Scented body oils can be used in two ways; either layered with your perfume of the same scent for double the potency or bought instead of your perfume to save on cash. Whether you want to invest or save, I’ve become a huge advocate for perfumed oils recently – particularly because some of my favourite brands have released them in their most iconic scents. These include the likes of Phlur, Chanel, and Sol de Janeiro, to name a few.
Not only do these oils smell beautiful, they also remove the need for body lotion. In fact, if you ask me, an oil formulation is actually preferable to a cream – even the best scented body lotions – for keeping limbs feeling smooth. They are ultra-nourishing and add to the user experience, feeling luxurious and decadent after a long bath or hot shower.
You may not know it, but it’s likely that your go-to best perfume may already come in an oily counterpart – and whether you use it to double up and layer or save the coins to forgo your usual fragrance purchase, I’d recommend giving them a go. If you need ideas on where to start, these are my current favourites.
The best scented body oils, reviewed by a beauty editor
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RRP: £45
Fragrance brand Phlur’s viral scent, Missing Person, is a classic ‘skin scent’ – comforting, warm and nostalgic. Luckily for us, it’s now available in a decadent oil, which smells just like the perfume and, when layered underneath, adds hours of longevity to its wear. The oil itself is nourishing and luxurious without any hint of a greasy feel. And to top it all off, I have to take my hat off to that gorgeously chic packaging, which is understated yet stylish.
RRP: £102
Several months ago, I was overjoyed to discover that my favourite Chanel perfume (and my favourite scent ever) Beige was available in a body oil. It’s beautiful, but because it’s from the brand’s Les Exclusifs collection, it is rather pricey and thus perhaps best left to special gifting opportunities. Still an investment, but less than half the price, is Chanel’s iconic No.5 scented body oil (Jennifer Aniston's body oil of choice, no less) The smooth, nourishing oil feels beautiful on skin, and the fragrance lasts all day - and night - long.
RRP: £95
Should you be familiar with the cult-like status of Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Baccarat Rouge 540, you’ll know that a small bottle will set you back £155 (with the regular size retailing for £245). However, you may not know that the collection’s body oil – which smells the same and lasts well on skin – has a lower price tag at £95. It’s still an investment, of course, but it offers a slightly more affordable way to enjoy the ever-popular sweet-yet-sophisticated scent, without having to seek out a Baccarat Rouge 540 alternative.
RRP: £59
Le Labo’s Santal 33 is, of course, the brand’s best-known scent. But have you tried Thé Noir 29? It’s a beautiful fig perfume that's actually in my top five 'hall of fame' perfume list, with a rich, layered aroma that screams luxury. This fragrance also comes in a body oil for £59, which, by luxury perfume standards, is somewhat reasonable. And fear not; if you really are married to the idea of Santal 33, that also comes in an oil version!
RRP: £52
One of my go-to affordable scents is the Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist, which at £24, is a great way to smell expensive while saving the pennies. If you really adore the smell of the brand's original Bum Bum cream and want more than the mist in your collection, this gorgeous oil is the next step up in your Sol de Janiero scents journey. With a handy pump, it’s fuss-free post-shower and feels gloriously luxurious on skin. Layer it with the mist for the ultimate tropical-smelling aroma that lasts.
RRP: £90
For fans of Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Portofino '97 Eau de Parfum (it’s my favourite from her trio of scents), you may be alarmed when you next go to order a top-up of the scent given it’s almost always out of stock in both sizes. The good news? You can usually get your hands on the shimmery body oil, which smells just as good at £90, gives skin a beautiful radiant gleam and is more affordable than the smallest parfum bottle at £170.
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