I Love Smelling Like a Tropical Paradise, so Here's My Starter Pack
As much as I wish I could spend every day of my life sunning on the beaches of Saint Bart's, that's not realistic for my work schedule or budget—sigh. There is, however, a way I can feel like I'm there that doesn't require a long plane ride from L.A. Whenever I could use a pick-me-up and want to feel like I'm on a tropical vacation without actually leaving my apartment, I pick up something from Ouai's amazing St. Barts collection.
Trust me. If you haven't given anything from this collection a sniff, you should change that immediately. The scent alone instantly transports you to a tropical paradise, but it also helps that every single product in the collection is good—from the hair items to the bodycare. I guess you could call this my ode to the collection. It's been a favorite of mine for months, and I couldn't go another day without shouting about how much I love it. If you love constantly smelling like a tropical paradise, too, then you'll want to keep reading. I'm sharing all my faves from the collection below.
This is the newest addition to the St. Barts collection and, boy, is it good. I have dry, coarse curls that could always use a bit of extra moisture, and it helps when that oil also smells tropical and delicious. Ama oil, borage oil, and galangal-root extract in this formula help shield hair from humidity and heat while addressing any damage.
This bodywash is what initially made me fall in love with this collection. I opened it up in the shower, and it was love at first sniff. It's rich in hydrating oils like rosehip, jojoba, and castor, and it contains brightening ingredients like vitamins C and A.
For gentle (yet powerful!) exfoliation, I turn to this scalp and body scrub. I'm not usually one for scalp scrubs, but this is one of the few I love. Sugar crystals provide a gentle polishing effect and improve microcirculation. Coconut oil in the formula is also extremely hydrating, so it doesn't leave you feeling tight or dry.
For the final touch on my bodycare routine, I finish with this breezy-smelling body cream. It's so decadent and hydrating with cupuacu butter, squalane, and coconut oil. It keeps my skin hydrated for hours.
What I really wish is for Ouai to drop a St. Barts perfume (ahem), but in the meantime, this hair and body mist is the next best thing. I love spritzing it on in the morning before work, but I've also taken it on vacation to really enter OOO mode.
More Tropical-Smelling Products I Love
This Isle of Paradise body butter smells incredible and is one of the most hydrating body creams I've used. It contains star ingredients cica and panthenol to soothe rough, red, and irritated skin.
Saltair has so many deliciously scented bodywashes, but Exotic Pulp has juicy notes of orange and guava that I just can't get enough of.
Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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