The best body oil overall
When I say this body oil gave me life, it's not hyperbole — it's fact. My shins, arms, knees, and elbows are constantly drier than Death Valley (and even more so in the winter), but one application of this oil made everything smooth, moisturized, and frankly, not painful to the touch.
Made with sweet almond and jojoba oils to moisturize, vitamin E to hydrate and soothe irritated skin, and spiked with a whole host of other oils and botanical extracts, my skin is seriously glowing every time I use this body oil. The vitamin E also provide antioxidant benefits for healthier skin over time.
But despite the heavy lifting, the oil doesn't actually feel heavy on skin at all. In fact, it absorbs into skin quickly and doesn't leave behind a greasy feeling. That seems to be a constant among Fresh's body oils — fellow author Maria del Russo loved that our OG overall pick of Fresh Sugar Ultra-Nourishing Body Oil also absorbed into her skin in seconds, but it's out of stock at most retailers now and I find the Fresh Life Body Oil to be a more-than-suitable replacement.
Don't take it from me though — one Nordstrom reviewer said she's had "hit and miss luck with body oils, but this one is a winner." Some reviewers do mention that the scent is so subtle that it's almost gone a few seconds after you use it. I didn't find that issue, but I can see why — the scent really is quite subtle, so once you get used to it, it can seem like it's disappeared.
As for the application itself, it can get a little messy — after all, it's a body oil in a pour bottle. One reviewer ingeniously decants some into a spray bottle to use, but honestly, it's not a big deal to me. I just use any oil that might've dripped down the side on my body and call it a day. — Jada Wong
Pros: Fast-absorbing, smells delicious, a little goes a long way
Cons: The bottle spout isn't the most mindfully designed, so things can get a little messy while pouring
Buy Fresh Sugar Ultra-Nourishing Body Oil from Sephora for $48The best all natural body oil
One of the beauties of oils is that they are much easier to create using all-natural products than typical creams and moisturizers are. That's why so many people who prefer organically-created products tend to moisturize their bodies with oils. In fact, oils were the main way that folks in ancient Rome and Egypt kept their skin silky smooth. And if Jao Goe Oil were around then, I'm sure that's the oil they would have reached for.
Goe Oil is a cult product for many reasons, but mostly because of how multi-use it is. Peruse the reviews on Amazon, where the oil has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5, and you'll see reviewers extolling how well the oil moisturizes the body. Reviewers also say it's fantastic for smoothing out frizzled hair, moisturizing brittle nails, and healing cracked or chapped hands.
This tube is formulated with a high concentration of jojoba oil, a powerful moisturizer that is also incredibly healing. It acts similarly to sebum, which is your body's natural way of moisturizing your hair and nails. By mimicking your body's natural moisturizing capabilities, you get hydration that is smooth and natural, not slick and sticky. But jojoba isn't the only powerhouse oil in Goe Oil. The bottle is actually formulated with 28 different fruit, flower, and plant oils and butters.
Another thing that makes Jao Goe Oil such a favorite amongst beauty editors, pros, and buyers alike is that it is the least messy oil you can use. It actually dispenses from its tube in a semi-solid balm, only to liquify once you warm it up in your hands. It's similar to pure coconut oil in that way — the mix of heedy oils coagulate into something semi-solid when cool. That means you aren't spilling goop all over the place, trying to hydrate yourself. It also means that you can easily take Goe Oil on the road and reapply as needed.
But don't just take my word for it. Over on Nordstrom, one reviewer commented that "this is the ONLY product that I can put on in the morning and rely on it keeping my skin hydrated all day long." If your limbs get extra-dry, then consider smoothing on Jao Goe Oil.
Pros: All-natural ingredients, balm consistency makes it easy to apply
Cons: Pricey, only available at certain retailers
Buy Jao Goe Oil for $63.50 (originally $49)The best body oil that's not oily
One of the biggest misconceptions about body oils is that they leave your skin feeling like, well, an oil slick. It makes sense why people might assume that. Oils get a bad wrap for being extra greasy. A lot of people are fearful that, after applying an oil, they'll be left to sit around naked until it completely absorbs — lest they get their clothes or sheets oily.
So when I first applied Herbivore's Jasmine Glowing Hydration Body Oil, I was floored. Instead of the gloopy, ultra-thick consistency I'm used to with body oils, I was greeted with a dry oil. Herbivore's Jasmine Glowing Hydration Body Oil is light and non-greasy, making it easier for it to absorb into the skin. I was able to smooth the oil on, and 30 seconds later, my skin was hydrated without the slick I'm used to.
Just because it isn't sticky doesn't mean it isn't working. The oil has glowing reviews across websites, including Sephora, where one reviewer said that she "cannot get enough of this body oil." Folks with sensitive skin praise the oil's ability to hydrate without causing breakouts, which can be attributed to the grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil actually contains twice as much vitamin E as olive oil, making it an amazing antioxidant cocktail for your skin.
The jasmine sambac oil is what makes this one shine. The amazing smell of the oil is sexy without being overly floral, and many pros and buyers have commented that this oil has actually replaced their regular perfumes. But jasmine sambac also helps support your skin's natural moisture levels and elasticity.
Herbivore's oil also wins where other oils like it fail — with its bottle. Having relied on a spray nozzle for years, Herbivore's Jasmine Glowing Hydration Oil now dispenses with a pump. I've found that just two pumps is good enough to cover each limb, meaning a little of this stuff goes a long way. It's definitely not cheap, but this oil will last a long, long time.
Pros: Jasmine sambac oil promotes elasticity, isn't as greasy as most oil-based moisturizers
Cons: Some find the smell overpowering
Buy Herbivore Jasmine Glowing Hydrating Oil from DermStore for $44The best luxury body oil
It's rare for a beauty product achieve near-universal acclaim from the savvy shoppers of Amazon. So you might be surprised when you spot the rave reviews for Kyrpis' Body Elixir.
"It performed outstandingly in the dry, dry air," one reviewer wrote. "I skipped it one day and noticed the difference." Another wrote how much they "LOVE this stuff" because it is the only thing that soothes their dry skin in the winter. There are only a handful of bottles left at the time of publication, so we're linking to purchase at Net-a-Porter as well.
So what makes people so willing to shell out $125 for a bottle of body oil? Well, it's the curated mix of ingredients in the bottle. Kypris' elixir utilizes the cream of the crop in that category. Moringa kernel oil contains a wealth of fatty acids and nutrients, which hydrate and protect. Tamanu oil promotes skin elasticity, which is why this oil is favored by pregnant women dealing with stretch marks. Prickly pear seed oil is incredibly soothing and healing, which makes it the perfect foe for dry skin.
It's the Iris stem cells and vitamin C ester, though, that are the true winners in this bottle. These two active ingredients are usually reserved for face-only formulas, because of their price and potency. But both are powerful anti-aging ingredients, which work to help promote collagen production and plump skin. You know your favorite anti-aging serum? Now imagine spreading it on your body. Yeah — that's what this stuff is like.
But beyond all of that, applying Kyrpis' Body Elixir is a truly sensory experience. It feels incredible going on, and leaves behind an amazing scent of bitter oranges long after it's sunk into your skin. The bottle is gorgeous and looks perfect sitting on your nightstand.
A few drops of this elixir goes a long way. I even like mixing it in with my cream moisturizers from time to time, just so I can get the benefits without using a ton of it.
Yes, $125 is a lot to spend on a body oil. But you definitely get what you pay for with Kypris. It feels luxurious and delivers high-quality ingredients. This is one oil worth investing in.
Pros: Amazing active ingredients, delicious smell, gorgeous bottle
Cons: This high price tag makes it out of reach for a lot of customers
Buy Kypris Body Elixir Inflorescence on Net-a-Porter for $125 Buy Kypris Body Elixir Inflorescence on Amazon for $125The best budget body oil
So we've established that a lot of body oils can be super tough on the wallet. But just because you can't shell out a ton of your hard-earned cash on a body oil doesn't mean you can't reap the benefits of this amazing moisturizer. Enter: Burts' Bees Lemon and Vitamin C Body and Bath Oil, the drugstore oil that performs like a luxe one.
Although you'll instantly be hit with the smell of lemons when you smooth this oil on (thanks to the lemon peel oil present in the ingredient list), the featured ingredient in this bottle is the vitamin E. It's a natural antioxidant, and is great for reconditioning and hydrating your skin. Apply it just once, and you'll notice how intensely smooth to the touch your limbs feel.
This oil is perfect for those of you who are turned off by overly-floral scents. The citrus smell of this oil is delicious, without being overpowering. One reviewer over on Influenster wrote that she feels like a lemon Starburst after she steps out of the shower, which is pretty fantastic if you ask me.
There are two ways you can use this body oil. The first is to mix two capfuls into your bath water for a hydrating soak. The second is straight after you pat yourself dry. Rub it into your damp skin, give it a minute to soak in, and you're set. A few buyers have also said they love layering this below their favorite Burt's Bees moisturizer for an extra kick of hydration.
Fair warning, though: This bottle is quite small, but you do get what you pay for. It's a great way to dip your toes into the oil game, though, so it's definitely worth a try.
Pros: Wallet-friendly, super hydrating, smells amazing
Cons: Very tiny bottle — but a little goes a long way!
Buy Burt's Bees Lemon and Vitamin E Body and Bath Oil for $7.79 (originally $6.29)Check out our other great skin-care buying guides
When it comes to body-care products, scrubs are oftentimes overlooked in favor of lotions and body wash. But the exfoliating treatments should be included in your skin-care routines if you want to silky smooth skin. While you can also scrub away dull, dry skin by using loofahs or dry brushes, nothing will leave your skin feeling squeaky-clean quite like a good body scrub.
Here are the best body scrubs you can buy:
- Best body scrub overall: Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish
- Best coffee body scrub: Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
- Best salt body scrub: Ole Henriksen Rub n' Buff Transforming Salt Scrub
- Best sugar body scrub: Tree Hut Coconut Lime Shea Sugar Scrub
- Best gel body scrub: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub
Whether you're new to the exfoliation game or a seasoned skin-care pro, Glossier's Solution is the exfoliator you should be reaching for. Its powerful mix of acids dissolves dead skin cells and improves your complexion, giving your face a gorgeous glow.
Here are the best makeup removers you can buy:
- Best overall: Glossier's Solution
- Best drugstore exfoliator: Simple Kind to Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub
- Best exfoliator for daily use: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
- Best exfoliator for sensitive skin: Juara Radiance Enzyme Scrub
- Best exfoliator for uneven skin tone: Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub
It's good for your skin to remove makeup every night, but it can be a pain without the right makeup remover.
We've done our research and tested the best makeup removers on the market to come up our top recommendations. Whether you're a devout double cleanser or prefer removing makeup on the fly, there's something on this list for everyone.
Here are the best makeup removers you can buy:
- Best overall: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
- Best cleansing oil: Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
- Best cleansing oil solid: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original
- Best foaming cleanser: Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash
- Best cleansing wipes: Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths
- Best milk cleanser: Avène Eau Thermale Gentle Milk Cleanser