Dawn Images

Like many Pakistanis, I too am obsessed with anything motia-scented, and that beautiful, floral scent is usually only available in the form of local candles. That’s why when I saw Koel’s body lotion with motia fragrance oil, I knew I had to buy it!

First things first, the scent — the lotion smelled like freshly cut motia, and I could almost smell the green stems along with the flower itself. The fragrance was very pleasant and quite noticeable, but not in an overwhelming way that dominates your olfactory senses.

As I applied it, the floral notes wafted up, and when I brought my hands close to my face for a deeper whiff, it instantly lifted my spirits. I was transported back to my childhood home, surrounded by fragrant motia bushes. This lotion made me truly understand the whole point of aromatherapy, as I was hit with an immediate serotonin boost.

The lotion itself was more hydrating than moisturising and was not super heavy or overly greasy, which is perfect for Karachi’s humid weather. It was a light, refreshing vibe overall, and I immediately looked forward to my next shower so I could slather it all over.

My next big question was how long would the scent last because delicate floral scents usually dissipate rather quickly. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the smell of motia lasted quite a while on my hands. It did gradually decrease, but I could smell the faint notes of freshly picked flowers for the next two hours or so.

Over time, I also noticed that the lotion was genuinely hydrating, and my skin felt wonderful. If you’re as obsessed with motia, especially the fresh flower, this lotion is a must-buy!

Priced at Rs1,866, it’s more affordable than some of the imported options available at stores (ahem Body Shop and Bath and Body Works). According to its label, the lotion is eco-friendly and crafted with fresh, natural ingredients. It contains extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil — all great for nourishing your skin!

Koel also offers motia-scented soap and fragrance oil, all of which are available to order nationwide on their website and in their stores in Karachi and Lahore.

I rate this product a 5 out of 5.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This article is part of an ongoing series on supporting local products. All the products are independently evaluated and reviewed by a member of the Images team and reflect their personal opinions. If you’re a local business and would like to be featured, reach out to us at imagesdawndotcom@gmail.com.