My best discovery of 2009 so far... (The Body Shop Body Butter)

Member Name: melcat25

Product:	The Body Shop Body Butter
Date:	25/01/09 (161 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Moisturising, rich, luxurious, smells divine. A 'spoil yourself' product!

Disadvantages: A little bit more than I would like to pay for a body moisturiser!

Since joining dooyoo I have come across quite a few reviews for Body Shop Body Butters, all of which raving about how wonderful it is. I had heard of the products before but always thought they were ridiculously overpriced for what they are, lets be honest , thick body moisturisers. My personal view has always been that I don't mind spending a lot on perfume, or make-up or facial skin-care. But body products? No way! Shower gels and bubble baths come from the supermarket in our house and body lotions are only ever exist if bought as gifts, and then I find them a hassle to use - when is there time for that kind of self indulgence in my busy life?
But, convinced by these reviews, I popped into the Body Shop last week and found some in the sale, it smelt rather nice so I decided to try. Here are my thoughts.

**What is it?**
The Body Shop claims that Body Butters are intensive, creamy all-over body moisturisers. They absorb into the skin easily, helping to condition, soften the skin and to prevent dryness. There is a large selection of Body Butters available to buy, including:
Cocoa Butter
Coconut
Japanese Cherry Blossom
Mango
Peach
Strawberry
Brazil Nut
Hemp
Pomegranate
Satsuma
Pink Grapefruit
Papaya
Olive
Raspberry
Shea
Passion Fruit
Vitamin E
Some of these are available all year, whilst others are seasonal offerings. It is also possible to buy some of the varieties in 'shimmer' butter, which I haven't tried but I imagine, simply has a slight shimmer in the butter to illuminate the skin. Each individual variety is scented accordingly and often contains the corresponding oil or natural fruity ingredients which help to moisturise. All use a base of cocoa butter and shea butter, from Ghana, which are both community trade products. The Body Shop website offers a lot of information on the benefits of these two products. I wouldn't want to simply copy and paste it all - but if you want to find out, that is the place to head. Different butters are suitable for different skin types, including normal and dry skin. Many claim to moisturise for twenty four hours.
Body Butters are available in 200ml tubs at £12.50 each or travel size 50ml tubs at £5 each. It is a good tip to look out for special offers when it is possible to buy two for £20. I have also seen some very good offers from the people who run 'Body Shop at Home', when I have seen them have stalls at fairs and bizarre.
The product I will be reviewing hereafter is Pomegranate Body Butter. I managed to purchase a 200ml tub last week (mid-January), at the usual price, £6.25. I assume that this is because it is a seasonal variety and thus is a part of their sale. At this exact point in time it is still available at that price on the Body Shop website, along with the peach and raspberry varieties. The pomegranate butter contains pomegranate seed oil, which is apparently antioxidant rich and helps to moisturise.

**The Packaging**
All butters come in round tubs with large screw top lids. They are made of a thick, durable plastic, in a colour which corresponds to the variety of the individual butters. The pomegranate one is a lovely, dark, rich red. These are nice looking tubs, that will look lovely in your bathroom. Body Butter is quite solid, so it doesn't really leak, but the screw seems very secure. I have taken it to the gym a few times now and there haven't been any spillages in my wash bag. After use, I plan to wash out my tub and re-use it for some kind of storage - it really is good quality.
Each butter has a round label on top, with the name of the product in English and French, plus a short description of specialist ingredient and what it does. In the middle is a picture of whatever variety you may have (mine has a pomegranate). On the bottom of the tub is a peel back label, which lots of information regarding the product including a detailed ingredients list, community trade information, shelf life, plastic type (for recycling), storage advice (a cool place) and relevant addresses.

** Using the Product**
I have mainly used the product after showering , bathing, or swimming in the gym. My butter is a wonderful 'sweetie' pink, reminiscent of a strawberry marshmallow! When you first open, it will appear solid and settled in the tub and will look very firm. You will probably be hit by a lovely scent - I know I was. My one is very sweet and fruit - delicious!
You need to scoop some out with your fingers (not too much) and will be surprised at how easily you have run your fingers through it. Once it has been disturbed, it appears to me, like Angel Delight, with an almost moussey quality. However it actually has a thick consistency. It is very rich and smooth. It is tempting to rub it between your hands to warm it up a bit first, to make it easier to apply, but I have found it doesn't make any difference to the application. Just scoop some out and start rubbing into clean skin - all over. It sinks in instantly and leaves skin with a lovely sheen and feeling beautifully moisturised and smelling divine. Whilst the smell does not last all day, I have been extremely impressed with the lasting effects of the moisturising properties. If I apply in the morning, it my skin still feels smooth and supple and moisturised in the evening. My legs look and feel great if I have used this product, and this is especially appreciated after shaving! It seems like you have to use a lot to cover the whole body - but I have used a lot this week and I can't see the bottom of the tub yet, which has surprised me. I can't tell how long it will last, by with regular use, I would guess at a month or two. I don't think this is a very long time considering the price and if you are put off by that, don't let it put you off trying this product. Use it as a treat or just your legs, because it really is great.

**My Verdict**
Didn't my last statement just give that away? I love using this product. It is expensive but it feels very luxurious and rich, smells divine (leaves the room smelling lovely too) and would definitely match any high end rival. I no longer think that body moisturisers are time consuming or a waste of time - this is a treat to use and I really enjoy it and look forward to it. I am trying to make a healthy start to 2009 and this is a great non-edible way to treat myself without any calories! My skin looks and feels noticeably different and my boyfriend loves my soft, sexy skin too! WOW! I can't give it a higher recommendation than that now can I? I will most certainly be buying more when I run out. Although I will be looking for the special offers or better still, stocking up when my birthday comes!

Thank you dooyoo for introducing me to this wonderful product! It has definitely changed my opinion and given me a better, buttery, body!

Summary: I am a convert - please try this product too!