REVIEW: DOVE SUMMER GLOW NOURISHING LOTION

There's only so much of being called 'Caspar' I can take from Dave during the summer weather any more. I've always been slightly wary of any kind of tan (regular readers will know I just avoid it like the plague most of the time - the last tanning product review I did was over a year ago now). I tried the free Rodial Brazilian Tan which came with July's issue of Elle UK and it turned me Oompa Loompa orange. Dave started referring to me as 'Orange Faced Phyllis' (if you know the comedian that coined that term then you've got a fab sense of humor - like me!).

Step forward Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion which applauds itself as the UK's No1 Best Selling Gradual Tanner.

Firstly it was on offer (and you all know my weakness for products on half price) and secondly I thought 'Why not?' The beauty of gradual tans in that they're what they say they are - gradual. I want something that's going to take me from the realms of pale into the realms of tanned step-by-step and very slowly.  I chose to start with the light-medium end of the spectrum but a dark version is available.

This product really is very slow to develop, giving colour to the skin but not turning it into a dark tan in an instant. It looks really natural - like you've spent your week just going about your business outside during a hot summer.

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion also smells great: not that McVities Digestive smell that some fake tans give the skin, but something fruity and summery. It sinks in quickly and evenly when the instructions are followed (apply in circular motions all of the skin and massage in properly) without leaving streaks. I've had a few spots show that are lightly than others but they're predominately on my back in the places I can't really reach.

I've been using this product for a couple of weeks now and am really enjoying it. I look healthy - not orange. I smell fruity - not like Nan's biscuit tin. My legs are now coming out a lot more which never happens and I feel confident standing next to my boyfriend (he's lucky enough to have olive skin and therefore tans at the first rays of any kind of sun).

Would I recommend it? If you're a newbie to tanning like I am then this is a good place to start, especially if all you want is something light and natural looking.

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion is available from drugstores and pharmacies across the UK. Offers may be in place during the summer season. RRP £4.99.