Beauty testing: 14 best body scrubs

Tester says: "This scrub smells heavenly: it's invigorating, very grapefruit and lime with an undertone of nut oil to balance the scent. The first time I used it I was in a rushed, grumpy mood and decided to quickly use some in the shower. As I rubbed it into my shoulders and arms I was first very impressed with the quality of exfoliation. Then the salt began to disintegrate and my skin was silky smooth -- like nothing I had ever experienced. Suddenly my all my worries had lifted and I spent 30 minutes indulging in a full-body exfoliation, completely forgetting why I was grumpy in the first place. (I'm not plugging the product - this is all true!) Plus, something in it is fighting the terrible breakouts I sometimes get on my chest and back -- my skin is smooth, clean and actually nice. It's my new summer skin beauty secret!"

Available at select stores; visit albabotanica.com for retailers

Tester says: "The scent is nice, very refreshing and subtle. It's a good scrub, but a bit abrasive for my skin, although it would work well for someone who needs stronger exfoliation. My skin feels supple and soft -- very smooth! And you definitely can't beat the price."

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart

Tester says: "I'm picky about fragrance -- I don't like anything strong or that smells too fake -- so this scrub is perfect for me, and for anyone else sensitive to scents, as it starts out unscented and you can add your own essential oils (also available from Escents). Extrasmooth skin and customizable fragrance, from a Canadian company? I'm sold."

Available at Escents stores and select retailers and at escentsaromatherapy.com

Tester says: "I adore the spicy citrus-and-ginger scent of this scrub -- it helps wake me up in the morning and leaves me wanting to sniff my skin all day. The scrub makes my skin super smooth, even my feet, although I do have to be careful as it makes the bottom of the tub a bit oily. And the tub packaging means I can get every last morsel out before I run off to buy a new one!"

Available at select The Bay locations and origins.com

Tester says: "My skin was so smooth and soft! The scrub has larger grains than I'm used to -- but it does such a better job than any other scrub I've used! The smell was very rich and deliciously sweet, nice for a pampering treat. It's the best scrub I've ever used. The price (for me) is steep, but I enjoyed it so much and the tub is large enough that I would definitely buy it in the future."

Visit cakebeauty.com for retailers or to shop online

Tester says: "This scrub is stickier than other ones I've used in the past, but it feels nice going on, like you're actually getting some traction. It's not oily and it doesn't chunk up like some scrubs. It's in a tube, it's easy to use and, like any Chanel product, the packaging looks stunning and crisp. The smell is quite perfume-y and best for those who like strong scents -- make sure to smell before you buy. I noticed a huge improvement in my skin -- I have those little red bumps on the backs of my arms, and after using the Chanel scrub to exfoliate there, I saw and felt a noticeable improvement. This is the first and only product I've ever used that has helped. I've been looking for a scrub like this for years!"

Available at Chanel beauty counters across Canada; chanel.ca