There are hundreds of beauty products out there that promise to make our skin glowy and soft and our hair silky and shiny, and then there are products that do all of the above but also just so happen to make our skin and hair smell great in the process. For many people, this added bonus can bring a sense of delight to the otherwise mundane tasks of cleansing and moisturizing, evoking feelings of refreshment, relaxation, and luxury. In fact, there’s a literal science behind why using great-smelling beauty products makes us feel good – it’s all to do with the connection between our nose and the part of our brain that processes memory, mood, and emotion. Cool, huh?
Below we’ve rounded up the lotions, mists, oils, and scrubs that leave our skin and hair smelling as good as it looks.
- Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Illuminating Body Lotion
What it smells like: Coconut, hibiscus, papaya
This body lotion is the sort of product that you’d expect to find in a spa on a luxury resort somewhere hot and peaceful. The scent lingers subtly on limbs for hours after application.
- Briogeo Banana + Coconut Nourishing Body Cream
What it smells like: Coconut, banana, mango, pineapple, papaya
One sniff and you’re instantly transported to a tropical island. And not only does it smell good, but the oil-rich formula is also thick and buttery, making it perfect for nourishing dry skin.
- Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask
What it smells like: Vanilla, honey, avocado, mandarin orange, lemon
There’s nothing more satisfying than a skincare product that does good and smells good. If you want your next at-home facial to feel a bit spa-like, this mask is the ultimate treat for stressed skin and mind.
- Coco and Eve Glow Figure Body Moisture Whip
What it smells like: Vanilla, honey, avocado, mandarin orange, lemon
Everyone who smells this sweet and fruity scent falls in love with it. The butter-rich formula is packed with hydrating and nourishing ingredients which leave skin glowing and full of life.
- Freck Lil Prick Cactus Seed Dry Oil
What it smells like: Apricot, almond, raspberry, rosemary
For those who like to finish their skincare routine by massaging in a nourishing oil, this is one of the best-smelling (but not too overpowering) ones I’ve tried. I find the scent helps to calm and relax my mind before bed.
- Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Sage, and Orange Blossom
What it smells like: Orange, sage, thyme, lemon
A super summery take on everyone’s favorite face mist, this truly does smell like summer in a bottle. The perfect upgrade for your skincare routine when temperatures begin to rise.
- Yes to Watermelon Fresh Jelly Mask
What it smells like: Fruity Watermelon
At first, it might seem overpowering, but watermelon is such a refreshing scent when you want to clear your head (and hydrate your skin at the same time). This skin-soothing mask is fruity and uplifting in the best ways.
