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Beauty Board: Body Oils

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 2, 2008

If ads for popular beauty products leave you skeptical, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board's veteran testers are ready to try the latest and greatest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed with the hope of making your life a little easier. This week we slide into the latest body oils.

Check out our online database of reviews at TBO.com, keyword: Health.

Nude's Hibiscus Monoi Body Oil

Available at nudeskincare.com and some Whole Foods outlets; $72 for 6.8 ounces

"Beautifully exotic, pure, all-over body oil lavishly treats skin from top to toe with hibiscus infused Tahitian coconut oil."

Rating: B

Michelle says: My friend Jack owns a cigar store, and he's a manly man. But he swears by Dove soap. "Keeps my skin so soft and supple," he says. For me, generic baby oil does the trick. So I grabbed this product by Nude, which nearly requires a bank loan to buy. Yes, it smells delightful. I could close my eyes and pretend I was in Hawaii, with the flowery scent of hibiscus and an ever-so suggestion of coconut. And yes, my skin felt positively silky after the first application. Just beware: A little dab is all you need, or you'll end up like a greased pig. A review in Harper's Bazaar gave the company's skin-care line kudos for its visible anti-aging effects. Yes, this oil is a winner, but with gas and food prices eating us alive, it's hard to justify such a Trump-like price tag. But maybe this is why the rich have such beautiful skin. They can afford oils like this.

Michelle Bearden, 52, is the religion reporter for the Tribune and produces a weekly segment called "Keeping the Faith" for WFLA, News Channel 8.

Smooth Hydrating Body Oils by Davines

Available at fine salons, including Studio 8850 and Spa Moritz; $26 for two-formula package containing Sevilla10 and Napoli28;

"Ultra-hydrating body oils or invigorating massage oils to moisturize your body and soothe your soul."

Rating: B+

Cloe says: Aromatherapy adherents will tell you that certain scents can help you sleep, wake you up and transport you to a happy place (something we all need during these trying economic times). I'm making this duo a permanent part of my relaxation arsenal. These elegantly scented body oils won't clash with your perfume, and they leave your skin feeling super-hydrated without a greasy feel. Napoli28 includes hints of mandarin, bergamont and jasmine, and is deliciously woodsy. The Sevilla10 is a tad sweeter, with notes of teak, white musk and kumquat. I still can't decide which scent I like best. The only drawback is the packaging; the glass bottles can be pretty slippery when used after a bath or shower, which I tend to do.

Cloe Cabrera, 41, is the fashion and beauty reporter for the Tribune and writes the style blog Hot Pursuits.

Lauren Hutton Avocado Oil

Available at www.amazon.com and www.laurenhutton.com; $24 for 2 ounces ($24.95 when sold with Mango Massage Bar on www.hsn.com)

Formulated with vitamins A and E, this special oil serves as an antioxidant to help protect your skin against free radicals.

Rating: B

Kim says: So first Cloe turns me on to Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E (Feb. 9 Beauty Board review), then she hands me this little bottle of avocado oil to try. "How much moisturizing does a gal really need?" I asked. "Different products take care of different needs," she cooed. And sure enough, while you'd have to pry away my Palmer's now that I'm hooked, the avocado oil is a nice bonus for the bod. I used it on my elbows and knees, and hours later, they still felt silky smooth. There was one glitch, though: I used the oil right after shaving, and it made my knees burn a bit, so there will be no more of that. Regular readers know I'm finicky about scent, and this one is so light; it's almost nonexistent. That's a plus in my book, but if you long for a scent that lingers, this is not the oil for you.

Kim Franke-Folstad, 50, is senior features editor at the Tribune and editor of 4you.

Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil

Available online at TammyFender.com; $65 for 8 ounces

The beautifying, rejuvenating, calming and soothing properties of Bulgarian Lavender blended with a synergy of nature's finest nutrient oils seep deep into the skin, nourishing, protecting and increasing the flow of oxygen to the cells.

Rating: B-

Sherry says: The directions say "Apply to body morning and evening or directly after a shower to a slightly dampened skin." OK, simple enough. I mean, I love lavender. And God knows my cells could use more oxygen, a sense of overall calmness and well-being. So, really, what could be better? Well, if your whole body is a T-zone, like mine, you might want to skip this oil. (I know, what was I thinking?) It just wouldn't absorb. The scent is lovely, but it fades quickly. Still, in fairness, I will try this again when the temperature drops and dry skin abounds.

Sherry Hayes-Hutchinson, 46, is the features design team leader at the Tribune. She loves Bulgarians and is still waiting on her oil-induced equanimity.

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