Xmas 2015 / Frosted Plum Collection from The Body Shop

Like every year, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to The Body Shop Christmas selection; established lines include the Frosted Cranberry and the Glazed Apple (you can read more here btw) that come beautifully packaged in fruit shaped tins, or the fragrances gift sets - like White Musk or Italian Summer Fig.

The new scent for 2015 is the Frosted Plum which smells delicious and features a tantalising, purple packaging.

The trademark scent is sweet but not too sweet - with plum extracts from orchards in Turkey, mixed with elegant notes of peony and magnolia.

The range has an healthy selection of items to envelope the body with this inviting fragrance from tip to toe, from morning to night.

One of my favourite products is The Body Shop Frosted Plum Shimmer Mist* which is a perfume with silver shimmery particles in it; it's a real decadent addition to any collection and it comes in a glass bottle, making it a very special gift for anyone.

If you're a glitter lover, The Body Shop Frosted Plum Shimmer Lotion* is the one for you; whilst the mist is subtler and you can use it on focused points, the lotion covers the body with a veil of sparkle. The Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana leaves the skin velvety to the touch and  Perfect for the party season!

The Body Shop Frosted Plum Lip Balm* comes in a classic tin and it contains Community Fair Trade beeswax; it's the prettiest shade of purple in the tin, but it applies clear and glossy on the lips.

The Body Shop Frosted Plum Body Butter* has been keeping me company every evening after a shower, in the last couple of weeks; I love a good The Body Shop body butter and this new fragrance is putting me in the right festive mood.  It also contains Community Fair Trade organic Babassu oil from Brazil which leaves the skin moisturised and conditioned.

The Body Shop Frosted Plum Bath Fizzers* are any bath-lover dream; they will fill the bathroom with this juicy scent and the bathtub with an indulgent milky water. A real treat!

There is also a festive selection of cute bath sponges like the cute fellow bear below to complete any gift bundle.

The Body Shop Frosted Plum Collection also includes: Shower Gel, Hand Cream, Soap, Sugar Scrub, Candle and Home Fragrance Oil.
Have you tried this range from The Body Shop yet? What is on your wishlist?

New In / The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Essence Lotion

The recently launched Oils Of Life from The Body Shop is a collection of luxurious, high end skincare items, containing three precious seed oils aiming at revitalise and repristinate radiance to the skin.

The line includes: Intensively Revitalising Facial Oil, Intensively Revitalising Cream, Intensively Revitalising Gel Cream, Intensively Revitalising Essence Lotion and a Twin-Ball Facial Massager.

The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensively Revitalising Essence Lotion* is a Oil-In-Water Bi-Phase formula where the water is infused with 3 selected oils: Black Cumin Seed Oil from Egypt (rich in antioxidants), Rosehip Seed Oil from Chile (containing Omega 3 and 6) and Camellia Seed Oil from China (naturally rich in nutritive oleic acid).
Seeds give life to a new plant, making their oils the most concentrated sources of essential nutrients on Earth.
The combination of these potent, cold pressed seed oils delivers instant results and they are suitable for every skin type and age.

The lotion is a daily toning step, after cleansing and helps prepare the skin for the next step in your beauty regime: the water feeling is refreshing on the skin and I especially enjoy it in the evenings, after wearing make up all day. At the same time, the oil particles nourish the skin, leaving it soft to the touch and smoother.

I'm a big fan of facial oils. I usually use them in serums/treatments form but some can feel a bit tacky on the face; this bi-phase formula is fantastic in delivering the benefits, without leaving the skin greasy. Definitely thumbs up from me!
Have you tried this new The Body Shop range yet?

New In / The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Collection

Looking for a refreshing scent this summer? Look no further than the trusty british The Body Shop which came out with another cracking collection for summer!

Virgin Mojito include notes of crisp mint leaves from the Caribbean and zesty lime juice and - as always with The Body Shop - the smell is spot on and accurate  (without naughty calories).

The range includes 5 products: start the day with a refreshing shower with the shower gel and invigorating body scrub; follow with a cooling and moisturising body sorbet or the 24hr hydration of the traditional body butter. Finally, add another layer with the body splash which is a light fragrance to keep your skin beautifully scented and refreshed all day.

I'm not too good with overpowering fragrances as they give me an headache; also, you don't want something too concentrated in the summer as the combination with the heat can created irritation too.

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Splash* is such a revelation!

It's like splashing your body with a parfumed water that wraps you in a fluffy cloud of scent all day long.   

The combination is immediately uplifting for the soul, especially if you're confined to the office instead of lazing and relaxing on a beach, this summer.

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Sorbet* is definitely my favourite of the line. 

The skin quenching gel texture leaves the skin with a beautiful glossy sheen, perfect for these exposed legs and arms.

It's such a pleasant experience to massage into the skin and instantly absorbs, without any sticky residue.

I'm a long time lover of the body butters, but I've become an immediately converted to the body sorbets now - for summer and hectic days.

I don't find you compromise on hydration and it leaves the skin smooth to the touch.

Have you tried this range yet? The invigorating and balmy scrub is next on my list to try.

New In / Spring 2015 from The Body Shop

The new exciting collection, signed by The Body Shop is the Fuji Green Tea.

I had great expectantions for these products and they certainly exceeded my hopes - This collection is beautiful! 

 The scent in particular was a lovely surprise, since I was apprehensive that it would be too leafy, like the drink can be; instead, it is crispy fresh and calming on the mind. 

This line is infused with real green tea leaves, picked from the Mount Fuji area in Japan so you also benefit from the antioxidant  and detoxing properties of this plant.

 This is instantly become my favourite range from The Body Shop... and it comes in my favourite colour, too - Mint Green! :)

It includes: Exfoliating Soap, Body Scrub, Body Butter, Body Sorbet, Body Lotion, Shower Gel, Eau de Cologne, Bath Tea & Bath Infuser - to recreate a perfect Tea Ceremony for the body!

The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body Butter* has a light, air-whipped consistency that doesn't feel sticky and absorbs easily. It also provides 24-hour hydration and adds a velvety touch to the skin.

Lovely to use in the morning and leaves your skin softly scented for the whole day.

The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub* comes in a 250ml transparent jar.

It has a jelly consistency with green beads to gently exfoliate the skin; it's like a splash of water on the skin and the ideal to get rid of dead skin cells at the end of a hard week. I also find that the gel doesn't strip moisture or leave my skin feeling tight.

The Body Shop Vitamin E range has been a best seller for over three decades and to celebrate this achievement and icon status, the products have received an all British makeover. The packaging has been redesigned, incorporating the Union Jack and with a pink, feminine touch. You can pick up the Vitamin E Moisture Cream, Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet, Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil in store now.

The latest addition to the line - The Body Shop Vitamin E Eyes Cube* is an anti-fatigue stick that revitalise and refresh the eye area; the stick helps massaging this area and to attenuate puffiness and dark circles. 

I usually apply the product from the tube and then tap it in with my ring finger; I also keep it in the fridge, to enhance the cooling effect.

It is a best way to wake me up and start a new day, paired with the Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet which has become my Springtime moisturiser of choice. You can read the review I wrote last year here.

Have you tried any of these products before?

Which are your The Body Shop staples?

Valentine's Day 2015 / The Body Shop Smoky Poppy Collection

Smoky Poppy is the new Limite Edition Collection from The Body Shop, just in time for this year Valentine's Day!

The range includes a Poppy Seed Scrub, Body Butter, Body Lotion, Shower Gel, Bath Bombs, Massage Oil and Eau de Toilette.

The sensual black packaging is pleasing on the eye too and - the popping red flower - is definitely spot on the theme of the love month; the products look sophisticated and they are perfect to immerse yourself in a pure indulging and relaxing experience.

If you feel adventurous or planning a special night, I recommend to try the massage oil or to share a bath bomb with your loved one; if you're more of a traditionalist then - you can't go wrong with the shower gel & body butter combo!

The Body Shop Smoky Poppy Body Lotion* comes in a shiny generous 250ml pump bottle; the light-weight consistency sinks right in, leaving the skin velvety soft. 

The scent is extremely seductive and euphoric and it's infused with hand picked flowers from Turkey.

It's an addictive and captivating fragrance, warm and slightly spicy making it unisex, in my opinion.

The Body Shop makes the best body scrub and the Smoky Poppy Poppy Seed Scrub* doesn't disappointing.  

It contains poppy seeds from Turkey, making it an heavy duty exfoliator and just how I like it! Also, thanks to the extract of oil-rich poppies, the skin is left baby soft and not dried out. 

This is a truly addictive line and a very exciting new release from The Body Shop... I can't wait to see what else the year brings.

Have you stocked up on the your favourite items yet? I predict these products will sell out real soon!

Christmas 2014 / The Body Shop Glazed Apple Collection

The Body Shop Glazed Apple Collection is a HUGE range that includes a Eau De Toilette, Body Polish, Body Butter, Shimmer Lotion, Shower Gel, Bath Sprinkles, Bath Jelly, Soap, Lip Gloss, Lip Tint, Hand Cream, Sparkler and Home Fragrance Oil.

There is also a super adorable apple shaped gift set - The Body Shop Glazed Apple Tin of Treasures - that includes a selection from the line, in travel size format. 

This new fragrance just came out ideally before Christmas; it’s not your typically Christmas scent (like spiced apple or frozen berries) but still festive & delicious and sure to make an impression when gifting.

The products and the packaging with their bright green colour and frosted sparkles are also perfect for this time of the year.

The Body Shop Glazed Apple Body Butter* has got a creamy, rich texture and comes in the traditional 200ml tub.

It contains shea butter and leaves the skin conditioned and softly sweetly scented; it is not a sickening smell tho, but more of crisp, fresh fragrance - thanks to the fruity notes of the fresh apple - and warm vanilla.

I love the slightly green tint of the product itself too :)

I'm sure you're already familiar with the moisturising and fast absorbing qualities of The Body Shop hand creams and the Glazed Apple Hand Cream* is no exception. Same fantastic formulation with shea butter and apple seed oil to give relief to dry skin, without leaving any greasy residue.

Furthermore, for example the soap or the shimmer lotion make great stocking fillers or you can pick up the gift set for that tricky secret santa at work. 

The range is truly versatile and you’re bound to find a product to please everyone, for every budget and to make an impression for originality!

Have you seen this line in store yet? What do you think?

Review / The Body Shop Vitamin C Facial Radiance Powder Mix

It’s nearly Party Season and as we carefully chose outfits and accessories, we should certainly pay extra attention to our completion too, especially in this harsh weather.

My skin gets extremely demanding in winter – demand for hydration, demand for radiance and oil control.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Facial Radiance Powder Mix* is an intensive treatment and a magic potion in a bottle.

Because of its purity and concentration – once mixed - the product needs to be use within 10 days.

To prepare the product, you simply press the button to release the Vitamin C powder into the serum and shake well; it also comes with a handy droplet to avoid any waste.

The mixture is to be used as a regular serum, mornings & nights, and layered with a moisturizer on top.

It contains Amazonian camu - which is rich in Vitamin C - and Community Fair Trade aloe vera – which sooths and hydrate the skin.

It slightly tingles on the skin and absorbs immediately. It seems to enhance the skincare benefits you get for your daily routine, improving the texture and awakening blood flow. It’s really impressive! The results are nearly instant and from the first morning, I could notice my cheeks being rosier and my skin smoother.

This is an effective treatment to add seasonally to your routine, especially when you are in need to renew the skin or give it an extra boost!  

Have you tried this product yet?

The Body Shop / Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet

This summer, The Body Shop brought out a collection of lightweight, cooling treats for the body and face.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet* appealed to me straight away, especially with the untypical warm weather that we have experienced in Scotland... and what sounds better than a sorbet, right?

My skin is middle of road, normal/combination without any particular requirements so I tend to prefer gel/light consistency for comfort, anyway.

What can you expect from a product that is called sorbet? A splash of freshness, injection of hydration... and that’s exactly what you are getting with this skincare! The formula contains Aqua Sphere Technology - microscopic moisture spheres that deliver 24hr feed of moisturisation to the skin.

The freshness also feels soothing on irritated skin and cheeks are left plumped up; it also contains mineral particles that absorb oil and mattify the complexion.

The consistency is a dream, but quite heavily floral scented so be aware if you’re a sensitive to powerful smells.

This has certainly been a summer staple for me and will do me good well into Autumn with these mild temperatures.

There is also a new range of The Body Shop Body Sorbets in mouthwatering scents: Strawberry, Mango, Peach, Satsuma and Moringa.

Have you tried any of these yet?

Empties / Summer 2014

Hello chicas!

You may have noticed that I’ve been absent for some time; I haven’t been feeling really well lately but now I’m better and I thought to easy myself into the Blogosphere again with an inoffensive (and overdue) Empties post. ;)

Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash: I adore these body washes, especially for the shower since they don't foam up a great amount; they are so creamy, don’t dry the skin and last ages. I really like the tube, which is practical for the shower. Wild Rose is not my favourite scent but it’s pretty delicate.

Repurchase: yes, I already have a stash ;)

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Firming Plus: I don’t use self-tan products regularly, but I like to keep a bottle in my stash for special occasions (e.i.: weddings, holidays); this is fool-proof to apply and develops slowly, so also risk-free. It has firming properties - which is always a bonus - a fresh scent and no 'biscuity' at all.

Repurchase: Yep.

The Body Shop Shea Sugar Body Scrub: You can't go wrong with The Body Shop scrubs; they come in all different scents and consistencies. The shea is one of my favourites - love the buttery scent and the sugar particles provide very good exfoliation; it's a tad oily, so be aware if this is not your thing.

Repurchase: Absolutely!

Nip+Fab Bust Fix Plumping Treatment: This was a sample from a magazine and I had been wanting to try it for ages; quite a generous size for a freebie too. The product itself is very pleasant on the skin, lightweight & not greasy and a comforting scent... but it's too pricey in my opinion.

Repurchase: no, because of the price tag.

Nourish Radiance Purifying Cleanser: This is a cleansing milk and it has been a staple in my routine for many many mornings; I like to be 'delicate' in the morning and simply put some on a cotton wool, followed by a toner - no stripping products for me, thank you!

I love that it's 93% organic, which is something that I'm starting to pay particular attention to, lately.

Repurchase: maybe - I really like it, but you can easily find cheaper alternatives too.

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask: This is a lovely mask, but I kinda of find that all REN masks are very similar. This provides a chemical exfoliation, thanks to the acids in it, and it has a lovely fruity/pineapple scent. It left my skin super clean and brownie points for the natural approach too.

Repurchase: probably no - I'm currently addicted to the REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial. 

La Roche-Posay Ceralip: this is a lip balm as strip down as it can get; no perfume, colour - simple wax to sooth and repair the lips. I've been using it on-and-off for over 10 years now... and it delivers! It's also recommended if you suffer from allergies and rashes.

Repurchase: yes.

New In / The Body Shop Spring Trend 2014

I’ve been wanting to try The Body Shop Shimmer Cubes palettes for a while; I was first mesmerised by swatches that I saw online and they certainly don’t disappoint in person either.

I read comments of people thinking that they looked messy and too delicate but they are actually very compact powders and – let’s put it this way – they won’t crumble if you stick your finger in them.

I love that each square comes individually cased in his own wee container, giving you the flexibility to mix and match shades and create a customize quad.

They are also extremely creamy on application, dreamy to blend and they deliver an intense colour pay-off.
As the name suggests, they are all shimmery shadows with a luminous, metallic finish; there are no chunky glittery bits and the quality is consistent (and high) on all colours!

The Body Shop has just released 2 new palettes for Spring 2014: no. 30 Spring Bronze and no. 26 Hot Pink.

I thought Spring Bronze would get all my love, but Hot Pink is surprisingly wearable and, paired with a natural lipgloss, is ideal for a fresh faced look. 

 The Body Shop Shimmer Cubes Palette in Hot Pink* contains the shades: Garden Rose, Deep Fuchsia, Light Coral, Champagne Pink.

My favourites are Champagne Pink - the lighter shade - also to be used as an iridescent highlighter on the cheekbones and Light Coral - as the perfect pastel accent for the approaching Spring season!

The Body Shop Shimmer Cubes Palette in Spring Bronze* has a safe array of hues that will suit every eye colour and to create a stunning bronzed smoky eye. 

The shades are: Rich Espresso, Burnished Gold, Dusty Fawn and Warm Copper; from Burnished Gold that will add light to the inner corner, to Dusty Fawn that will look amazing smouldered around the eyes and it has already stolen my heart – Beautiful, beautiful shade! Warm Copper also looks gorgeous on its own and paired with a coat of purple mascara, if you feel brave.

What do you think of The Body Shop Spring 2014 Collection? Head over to www.TheBodyShop.co.uk to check the hair chalks and lipglosses too! :)