The 2024 SELF Healthy Beauty Awards: The Best Body Care Products
Just so you know: These stained one tester’s palms even though she washed and exfoliated her hands immediately after applying her lotion, so you might want to consider applying with a mitt.
Best Hair Removal Tool: Answr Exfoliating Hair Removal Drop
Why we love it: When you think of a hair removal device, you probably picture something with blades or lasers, but this unassuming, teardrop-shaped product looks more like a pumice stone with a smooth texture. All you have to do is rub its glass side in circular motions over dry skin and the friction will cause your body hair (and dead skin cells) to fall off. No sandpaper texture, no blades—it just…works!
One tester said: “I was SO skeptical of this. I didn’t know how the hell it would work—and more importantly, how the friction wouldn’t burn my skin. I have thick, dark hair that grows SO fast (like a day after shaving), and I have NEVER seen my skin look this hairless.”
Best Razor: Billie Pink Sparkle Razor Starter Kit
Why we love it: Shaving cream is optional with this razor thanks to the super-moisturizing coating around its blades. (Wild, right?! But one of our testers swore it was possible.) And this kit comes with a holder that sticks to your shower wall and magnetizes to the handle, so you don’t have to worry about the blades rusting in a pool of water on the side of the tub.
One tester said: “This is my new go-to razor for sure, and I’ve been using another brand since I was, like, 12. The aloe moisturizer on the razor head is really nice and feels cool and silky against my skin. I got a smooth shave and didn’t need to use shaving cream.”
Best Shave Oil: EOS Cashmere Shave Oil
Why we love it: A shave oil feels a little fancier than a cream, and the fact that it stays on your skin, instead of washing away like a foam does, makes it extra luxurious.
Bonus points, per the experts: Glycerin, jojoba seed and coconut oils, and shea and cocoa butters give this its soothing powers.
One tester said: “I’ve tried a lot of shaving creams and implements over the years, and all are pretty similar—effective but not, like, moving. But this one was genuinely an improvement on the form! It’s a luxe, thick liquid that felt like it conditioned my skin while I was shaving.”
Just so you know: The oil’s strong, vanilla-y-but-better fragrance might be a deal-breaker if you’re overwhelmed by scented products.
Best At-Home Body Wax: Crybaby Wax I’m Sensitive Meltdown Vegan Hard Wax
Why we love it: If you’re nervous to try at-home waxing (understandable!), this kit is a great place to start—it has clear instructions to put your mind at ease, and it’s made for sensitive skin, so it’s as painless as ripping out hair can possibly be.
One tester said: “The wax went on smooth, wasn’t too tacky, and came off in one fell swoop; I was worried I’d have to go in a few times, but that wasn’t the case. I was happy to not have to shave my pits for, like, a week afterward, and my lip looked good for about two.”
Best Body Scrub: European Wax Center EWC Treat Get Smooth Skin Clearing Body Polish
Why we love it: Before you moisturize, it’s a good idea to get rid of buildup, and that’s where this gritty scrub comes in. You can also reach for it any time your skin is looking dull or when you need to get rid of the last remnants of self-tanner. It’ll buff your skin to its softest state (and prep it for better hair removal and to absorb more lotion).