Hello all! Here’s an interesting skincare set I scored during the last Nordstrom anniversary sale. I’ve always been curious about this brand and wondered what their products smell like. Finally, during the last Nordy sale, I tried the peony hand wash and hand cream from The White Company. Are you familiar with the brand at all? I might have heard my cousin talking about them, but, I haven’t tried anything from them until this review. I did spot their very interesting book in amazon about interior design and I need to check it out soon.
Anyway, for this review, let’s take a look at The White Company’s hand wash and hand cream. For me, packaging-wise, I’m really impressed by the design and sleekness of their bottles. They’re the kind that adds beauty to your bathroom counter. Also, it seems to me that the aesthetic of the brand’s products, in general, elevates your mood and your entire home.
Peony Hand Wash – I’m super impressed by the scent of this product. I love peonies and even though I feel like I’ve already sniffed almost all kinds of peonies out there, still, the scent of this hand wash is so unique, breathtaking, and just really good. I’m impressed with the pump dispenser because it feels stable and the soap foams really well.
Peony Hand & Body Cream – Not only is this hand cream so creamy, but this also has a very luxurious scent, perhaps a bit different from the hand wash, but overall this gives a unique blend of fresh peonies and something sort of a complex floral blend that is hard to discern, yet so unique and quite unforgettable. The texture of this is really really creamy that you can use this either as a hand cream or even as a body cream. Also, this sets into the skin immediately and doesn’t feel sticky at all.
Overall, even though I’ve only tried these two products from this very interesting brand, I feel like I need to explore their stuff more. I think I’m going to find a lot of their products to be very very interesting, so, stay tuned because I will investigate further, soon. For now, I definitely recommend this hand and nail set and I bet you’ll love it.
Hey All! One of my latest skincare obsessions are the dry body oils. I’ve been crazy about them that I pretty much hoarded every single body oils I could find, LOL. I tested several and a lot of them are really good, but I do have some personal favorites that we will be talking about today.
A lot of these dry body oils are great for the summer and are also perfect for the coming Fall and Winter. They’re not the typical oils you commonly associate with massage oils or some other oils that are wet, shiny, greasy, and sits on top of the skin. Dry body oils are different, they’re very lightweight, quick-absorbing, non-greasy, and they moisturize the skin very well, even better than most body lotions. Some of them can be also used as hair oils. They’re basically ideal for those who cannot stand the feeling of using body creams and lotions on their skin. Speaking of body creams, check out a review my favorite body creams, lotions, and body butters HERE.
Back to dry body oils, they’re relatively a new trend though they’ve been out for quite some time. A lot of them have been popping out lately in several different packaging and ingredients, and they’ve been well-received by the general public. So for this review, let’s take a closer look at the dry body oils I absolutely adored.
With Shimmers
Darphin Soleil Plaisir Sultry Shimmering Oil (1.7 oz: $55.00) – This body oil gives a nice subtle shimmer that makes your skin glow. It has a soothing floral scent like a rose and something herb-like. The kind that makes you imagine you’re in a spa. This oil sets well on the skin and it hydrates well. It’s not greasy and it’s not sticky. The packaging is small enough to fit inside a purse, but for its price, it’s a little too small. However, you don’t really need to use a lot.
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil (3.4 oz: $100) – What can I say? this is one sexy and sultry body oil. I love the shimmers of this and it’s really hard not to notice it. It makes the skin glow and sparkle in a gorgeous way. The formula doesn’t feel sticky, it’s quick absorbing, and it’s also not greasy. The scent is alluring like a warm beachy tropical fragrance. On top of that, this body oil’s bottle looks so luxurious and so pretty, you can’t help but stare at it all the time. There is also the Rose Gold version/shade of this which has been recently released, and I can’t wait to try it.
Sol De Janeiro Glow Oil in Ipanema Sunset (2.5 oz: $35) – This body oil will definitely give you that extreme glow and sheen, and it has a nice scent that lingers for several hours up to the next day. The scent is similar to the Bum Bum Cream, only it’s a lot stronger and kinda pungent at first. I love this body oil for its massive amounts of micro shimmers, but it can feel a bit sticky and thick if you use a lot, and it may transfer and stain the clothes as well. However, if you apply just enough product on the skin, then this oil can moisturize and sinks in the skin quite well. Apart from the pungent scent, I think the packaging could be improved by using a pump so that it’ll be easier to control the amount of product dispensed from the tube.
Without Shimmers
Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray SPF 30 for Skin & Hair (5 oz: $36) – I love this oil especially when I spend a lot of time outdoors and whenever I don’t feel like wearing the usual sunscreens or even the cream ones that tend to get sticky on my skin. This is one of the few body oils with added SPF that doesn’t feel sticky and greasy on the skin even after hours of staying under the sun. There’s not a lot of this type of body oil formulation nowadays, and this one sets on the skin immediately and it can also be used for the hair. It also smells amazing. I have a lot of love for this body oil and this is my fourth bottle already since last Summer.
Fresh. Fresh LifeBody Oil (3.3 oz: $48) – This oil is probably the thickest and warmest oil of all the body oils mentioned in this review. This also doesn’t feel so “dry”, but a bit sticky and it takes a while for it to set on the skin. This has a nice sweet lemon scent that moisturizes the skin but its formula is a little too moisturizing for this Summer. This is more like a made-for-Winter type of body oil. Additionally, this has a nice beautiful heavy glass packaging that looks sleek and simply pretty, especially the marbleized cap.
Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil (3.4 oz: $64) – This is the body oil my preggo friends swear by. They said this basically tones the skin and reduces the appearance of stretch marks. You’re supposed to apply this while in the shower and then rinse thereafter, but with me, I apply this right after showering while my skin is still damp and this oil feels so soothing and relaxing since it smells like lavender. I haven’t noticed any improvement on my stretch marks yet, but I did notice the firming and toning effect on my skin, which is amazing.
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil (2.5-5.9 oz: $17.50-$34) – This has got to be one of the best-scented body oils I’ve ever tried. It has vanilla and something else I cannot quite discern, but it’s good. The performance of this body oil is just perfect, from its non-sticky, non-greasy, and lightweight formulation, to its hydrating ability, I cannot say anything off about this. I love its easy-to-apply packaging, it’s quick-absorbing texture, and I can only wish that it comes in a shimmery formula as well.
Nars Monoi Body Glow II (2.5 oz: $59) – I was so curious about this body oil before trying it, and when I finally did, I felt like I didn’t really like its strong gardenia/jasmine-like scent. However, after a few hours of using it, I seem to like its drydown, which became something like a light floral tone that stays on the skin and to the clothes even up to the next day. The oil itself doesn’t feel greasy or sticky and it moisturizes my skin excellently. Also, its packaging looks simple yet unique and beautiful.
Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil (1.7 oz-3.4 oz: $29-$48) – This body oil is as good as Kiehl’s and it has argan, avocado, and olive oil. The scent is kinda fruity and floral and this pretty much sinks into the skin immediately. It’s a very good body oil that doesn’t feel heavy, sticky, or too shiny. Instead, this has a nice silky texture that leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated throughout the day.
Caudalie Divine Oil (3.3 oz: $49) – This is another great body oil with grape, sesame, hibiscus, and argan oil, plus antioxidants. I love its floral fruity and woody fragrance. The bottle of this feels really robust and it has a sprayer that throws a very fine mist of oil, perfect for a more controlled application. I love that this is fast-absorbing, light, non-greasy, as well as non-sticky. This is even great for the hair.
Hey Everyone! As far as I can remember, I’ve always been a fan of body lotions, believe it or not. I know some people tend to shy away from using them because they don’t really like the feeling of the cream on their skin. I’m the opposite, as long as the lotion is non-greasy and non-sticky, it will always find a space in my home. If I’m not hoarding lipsticks or eyeliners, you will find me hoarding body lotions. Ha! Yeah, it all started when my mom used to douse me with the good ol‘ Johnson and Johnson. From then on, some things had never really changed.
As opposed to my oily-prone face, my skin overall tends to get really dry, especially during cold seasons. I’ve suffered from dry patches, skin bumps, and itchy dry irritated skin. That’s why I always make sure that I have body lotions and foot creams on my bedside table. Speaking of foot creams, check out this review of my favorite foot moisturizers, seen HERE. Anyway, if you’re into lotions like I do, or if you’re looking for some good body creams or body moisturizers in town, here are the body lotions that got me through every Winter and early Spring. Some of them are my holy grails, while some are my recent discoveries.
Nivea Cherry Blossom And Jojoba Oil Infused Lotion (16.9 fl oz: $5.49) – This is probably one of the best-scented drugstore body lotions you could find. Its floral scent smells really nice and apart from its really cheap price, it’s hefty packaging is guaranteed to last a long time. I love that it comes in a pump dispenser, which makes it really easy to use. However, this isn’t like most of the Nivea body creams and lotions that I’ve tried before which are really creamy and moisturizing. This one is infused with Jojoba oil, so the consistency of this lotion is kind of thin, yet not necessarily oily. It’ll moisture your skin well for the spring or summer but you may venture into something else for the winter because this isn’t the thick and creamy type. More like a good every affordable everyday lotion.
Belif Body Bomba Lotion in Lemon Verbena (8.4 oz: $26) – From the makers of the popular Aqua Bomb moisturizer and a true K-beauty favorite, comes a really nice lotion that smells exactly like what it says, a lemon and verbena blend that is both invigorating and really replenishing. This lotion doesn’t feel sticky nor too heavy. Its scent is not overpowering and its formulation gets absorbed by the skin easily. It has a rich soft feel that moisturizes the skin all throughout the day.
Tocca Stella Crema Da Corpo Body Lotion (9 oz: $20) – A lot of people mentioned that this particular lotion does not smell like the popular Tocca Stella Eau de Parfum. While I haven’t really sniffed the Stella Perfume to be able to compare both products, I can tell you that there’s a lot to like about this body lotion. First, it comes in a really nice vintage-looking, easy to open, unique packaging, which makes it for a great item on your vanity table or tray. Second, it has this kind of a Mediterranean scent, which will make you feel nostalgic about your previous sojourn to places like Italy or Spain. Just imagine smelling a blend of roses and mix with blood orange or mandarin while strolling under the nice warm Mediterranean sun. This lotion will set you in the mood for that. Third, this doesn’t feel too thick nor too thin, and it’s non-greasy. I believe this is a nice everyday lotion with a slightly fruity and very floral scent that will grow on you as you keep using it.
Sol de Janeiro Açaí Body Power Cream (2.5 oz: $20, 8.1 oz: $45) – I’m a big fan of Sol de Janeiro body creams. I’ve repurchased the Bum Bum Cream several times that right now I’m kind of taking a break from it. So I’m currently enjoying their Açai Body Power cream which is pretty much similar to the Bum Bum Cream in terms of texture and consistency. Both comes in cute packaging and both also have fine shimmers to them. The Bum Bum Cream has golden shimmers while this Açai Body Power Cream has a peachy glow. What I love about this is its fresh floral scent and its shimmers have a very summery vibe. On the other hand, the Bum Bum Cream’s scent can be too heady for some, but this Açai Body Power is just a delight to use every day. Overall, I do recommend both creams whichever scent you may prefer, because you won’t only get lasting skin hydration from them, you’ll also get that shimmering skin effect.
Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion (6.5 oz: $43) – This lotion has a really nice clean non-irritating scent. A scent that is reminiscent of a lot of high-end creams, which are light and luxurious. It has a very soft and very lightweight feel but very moisturizing nonetheless. It’s the kind of lotion that you know you’re going to love the moment you apply it on the skin, and it doesn’t interfere with any perfumes or colognes. Also, it doesn’t feel greasy at all and it’ll melt into your skin easily. Moisturizing even to the driest part of your body. Overall, this makes for a great everyday lightweight body moisturizer.
Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm (4.1 oz: $35.00, 17 oz: $97.00) – I love love love this body cream. It’s so good and you just can’t get enough of it. It’s like you just ate a thousand fresh oranges and the scent of its skin lingers on your hands, fingers, and all over the body. It moisturizes the skin well and it leaves rough dry areas supple. It isn’t greasy and it isn’t sticky. Your skin will absorb this easily and it will smell so refreshing and invigorating. It’s so good yet it’s so pricey, but it’s well worth it. P. S. I also use this as a hand cream because I love that it has a nice not too light and not too thick texture.
Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion (8 oz: $18) – This is another great lightweight lotion that has a nice crisp slightly lemon scent. It a great unisex body moisturizer with a scent that disappears over time rather easily, which makes it ideal for everyday use, even to those who couldn’t stand any kind of fragrances in their skincare products. It’s quite similar to the Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion above, but this kind of feels even lighter and it’s perfect as a Summer body hydrator.
Philosophy Amazing Grace Whipped Body Crème (8 oz: $35) – This body cream is not only cute with its millennial pink packaging, it also hydrates the skin well like no other. It has a whipped consistency and has a very thick rich texture that softens dark rough areas of the body. It’s so moisturizing and it’s great for calluses or any other dry irritated skin. It’s lightly scented with the popular Philosophy Amazing Grace fragrance, which is fresh, clean, and light, and it comes in a hefty tub container that you can use all throughout the Winter season and beyond. Speaking of Winter, this is a great lotion to use during the dry cold months, and you don’t really need to apply a lot of it in order to get its moisturizing effect. Just a little bit goes a long way.
Fresh
Seaberry Restorative Body Cream (6.8 oz: $27) – True to its name, this body lotion is really soothing and calming to the skin. This has a bit of a curative effect, that is because this literally calmed my skin bumps at least all throughout the day of using this. Its texture is also not too thin and not too thick and it’s very hydrating. I don’t particularly like its strong lavender scent but it’s a lotion that not only keeps the skin smooth and soft, it actually softens and hydrates the dry rough areas.
Sugar Lemon Body Lotion (10 oz: $23) – I’m a long time fan of this line of body lotions from Fresh, and this Sugar Lemon scent is my second most favorite. It’s a fresh sort of sweet refreshing scent that will last throughout the day and the next. It can be overpowering at times, but it’s not bad. The lotion itself is lightweight but it moisturizes well. It’s great to use every day whether you have sensitive skin or not, and the packaging is cute and decently sized.
Hesperides Grapefruit Body Lotion (10 oz: $23) – Of all the Fresh body lotions, this is by far my most favored scent. I have used this for as long as I can remember, together with another lotion below, and it is SO good. Using this is always a refreshing experience and I love that it’s lightweight, it goes into the skin easily, and it keeps it moisturized for the whole day and the next. The fresh grapefruit scent is so irresistible and also noticeable on your clothes the following day. I highly recommend that you give this one a try.
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Sweet Citrus (8 oz: $35) – Here’s my other favorite body moisturizer. One that is somewhat thick, very rich, and oh so creamy. My go-to body lotion every Winter and early Spring. This is so moisturizing it literally melts on the skin like butter, and with its Sweet Citrus scent, it’s hard to find another product that could topple this. I’ve probably tried all the different scents of this particular body butter, but I always come back to the Sweet Citrus one because it’s simply irresistibly refreshing as if you’re in a spa, and it’s never boring. I get a lot of compliments about how good I smell whenever I use this. Since this body butter is infused with Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, and Shea Butter, it’s an ideal product for people dry skin, and perfect for cold dry seasons. It’s also great as a cream to heal dry cracked heels of the feet and it’s non-sticky and non-greasy
Korres Body Butters
Yoghurt (7.95 oz:$31) – This is my latest discovery from last Winter. I got so curious about this since I’m also a fan of Korres skincare products. I find that this body moisturizer really delivers in moisturizing dry rough skin very well. It’s really thick and is very creamy, because of that, it takes a good amount of rubbing and dabbing on the skin to get the product to spread evenly. If you don’t do that, it might just sit on top of the skin. But it’s really not a big deal since this body butter not only keeps the skin smooth and soft, it’s also not sticky nor greasy. The yoghurt scent is my most favorite because it’s light, clean, and calming.
Guava (7.95 oz: $31) – Smells like sweet guava. This is ideal for those like tropical scents in their body lotions. This body butter is really thick that it’s a good idea not to put a lot of it on the skin due to the richness of its consistency.
