I have atrociously dry skin, so I need to get going with some body lotion I guess. Or if you can suggest something better, that's cool too. I've used Nivea body lotion in the past but now I want something vegan, like me! I have whole body dry skin so it can't be expensive stuff I have to conserve too much of. I'd also prefer something that doesn't have a really strong smell. And I need something that will help me kick this dry skin! Suggestions?

Hmm..one of my faves is the moisturizing cream from Trader Joe's, the "extra dry formula" It even works pretty well on knees, elbows, feet..all the tough spots. :)

The Bath and Body Shop has some nice ones - they're cruelty free.

I LOVE their lotions, though they probably don't qualify as "cheap" (but hey - I'm worth a bit of "pampering") - they have an "In Shower Moisturizer" that's just great, and I find I don't have to use NEARLY as much 'regular' moisturizer afterwards...

A second vote for Trader Joe's. Do you have one in your area?

I do, though I've never been there. Here's a good excuse to go! :)

vegetable oil!
it is definitely the most economical and beneficial for your skin. Aruyvedic medicine says never to put something on your skin that you wouldn't put into your body (the skin is a very permeable organ after all), and that makes a lot of sense to me. I've been using coconut oil exclusively on my body and face for a couple of months, and my skin has never looked better. don't worry about looking greasy or your pores getting clogged....most people's skin seems to react extremely well to veg. oils....I'm a massage therapist and I use grapeseed and/or olive oil on my clients (slightly less expensive than coconut, and less smelly. food grade is fine for your skin) and they love it.

Whole Foods' 365 (store brand) is quite affordable and works great!

Warning: Shameless self promotion

I'm a fan of my own homemade lotion bars. It's a solid lotion. Shag has tried them and I can't shut her up about them :)

http://www.cypherware.ca/freshtart/

Another vote for Trader Joes. The TJ brand stuff is cheap and works fairly well.