American Subway Horror Story, aka Lessons in Lotion

You know that thing where it's so hot that your lotion doesn’t soak into your skin? Well, last week, while riding the ever-chic subway (when it was noted that subway platforms reached up to 113 degrees, no joke), I had a super-awkward moment.

On a date with a guy I recently met, we were on our way to go way uptown to cool off in a temperature-controlled gallery when — ugh — his leg met mine and my usually beloved Kiehl’s Crème de Corps slid right off my leg and onto his.

“Wow, you really are sweating,” he said.

No! I wanted to shout. It’s just my lotion, I swear. My calves really don’t just produce that much sweat, no matter the heat. Honest. Please, you have to believe me! In my head, I said this as emphatically as when Carrie begs for Aidan's forgiveness.

So as much as I love my Kiehl’s, given the weather, I’ve had to switch it up.

Surprisingly, the answer has been in this formulated-for-baby brand, Mustela, and specifically their Hydra Bébé Body Lotion. Embarrassing packaging aside (what, it’s not like I’m carrying it around in my purse,) this stuff does wonders to keep legs looking beautiful, with just the right sheen... All without sliding right off my legs. And it always helps to be French.

Because it has properties like immediate penetrability, and a non-greasy and hypoallergenic formula, it’s ideal for the weather we’ve been having. It also boasts Shea butter, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil. The scent is totally non-abrasive, since it has to be gentle enough for the pre-tots to which it caters. This also means it’s free of all the nasty stuff like parabens, sulfates, or any icky synthetic dyes.

Add this to your list of secret weapons. May I suggest, if you are baby-less, hiding it in the back of the medicine cabinet when anyone comes over?

Thanks, baby.

Image: gballgiggs/Fotolia