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I spend a lot of time talking about (and spending money on) skincare for the face, so sometimes I forget that the products you use on the rest of your body are just as important. Sure, it may not be as glamorous as the vials and tubs we display on our skincare shelves, but body care is a crucial part of my beauty routine.
I used to be the kind of person to get the cheapest drugstore body products, and although there are some gems that I still religiously use, I recently started to invest a little more in the products I apply to my body. Call it self-care, or call it ‘judging a book by its cover’, but there’s something about pricey body products that makes my post-shower routine feel extra luxe.
One thing that’s important to note is that I tend to have dry skin, so a good body care routine for me means incorporating lots of hydrating lotions, as well as body scrubs to slough away dead skin cells.
Here’s everything I use in my routine (not all at once) that I’d recommend picking up for your own self-care routine.
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Nourishing Body Polish
I’ve spoken about Beauty Pie countless times on VOB, but I don’t think we’ve ever discussed their body products. Like their other products, their body care items feel luxurious without the price tag. The Healthy Skin Body Polish in particular is a real stand-out. It’s thick and gritty to give your body a good scrub, but without feeling like you’ve rubbed your skin raw. I also love that it’s full of moisturising ingredients for hydration. Also, their body butter in the same line is just as incredible!
Naturium KP Body Scrub & Mask
On the topic of scrubs, I also love the Naturium KP Body Scrub & Mask. This is the one I will use if my skin is feeling bumpy and rough because it’s a mixture of physical and chemical exfoliants to really buff the skin. It’s not the scrub I use for all of my everything showers (that’s the Beauty Pie one), but when my skin needs a little extra TLC, this is what I reach for.
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash
If bumpy or acne-prone skin is a particular issue for you, something like the Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash would be a great addition to your routine. It’s a body wash made with AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid to exfoliate your skin. Unlike a scrub, it doesn’t have any physical grit to it, but it’s good for all-around smoother skin.
L’Occitane Cleansing And Softening Shower Oil With Almond Oil
L’Occitane does some great, luxurious body products, but their Shower Oil With Almond Oil is a staple in my routine. If you want to splash out on something to really up your shower/bath game, let it be this. The oil is thick and nourishing, turning into a milk as soon as you start to rinse off with water – it also smells amazing. After using it, my skin feels super soft and smooth – no notes!
Salt & Stone Neroli & Basil Body Wash
When I want body washes that smell good, I always look towards the Salt & Stone products on my shelves, their scents speak to me. I love the Neroli & Basil Body Wash for it’s crisp, earthy scent that lingers nicely on the body after it’s been rinsed away. Although it smells amazing, I’m not saying that’s the only benefit to the brand’s body cleansers. They also have active ingredients Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid packed in there to take care of your body, address skin texture, boost moisture levels, and make your skin look naturally glowy.
eos Shea Better Moisture Body Lotion – Vanilla Cashmere
Once I step out of the shower, I immediately slather my entire body in lotion – no dry limbs in this house! My favourite lotion is the eos Shea Better Moisture Body Lotion, specifically the Vanilla Cashmere scent. It’s warm and sweet, without being too sickly. I like that the scent stays put throughout the day and leaves my body feeling sufficiently moisturised for hours.
Nécessaire The Body Serum
If you have particularly dry or a sensitive skin type, you may want a little more than just a lotion, in which case I would use something like Nécessaire The Body Serum (I’d use this before applying lotion). Formulated like a facial skin product, this body serum has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides to help the skin barrier and keep your whole body extra hydrated.
Caudalie Moisturizing Fig Body Oil Elixir
In the evening, I’ll lock in all of the moisture of my lotions with some sort of body oil. I’ll use something like the Caudalie Moisturizing Fig Body Oil Elixir as the last step of my routine. Firstly, I love the smell of it. It’s got a herbal, earthy scent which I really enjoy. It also feels really hydrating without feeling sticky or uncomfortable on my body as I’m sleeping (I find that some body oils can be too oily, making me feel like I’m sliding around under my sheets).
Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Extra-Strength Aluminum-Free Deodorant
I’ve been on a natural deodorant kick recently, and I’ve tried a bunch that haven’t been that good. So far, the Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Extra-Strength Aluminum-Free Deodorant has been the only one that I can see replacing my usual deodorant (if you have any recommendations, let me know). I really like the Santal & Vetiver scent as it has that Santal 33 vibe, but isn’t too overpowering.
OLE HENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment
If there’s one thing I know, it’s a good lip balm, so trust me when I say that the OLE HENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Lip Treatment is a top-tier product. I have a few of their different scents and the tinted versions of this balm, and I love them all equally. They are so glossy but surprisingly last on the lips for hours. I would highly recommend getting yourself one.
Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick
For some additional moisture, the Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick is a great product to have by your nightstand. It’s the roll-up stick version of my holy grail Aquaphor. It’s a much thicker, solid formula that you can roll straight over dry patches. It’s great for dry elbows, running over your cuticles or the soles of your feet.
L’Occitane Nourishing and Protective Shea Butter Hand Cream
Don’t forget about your hands! I’m notoriously lazy when it comes to hand cream application, but I now leave the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream on my nightstand to remind me to put it on right before bed. It’s a good moisturizer for the hands without feeling greasy.
Vacation Classic Sunscreen Lotion – SPF 50
You can’t have the best body skin care routine if it doesn’t involve some sun protection. I always apply SPF to my face, but you shouldn’t ignore the rest of your body. Make sure you have a body SPF like the Vacation Classic Sunscreen Lotion. It feels like a moisturizing body cream but has SPF 50 (I would never go under SPF 50 – better to be safe than sorry). Sun exposure leads to sun damage, which leads to premature ageing and, I don’t know about you, but I’m trying to hang onto my youthful appearance for as long as possible.
Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50
If you want an SPF that’s a lot easier to apply, go for body sprays like Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist. You’ve still got the maximum SPF 50 to protect your skin from UV rays, but you only need to spray it over your body rather than rubbing in a lotion. Supergoop! in general does the best products for sun protection, so you can’t really go wrong.
Hopefully by now we all agree on the importance of body care routines, and the products I’ve mentioned should be a pretty broad list for your skin’s needs. Of course, you can tailor it to your specific skin concerns, or start slow with just a good body moisturizer. Whatever you do, your skin will love you for it.
What are your favourite body care products?
