If you’re anything like me, a trip to The Body Shop, even for a quick browse – is an opportunity to indulge in all of the wonderful, fruity scents their products have to offer. Whether it’s opening the tubs of body butter for a quick sniff, which range from Satsuma (one of my favourites) to Shea Butter, or spritzing one of their ‘good enough to eat’ body sprays, I could spend hours in there.
Since it takes me a good few months or so to get through one of their products (because the ‘portions’ are very generous), I can only ever justify a purchase at several intervals throughout the year. So much to my delight last week, I was sent a few gorgeous treats from their new Colour Crush and Raspberry collections – so I decided to review them alongside a few of my previous purchases. Unfortunately, smellovision/or smellinternet hasn’t yet been invented (can you imagine?!) and my writing doesn’t quite do the gorgeous scents justice, but if you are passing by your local Body Shop – you might be vying to step inside after this post.
First up are a few products from The Body Shop’s make-up collection, a few of which I’ve been wearing for months – and several that I have only just been introduced to. The make-up section in The Body Shop really is unlike any other brand on the beauty market, since the ingredients they use are all sustainable, fair-trade and free of nasty parabens etc. This of course limits how they produce their products – which usually means the selection is smaller than other brands but by no means comprised, especially when it comes to pigmentation. In fact, I’d go as far to say that The Body Shop are one of the best, if not the best for vibrant, rich and bold shimmery tones.
As the official make-up sponsors for Fashion Scout in February, The Body Shop were responsible for the gorgeously bright, on trend colours we saw grace the catwalk at Freemason’s Hall. One of my favourite pieces, which appeared time and time again was their colour crush lipstick range. Ever eager to please, they have recently brought out a brand new and improved Colour Crush Shine Lipstick which I love, appearing in the shades Fuschia Flirt – which is a silky, bright pink (almost neon) and Magenta Be Rouge, a beautiful, purple pink undertone rich shade.
I think the colours speak for themselves, however the silky, yet matte application is definitely worth noting, as they are so simple to apply and amend, in addition to having fantastic lasting power. This is all thanks to the cherry-seed ad marula oil ingredients, which are sourced fairtrade and are part of the Eudafano Women’s Co-Operative, which is helping nearly 2000 women to earn a fair income. They are absolutely perfect for popping in your suitcase – and can be teamed with a pastel playsuit for day-wear or a white dress for evening-wear.
Similarly, their eye shadow range is equally as pigmented and vibrant, yet versatile enough to mix and match for smoky eyes, or on their own for statement looks. I love Sugar Gaze (001) which is a creamy white, Steel My Heart (005) a metallic smoky silver and Blue Over You (515) a midnight blue, put together to create a hazy, smoky look. Again, easy to apply and long lasting (with no colour fade or creasing) they are some of my favourites when it comes to shadows.
Of course, The Body Shop are world famous for their delicious body products, made in an assortment of fruity, creamy ‘flavours’ (as I like to refer to them) and perfect for pampering. Shower gels, scrubs, lip butters and creams are just some of the delights on offer, however the generous tubs of Body Butter are probably the most recognised and renowned. I own about six different ‘flavours’ but my favourite has to be the new Raspberry sent, housed in deep pink packaging, with a strong, sweet, yet not overpowering scent. A tiny dollop certainly does go a long way, with its hydrating properties practically unrivaled by any other brand.
The Body Scrub, which could pass rather convincingly as a jam, softly exfoliates and removes dry and dead skin cells, whilst leaving your skin smelling – again, good enough to eat. It’s so easy to use in the bath (which has the added bonus of leaving the bath water smelling amazing) or the shower and it is gentle enough that even the most sensitive of skin types (mine included) can be rest assured that it won’t cause a reaction.
If a trip to The Body Shop is long overdue for you, make sure you pop into your local on your next shopping spree – and keep an eye out for their Colour Crush and Raspberry ranges. The limited edition Luscious Raspberry range is available in stores from 15th April 2014 until stocks last (since it’s seasonal), so if you’re interested in trying it – make sure you get in early! The Colour Crush Shine Lipstick’s are also available from 15th April. Indulging your senses is free, but beware – it might persuade you to splash out!
