Body Washes with Longevity

The fact is most of us pick a body wash because it smells good. Good enough in fact that you’re willing to cover your full body with it. Because of that you know there’s no better feeling than stepping out of the shower and catching traces of that scent still clinging to your skin, reminding you just how ‘fresh and so clean clean’ you smell.

It’s unfortunate though that so many body washes smell incredible in the moment, only to disappear the second you towel off, leaving you reaching for fragrance to make up for it. But the right body wash should do more than cleanse. It should become part of your ritual. A soothing escape in the shower, a subtle yet lasting scent that lingers long after you’ve dried off. That’s why there’s something undeniably satisfying about a body wash that doesn’t just rinse away.

To get started, here are a few of my top picks for body washes that goes beyond the rinse and deliver the whole package. From deep woods to crisp aromatics and rich florals, these formulas cleanse and leave an unforgettable trail after the water stops running.

Polygonum Hand and Body Wash by To My Ships

$50 | Green, citrus, and fresh

A hidden gem inspired by Homer’s The Iliad, To My Ships is a new brand and their body wash feels like a true treat. The milled Perlite makes for the perfect exfoliant, and the scent is so strong, fresh, and truly long- lasting. You will feel and smell like a million bucks leaving the shower or like you just left an expensive spa. The scent itself is quite long-lasting, but if you really want to add more to it, they have a great roll-on deodorant and fragrance you can use to accentuate your fresh chicness. 

Black Rose & Oud Body Wash by Salt & Stone

$36 |Smoky, sultry, and lightly floral

Oud and rose is always an intoxicating combination, and Salt & Stone’s Black Rose & Oud Body Wash perfects the balance. This balance also makes it perfectly unisex. The vetiver, santal, and amber base grounds the resinous oud heart and the soft black rose top note for a smell that truly makes you breathe in deeply to absorb it all. The body wash also has some great ingredients in there like vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid which keep your skin hydrated and better able to retain the scent.

Rosemary Mint Body Wash by Aveda

$30 | Herbal, fresh, invigorating

If you love herbs, a fresh garden smell, and spring, this one’s for you. I can confidently say this body wash wakes me up because of the refreshing blend of rosemary, peppermint, and spearmint. The body wash can also be used as a hand wash and is meant to help restore your pH balance, which we’ve discussed the importance of in Scent & Skin. It’s one of Veda’s best sellers for a reason and has been known for years for its lingering crisp and herbaceous aroma.

Charcoal Body Wash by Native

$10 | oceanic, fresh, masculine

This body wash is fabulous for a myriad of reasons, but in particular it’s the perfect combination of affordability, good-for-you, and decadent, long-lasting fragrance. It’s made with all natural ingredients like activated charcoal and citric-acid to help balance your pH. It delivers a subtly smoky, mineral-rich scent with hints of fresh citrus and wood for a crisp shower that feels effortlessly cool. I find that this scent lasts for hours on its own but also pairs nicely with any musks or earthy fragrances you want to wear afterwards.

Sacred Santal Sensorial Body Wash by Cyklar

$35 | musk, velvety cashmere, warm

This body wash is so smooth and a must for sandalwood / santal lovers. Infused with warm cardamom, creamy sandalwood, and soft musk, the body wash has a genuinely long lasting scent with an effortless allure. It’s luxurious enough to use on it’s own for a subtle sensual warmth or the perfect base for a sandalwood or leather-based fragrance. It’s also a great addition for anyone looking to add to a self-care ritual, as I find it’s perfect for a night shower and soft warmth before going to bed. 

Almond Shower Oil by L’occitane

$29 | sweet, hugs, comfort

This one’s another best seller for a reason. It’s a sensorial and tactile experience as the warm, rich almond oil melts into a silky, milky lather on your skin with water. It feels really nice and soft but it also smelling incredible comforting. The oil helps moisturize your skin, which helps retain the delicate, nutty aroma that leaves behind beautiful sillage. The oil is also great because you can use it as a body wash, body shave oil, or a bath soak for all around comfort.

Re-Charge Black Pepper Bath & Shower Gel by Molton Brown

$35 | energizing, bold, spicy

For those who love bold, masculine-leaning scents, Molton Brown’s Re-Charge Black Pepper is perfect. Packed with black pepper, warm vetiver, and fresh coriander, this body wash creates a warm, spicy fragrance that really sticks to the skin with a hint of je ne sais quoi. It’s one of those scents that makes cologne or perfume feel optional after showering. If you’re looking to add this as a ritual to showering, I also recommend getting the Re-charge candle — it’s like you feel at one with yourself and your space.

Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser by Aesop

$50 | Bright, botanical, and subtly spicy

Aesop’s Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser is an effortlessly sophisticated scent—fresh yet grounding with notes of green geranium, citrusy bergamot, and a subtle peppery kick. The citrus and greens combination creates a crisp, green aroma that serves as a great refreshing, botanical scent. In short, if you love a clean, herbal scent with warmth like a breath of Mediterranean air, this one’s fits the mold. 

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