READY, SET, SLATHER

The most game-changing body products to stock up on this autumn

From cleansers and serums to creams and masks, we’ve talked about a multi-step skincare routine. But what about the other 99% of your body? We’d bet that your body-care routine consists of a once-over cleanser, a quick swipe of cream, a liberal layer of after-sun or the occasional drop of hand cream. While there’s nothing wrong with this, the colder months are prime time for skin dryness from head to toe. With that, consider these seven formulas that will transform your body’s tone, texture and hydration. There’s really no excuse for slacking on application!

THE HYALURONIC ACID BODY LOTION: BODYLAB HYALURONIC COMPLEX BODY LOTION

Transformative results all wrapped up in a lavender-scented lotion? Yes, please. Take the hydration up a notch with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E – the ultimate dry skin duo. The BODYLAB Hyaluronic Complex Body Lotion harnesses the power of hyaluronic acid, which is critical in maintaining skin hydration and works for any skin type. It’s ideally used after showering for skin that feels super-soft, plump and pillowy and looks so much more radiant. We also appreciate that it doesn’t leave you oil-slicked or with grease spots on your sheets at night.

THE CLEANSING WASH: AVÈNE CICALFATE+ PURIFYING CLEANSING GEL

Want to avoid dry, tight skin every time you step out of the shower? From the drugstore aisle, we’re big fans of the new Cicalfate+ Purifying Cleansing Gel that replenishes soothing moisture. Formulated with Avène Thermal Spring Water, copper sulphate and zinc sulphate, this body wash is great for sensitive skin that’s prone to feeling dry and itchy. It gently eliminates buildup without stripping the skin or drying you out. Plus, it’s spiked with glycerine for extra hydration. Avène gets a lot of hype in the body care world, and we’re here to tell you it’s all that and more.

R285 from Clicks, Dis-Chem and www.dermastore.co.za

THE CHEMICAL EXFOLIATOR: ENVIRON ALPHA HYDROXY DERMA-LAC LOTION

Don’t have time for a body scrub pre-shower? Fold the Environ Alpha Hydroxy Derma-Lac Lotion into your routine post-rinse. You’re already locking in moisture after your shower anyway, right? With a big shot of radiance-restoring alpha hydroxy acids, this watery lotion transforms dull skin and treats rough, uneven texture. It’s also a must-have fake tan remover. Just massage onto dry skin post-cleanse and be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen afterwards during the day. Not to mention, this generous bottle will keep you going for a while.

R400 from select salons

R89.99 from Clicks and www.bodylabscience.co.za

THE SPRITZ-ON SERUM: CETAPHIL OPTIMAL HYDRATION SERUM SPRAY

From spreading it on to rubbing it in and letting it dry, applying a body lotion or oil can take time. Enter Cetaphil’s new super-convenient Optimal Hydration Serum Spray, which packs the same skin-hydrating power into a spray bottle for faster and easier application. This fragrance-free and sensitive-skin-friendly formula kicks traditional products to the curb thanks to its use of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, provitamin B5, sunflower seed oil and soothing blue daisy. We recommend slathering it on after shaving or when you’ve gone a bit too far with exfoliation.

R349 from Clicks and Dis-Chem

THE FIRM AND SCULPT: DIEGO DALLA PALMA BODY BIOENERGY ANTI-GRAVITY SERUM

One for the wish list. Get some perkiness back with this potent body serum that improves skin elasticity and gives a subtle lift to your body. Ten different plants and precious oils go into this serum – arnica, yarrow, hypericum, calendula, passionflower, elicriso, acai, comfrey, babassu and goji. We especially like using it on more-often exposed areas, like the thighs and upper arms. It feels extraordinarily delightful going on and the silky texture sinks in quickly, allowing for a streamlined morning routine. Layer it underneath a body lotion for a shortcut to healthy skin.

R920 from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za as well as select spas and salons

THE HUMBLE SOAP BAR: EPI-MAX ORIGINAL GLYCERINE BAR

Epi-max body care is some of the best: Simple, effective and gender-neutral. The new Original Glycerine Bar is formulated with a cocktail of results-driven ingredients like propylene glycol, glycerine, coco glucoside and palm kernel oil. It goes against what we’ve been told for decades about harsh, skin-stripping bar soaps. With just a little bit of water, this budgetfriendly bar produces a barely-there lather to cleanse thoroughly, deeply nourish and keep skin balanced. It’s a can’t-go-wrong option for shared shower spaces – who doesn’t want that?

R32.99 from Clicks and Dis-Chem

THE NECK TREATMENT: NEOSTRATA TRIPLE FIRMING NECK CREAM

Your neck and décolletage need moisture, too. If you love the feeling of a thick texture without the heaviness, the NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream lives up to the clinically inspired brand’s hype. It has a smooth formula that glides on effortlessly and absorbs easily. Enriched with amino acid chains (also known as peptides), this neck cream is a total dream to rejuvenate the neckline. As a bonus, shea butter and antioxidant vitamin E replenish much-needed moisture. Sounds like a win-win in our book. Simply apply daily with upward sweeping strokes.

R1,130 from www.dermastore.co.za, www.skinmiles.com and www.skinsmart.co.za www.trumps-grill.co.za

Overlooking the iconic Nelson Mandela Square fountain, brothers Dennis and Allen have brought their vision of an unforgettable dining experience to life with the contemporary Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery.

Diners can enjoy superior quality meat dishes at Trumps Grillhouse, as well as select their perfect cut of meat to take home from the all-new, bespoke Trumps Butchery.

Trumps welcomes locals, tourists, businessmen and women, Sandton Convention Centre delegates, hotel guests, airline pilots and cabin crew alike to join us for a fine food and wine experience like no other!

Grillhouse Butchery Wine

CELLAR

FINE WHISKEY