Beauty: Slather selection

Kio Kio Body Cream. Photo / Babiche Martens

Fragranced body creams, lotions and oils are an indulgent way of ensuring skin stays smooth. While there's plenty of economical moisturisers out there that do the job, this is the time of year to indulge, so we've sought out some choices that might just make the Christmas list.

1 Grown Mandarin Rosemary Leaf Body cream $39

New, upmarket natural skincare line started by two Melbourne-based New Zealand brothers. Good enough to eat and lovely for gifting. (From Smith & Caughey's and selected salons, spas and pharmacies.)

2 Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion with Royal Jelly $40

Royal Jelly moisturises while mica, a light-reflecting mineral, helps make skin look more radiant. There's minimal fragrance, so this is ideal for someone looking for action not aroma. From the grew-like-topsy American natural skincare company that has just introduced its full range here.

(From Smith & Caughey's, Urban Loft, selected health stores and pharmacies. Freephone 0508 734 460.)

3 Roger & Gallet Rose Moisturizing Body Lotion $25

Light rose scent is a pleasantly safe choice to purchase. (Department stores and selected pharmacies.)

4 Bobbi Brown Beach Body Lotion $70

Fresh, outdoorsy aroma reminiscent of Coppertone. Made for a fresh summer.

(From Bobbi Brown counters.)

5 Sans Baobab Regenerative Body Cream $70 and Activator 7 Body Oil $70

Smart new, all-natural range developed by Auckland hairdresser Lucy Marr; harnesses the power of plants. The oil is citrus fresh and free of the greasy feel imparted by mineral oils. (From The Department Store and Lucy and the Powder Room www.sansceuticals.com.)

6 Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion $13.99

Australian natural skincare line that takes its ingredients seriously, yet manages to deliver them at a good price. Contains lavender essential oil and skin-nourishing aloe. (From leading health stores and selected pharmacies.)

7 Bridget Black Lemon Lime and Basil Skin Conditioning Body Milk $28

This fresh scent is energising without being overpowering and the cream is enriched with anti-oxidants. Smartly priced and packaged.

(Stockists or online at www.bridgetblack.co.nz.)

8 Kio Kio Rainforest and Koromiko Body Cream $59.50

Another New Zealand natural range, this takes inspiration from the Pacific environment. Of four fragrance choices, this is most rooted in our land, with the light scent having a hint of earthy undertone as befits a cream said to smell like the bush in the morning after it has rained.

(Stockists include The Vault, Tessuti and Tuberose, Auckland. www.kiokio.co.nz.)

9 The Body Shop Nutmeg and Vanilla Body Butter $35

One of the newer fragrances out in these reliable body butters. Will bring a touch of the Middle East to your bathroom. (From The Body Shop.)

10 Essence Narciso Rodriguez Scented Body Cream $135

A little lighter than the popular perfume of the same name, though the handsome silver tub is satisfyingly weighty and looks impressive. (From bigger fragrance counters.)

11 Estee Lauder Private Collection Jasmine White Moss $150

Luxurious cream for someone special. If they like white flowers, they'll love this. (From Smith & Caughey's.)

12 Joico Skin Luxe Sweet Pomegranate Hydrating Body Creme $23

Anti-oxidant rich pomegranate is one of the in ingredients in skincare.

(From selected salons. For stockists ph 0800 456 426.)