Facial oils may currently be the trendiest step in our skincare routines, however, body formulas have been around way longer. Sadly, the category seems to be suffering some neglect. Not by me though. Hands down my preferred choice for body moisture, body oils work better and faster. And more often than not, they deliver a much more rewarding sensory experience. AMIRITE? There is a time for lotions, creams and butters (like in the winter after a hot bath) but when time is of the essence, the body oil is a most appreciated invention.
How and when? All body oils belong in the shower because the most efficient way to apply them is when your skin is still damp, directly after you wash up and scrub down. Pay attention to the elbows, knees, and areas where dry patches appear for no particular reason. Next, pat yourself dry. Don’t rub. Instead, press the towel gently over your body and admire its subtle sheen and instant softness. An added benefit is that the towel picks up the light scent in the oil and will greet you the next time you grab it.
My most reached for formulas currently below.
TEADORA Brazilian Glow Radiance & Renewal Oil
Labeled ‘Superfood Botanicals’, this TEADORA head-to-toe oil is one of the most impressive formulas to grace my shower shelfie. Rich but far from heavy, the blend is packed with Organic Rosehip Seed, Passionfruit, Buriti, Argan and Brazil Nut Oils, to name a few. With Vitamins A and E as well as Plant Stem Cells (sourced from the Argan tree) and natural fragrance, the lush medley absorbs beautifully and delivers immediate, lasting comfort while the exotic scent of Amazonian flora lingers. A few pumps added to bath water will transform your skin and mood, guaranteed. $40 (teadorabeauty.com)
AHAVA Dry Oil Body Mist
Superb on all fronts, the AHAVA Dry Oil is an ultra lightweight fusion of Jojoba, Sesame Seed and Vitamin E Oils that also happens to have one of the most tranquil clean aromas ever created. The sleek spray nozzle delivers a super fine mist, making this AHAVA treatment a practical and luxurious experience. Ideal for summer, day or night, it sinks in and leaves behind a slight sheen while your skin remains completely dry to the touch. One of the most elegant and user friendly formulas for sure, it is my go to when I’m in the rush but can’t afford to skip a body moisturizer. Available in a handful of scents including limited editions, the floral aquatic blend aptly named Sea-Kissed is out of this world. $40 (ahava.com)
Jurlique Lavender Body Oil
Better than Xanax, the Jurlique Lavender Body Oil is an end-of-day must-have if your mind or body need some calming and relaxing. The carrier blend of Safflower, Macadamia and Jojoba is infused with Lavender Oil and Extract along with Chamomile, Birchleaf and Horse Chestnut for a truly soothing effect. Warm a few drops of this eco-luxe fusion in the palm of your hand and massage into the skin after a bath or shower to achieve a state of complete bliss. If your body craves deeper moisture during the winter months and you’re obsessed with Lavender (MEEEE!!!), mix a drop with a pump of any unscented lotion – tried and true. $48 (jurlique.com)
L’OCCITANE Almond Supple Skin Oil
Seriously mouthwatering, the L’OCCITANE Almond range is juicy, nourishing and incredibly effective. A farm to shower creation, the Supple Skin Oil is formulated with 50% Almond Oil, harvested in Haute Provence as well as Camelina and Carrot Seed Oil. Fresh and intoxicating, the on-of-a-kind scent features Almond, Rose and Bergamot Extracts. Possibly the most hardworking treatment on the market, it delivers 48 hour hydration in a single application. A skin savior during cooler weather, it heals and comforts dry, flaky skin like nothing else out there. Sorry to be redundant, but it really smells like heaven. $46 (loccitane.com)