- By Lauren Maybank
Body moisturiser, butter, crème, lotion, oil historically the preserve of women. But why do so many men reject this incredibly indulgent beauty product when it’s so damn good?
I get it, no-one wants to spend their morning grappling with a tub of something that feels like it belongs on their toast, to feel like a greased-up rotisserie chicken for the next 15-minutes. But it does wane, and the benefits are endless…
Societal norms and outdated ideas about masculinity often play a big role in the purchasing of a body lotion. For a start formulas have come on leaps and bounds, there are male-exclusive and many genderless versions. For a long time, skincare was marketed almost exclusively to women, reinforcing the idea that things like body butters, creams, and lotions were part of a feminine beauty routine rather than a basic self-care prod. There's really no good excuse for a man to skip out on body moisturisers (aside from greasy chest wig issues). However, hear me out here, I’d rather bury my nose into a delicately scented shea butter/pina colada hairy chest than a actual chip pan grease smell (we’ve all been there, ladies!) chests need exfoliating and moisturising too, boys and many moisturisers include calming and muscle relaxing ingredients too - win win!
Skin is skin - regardless of gender.
Hydrated skin looks better, feels better, and functions better. A good moisturiser/body butter prevents dryness, soothes irritation (especially after shaving), chafing, and even slows down signs of ageing. Plus, the process of applying it, especially a rich body butter - feels bloody lovely - and the wife/GF might even get involved!
The Retreat
Rich and velvety, this body butter offers a deeply hydrating self-care ritual, infused with Rose and Clear Quartz Crystals and 97% natural ingredients. Enriched with chamomile extract, shea butter, and sea buckthorn berry oil, it nourishes, softens, and evens skin tone while providing 24-hour moisturisation.
Providing long-lasting hydration, this rich, non-greasy body butter effectively restores moisture to skin. Brimming with nurturing Propolis and Royal Jelly extracts which are naturally rich in amino acids, minerals and antioxidants to nourish and protect your skin. Shea Butter and Safflower Seed Oil are rich in essential fatty acids to deeply condition and improve the skin’s barrier function to help minimise moisture loss. Also blended with Vitamin E, this antioxidant-rich body butter protects your skin from damaging free radicals to keep your skin in tip-top condition. Gentle enough to be used by all skin types. Formulated to relieve sensitive, dry, flaky or irritated skin.
MESSIAH and EVE’s BODY CREAM .01 (£27, 300ml) Available now from messiahandeve.co.uk.
An award-winning formula that deeply hydrates and locks in moisture. Infused with the signature Beyond Here fragrance, featuring bergamot, jasmine, wood, and leather accords, this luxurious cream transforms skin while delivering an indulgent sensory experience.
Marie Reynolds London Butter Balm - £50 Available to buy at www.mariereynoldslondon.com
A rich and indulgent blend of butters and oils that are non-occlusive and easily absorbed in the skin, boosting the function of the lipid barrier. This balm can also be used as a mask, night treatment or as a healing balm, as well as for areas of hard skin such as the elbows and cracked heels. Additional benefits:
Antibacterial & Anti-inflammatory
Rejuvenating & Brightening, Prebiotic and Healing.
This formula is an ultra intensive fillagrin (dry skin gene) boosting body balm, for dry, sensitive or eczema prone skin and is a fantastic daily moisturiser. It contains clinically proven actives such as Mondo Grass, to intensively nourish your skin and help stimulate the body’s natural filaggrin production, leaving it healthy, hydrated and balanced. It is loved by both men and women and was created by Antonia, an NHS nurse.
A cheeky one you can pinch from the missus. Infused with guaraná extract and packed with caffeine to tighten and smooth any wobbly bits, (NB it’s not going to tone a beer gut!) this cream leaves your skin feeling ultra-soft, nourished and you’ll smell distinctly like a delicious cocktail!
The fragrance is a blend of salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla making every application a reet treat. Enriched with cupuaçu butter, coconut oil, and açaí oil, it deeply hydrates and replenishes, giving your skin a rich, nourished finish. It’s fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula will ensure you don’t feel sticky.
Alexandra Kay Time to Restore Magnesium Lotion, £42, Alexandra Kay Time to Restore Magnesium Lotion - £42.00 (200ml)
This magnesium-rich lotion is designed for gym goers, to relax and repair, making it perfect for post-workout recovery or calming bedtime rituals. Infused with lavender, it soothes both skin and senses, leaving you refreshed and revitalised and feeling good.