Skincare

I never gave a second thought to my body care products years ago. My requirements were if it smelled good and the packaging was cute. As I got more into skincare over the past few years, I love how many brands have come out with body products that are meant to take care of the skin on your body with ingredients that are as effective as what you use on your face. I’ve slowly tried different things here and there once I realized that I should be treating my body as well as I treat my face. I do still love products with a good scent and am a sucker for great packaging but thankfully I don’t really have to sacrifice that with all the new formulations that are available now. I have compiled a list of all the body care products that I love and use regularly. Some are old favorites that I have repurchased for years and some are new discoveries.

Best Body Care Products

Body Wash Favorites

Saltair Skin Serum Body Wash

I am new to the Saltair line but this body wash was recommended so many times to me so I finally decided to try it. I absolutely love them! There are a few different scents but the texture is the same for all. It’s a thick gel texture that foams up a bit once you add water. The Exotic Pulp version contains vitamin c which helps to brighten the skin but I like to rotate through all of the scents.

Naturium Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash

As someone who has been using cleansing oils for her face going on 10+ years, I love using them on my body as well. The entire Naturium skincare line is amazing but the body washes are 10/10! This one comes out as an oil but transforms to a gentle hydrating milk when you add water. It nourishes the skin so well and never leaves it feeling greasy.

Naturium The Booster Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash

After the Glow Getter, my next favorite body wash is the Hyaluronic Acid one. I like to treat the skin on my body as well as I treat the skin on my face. This body wash is super hydrating and packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamins B5 and B12 and 30% glycerin to help nourish the skin.

Dove Body Wash

I’ve been using the Dove creamy body washes for nearly 15 years. I always repurchase the sensitive skin one because it is gentle yet intensely nourishing. If you struggle with finding a body wash that will moisturize the skin without any fragrance or irritants, this is the one to get.

Mario Badescu Rose Body Soap

Honestly for $9, you aren’t going to get a ton of added benefits with this body wash, but I absolutely LOVE the scent and feel of it. It’s a thick gel texture that lathers up nicely and has a gorgeous rose scent. And as someone who does not like many rose scented things, this is one of the few that I do. I have repurchased this more times that I can count and give them as gifts too. The price point is great and the scent is so enjoyable.

Necessaire The Body Wash

Simple and effective. I have always loved Necessaire body products because of this. The scents of their body washes are really lovely or you can opt for an unscented version. The packaging is super chic and I particularly love the twist top to dispense the product. There is a small amount of AHA/BHA/PHA to give the slightest bit of exfoliation without any irritation.

L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil

This was the first shower oil that I ever tried and have never stopped repurchasing. The scent is divine and it feels like liquid silk. It comes out as an oil and then transforms to a hydrating milk that leaves my skin so soft.

Body Cream/ Body Lotion/ Body Serum Favorites

UNI 24-Hour Body Serum

I had never heard of this brand before until they reached out and asked to send me something. I didn’t really know what to expect with this body serum but after trying it one time, I was IN LOVE! It’s a gel cream texture that instantly feels cooling and refreshing on the skin. And when they say it keeps your skin hydrated ALL day long, they aren’t kidding. It is formulated with their uni marine complex which deeply hydrates, Australian lime caviar which naturally exfoliates and Australian Kakadu Plum that aids in the production of collagen and improves elasticity over time.  I use it alone but also layer it under other body creams too. And the scent is a mix of cedar leaf, sandalwood and juniper.

One Skin OS-01 Body Topical Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)

This is a true body treatment that is designed to help reduce and reverse the signs of aging on the skin. It improves skin hydration and skin barrier function as well as texture and the overall appearance of the skin. While you can use this alone, I like to use it as a first step body product and layer a body cream, oil or balm over top. It feels weightless and layers really nicely so I never have to worry about products pilling.

Hanni Splash Salve

I have seen this all over my social media and had to try this viral sensation! It is a solid balm that you apply after the shower when you skin is still damp. You massage it all over, quickly rinse off the excess and then gently pat dry. When I tell you my skin feels BABY SOFT after using this, I am not exaggerating. It’s considered a deep conditioning treatment for the body, much like you do for your hair. It dries very quickly so you can get dressed right after and there is no greasy feeling left on the skin. And the scent is absolutely AMAZING!

Hanni Water Balm

I don’t know why I have never owned a product like this before but it is absolutely genius! I mist my face multiple times a day to keep it nicely hydrated but never thought to do the same for my body. This is a water balm in a spray form that you spritz all over the body to add an additional layer of hydration. You can use it alone but I love to use this after I have already applied the splash salve.

OSEA Anti-Aging Body Balm

This is a mix between a solid balm and oil in one deliciously creamy texture. I did a full in-depth review here and showed how insanely rich and nourishing this formula is on the skin. It leaves the most gorgeous glow that makes your skin look healthy, supple and radiant.

L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate Body Cream

A long time favorite body cream that I have repurchased countless times. The scent is delicious and the texture manages to strike the perfect balance between rich and lightweight while making my skin feel super nourished.

Necessaire The Body Lotion

Out of all the body creams and lotions I’ve shared in this post, this is the least exciting one but I’ve probably repurchased it more than any other one on this list. LOL I use this body lotion to mix with my self tanner most of the time but also use it just to moisturize my skin. It’s the perfect medium weight texture and has no scent. It’s a no muss no fuss body moisturizer that always makes my skin look and feel great.

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream

A true classic at this point, the Bum Bum cream is like a vacation in a tub. The scent is intoxicating and makes you instantly think of the beach. The texture is VERY rich and you only need a small amount to cover a large surface area. What makes this so popular is that it does a fantastic job at firming! I typically wear it during the summer and the scent lasts all day long.

Body Oil Favorites

Nerra Dry Body Oil

A dry body oil is such a unique texture and one that you have to feel to really understand. Many body oils can feel greasy and heavy and take a LONG time to truly soak in. A dry oil provides the same amount of intense nourishment but absorbs almost instantly. I love this one in particular because it is SO lightweight and there is a spray nozzle which makes it very easy to apply. I prefer to apply body oils over damp skin to trap in the moisture so that is what I do with this. While I normally will rub this in so I get an even application, the mist is so fine and delicate that I can just spray and go too.

L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil

Yes, I have used nearly the entire L’Occitane Almond line over the past 10 years. It is truly as good as everyone says. This oil in particular feels like liquid silk. It’s smooth and lightweight and the scent is always one of the best parts of using this line. It’s a whole experience and what keeps me repurchasing over and over.

Body Scrub Favorites

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Scrub

I have used a TON of body scrubs over the years and while I do like many of them, I didn’t repurchase any once I tried this scrub. It is a SERIOUS scrub that removes every single bit of texture on the body. It almost feels like microdermabrasion and I need to be gentle when massaging this in. But even though it delivers a serious exfoliation, it never irritates my skin. It is designed to treat KP which many people get on their arms and legs, but I use it every two weeks to give me the deepest and most thorough exfoliation ever.

One of the biggest changes I ever saw in my skin is when I switched to double cleansing. And specifically using a cleansing balm as my first step to remove makeup and wash my face. I noticed that I had less breakouts, my skin felt more balanced and looked much healthier. I’ve been using cleansing balms for 10+ years and will never not be without one in my skincare routine. I actually gift some of my favorite ones to my friends as birthday or holiday gifts and always receive feedback that they are shocked at how nice their skin looks and feels after switching to a cleansing balm.

Cleansing balms are great at really cutting through makeup, sunscreen, dirt and any other grime on the face and really removing every last bit. There are ways to use your cleansing balm to ensure you are getting the most out of it. And I thought I would dedicate a blog post to how to properly use a cleansing balm.

How To Properly Use Cleansing Balm

There is definitely a way to use a cleansing balm to ensure you are getting maximum benefits out of the product. If you have never used a cleansing balm, it is a great item to add to your daily skincare routine. It’s great for all skin types and all ages. Especially if you wear makeup each day or even sunscreen, using a cleansing balm ensures you will be getting all of that off each night. Face wipes will not cut it and sleeping in your makeup is never recommended.

What Is a Cleansing Balm?

Cleansing balms are very different from traditional foam, gel or milk cleansers that you may be using regularly. They are formulated with various oils that help to break down makeup and dirt on the face. Because oil is found naturally on the skin and is necessary to keep the skin healthy, using a cleansing balm helps to ensure that your skin stays balanced. Often using cleansers that strip the skin of its natural oils can cause the skin to overproduce oil. Which can then lead to more breakouts and oily skin. It can be a vicious cycle.

The oils in the cleansing balm attract the excess oil on the skin and ensure it is removed while still leaving necessary oils needed to keep our skin healthy. Cleansing balms are solid or semi-solid in their natural state and then melt into an oil from the heat of your hands massaging into the skin and then finally emulsifies into a milk when water is added.

What Does a Cleansing Balm Do?

A cleansing balm is an oil-based cleanser that removes makeup (even stubborn eye makeup), sunscreen, dirt, etc effectively without stripping the skin. Regardless of skin type, cleansing balms can be really beneficial in giving a thorough deep cleanse every night. Some are formulated with additional ingredients to soften and/or moisturize but the primary purpose is to remove makeup. If you double cleanse each night (and I highly recommend that you do), a cleansing balm will always be your first cleanse.

How To Use a Cleansing Balm

Use As a First Step

Your cleansing balm should be the first cleanser you use and the first step of your skincare routine. You can use it morning or night. But I usually use it in the evening because I have been wearing makeup all day long. Scoop out a quarter sized amount which should be enough to cover your entire face.

Apply to Dry Skin

If you have never used a cleansing balm before, this may feel really strange but trust me it is the BEST and ONLY way to really utilize a cleansing balm effectively. Make sure your hands and face are both dry and then massage in circular motions directly onto the face and eye area. You will instantly see makeup begin to break down effortlessly.

Massage the Balm Until It Turns to an Oil

Once you begin gently massaging the cleansing balm into the skin, you will feel it begin to break down within 30 seconds. Keep massaging it until the entire balm has turned into an oil.

Wet Your Hands

After the cleansing balm has turned into an oil, quickly run your hands under warm water and continue massaging the cleansing balm. Once you add water, it will break down the cleansing balm into a milk. Do not add tons of water or begin rinsing the cleanser off. The cleanser needs only a tiny amount of water added to transform into a milk and then continue to massage it in for another 10-15 seconds. If you rinse the cleanser off too early and don’t allow the milk texture to cleanse the skin, you could end up with a film left on the skin. The cleanser needs to be fully transformed into a milk before you rinse.

Rinse

Now you can either use warm water in your hands or a damp washcloth to remove the cleanser fully. Some people love the addition of a washcloth because it gives a tiny bit of exfoliation, but you don’t necessarily have to use one. I just use my hands and a lot of warm water to rinse away the cleansing balm. Your skin SHOULD not feel squeaky clean or tight. While that feeling is often associated with facial cleansing, it can often mean that your skin has been stripped of its natural oils and is not balanced. A cleansing balm when used correctly will leave your skin feeling soft, supple, moisturized and healthy.

Cleansing Balm Recommendations

There are a million cleansing balms available now so I thought I would share my top 4 favorite formulas to use.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

A long time favorite and the most moisturizing formula I have ever used!

Farmacy Green Clean

Simple and effective – this always gets off every last bit of makeup.

Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm

Not as oily as the Elemis but not as stiff as the Farmacy, the texture of this cleansing balm falls right in the middle. I’ve been using it for 10 years and consistently repurchase.

Clean It Zero

This has a very similar texture to the Farmacy Green Clean but at a slightly lower price point.

Here are a few cleansing balm reviews I’ve done on my blog: Cerave cleansing balm, Elf cleansing balm, Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm and the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm.