“You smell so good” is undoubtedly one of the best compliments you can receive, but what if we told you that this coveted recognition doesn’t always come from an expensive perfume?
While you might think of scented body lotions as an afterthought that can be quickly applied and forgotten, we think they deserve to last a little longer. Not only are lotions one of the easiest, most long-lasting ways to scent your body, but they can also instantly add a touch of luxury to your daily routine.
To help you find some of the best-smelling options, we took the time to pick the best of the best. We’re not talking about overpowering lavender creams that will leave you feeling sticky.
Our lotions have a smooth, lightweight texture and smell as sophisticated as perfume. They’re so addictive, you’ll be sure to appreciate their scent all day long.
1. Best Overall: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glowing Pink Body Cream: Glow Recipe’s Watermelon skincare line is one of our favorites, and this body cream smells just as delicious.
It’s inspired by the Korean tradition of rubbing watermelon rinds on the skin to soothe irritation, and contains watermelon seed oil, watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, and exfoliating fruit acids.
Although it smells delicious, it’s not greasy or sticky, so you can apply it directly under your clothes or pajamas after applying it.
2. The Most Affordable Flamingo Daily Moisturizing Lotion: This daily lotion is scented with vetiver and bergamot, making you smell like you just stepped out of the spa.
Not only does it smell amazing, it also contains squalene to moisturize the skin for up to 24 hours, and white willow bark and papaya ingredients to gently exfoliate. You’ll smell as good as you look.
3. Best with Perfume: Byredo Gypsy Water Body Lotion: If you’re obsessed with Byredo’s Gypsy Water scent, have you ever thought about using it as a body lotion? Trust us when we say you don’t know what you’re missing. Its scent is as delicate as perfume, with a blend of pine needles, sandalwood, lemon, vanilla, and bergamot that transports your senses to the forests and campfires of late autumn. It also contains premium ingredients like vitamin E to moisturize the skin. 4. Best Fresh Body Lotion by Splurgediptyque: We haven’t found a scent we love as much as Diptyque, and body lotion is a great way to enjoy it. The brand’s “Fresh” lotion is perfect for all skin types and is packed with moisturizing ingredients like sweet almond oil and macadamia oil, but keeps Diptyque’s signature orange blossom water scent.
5. Best for Firming Skin: Saltaire Pink Beach Body Lotion: Saltaire has a lot of pretty body lotions to choose from, but Pink Beach transports us straight to a tropical island filled with scents of coconut, almond blossom, and vanilla.
Not only does it smell delicious, but it also contains murumuru seed oil, allantoin, and coconut oil to make skin soft. Add a little (or a lot) to enjoy the fast-absorbing, intensely hydrating texture.
6. Best for Circulation Boosting Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Butt Cream: While this signature cream is named after the Brazilian buttocks, its star ingredient, Guarana¡, is designed to nourish skin all over the body.
Native to the Amazon, this plant is a potent caffeine boost that stimulates circulation and is especially beneficial for your butt, thighs, and stomach. Your skin will feel smooth and soft, not to mention the brand’s signature sweet and nutty scent.
7. Best for Lasting Hydration Kora Organics Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion: Infused with certified organic botanicals, this hand and body lotion is as gentle on the planet as it is on your skin.
It contains antioxidant-rich microalgae and noni fruit to soften skin, as well as deeply hydrating ceramides for lasting hydration. It also smells of rose, geranium, and basil.
8. Best Fast-Absorbing Body Lotion with Moroccan Oil: If your skin needs a ton of hydration, but you don’t like the sticky feel of some lotions, might we recommend Moroccan Oil’s product? While it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, it also contains highly hydrating ingredients like argan oil, toon oil, evening primrose oil, and more. Aloe leaf extract also helps make skin softer and smoother.
9. Best Long-Lasting Fragrance Philosophy Pure Grace Body Lotion Nothing beats the feeling of a fresh shower, and this moisturizing lotion ensures longer-lasting results. Its signature scent blends water lily, leafy greens, and frosty musk, along with hydrating vitamin E and skin-nourishing natural extracts. Some reviewers noted that the scent wasn’t as strong as it used to be, but we don’t think that was a dealbreaker.
10. Best for Gifting: Jo Malone Black Pomegranate Body and Hand Lotion Jo Malone’s scent is instantly recognizable, and with this lotion, you can enjoy one of her most popular scents all day long. It’s packed with lightly scented
made with pomegranate, pink peppercorn, and Casablanca lily, and uses coconut oil to deeply moisturize the skin. Massage it into your body after your morning shower, then leave it on your desk to keep your hands hydrated all day.
Jo Malone’s signature packaging also makes it the chicest gift! Final Verdict Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glowing Pink Moisturizer is our favorite moisturizer that brings a heavenly feel to everyday life. It smells great, and is
Enriched with skin-loving ingredients that absorb quickly and instantly moisturize your skin. When it comes to perfecting a trendy scent, we think there’s nothing better than Byredo Gypsy Water Body Lotion.
Apply a lather before a date or dinner to keep your scent lasting all night. What to look for in scented lotion packaging Body lotions usually come in pump bottles or jars. Generally speaking, pump bottles make the contents
more hygienic, as you don’t have to put your fingers in them every time you use them. Pump bottles also don’t expose the lotion to air, which can affect certain ingredients. Jars, on the other hand, make it easier to scoop out every last bit of lotion, which means less waste. Raw Materials If you have very dry skin, look for ingredients like glycerin, urea, and hyaluronic acid in scented lotions.These moisturizers absorb quickly and keep the skin hydrated – the lotion won’t stick to your clothes or pajamas. Natural ingredients like almond oil and macadamia oil are also amazing sources of moisture and are found in many lotions. Acids like glycolic acid and salicylic acid (which you can find in Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C Glycolic Acid Body Lotion) can also add exfoliation to lotions for brighter, smoother skin. They’re also particularly useful for treating rough patches of skin and relieving conditions like keratosis pilaris on the backs of my arms.
