When it comes to choosing the right tan, whether a lotion or a mousse product is your best bet is hotly debated in the beauty world.

Luckily, we’ve got an expert from the UK’s No 1 gradual tanning brand* to break things down for us.

“Dove’s Summer Revived Self-Tanning Body Lotion works like your daily moisturiser, for a dose of hydration and a customisable self-tan that you control,” explains Currie.

“Formulated with expert ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera and pro-lipids, it’s a tanning lotion that delivers up to 72 hours of moisturisation and deep nourishment for your skin”.

Sounds good to us, but what if you’re looking for something a little more lightweight?

“Dove’s lightweight gradual tanning mousse has a nourishing formula to give you effective hydration, while you build your self-tan,” Currie tells Stylist.

“Formulated with hydrating glycerin and 100% naturally derived DHA, this tan mousse helps your skin retain moisture, leaving it feeling beautifully soft, with a natural-looking glow.”

It’s also a good idea to consider your personal preference and level of skill when it comes to choosing the right tanning formula for you.

“For anybody not that confident with application, a mousse is probably better as they’re easier to apply and blend, while a lotion is likely to take a bit more time to ensure it’s seamless,” says Partington.

And it turns out our experts are all on the same page.

“Tanning mousse is perhaps the easiest tan to apply and sometimes tends to have a stronger colour payoff,” notes Austin.

So if you’re still unclear: opt for lotion if you’re after ultra-moisturised skin and you’ve got some gradual tanning prowess, and opt for mousse if you’re a newbie and want something that’s a little more lightweight and beginner-friendly.

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