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Home » Bath & Body » Splurge, don’t Save: Shower Oils can go very right… or just very wrong

Splurge, don’t Save: Shower Oils can go very right… or just very wrong

January 12, 2015 Paris B 59 Comments

Very often, in my beauty experiments, I come across products that I consider similar in form or function and when I find them from different ends of the price spectrum, I share what I call a “Save and Splurge” post. Often, they’re products I like. It only makes sense to share things you like, and finding a good enough option to save money on is always a boon.

But today, I’d like to warn you instead that sometimes, a splurge is a lesser evil than a save option. Today we talk about shower oils.

loccitane almond oil lipidol body cleansing oil
  • Save

Let me preface this by saying that I don’t have a lot of experience with shower oils. In fact, I don’t know of many brands that do shower oils, or a body cleansing oil that you can use in the shower. So, my experience may be limited to just one, the very excellent L’Occitane Shower Oil.

Shower oils are, as the name implies, an oil that you use in the shower in place of your shower gel or soap. It cleanses your skin without stripping it of its natural oils, keeps skin feeling moist and supple and contrary to popular belief, does not leave your skin feeling oily after use. Think of it like a cleansing oil for the body – it emulsifies upon contact with water and rinses off clean. I’m a huge huge fan of the Splurge option, but I was also introduced to a Save option not long ago, so here’s what I think of it.

Oh and if you know of other brands that do shower oils, please do let me know because I’m always up to try more!

SPLURGE: L’Occitane Shower Oil with Almond Oil – RM100/250ml (Click for full review)

The splurge option is the epitome of luxury. If you have never tried the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, please for all that’s good and clean and lovely, do. The product is a wonderful thick, luxurious oil that emulsifies on contact with water, and cleans your skin beautifully without drying it out, and leaves it feeling soft and smooth and moisturised. You use it directly on damp skin, pretty much as you will any shower gel, and then rinse it off. It smells absolutely lovely and while it is rather pricey, it is a wonderful treat and lovely, when your skin is feeling dry. Every one NEEDS to try this at least once in your life, so put it on your birthday, anniversary, Christmas, or Special Occasion wishlist.

If you come across people saying it leaves them feeling oily (and I have and then I go whaa…?) it shouldn’t. Those who do find it leaves their skin feeling oily probably didn’t rinse it out or didn’t emulsify  or didn’t actually shower, or just didn’t follow instructions. The L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil is incomparable for me. I haven’t yet come across a similar product… until now, found in the shelves of the pharmacy at a tiny little pricetag. Oh hello?

lipidol cleansing body oil
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SAVE: Lipidol Body Cleansing Oil – RM24.90/200ml

Last year I was introduced to a new brand called Lipidol. You can find it at the pharmacy (Guardian pharmacy for now) where the whole range of products retail at just RM24.90 each. Yes, a tiny little pricetag. When I knew they were made by the same people who produce Bio-Oil, I took 3 hasty steps back. I hate Bio-oil. If you like it and it works for you, good for you. I hate it, please don’t try to make my change my mind because I won’t.

Incidentally, all the products in the Lipidol range bar one – the Body Cleansing Oil or what I call the Shower Oil – contain Paraffin as their key ingredient, same with Bio-oil. Suffice to say, its not going anywhere near my face or my skin or just anywhere near me. Period.

So this shower oil, I was curious. Based on the description, the light yellow oil is supposed to be infused with the scent of lime essential oil for a fresh clean feeling in the shower. Lime? Even my dishwashing liquid smells more of lime than this. There is a faint hint of citrus scent but it lies under a stronger scent of what I identify as oil on its way to turning rancid. This bottle is new, and perhaps I had my hopes up when I was told it’d smell of clean, fresh citrus. It didn’t and my nose hates it, and my perfect shower moment was spoilt.

The texture does remind me of Bio-oil – what I previously described as liquid plastic. It is lighter than the L’Occitane version and similarly emulsifies on damp skin on contact with water. It doesn’t lather, but I did manage to create some bubbles. It washes off cleanly (thank goodness!) and the scent doesn’t linger (doubly thankful!) but I don’t find the Lipidol Body Cleansing Oil to make my skin particularly smoother, more moisturised or feel more comfortable. In fact, I felt it to be a wee bit drying, like how my face feels after I use a facial cleansing oil (my dry skin doesn’t like facial cleansing oils anymore).

I’ve used the Lipidol twice. Once to try (I quickly rinsed with a better smelling shower gel after that) and the second time to give it a second chance. I’m not giving it a third chance I’m afraid. I’m done with it and never going near it again.

Save or Splurge?

You know my answer. Suck it up, get the splurge option. It’s not something you’ll use everyday, but when you do use it, your body knows the difference and loves the feeling. You feel pampered and cocooned and your skin feels lovely and smooth and you waft a lovely scent from the bathroom to your bedroom. It’s lovely. But if you are looking for a shower oil to use daily and you aren’t fussed about scent or weird textures then I suppose the Lipidol would be an option. Personally, it’s not for me. Yeah, maybe I’m a snob, sue me 😛

Have you tried the Lipidol Body Cleansing Oil and want to change my mind? Are you a fan of the L’Occitane Shower Oil?

I’m afraid it’s not going to be possible to change my mind on this one. I’m sorry, Lipidol, it just doesn’t cut it as far as I’m concerned. In this instance, I’d much rather pinch my pennies, and save to splurge, rather than to just save 😉

Paris B

L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil Price: RM100/250ml Availability: L’Occitane stores and online | Lipidol Body Cleansing Oil Price: RM24.90/200ml Availability: Guardian pharmacy

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About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

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59 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. Angelina says

    January 12, 2015 at 9:23 am

    I love L’occitane shower oil but stopped using it. I had an accident before, haha. It got into my eye during shower and I thought I was going blind. Now using another brand of shower gel.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 5:31 pm

      Goodness! How on earth did it get into your eye! But yes, I can imagine that’s scary – cleansing oils used to do that to me!

      Reply
  2. Barbara says

    January 12, 2015 at 9:31 am

    I love Biolane almond oil. It’s a spray you can use on body or in the bath. I absolutely love it. It leaves the skin soft and hydrated. Check it out:)

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 5:58 pm

      It sounds lovely, thanks for the recommendation Barbara 🙂

      Reply
  3. Shasha says

    January 12, 2015 at 9:50 am

    I absolutely LOVE the L’occitane Shower Oil, that I even have backup refill packs of it stashed away just in case I ever run out 🙂 Though I don’t know why since a little goes a long way anyway, the 250ml one lasted me more than 6 months 😀

    When Lipidol first launched here, I was mildly interested, but after hearing how some bloggers just hated it, I decided to just stick with my trusty L’occitane instead! Lipidol just smelled horrible to me.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 5:59 pm

      Backup refills! Now that’s dedication 😉 But you’re right, it does last a while doesn’t it? I don’t use it too often (too expensive for everyday) but definitely at least once a week. I think we can safely just ignore Lipidol to be honest. I find their products too gimmicky especially that sunscreen oil. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to use it, and it’ll make a mess of your makeup!

      Reply
  4. Zulfa says

    January 12, 2015 at 9:52 am

    I Love the LÓccitane Almond shower oil. Have been faithful to it nearly a decade. Even beats my collection of Korres shower gels.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      Amen to that! I tried some Korres shower gels a while ago, but wasn’t impressed 🙁

      Reply
  5. chikanoz says

    January 12, 2015 at 10:13 am

    loccitane almond shower oil is the best so far. agreed its a little bit pricey but its a good product to invest. try topping up with the almond body lotion, its just awesome.
    i tried victoria secret show oil but loccitane still the best

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      Oh using it with the Almond body lotion would be decadent! Good idea 🙂

      Reply
  6. Sawpore says

    January 12, 2015 at 10:52 am

    I love Loccitane Almond Oil (but not the price tag)! The scent is so soothing and relaxing which is exactly what I need at the end of the day to prep me for a good night’s rest.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:01 pm

      Exactly! Who wants to smell of rancid oil I ask you 😛

      Reply
  7. Tine @ Beautyholics Anonymous says

    January 12, 2015 at 10:55 am

    I’ve only used one shower oil and that’s the L’Occitane shower oil that you mentioned. Funny but I’m not compelled to use shower oils. I’ve had that same L’Occitane one for years yet I’ve not even finished it. I guess I’m not a big fan of shower oils. Having said that, if I were a fan and do use shower oils in moments of indulgence, then I’d splurge. All the way. Times for indulging and pampering calls for the good stuff. The stuff that aren’t used regularly but saved for special occasions. Somehow Palmolive (just saying, IF they make shower oils, that is) doesn’t cut the mustard for indulgence. 😛

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:02 pm

      LOL yeah I think I’m just really into oils 😀 But I can understand why it can be hard to use a shower oil, especially in the shower when it can get messy. But try it in the winter months. I think you’d appreciate it more then 😉

      Reply
  8. JackieA says

    January 12, 2015 at 11:09 am

    I purchased the L’Occitane almond oil many years ago and I just did not like that Almond-ey smell…….it was a fabulous shower oil though and now that my skin is getting drier as I age, I must think about revisiting this all over again!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:03 pm

      I’m not usually a fan of Almond scents but I could tolerate this one. I do get what you mean though about the scent – it’s not that pleasant and I personally would like if it wasn’t as strong. But I do like how my bathroom smells after that – sublime! 🙂

      Reply
  9. xin says

    January 12, 2015 at 11:12 am

    i have disposed the lipidol, couldn’t even bother to let anyone else try it.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:03 pm

      I’m going to do the same! Wasting space 😛

      Reply
  10. Sunny says

    January 12, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    Ahhh experiments do go wrong. I’m glad at least it wasn’t an expensive one!

    I love the L’Occitane one a lot, but Rituals (a Dutch brand. I’m beginning to see it in the North American blogosphere as well) makes a pretty good (and more affordable) one as well! Winter is slowly getting to my skin. Might as well get all the help there is!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:04 pm

      Thankfully not! Oh and you had to tell me about Rituals! I found a website that sells it and that will ship internationally so I’ve put it on my radar! Enabler! 😉

      Reply
  11. Robert c. says

    January 12, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    Surprisingly (or not), personally (keyboard warriors hold your horses), I find that I’m not one to save on something for a ‘special occasion’. Like for example, High end candles or expensive shower products (e.g. the L’occitane shower oil). I find that my approach to life is that you are alive now and you deserve to live well now, thus if you have nice stuff, you should treat yourself/use it now. Like, we are going to die one day and thus just use the nice stuff. (sorry I’m terribly pessimistic there).And I find this applies to mostly everything too (e.g. skincare items/ porcelain plates/china/ sofas etc). Whew, I’m terribly off topic already, sorry.

    But anyways, I’ve had the Neom Bath and shower oil (i think it’s the tranquility version? Unsure) and I have to admit that I am not really a fan? For some reason, I prefer bubbles. Yes bubbles (ha!). Maybe it’s a psychological issue, that bubbles = cleaner? I just personally don’t enjoy how the oil feels on my body. But this is not to say I oppose the use of oils though, as I do enjoy facial oils and moisturising body oils (which is weird, maybe because it sinks in and disappears quicker??).
    Oh and for some reason, I don’t tend to be daring enough (read: don’t trust) try drugstore dupes/version of body oils/serums/ moisturiser (borderline) -even though they do have good options. I find them sometimes inferior.. well at least some that I have tried. But saying that.. Neutrogena body lotion is good.( why am I contradicting myself uh)

    sorry for the loooong out-of-topic comment!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:11 pm

      Carpe diem and all that eh, Robert? 😉 While I do tend to agree with it to a degree, I do like keeping some things for a special occasion, provided of course, that they aren’t just locked away forever. It happens! So I burn my candles, but perhaps not everyday. Ditto the shower oil. I’ll use it, but not every day (primarily because it’ll just cost too much to replenish if I go through it too quickly – more of an economical point than an enjoyment point 😉 ) Oh and Neom does a shower oil too? I’m going to have to look it up. I bought one of their candles. Very nice!!

      Reply
  12. Lily says

    January 12, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    L’occitane shower oil all the way. I used quite a few bottles and it’s the only one I used during my pregnancy until now 7 weeks postpartum. My skin was dry and this certainly made a difference. Won’t be trying the Lipidol one anytime soon then. Thanks for the heads up!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:11 pm

      Haha yeah, don’t bother with the Lipidol, it might irritate your nose! 😉

      Reply
  13. Karina says

    January 12, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    I feel like I also outgrew cleansing oils. I loved them a lot before and tried all the Shu Uemura variants, the Muji ones, etc. They can’t be beat in terms of convenience, but I’m not as excited to use them as I was before.

    That said, I haven’t tried the L’Occitane shower oil because I’m put off by the price, though I really want to try it for my dry skin. I just might get it soon ’cause I want to see how it performs VS my daily shower oil (which I hoarded from my local Duty Free until I ran out): Eucerin Calming Body Wash Daily Shower Oil. I’m not sure if you’d like the smell, it’s pretty weird. Hopefully not like Lipidol 😛

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:13 pm

      It’s interesting how our skins change as well Karina. In my case, my skin just couldn’t handle the cleansing oils and they’d break out from being too stripped! I guess we now know that cleansing oils really do deep clean eh? 🙂 L’Occitane sometimes does value buy sets that include their shower oil. It’s expensive I’d agree but they do last a while. Just be careful not to let water get into it, just like cleansing oils and you’ll be good 🙂 Oh I didn’t know Eucerin does a shower oil! I actually love the Eucerin shower gel which people say smell weird too haha So I guess I’m good with the scent 😉

      Reply
  14. Philippe says

    January 12, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    You really don’t do the cheap option in the shower oil section, it’ll feel like a complete waste of a cheaper product. The money you save is also the luxury and nice skin feeling you’re missing out on. I don’t do this in a cheap version period. It’s a treat, worth the splurge 😉

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:14 pm

      Nope nope, you don’t do cheap for oils, period 😛

      Reply
  15. Anis says

    January 12, 2015 at 8:51 pm

    Have you tried the Eubos Shower Oil F? That was the first shower oil I\’ve ever tried and it was back when my eczema was super cray-cray. It\’s for dry to very dry skin, it didn\’t offend my nostrils with its scent (I think it smelled lightly of soap? Don\’t quote me though) and it\’s not expensive.I also have the L\’occitane shower oil. It\’s nice…oddly enough I like the scent but don\’t love it? I wish they had scents like the Laura Mercier bath stuff, I think those smell diviiiine..

    Reply
    • Anis says

      January 12, 2015 at 8:54 pm

      What the deuce happened to my comment? What’s with all the \\\? Sorry about that.

      Reply
      • Paris B says

        January 15, 2015 at 6:16 pm

        Don’t worry, WordPress does that crazy thing sometimes. I’ve been trying to stop it but it’s not working >.<

        Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:16 pm

      Hmm now that you mention it, I may have seen it in the pharmacies, but no, I haven’t tried it. Might be nice because my legs are feeling really dry lately. One part of my body I neglect terribly, sad to say 😛 I too wish that L’Occitane had a nicer scented oil like lavender or something. Like you, I don’t mind the scent, and I do like it to a degree, but it’s not a scent I’d like to wear around for too long 🙂

      Reply
  16. nlngstar says

    January 12, 2015 at 10:54 pm

    I’ve not tried the Loccitane shower oil but I’ve good experience with the Sebamed shower cleansing oil, it contains almond oil, for me it smells lovely and leaves my skin soft but not oily. Anyway, I do always believe that we pay more for quality =]

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:27 pm

      Making a note of that! Thanks for the recommendation! Sometimes, we do pay more for quality but it sucks when we do pay more and still dont’ get quality eh? haha

      Reply
  17. rage says

    January 13, 2015 at 1:47 am

    Hey i suggest you try this out sometime and write a reviewvon it please? I’m curious!
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2896527/Can-powdered-paper-perfect-skin-Marianne-Power-puts-test.html

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:29 pm

      Hahaha you know what? I saw this somewhere and it reminded me of the olden days when blush and lipstick did come on powdered sheets of paper! I’m afraid I’m not going there so I won’t be able to report back on it. Personally, I’m not sold but then never say never eh? 😉

      Reply
  18. rage says

    January 13, 2015 at 1:49 am

    Where did my comment go? 🙁

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:29 pm

      I rescued it from the spam bin! Links are spammed automatically, to deter spammers 🙂

      Reply
  19. Angelina says

    January 13, 2015 at 7:27 am

    The only shower oil I’ve used so far is the eucerin shower oil. I don’t have particularly dry skin but it still left my skin feeling softer and smoother. Another plus is that it’s cheap at around $20+ SGD for 100ml I think.

    Reply
    • Angelina says

      January 13, 2015 at 7:28 am

      *1000ml

      Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:31 pm

      You’re the 2nd person to mention the Eucerin shower oil, Angelina! I’m going to have to check it out and if it’s affordable, I don’t see why I can’t treat my skin to oil everyday 😀

      Reply
  20. Firn says

    January 13, 2015 at 10:50 am

    Ooh, I have been using my unsuitable cleansing oils to clean my hands of sunscreen, post-application. I’ve been using up my old cleansing oils this way. More effective than soap alone.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      January 15, 2015 at 6:31 pm

      Good call Firn! I did that once when I had this sticky waterproof sunscreen on my arms. The only thing that would remove it was cleansing oils!

      Reply
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