The Best Body Moisturisers (That You'll Look Actually Forward To Using)
If the skin on your body isn’t looking quite as radiant, smooth, and healthy as the skin on your face, you’re not alone. Every new year, like clockwork, the combination of wintry weather and my bad habit of lingering near radiators causes my skin to feel tight and dry, and every new year, like clockwork, I pen the New Year’s resolution of committing to daily body cream application… For the first time in years I’m actually feeling confident about meeting this year’s resolution. Last year was a resounding success (not quite a 365 day streak but definite YoY improvement), namely because I discovered body lotions/creams/moisturisers/butters (call them what you will) that I actually enjoyed using. Here they are…
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Moisture Body Cream
This incredibly hydrating body cream, the first one I used day-after-day and actually finished, completely saved my skin last winter. I truly looked forward to using it every morning because it feels that good. The texture is thick, dense, and non-greasy, so you can apply it liberally without having to worry about it sitting on top of your skin, but it still manages to pack a punch of hydration and make a real impact when it comes to smoothing and softening skin.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream*
The only thing anyone ever seems to say about this body cream is how good it smells - granted, it does small incredible, and even more so when it’s on your skin than in the tub - but I was more impressed by how well it performed as a moisturiser. Despite having a very rich, thick texture, it melts into the skin quickly and isn’t sticky. Plus, it has good spreadability - meaning a little goes a long way.
Malin + Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Cream
If it’s the ‘standing around naked in the cold element of applying body lotion that puts you off then this one’s for you. This has a weighty but whipped texture which absorbs straight into skin, meaning you can literally moisturise then get dressed straight away - and there’ll be zero struggle, or residue on your clothes. Like all Malin+Goetz products this smells amazing - crisp and plenty but slightly clinical (in a good way).
Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream
Glossier’s body moisturiser offering weirdly has the exact same texture as the above - smooth, dense, and dessert-like. The only differentiation is the scent - warms and musky, if you’re familiar with Glossier’s You perfume. Again, this is one for people who like a cream that absorbs fast and doesn’t leave a hint of residue.
Nécessaire The Body Lotion
If you want a really straightforward dose of hydration and are actively trying to avoid fragrance (it can be irritating if your skin is particularly dry and sensitive), this body lotion from Necessaire is a must - and proves that there’s far more to this brand than its plain packaging or internet hype would suggest. After you put it on, skin feels like it has a protective layer of moisture, and the effect lasts all day.
NUXE Reve de Miel Body Oil Balm
This ultra-rich, thick moisturiser from NUXE is one of the best drugstore body moisturisers out there. Contrary to what its name would suggest, it’s neither balm nor oil, but instead a rich, buttery cream. While it is on the heavy side, it quenches skin completely, and smells divine.
Upcircle Body Cream
Those looking to render their 2021 beauty routine as ‘clean’, green, and ethical as can be (while also keeping limbs healthy and hydrated) will love Upcircle’s body cream offering. It’s not the most powerful moisturiser of the bunch (I used it through summer) but the light gel-cream texture melts into skin and feels cool and soothing - an added bonus if your dry skin is accompanied by itching and irritation.
Nécessaire The Body Serum
Another one from Necessaire which will appeal to anyone who’s ever wondered how to layer hydration on their body, or why body serums don’t exist - spoiler alert, they now do. Whether you apply it for an extra hydration hit beneath a thicker cream or lotion or use it on its own, this works exactly as you want it to. It’s every bit as hydrating as a lotion but as it’s a serum it absorbs super fast (which means the ingredients get deeper into your skin). After use, skin feels intensely replenished and any irritation or redness is noticeably calmed down.
Byredo Bal d’Afrique Body Lotion*
I wouldn't say a Byredo body lotion is an absolute necessity if you are in an SOS moment and need something you can apply generously and without having to double take at the price tag. However, it’s a great way to give your skin some moisture whilst simultaneously making your limbs smell like your favourite fancy perfume. The scent is truly powerful - sometimes I forego fragrance altogether and let the lotion do the talking - and the lotion itself is light, fast-absorbing and leaves a lovely but subtle glow to the skin.
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Balm*
For truly sore, chapped skin, this is a miracle worker. My boyfriend’s skin is on another level of dry and this is the only thing that helps when his skin is really irritated. It manages to completely eradicate flaky bits and heal breaks in his skin. Be warned, this is a thick, oily balm and literally forms a layer over skin, so is best suited to evening application.
