My desert island beauty product (as in, I only get to bring one) would have to be body lotion. The mere thought of getting out of the shower and not slathering it from head to toe makes me cringe, but just try putting on one of the watery trial sizes in a hotel bathroom and you’ll soon realize that all body lotions are not created equal. Growing up, my mom raised me as a lifelong Curel girl, and while I still keep a liter-sized bottle in my bathroom, I’ve realized some other versions may have it beat when it comes to truly smoothing parched summer skin. We polled our beauty council of experts to find out which lotions they can’t live without, and they spilled their luxe faves and drugstore finds below.
I’m always in a rush, and most of the time I can’t be bothered to apply body lotion at all. However, when I have this in my shower, I’ll use it. You rub it onto damp skin – it only takes two seconds to absorb, the hydration lasts for days, and the coconut scent is delicious without smelling like sunscreen.
— Dawn Spinner Davis, beauty director at TotalBeauty.com
Grown Alchemist Body Cream
I love Grown Alchemist body lotion and sell it in all of my stores!
— Jenni Kayne, owner of shop Jenni Kayne
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps
This lotion leaves your skin with such a beautiful sheen. It’s a must before going out, especially on your legs, arms, and clavicle.
— Laney Crowell, blogger at The Moment
Nivea Essentially Enriched
Just try it and watch your skin glow!
— Katie Hughes, makeup artist
RMS Coconut Cream
The best thing about this product is that not only is it an effective moisturizer, but it removes makeup and acts as a face cleanser as well. A triple whammy in one package.
— Nadine Abramcyk, founder of tenoverten
Oyin No Ash At All
I love that name. This creamy vegan lotion keeps my skin moisturized throughout the day.
— Nikki Johnson, blogger at Nikki Chanel
Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut
A lavender-scented lotion that makes daily moisturizing much less of a chore.
— Tara Thompson Rasmus, editor of our Decoder series
The Body Deli
Their Rose Absolute and Desert Sage body lotions are to die for.
— Jen Pinkston, blogger at The Effortless Chic
