The Body Shop Loves

In my job, if a brand doesn’t communicate with me, it kind of drops off my radar because there are just so many other products to test and use.

I’ve always loved The Body Shop – my grandparents lived in London, so we had been using it for years before it came to South Africa. But it is one of the brands that I had lost touch with. Until recently, when on our road trip up to the Eastern Cape, when I ended up in the Knysna store for ages because I had lost the hubby to Musica (a common occurrence). They had their 3 for 2 offer on everything, so it would be rude not to try a few products. (The offer is on until Christmas, I believe. You’re welcome.) All of them were hits, and I found a new favourite foundation!

I’ll start with eyes. I never used to wear eye shadow all that much until I got the Eye Colour Sticks (R160 each). The formula is beautifully soft and blendable, but stays put once set. One of the best eye shadow pencils I’ve ever used. I got the shades Bogota Emerald and Siberian Quartz.

I used liquid liner even less than I did eye shadow, so the Skinny Thin Felt Eyeliner in Black (R135). The nib is so tiny, you can create the most delicate line, but it’s malleable enough that you can create thicker lines, too.

The All-In-One InstaBlur Eye is a Tinted Concealer, Primer and Colour Intensifier, making it the best thing since sliced bread for girls who struggle with shadow fall out and creasing. It blends easily into the skin, creating the perfect base for shadow. I can’t find it on their site, so I’m not sure if this is still available, and I can’t remember how much it was, sorry.

The Matte Lip Liquid (R90 each) is an almost powdery formula that looks as matte as anything on the lips, but is still comfortable to wear and doesn’t dry out the lips. It fades evenly and leaves a subtle tint behind, so risk of 90s RnB star liner. I got the shades Windsor Rose and Sydney Amaryllis, and I’m going back for more!

Those of you who’ve been around these parts for a while will know that I favour light and hydrating foundation formulas, which is why the next three products are so exciting for me.

First up is the All-In-One BB Cream Colour Adapting Tinted Cream in 01 (R240), which is one of those formulas that comes out white, but adjusts to your skin tone when you apply it. It delivers light coverage, and does a great job at evening out skin tone.

The Bright Glow Instaglow CC Cream for Light Skin (R200) is basically 8 hours sleep in a tube. It evens out the complexion, adds a healthy glow and moisturises. I generally wear it alone on ‘no makeup’ days, but it works well under foundation, too for a dewy finish.

And finally, I saved the best for last. The Moisture Foundation in 05 (also not on their site, so probably means it’s been discontinued, just as I discover it) is an incredible dupe for my beloved Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. It’s not as good as the Chanel, but at a third of the price, it doesn’t need to be. It blends seamlessly into the skin and leaves it feeling supple and hydrated all day. It doesn’t sit in fine lines and pores and is simply the best foundation I’ve used since Vitalumiere Aqua launched.