6 BODY MOISTURISERS TESTED

Now, it’s fair to say I’m not the most dedicated moisturiser applier. A sneaky squirt from the free hand cream by the office sinks (thanks ASOS!) after a particularly weather-beaten commute into work is about as sophisticated as my skincare gets. Still, what I lack in body lotion awareness, I make up for in a blank, sun-savaged canvas for the most skin-softening substances the Face and Body section has to offer. Here’s how I got on.

The minimalist, science-y packaging promises an experience ‘like a protective hydration glove for hands’. While I’m not exactly sure what that is (or where else a protective hydration glove might be for), I can confirm the product inside delivered serious softness. The gel-like potion rubbed in smoothly and evenly, leaving a slightly greasy skin-feel and a pleasant, baby lotion-esque scent. After an hour, my hands were still soft, slick and fragrant and, even a day later, they felt noticeably less dry and rough.

The Chemistry Brand Extreme Hydration Concentrate, $35

A sour, astringent scent that lingers – more like a medicinal ointment than the typical mild moisturiser fragrance – suggests this is serious stuff. It felt intense during application, an almost itchy prickle as it worked its way into my skin, and the after-effects were initially sticky rather than silky smooth. Probably not an everyday option, then, if all you’re after is a cure for dryness – but the impressive list of ailments it eases (from ingrown hairs to bumpy skin) means Ameliorate is a strong option if you’re after more hardcore relief.

Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion Fragrance Free, $45

Once I’d figured out how to warm and melt the solidified oil, this poshly-packaged product felt like a real morning routine game changer. A warm, beeswax-y fragrance smelled appealing without being overly perfumed, while applying the oil produced a lovely soothing sensation. After a few minutes of massaging this into shower-damp skin, my body seemed instantly, and luxuriously, softer – like I’d been for a relaxing afternoon at the spa, rather than a bleary-eyed morning rush around the bathroom.

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Oil, $74

Bulldog brings ethical credentials to the table – vegan-friendly ingredients and renewable, sugar cane-derived plastic packaging. Its scent continues the hippie vibe – a floral, almost patchouli fragrance that might be a little overwhelming if you spend a lot of time with your hands near your face. The lotion squirts out easily, and has a liquid consistency, but it rubs in well and quickly becomes non-greasy. A solid low-budget option.

Bulldog Original Hand Cream, $10

The first thing to note here is the ace packaging and funky, retro graphics, along with a satisfyingly short and punchy ingredients list. The substance inside speaks a little less loudly – it’s waxy and requires a little effort to heat up and work in, and, once on, offers a low-key, warming softness. It’s also genuinely unscented, so good for anyone who wants to moisturise without feeling like they've moisturised.

Egyptian Magic - All Purpose Skin Cream, $58

The only moisturiser in this test you could conceivably use to cook your dinner, you can also apparently work this coconut oil into your hair as a conditioner, shave with it, use it as a make-up remover and as after-sun. Spoilt for choice, I ended up just rubbing it into my torso after a shower, and found it pleasantly fragrant and easy to absorb.

Sister & Co Coconut Oil, $30