Ready for sun-kissed skin

By now, you should have reacquainted yourself with body moisturiser. We are well into spring and recent balmy weather has tempted more than a few of us to take the cardigan off for a bit. This means, if you gave up moisturising for winter on the understanding no one would see the dry, scaly bits, and have been slow getting back into it, you have a bit of work to do for soft, velvety skin. No matter. There are plenty of great - and reasonably priced moisturisers - ready to go to work for you.

Garnier Body Repair Restoring Moisturiser
$7.99 for 250ml

This isn't just any old moisturiser. This is one with a Canadian formula that uses maple sap, which is famed not just as a topping for pancakes but for relieving tightness and helping to rebuild the skin's barrier function. It even helps dry zones such as elbows and knees.

* From selected department and variety stores, pharmacies and supermarkets.

Nivea Body Contouring Cream Q10 Plus
$8.99 for 300ml

Good old Nivea. It's been around for what seems like ever. This new cream has the ability to increase elasticity and apparently help to firm the skin tone - all thanks to the coenzyme Q10 feature. So far, I've found it to be an effective moisturiser with a pleasant smell if a touch greasy.

* From selected supermarkets and pharmacies.

The Body Shop Bergamot Body Lotion
$26 for 250ml

As a sucker for citrus-smelling things, this was always going to appeal. Love the smell. The bergamot essential oil never fails to make getting out of bed just that bit easier. Also partial to the pump and find the light lotion rather good. And it's not just any old bergamot, you know. It's from Italy and the babassu oil is from Brazil.
* From The Body Shop.

L'Oreal Body Expertise Nutrilift
$14.95 for 250ml

Don't be fooled by the lightweight fluid. It isn't some kind of half-pie moisturiser but one that does a jolly good job getting rid of dry skin and keeps working for 24 hours. All the fancy stuff such as Par-Elastyl and Xeralipids are to be commended. This also helps to visibly firm the skin. Appreciate the pump, too.

* From selected pharmacies, department and variety stores.

Boots Botanics Quenching Body Masque
$29.95 for 425ml

This masque is thick stuff designed to be slathered on before a bath. It's got honey, sweet almond and grape seed oil as well as cocoa seed butter and grape seed oil. Leave it on for a while to get the maximum moisturising benefit then take a bath. Skin feels fabulous.

* From selected pharmacies.

Get the look

The best time to moisturise is straight after a bath or shower as skin is more receptive, especially if you've just exfoliated all the dead skin cells away.