My recommendations: 7 body lotions that will make you smell irresistible this summer
22-7-2022
Translation: Julia Graham
If someone smells good, you’ll want to ask them instantly what perfume they’re wearing. Body lotions can also leave a lingering impression. In my opinion, they’re the more subtle, often underestimated alternative. On that note, here are 7 recommendations that your skin and nose will thank you for.
«Wow. You smell good!» A compliment in four words. It’s something I’ve rarely had cause to hear over the course of my life. Not because I’m in a complicated relationship with my shower. But because, until now, I’ve never really placed much importance on perfumed beauty products. But recently, I’ve been on the hunt for body sprays, shower gels, shampoos – and body lotions – that wrap me up in a fragrant cloud. Here are seven of my favourite body creams from the haul I managed to capture. It’s not just that they care for my skin; their scent also radiates that summer feel.
«Mango» Body Butter by The Body Shop
Meet my first love affair. The Body Shop’s body butter «Mango» scent isn’t exactly light fare, but it breathes new life into very dry skin. Even the day after, you can still feel where it’s left its nourishing hands. That makes this body butter perfect for under an airy, ankle-length summer dress. Otherwise, you risk transferring the fruity-fresh butter from your legs to things like cushions and leaving a greasy film on them.
Body Creams by Sol de Janeiro
The Body Shop’s Mango Butter may have been my first true love, but my first long-term body butter relationship started when I first set eyes on Sol de Janeiro’s body care line.
It all started with the caffeinated Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, a «firming and smoothing body cream». And I swear it works. At least, visually speaking it does. I do realise that creams can’t really change the structure of my connective tissue in a permanent way. One of the main things this cream is celebrated for is its incomparable scent. And it’s not just me who thinks so – the brand has fans the world over. In terms of fragrance, it’s a fun-loving mash-up of pistachio, almond, jasmine flower, vanilla, sandalwood and salted caramel. The rich, fast-absorbing texture reveals a subtle shimmer in the sun. Incidentally, it’s also the first cream I’d reach for when packing for a holiday.
Hot on the heels of the best-seller, other creams with different scents and ingredients were added to the brand’s range. And I’m pleased to say I was impressed by the majority of them.
Take Beija Flor Elasti-Cream, for instance. It’s currently by far my favourite product for daily body care. The formula is enriched with vegetable collagen and cacay oil, which is a natural alternative to retinol (article in German). The cream smells sweeter than the others in the Sol de Janeiro range, making it suitable for winter as well as summer. It contains a mix of pink dragon fruit, lychee essence, hibiscus, vanilla and musk. The only downer is it takes a little longer than normal for the cream to absorb into the skin. But the long-lasting, intense fragrance makes it worth your while, as you get hints of it throughout the day.
Have you got any rough patches of skin you want to smooth out? Then maybe Bom Dia Bright Cream with its fruit acid and vitamin C is the thing for you. It gently exfoliates your skin, all while adding a tart scent with notes such as crème de cassis, amber plum, Brazilian orchid and warm musk.
I’d totally understand if, after all my enthusiasm, you were also tempted to try their Coco Cabana Cream in a turquoise jar. But I highly recommend you don’t. I’m yet to meet anyone who was bowled over by the coconut aroma.
Body Soufflé Coconut & Monoï Oil by Nivea
Still fancy getting a bit tropical? Then perhaps Nivea’s «Body Soufflé» with coconut and monoï oil is up your palm tree-lined street. It boasts a silky texture, mixed with tiny yellow oil pearls that burst open as you rub it in. Once you’ve applied it, the coconut part takes a slight backward step, but the nutty-buttery monoï stays in the foreground.
Unicorn Fruit Whipped Body Butter by Truly Beauty
Truly Beauty’s «Unicorn Fruit Whipped Body Butter» is what happens when marshmallows have a lovechild with candy floss. The result is borderline sweet with a fruity note of acai berries that makes you want to have fun outdoors. It’s not your typical summer fragrance and certainly won’t be for everyone. Even the texture is unusual. Flaky and very, very rich thanks to the shea butter content, it makes you think of whipped butter. It’s on brand then that applying it is also elaborate. The product first has to react and melt with your body heat. That’s why I prefer to only use it partially on my décolleté.
Oil Therapy by Biotherm
In comparison, Biotherm’s «Oil Therapy» body balm provides a light texture and subtle fragrance. The pump dispenser is both practical and hygienic. In my collection, that’s a real rarity. The formula contains musk rose, passion flower and apricot oil and is more on the fleeting side. That means you’ll notice the delicate apricot scent, but those around you won’t as much.
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
