While I would like to say that my pledge to find the best body lotion stemmed from a need to serve the public interest, I, for the purposes of transparency, will admit that it was not. The premature arrival of my dry, scaly winter skin saw me scrambling to find a solution. Not only for the aesthetic purposes but also because the complete lack of moisture in my skin meant that it was itchy. All. Day. Long.

While I am a fiend for a multi-step routine when it comes to face care, body care is a very different story. If it doesn’t get the job done in one application of lotion, I don’t want it. So, to truly discover the best body lotion out there I’ve spent the last month trialling and reporting on the changes each cream has made to my skin. Here, a rundown of which ones are new holy grails and which ones were holy fails.

What It Says It Does: “This blend of almond oil and intensely nourishing ingredients restores and replenishes moisture to prevent further moisture loss.”

What It Actually Does: Exactly that. Hydrates, moisturises and locks in suppleness for 24 hours. This body lotion is a cult-classic for a reason. The formula falls on the thicker side, so is ideal for applying in the evenings before bed for smooth, silky and hydrated skin. The cream also helps to protect the skin from external stressors to ensure you stay moisturised throughout the day. Winner!

The Price: $7.99 at Priceline.

The Score: 10/10

What It Says It Does: “By harnessing the power of black rose and pastel rose extracts, this conditioning cream softens, smooths and promotes suppleness.”

What It Actually Does: Smoothing? Yes. Hydrating? Hmmm not as much as I expected. This body cream would be best suited to someone looking for suppleness and not so much someone who is suffering from dry, itchy skin. Whilst the beautiful rose scent is certainly dreamy it didn’t quite hit the hydration quota. However, if luxury is your thing, this is a great option.

The Price: $135 at Mecca.

The Score: 7/10

What It Says It Does: “This cream provides a complete solution to sagging skin, loss of firmness and loss of tone affecting the body. The formula combines the power of an anti-ageing serum with the comfort of a cream for skin that appears firmer and smoother.”

What It Actually Does: Whilst definitely a luxurious experience from the get go, I didn’t notice a huge difference in the firmness or appearance of my skin. In saying this, though, the formula was mega-hydrating which makes the skin appear a little more supple by comparison. Chic on the nightstand, if you’re after a splurge and have been eyeing, it is a beautiful product.

The Price: $430 at David Jones.

The Score: 7/10

What It Says It Does: “This luxurious body cream is infused with hydrating coconut oil and triple lanolin to instantly boost moisture levels and transform dull, scaly skin.”

What It Actually Does: Like a warm hug to the skin, this cream nourishes and soothes irritated, dry skin. Adding a lovely glow when first applied, it is also a relatively lightweight formula. Read: you can apply before you dress in the morning without that awful sticky feeling. The pièce de résistance, though? The scent. Coconut deliciousness, this cream is summer in a bottle.

The Price: $22.95 at Adore Beauty. 

The Score: 8/10

What It Says It Does: “The formula will lock in long-lasting hydration with the moisturising power of proven essential ingredients to give you visibly beautiful skin.”

What It Actually Does: Moisturises the skin sans the greasy feeling. This moisturiser is ideal for when your skin is feeling particularly dry and flaky as it penetrates deeply to ensure you wake up with smoother, more radiant looking skin. The vanilla scent is also a bonus; think a warm, relaxing scent post-evening shower. Surprisingly lightweight, this formula is a staple on my bedside table.

The Price: $11.99 at Priceline.

The Score: 9/10