Body Moisturizers on Parade

I readily admit that I am a body lotion/cream/butter/oil fanatic. I simply don't feel remotely OK with tight or slightly dry skin. I must feel SUPPLE, people!

I blogged last year about Tree Hut's Body Butters, which I still really like, especially the Brazilian Nut scent. http://productsforrealgirls.blogspot.com/2012/08/body-butters-yum.html

Since then, I've tried several other products - thoughts here:

1. L'Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream with Shea Butter

This doesn't feel as thick and moisturizing as other body butters.  Plus, I don't love the scent; it's not bad, but it's not pleasant, either. The moisture quality is fine, and lasts a good while, but I wasn't wowed by this, especially for $42 a tub. http://www.sephora.com/ultra-rich-body-cream-rich-in-shea-butter-P238001


2. First Aid Beauty, Ultra Repair Cream

The price point is more reasonable for this product; Sephora carries two sizes for $28 and $39.  Still, not cheap.  Again, I don't love the smell.  It's a bit menthol-y and fresh. It's also not super thick - it's more whipped and light.  I don't feel like it soaks into my skin much.  It seems to create a soft, moisturized layer on top of my skin instead of really absorbing. The benefit of this one seems to be that it can be used for all types of skin allergies and irritations/disorders, and it can be used on the body AND the face. 

http://www.sephora.com/ultra-repair-cream-P248407

3. The Body Shop, Shea Body Butter

Here, I stumbled on my new favorite body butter! It's made with Fair Trade ingredients, and comes in a myriad of scents. The shea happens to be my favorite, as it's a yummy scent that's not overpowering.  This is much thicker than other body butters, but soaks in beautifully and leaves me feeling moisturized for hours. It even makes freshly-shaven legs feels amazing, which can be tricky.  Best of all?  The price is great.  The JUMBO is on sale for $15, typically $25.  That's a lot more product than other brands.  http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/shop-by-line/shea/jumbo-body-butter-shea.aspx

In some instances, I recommend spending more for beauty products, but this is one instance where higher dollars doesn't seem to always mean a better experience.  After buying this body butter, I decided to grab a few other Body Shop products that are highly rated, and will be blogging about those soon...

Classics that Rule

Everyone knows I'm a fan of new and fabulous beauty products, but even I have to admit that sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. I went back to try two of these when InStyle named them Best Beauty Buys for 2013...

Best Body Wash: Dove Deep Moisture (also won in 2012)

I have to admit, as body washes go, this is one of the best.  Its low price is always attractive, but more importantly - it works.  It's way more moisturizing than other body washes and leaves my skin feeling great.  Plus: the bottle last forever. The drawback - it's not natural/organic.  *Note: Dove's Sensitive Skin body wash also won a "best" award, and I am guessing it's also pretty excellent.


Best Lightweight Body Lotion: Jergens Skin Smoothing Moisturizer

This won best back in 2007, but I needed lotion, and I opted to try this one again. I have a cabinet shelf full of "special" lotions (body butters, oils, eco-friendly, etc.), and I wanted something simple. Again, the price is compelling, and the stuff simply works.  It IS lightweight, has a clean smell, and leaves the skin feeling moisturized but not greasy. 

As I need new products, I'll add more classics that work...but for the meantime, these are two I definitely recommend.

Body Butter(s): Yum

I think I am possibly addicted to feeling moisturized.  Recently, I've tried various lotions, body oils, shower gels, etc.  

My favorite find has most definitely been Tree Hut Body Butter - I stumbled on ONE at Publix, but they're all available online and are very affordable ($7-ish per jar).   The one I tried is the Brazilian Nut scent - info on the product here:

"Natural Brazil nut oil hydrates and repairs, damaged and neglected skin, with vitamins A, C and E, helping it to regain its healthy sheen. This extra thick body butter, infused with certified organic Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Brazil nut oil and Safflower Seed oil, was designed to seal in moisture for those problem areas, leaving you with repaired, renewed skin."

From trying the whole jar first-hand, I have to say - the website doesn't lie.  It's a thick cream, but it rubs/soaks into the skin beautifully, leaving skin ultra soft and actually feeling firmer.  The scent and moisture last all day.  

I love this product, and now that I've located their various scents, I will likely have to purchase them all...you know, just to be thorough!  This may also become a gift of choice for my lady friends - fair warning!

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Lotion

I find myself always trying new lotions, and I've found quite a few good ones.  This Lubriderm lotion is one of the better ones I've tried, and it's available at your local grocery or drug store and is mid-priced.

I don't have very dry skin - my skin is normal and can fluctuate depending on weather, how much I exercise, etc.  However, I like to feel extra supple and moisturized, so I usually go for lotions with extra "umph".

This particular formulation is creamy, but not greasy.  It soaks into the skin quickly and hasn't rubbed off on my clothing.  My skin feels good throughout the day, and I don't feel the need to re-apply very soon after - except MAYBE with hand lotion throughout the day from using my hands so often at work.


Overall, it's a solid and affordable product that I'd recommend to others.


Note - this does contain mineral oil, which I believe some women avoid if they're tanners.  I'm pasty, so it doesn't pertain to me. :)