Six body creams and oils we’re swearing by this summer …
1 THE CULT CLASSIC
We don’t use this heading lightly. Every other beauty product is now described as “iconic” or classic, but very few of them actually are. L’Occitane’s almond collection is an actual classic, and needs no introduction. It’s luxurious, transportive and leaves your skin smelling sweet, warm and delicious. The almond shower oil, for a start, is a big favourite for so many people, while I’ve long loved the Milk Concentrate body cream. L’Occitane is, incredibly, 50 years old this year, and this core collection has a new look to celebrate.
So, how do you improve the unimproveable? Well, the sleek, minimalist packaging is definitely an upgrade. The Amande Sublime Softening Shower Oil (from €28; €50 for 500ml and €44 for refill), which turns milky with water, is in a plainer bottle, while the Supple Skin oil (€49, refill €43), a silky option for dry skin, is now in glass. The Almond Milk Concentrate body cream (€49, refill €44), with firming almond proteins to smooth and nourish the skin, is also in an elegant glass pot. Completing the range are a Polishing Paste (an exfoliating scrub with finely crushed almond shells); Exfoliating Shower Gel (€28); Silky Soft Body Balm (€49); and Quenching Milk Veil (€44), a light moisturising lotion. The hand cream, in a pale-green tube, starts from €12, and is your gateway drug. For a treat or gift, the Shimmering Body Oil is a standout for summer: think glowy, highlighted, almond-scented skin in a bottle. This golden beauty looks like something Tom Ford Beauty would make.
So yes, the range is a bit more expensive now than you might remember. Just to note that right now, it’s possible to find the range in its original packaging on sale at various stockists – I’d say it’s definitely worth stocking up. But the new streamlined look, with a focus on the core natural ingredient, almonds harvested in Provence in certified fair trade conditions, takes the beloved Almond range to a new level of luxury.
2 THE LEG OIL
This Works is a sleep-centred brand originally founded by a Vogue beauty editor back in the early 2000s. Its sprays and oils are designed to rest mind and body – they’ve even designed a perfume, Own Time, to help you wind down in the evening. We have to mention the Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil (currently reduced to €44) as a summer staple. It’s a hydrating blend of 19 botanical oils, from apricot to dog rose, geranium and evening primrose. If your shins are prone to dryness, this is a great instant way to deliver hydration, sheen and glow. It feels and smells restorative. Some beauty products stay around a long time for a reason.
For bronzing, try the Perfect Legs Skin Miracle serum – I love the idea of natural caramel adding a soft tint to arms and legs.
3 THE BARGAIN PHARMACY WORKHORSE
Aveeno’s tubs of body moisturiser are hard to beat. Enriched with natural ingredients such as prebiotic oats, yoghurt and shea butter, they perform in a most unshowy and practical way. I alternate between richer and lighter versions – I’m currently using the Daily Moisturising Cream, which you can snap up for around a tenner right now at pharmacies, for a generous 400ml. It’s great to have an affordable one, so you don’t stint on applying it. It’s fragrance-free, so good for sensitive or reactive skin types – but if you’re ok with essential oils, and prefer a bit of a scent, you could add a drop (I add The Burren Perfumery’s mandarin oil, it’s stunning).
4 THE SMOOTHING ONE
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Body Cream (from €33; €88 for 200ml) joined the – yes – cult classic Pro-Collagen range this year as the brand celebrates 20 years in business. And it’s flying off shelves. The formula, light and airy, is big on sweet almond and wheatgerm oils. It’s gently fragrant and softly hydrating and gives skin that bounce. The very best way to experience it? Book in for a beautiful body treatment at the gorgeous Anantara The Marker Spa. Celebrate summer in style …
5 THE CHIC ONE
At €42 for 200ml, Salt & Stone body creams at Space NK are less than half the price of the Elemis. I like the Bergamot & Hinoki in its glass pot with pale-green lid – it has a very light and soft scent, and I love the uplifting, Earl Grey tea vibe of bergamot. Try also the spicier Saffron & Cedar version.
6 THE AFFORDABLE LUXURY
Rituals recently updated the red Ritual of Ayurveda range, adding new options such as a Body Serum (€21.90) that smells of rose and incense. The extensive range also features a dry body oil (€25.90), hair and scalp oil, and a clay mask, all under €26. Also check out the cheery new suncare range, with everything from cooling shower gel to SPFs and bronzing drops and tan-enhancing foam.
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