This self-tanner has no color guide, so when applying, you need to be precise and preferably rub the skin if you apply too much, rather than too little to avoid streaks. However, by exfoliating and moisturizing the skin thoroughly the day before applying this, I have gotten a really even result every time. 😊 The shade is okay at least on my very pale skin. The traditional self-tanner smell comes through only the next morning after application, but fades when you shower. It wears off evenly from the skin in about a week (I shower at least once a day and go to the sauna 1-2 times a week).