Chances are you don’t relish slathering your body in rich body cream as soon as you hop out of the shower these days. Since you DO need to moisturize your skin, take comfort in these lightweight lotions that hydrate without leaving you uncomfortable. Here’s how to stay moisturized throughout the long hot summer.
One of my favorite lotions is Kiehl’s Creme de Corps, a lovely moisturizer that instantly sinks in and leaves skin soft. If only every lotion performed this way. For summer, I switch from the original formula to the Creme de Corps Light-Weight Body Lotion ($25). It’s just as effective but is even quicker to absorb and has a slightly airier texture.
There’s nothing like convenience, especially for those who tend to skip applying lotion because it has a tendency to be tedious. To the rescue comes St. Ives Lotion Spray ($7.69). Available in three indulgent scents, this truly light lotion leaves skin soft without any sticky residue. The Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract boasts a summery, tropical scent I love.
If you’ve ever worn a mousse foundation or blush (or indulged in chocolate mousse), you know just how wonderful that light texture feels. Add the Vichy Laboratoires Capital Soleil SPF 50 Mousse ($28.50) to your warm-weather rotation and enjoy the sensation from head to toe. Not only does it feel sublimely light on the skin, it’s also an outstanding broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Here’s a trick I use on unbearably hot days: chill a jar or bottle of your favorite moisturizer and apply it from head to toe. The Freeman Feeling Beautiful Cucumber & Aloe Vera Soothing Body Lotion ($3.99) is perfect for this—but be prepared to feel the freeze on contact! It impacts a cooling sensation on skin and smells incredibly fresh, too.
One of the most celebrated sunscreens around is La Roche-Posay Anthelios. The French beauty brand recently introduced another addition to the collection: Anthelios 30 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen ($35.99). Sure, it’s more pricey than your usual SPF, but this is worth it: the water-resistant formula leaves skin cool and soothed.
A combination of airy moisturizer and sesame oil, Neutrogena Body Lotion ($5.99) is one of the lightest and most effective hydrators available. It feels creamy but doesn’t linger on skin the way a rich body balm might. This sinks in and leaves skin drenched with moisture.
Enriched with purified lanolin, a soothing ingredient highly effective on dry skin, Boots Expert Instant Soothing Lotion ($4.37) is a must if your skin is generally dehydrated. This restores moisture with regular use and feels gentle and healing even on sensitive skin.
Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion ($10) delivers a little shimmer along with moisture. It’s made with peanut oil, which has long been used to heal dryness, eczema, and other skin conditions, and is hydrating without being heavy or greasy. And the sparkling finish makes it great for special occasions!
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