The Body Shop: One for the Boys

Some of you might remember my slightly awkward encounter with men in the customs office at Philadelphia Airport.  While they were (not so kindly) telling me that I wasn't being allowed into the country, two thoughts were flashing through my head.  They were: "No, I'm supposed to be in America this summer", and "that guy has seriously clear skin!" 

Well hello there...

 Admit it, we all notice people's spots, although MOST of us are too polite to say anything.  Skincare is easy - almost expected - for girls.  It's part of our routine; just like doing our eyebrows, cutting our hair and painting our nails.  But for guys...mention skin care to them and they'll either run a mile or laugh in your face.  

 Writing a review on men's skin care poses two problems.  Number one: I am not a   guy.  Number two: a lot of my male friends have one of the two above reactions.  Now listen here, guys.  Skin care does not mean you spend hours in front of a mirror, preening at how good you look.  It does not mean you're wearing make up or that you're vain.  It simply means you care about your skin.  'Skin care' is an umbrella term for shaving cream, face scrub and moisturiser.  And, unless you're doing that hairy Movember thing, shaving is as important to you as neat eyebrows are to us, correct?  I thought so.

Thankfully, I have two male friends who were willing to try out The Body Shop's range for men's skin.     Their Maca Root skin care range uses Brazil nut oil from Peru which helps to keep your skin smooth and loads it with nutrients.  During my afternoon at the Body Shop, I was told that the Maca Root range is especially popular with "big burly men on oil rigs" - probably because it protects their skin against harsh winds and the cold offshore.  And let's face it guys, you're a little simple, and this skin care range is no fuss and no frills: simply lather it on, and wash it off. Now to the products...

Tester A was given Maca Root Face Scrub and Maca Root Face Protector away with him.  Of the face scrub, he said: "I was able to get a closer shave when I used it in the morning, and my skin felt smoother throughout the week.  The scent wasn't as overpowering as other scrubs, and my pores felt a lot cleaner, too."  Seems to have gone down a treat.  Aside from a slightly less-masculine smell, the face protector made Tester A's skin "feel more moisturised for longer."  So Tester A was happy.

Tester B also tried the Maca Root Face Protector and said that, when used as a post-shave balm, it was "refreshing and not as greasy as other shaving balms, and that it smelt great."  Our guinea pig also took away with him some Maca Root Shave Cream which "smelt just as good" and which, according to the Body Shop, prepares skin for a smoother and closer shave.

So there you have it, men.  Take a trip to the Body Shop (or order online if you're self-concious), and take some pride in your skin.  So long, good looking ;)

The Body Shop: Fix Your Face

It's taken me 22 years to realise this but like death and taxes, you cannot avoid spots.  You can gulp down gallons of water, drink in seaside air and eat only steamed veg and fresh fruit, but one morning you will wake up with a little blighter on your face.  We are POWERLESS to them.  We can, however, control how we treat them.  Enter the Body Shop.  They've created a number of ranges to help whatever skin condition you may have.  The Vitamin C products will transform dull, lifeless skin into a glowing thing of beauty (as you may guess from the sunshine yellow packaging).  Head back to yesteryears with the Pomegranate range which helps reduce signs of ageing or intensely hydrate your skin with the Vitamin E range and kiss goodbye to dry skin.  I am quite far off turning 60 and thankfully I don't suffer from dry or dull skin,  but unfortunately I get spots and red marks.  So for all you unfortunate souls like me, give these two ranges a try and see what you think.  It's time to fix your face.

The Tea Tree Range

Tea tree is a magic potion.  Although tea tree has a rep for being abrasive to skin, some of you might shrink back and say "how could I put that on my skin? It will BURN it!"  But the Body Shop has been super clever by adding allantoin (a soothing agent) so that it doesn't feel as if you've just undergone a chemical peel.  No more excuses!  The Tea Tree Oil is exceptionally good at blitzing spots and blemishes within hours.  Quite seriously, I tried it on one or two problem areas and my spots had dramatically reduced overnight.  Keep it in your handbag just incase.  Apply the Night Lotion to clean skin before bed and you'll wake up with your skin still feeling refreshed and noticeably clearer.  Pore Minimiser does exactly what it says on the tin - it makes your pores, spots and blemishes look smaller!  I found that whenever I used it, my concealer went on a lot easier and stayed on a lot longer.  For sensitive skin, the tea tree range is too strong for continual, everyday use, but the Body Shop's products make for excellent emergency breakout relief.  Begone, angry spots! 

The Seaweed Range

Does your skin chop and change between dry, oily, spotty and clear?  Then the Seaweed range is for you.  It's not as strong as the tea tree range, but still makes your skin tingle and is ideal for constant use.  Facial Exfoliator is essential for buffing away dry skin patches and the Clay Mask is ideal for once-a-week intense exfoliation.  Your skin will be left as soft a baby's bottom.  Again, the Pore Perfector does what it says on the tin, while acting as an excellent primer.  Use the Purifying Cleanser at night to wipe away any impurities your skin has picked up during the day and follow it with Clarifying Toner to tighten and moisturise.  The next morning, give your face a wash with the Cleansing Facial Wash to keep it feeling - and looking - clean and fresh all day. 

We can't stop spots, but we can fight them.  Look fresh faced and keep your confidence brimming with the Body Shop's range of excellent, and reasonably priced, products.  

No Time to be Bored

It may be February.  It may be FREEZING outside, it may be dark and gloomy and your bank account might still be feeling the effects of a pre-Christmas/Christmas sale splurge.  But that is NOT an excuse to hunker down and hibernate until the un-genetically modified daffodils start arriving.  Why?  Because for the first time in a long time, Aberdeen has two very cool and interesting things going on!  About time too!

Aberdeen Chocolate Fair

Hint: Valentines Day = 14th February

I mentioned this in February's Wish List. (Okay, I say 'mentioned' - I tried to write the best recommendation while stifling fits of glee.) Aberdeen is having a chocolate fair!! Prepare to take out those expandable Christmas dinner waistbands again, and get ready to sample and buy your weight in chocolate.  The Chocolate Fair is happening in Aberdeen THIS weekend (9th + 10th February 2013) at the Jury's Inn on Guild Street (you know, the one just off Union Square). At the event, you can sample chocolate from the very best chocolate makers, like Hotel Chocolat (yum) and Iain Burnett's The Highland Chocolatier.  There'll be other lesser-known chocolate vendors and, by way of mentioning, there will be a company there called Cup Cakes and Pops.  Ideal for children, or those who act like children.  And for all of you who like baking and cooking with chocolate, (as if eating it straight from the wrapper isn't enough), award-winning chefs who create award-winning dishes will be giving demos and master-classes throughout Saturday and Sunday.  You MUST book tickets before you arrive because when something is this good, there are never tickets at the door.  The Chocolate Fair creators have clearly got their heads screwed on the right way round, because students get in for 75p.  It does not count, real people, if you produce a student card from the '80s.  You have to pay the price for working and cough up the dear price of a £1. (Although you do need to pay about £20 for a ticket to the master-classes.) This, my friends, is going to be one brilliant event.  Purchase your tickets and enter Aberdeen's own Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.  

Info: http://www.aberdeenchocolatefair.com/default.html

Tickets: http://www.aberdeenchocolatefair.com/Purchase-Tickets.html

(On their website there are three key phrases: 'Chocolate Fountain', 'Wine & Chocolate', and 'Purchase Tickets')

Selling Dreams: 100 Years of Fashion Photography

I always scream like this when I'm on a bike.

Vogue has come to town - and not in the form of a glossy magazine with Cara Delevingne plastered over the front.  This is real, authentic and classy Vogue photography.  The exhibition is part of a tour which has nestled in the Granite City until the 20th April, and which celebrates the talents of fashion photographers including David Bailey and Irving Penn.  And there aren't just pictures - there's even a film!  Does the name Cecil Beaton mean anything to you? That absolute genius of fashion photography?  Well he's hanging out in Aberdeen. Almost. Okay, in film form.  The photos document beautiful women and ground-breaking fashion throughout the past century.  Cast your mind back to history lessons of old and think about both wars, the roaring '20s, the swinging '60s, and the positively cringey '90s. That's a whole lot of fashion, encapsulated in 60 photos.  (And can I just say, if you are a non-fashion appreciating guy reading this, fashion is not just about dresses.)  These photos are of beautiful women who had life and dreams and who were the face of British design for years.  The had vigour, attitude, a decent hair-cut and a whole lot of gumption. Even if they were a size 4.  This exhibition demonstrates not only well-tailored outfits, but the skill and talent of some of the worlds greatest photographers. I recommend it whole-heartedly. 

Info: http://www.aagm.co.uk/Exhibitions/Current/Selling-Dreams-100-years-of-fashion-photography.aspx

The Body Shop: Colour Crush

You can do a lot more with your eyes than just look through them.  You can flirt with them; you can cry from them.  You can communicate rage, joy, confusion or excitement.  Through our eyes, we take in the world.  Through our eyes, the world takes in you. 

Which is exactly why, girls, your eyes need to look fantastic. 

The Body Shop's new eyeshadow range will help to make your eyes just that.  The range is called Colour Crush and ohmyword WHAT colour.  I'm not just talking about natural shades with a bit of pink and blue thrown in for the benefit of the lucky few who suit them.  I'm also not talking about garishly bright 'I-look-like-a-walking-shimmering-rainbow'. These colours are fun, flirty and absolutely perfect for shaking off winter blues and embracing spring colours. 

I took a trip to the Body Shop in Aberdeen this weekend, where the wonderful Hannah gave me trial run of the new colours.  Both she, I and a handful of nosy customers can vouch for the fact that I could not take my eyes off the eyeshadows.  (I quote: "Steph, can you stop looking at them and look at me, please?")  After a lot of deliberation, we decided to go for green and tried Fig Leaf, Chat Up Lime and Moonlight Kiss.  It was a perfect choice: the colours blended well, and the black (Moonlight Kiss) finished the look off perfectly.  It was just the right mix of sugar, sweet, sultry and subtle.  But don't worry if green is not your thing.  There are 30 different colours to choose from. Other favourites include Steel My Heart (silver), Blue Over You (navy) and Grape Expectations (purple).  These colours will match your skin tone, match your outfit, match your hair, match your lips - do you get it yet?  

I'll also let you into a little secret to emphasise the power of this new range: I was never an eyeshadow girl.  That's right.  The fear of having a cakey line just above my eyelid was always enough to put me off.  Not any more!  You guessed it, Colour Crush does. not. crease.  And thanks to finely crushed pigments, the eyeshadow stays bright and clean looking for hours. And if it can't get any better, they contain Marula Oil from Namibia and because of the Body Shop's Fair-Trade policy, Namibian farmers benefit directly from every eyeshadow sold.  Winner. 

So ladies, head down to the Body Shop to check this new range out.  We all know the power a moment of eye contact can have: we do it on dates, during handshakes, while public speaking and during conversation.  Make sure your eye contact is even more powerful with the Colour Crush range.