The Body Shop Lip Butter

I remember when I got introduced to this brand, the first product I heard about were lip butters and the lip duos. However, after years of using The Body Shop products, only last week while browsing through their store at Acropolis, Kolkata; I realized I still hadn't tried their oh-so-famous lip butter. Taking advantage of their "Falling for you" sale, I immediately bought the lip butter. They only had it in Shea [I assume by the sign on the cap, however, it isn't mentioned anywhere]. Does it come in only one variant? Let me know if there are others?

This makes a set to the Vanilla Bliss lip balm I had bought 2 years back [It has shimmers!] I really liked it but it was a holiday edition. I never found it again.

I bought this for Rs. 250/- [10ml]

The Body Shop Lip Butter

The Body Shop Lip Butter

The Body Shop Lip Butter

I really like this product. It feels very soothing on my super dry and chapped lips. Unlike most lip balms, this does not sit on my lips. After 5 mins, my dry lips literally soaks in the butter and it feels really moisturized. 

The main ingredient is Hydrogenated Castor Oil. Free from parabens.

It even tastes kinda sweet :P 

I'm not sure whether it'll melt in hotter days, being a butter. That's yet to be seen. The butter being in a tub form seems to be the only con. Not the most hygienic. But if I judge correctly, the texture does change according to the weather hence a tube or a stick form wouldn't work.

The size is tiny and very handy. It fits well into my handbag. And I love having it all the time. For emergency cases, it's an  easy cure for dry hands or any dry patches anywhere.  

If you're wondering whether it's better than lip balms? Then yes, it works better than MOST lip balms [except one]. Light and creamy in texture and more moisturizing. 

Although, I prefer The Body Shop Vit E lip balm with spf 15 over this. If I take Vit E lip balm out of the picture, I'd pick this lip butter over every other lip balms.

Well worth it's value. Not too costly and it actually works.

Another 'The Body Shop' product that surely impressed me.

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Have you used this? What do you think of lip butters? Or would you rather prefer a lip balm? If so, which one?

2015 FAVOURITES { SKINCARE }

Skintype - Extremely Sensitive. Prone to rashes and allergies. Very oily during summers and very dry during winters. Here's the detailed version. Also check it to know how I cleared my skin.

I'm hoping similar skin types can get some help/reference from my favorites. These are what have really worked for me.

So...Here are a few of my favorite things! 

2015 FAVOURITES - SKINCARE

1)      Neutrogena deep clean Facial Cleaser – HG!! Does not strip my face off moisture. Cleanses it thoroughly. Best of all it suits my ultra sensitive skin. Controls my break outs.

  2)     TBS Tea tree face wash-  Summers in Kolkata are horrid. This was a saviour. It feels so fresh and tingly. Cleanses beautifully and does not irritate my skin! 

3)      TBS Aloe toner – Game changer. I never realised the importance of toner until this came into my  life. This solely soothed my hyper sensitive skin and rashes. Gem!

4)      TBS Aloe soothing Gel –Again, in combination with the Aloe toner...Amazing. If you have hyper sensitive and irritated skin, you need to try this combo!

5)      Neutrogena Oil free moisturiser (Sensitive Skin) – Basic moisturiser which does its job to the T. Keeps my face moisturised. Gets absorbed in the skin within a minute. Does not make my face oily.

6)      Lotus Herbals 3-in-1 matteDaily Sunblock – Oily skinned people, this is your man! Can also be used as a tinted suncreen. Although this does not really give any coverage. Only slightly evens out the skintone. My staple during Summers.

7)      Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch sunblock(spf 50+) – The best Sunscreen ever! Does not make your skin oily. Feels like a primer.

8)      Neutrogena brightening serum – Used up 2 bottles of this. Again, sensitive skins should try to incorporate a serum in your routine. Helps to soothe the skin a lot. Not a fairness cream, mind you. But this helps to even out my skin tone.

9)      TBS Drop of Youth Bouncy sleeping mask – One product which literally worked on my skin overnight. Expensive, but guys one jar has lasted me 8months and counting. I’m no where near finishing it. Amazing product! Worth all the hype.

10)   Maybelline Baby Lips –Mango pie/Berry – Staples again. These obviously need no explanation.

11)   Boroline – Old and gold. The ONLY thing that cures my dry chapped, bleeding lips. CANNOT live without it.

12)   TBS cocoa body butter – The only thing that worked on my swollen pregnant hands and feet to keep me moisturised.

13)   Bio Oil - Really worked when I had itchy stomach and breasts during pregnancy. Can't say if it prevented stretch marks 'coz I did get some. But I like to believe it could’ve been a lot worse if not for this.

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Have you used any of these? Did you like them? 

Let me know your favorites. It could help me!

The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Cream Body Scrub Review

Product Description:This gently exfoliating body scrub smells like freshly picked peaches. It lifts away dead skin cells and leaves skin peachy soft.

 Lifts away dead skin cells.

Stimulates skin surface microcirculation.

Leaves skin feeling softer and smoother.

Delicate peach scent.

  

 Price:         Rs.1095/-

OK! So I’m obsessed with The Body Shop lately. But with the sales going on… I couldn’t help myself going a little overboard. But you knowwhat? I don’t regret it. Atleast not this buy for sure. Saw this on 50% sale. So ofcourse I had to get it. Because I needed one. Really.

I was sold the minute I smelt this. I’m usually not a fan of fruity smells. I’m probably the only person who doesn't like the strawberry range of  The Body Shop. I find it sickeningly sweet. I’m more of a nutty and vanilla fan generally. (But I don't like the vanilla range of TBS even. It’s too artificial. Am I the only one who thinks so? Pls comment)

But this one smells truly like peaches! It’s not that artificial and not too sweet. It’s light, fresh and ah-mah-zing! I feel like having a bath with it everytime I take a whiff of it.

The texture is creamy and contains peach seed powder, coconut shell powder and transparent salts as exfoliaters. The scrub does not lather. It has just the right amount of creamy yet that gritty texture. Not too rough to be abrasive nor too soft to not get any work done. The exfoliators do not dissolve when mixed with water. Which I like. 

It's not too difficult to wash off.

It leaves my skin feeling soft, supple and very moisturized.

Because of the creamy texture, it does not dry the skin. It is great for winters, however I don’t think it’ll be suitable for summers.

I use it once a week or once in 10 days.

The fragrance does not stay long after the bath. I wanted to get the Peach Body Butter along just to prolong the scent. But it wasn't on sale. Also I have a brand new Body Butter yet to finish.

If you haven’t already, go take a sniff at it…NOW. If you like the smell, I highly recommend this scrub.

HOT/NOT:  HOT! Would love to try other variants but only on sale.

My everyday Skin Care Routine for Winters!

Hey There! 

Kolkata is perfect right now. Perfect chill in the weather. Not too cold but cold enough. And this obviously demands a change in the skincare/haircare/clothes and practically everything. 

My skin loves the cold… it behaves itself, it’s not angry or grumpy. (Of course minus the mood swings during PMS times )

Thankfully the routine I’ve been following since a month is working well for me. Touch wood…  And I hope this helps you some way…

My Skin type- Unpredictable. Combinational. Ultra Sensitive. 

Hence i'm trying to make a consious effort to use products with less alchohol and parabens.

Skincare routine

Step I-

 I use Johnson’s Baby Oil as a makeup remover/cleanser. And it works beautifully! It breaks down every bit of the makeup. It works on waterproof mascaras Like. A. Boss.

I’ve literally forgotten about my Loreal makeup remover after using this. I’m not even tempted to use that or anything else for that matter.

 Does not irritate my eyes. Does not break me out.

I know a lot of you’ll be thinking…”Girl! That baby oil has mineral oil in it!.”  Yeah. I know. With regards to the debate whether mineral oil is good or bad, I think it's all a MYTH. If it’s good enough for a baby…it’s damn well good enough for me.

Anyhow here are a few links you can check out and make up your own mind.

https://askanesthetician.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/why-does-mineral-oil-get-such-a-bad-rep/

http://skincare.about.com/od/skin101/tp/Skincare-Myths.htm

Basically I believe if a product works for you… Use it. It’s not necessary that a natural product won’t break you out. It’s all about what works for YOU. Individually.

Price:  50ml ; MRP: Rs.48/-

Step II-

After I’ve scrubbed the oil out of my face, along with the dirt and all, with cotton, I use my Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash. It does not foam too much. And I like that for the colder season. The foaming face washes dry out my skin too much. Just finished my Neutrogena Clean Facial cleanser (Look out for my empties post for this quarter). Love it. Also Clean and clear facial wash has been my staple since like…ever! (Do you realise my mental affiliation towards Johnson & Johnson related products)

Price: 250ml ; MRP: Rs.695/- 

Step III-

After I’ve dried my face with a clean towel, I use The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner. Just a few drops on cotton suffice. 4 drops, to be exact, for my face and 2 drops for my neck. It soothes my skin and removes any remaining dirt on the face (Believe me even after all those previous steps the cotton turns out dirty :\)

Initially I didn’t realize the importance of this step. But before, I would get these acne kind bumps on my face. Not really acne or pimples. It did not hurt or itch, nor did they turn into white heads. The skin specialist said it was kind of an allergic reaction to something.

But since I started using this toner, the bumps (I don’t know what to call them!) have visibly lessened. Toner majorly helps to maintain the PH level of the skin and calms down the irritations. Now someone with a normal skin type might not realize the difference after using a toner. But those with sensitive skin, I’ll urge you to start using a toner. Start with rose water. Use it religiously twice a day, if you don’t want to invest in something costly.

Price – 200ml ; MRP: Rs.795/- 

A 200ml bottle is going to last me forever!

Step IV-

I let the toner set and dry for 4-5 mins. During daytime on weekdays when I have to go to work I put on my Neutrogena Ultra sheer Dry touch Sunblock, over it.  

At night or during the day when I’m home, after the toner dries, I then apply the Aloe Soothing cream. Just a pea sized amount is enough for the whole face and neck. This range also has a night cream. But this is moisturizing enough for me. Need to be a little careful since excess makes the face oily. But that's ok for the night when I'm retiring to bed anyways.

Neutrogena Ultra sheer Dry touch Sunblock Price- 88ml; MRP:Rs.499/-

TBS aloe Soothing cream Price- 50ml ; MRP: Rs.995/- 

STEP V-

I then apply the Vitamin E Eye cream under my eyes and on my eye lids. This I apply only at night while I’m retiring to bed. Keeps the eye area super moisturized. Claims to reduce appearance of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles. Everything that I need.

Honestly I still don’t know if it’s working or not. But I know it's an essential for the longer run and I’m a hopeless optimist.

Price- : Rs.995/- My Buy: Rs.746/- ; 25%OFF

Step VI-

When I’m all moisturized and squeaky clean, I finally dab on some lip balm and I’m done!

So that's my routine and has been helping me for quite sometime...

*What do you think works for you best? *

GOSF 2014 Mini Haul - The Body Shop

Hey there!

In this year's Great Online Shopping Festival Sale I treated myself The Body Shop!

I've been eyeing these two products for quite some time now. So obviously I jumped at it when I saw these two on sale.   

GOSF 2014 Haul

TEA TREE Skin Clearing Facial Wash - MRP: Rs.695/- ; My Buy: Rs.347.5/-; 50% OFF!!

RAINFOREST COCONUT HAIR OIL - MRP: Rs.695/- ; My Buy: Rs.299/-

I am super impressed with the delivery, I must say. I ordered online on 9th Dec'14. The confirmation call came on 10th and I received the products on 11th evening! :O

Needless to say I'm super happy with the deals and can't wait to start using them!  

The Body Shop Haul

This is the first time I went all out and treated myself to a TBS Haul.  I have used the Vitamin E Day cream before. In spite of the raves, it did not impress me too much. I found it was too oily for me during daytime. I used it up during winters as a night cream. I have combinational skin type (face)…most of the time. During winters it is quite dry. To make things worse, I have super sensitive skin. I get rashes due to anything and everything. I want my day time moisturizer to be gentle with minimum chemicals and do it’s work i.e. moisturize  without making me an oily mess.  (Not really an ‘au natural product’ person; anything that does not irritate my skin shall do. )

I searched online and came across some good reviews about the The Body Shop’s ‘Aloe’ range. It sounded interesting and I was in a mood to splurge!  ;)

 

These are what I bought:

1)        Aloe Soothing Day Cream for Sensitive skin   (50ml ; MRP: Rs.995/- ; After Discount: Rs.746/- ; 25%OFF)

2)       Aloe Calming Toner for Sensitive Skin  ( 200ml ; MRP: Rs.795/- ; After Discount: Rs.596/- ; 25%OFF)

3)       Vitamin E Eye Cream  (15ml ; MRP: Rs.995/- After Discount: Rs.746/- ; 25%OFF)

       4)      Vanilla Bliss Lip Balm [Holiday Edition]   (6gm ; MRP: Rs.400/- After Discount: Rs.200/- ; 50%OFF)

       5)    Blueberry Body Butter [Special Edition]   (200ml ; MRP: Rs.1195/- ; After Discount: Rs.598/- ; 50%OFF)

      6)      Rainforest Balance Conditioner (250ml ; MRP: Rs.795/- ; After Discount: Rs.398/- ; 50%OFF) 

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 I wanted to get the combo Facewash-toner-cream all from the Aloe range. But didn’t find any amiable reviews on the face wash so skipped that.



The Body Shop - Aloe Soothing Day Cream



The Body Shop - Aloe Soothing Day Cream

 

The Body Shop - Aloe Soothing Day Cream

 

It’s been almost a month since I’ve been using the toner, day cream and the eye cream religiously. So far so good. My skin is noticeably behaving better. Won’t claim using this has stopped the acne or my rashes but it’s MUCH better. I can see the difference in my skin. More healthy. More moisturized.

 

After I’ve cleansed my face with my face wash, after drying I then  apply the Aloe Calming Toner with a cotton pad. It takes some time to judge the amount to be applied. Too much makes the face a bit oily. 3-4 drops work good for me (It’ll last forever!!). I let it dry a while…like for a min. Then apply the Aloe Soothing Day Cream. Again little goes a long way. It feels oily right after applying, but after a min or so it soaks in giving a healthy look.

The Body Shop Haul

 

 

 

During Day time I usually wait a min to let the cream soak in, then apply my BB cream.

During nights, I use the Aloe day cream (maybe a few dots more) and then the Vitamin E eye cream. Dot the eye cream around my eye sockets and massage it gently with my finger.

The Body Shop - Vitamin E Eye Cream

 

 

Frankly haven’t figured out whether the eye cream is working wonders or not. I have always had terrible under eye dark circles and eye bags.  But a month back I discovered a few fine lines along my eyes, which freaked me out. So I splurged at this best selling eye cream.

The Body Shop - Vitamin E Eye Cream

 

 

My dark circles are better. But that could be because my sleeping hours have become more regular and more importantly routine. I’ll probably write an updated post on the eye cream after better usage. 
 


The Body Shop - Vanilla Bliss Lip Balm

 

I bought the Vanilla Bliss Lip balm completely on a whim. And ‘thank the whims’ that I did!


The Body Shop - Vanilla Bliss Lip Balm

 

While checking this out in the shop, I swatched it on my wrist to check the scent (The sample had lipstick marks on it from previous use I presume. Ladies pls try the samples on something less private… coz it’s just gross for the next person!!). I quite liked it and the packaging was too adorable plus it was on flat 50% discount . So ofcourse I grabbed it! Half an hour later, while sipping on my hot chocolate, I suddenly realized the shimmers on my wrist and a slight vanilla scent still lingering. Ohh the joy!! My lip balm smells of vanilla and has shimmers in it!!

With Flash

The initial scent is a little artificial toffee-ish but it settles in well. It’s quite moisturizing without being sticky and it keeps my lips moisturized a good 3-4 hrs. Even after that it does not leave my lips dry.
Coming to the shimmers, no it’s not very noticeable or chunky on the lips. It’s just transparent balm with fine shimmers which slightly reflects light a tad bit making the lips look shiny and healthy and Oh-so-Pretty!    



The Body Shop -Vanilla Bliss Lip Balm

 

 

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Me saving the Blueberry Body Butter for Winter. Smells AH-MAH-ZING. Very fruity, true blueberry scent. Am just a 'sane' breath away from licking it!!
Need to buy the Rainforest Balance Shampoo first, to go with the conditioner. Shall post on these later once used.

*Did you go crazy on The Body Shop Sale too? What are your favs?*