It doesn’t matter what the season is, my skin is always temperamental- dryness, itching, flaking, scaling, the works. As a beauty editor I’m awarded certain perks, namely, free samples to try out. To keep my skin healthy and soft through the winter and thereafter, I requested tons of moisturizers in the hopes of uncovering the absolute best ones. Over the months I have done my research, trying out everything- from the lightweight to the super rich, from those that promise to tone to those that claim to turn back the clock. My efforts paid off and now my skin is so soft it can rival that of a baby’s, for real!
Whether your prone to dryness or not, everyone could use softer skin and I have something on this list that is sure to meet your needs and get you velvety smooth skin.
Read on for my top moisturizing must-haves.
Curel Life’s Stages Youth-Defense Moisture Lotion, $7. This moisturizer works fast and efficiently to deliver smooth, gorgeous skin. It is enriched to collagen and vitamins to hydrate, smooth, and replenish the skin while also fighting against the first signs of aging. After about a week, I noticed that my skin was brighter, softer, and more radiant.
Nivea Body Smooth Sensation Daily Lotion, $5.99. This is my go-to daily moisturizer. It penetrates easily and has a very soft and subtle fragrance which I love. Use this daily for about a week and you will notice a significant change for the better in the look and feel of your skin.
Portico The Hedonist Rich Body Cream, $25. This formula is so deliciously creamy, it almost feels like yogurt (without the stickiness). You definitely need to spend a minute or two to get it to absorb but it’s worth the little bit of effort and your skin will be instantly silky.
Bliss Vanilla + Bergamot Body Butter, $35. This super rich formula will get your dry skin smooth and soft on the double! It also smells insanely delicious. I carry a small tube of it with me to freshen up on the go.
Kiehl’s Creme De Corps Light-Weight Body Lotion, $22. I flew through this bottle in about two weeks, not because there wasn’t enough to last me for longer, but I was absolutely addicted to how silky and soft it made my skin! I recommend this one if your skin is normal- not dry or soft- it’ll give you just the boost you need for magnificently soft skin. (I recommend the regular Kiehl’s Creme De Corps for those with super dry skin.)
Elemis Pro Collagen Radiantly Smooth Body Cream, $162. This formula is worth the hefty price tag for anyone looking for reverse the signs of aging. It works to deeply hydrate and firm the skin by helping to restore cell cohesion. My skin felt noticeably tighter after only a few days!
Molton Brown Nurture Desert Bloom Body Quencher, $39. Apply this when your skin is looking especially dull or dry for an instant boost. It absorbs super fast, eliminating dryness, flakes, and scales in a flash.
glominerals Body Butter, $20. This vitamin-packed formula protects and preserves the skin by promoting cell growth and locking moisture in. It also increases elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles for a truly glowing, radiant body. I like to use it at night to wake up to gorgeous skin.
Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion, $10. This ultra lightweight formula instantly smooths and evens out the skin. I love how easily it absorbs and the soft, sweet scent.
Pur Minerals Pur Body Butter, $21.50. This lemon sage-scented formula is ultra rich but absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. It is infused with skin-renewing botanical extracts and organic sunflower oil which work to effectively hydrate and lock in moisture for skin that stays smooth all day.
TIPS:
– Always apply your moisturizer after showering while skin is still damp to lock in moisture.
– Moisturizers have a cumulative effect so moisturize every day (twice a day if you’re especially dry), and not just when you’re going bare-legged or have a hot date, for maximum results.
– SABRINA ALEXIS
Written by Sabrina Alexis