The 13 Best Scented Lotions That Will Make You Smell Amazing

Best Overall

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Body Cream

$26 at Sephora $26 at Glowrecipe.com $15 at Kohls.com

Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow skincare line is one of our favorites in terms of scent, and you can bet this body cream smells delectable. It's inspired by the Korean tradition of rubbing watermelon rind onto the skin to soothe irritation, so it's formulated with watermelon seed butter, watermelon extract, and hyaluronic acid, the ultimate moisture-retainer. Dr. Shokeen stands behind the latter for lotions. "This powerful humectant helps draw moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump," she tells Byrdie.

Pink Dream Body Cream also contains a form of exfoliating AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) derived from hibiscus. This helps encourage cell turnover to reveal smooth, glowing skin underneath. What's more, the lightweight formula dries quickly without a sticky feel, so you can get dressed right after slathering it on. We do recognize that not everyone loves a watermelon scent, but if you do, you're sure to fall for this cream.

Who It's For

If you want smooth skin and a healthy-looking glow, you can't go wrong with this hydrating, gently exfoliating body cream.

Scent: Watermelon | Size: 6.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

Flamingo Daily Moisturizing Lotion

$17 at Target $18 at Walmart $8 at Shopflamingo.com

You don't have to spend a ton to get an amazing-scented moisturizer. Fragranced with notes of earthy-green vetiver and citrusy-fresh bergamot, this daily lotion will leave you smelling like you just stepped out of the spa. Beyond smelling amazing, it's formulated with squalene to hydrate thirsty skin for up to 24 hours. Meanwhile, white willow bark and papaya enzymes gently exfoliate, sloughing off dead cells to make your skin super soft and supple. We do with it came out of its tube a bit easier, though.

Who It's For

We highly recommend this product for budget shoppers in the market for an affordable, multi-use lotion that moisturizes and exfoliates.

Scent: Vetiver and bergamot | Size: 10 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Splurge

Diptyque Fresh Body Lotion

$70 at Nordstrom View on Diptyqueparis.com

Diptyque is best known for its wonderful-smelling, high-end candles, but did you know each signature fragrance also comes in body care products? We're particularly fond of the brand's Fresh scent, which combines petitgrain and orange blossom to create an invigorating citrus aroma with notes of floral and musk. Not only that, but the luxurious formula calls on sweet almond and macadamia nut oils to deliver deep moisture from the neck down.

Who It's For

Whether you're buying a gift or treating yourself to luxury skincare, this top-shelf formula won't disappoint. However, since the scent is strong enough to double as a perfume, some users have said it can be a bit much.

Scent: Citrus, floral, and musk | Size: 8.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best With Perfume Match

Byredo Gypsy Water Body Lotion

$75 at Nordstrom View on Spacenk.com

If you're addicted to Byredo's beloved Gypsy Water perfume like a few of us here at Byrdie, you might consider getting the accompanying body lotion. Fragranced as delicately as the perfume, the down-to-earth scent blends notes of pine, sandalwood, lemon, vanilla, and bergamot to transport your senses to late-fall forests and campfires. It also absorbs quickly and nourishes the skin with shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E. We do wish the awesome scent lasted a bit longer, though

Who It's For

Those who already wear Gypsy Water perfume can expand their collection with this scented body lotion. And those who don't can try out the brand's fan-favorite fragrance in moisturizer form.

Scent: Woody, citrus, and vanilla | Size: 7.6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Firming

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

$48 at Amazon $22 at Sephora $48 at Ulta

Brazilian Bum Bum (pronounced boom-boom) Cream's all-star ingredient is guaranà extract, a potent source of caffeine that encourages circulation and constricts blood vessels to temporarily tighten and firm your skin. The ultra-creamy, deeply moisturizing formula leaves you feeling supremely smooth and supple, and the brand's signature sweet, nutty fragrance is pretty delicious too. However, we don't love that it comes in a screw-top container.

Who It's For

This wildly popular cream, named after the Brazilian posteriors that inspired it, was designed to tighten and firm the skin all over your body. We love the pina colada-like scent, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

Scent: Salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla | Size: 2.5–16.9 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Fast-Absorbing

Kora Organics Nourishing Hand & Body Lotion

$57 at Amazon $57 at Sephora $55 at Koraorganics.com

This quick-to-absorb lotion boasts a lightweight consistency and a non-greasy feel—perfect for when you're running late and need to get dressed right after you shower. It consists of ceramides, aloe vera, and antioxidant-rich algae to soothe inflammation, replenish the skin barrier, and provide long-lasting hydration. It also smells lovely, with a rose, geranium, and basil fragrance, but the scent doesn't last super long.

Who It's For

Not a fan of heavy, greasy lotions? This one is fast-absorbing and non-greasy so it won't slow you down.

Scent: Floral and basil | Size: 10.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Sensitive Skin

Kopari Hydrating Body Milk

$22 at Amazon $32 at Nordstrom $32 at Revolve

Scented products can be irritating for those with reactive complexions, but this body lotion from Kopari promises to nourish and hydrate your skin without stressing it out. The formula contains deeply moisturizing shea butter, plus vitamin E and chamomile to soothe, minimize redness, and keep inflammation at bay. You can choose from a guava or coconut fragrance, neither of which is overpowering. We just wish the pump dispenser was a bit sturdier as users have said it can break or get stuck.

Who It's For

If you have sensitive skin, we suggest Kopari's Hydrating Body Milk, a gentle, nourishing formula that calms inflammation.

Scent: Guava or coconut | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Dry Skin

Moroccanoil Body Lotion

$28 at Amazon $28 at Sephora $28 at Moroccanoil.com

This body lotion contains multiple plant oils (argan, Tsubaki, and evening primrose) to provide thirsty skin with much-needed moisture. It also contains aloe, one of Dr. Shokeen's go-tos. "Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera can help calm and moisturize the skin," she says. It's definitely something to pack for your next sunny vacation since it'll help soothe sunburns. We love how the formula absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a greasy residue.

Who It's For

If your skin craves a good dose of moisture, but you don't like the sticky, heavy feel of some lotions, this one from Moroccanoil is your new best friend.

Scent: Original, Spa du Maroc, Oud Mineral, Bergamote Fraiche, Ambiance de Plage, or Ambre Noir | Size: 12.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Long-Lasting Moisture

Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Cream

View on Bathandbodyworks.com

Bath & Body Works debuted its Japanese Cherry Blossom line in 2006, and the distinct floral-sandalwood scent has been a staple ever since. But the fragrance isn't the only thing we love about this body cream. Containing hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E, and shea butter, the luxurious formula keeps your skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. "A rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants, shea butter is deeply moisturizing and can help improve the skin's elasticity," says Dr. Shokeen.

Who It's For

If you want your skin to stay moisturized all day and night, reach for this rich, buttery body cream.

Scent: Floral, sandalwood, and pear | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Long-Lasting Scent

Philosophy Pure Grace Body Lotion

$49 at Amazon $49 at Ulta $46 at Walmart

There's nothing better than a freshly showered feeling and this hydrating lotion helps it linger a bit longer with a signature fragrance that marries water lily, leafy greens, and frosted musk. Better yet, you can count on the scent to last all day. We also like that it contains shea butter, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, and glycerin to hydrate and condition the skin. "Glycerin helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, keeping it soft and supple," says Dr. Shokeen. Just know some users occasionally had a hard time getting the lotion to come out of the bottle.

Who It's For

This is a great choice for those who want to use scented body lotion instead of traditional perfume.

Scent: Floral, herbal, and musk | Size: 16 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Multi-tasker

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream

$30 at Nordstrom View on Charlottetilbury.com $2,001 at Bloomingdales

We love a body lotion that does it all, and that's Charlotte's Magic Body Cream in a nutshell. Not only does it hydrate well with a blend of shea butter, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and vitamins C and E, but it's been shown to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite in a clinical trial. It even includes vitamin C to combat skin dullness and boost radiance.

Instead of synthetic fragrance, the lotion draws its scent from hydrating ingredients and essential oil. According to the brand, frangipani flower extract not only moisturizes but also offers a light, calming aroma. And magnolia oil lends a refreshing, sweet floral scent with notes of green mint.

Who It's For

If you're wary of strong fragrances and want a lotion that tackles multiple skin concerns, we think you'll love this naturally scented option.

Scent: Sweet floral and mint | Size: 1.6–6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Vegan

Saltair Pink Beach Body Lotion

View on Saltair.com

It can be tricky to find a body lotion that is vegan, cruelty, and paraben-free, but Saltair does it. The brand has so many scrumptious body lotions to choose from, but Pink Beach transports us straight to a sunny beachside locale with notes of coconut, almond blossom, and vanilla. Besides smelling heavenly, it leans on murumuru seed butter, allantoin, and coconut oil to make your skin softer and more supple all while absorbing quickly.

Who It's For

If you want a plant-friendly lotion, we recommend this reasonably priced, generously sized pump bottle.

Scent: Sweet floral and coconut | Size: 14 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Unisex Fragrance

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Lotion

$56 at Walmart $56 at Walmart $68 at Nordstrom

Jo Malone's beauty counter fragrances are instantly recognizable, and this lotion allows you to enjoy one of its most popular ones all day long, which also happens to fit all genders. It features delicate notes of pomegranate, pink pepper, and Casablanca lily and uses coconut oil to intensely hydrate the skin. Massage it onto your body after a morning shower, and leave it on your desk to moisturize your hands throughout the day. The brand's signature packaging also makes it the chicest gift.

Who It's For

If you're buying a gift for a beauty enthusiast, we think this luxury body lotion is a stellar choice, no matter the gender of your recipient.

Scent: Fruity, spicy, and floral | Size: 8.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No