We don’t care what season it is—body lotion is a standard, never-substituted, and always-necessary part of our skincare routine. Not only does it prevent dryness, tightness, itchiness, and flakiness (the ones who get it, get it), but it also makes our limbs look better. After all, moisture is the first and most basic step in making the skin look plump, smooth, and luminous. While there are many fantastic body lotions out there, lately, we’ve been in a fragranced mood. Blame it on our busy schedules or our ever-expanding inboxes, but we’ve been desiring a more luxurious, spa-like experience. To us, a large part of that is fragrance. Whether it’s a fresh, coastal scent or something sweet and gourmand, a fragranced body lotion has the power to lift our moods as well as moisturize our skin. Some of them smell so good, you might just skip your go-to perfume (seriously). Keep scrolling to see the 12 best-smelling body lotions that money can buy (according to us).
This whipped body cream contains cupuaço butter, squalane, and coconut oil, so it not only feels smooth and silky on the skin, but it also moisturizes the skin without leaving any residue behind. The best part is the fragrance, which is the very same one as the brand’s Melrose Place Eau de Parfum ($60). It’s a fresh, floral rose-based scent.
I was introduced to Saltair a couple of months ago, and I’ve been using it ever since. Its range of fragrant body care products is so good. In fact, I’m convinced one of the brand’s most popular body washes is an excellent dupe for Le Labo’s Santal 33 Shower Gel. But let’s focus on the brand’s body lotions, shall we? This one, called Pink Beach, is new. With notes of coconut, almond blossom, and vanilla, it’s meant to transport you straight to the beach. As for the formula, it contains coconut oil and murumuru seed butter, so it will soften the skin and provide long-lasting moisture.
Speaking of beachside vibes, this body lotion will make you feel like you’re waking up in a villa in the Caribbean (even if you’re slathering it on ahead of your Monday morning work meeting). With notes of grapefruit, ylang-ylang, and white sand, it’s fresh and tropical. Plus, the formula, which contains sodium hyaluronate and tiaré flower, will lock in hydration.
This iconic body cream has a fast-absorbing, highly moisturizing formula and a warm and spicy scent that’s all thanks to notes of vanilla, salted caramel, and pistachio. All I can say is that it’s a classic for a reason.
When we want to turn our showers into spa-like experiences, we reach for this $5 body lotion. Sure, it hydrates our skin as any good body lotion should, but what makes this one stand out is its scent. Eucalyptus and spearmint make it simultaneously uplifting and relaxing.
Rihanna knows a thing or two about smelling good. Her namesake body butter might have something to do with it. Its warm vanilla scent envelops the skin, and seven oils (including Kalahari melon, sorrel, baobab, sunflower, rice bran, coconut, and jojoba) help smooth and moisturize.
We love body lotions that contain active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). After all, why shouldn’t the skin on our bodies be treated to the same TLC as the skin on our faces? This one, from Glow Recipe, has a fresh watermelon scent that keeps us coming back for more.
The star ingredient in this body butter is also the ingredient that the entire brand is built on—argan oil. It’s thick and decadent and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. The vanilla apricot scent makes it feel even more luxurious.
Where better to turn to for an incredible-smelling body lotion than a fragrance brand? This one, from Byredo, is enveloped in the iconic Gypsy Water fragrance, which combines woody notes of pine needle and sandalwood with brighter notes of lemon, pepper, and bergamot.
With chia seed oil, Centella Asiatica, and ashwagandha root, this body lotion delivers powerful antioxidants to the skin. We also like the subtle vanilla scent, which smells warm and sophisticated.
Who What Wear’s Beauty Director, Erin Jahns, swears by this body lotion for both the formula and the fragrance. The former contains good-for-skin collagen, antioxidants, and trace minerals. The latter is a vanilla scent that’s not sickly sweet—rather fresh and spa-like thanks to a hint of green tea.
If you love the scent of fresh, fragrant rose petals, you’ll love this body lotion. Thanks to glycerin and murumuru seed butter, it’ll make your skin feel as soft as a rose petal too.
