If you’re anything like me a quick trip into town always involves a visit to The Body Shop. Luring in passers-by with an array of fruity beauty goodness, I can never resist a browse of their wares, even if I already know exactly what is on my wish list. With a plethora of colourful body butters on offer, an amazing new range of dry oils (which I featured in my last must haves post here) and a beautifully pigmented make-up collection, The Body Shop is a one-stop shop for all things gorgeous – and so when the opportunity arose to attend the launch of their new collection – the Wild Argan Oil range, my instant response was a resounding ‘yes please’.
Hosted at the Moroccan themed Momo Cafe, just off Oxford Circus, the launch was a celebration of the miracle working Argan Oil, in addition to standing as an introduction to The Body Shop’s new fair-trade community project. Rather than just sourcing it from the cheapest supplier, the team behind the new range actively researched and visited the places that make Argan Oil, before setting up a new site in Morocco, providing new opportunities for women there – empowering them and allowing them to earn an income of their very own.
Arriving with my blogging bestie Em Sheldon who I haven’t seen in absolutely AGES due to us both having commitments and Uni – and Em’s gorgeous friend and fellow blogger Ashley James, we were greeted by the lovely Body Shop team, who each of us know from Fashion Scout events, before being treated to virgin raspberry mojitos (mmmm) and delicious Moroccan themed canapés. We had our names written in beautiful Arabic letters, which was a keepsake in itself. A rather intimate affair with just thirty of so of us, I spotted a couple of bloggers I’d met before at previous events (including Hayley and Victoria) – so it was really lovely to catch up with them before settling down for the presentation.
Argan Oil – although widely used in the beauty industry since it’s dramatic unveiling several years ago – is a very indulgent and luxurious ingredient, not only caring for your skin and hair but leaving you smelling like you’ve just stepped out of a spa. The new range features the purest Argan Oil possible, incorporating it into a bath and body collection which leaves you feeling glowing, healthy and fresh from head to toe.
My favourite product from the collection has to be the Miracle Solid Oil for Body & Hair, which although on first glance looks a little candle-esque – is actually a step-up from your usual multi-purpose gel-like moisturiser (Vaseline etc) and hydrates and penetrates areas prone to dryness. The areas for me include my elbows, eyebrows (oddly) and lips – and this is ideal for sorting these out. A quick swirl of the tub quickly melts the formula, leaving you with a silky wax-like gel to apply. It smells absolutely divine – as does the entire range – and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and supple for days.
Also on my must have list is the Radiant Oil which comes in a handy spray bottle – and doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily or greasy, but sinks in (almost immediately) to hydrate, moisturise and provide a little summery shimmer.
After being thoroughly educated about the oil – and its history – The Body Shop had one last treat in store for us – a belly dancer. Rather than simply performing a routine, the dancer (whose name I wish I’d made note of) spoke to the room about the dance, what muscles it engages (it helps with core strength, in case you were wondering) and why it’s an amazing, sensual and empowering form of exercise to get involved in. She picked on a few rather nervous participants to practice the moves she’d demonstrated – although Victoria was amazing and did a great job shimmying!
With the formalities over, it was time to chat all things beauty – as well as getting a few snaps outside. Overall, we had such a lovely evening and it was so nice to be able to speak to everyone on a personal level, even if we went off topic slightly. I love that the blogging community is so intertwined, interconnected and supportive of one another. Events like this make me proud to be a blogger!
The new Wild Argan Oil collection will be launched into stores from August onwards, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for when this arrives in your local branch. I know I’ll be popping in there regularly – even if it’s just to have a good sniff! I will be writing a full review of the products very soon!
