The Best Body Oils To Shop For All-Over Hydration

Why Body Oils Are Set To Replace Lotions As Winter's Moisturising Must-Have

Winter is coming, and that usually means one thing for most of us — a case of the dreaded scales. Yes, the dreaded winter scales, dryness and general flakiness that most of us dread every time the cool change hits.

While our first port of call is usually an oversized tub of moisturiser, a growing movement is turning away from tradition and reaching for a bottle of body oil.

Jena, who is the co-founder of popular Australian body oil brand, Skinned Store, described them as a 'luxury moisturiser.'

"It’s no secret that the most popular beauty trend of all time is glowing, healthy skin," she told marie claire Australia. While body lotions, moisturisers and creams will absolutely keep your skin hydrated and nourished, an oil can provide that extra hit of moisture that your skin craves. We know they can be a bit intimidating. Some consider them messy, confusing to use, or are just worried they will cause breakouts, but we swear that once you make the switch and add oils to your beauty routine, you will not regret it."

Unlike traditional moisturisers which can seemingly take forever to sink in, (or worse, not sink in at all and leaving a film of product), body oils are non-greasy, fast-absorbing and usually smell much nicer — so more sexy and fruity over unscented and lacklustre.

It seems strange, that a product with the word 'oil' in it wouldn't actually feel oily on the skin, but it's all about creating the perfect blend. Skinned Store's oils are made with selected cold pressed oils (like apricot kernel, avocado, macadamia and vitamin E) that absorb into the skin quickly rather than sitting on the surface. These also help to promote collagen production, boost hydration and leave your skin feeling extra smooth — big tick.

Below, Jena shares her favourite ways to get the most out of your body oil.

Body Oils can be applied directly to damp or dry skin and massage as you would a traditional cream moisturiser. If you suffer from dry/dehydrated skin, eczema, psoriasis or similar, we highly recommend trying an oil bath. Applying a few full droppers of body oil to your bath will turn it into a dewy spa experience. Some other popular uses include:

Hair Oil: Skinned Body Oils are rich in vitamins which are essential to keeping hair healthy and frizz free. Healthy hair is stronger and less prone to split ends and breakage = less frizz! If you are wanting to apply to your damp and freshly cleansed hair, apply a small amount- roughly the size of a 5-cent piece is the perfect starting point, to your hands and work it through your mid lengths to ends. Steer clear of your scalp as this area generates its own natural oils. Detangling with a wide tooth comb or detangle brush following this will be a breeze!
Perfume Replacement: There’s no need for additional perfume when using our body oils as our decadent scents can last all day.
Body Wash: If you haven’t already mixed your body wash and body oil together on your loofah, allow me to introduce you to the most luxurious shower experience you will ever have. Even if it is just for a few uninterrupted minutes, ending your shower with a beautiful lather of body wash and oils will make you feel a million bucks.

Read on to shop our best body oil picks to slather yourself in...

Sugar Sugar Body Oil, $28.95 from Skinned Store

Spa of the World™ Polynesian Monoï Radiance Oil, $30 from The Body Shop

NARS Body Glow, $88 from MECCA

Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil, $28.99 from French Beauty Co

SALT BY HENDRIX Dream Body Oil, $39.95 from Adore Beauty

JoJoba Carrier Oil, $40 from Jurlique

Officine Universelle Buly Huile Antique Mexican Tuberose Dry Body Oil, $77 from MECCA

Liquid Green Body Oil, $68 from I-N Beauty

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge Body Oil, $131 from MECCA

Lucy Cocoran

Lucy Cocoran is the lifestyle editor (digital) of marie claire and ELLE. When she’s not following the scent of pastries, she enjoys listening to true crime podcasts and smiling at dogs.

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