Body lotion, if it’s not already, should be a staple in your skincare routine.
Why? Well, skincare doesn’t stop at the neck, and it’s important to keep its protective barrier in tact, especially with the winter months approaching.
As someone who has applied body lotion from top to toe after every shower since the age of 11, I feel like I have a fairly good grasp on what works, and what’s simply marketing hype.
With this in mind, I thought I’d share some of my all time favourite formulas, so you can enjoy your most supple, smooth and hydrated skin throughout the cooler months.
Natio Spirit Kakadu Plum + Almond Body Lotion
From the second I smoothed this creamy lotion over my skin, I was hooked. It absorbs instantly and leaves your skin super smooth, with a delightfully fresh and uplifting scent, thanks to the Kakadu Plum. Speaking of Kakadu Plum, it’s this presence that helps keep skin smooth, even in tone and protected. As the richest natural source of vitamin C known to man, native Kakadu Plum certainly has myriad skincare benefits for the whole body. You’ll instantly fall in love with its woody-green scent, too. Apply liberally after each shower.
Side note: This one’s actually made for the guys, but I promise you’ll adore it. Plus, it a couple of dollars cheaper than the women’s lotion from the same brand (bonus!).
And Skin Natural Hand And Body Lotion
Australian made, all-natural and vegan, this easily absorbed lotion protects, soothes and hydrates. It is ideal for sensitive or irritated skin, as it’s fragrance-free. It also absorbs quickly, and it gave my thirsty, tight skin an instant ‘aaaah’ feeling.
Feel Good Inc. Kakadu Plum Body Milk
This one is truly special. It’s yet another body lotion laden with vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum. I ran out the door without applying fragrance the first time I applied it, yet I was stopped so many times to ask what perfume I was wearing! It was simply the fresh, clean scent of the antioxidant rich fruit, as well as the uplifting formula. As for skincare benefits, this melts into your skin without greasiness and leaves it feeling soft, smooth and supple. Keep it in your purse and reapply at whim. It’s a great pick-me-up for those through-the-day down times.
Bio Effect EFG Body Serum Age Defying Body Serum
This is legitimately one of the loveliest and most effective body serums I’ve ever applied to my skin. With only eight plant-based ingredients, it’s a clean, green skin-protecting machine! Non-greasy, lightweight and easy to spread over skin, it absorbs quickly to avoid transfer to your clothes. Its secret weapon, aside from Hyaluronic Acid, is lava-filtered Icelandic Water, which comes from one of the world’s most pristine eco-systems and has an uncommonly high pH of 8.4, which is awesome. Daily application aims to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, improve firmness, boost moisture, and leave your skin radiant. Mine certainly felt fresh, soft and smooth, as well as a little bit firmer (even the wobbly zones!).
Arbonne RE9 Advanced Firming Body Cream
I’ve long had a soft spot for Arbonne. I love the brand’s plant-based, cruelty-free ethos, but I also adore that it is so effective. This luxe lotion is so nourishing. It drenches the skin with hydration, thanks to olive squalene, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as red algae extract (which also helps to smooth out the appearance of dimpled skin). It’s a dream to apply – each application feels like a spa experience, and my skin felt beautiful all day.
La Mer The Body Creme
If you can afford to splash the cash, this is the ultimate indulgence. It contains La Mer’s Miracle Broth™, Blue Algae Lift Ferment and Deconstructed Waters to instantly soothe and comfort dry and irritated skin. With continued use, it assists with skin renewal and deep hydration. Go ahead…spoil yourself!
ZeroCo Body Lotion Combo
This planet-friendly, skin loving duo helps both your complexion’s health and that of the earth. The combo comes with a 500ml reusable refill pouch, which contains a luxe lotion that will leave your skin hydrated and smelling super fresh (of orange rind and macadamia). It is swiftly absorbed, so you can get dressed straight after application. You also receive a 500ml forever bottle, made from ocean, beach and landfill plastic, which you can keep forever and continue to refill. Simply send them back the pouch, and they’ll return a new one.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydrating Body Cream
If ever there was a term that so accurately described a formula, then the word ‘cloud’ nails it with this dreamy cream. As light and cool on the skin as it is hydrating and softening, it’s ideal post-shower, especially for those of us who are working their way through menopausal hot flushes.
Dr Roebuck’s Top Stuff
I really love this light, hydrating cream. It truly is ‘top stuff.’ It’s all-natural, made with Shea butter, macadamia oil and white tea (read: antioxidant-rich). I applied this one after my long, warm shower on an icy cold day and felt immediately cocooned in softness, but not overwhelmed with cream. Yet another great find from Byron Bay.
Tropicology Pure Avocado Body Oil
This is simply pure organic avocado oil sourced from cold pressed fruit and refined. And it provides the ultimate skin-drenching. I’m going to admit here, that I applied it to both my feet and my body (but mostly my feet as a before-bed treat). it’s utterly divine and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
We Are Feel Good Inc. Sensitive Body Milk
Another offering from this Aussie company, this is gentle, fragrance-free daily body moisturiser, designed specifically for fragile skin. I loved that it sank straight in and softened dry patches in seconds. I keep this one with my for though the day application to hands and elbows. It’s wonderful.
Saya Rich Body Cream
Heaven in a tub. This cream is thick, rich and dee-ply hydrating. I apply this after my nighttime shower or bath and it really helps me relax, and helps take the stress of the day away. It has a light nutty scent, thanks to the macadamia oil, and despite it’s thick, creamy consistency, absorbs really well. You can get dressed again in seconds.
Peter Thomas Roth Pro-Strength Stretch Mark Cream
We all know by now that you can’t get rid of stretch marks unless you catch them in the early stages, right? And that’s OK – wear those lines with pride. they’re a mark of your beautiful, feminine body growing and expanding as you blossom into womanhood, or motherhood. If they do bother you though, this cream is a great one to reach for. Its lactic acid complex assists with cellular turnover to help minimise the appearance of the marks, while Shea butter, cocoa butter, avocado oil and ceramides keep skin supple, helping to prevent future stretch marks.
Palm Beach Collection Clove And Sandalwood Hydrating Hand Cream
Let’s not forget our hands – they’re one of the hardest working parts of our bodies. This cream does exactly what its name suggests – heals. I had a couple of cuticle issues, and a little bite from my cranky, ageing dog that was hurting a bit. After a day or so of using this, the pain definitely felt minimised and the redness eased. Put it down to Shea and cocoa Butter. My uplifted mood can be linked back to the formula’s heady notes of jasmine and its rich, woody base.
Recreation Beauty Glow This Love Of Mine
In the whole line up of these lovely lotions and elixirs, this is hands down my favourite.
Why? The oils glides over your skin, absorbing instantly, leaving a subtle but sensual aroma of white florals, gardenia and jasmine. It’s packed with anti-ageing ingredients that help to:
- Reduce redness, bumps and breakouts due to the anti-inflammatory properties
- Increase skin circulation, collagen production and blood flow that can help tighten skin, reduce stretch marks and scarring
- Brighten and hydrate the skin and acts as a moisture magnet
- Smooths hair as a deep conditioning treatment
- Adds gloss to ends of hair
- Fight free radical damage and slows down the ageing process
I love to apply it after my evening shower or bath, and let the scent lull me into a blissful slumber.
Lanolips Minty Foot and Leg Balm
This is a must for tired feet and legs. Smooth it on at the beginning and end (and even throughout) the day for instant relief and nourishment. It’s especially fab when you smother your feet in it and pop on a pair of cotton socks before bed. You’ll wake up to smooth-as-silk feet!
Lanolips 101 Dry Skin Super Cream
This cream was tested in a hydration study, which showed that after only one use on dry skin there was a 98 percent increase in skin hydration. For me, I felt that my thirsty skin was quenched and softened immediately after application. When created, the aim was for it to intentionally grip the skin before it’s absorbed, thereby creating a barrier to protect and promote hydration from within. I’d say they nailed it!
Susanne Kaufmann Body Butter
This is an absolute joy to apply. It’s rich, creamy and perfect for winter skin. I apply it in the morning and it keeps my skin hydrated all day. It also offers antioxidant protection, which is a huge bonus. Hero ingredients are Shea butter and honey, ideal for parched skin. It’s also free from petroleum, silicones, phthalates, sulphates, parabens, synthetic fragrance. Hint: use after you’re fake tan for a smoother, longer lasting glow.
Jurlique Rose Body Oil
This exquisite rose-scented body oil the is ultimate elixir to wind down after a stressful day. It hydrates, replenishes and nurtures and completely calms the senses upon application. With bio-dynamically grown botanicals, it nurtures the skin while it sustains our environment.
