I don't want anything that's too heavy or greasy. I like lotions that are really light and absorb into the skin quickly, but I need something that's pretty heavy duty when it comes to combating dry skin.
I am with you on that. I tried cetaphil and eucerin but they were too thick and didn't feel like they absorbed at all. I actually like jergins and olay quench. Believe it or not I like Dr.scholls pedicure essentials cracked skin repair for my legs. (it is in the feet/bandaid/insole section) I tried it for my feet and used the extra on my legs, what a great discovery.
Have you tried Nivea Original Lotion for dry skin? My skin is pretty dry and Nivea seems to be just right for me. It's really light and absorbs instantly.
I think I've posted this somewhere before, but it really helped my dry skin. I know you asked for a lotion, but this body wash is fantastic, especially when followed up with a moisturizer.
I LOVE Curel. I am using the original formula right now which just feels great on my skin and smells fresh and clean. It is dermatologist recommended, it always makes me feel better when buying something for my skin just to know that. The original formula is light enough that I can wear it on really hot days. There is also a formula for dry skin which I have also tried and liked as well. In my opinion it wasn't too thick but I went back to the original formula because it feels so great--light but very moisturizing. You can buy curel at Target and Sav-on and places like that.
If you want something higher end, I really like Ahava Mineral Body lotion. This stuff is awesome. You can get it at Sephora.
I would suggest maybe using a moisturizing body wash in the shower like someone else posted and then following up with a good lotion. At night you might try applying a little bit of an oil. Sometimes when I want my skin to feel extra soft I'll put some baby oil on my legs and they feel so good the next day!
i think i've posted about this before in a body lotions thread, but i love kiehl's creme de corps. you can get a huge bottle for about $40. it's not cheap, but it works better than anything else i've tried and gave my skin a really nice softness and glow.
What I found that worked for me was Aveeno Body Lotion. I use the lotion and body washes. It made my skin way softer and silker. The oatmeal smell is a plus. It's perfect.