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The Scoop On Body Lotions

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 8, 2008

If you're never quite sure if the ads for popular beauty products can be believed or not, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board has some veteran testers onboard, ready to try the latest and greatest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed in the hopes of making life a little easier for you.

This week: body lotions. Do they really work, or are they just buttering you up with fancy promises?

It's All Good Body Lotion with Rosemary and Mint

Available in select Wal-Mart stores and at www.noahsnaturals.com; $14.99 for 8 ounces

"Shield the skin from environmental damage as the pure mint aroma soothes the mind and soul."

Rating: B

Michelle says: No plain Jergens lotion for me, no sirree. I like something that smells dreamy, goes on creamy. And It's All Good Body Lotion comes with the bonus of being "naturally organic" (isn't that redundant?), with no synthetic colorants, artificial preservatives or harsh chemicals. Plus, it's infused with vitamin A and safflower seed oil. Mmmm. This stuff is almost good enough to eat. It's not greasy and leaves the skin feeling moist, even after exposure to the sun. The one drawback: The packaging. Give me a dispenser pump with my body lotions! This bottle required vigorous shaking to let loose the contents, which is a disaster waiting to happen.

Michelle Bearden, 53, covers faith and values for the Tampa Tribune. She also produces "Keeping the Faith," which airs on WFLA-TV.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula With Vitamin E

Available at most drug stores and online at www.etbrowne.com; $4.75 for 8.5 ounces.

"Heals and softens rough, dry skin. Smoothes marks. Tones skin. An excellent all-over-the body moisturizer and after tanning butter."

Rating: A

Cloe says: This old-school lotion has been around since I was a teenager. I slathered it on daily to soften my rough elbows and knees and to prevent stretch marks (unfortunately, it did nothing for those). Palmer's is still one of my favorites. It still sinks in fast without leaving a layer of oil on your skin. It doesn't upset my sensitive skin and it lasts twice as long as more expensive body lotions. The rich cocoa butter scent is pure bliss and stays with you for hours. (It also makes you want to sip a mug of hot cocoa.)

Cloe Cabrera, 41, is the fashion reporter for the Tribune. She writes the BayLife column "Hot Pursuits."

Apothia Velvet Rope Body Lotion

Available online at apothia.com and standardstyle.com; $30 for 8 ounces

"A sensuous blend of a dry vanilla martini spiked with absolute jasmine and a twist of grapefruit."

Rating: C

Los Angeles' Apothia salon is going for an A-list vibe here, with a lotion supposedly inspired by an ice cold martini with a vanilla bean stirred in. It certainly smells top-shelf. You definitely get the vanilla — with a nice grapefruit twist. But here's the rub: What you don't get is softer skin. I almost always notice a difference when I use a new body lotion, but there was no change after weeks with this one. Might as well buy Velvet Rope eau de parfum at the same price; the scent would probably last longer.

Kim Folstad, 49, is senior features editor at The Tampa Tribune and editor of 4you.

Crabtree & Evelyn Naturals Botanical Body Butter, Illipe Butter, Lemongrass & Sugar

Available online at www.crabtree-evelyn.com or at Crabtree & Evelyn retail locations; $26 for 7 ounces.

"Excellent for all skin including oily types, it absorbs quickly and easily and is especially ideal for use in hot weather."

Rating: A

Shantae says: OK, I confess. I am a body butter addict. My skin craves the extra moisture and hydration. When I opened this jar, though, I was a bit skeptical. The light mousse-like texture had me thinking I would need some backup. To my surprise, it held its own. It absorbed quickly and was very moisturizing without that greasy feeling. At the end of the day, the real test was the elbows. I rolled up my sleeves and was shocked to see no white streaks. The scent of this butter will leave you craving a slice of lemon meringue pie. Blended with illipe butter, shea butter, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil, this is one butter that is sure to quench your skin's thirst.

Shantae Brewster, 36, is the Readers Desk supervisor for the Tribune.

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