| Product: |
The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3 In 1 Scrub Mask |
| Date: |
09/03/07 (129 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Leaves the skin feeling soft anf fresh
Disadvantages: None.
A couple of years back I hosted a 'Body Shop at Home' Party. If you have not heard of these before, basically a consultant comes to your home, armed with loads of goodies and you and anyone else you have chosen to invite get to try them all out. The idea is you are relaxed, you are having fun, you are surrounded by your nearest and dearest, and you have been able to 'try before you buy' and therefore more likely to part with your cash. The idea, in my opinion, works well, and is obviously great for the company as well as the customers.
As a host you get some special deals. This included free gifts up to £15 and up to £30 worth of goods for half price. For those frantically doing math's, that equals £45 of products for £15.
The other thing you get is a facial, foot massage or makeover. I went for the facial. This is something I would never have had done in the shop, but surrounded by people who had probably already seen me a number of times at my worst then I felt quite happy with it.
I won't go into details of exactly what the consultant did as that can be another review, but, one of the products she used was their 'Honey and Oat 3 in 1 scrub mask. I loved it so much that it was one of the products I chose later. So what appealed to me?
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The Body Shop
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Well, firstly I have been a fan of the Body Shop for over 25 years. As a youngster I thought it was a little on the expensive side but now I look back I think this is was because I compared it to the cheap make up that I used to buy in the corner shops. The Body Shop itself was established in Brighton, in 1976 by Anita Roddick. So I have been using their products more or less just after they hit the market. Originally most products came in refillable bottles. So when you ran out you simply went back for more. This re-usable idea fitted in well with all the policies that they had, and still have regarding environmental protection, concern for human rights and civil rights, activities against animal testing in cosmetic trade, and fair trade to all. It was the bringing these matters to public attention that made them so popular and soon the business was expanding and a shop opened up near me not long after.
And so my love of Body Shop products began. As a child it was more perfumed bubble baths and smelly soaps, but as my skin became more sensitive and age started creeping upon me I needed something that could benefit me more than coming out of a bath smelling of coco cola and strawberries.
But now a busy mum, with little time, I just wanted a product that would suit me, but also make my life a little easier when I actually do have a few minutes to myself.
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The Tub
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The Mask comes in a hard plastic (Recyclable of course!) tub, containing 100ml. It is about 6.5 cms in diameter, which means it is small enough to fit in a toiletry bag. It is beige in colour with the traditional green Body Shop labels and an orange backed picture of Oatmeal. The fact that it is this colour and not a bright pink means it could happily sit in the bathroom of both a male or female without looking out of place.
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The mask
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As a busy mum of four this product is just ideal. Being a 3 in 1 it deep cleanses, smooths and conditions in just one application. I have to admit I am pretty lazy in this department. As a youngster I would cleanse and tone daily but now a quick splash of water seems enough for me. But every now and then I feel my skin deserves a treat and this mask is just what I need.
It is designed for normal/Dry skin. I actually have combination skin but the consultant said it was the best to use. The product lists kaolin clay, oatmeal and organic honey, as it's main ingredients. Each has a different use and function.
*Kaolin Clay.* This natural product is a light and mild clay. It is very gentle and therefore ideal for people with dry or sensitive skin, which is probably why it was suggested to me. It helps to balance the skins moisture levels and acts as a mild cleanser. It gently exfoliates the skin and brings more circulation to the skin. What it doesn't do though, is draw out the essential oils that skin needs.
*Oatmeal* is a natural skin protector by helping to soothe and relieve minor skin irritations. It also has the ability to hold and retain water which makes it bind the mask together and stick to (and stay on!) your skin.
*Honey* The honey used in this product is from Zambia. I am not sure if this is because it is better or just a way of helping the poorer countries. But anyway, honey is great for conditioning the skin. For the skin's to stay soft, supple and elastic it needs to stay hydrated. As skin ages, or gets exposed to environmental stresses and chemical agents, it loses this ability to retain water, becomes dry and appears wrinkled. Honey attracts and retains water, so therefore helps to keep your skin smooth looking.
So that's what's in it, but does it work?
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Using the mask
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The first thing you need to do is clean your skin. I guess this means removing any make up, or in my case just splashing it with water. I would also recommend tying your hair back if it is likely to get in the way as this can be messy.
Since the tub is not huge, I dip my finger tips in and then smooth the mixture onto my face. The mixture itself has a very pleasant smell, and not too dissimilar to porridge. It is magnolia in colour and the pieces of oatmeal can clearly be seen. If it was in a plain pot I would easily believe that this was a home made product.
The mask goes on very well, and doesn't tend to drop everywhere which some I have tried have. Once applied to the skin it stays in place. However it can easily be moved about on the skin to give even application. You need to have no more than a covering so although it is a small tub it will last a long time. For obvious reasons avoid the yes, and despite the lovely aroma also the lips and mouth.
The mask itself remains moist, although drying slightly. The great thing about this means you don't have to walk around unable to cough, sneeze, talk or do just about anything.
It has a slight tingling sensation and perhaps a little smarting but I do have very sensitive skin. This however only lasts a minute or two and is really not that noticeable.
After about ten to fifteen minutes, gently rub the mask in circular motion all over. This helps to exfoliate the skin. Then rinse off with warm water. It comes off really easily and leaves no sticky residue.
After using my skin is really soft and smooth. It also has a healthy glow about it. I almost feel bad when I then put make up over the top of it.
It is recommended you use this product once or twice a week. Personally I don't use it this often, simply because I don't have the time.
One thing that I do particularly like though is that the mask is suitable for both old and young alike. Whilst I would not want to start using lots of skin products on my daughters face the occasional treat can do no harm. In fact last month she had a beauty party and herself and some friends all used the mask and afterwards many of the Mums were commenting on the softness of their skin afterwards.
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Cost and where to buy.
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Having got my product free and not being able to purchase online I couldn't remember the price so I phoned one of the shops. A very helpful assistant answered and went off to find out for me.
It actually costs £7 for a 100ml tub. This seemed a little more than I thought but having compared it to other stores similar products then it is quite reasonable.
And if you really want you can always book a party and get it free like me.
For more information on the company, locating your nearest store and how to book a party, see the website.
www.the-body-shop.com
Summary: A 3 in 1 scub from Body Shop that cleans, smooths and conditions your skin in one go.
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Last comment:
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calypte - 10/03/07 I totally fancy a tub of this now! I also have combination skin, so wouldn't have thought to try this, so thanks for sharing your own skin type :) |
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