If there’s a brand you already trust and admire, then it makes perfect sense for it to extend itself further into other areas. In the case of the Body Shop, it’s going into a more lavish, indulgent market, with the release of its Spa of the World line.
Sampling the Hawai‘ian Kukui Cream (NZ$79·95), the Polynesian Monoï Radiance Oil (for body and hair, NZ$42·95) and the Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay mask (NZ$42·95), you already get the feeling that this is something more special and more premium than the other Fair Trade offerings from the company. The gold labels suggest this is the Body Shop, but with a difference.
The cream takes its formula from Hawai‘ian tradition itself, using kukui nut oil to nurture and hydrate skin. There’s a pleasant, light scent and the oil itself is easily absorbed by the skin. It has a soft, butter-like texture (thanks to the use of cacao seed butter in the ingredients) when applied to the skin, and it’s a great first step in the Body Shop’s Spa of the World pampering.
The monoï oil, which traditionally hails from Tahiti, is made from tiaré flowers soaked in coconut oil and follows a formula that has been in French Polynesia for centuries. This version of the monoï oil differs from the Body Shop’s existing Miracle Oil, with the addition of sesame seed oil for skin conditioning, more fragrances (though it still smells light and doesn’t overwhelm at all), and sunflower seed oil as an emollient. There’s a trace of gardenia extract for the scent. It works well in hair, provided you use a small quantity, and, with a larger quantity, leaves a pleasant, healthy glow on skin.
Finally, the mask uses charcoal powder, giving a dark grey colour, and the 200 ml size, with its fairly thick consistency, means it will last. All you need is a thin layer on skin, focusing on tired areas, and after it’s dried (10 minutes or so), you can rinse it off. The skin feels softer and calmer.
To complete the ritual experience, the Body Shop offers a twin-ball massager, made by a Fair Trade manufacturer in India that has funded two schools for 700 children, and the luxury facial flannel is soft and a great cleanser.
You may also like
