{FRAGRANCE REVIEW} | Black Musk by The Body Shop

White Musk, which was created in 1981, is an iconic part of The Body Shop. The velvety, ladylike scent is really comforting and reminds me of my childhood and my Aunt who still uses the White Musk perfume oil today. Following the success of White Musk and Red Musk in 2014, The Body Shop launched Black Musk in 2015. It is said to be the darkest and most sensual fragrance The Body Shop has created to date.

Black Musk comes in elegant black packaging with a small square of pink. The actual fragrance is held in a chic, glossy black flacon. The dark bottle and bright hint of pink are a lovely preview to the feminine and fierce elixir inside.

The fragrance opens with syrupy bambinella pear, infused with spicy pink peppercorns and a slight trace of fresh bergamot. At the heart there are almond notes, complimented with sugary marzipan. This is blended with intense ylang-ylang and luscious liquorice. Warmed black vanilla envelopes chocolate, patchouli, vetiver and of course, black musk; in the intoxicating base. The soft woods temper all the sweet notes and really bring the fragrance together.

I am desperately in love with Black Musk. Everything about it sounds absolutely delicious on paper and the actual fragrance really delivers. So many sweet, sugary notes can be overwhelming but this particular infusion is smooth, fragrant and sophisticated. The liquorice and vanilla are quite dominant; but you definitely get traces of all the different notes throughout wear.

Black Musk EDP wears for a reasonable amount of time. It also fades really pleasantly; so you’re cloaked in a delicious, aromatic cloud for many hours. I’m so excited to wear this fragrance in Winter. Black Musk embodies femininity and fierceness in a steamy puff of mystery.

The Body Shop sources all ingredients ethically and doesn’t test on animals. Black Musk is 100% vegan.

Black Musk Eau De Parfum is available in 50mL for ZAR300. There is also a 60mL Eau De Toilette and 20mL Perfume Oil.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{NEW IN} | British Rose by The Body Shop

When I think of British things that I love; The Body Shop falls right up there with Sherlock, One Direction and Lulu Guinness bags. That’s why it’s so lovely that their new range, British Rose, pays tribute to the brand’s British heritage. The collection heroes the beautiful blooms of the English countryside and has released with The Body Shop’s 40^th anniversary.

The Body Shop is known for its ethical and kind methods of sourcing ingredients and British rose is no exception. The range is made from 100% organic roses that are sourced from a farm in Herefordshire, in the heart of the English countryside. 

This particular farm has won environmental awards in the past and works with the land; eliminating the need for chemicals. The blooms are hand-picked, air dried and infused with fresh mountain water on site. This procedure ensures the highest quality rose essence as none of the scent is lost through transportation.

The packaging is quite simple but really pretty. It features a vibrant pink rose on a black background and some of the products are a lovely light pink. It’s feminine but with a hint of fierce.

I personally feel that pure rose scents can smell a bit “old” but with British Rose; The Body Shop has managed to make it quite modern while still highlighting the humble rose and the British Rose heritage. This is done by blending the rose essence with notes of bergamot, clean musk and a tiny hint of tangerine. The overall effect is fresh, light and absolutely lovely. I can see women of all ages and generations loving this scent.

There are many products in the range including a shower gel and bath foam, “petal soft” hand cream, a fragrance and a gel body scrub which is infused with actual rose petals.

I have tried the Instant Glow Body Essence and Instant Glow Body Butter. Both products contain a gorgeous pink hued, subtle shimmer that leaves a dewy glow on the skin. 

The Body Essence is quite liquidy and lightweight but absorbs quickly provides a nice hydration. It's perfect for keeping your skin soft and slightly scented on those long Summer days 

The Body Butter is very thick and indulgent and when rubbed in is very hydrating and perfect for dry skin. It claims to make the skin “petal soft”; which it does while leaving a delicate scent on the body.

I think that the British Rose range by The Body Shop is going to be a total hit! Pop in to your nearest store and try it out. How appropriate is it that this collection has released just before Mother’s Day? ;)

Until next time

Love, roses and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{BEAUTY REVIEW} | The Body Shop Hemp Rescue Balm

Hemp is one of the oldest crops in the world and the non-hallucinogenic variety is commonly used to make oils, fabrics, paper, foods and even biofuels and building materials! It is known as a ‘miracle crop’ as it helps to structure and regenerate soil between food crops. It is also four times more effective at capturing carbon dioxide than trees and protects biodiversity because it requires no pesticides and provides a home for local wildlife.

For many years now The Body Shop has been using cold pressed Hemp Seed Oil in their Hemp range. The crop is farmed in co-operation the French Community Trade so while The Body Shop only uses the oil, the farmers use every part of the yield ensuring no waste and no contribution to climate change. Hemp seed oil contains 80% polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, carotene, calcium and magnesium which makes it extremely good for the skin.

The iconic Hemp Hand Protector (one is sold every 9 seconds!) got a bit of a makeover this year for The Body Shop’s Enrich Not Exploit™ Campaign. The tube has been redesigned in a limited edition packaging by renowned street artist Ben Eine and using his famous typography communicates the message of change. R30 from the purchase of each tube goes to a pre-selected charity (you can choose Our Planet, Our Animals or Our People) until 31 May 2016. 

New to The Body Shop is the Hemp Rescue Balm. It is described as, “expert care for ultra-dry zones” and contains cold pressed hemp oil with shea butter, beeswax and other natural oils. It comes in a cute tin (reminds me of sardines!) and looks like solid coconut oil when you open it. The texture is a lot like Vaseline once you touch it but it is completely non-greasy.

Once the product is on the skin it absorbs fully (no residue) and provides heavy duty moisturization which lasts at least 8 hours. It’s really convenient if you need a surge of instant and long-lasting moisture for areas like elbows, knees and heels. The skin feels smooth and velvety soft. It can also be used in small amounts as a hair serum and to combat dry patches on the face and body. I’ve also been using it on my lips and I’m really happy with the results.

The scent is quite earthy, it smells like the Hand Protector but slightly subtler. It really does the job but don’t expect to smell like a flower garden or a fruit smoothie.

The Body Shop’s Hemp Rescue Balm is an essential for the dry Winter. Your skin will love you!

You can purchase the Hemp Hand Protector in 100mL (ZAR130) and the Hemp Rescue Balm 100mL/87g (ZAR235) at The Body Shop.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{FRAGRANCE REVIEW} Indian Night Jasmine by The Body Shop

 Indian Night Jasmine captures the intoxicating scents of the Kashmir Mughal Gardens at night. The night is said to be the time when the majestic jasmine flowers give off their most decadent scent. Body Shop perfumers created this scent to celebrate the true beauty and intoxicating nature of this famed flower.

Indian Night Jasmine has been around for a while and it is a firm favourite at The Body Shop. This year you can get this sublime “floriental” fragrance in lovely new packaging as part of the new Voyage Collection. The fragrance bottles are now a really cute bell shape and this one has indents that make the bottle look like a gigantic jewel. The liquid inside is visible and is a beautiful orange colour, reminiscent of the sunset.

In the fragrance, jasmine flowers which are picked at night are combined with violet leaves, vanilla and orange blossom. It’s all brought together with rich sandalwood at the base. The result is quite intoxicating but also elegant and comforting.   

My Mom had jasmine trees in our childhood home and I can clearly remember the heady scent the flowers gave off at night. I was, however, cautioned by the elders not to go near the trees because “jinns liked the smell too.” With the Indian Night Jasmine I get to relive that scent and that beautiful garden without having to worry about jinns!

Because it is an eau de toilette, this fragrance isn’t as long lasting as one would prefer a jasmine scent to be. It wears off quite quickly and I found myself having to reapply it in the day.

The Indian Night Jasmine fragrance (50mL) retails for ZAR275 at The Body Shop. If you are looking for an affordable holiday gift for someone that loves perfume this is a really nice one! You can also get the Indian Night Jasmine scent in fragrance mist (ZAR140), shower gel (ZAR99), body lotion (ZAR140) and body butter (ZAR160). Buy them all and use them together to layer and build a lasting fragrance!

This fragrance is 100% vegan. 

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{BEAUTY REVIEW} | The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer

Today I will be sharing my thoughts on the Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer from The Body Shop. It claims to lift, awaken and soothe dull, tired and grumpy skin and encourages a healthy glow. It’s formulated with the Vitamin C rich camu camu berry which is found in the Amazonian forest. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps keep skin smooth and plump.

I’ve used this moisturizer a few times since it landed on my desk, in the morning and throughout the day. It’s a very lightweight, gel-like formula with a pleasant citrusy fragrance. It glides on easily and absorbs into the skin quickly.

I can definitely feel the effects of this moisturizer, especially when my skin has taken a bit of a beating. I applied some after getting home on Thursday (I flew to Cape Town for the day) and my face felt instantly refreshed. In terms of glow I can’t really say but my skin definitely did look more relaxed. The only issue I have is that it is a little light for Winter. Reapplication is necessary to keep the skin fully moisturized. I would definitely get this in the summertime and pop it in the fridge for a cool, juicy boost. Let me just add that Shuaib noticed it on my dressing table and he’s been using it now and he loves it! He has a pretty stressful lifestyle too so it’s the perfect moisturizer for him.

I would recommend The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer if you have a stressful lifestyle or if you are often in an environment that is artificially heated or cooled or polluted. If your skin feels dull or overworked this is definitely what you need.

You can find the Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer at The Body Shop stores where it retails for ZAR155. You can also get your hands on the Vitamin C Instant Glow Enhancer (ZAR140) for a quick fix.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

My Winter Beauty Essentials

Winter is coming… The days are shrinking, the air is getting chilly and humidity is a distant memory.  The blankets, radiators, coats, scarves and boots come out of storage and we’re shopping for beanies and gloves. Along with these changes, we have to switch out our beauty products. These are my absolute essentials for the cold, dry months of Winter.

Philosophia Botanica Multivitamin Face Cream (ZAR168)

I’ve had this cream for a while but only started using it recently. It’s made in South Africa and is paraben and artificial fragrance free. It contains Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, Rooibos, Evening Primrose, Neroli and Tangerine. I use it every night before bed and it really feels like its feeding my skin with goodness. It absorbs into the face and keeps my skin hydrated all night. I cannot go to bed without it! It also really helped with soothing and healing a reaction I had after having my eyebrows waxed.

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo and Conditioner and 3 Minute Miracle Frizz Control (±ZAR59.95)

The dry Winter air can be very harsh on hair and can totally sap all its moisture. The damage goes further when using heated styling tools as I tend to use a hair dryer more often in Winter than the other seasons. Every Winter I change to a moisture restoring shampoo and conditioner and the Aussie brand is my favourite. It contains aloe and Jojoba oil for moisture and smells like bubblegum. I also use the 3 Minute Miracle Frizz Control once a week because my hair gets extremely static in Winter and I have flyaways everywhere. This quick treatment helps to tame them and keeps my hair healthy and shiny.

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Beautifying Oil (ZAR120)

The Johannesburg air is totally dry in Winter and along with this, I am constantly around heaters which dry out the air even more. I use this oil to add the moisture back to my skin and keep it healthy. It smells amazing and it just absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue so you can even use it on your face. I generally use this oil on my body after a shower when my skin is still slightly moist.

INOAR Argan Oil

Hair needs a special treat every now and then and this oil is perfect for that. Although it’s a multi-purpose product, I use about a 20c size amount once every two weeks, the night before I am to wash my hair as a treatment. It contains 9% Argan Oil as well as olive, jojoba and cinnamon essential oils. It really gives me luscious locks!

Greenland Lime-Vanilla Hand Cream (ZAR95)

For me, dry hands are the worst. I keep this lovely hand cream in my handbag and apply it after I wash my hands. It contains a blend of essential oils, glycerine, shea butter and Vitamin B5 so it’s really hydrating. It absorbs into the skin quickly and has a long-lasting hydrating effect. It also smells amazing and contains no parabens or artificial colorants.

Maybelline Baby Lips (ZAR25)

My lips get so so dry during Winter so I keep these babies in each of my handbags and on my desk. Not only are they affordable, but they look so adorable, really moisturize my lips and smell divine.

What are your Winter essentials?

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox