rosie abigail

As I’m writing this, I have just finished up my morning skin care routine and feel like an absolute goddess. For years, I didn’t really care about my skin, and would haphazardly throw on some moisturiser as a make-up base, or try a face mask that would end up drying out my skin. But now, I find it to be a little glimmer of self-care in a busy world. It’s nice to take five minutes out of my day to just focus on looking after myself!

Recently, I noticed that all of my skin care products are from The Body Shop. When I say all, I mean all. I didn’t even mean to go out and buy exclusively TBS products, it just happened. I always look for cruelty-free, no bullshit products, and that’s exactly what TBS do. So, in honour of the excellency of TBS and the joy skin care is currently bringing me, let me walk you through my all Body Shop skin care routine.

Cleanser – Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

The first step to any good skin routine is to take off your make-up, and then follow it with a good cleanser. Folks, this Cleansing Butter is the lazy girl’s best friend because it mashes both steps together! It manages to remove even the most waterproof of mascaras (looking at you Lash Sport) easily and effectively, and doesn’t irritate the eye area.

Although The Body Shop call this a butter, it’s definitely more of a balm. I take about a pea sized blob of this product, and then start massaging it all over my face with my fingers. Although the product itself is super gentle on the skin (and amazing for us sensitive types), it breaks down make-up and grime like nobody’s business. If I’m wearing a full face of make-up (which is rare nowadays), I do end up looking like I’ve crawled through a bag of soot and glitter once I’ve massaged the cleanser all around my face. To wash it off, I simply grab a flannel, dampen it with warm water, and wipe off the cleanser; no scrubbing involved! I’m left with a complete bare face, and with no redness or burning, which I tend to have with any other cleanser. 

Face Mask – Seaweed Oil Balancing Clay Mask

If it’s a Sunday evening, my designated pamper evening, then I’ll follow the cleanser with a face mask. My mask of choice is this Seaweed Clay Mask which is ideal for combination skin. I apply a thin layer to my face with my fingers and leave it for ten minutes. I then take warm water and my faithful flannel, and wipe it off.

My problem areas (forehead, nose, and cheeks) tend to feel a little raw after this mask, but in a good way! It really draws out the impurities, so will bring on a few spots after use, but these tend to fade fairly quickly. I’ve had this pot for a few months and use it almost every week; you can see how much I still have in the pot! The longevity is a big plus, especially as TBS currently don’t stock this product right now.

Toner – Rose Petal Face Gel Toner 

Post-cleanser/face mask, I move on to my toner. This step is my favourite in this routine, and it’s all thanks to this Rose Petal Toner. I am a sucker for anything rose scented or rose flavoured (please don’t eat this toner), and the toner doesn’t disappoint. It’s sweet and fresh, without being overpowering. It’s also incredibly soothing on the skin, especially after a face mask.

To use this product, I take a cotton round and splodge a pea sized amount of toner on there. Then, I simply wipe it over my face and neck. This toner does contain tiny bits of real rose petals, so some of those will end up on your face. However, I love the use of real rose and rosewater in this toner. Rose is well known for being great at balancing your skin’s pH so I am all for the little bits of petal! It’s easy to use, extra long lasting, and so hydrating. I can feel my skin soaking up that rose-y goodness almost immediately. 

Essence – Oils of Life Bi-Phase Essence Lotion

After the toner comes my newest step; an essence. An essence? Who is she?! I’m a pretty basic girl when it comes to, well, everything, so I used to find adding anything to my three step cleanser-toner-moisuriser routine a complete waste of time and money. However, I’ve heard a lot of good things about using oils or essences or serums in your skin care, mainly thanks to Jenn Im, so when I got a TBS gift card for Christmas, I thought I’d pick one up.

I’m not looking for anti-aging or anything specific really, so I went for the product that seemed generic and the easiest to use. I simply shake the bottle (to mix the oils and water together), pop three drops in my hand, and then pat the product on to my face. This essence claims to add moisture and make skin feel soft, and the product does exactly that. The only way I can describe it is that it makes my skin feel luxurious. It makes me feel like a rich woman dressed in a silk robe on her yacht after the mysterious death of her third husband. 

Moisturiser – Aloe Soothing Lotion with SPF15 / Aloe Night Cream

Nearing the end of my skin routine, and arguably the most important step (at least, to me), we have moisturiser. I have two moisturisers that I use; one for day wear and one for night (boy oh boy I’ve come a long way since just using Nivea Creme for everything). Mysteriously, my Aloe Face Cream has vanished from my bedside table, so I will be questioning my also sensitive skinned boyfriend about this. However, I still have my trusty Aloe Soothing Lotion for day-to-day wear.

I picked up this product because I was looking for a moisturiser that contained SPF for my November 2019 trip to Florida. It’s stuck by my side ever since. I simply apply a small amount to the back of my hand, dab it on my face, and then massage it in. It’s super gentle on the skin, and feels extremely hydrating. Although it comes out an opaque white, once you massage it in, you cannot see the product at all. It’s a wonderful base for make-up or more SPF, and a little really goes a long way. 

Eyes – Vitamin E Eye Cube and Elderflower Non-Perfumed Eye Gel

Finally, we have the semi-last step; eye care. I don’t use these products every day, these are more of a needs must item. In all honesty, it’s probably a good idea for me to introduce an eye cream or similar into my routine, but I’m taking it slow; I’ve only just introduced an essence in, for Heaven’s sake. These products are more about soothing and brightening the eye area than hydrating or plumping.

My most recent purchase is this clear eye gel, and I picked it up as part of the three-for-two offer the Winchester store constantly has. I plan to keep it in my hand bag for when I get those moments of incredibly dry eyes that come with getting allergic reactions or wearing contacts. Like most of TBS products, a little really goes a long way, so I dip my little finger into the pot, and gently tap the product onto my under eye area. It stays clear and soothes the area, and that’s all I need. The product that I keep in my skincare bag is the Vitamin E eye cube. To apply this, I roll up the product and rub it all over the eye area. As a gal with hefty dark circles under my eyes, especially when I am ill, this product simply brightens the area and adds a bit of moisture, which is all I need. It’s a great base for concealer and is easy to reapply throughout the day. What more do I want?

So, that’s my complete Body Shop skin care routine. I’ll be honest, I haven’t found another brand who does what TBS does so successfully. They are cruelty-free, vegan, and are very high quality for high street skin care. Their make-up is also incredible, but that’s another post for another day. 

For any other TBS fans out there, let me know what your favourite products are! I’m always keen to try some new products and would love your recommendations.

Rosie x

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