I still remember when The Body Shop was the coolest brand to hit our shores. They were ground-breaking in every way, from their natural products (who knew body care could come in so many yummy flavors?), to their social activism (long before it became fashionable) and irrefutable philosophy (they’ve supported community trade and been against animal testing since the very beginning).
Thanks to that impeccable DNA, I still feel the same excitement whenever I enter a Body Shop store, only now I marvel at how far the brand has come. To the bath, body and fragrance products they’ve added makeup, skincare, products for men, home fragrance and well being, and these are not just token lines but complete, serious ranges with brand-new offerings every season. The Body Shop is not just about the body anymore; it’s become a beauty Mecca where you can shop with a clear conscience, knowing you’re supporting a company that’s actively making the world a better place.
When TBS launched its spring makeup for 2010, for example, I met Dr. Michael Muñoz, an ophthalmologist who’s part of the family that owns the brand (dermatologist Dr. Sylvia Huang is another prominent member). One of the company’s recent missions was Operation Smile, for which it raised about P200,000 that went to harelip operations for the needy.
Such healthy doses of CSR (corporate social responsibility) are part and parcel of what The Body Shop is all about, but you can’t lose sight of the fun aspect of the brand, which is what’s kept it popular and in tune with the needs and desires of its vast market, which includes women and men, young and old alike.
For summer, The Body Shop has released four different collections, which you’ll want to check out depending on your needs:
Summer necessity: A hot new look
Check out: The Body Shop’s Spring Trend makeup line, inspired by the vibrant hues of nature. With only four products you can create a fab face.
Get the look: Dot new Lip & Cheek Stain in Shimmering Coral on lips and cheeks and blend with fingers. Stamp Kiss of Colour cheek blush on both cheeks and blend out with accompanying sponge. From Shimmer Cube Palette 19, apply the Seashell shade under brow bones, on the inner corners of the eye and along cheekbones. Use Hushed Orchid on eyelids, and line with Sparkling Sky or Emerald Sea (or both, on top and bottom lash lines). Moisturize lips with Hi-Shine Lip Treatment.
Must-have: The limited-edition Kiss of Colour. Unscrew the cap and a sponge applicator dispenses the exact amount of blush powder you need — no mess or fuss. There’s even a mirror on the cap so you can see what you’re doing. A genius invention you’ll want to take with you everywhere.
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Summer necessity: Whitening
Check out: The Moisture White line, a three-step system for all skin types enriched with vitamin C and licorice extract.
Do the three-step: Start with the Foaming Facial Wash, a luxuriously rich mousse/foam that gently cleanses without drying. Follow with the Shiso Whitening Moisture Milk with Community Trade organic aloe vera, a light daily moisturizer that results in a brighter, smoother complexion. Think newly minted porcelain.
Must-have: The Moisture White UV Protection Cream, with SPF 25 PA+++, provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/B. Used daily it not only helps prevent uneven skin pigmentation but also softens skin.
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Summer necessity: Body refreshment
Check out: The Sweet Lemon collection
Citrus treats: This bath-and-body collection smells as luscious as lemon drops, what with Community Trade ingredients like lemon seed oil, lemon peel, cocoa butter and sugar. The line includes a body scrub and whipped body lotion for normal to dry skin, soap and a scrumptious lip butter.
Must-have: The Sweet Lemon shower gel offers soap-free cleansing with Community Trade honey — so invigorating after a hot, sweaty day.
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Summer necessity: Home spa products
Check out: Spa Wisdom Japan has finally arrived, and its light formulations won’t weight you down in the summer heat.
Say konnichiwa: Start your spa experience by cleansing with the Adzuki Bean & Rice shower gel, which hydrates your skin with Community Trade soya oil. Then exfoliate with Adzuki Bean & Rice Washing Grains, which is a refined powder when dry and a smoothening scrub when wet. If you’ve got dry skin, slather on Yuzu & Rice body milk with sesame oil, which is even lighter and more delicate than a lotion.
Must-have: Fragrance fans like I am will enjoy the Apricot & Rice Finishing Mist, a body spritz meant to uplift while it conditions skin with Community Trade aloe.
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All products are available at The Body Shop.