9 best body butters

Determined to revel in buttah-soft skin during typically alligator-skin months, we tested nine formulas. Here's the scoop.

1. Fruits & Passion Pineapple Butter (Slimming), 250 mL, $20
Open this body butter container and savour the smell of summer. The fruity pineapple scent is delicious, so beware as those around you will just want to eat you up. As for applying the body butter, it is smooth and luxurious but you'll definitely want to save it for bedtime so that your skin can soak up all of its moisturizing goodness overnight (I wouldn't want to get dressed for the day after putting this on).
--Sarah Rogers, web editor

2. Deserving Thyme Mega Moisturizing Body Butter, 120 mL, $20
My skin tends toward oily, so I was skeptical whether I even needed a body butter -- and sure enough, the product stayed sticky on my skin for hours. But when I tried it on my dry feet and elbows, it soaked in quickly and made them super soft. As for the citrusy scent, touted as the essential oils of orange, tangerine and mandarin, it reminded me of Rockets, those pastel-coloured candies that always turn up around Halloween. So pick this up if you want to smell as sweet as candy.
--Kat Tancock, web editorial assistant

3. Canus Goat's Milk Body Butter, 250 mL, $10
At first, the scent of this body butter from the jar is almost overpowering. However, after application the scent softens and becomes very "fresh" -- like mint and fresh grass. The butter feels sticky at first, but quickly sets into the skin for a smooth, silky feel. Dry areas like knuckles and elbows soaked up a few applications without becoming greasy. I'm most impressed that this body butter stayed on my skin after washing my hands. They were still moisturized and lightly scented.
--Colleen Tully, web production assistant

4. Pure Natural Shea Lav, 250 mL
I love body butters and while this product isn't exactly "buttery" (it's a bit more waxy), it works incredibly well. Made with all-natural ingredients, it leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft and moisturized. It's a little on the sticky/waxy side, so while it may not be ideal for day-wear, it's fantastic at night. Put some on your arms and legs before bedtime and you'll wake up with skin that's as smooth as a baby's...well, you know...
--Natalie Bahadur, web editor for Read 9 things you should know about antioxidants.

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