Last month, I had the opportunity to visit the J.R. Watkins Naturals headquarters in Winona, Minnesota. (Want to learn more? Check out my post on The Type A Housewife.) One of the highlights of the trip was testing J.R. Watkins products and discovering some new favorites. Having been a long-time fan of their home care line, I hadn’t really ventured into their personal care stuff. But now, I’m hooked. Hopelessly hooked. With winter right around the corner (or, for some parts of the country, already here!), it’s time to bring in the reinforcements when it comes to keeping your skin moisturized. Here are some of my favorite J.R. Watkins Naturals products to help keep dry winter skin at bay.
Grapefruit Body Oil Mist
It’s made with: 100% natural fragrance, apricot kernel oil, and vitamin E.
Why I Love It: This is great for when you step out of the shower–it will help lock in moisture all day and the fresh, citrus-y scent is a natural pick-me-up on those cold winter mornings.
Coconut Sugar & Shea Body Scrub
It’s made with: Shea butter to moisturize rough patches and sugar to gently scrub them away.
Why I Love It: Well, first of all, it smells like the beach. Hello, coconut! And the one-two punch of sugar and shea are enough to knock out even the toughest dry skin.
Foot Repair Salve
It’s made with: Olive oil and beeswax, plus peppermint oil to soothe your tired feet.
Why I Love It: The smell of peppermint is so invigorating–that alone is reason to love this salve! To get rid of super stubborn dry skin, apply this salve right before bed and then put socks on over it. Trust me, it works.
Mango Hand & Body Lotion
It’s made with: 10 natural oils and flower extracts. And it’s not made with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, paragons, phthalates, and dyes.
Why I Love It: Because really, who doesn’t love mango? There’s also a hint of coconut in this scent too. Can’t I just close my eyes and pretend I’m someplace warm for a little bit? I also love that this lotion lasts so long!
Lavender Hand & Cuticle Salve
It’s made with: Beeswax and natural oils, including lavender.
Why I Love It: I’ve used similar products before and I didn’t like the greasy feeling it left on my hands. I felt like the oil just sat on top of my skin rather than being absorbed. This salve really absorbs into the skin and gets to work at those icky dry cuticles.
Lemon Cream Hand Cream
It’s made with: Shea and cocoa butters and more than 10 natural oils. Could they pack any additional moisturizers in here? I doubt it!
Why I Love It: I saved the best for last. I’m obsessed with this hand cream. Whenever I apply it, I demand of my husband to smell my hands. “SMELL MY HANDS! SMELL MY HANDS!” I’m not gonna lie, I think he’s a little bit weirded out by it. But he can’t deny how delicious this lotion smells. I can’t decide whether it’s lemon frosting, lemon cookies, or lemon cupcakes, but you get the picture–it’s not just lemon, it’s decadent lemon. And it’s super moisturizing too.
What I love about all J.R. Watkins Naturals personal care products is that they’re made with natural ingredients and many are certified by the Natural Products Association. You can find J.R. Watkins at Target, Whole Foods, and other major retailers. You can also purchase them online or from a local direct seller near you.
Disclaimer: J.R. Watkins paid for my trip to their headquarters and provided me with product samples in exchange for my honest opinion.
Great review. I looked at the trunk sale and the November specials…good ideas for Christmas gifts. OH I had forgot about their cinnamon…Granny use to use it along with the vanilla.
I love the packaging – really cute, these would make great gifts. My skin is super dry so I can use all the help I can get!
Is the hand lotion thick or is it a light lotion that absorbs into the skin? I don’t like lotions that just sit on top of my skin, and feel heavy.
It’s really thick BUT it absorbs too. I’m the same way–I can’t stand having that greasy feeling on my hands. I’ve tried every lotion/hand cream/salve that J.R. Watkins makes and they all absorb well.
Greetings!
I’m an independent Watkins Associate (#391639) if anyone is interested in receiving a Watkins catalog (and some samples). I’d be more than happy to assist you with your purchase too. Just e-mail me at: [email protected]
Thanks!
-Sandra
I didn’t know that they still made Watkins. I LOVE the packaging, good to know that the products are great as well.
Anything with coconut wins me over. I bet the Coconut Sugar Scrub is AWESOME.
Great review! Such cute packaging. Will definitely look them up!
I have been dying to try some of their products. They sounds awesome.