Sparkled Beauty

The Body Shop's latest launch, and an LE collection at that, has been the Pinita Colada.

Anticipating it being a hit, I took advantage of the 50% off sale + 20% LYB discount offer and bought all 4 items in the line. No regrets!

I love tropical summer scents in body products, which in this case are passion fruit and pineapple (top notes), coconut water and maraschino cherry (heart notes) and coconut liquor and light rum (base notes). The line is said to be paraben free as well.

First item, a basic one - the shower gel.

I know there is not too much to tell about shower gels, unless they don't clean and/or lather well, which is totally not the case with this one as it is said to have a lather rich soap-free formula. I am easy to please in this department, no complaints. 

Ingredients: Water (Solvent), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Surfactant), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Surfactant), Glycerin (Humectant), Fragrance, Acrylates Copolymer (Stabiliser), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster), Sodium Chloride (Viscosity Controlling Agent), Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate (Skin Conditioning Agent), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Honey (Humectant), etc.

The bottle is 8.4oz/ 250ml, reg. $10.

The Pinita Colada body butter also upholds The Body Shop's body butter reputation - moisturizing, rich but lightweight.

The scent in this product is more intense than in the shower gel, so I save it for night time, in case people around me are scent sensitive, especially at work.

Ingredients: Water (Solvent), Glycerin (Humectant), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (Emollient), Cetearyl Alcohol (Emulsifying Agent), Ethylhexyl Palmitate (Emollient), Myristyl Myristate (Emollient), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (Skin Conditioning Agent), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (Emollient), Glyceryl Stearate (Emulsifying Agent), PEG-100 Stearate (Surfactant), etc.

The tub is 6.9oz/ 196g, $21.

Now body sorbets are a summer favorite of mine, as they are light and refreshing, melt fast into the skin. The gel-like format is easy to travel with, less leaky risk.

I especially love to apply it on the skin after a day out in the sun and stock up almost all body sorbets The Body Shop carries. Enough said?

Ingredients: Water (Solvent), PEG-8 (Humectant), Glycerin (Humectant), Butylene Glycol (Humectant), Isododecane (Emollient), Fragrance, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Emulsifying Agent), Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2 (Absorbent), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Hydrogenated Tetradecenyl/ Methylpentadecene (Emollient), etc.

The tube is 6.75oz/ 200ml, $16.

Lastly, the body scrub, blended with real shredded coconut. The particles are fine, not abrasive on the skin and rinse well.

Ingredients: Water (Solvent), Glycerin (Humectant), Butylene Glycol (Humectant), Cellulose Acetate (Film Former), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (Emollient), Cetearyl Alcohol (Emulsifying Agent), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (Emollient/ Hair Conditioner), Decyl Glucoside (Surfactant), etc.

The tub is 8.4oz/ 240g, $22.

There is a gift set for $40 but is always excluded from sales. For fear of the line being gone so soon, I have already bought backups of the sorbet and scrubs :) Most tropical scents are strong, so please be mindful of others' sensitivity.

I am still wondering sometimes why cleansing balms do not get the raves that they deserve, compared to cleansing oils.

Balms do just as good of a job if not better than oils in removing makeup and impurities from your face and leaving the skin so soft. It is also in a solid form (only melts when it comes to contact with the skin), much less messy to use and to store, super convenient for traveling.

The first cleansing balm I tried was The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous cleansing butter, and it was really hard to try others after. Yes, it is that good!

The Community Fair Trade camomile water used in this cleansing butter is made with freshly cut flowers, steam-pressed and cooled by Norfolk Essential Oils, a family-run co-operative in England, to produce essential oil.

The texture almost feels like coconut oil when it is solid, smooth, soft to the touch and fast to melt. The scent is clean, slightly floral but very gentle.

Instructions: Apply to dry face and massage into skin, rinse off with warm water or remove with a wet muslin cloth for a more thorough cleanse.

Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate (skin conditioning agent), Synthetic Wax (binder/ emollient), PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate (skin conditioning agent), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (emollient), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (skin conditioning agent - emollient), Caprylyl Glycol (skin conditioning agent), Tocopherol (antioxidant), Fragrance, Water (solvent), etc.

A little illustration of how the balm works its magic. These are swatches of a liquid liner, a lipstick and a long wearing liquid lipstick, with the balm being massaged on for a few seconds.

At this stage, the liner holds on the best while the lipstick does not stand any chance but they all wash off so fast once rinsed off under the water. No trace left behind!

I am half way through my current jar (the pic above is of the brand new backup), and have no intention of stopping. I heard it is also a great cleanser for your makeup brushes and beauty blenders but have not had the heart to try it :)

The balm is 2.7oz/ 76g/ 90ml, $16, suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. Catch a 50% off or B3G3F sale at The Body Shop for it.

The Body Shop Vitamin C skin care is no stranger to me, as I have used the Vitamin C Skin Boost as a primer for a long while.

The line offers great source of vitamin C in the camu camu berry from the Amazonian rain forest, with 60 times the Vitamin C in an orange. I am in good hands!

There are 2 new items added to the range this last summer that I received for review - the Glow Boosting moisturizer (top) and the Instant Glow enhancer (bottom).

First impressions: still with the signature orange packaging, orange tinted products and light citrus scents.

Let's start with the Glow Boosting moisturizer!

Taking the direction of a morning light weight gel cream texture, the product is meant to hydrate, boost a glow on the skin and fight signs of fatigue.

It sure is moisturizing and refreshing to start the day with. And the hydration stays with me through the day and my skin looks like I had enough sleep most nights (which I don't).

The glow, however, is harder to detect with just this product alone. If you wear makeup almost every day, I do recommend this moisturizer to deliver a good canvas, and the glow effect could be done with a highlighter later.

Ingredients: Water, Alcohol Denat. (solvent), Glycerin (humectant), Propanediol (viscosity modifier), Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/ VP Copolymer (viscosity increasing agent), Ethyl Macadamiate (skin conditioning agent), Isostearyl Lactate (emollient/ skin conditioning agent), etc.

The jar is 50ml, $25.

The Instant Glow enhancer is a hybrid instant glowy fix that can be used as both skin care and makeup.

It has a rosy tint and a soft and silky finish, like a foundation primer, and I do enjoy using it that way, not to improve the lasting power but, again, to prep that smooth canvas before makeup.

The product is also suggested be used as a touchup throughout the day to boost the glow. The tube packaging sure makes it easy to travel with but to me, adding a tinted layer of product might disturb the makeup underneath, so I prefer a spray.

Ingredients: Water, Polysilicone-11 (film former), Glycerin (humectant), Polysorbate 20 (emulsifying agent), Silica (absorbent), Sodium Polyacrylate Starch (emulsion stabilizer), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Honey (humectant), Menthoxypropanediol (refreshing), etc.

The tube is 25ml, $20.

A closeup of the textures between the 2 products. They are both easy to blend and hardly leave any trace afterward.

I do recommend checking out The Body Shop Vitamin C line, especially the Skin Boost or the Glow Boosting moisturizer I just reviewed. You will sure find a product that suits your skin needs, if you do not mind the light scent.

How do you like October so far? Now that we know Joaquin won't head our way, we can hope for a few more days of sun :)

Happy Canada Day you guys! I took the chance to catch up with some sleep and chores, not much celebration here.

But how about some delicious mojito to indulge in? The Body Shop has a (LE) Virgin Mojito collection out this month with that beautiful light lime green packaging.

The formula incorporates the extract of Caribbean lime and mint, gives off a quite refreshing. A summer scent for sure, more zesty than minty but the notes are there.

I received a few items to check out. Let's start with the body scrub, with Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia.

This scrub has very similar texture to the body scrub from Fuji Green Tea line and does the job the same way, gentle on the skin. The cap is plastic on this one, which I find a bit easier to open in the shower than the metal cap on the Fuji Green Tea.

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Glycerin (humectant), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (emulsifier), Cellulose Acetate (film former), Polysorbate 20 (emulsifier), Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (skin conditioning agent), etc.

The jar is 250ml, $22.

The body butter, with Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana, looks good enough to eat, in almost every line at The Body Shop.

Formulated for normal skin, this body butter is quite light weight but does take time to rub in. I use it on my hands and arms mostly, since my body is dry and requires more moisturizing action.

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter (emollient), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (skin conditioning agent), Glycerin (humectant), Cetearyl Alcohol (emulsifying agent), Glyceryl Stearate (emulsifying agent), PEG-100 Stearate (surfactant), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (emollient), etc.

The jar is 200ml, $20.

Now the fun summer treat is the body sorbet, with Community Fair Trade Organic Aloe Vera from Mexico.

I always have a soft spot for the sorbets for their light, fast absorbing, and cool feeling even without being refrigerated. Of course it would be more "frosted" if it comes out of the fridge :)

We have had many days that are hot enough to be called summer, but a sorbet will come in handy soon I hope.

Ingredients: Water (solvent), PEG-8 (humectant), Glycerin (humectant), Butylene Glycol (humectant), Isododecane (solvent), Glycereth-26 (emulsifier), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (emulsifier), Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2 (absorbent), Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol (preservative), etc.

The tube is 200ml, $15. 

There is a body splash to spritz on after shower that is quite unique to the line, 300ml, $20 ($5 off for LYB members right now). And if you want more fun,  check out the gift sets that include a cocktail shaker or an ice bucket :)

Also new at The Body Shop this season are the new black and white matte Kajal liners.

I don't have many kajal/ kohl liners in the stash, since I don't do many smoky looks and opt for pencil liners for regular makeup days.

When I received these Kajal liners, I took a liking to the easy-to-grip pen format. The kajal itself, however, cannot be sharpened (see below) nor swiveled up for more product, so the trick, I was told, is to line with the side of the tip.

Formula wise, they are enriched with Community Fair Trade beeswax, aiming for good colour payoff, blendability and pigmentation.

The black Kajal is to define your eyes - fine strokes for a soft look or smudged for for a smoky look.

The white Kajal is meant to work the inner corner of your eyes, waterline and lower lash line to give you that fresh, awake look.

I would suggest using these Kajal liners with a smudger brush on the lash line though. I find them smudging too fast on the waterline. Also, depending on your skin tone, white liner on the waterline might be more harsh than a nude.

They swatch very well on my hand, and the matte finish is awesome.

Available now, 2g, $15 each.

We had one (yes, just one) gloriously warm day on Sunday, guess Mother Nature is a mother after all, she was nice to us on Mother's Day lol.

While those summer warmth still fresh, I think it is time to talk about new additions to The Body Shop Honey Bronze line I was sent for review.

Honey Bronze products are enriched with Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia and smell very nice and summery. I look forward to using the dry oil every summer for that subtle glow on the legs and arms :)

Let's get to the new products, shall we? There are 3 super cute Highlighting domes adding to the line. I have shades 01 and 03 to show you.

I like the compact dome format, with twist off cap, easy to tote around with. Similar concept to highlighting sticks, these domes offer a natural looking flush of warm sheen to your face.

Instructions suggest to apply the highlighter directly to the cheekbones and blend with fingertips but I use a brush to avoid my foundation transferring to the dome and the highlighter sticking to my fingers. And it works fine that way.

Both shades are quite creamy, light weight and easy to blend. However, don't expect crazy colour payoff with them, as they are meant to be subtle. The honey scent is also very subtle on these, compared to the body products in the line.

The domes have 0.23oz/ 6.5g (vs. Maybelline Master Glazed blush sticks with 0.24oz/ 6.8g), retail $16 each.

And for your summer dresses and shorts waiting to be worn, The Body Shop introduces the Tinted leg mist. Despite the name, the product has a light gel texture, hence it comes out of the pump like a squirt instead of a spray or mist.

Make sure to hold the bottle near where you want the product to go, as you don't want it flies through the air :)

Don't be alarm with that though, or with how dark it looks first coming out of the pump below. Once rubbed in, the product becomes almost invisible but gives your legs an even warm and moisturized look without any shimmers.

Note that your palm will be tinted by the time you are done spreading the product on, so wash it right away. However, the product on your legs will not transfer to your clothes nor bed sheets if you allow it a few minutes to dry.

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Alcohol Denat. (solvent), Butylene Glycol (humectant), Glycerin (humectant), PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate (emulsifying agent), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer (viscosity increasing ggent), Honey (humectant), Fragrance, Sodium Polyacrylate (film former/viscosity increasing agent), etc.

The bottle is 4.2oz/ 125ml, $20.

Here are how the highlighting domes (right) and the tinted leg mist look freshly applied, not blended.

Next time you are at The Body Shop store, give the Honey Bronze line a look! The products are fun for the summer.

For Mother's Day this year, The Body Shop brings us the Union Jack Special Edition of the Vitamin E line!

I am excited with the products I received to review for you for a few reasons.

Vitamin E is known for its hydrating effect and protection against environmental damage, appropriate for a Mother's Day feature.

Then the frosted pink packaging (and the Union Jack print of course) is all classy and cute. Not mentioning the light refreshing scent that makes the products more fun to use.

On top of all that, these products are quite unique and innovative. Let's get to that, shall we?

This little glass jar of gems is the Aqua Boost sorbet.

With summer weather in mind, how do instant cooling sensation and all day hydration sound? That's what this sorbet offers.

Enriched with wheatgerm oil and Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana, the sorbet feels like a fluffy gel but is light and cool on the skin. It absorbs quite fast, does not leave any trace behind and keeps me hydrated all day. Definitely a summer staple.

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Glycerin (humectant), Dimethicone (skin conditioning agent), Alcohol Denat. (solvent), Silica (absorbent), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (skin conditioning agent - emollient), Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2 (absorbent), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Crosspolymer (film former), etc.

The jar is 1.7oz/ 50ml, retails $20.

If you haven't tried the Overnight serum-in-oil so far, you need to!

A combination of serum and oil to recharge the skin with moisture overnight, with highest concentration of wheatgerm oil and enriched with Community Fair Trade soya oil.

I use about 4-5 drops of product with the built-in dropper, in the palm first then pat on to the face and neck. Massage it in with circular motions. That's it!

Absorption wise, it does take a bit more time than a regular serum but nothing major. I just head to bed with it and it does not transfer to my pillow nor make me oily in the morning. A fun new way to moisturize!

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (emollient), Dicaprylyl Carbonate (skin-conditioning agent), Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil (emollient), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil (skin-conditioning agent), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (emollient), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil (skin-conditioning agent), etc.

The jar is 0.94oz/ 28ml, retails $28.

New in the line is the Eyes cube, a refreshing anti-fatigue eye stick to revive and refresh the appearance of the eye area.

The cooling effect sure is awesome and helps with depuffing the bags under the eyes. I can't say if it helps with dark circles but it does make my eyes look less tired and more hydrated.

Another cool thing to have for the summer!

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane (skin conditioning agent - humectant), Sodium Stearate (surfactant), Butylene Glycol (humectant), Propanediol (viscosity modifier), Methoxy PEG-10 (humectant), PEG-150 (humectant), Glycerin (humectant), etc.

Very similar to H2O Instant Hydrating stick for half the price - 0.14oz/ 4g, $15. I still wish for a bit more product in the stick though.

A quick swatch to show you the textures of the sorbet and what is left behind by the Eyes cube.

The Vitamin E line is permanent but this special Union Jack packaging is limited edition, so check it out if you want some for yourself or your mom :)

Being a "dedicated" tea drinker in the last few years, I worship green tea for its antioxidant qualities. I was super excited to receive a few samples from The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea collection [Revive the Body, Detox the Mind].

Being prepared that a Fuji Green Tea body product would not smell 100% like a cup of green tea, I like the way The Body Shop does it.

The scent still carries a strong tea smell but with added sweet notes to make it easy those who don't drink tea in general. Squirt does not like it, which hints the scent might be an acquired taste to some.

I thoroughly enjoy the body wash. I need that delicious crisp scent to wake me up and recharge me for the day ahead before I could grab a real cup of tea :)

The formula includes Community Fair Trade honey (from Ethiopia), and it lathers well being soap free, I like it even more.

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (surfactant), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (surfactant), Glycerin (humectant), Sodium Chloride (viscosity modifier), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (surfactant), Fragrance, Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate (skin-conditioning agent), Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Citric Acid (pH adjuster), Honey (humectant), etc.

The bottle is 250ml, retails $9.

The body scrub looks yummy enough to eat. I can't get enough of that mint colour with darker green little particles in the jar.

Also enriched with Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia, the scrub is used alternatively with the wash above, especially when I need some help with detoxing the body of those dead skin cells.

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Glycerin (humectant), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (surfactant), Fragrance, Cellulose Acetate (film former), Polysorbate 20 (emulsifying agent), Benzyl Alcohol (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (humectant), Honey (humectant), etc.

The jar (plastic, with metal lid) is 250ml, $22.

Then, follow things up with a body lotion.

I am more of a body butter person, but if you are looking for a lighter texture in your body moisturizer, this body lotion works great.

Enriched with Community Fair Trade Sesame Seed oil from Nicaragua, which is also in the formula of some Moringa products, one of my favorite scents at The Body Shop.

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Glycerin (humectant), Ethylhexyl Palmitate (emollient), Ceteareth-20 (emulsifier), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil (emollient), Steareth-2 (emulsifier), Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil (emollient), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Fragrance, Caprylyl Glycol (skin conditioning agent), etc.

The bottle is 250ml with a pump, $13.

Check out the Fuji Green Tea scent if you are near a The Body Shop store. I already like the scent, but also like the idea of creative products that fit the theme - bath tea (with its own infuser) and Tea Ceremony gift sets (ranging from $10 - $50).

Continuing the sleeping mask trend, The Body Shop comes out with the Nutriganics Drops of Youth Bouncy sleeping mask this month.

First impression: the jar is huge (90ml vs. regular 50 - 75ml in most skin care) and made out of glass, which has a nice weight and classy look to it but is not travel friendly.

The small plastic spoon included in the box is hygienic and especially convenient for the texture of the mask (see below). And don't doubt the size, that spoon is more than big enough for the amount of product you need.

Note that the mask does have a fresh and light floral scent.

The memory-shape texture (jello/ custard-like) returns the product in the jar to a smooth surface a few hours after the scooping of the spoon, similar to Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping cream.

The formula of this mask, however, is different from the Garnier version. Made of plant stem cells from Edelweiss, a flower that thrives in the harshest weather in the Alps, it is meant to offer a youth enhancing and bouncy looking skin effect.

"Less is More" is absolutely key with this product. I only need about half of what I normally use in a mask, otherwise it would take longer to fully absorb and is no longer tacky (over 15 minutes). And interesting to note, I wake up with a shiny forehead most of the time and when I wash my face, it feels like there is still product sitting on top of the skin.

Here is The Body Shop Bouncy sleeping mask (left), in comparison with Garnier Miracle sleeping cream (right) for reference. Very similar texture.

The Body Shop has a fun application technique to this mask:
- Over the rainbow (forehead)
- Under the clouds (eyes)
- Quenching the earth (across the cheeks)
- Under the sea (jaw line), and
- Pitter patter.

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Propanediol (viscosity modifier), Glycerin (humectant), Dimethicone (skin conditioning agent), Helianthus Annuus Hybrid oil (emollient), Polysorbate 20 (emulsifier), Diheptyl Succinate (skin conditioning agent - emollient), Acrylates/ Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer (viscosity controlling agent), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), etc.

I see a slower effect on the skin with this mask. My skin does feel refreshed and hydrated in the morning but not as plumed and smooth as with Garnier Miracle sleeping cream.

The mask retails for $30, $5 off + 10% off right now for LYB members. And they have an event today (4pm - close) where you can come and try on the mask and bring home a sample of it too.

If you haven't noticed The Body Shop's (LE) Smoky Poppy collection, let me tell you about the massage oil. Granted, it is quite a different story from Lotus Aroma's massage oil & gel.

First, the sleek black background and the red flower on the packaging of the Smoky Poppy collection definitely stands out, you cannot miss it on the shelf.

Second, the scent is quite different from traditional lines at The Body Shop. It is musky and quite deep, and the note that stays behind after the scent slightly fades away reminds me of a perfume. Very interesting but hard to describe. I might need to check out the EDT as I am pretty sold on this scent.

The oil itself, infused with hand harvested poppy extract from Turkey, gives you those nice relaxing moments your skin and muscles deserve.

A pump on the bottle would be super nice to minimize the mess that comes with oil territory, but not a must :)

Ingredients: Glycine Soja (Soybean) oil (emollient), Zea Mays (Corn) oil (emollient), Helianthus Annuus Hybrid oil (emollient), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) oil (skin conditioning agent), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed oil (emollient), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit oil (emollient), Fragrance, etc.

The bottle houses 5oz/ 150ml of oil, retails $15. Check out the line (including The Body Shop's very first bath bombs) before it is gone for good.

All in all, depending on your preference in scents (or no scent at all) and mood, there is a massage oil (or more) out there for you!

It is Lunar New Year in a few hours at home, I am super homesick right now, missing being with my family. FB friends have been posting pics of their feast and holiday decoration, not helping!

Back to business. The FOTD today is for The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Velvet sticks.

I layered Poppy Universal on the lips on its own with no lip liner underneath. It appeared more red than in the swatch yesterday. Poppy Red is lovely on the cheeks too, looking quite natural.

On the eyes is The Body Shop Shimmer Cubes #17 - Silver Crest on inner half of the lids, Deep Down Blue on the outer V and lower lash line, and Horizon Blue as transition.

Other products used:
- Hard Candy Glamouflage in Medium
- Annabelle BB Skin Perfect concealer in Medium
Dig this little concealer, very convenient to use
- CoverGirl & Olay pressed powder in Medium
Decided to skip liquid foundation for a day. Looks like powder foundations are making a comeback, so I am pulling mine out for a few spins
- Maybelline Color Tattoo Leather in Vintage Plum as eyeshadow base
I find the Leather version is more dry than regular Color Tattoos, harder to blend. Hope it won't die on me too quickly
- Marc Jacob Lash Lifter Gel Volume mascara in Blacquer
- Wet n Wild Color Icon brow & eye liner in Dark Brown.

Makeup does make me happy, but for today, I am going to hide in the corner sobbing. Just kidding, but really, being away from home for New Year is one of the worst feelings ever. Hug your loved ones!

The Body Shop Smoky Poppy makeup collection is striking with its sleek packaging and beautiful flower print.

Now personally, I would encourage you to grab at least an item, based on that reason alone. Luckily, I received two of the Lip & Cheek Velvet sticks to back that up :)

Here are 40 Poppy Red and 50 Poppy Universal.

Yes, they are The Body Shop's very first chubby sticks, with velvet matte finish and yes, they twist up. Right on trend!

Note: the picture on the right shows the sticks twisted up slightly (not fully). There is more product than that in the tubes.
 
Poppy Red shows up as a pinky red, easier to wear than a true red, especially for work.

Poppy Universal is black in the tube but adjusts to your skin's pH on application and changes into your unique shade. On me, it is a mauve-y pink, builds up nicely and stains my lips slightly after wearing off. Check out the FOTD, I wear them both for you.

The Lip & Cheek Velvet sticks stay true to their names - semi matte finish, great for lips and cheeks. They are easy to apply (and blend), comfortable to wear, have the slightest hint of floral scent and last about 3-4 hours. The sticks are "chubbier" than the average lip crayons, require a bit more work for precise application which I don't mind. 

There are four other shades (with the white tube): 10 Nude, 20 Pink, 30 Bronze and 35 Coral. The sticks are 0.14oz/ 4g, retail $15 each.

There are also a Poppy-inspired Blush brush ($15), 2 shimmer cubes ($22 each) and 4 shades of Colour Crush nail polish ($6 each).

I gotta tell you, vacation is great but my skin is not. With the change in climate and humidity, I have had some breakouts and the skin looked so dull and grey. This is my best attempt to show you the products on not-so-great-looking skin.

I use The Body Shop Dolly Pastels palette on the eyes:
- Pale pink on brow bones - wish it was not shimmery
- Violet as transition, very light
- Brown in the crease, the only way to darken the look
- Peach dabbed on mid lid - the shimmers are more visible IRL.

On the lips, you could probably guess, is Maybelline Color Sensational creamy matte lipstick in Touch of Spice.

I did frame the lips with Milani Color Statement lip liner in Brandy before the lipstick for photos. This won't be necessary for everyday wear, since Touch of Spice is pigmented enough on its own. It is the perfect introduction shade to darker lips without going to the extreme vampy colours.

Other products used:
- Make Up For Ever HD Micro-perfecting primer #0 
- Marcelle CC cream in Golden Glow
- It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eyes full coverage concealer in Neutral Medium
This concealer has been very handy, considering my skin condition mentioned above
- Cover Fx Setting Fx translucent mineral powder in Light
A must in this heat
- Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer
- Too Faced powder blush in Raindrops on Roses
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on eye pencil in Radium on lower lash line
- InstaGlam Brow Design + Fix in Medium to Dark and Wet n Wild Color Icon brow & eye liner in Dark Brown
- Skindinavia makeup finishing spray, the Oil Control version.

Have you fallen in love with Touch of Spice yet?

There is new makeup at The Body Shop for the holiday. I received the Dolly Pastels palette to review for you.

Gotta give it to The Body Shop for the cute packaging with a Nordic Christmas design on cardboard. Inside are 4 eyeshadows, enriched with Community Fair Trade Marula oil, a double-ended brush and a mirror. There is a clear plastic sheet to cover the eyeshadows, which I leave in to keep the palette clean.

The palette could be a little smaller, to be true travel size, if some of the empty space is eliminated. The Body Shop said all four colours are shimmery, but the brown loos semi matte to me, which is even better. Pigmentation is great on that one too, but a little more sheer with the 3 shimmery pastel shades - a pale pink, a violet and a peach.

The peach shade definitely stands out among the 3 with a good amount of sheen. The pale pink and violet are quite close when swatched and on the lids. I would use a coloured base with these.

The palette has 7.2g of products, retails for $20, is suitable for contact-lens wearers. I am a fan of the brown, but wish for more pigmentation and colour difference among the pastel shades. If you want to try Dolly Pastels, definitely try to catch it during a sale. Here is a FOTD I did to show you the colours on.

There is also another palette called Frosted Pastels, if you want to check it out too.