shape which makes it easy to squeeze and dispense the lotion. The bottle is 250ml sized and has lots of information printed on it's front and back labels. The brand say that this product helps develop a "fresh sun-kissed look" thanks to it's formula which contains "subtle self-tanners". It is also given credit as a moisturising lotion which will apparantly leave your skin "soft and smooth".

Directions for use state to use this lotion daily. Remember to wash hands after use for whilst this isn't a strong self-tanner it can still cause major streaks if it builds up in any area. This lotion is not recommended for anyone who has skin problems although the lotion is dermatologically tested to ensure it is kind to skin.

The bottle has a flip style lid. I've been using my bottle for a while and have noticed a few brown stains have developed around the edge even though I thought I was being careful. So just a warning to be careful about dispensing this lotion since the dispensing hole is quite large. I've also noticed the dispensing hole getting clogged up too due to build up.

The lotion oozes out in globules and tends to spit after evry gloopy lump comes out. Despite the lotion seeming to be quite thick and gooey it rubs into the skin with ease and you do not have to pull at your skin - it simply melts away. It feels just like a moisturiser and looks like one except it's got a slight golden colour to it rather than being white like most moisturisers.

Once on the skin it dries astonishingly quickly and does not feel at all sticky nor does it leave any kind of residue. It's the kind of self-tanner that is invisible on the skin until the colour develops so you need to pay extra attention when applying it. I tend to be very sparse with application on rough areas like elbows and knees or bumpy areas like ankles. I use this lotion most on my arms though. My arms tend to be slightly tanned compared to the rest of my body anyway and using this lotion over a slight tan produces the best results in my opinion.

The lotion has a lovely honey/caramel like smell that is pleasing and not reminiscent of the usual chemically fake tan lotions. It's much more like a woman's moisturiser so you can get away with using this before going out as nobody knows you have just self-tanned yourself!

In regards to when it's best to use this I like to do so after a bath and after exfoliating or shaving. I haven't noticed any stains going on any of my clothes after using this and dressing immediately. You just have to make sure your skin is totally dry before getting dressed.

The effect of this self tanner is quite subtle and builds up a very faint colour gradually. It doesn't look like you have been sunning yourself in the Med for a fortnight, perhaps more like you've been out in an English Country Garden for a couple of days! This suits me fine as I prefer a more natural look! It certainly makes my skin look more healthy anyway.

I find that in terms of colour distribution this lotion gives very even coverage and it does not tend to streak on my skin. This is probably due to the fact that the formula is so subtle. The product is quite similar to the Boots No. 7 pre-holiday Firm Your Body balm in this sense although this Dove product is much more moisturising.

I'm very happy with this lotion overall and will continue to use it. I would buy it again in the future too and would recommend it to anyone who likes to look as though they have been caught by the sun but not burnt to a crisp!

www.dove.com

www.unilever.com