Kat Von D Perfumed Body Velvet in Sinner in gift set, $68

Kat Von D has two fragrances: Sinner and Saint. I got a deluxe sample of lotion in the Sinner scent, called "perfumed body velvet." (Ooo, sounds special!) Sinner is the more powerful of the two scents--musky, spicy, with hints of vanilla and florals to balance it out. The body velvet is available in this gift set.

I tend to be drawn toward more light, citrus, summery scents, but this one is really nice. The musk isn't too strong, and the softer undertones aren't overpowered. It especially gets softer as it sits for a little while. (I would still probably only wear it at night, or for a special occasion.) The texture of the lotion is super rich and creamy, and it does leave a feeling on your skin kinda like velvet! The great thing about a scented lotion is that it lets the scent linger a little longer and more softly than a perfume, so a little bit goes a long way.

Final verdict
Cost: Right now it's only available in a gift set (that has perfume, lotion, and a rollerball perfume) for $68 ($91 value).
Scent: If you like mature, musky, spicy scents, you will probably like this. If you're used to softer, younger smells, give it a chance! I didn't think I would like something like this, but I do.
Texture: The lotion is definitely high quality. You would probably only want to use it as a hand lotion--using it everywhere might make the scent a bit overwhelming!
Repeat offender: I would probably just use this scent for special occasions, so I probably wouldn't buy again. But, I would recommend it.

-T

Nivea Creme, $4.99

As summer comes to an end and winter approaches (so quickly!) we have to start thinking about taking care of our dry, dry skin : ( This is where this classic comes into play. Nivea's Creme has been around forever (1911 to be exact, nice little wikipedia page) and is available globally. This is definitely my go-to thick and absolutely guaranteed moisturizing product.

You would think that such a thick cream would go on heavy and greasy but it dries very quickly after your skin soaks up the moisturizing powers of Nivea Creme. I like to use it on my hands and arms daily because it helps keep the skin soft and makes sure that my elbows don't get dry. I use this product a lot on my legs in the winter time because that is my biggest dry skin problem area. It is an excellent all-over body moisturizer and has the mildest fresh scent.

Final verdict:
Cost: $4.99 for a giant glass jar--really can't beat the price.
Is it only good to use in the winter?: I think that this cream is good for all seasons, the only reason I mention that it's good to use in the winter is because it is indeed a thicker product and tends to be better than thinner creams.

Repeat offender?: Absolutely, I mean this stuff has been around since 1911, obviously it is legit.

-M

Olay Quench Body Lotion - Ultra Moisture, $9

I got a sample of Olay Quench Body Lotion - Ultra Moisture when I bought my Olay Body Ribbons body wash (the one with the mica) over the weekend. Don't you just love free samples? Anyway, the full size (12 oz) is about $9 (but they have some great deals on Amazon, as always). Plus, Mirna mentioned wanting to try their tanning lotion so I thought I could at least try their regular lotion and see how it is.

Its scent is like the typical lotion smell--not overpowering, but definitely feminine. It's a pretty thin lotion but soaks in really quickly. It didn't leave me feeling greasy and seemed to moisturize. Seems like a really nice summer lotion.

Oh! Wanna know the best part?

It sparkles. Whaaaaat. They don't advertise it at all but it's full of little silver sparkles, like really fine fairy dust. So I guess it fits that I bought it with the mica body wash!


Final verdict
Cost: $9 for 12 oz is very reasonable. Available at drugstores, Target, Amazon, etc.
Texture/smell: Typical lotion--smells a little perfumey, isn't too thick, soaks right in.
Surprise sparkles: Olay, why didn't you tell me this lotion would leave me covered in tiny little sparkles? No, no, I'm not mad, I love it! It just threw me off when I walked outside and wondered how I managed to roll around in shimmer before I left the house.
Repeat offender: I would buy this again. It's a good lotion and I'm really into the shimmery glow. As with the body wash, it's not extremely noticeable, but it's definitely there if you look. Fun!

-T

Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer, $1.50-$7

Sometimes, the simplest things are also the best. Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer (shown here in the 3 oz. size, around $1.50 at Target) is one of those things. This is your most basic, no-playin'-around kind of lotions: non-greasy, non-smelly, and fully moisturizing. I keep the small container in my purse, mostly for moisturizing my hands after using the office bathroom soap--can't stand that too-dry feeling! Since you only need to use a tiny little bit, this stuff lasts forever. I'd recommend it for people of all ages and skin types as a nice lotion to use all year.

Final verdict
Cost: Very affordable. Plus, you can get a big size to keep at home or a convenient small size, like the one pictured above, to carry in your bag or to keep at work.
Feel: Moisturizes without leaving any greasy feeling or overwhelming scent.
Repeat offender: Yes. After having my first one for about 6 months (with daily use), finally got another one. I'm really happy with it.

-T

Olay Body Wash plus Tone Enriching Ribbons, $7

As I've mentioned before, I have some trouble with dry skin, especially in the winter--and man, we're really having a winter here! A lot of people who share in my woes will agree that a crucial step in handling dryness begins in the shower. My favorite step 1 is this moisturizing body wash, Olay's Body Wash plus Tone Enriching Ribbons. The soap is layered intermittently with "ribbons" of moisturizer, and when they mix together they form a thick, creamy, and super-lathery product.

There are 5 different Olay body washes with the moisture ribbons: body butter, crème, lotion, exfoliating, and this one, which has mica minerals. I've used the other ones and liked them well enough (though I still don't know the difference between butter, lotion, and crème), but IMO this one smells the best and feels the creamiest, as you're washing as well as afterward. This stuff is so rich I've started using it as an alternative to shaving gel. Since it cleanses as it moisturizes, it can save some time in the shower.

The purpose of the mica minerals, Olay says, is to even-out uneven skin. I honestly can't really tell if they have any effect in that department, but I must admit it's fun to randomly find the tiny little sparkles that get left behind. They're not that noticeable, but you might want to warn your roommates if they're not the kind of people who like to shimmer. (My boyfriend bought this by mistake and I laughed every time I found a little glitter on his arm.)

Final verdict:
Cost: An 18-ounce bottle is around $7, and is available at drugstores, grocery stores, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. It's well worth it.
Moisturizing: This is one of the creamiest, richest, and most moisturizing body washes I've used. I've used it year-round as a body wash and for shaving.
Does it really even-out skin tone?: Meh, not really. Although, you might find some tiny sparkles on your skin (don't worry, nothing too serious).
Repeat offender: Yessss. It's a great body wash for my dry skin.
-T

Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Body Lotion, $7-$8

(Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Body Lotion)
If you're looking for a nice, thick lotion to use on your super-dry, winter-irritated skin, Lubriderm's Intense Skin Repair Body Lotion will save the day. I use this all winter long, applying it immediately after my shower. And when it says it lasts 24 hours, it's not kidding; I've gone in the shower the next day and still felt it on my skin! I feel like it has actually healed some recurring problems I've had with my skin. It's the only thing that has helped reduce the bumps I get on my hips and thighs, and I've used it on my feet to treat calluses. It has a very light, pleasant fragrance that's not going to interfere with any perfumes. Plus, it's only $7-$8 for that gigantic bottle (with a pump that closes), which is definitely worth it for me.

The only downside? I can't use it as much in the humid-as-hell mid-Atlantic summers--one time I tried and could feel myself sweating under the protective shell it creates. So, in the summer I'll only use it on my problem areas. It's really best for winter, or if you live in a drier climate.

Final verdict
Cost: A huge bottle is less than $10--can't beat that!
Availability: Unlike other high-end lotions, you can buy this one at CVS, Target, Walmart, etc.
Year-round?: Unfortunately this one is too heavy to use during humid summer months, but is a life-saver in the winter.
Long-lasting: It stays true to it's "24-hour moisturization" claim and lasts all day.
Repeat offender?: Definitely--I'm on my third bottle so far! Keep in mind, though, it's really only best for seriously dry skin.

-T