The Body Shop

MOVE OVER BBW, GROWN FOLKS ARE IN THE HOUSE!
We all know Bath and Body Works, (BBW). It is that brightly colored, super smelly shop that you have in the malls and certain shopping centers. Well, this is the upgraded, «grown folks» alternative.
I refer to it as the grown folks version because I really feel that you are dealing with a higher quality product and more mature marketing. At BBW, you will get coupons and deep discounts and products that are more about quantity and price than quality. Their products just aren’t rich enough or long lasting enough for me. I need quality products that will stay the course!
This store had great products in a variety of forms, body sprays, hand creams lotions, soaps and more. You could also get a combination set or small sampler sizes. They had several different fragrances and I just could not make up my mind so Monique prepared a couple of free samples of my favorite items so that I could try them out. She was an absolute doll and provided impeccable customer service today. She allowed us to try out several products and assisted us with cosmetics as well.
I am definitely returning for some of that super rich body butter and body spray. I love a subtle but lasting scent that doesn’t make my eyes water or nose run. I also don’t want people to smell me coming or be overwhelmed by my harsh fragrance.
According to Monique, The Body Shop products are not tested on animals and are 99% vegan. They are also supposed to last 24 hours which is quite a deal and definitely worth paying more. I can’t wait to try out my samples and give an update!
If you are sensitive to certain scents, they have items that are virtually scent free, (unlike BBW), and represent the same quality as their scented items.
Edit: After trying the sample products for a couple of days, I am now back with an update. These products simply do not live up to expectations. That super rich body butter cream goes on beautifully but dissipates within minutes. Although I loved the smell, richness and application, the product only lasted for approximately 5 minutes and I found myself constantly reapplying it, (like chasing that first «high» and trying to maintain that initial feeling).
I found that the body spray also lacked the longevity promised and this is why you can’t go buck wild in these stores with purchasing because once you get home reality hits and you then realize that you really wasted a lot of money. That delightful body butter at 6.7 oz was $ 21 yet it could not could not out perform my Dollar Tree cream, (the rich one in the tube that costs $ 1 for 10 oz).
I don’t buy what is popular or cool when it comes to my skin. I buy what works and as someone who hand washes frequently and tends to have dry hands, I just can’t compromise.
My score was adjusted to reflect the fact that the products just don’t live up to their own hype. Don’t get caught up in what you initially smell and feel, take those samples home and try them for a couple of days. You will save a lot of frustration and money! BE WISE!