Now that we're almost in Winter (sob), it's time to start thinking about trading those lightweight lotions that you used in the warmer months for a more nourishing formula. A rich body butter is just the ticket for the upcoming season when skin needs that extra moisture hit. But that doesn't mean wet, thick, hard-to-absorb creams. We've tracked down five body butters that soften and smooth skin with their buttery texture but sink in easily providing long-lasting hydration.
Wearing and regularly re-applying a sunscreen that provides both UVA and UV protection, as well as a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher should prevent you from suffering from sunburn. However if you have gotten a little burnt this Summer, we're here to help with ten of the best products with the main ingredient aloe vera acting as an anti-bacterial agent, softening your skin and preventing peeling. Click through to check out our top ten body butters, cooling gels, mists and balms — even if you are sun smart, these beauty buys will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rehydrated.
We've got many a success story when it comes to Australian beauty brands. International peeps can't get enough of Lucas' Papaw, ModelCo, Aesop, Jurlique . . . the list goes on. And now we can add Kit Cosmetics to it, because the Essential Kit products — hand, body and lip scrubs, balms and washes — are off to Gay Paree! Australian peeps, don't fret. You'll still be able to pick them up, but Kit has just decided to share the love with the chicest city in the world. And guess where they're going to be stocked? Colette, who only lets the uber-cool fashion and beauty kids (brands) in. LOVE. Parisian peeps, we highly recommend the Body Butter ($36.95). Divine. Don't you just love it when Oz brands make it big? Bravo, Kit. Bravo.
'Member how we were BESIDE ourselves with excitement when we told you that Bliss products were finally launching in Australia this month? Well we have something even more exciting than that happening this week: FIVE freakin' awesome giveaways from the cult brand! Woot woot!
I know, muchos exciting, right? Up today from the super-cult brand that Britney, Victoria Beckham and I all swear by is Bliss lemon+sage body butter (valued at $45). The super-rich body butter is famed for its "marvellous moisturising" as well as its heavenly lemon and sage scent. It's the go-to lotion to get your skin smooth and sexy in time for Summer and after just one application you can say sayonara to dry, scaly skin. Used in over 70,000 massages annually at Bliss Spas, the non-greasy maximum-hydration lotion has gained cult status, making it one of Bliss' most popular products ever.
And it could be yours! All you have to do is tell us in the comments section when you feel most Bliss-ful. Is it after a relaxing massage? Maybe it's when you're in a bubbled-filled bath, complete with candles and a glass of wine? Or . . .
Terms and conditions apply.
THIS MONDAY GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
I know I'm not meant to play favourites. I'm meant to share the love. And more often than not I do. But when you move OS and miss a beauty brand more than you 80-year-old Grandma, you know it must be good. (Of course, I'm only joking Nanny. You're only in trouble if it starts baking apple pie that tastes as good as yours. Joke. Kind of.) That brand is Soap & Glory. The creation of Marcia Kilgore — she of Bliss Spa fame. The masstige bath, body and beauty line launched exclusively in Harvey Nichols in the UK in 2006 and has since rolled out nationwide in both the UK and US to huge acclaim. Its cheeky, quirky and retro packaging and names are a hit, but the fact that the products work, smell divine and are affordable hasn't gone unnoticed either. The brand will be hitting Kit Cosmetics THIS MONTH so keep your eyes peeled. I highly recommend: The Righteous Butter ($27.95), which is the most heavenly scented rich body butter ever; Sexy Mother Pucker lip plumping glosses ($21.95 each), The Scrub of Your Life ($19.95) and Solar Powder bronzer/highlighting duo ($34.95). I die. Excited much? I am.
Give your skin the invigorating, punchy wake-up call that it needs in the morning with The Body Shop's latest zesty collection. Peppered with deeply nourishing lemon oil, fresh from the fruits that grow along the Italian Riviera, the range is perfect for those with dry to normal skin. The line-up includes: Shower Gel ($12.95), Whip Body Lotion ($21.95), Soap ($4.95), Body Butter ($27.95) and Body Scrub ($27.95). The body butter and scrub are my top picks. Yum!
The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Bath & Body Collection will be available from March 29.
Vaseline has just launched two amazing cocoa butter products that you simply must try: Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Body Lotion (from $7.29) and Vaseline Cocoa Butter Smoothing Body Butter ($10.99). The Body Butter is obviously the richer of the two and features pure shea butter, as well as cocoa butter so it's great for dry hotspots like the knees, elbows and feet. The fragrance is actually a bit more delicate than other cocoa butter products on the market so it's less sickly and in-your-face. Plus, even though it's fragranced, it's fine for people with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Now, I still can't believe that less than a third of Australians use a moisturiser daily—crazy! Without a daily hit of moisture, your skin becomes rough and uneven, meaning less light is reflected, hence you get that dull, lacklustre appearance. Please, please, please make sure you moisturise. Otherwise we can't be friends scaly lady. And you know I don't want that.
Stockists: Vaseline (1800 061 027)
Rooibos is a naturally-decaffeinated and full-bodied tea that comes from a bright-green needled shrub in South Africa. When the needles are processed they turn red, and in Afrikaans, rooibos actually means red bush.
Not only is rooibos low in tannins, but it has a strong aroma and is one of the most popular drinks in South Africa. In addition to tasting delicious and being an excellent source of antioxidants (it contains higher concentrations than other teas), it can also be used as a toner to reduce puffiness and redness, especially around your eyes.
Try Yes To Tomatoes Truly Terrific Body Butter ($22.95), Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer™ ($118), California Tan Extender ($28.99) and Sunsilk Longer & Stronger Shampoo & Conditioner ($4.49 each).
Stockists: California Tan (1300 867 826), Dermalogica (1800 659 118), Sunsilk (02 8303 6464), Yes To Tomatoes (02 9905 7300).
Candle connoisseur, Diptyque, is rolling out a very exciting bodycare line this week. Driven by a passion for travel and discovery, the luxe Parisian brand take you on an exotic voyage through Aleppo, Alexandria, Byzantium, Cordoba and Florence with the beautiful five-piece line.
Free from synthetics and parabens, the range includes:
Creamy Body Wash ($75) which features olive oil and vitamin E to create a nourishing light lather. Interesting fact: bathing was invented in ancient Aleppo.
Fresh Lotion ($90) which features orange blossom as its key ingredient and reminds me of a spring morning.
Rich Butter for the Body ($135) which the brand describe as luscious like Turkish delight and soft like a Byzantine rose. I would have to agree.
Precious Oils for Body and Bath ($125) which includes precious iris oil alongside organic sweet almond oil and macadamia nut oil. Softens and soothes skin beautifully if used on wet skin after a shower.
Luxurious Hand Balm ($69) which is velvety smooth just like the Cordoba apricot. It’s also a great night-time treat for feet, pop it on followed by some socks and let it work its magic while you catch some zzzz’s.
