For reasons that elude me (I think it has something to do with the heater in the house), when summer arrives, my scaly alligator-like arms and legs become slightly less…alligator-like. My skin isn’t quite as dry, so I’ve swapped out the heavy-duty body creams I used in winter for lighter, but still moisturizing, body oils. They keep my skin satiated and, more importantly (haha), when I wear dresses, the oils give my arms and legs a snazzy sheen.
I keep a small arsenal of oils on my bathroom shelf and alternate among them depending on my mood. I also think they look pretty cool in mah bathroom. 🙂
Here are three of them I’ve been loving lately…
- Fresh Sugar Ultra-Nourishing Body Oil smells like lemons and sugar — two very good things — and it’s the oil I grab when I want a citrusy base for perfumes.
It’s also fantastically moisturizing. $48 for a 3.3-oz. bottle. Available now online and at Fresh counters, stores and Sephora.
- Ren Moroccan Rose Glow has a crisp, herbal scent that I like. This one has a convenient spray bottle, too, so it’s easy to use when I’m in a hurry (like every morning), and I can’t accidentally spill the oil all over the place. $60 for a 3.40-oz. bottle. Available now exclusively at SpaceNK stores and online.
- NARS Monoi Body Glow II smells so fracking good! — like vanilla and tiare flowers. It’s warm, seductive and downright perfect for date night. Plus, if you look closely at the bottle, you can see a flower in it. Cool! $59 for a 3.9-oz. bottle. Available now online and at NARS stores, counters and Sephora.
For a budget-friendlier option, check out Neutrogena Body Oil Fragrance Free ($9.99) or Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Bath & Body Massage Oil ($9.99). I’ve used both of them many times, and they’re also totally on point.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Lauren S. says
I’ve never used body oils before, but this post makes them look totally tempting!!! A definite must try!
Karen says
Hi Lauren S.,
You should! I apply mine on damp skin right when I get out of the shower. That’s when they seem to work best. 🙂 If you want to try one but don’t want to spend $$, Neutrogena has one that’s good.
Lauren S. says
Thanks for the rec!
Vijaya says
My elbows are, unfortunately, still very, very dry in summer, so I keep up the heavy stuff!
Marina (Makeup4all) says
I am obsessed with body oils *Adds Fresh one to wish list* ! The smell of the Sugar line is divine.
LindaLibraLoca says
Great way of enhancing your perfume, I have never thought of that. The only body oil I own is the Argan one from The Body Shop, and it smells way to nutty to pair with my go-to perfumes.
Jessica says
The only body oil I really use is the argon oil one from the Body Shop, and I love it very muchly.
Kiss & Make-up says
Whuuuut, NARS has a body oil? Cool. I was at the NARS counter thos morning, didn’t see it.
Karen says
Ooh, what did you get at NARS?
Kiss & Make-up says
The light reflecting setting powder and Orgasm. Also picked up a sample of the All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation but I tried it this morning and it looks terrible on me… very patchy, and it balls up on my face. Loving Orgasm though!
Anastassia says
I love body oils!
Karen says
Hi Anastassia,
Me too! Which ones are your faves?
Anastassia says
Bio-oil!!! Fresh Line body oils!
Kelly B. says
Man, those are some expensive body oils! I’ve not tried any because I can’t even be bothered to apply body moisturizer anymore, but I’ll have to check out the Neutrogena one and see if it’s a good addition to my routine!
Carolyn says
I fell in love with body oils years ago when I tried one from Guerlain. The smell was so soft and lovely and it had a slight bronze shimmer in it that made my skin look so gorgeous. I originally bought it in Italy before body oils were really available in Canada so I used it so sparingly. A few years later, while working for Guerlain, they brought their body oil to North America. I think I used the oil almost everyday until I went through an entire bottle and still wanted more! I still use the Guerlain oil and love it. Others I’ve tried are Clarins (amazing), Nuxe (so pretty) and Juicy Couture.
Karen says
Hi Carolyn,
Thank you for the recommendation! I haven’t tried the Guerlain one yet, but it sounds great.
Trude says
They are pretty! I’ve been using Aveda’s Beautifying oil for a couple years now, and it’s one of my panic-if-I’m-running-low products. I can’t even describe the smell, it’s like their original Shampure smell but better. It’s $30 for 1.7 oz, which lasts me a good 6 months using it everyday – a few drops straight on my face and mixed in with my body lotion. 🙂
ericca says
I like Body Shops beautifying dry oils but I hear clarins has a skin tonic that tones and firms the skin. I think I may have to give that a try.
Karen says
Yeah, the Tonic Body Treatment Oil! I tried that one a while back and remember liking it, but I didn’t really see a huge difference in firmness. It smelled great, though, and was super moisturizing.
Fieran says
Karen, you must try Osmia Organics body oils 🙂 There are a few different fragrances and they are divine. I use them in winter and summer especially after I have shaved my legs (TMI, sorry). I can’t commit to one fragrance, so I usually buy a few small bottles with different fragrances rather than buy one large bottle.
Karen says
Thanks for the rec, Fieran! I’ve tried their lipgloss before and loved it. Gotta get my hands on that oil. Is there a scent that you especially like?
Erin says
I’ve always loved the NARS scent. Ren Body oil is amazing. I love their scrub and bath oils too! I’ve never tried the fresh oil because the perfume turns really sweet on me!
Fancie says
I just tried a body oil for the first time and I’m in love. They’re so convenient and much more effective than just straight up coconut oil lol. I’ve been using the coconut Shea Moisture Dry Oil Mist and it’s hydrating and smells really good. It isn’t messy either. I can’t believe I waited this long to try one
Gina says
I’ve only really tried neturogena and Carol’s daughter — and I adored it…. but I just ordered the Nest rollerballs – totally off point – but I”M IN LOVE !!! I wonder if they make body oils, and if not WHY??? OMG these oils smell so wonderful, I got Paradise, Indigo, and Midnight Fleur- Paradise is my favorite, but they’re all wonderful…<3
C Neff says
I received a tube of Kate Somerville ExfoliKate for my birthday. Before then, I never heard of this product. But I have to admit – it does make my skin feel really, really good!