Take a look at any beauty addict's nightstand and you'll probably find a jar of some fancy body cream perched there in all its glory - Fekkai Creme Luxueuse, Cle de Peau, maybe even the new La Mer body creme. Mine is Tocca Crema da Sogno in Cleopatra.

But then there's the big tub of industrial strength batter, ready to be slathered on in large amounts before bed, hiding somewhere in an armoire or in a drawer. Those dainty Fekkais and La Mers and Toccas are just for show (not that they don't work...but good grief, they're just too expensive to use for a nightly dunking).

My "heavy duty" standby is Sea of Life Mineral Butter with Fig Extract. Made in Israel, this super rich body cream is packed with mineral water, Dead Sea mud, oils, and extracts, and despite its thickness, it sinks right into your skin. The roughest elbows, knees, ankles, feet and hands are no match for this stuff. I have been a believer in Dead Sea mud for years, and this product does not disappoint. It makes quick work of dryness without making you feel like you've dipped yourself in Crisco!

At $50 for a massive 16.9 ounce tub, the Sea of Life Mineral Butter is still not cheap, but is a far better value than the others, so feel free to slather yourself in it before sleep. Your skin will thank you in the morning.