There’s a certain element of luxury that accompanies the use of a body oil. Sure, you can moisturise with a body cream or lotion, but something about the decadent nature of body oils appeals to the epicureans and hedonists among us. Unlike quickly slapping on a cream or lotion and heading out the door, using a body oil is a sensory ritual, catering to touch and smell and encouraging (or forcing) you to take time for yourself.
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Whether used solo or in tandem with another body moisturiser, a body oil provides that elusive glow that simply can’t be emulated by other moisturisers. On its own, body oil is best used on damp skin after showering, or mixed into body cream or lotion for ultimate hydration. And if you’re hesitant to jump on the body oil train for fear of an undesirable greasy aftermath, don’t worry; the elegant body oil formulas of today are fast-absorbing and sink into the skin quickly, leaving behind just the right amount of hydration.
1. Recreation This Love Of Mine Luxury Body + Hair Serum Oil
A blend of some of the most aromatic florals, Recreation This Love Of Mine Luxury Body + Hair Serum Oil is lightweight and sinks into the skin quickly, giving your limbs a healthy glow. Jasmine, gardenia, and tuberose lend their beautiful scents, while rosehip, macadamia, and jojoba oil nourish the skin. The addition of golden seaweed works as an anti-inflammatory, soothing any redness while antioxidant-rich blue sea kale promotes stem cell turnover and supports skin elasticity.
2. The Jojoba Company Jojoba Glow
For when you really want your limbs to take centre stage, The Jojoba Company Jojoba Glow is the way to go. This oil uses The Jojoba Company’s signature namesake jojoba oil, combined with ethically sourced mica and fragrant tangerine and jasmine to provide your skin with a natural luminance.
3. Jurlique Rose Body Oil
One of the most gorgeously scented body oils, the Jurlique Rose Body Oil imbues every day with a hint of luxury. A nourishing blend of sunflower, macadamia, and jojoba oils leave skin feeling soft and supple, while rose gallica essential oil leaves behind a heavenly fragrance.
4. Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil
Specifically designed to improve skin firmness and elasticity and prevent stretch marks in pregnant women, the Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil is a firm favourite for promoting strong, supple skin (pregnant or not). Enriched with rosemary, geranium, and mint in a hazelnut oil base, this oil sinks into skin like a dream.
5. Peggy Sue Body + Bath Oil
A luxuriously lightweight blend of coconut, grapefruit, and jojoba oils accompanied by the addition of real flowers, the Peggy Sue Body + Bath Oil feeds the skin with essential fatty acids and antioxidants, promoting plump, moisturised skin. Use all over your body after showering or add a few drops to your bath for a lavish experience.
6. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil
Ideal for acne-prone skin, the Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil is the lightest of the light when it comes to body oils. A dry oil formula, it utilises squalane and grapeseed oil to leave skin soft and supple while vanilla and almond provide ensure you smell good enough to eat!
7. Aesop Breathless
Now, who would we be if we didn’t include something from Aesop? Masters of the sensorial, the Aesop Breathless body oil combines vitamin E with almond, macadamia, and jojoba oils to smoothen the skin, while scenting your skin with gentle woody, citrus notes.
8. L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil
Rich without being greasy or sticky, the omega fatty acid-rich L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil provides you with smooth skin and the air of someone perpetually ducking into chic French bakeries.
Words by Esmé Duggan