I spent the 4^th of July holiday in the tranquil mountains of Colorado, what I consider to be one of the most magical places in the world. The wild flowers and green fields are stunning and the views of the mountains and valleys never fail to take my breath away. While in the Rockies, I turn into quite the outdoorsy type and go psycho, feeling like I can never not be active – in fact, its quite hard for me to sit still. My typical Colorado summer day might consist of yoga, an hour-long hike into town, cardio tennis drills, golf cart driving (not playing) and a BBQ at a friend’s house.

While the culture of mountain life gives me an abundance of outdoor activities to choose from, the environment and insanely high altitude leaves my skin totally parched. Upon landing in Colorado, I notice immediately that my legs and hands especially, are much dryer than normal, and require an elevated amount of moisture to feel “normal” again.

I am constantly on the search for lotions, creams and oils that will actually last the test of time (12 to 24 hours), because the skin on the body is just as important as the skin on the face. You simply CAN’T skimp on moisturizing it. My issue is that I am always in such a rush, and applying moisturizers on my body seems like such a chore. So, I have learned to look for products that are easy to apply, dry quickly yet deliver high-impact results! I like to apply my body moisture at night and I want it to last – keeping my skin supple, smooth, and hydrated.

I have experimented with lotions, creams and oils and found that a combo of both oil and lotion (or cream) is the only way to go. I like the oil for my chest and neck, because this is a super delicate area that needs some special attention. Plus, oil on the chest leaves a lovely gleam that lasts through the whole night. I also like oil for my arms, because they tend to get dryer than the rest of my body. I avoid the oil on my stomach, back and legs, because it typically doesn’t absorb as easily, and I HATE the sticky feeling you have after putting on your clothes. Skinny jeans over oil is basically my personal nightmare.

Depending on my outfit and my plans for the day, I will also mix in a light bronzing product in with the oil or moisturizer to take my color to the next level… But that’s a whole other story. To keep it simple for today, I recommend oil for the chest, neck, and arms, and moisturizing lotion for everywhere else.

Completely inspired by my mountain adventure, I decided to put together a list of my favorite moisturizers for the BODY. In my constant effort to switch to all-natural products, I have been searching far and wide for the best – and most effective – lines. Before meeting my skin savor Tata Harper, I had always been afraid of using products that were all-natural. I worried that the technology was not as powerful and that I wouldn’t see serious results. My research proves that these all-natural and organic lines are not only good for you, but totally work! TRUST ME.

BEST LOCAL COLORADO FINDS:

Mountain Ocean Skin Coconut Trip – LOVE this new gem! Thanks to my friend Corrine for her stellar recommendation, the coconut scented lotion has made it into my daily rotation, both on and off the mountain! At $10 you don’t feel guilty really lathering it on.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Body Oil – So, this really smells amazing. It’s like a mix of almond, coconut and sunflowers! It is pH balanced and made with 100% vegetarian ingredients and 100% recycled materials. I found this at the local health food store.

BEST OIL:

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil – This is my newest obsession and is 100% pure. I love to lather this on. It is multi functional too and can be used on the nails, hair, face…and can even be used to make salad dressing! If that doesn’t make you curious, I don’t what will.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil – This all-natural rose infused body oil is formulated to intensively replenish the skin, lock in moisture and give skin a healthy, youthful glow. You can pickup this baby at Barneys. Sulfate free, smells insane.

Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Body Oil – Cult classic, I notice the smell (almost like a Chanel No. 5 vibe) 24 hours after application. This oil is a blend of eleven essential oils and derived from flowers and other botanicals that leave skin super glowy.

Caudalie Devine Oil – This is great for the legs, (when your legs are exposed) because it comes in a spray form! It’s super easy to apply and feels Amazing.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse – This multi-purpose SHIMMERING dry oil is one of my favorites. It can be used on the face, body and hair, but the best part is that its packed beautiful bronze glimmer, so its perfect for the chest, shoulders, arms and tops of hands. Its a dry oil, so its not greasy. LOVE!

BEST LOTION/ CREAM:

Josie Maran Argan Moisturizing Cream – Infused with Josie’s 100% pure Argan Oil, this therapeutic creamy, yet lightweight lotion/ oil hybrid is a blend of fatty acids and Vitamin E. In other words, this cream means business.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Cream – Love my REN and this lotion is amazing when paired with the Ren Rose Otto Body Oil, because the smell lasts literally forever. The Ramnose Sugar releases endorphins to bring a sense of comfort to the skin, mind, and soul. It also contains coconut, jojoba oils and shea butter. Love this.

Tracie Martyn Shakti Resculpting Cream –I use this on my neck and chest daily. This all-natural cream is made with organic botanicals and oils that lift, firm and deeply moisturize the skin. It is multi functional because it moisturizes as well as helps create a firmer, more contoured appearance—all in one safe and natural product!

Aesop Geranium Body Balm  – If you hate stickiness as much as I do, you will love this Australian line. Infused with nourishing Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil, as well as Carrot and Mandarin, your skin is softened and moisturized without feeling (yikes!) greasy.

With these products you’re sure to feel like a healthy, fit and all-natural mountain beauty. No matter what your day consists of, you can count on your ultra soft skin and lovely new moisturizing routine. Mountain inspired, naturally beautiful.