Flamingo Lotion: The $7.99 body lotion that outperforms luxury brands

I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to skin and body care, I’ve be cursed with champagne tastes. Nothing reels me in faster than luxe packaging and a list of exotic ingredients that promise to make me glow like a goddess. But I also know deep down that paying top dollar doesn’t guarantee anything. The best example? Flamingo Daily Moisturizing Lotion. A big ol’ green tube you can toss in your Target cart for $7.99 which works better than any Goop-peddled goop I’ve ever tried.

The first time I used Flamingo lotion, I squeezed out a generous glob (why hold back when it’s this cheap), and went to work slathering it onto my legs. Surprisingly it sunk right in with just a few swipes. It wasn’t sticky or greasy, and didn’t even irritate my freshly shaved legs. I was able to get dressed right away since it had absorbed so quickly and I promptly forgot about it.

That night as I got ready for bed is when I became a true devotee. As I pulled off my pants, my legs were soft. Like still freshly moisturized soft. Maybe I’ve been using crappy expensive lotions because nothing I’ve used has as long lasting an effect as this one.

Why Flamingo lotion works

I’ve now used it through all four seasons, and can say it’s a year-round winner. It’s thick and rich enough to do battle against my perpetually parched winter skin, and absorbent enough it doesn’t turn me into a slippery mess in the summer heat. And since keeping my skin moisturized seems to be the key to preventing ingrown hairs, it’s improved the overall look and feel of my skin as well. Ingredient-wise, it all makes sense. The hero ingredient, a plant-derived squalane, hydrates and locks moisture into the skin while willow bark and papaya are tasked with gently exfoliating. Squalane packs anti-inflammatory properties as well, which might be why I was able to use it right on through a few minor eczema flares without issue.

I’m also fan of the subtle scent. It’s hard to nail down, though it reminds me a bit of salty post-beach skin but with a dash of crispy freshness thrown in. (Technically it’s vetiver, bergamot, jasmine, lavender, and Asian pear but does that make it any easier to imagine?) It’s not overpowering at all and it doesn’t prevent you from wearing your favorite perfume at the same time.

In the end, I’m still going to hoard my pricey faves for the days I want to feel a little fancy. But I’ll be moisturizing with abandon in between.