I think when I was a teenager, the first beauty items I was allowed to have were lip balms and body creams. Was that just me? Kind of the gateway product for the obsession I currently have, I think lipsticks and skin moisturizers are still two main essentials every human needs – ok, maybe a little mascara too.

I have tried out hundreds of body creams that range from dermatologist-approved or targeted to a certain skin issue to plain and simple yummy-smelling, skin-smoothing body butters. I am partial to that delectable sweet vanilla smell, but more recently, what will solidify the purchase is the clean component (meaning non-GMO, natural ingredients) and given my inclination to dry skin, I always look for something super hydrating. Here are my top 5 body creams:

Something I love about the Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm is that it has a specific mission: to both sculpt and hydrate. The serum has a sculpting power that tightens your skin while hydrating it. This means that those sagging areas from your skin’s natural elasticity will be tightened with the natural firming ingredients. Geranium, for example, decongests and also fades fine lines, hydrates and also gives off a glowing complexion. I love this cream because the technology behind it is thoughtful and actually works!

This cream was legit love at first sight, or better yet, smell at first whiff! The lightweight whipped and buttery cream is so silky and delicious and made only yummier by its exceptional smell: vanilla apricot. Nourishing and firming, this is one of Sephora’s clean products, and I believe Josie Maran’s entire line fits that bill. The Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter is made with 100% pure argan oil and has a velvety texture that feels like heaven on your skin. I use this from head to toe.

Lierac is my go-to when it comes to replenishing and hydrating my dry and sensitive areas. The BODY-NUTRI + Lipid-Replenishing Milk soothes those areas that are cracking and scathed from either a lack of nutrition or intense hydration. This lotion works for a good 48 hours, which makes the only downfall the fact that I don’t get to massage on more body cream!

I’ve talked about Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion before because it is honestly such a nourishing and hydrating cream and is probably one of the more accessible lotions in terms of price. I use it to repair damaged skin and rough patches. The smell is on point which is always a plus for me – think peach and orange mixed with Shea butter, mmm. I also love how quickly it absorbs.

The Maison Jacynthe Vanilla Shea Butter, also known in Montreal as Karité vanillé, is out of this world. Let me explain why: you can use this lotion as a typical cream on your hands, feet, body, lips and all that, but what this cream also does is act as a “collagen” DIY mask! The formula is sensational and the texture sublime – Maison Jacynthe does incredible things for the beauty and health world, which means I’ll be testing out and talking about many more of their products in the future.

The thing about body lotion is that we get addicted, right? You can’t just have one in your house and say, ‘yeah that’s enough.’ If you’re anything like me, you probably have one in your purse, gym bag, might table, bathroom, kitchen counter, cosmetic bag, make up vanity… you get my point. All to say that each lotion in my collection fulfills a slightly different purpose, even if that purpose is the perfume scent it leaves on my body. What’s your favourite beauty scent?

Photography by Patricia Brochu