13 Best-Smelling Body Lotions That’ll Leave a Lingering Scent All Day

And you can layer them with your favorite perfumes for a more intense aroma.
BestSmelling Body Lotions
Gabrielle Langdon/Brands/Shauna Beni-Haynes

Aside from the golf ball-shaped lip balms, EOS has also become very popular for its vanilla cashmere body lotion. The lotion has a very strong and sweet aroma, and it's heavy on the vanilla notes, giving off a warm and creamy vibe. “This lotion works wonders on my dry skin. I like to apply it right after I get out of the shower all over my legs and arms, and it makes my skin feel so soft and moisturized,” says Shauna Beni-Haynes, Teen Vogue commerce editor. “The formula absorbs into the skin with just a few rubs, and it dries down with no greasiness or sticky residue.”

  • Pros: Formulated with sustainable shea butter
  • Cons: The fragrance wears off after a few hours of wear
  • Scent: Warm Vanilla
  • Key Ingredients: Whipped vanilla, soft musk, cozy caramel
  • Best for: Dry skin

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Best body lotion with coconut oil: Vaseline Radiant X Even Tone Nourishing Body Lotion

Original video courtesy of Shauna Beni-Haynes

Image may contain: Bottle, Lotion, Cosmetics, and Perfume

Vaseline

Radiant X Even Tone Nourishing Body Lotion

“As a Black woman, I always have to make sure my skin is moisturized, or else I may start to look ashy (very dry white/grey skin), which is a big no-no for me. One of my favorite lotions to reach for everyday use is this Radiant pick from Vaseline. The formula has a blend of nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, niacinamide, and vitamin C, which work together to reduce dark spots and even out the overall skin tone,” says Shauna. It also works to keep the skin moisturized for up to 72 hours.

  • Pros: Contains niacinamide to help reduce dark spots
  • Cons: It does feel a little greasy on the skin
  • Scent: Coconut
  • Key Ingredients: 1% niacinamide, coconut oil, vitamin C, peptides
  • Best for: Dark spots & uneven skin tone

Save on the best-smelling body lotions with these Amazon promo codes.

Original video courtesy of Shauna Beni-Haynes

Image may contain: Bottle, Lotion, and Cosmetics

Victoria's Secret

PINK Fresh & Clean Body Lotion

“I've been using body care products from Victoria's Secret PINK line since high school, and they have yet to disappoint me. My new favorite is this fresh & clean lotion, which smells exactly like how the name sounds. It has a very sweet and fruity scent, thanks to the notes of apple, tangerine, and sea spray. It comes in a squeeze tube bottle, which I love, and it holds a lot of product (8 oz). I also find that the fragrance lasts for a while on my skin, up to a good 3-4 hours,” says Shauna.

  • Pros: 24-hour hydration formula
  • Cons: It doesn't leave my skin feeling as soft as other lotions
  • Scent: Fruity
  • Key Ingredients: Sweet apple, fresh tangerine, sea spray
  • Best for: Normal skin

Best long-lasting fragrance body lotion: KOPARI Tahitian Vanilla Hydrating Body Milk Lotion

Original video courtesy of Shauna Beni-Haynes

Image may contain: Bottle, Lotion, Cosmetics, and Perfume

Kopari Beauty

Tahitian Vanilla Hydrating Body Milk Lotion

“Whenever I apply this lotion all over my body, I find that I'm less itchy, which is a major bonus for me, since I tend to always be scratching my skin,” says Shauna. The formula is packed with yummy-smelling ingredients like coconut oil, chamomile, and shea butter. As soon you apply it to the skin, you'll notice that it is absorbed quickly with just a few circular massages and doesn't leave any greasiness or residue behind. It also leaves my skin feeling very soft and smooth."

  • Pros: Formulated with chamomile extract, which helps fight inflammation
  • Cons: Expensive
  • Scent: Tahitian vanilla
  • Key Ingredients: Organic Chamomile Extract, Coconut Oil:
  • Best for: All Skin Types

Save on the best-smelling body lotions with these Amazon promo codes.

Original video courtesy of Shauna Beni-Haynes

Image may contain: Bottle, Lotion, Shampoo, Cosmetics, and Perfume

Bath & Body Works

Aroma Eucalyptus Lavender Moisturizing Body Lotion

“I received this body lotion in a skin care gift set and became obsessed with it after the first pump,” says Shauna. The bottle design feels very elevated and heavy, with smooth ridges along the edges. I like to use it right after a nighttime shower before hopping into bed. It has a heavy eucalyptus fragrance that makes me feel calm and at peace. The lotion also feels very lightweight and hydrating on my skin. There's also a matching body wash and shower steamers," says Shauna.

  • Pros: Infused with the good stuff (natural essential oils)
  • Cons: The aroma may be too strong for those with sensitive noses
  • Scent: Eucalyptus lavender
  • Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, aloe, and shea butter
  • Best for: All skin types and those who like intoxicating fragrances]

Best body lotion for sensitive skin: Dionis Goat Milk Skincare Scented Lotion

Original video courtesy of Shauna Beni-Haynes

Image may contain: Bottle, Lotion, Cosmetics, and Shaker

Dionis Goat Milk Skincare Scented Lotion

If you enjoy super sweet scented body lotions, reach for this Dionis goat milk lotion. The formula is made from all clean ingredients and is infused with vitamins and nutrients to help preserve the skin's microbiome. “With just one pump, you'll immediately fall into a trance of this sweet candy-smelling lotion,” says Shauna. It reminds me of candy apples or Jolly Ranchers in a good way, and the scent does last for about 2-3 hours. It does make my skin feel soft as soon as I apply it, but after it dries down, it doesn't feel moisturizing, so I usually reapply throughout the day."

  • Pros: Made with vitamin-infused goat milk
  • Cons: Some users note the formula does not feel very moisturizing
  • Key Ingredients: Goat milk and sweet pea florals
  • Best for: Great for all skin types

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Best drugstore body lotion: NIVEA Oil Infused Body Lotion

Original video courtesy of Shauna Beni-Haynes

Oil Infused Body Lotion
Courtesy of brand

Nivea

Oil Infused Body Lotion

Our list of the best-smelling body lotions would not be complete without this tried-and-true Nivea favorite. “This iconic lotion not only smells amazing, but the formula also does magic on my dry skin. Whenever my skin is ashy, and I rub this lotion in, I can visibly see how well it hydrates my skin and removes the appearance of any white/grey cracked, dry spots. It also absorbs pretty quickly and doesn't leave any greasy feeling or residue behind,” says Shauna.

  • Pros: Moisturizes for 24+ hours with no greasy feeling
  • Cons: Some users wish that the scent was stronger
  • Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil and cherry blossom extract
  • Best for: Dry skin

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Santal 33 is one of Le Labo's most popular fragrances, and we can assure you this scented lotion is worth every penny. It has a strong sandalwood and leather scent that lasts long when layered with the matching shower gel and perfume. The formula also contains a blend of shea butter, avocado oil, and sweet almond oil, which leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized.

  • Pros: Crafted with skin-loving, clean ingredients
  • Cons: Expensive
  • Key Ingredients: Cedarwood, sandalwood and leather
  • Best for: All skin types

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Best body lotion on Amazon: OSANA Body Lotion Dual Pack

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Osana

Body Lotion Dual Pack

Original photo courtesy of Shauna Beni-Haynes

“I first got to experience this Osana Naturals body lotion at The Bamford Spa in Brooklyn, NY, and I left feeling moisturized, glowy, and happy,” says Shauna. This lotion feels very lightweight and has a more subtle fragrance that's great for layering with body mists and perfumes. I like to apply it to my skin whenever I need a quick pick-me-up, and the product absorbs into the skin easily. I also love how chic and simple the packaging looks, it gives me major minimalist aesthetic vibes."

  • Pros: Formulated with naturally derived ingredients
  • Cons: Some users note that the formula is not very rich or thick
  • Scent: Peppermint
  • Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, peppermint oil
  • Best for: All skin types

Save on the best-smelling body lotions with these Amazon promo codes.

Hinoki Body Milk Lotion
Courtesy of brand

Tatcha

Hinoki Body Milk Lotion

Tatcha is well known for its luxurious facial creams and cleansers, but the Hinoki body lotion is just as good, too! Crafted with all clean ingredients like squalene and peach tree leaf extract, this lotion restores smooth, soft skin, while giving off a brighter look to dull complexions. It also has a heavy, calming fragrance that smells similar to clean, fresh trees in a forest.

  • Pros: Has a cooling and soft texture that feels lightweight
  • Cons: Expensive
  • Scent: Woody & Earthy Scent
  • Key Ingredients: Squalene, peach tree leaf extract, forest awakening essential oil blend
  • Best for: Dry Skin

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Best hydrating body lotion: Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Lotion

Body Hero Daily Perfecting Lotion
Courtesy of brand

Glossier

Body Hero Daily Perfecting Lotion

Glossier's latest body lotion, Body Hero, quickly garnered a cult following after its launch, thanks to its refreshing and sweet-smelling blend of Orange Blossom Neroli. The formula is also crafted with a bunch of clean ingredients like glycerin, avocado oil, and apple fruit extract which work to nourish and hydrate the skin. You also won't have to worry about any residue or dry downtime since it quickly absorbs into the skin.

  • Pros: The formula gives off a subtle, healthy-looking glow
  • Cons: Some users noted that the lotion keeps the skin hydrated for no longer than 18 hours
  • Scent: Orange florals
  • Key Ingredients: Glycerin, avocado oil, apple fruit extract, orange blossom neroli
  • Best for: All skin types and suitable for sensitive skin

Save on the best-smelling body lotions with these Glossier promo codes.

Best body lotion for dry skin: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion

Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion
Courtesy of brand

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez

Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion

Ever wonder how Selena Gomez's skin always looks so glowy and radiant? Well, now you can get the same for your own skin thanks to her collection of body care products. The standout product for us is the comforting body lotion, which works to soothe, firm, and brighten the skin. The formula has a skin-loving ingredient blend consisting of vitamins and antioxidants like niacinamide, peach flower extract, and ashwagandha. It also has an unforgettable, warm, woody fragrance that has a blend of lemon zest and violet petals.

  • Pros: Formulated to hydrate the skin for up to 24 hours
  • Cons: Some users note that it's very hard to squeeze the product out of the bottle
  • Scent: Woody & Earthy Scent
  • Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Ashwagandha extract, Sodium hyaluronate
  • Best for: All skin types

Save on the best-smelling body lotions with these Sephora promo codes.

Calm Down Hydrating Daily Body Lotion
Courtesy of brand

TPH

Calm Down Hydrating Daily Body Lotion

For under $10, you can get a whole bottle of lotion that'll work to moisturize, nourish, and brighten your skin. This Body by TPH The Calm Down is a hydrating body lotion infused with ceramides, amino acids, and niacinamide to help make your skin look good from the inside out. It also has a lovely, calming fragrance crafted from heavy Palo Santo notes and Ylang-Ylang, a floral extract.

  • Pros: The niacinamide ingredient helps brighten the skin and remove buildup
  • Cons: Only available at Walmart
  • Scent: Palo Santo
  • Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Amino Acids, Niacinamide
  • Best for: Formulated for all skin types

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How do you make lotion fragrances last all day?

According to TikTokers, one of the best ways to extend the scent of a body lotion is by layering it with matching body mists and perfumes. You should apply your lotion first and then follow up with a layer of a similar fragrance on top.

Is scented lotion better than perfume?

It depends on what your preference is. A lotion can help to moisturize and nourish the skin, leaving behind a subtle scent. Perfumes are generally formulated with a higher oil concentration, strengthening the scent. However, perfumes are not designed to hydrate and nourish the skin.

What are the best-smelling lotions?

Right now, some of the trendiest body lotions are from fragrance brands like Sol De Janeiro (Bum Bum Cream, Bath & Body Works, EOS, and Nivea.