Body Shop

I have a confession: I am not a fan of BB creams. I tried several of them (from Maybelline to Bobbi Brown) when the initial hype began, but none of them worked for me. Most BB creams made my skin look flakey or too grey, or the shades were not right for my skin tone. After spending lots of my hard-earned money on BB cream fails, I finally gave up on them.

But then, last month I tried out The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream (perhaps the tenth BB cream I’ve tried!). The shop assistant selected the shade 02 for me, and while I was initially hesitant about the colour, it was perfect for me. And voila, finally a BB cream I like!

Why I like The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB cream:

First (and most important), the BB cream is right for my skin tone and it does not leave a grey film on my face.
The BB cream does not dry out my skin, nor does it make it oily. No adverse reactions, thank God!
The BB cream seemed to be in place even after an entire day of being out. (I refreshed once with a pressed powder).
The product provides good coverage, though not as much as a foundation. And yes, as per the claims, the product is light-weight!

So is it the perfect BB cream?

Not really. BB creams are supposed to be all-in-one products, but I did need a moisturizer and sun screen with this one. And while the product is good, it won’t be replacing my foundation anytime soon. The product is a tad pricier than other BB creams (it’s Rs 1095 for 40 ml), and I think it’s worth that price tag, that’s just me.

How I use the BB cream:

As advised by The Body Shop assistant I apply the BB cream after my moisturizer and sunscreen, using very little of the product (too much product makes me look dull and greasy). I apply the product like I apply a liquid foundation (little dots on the face and neck, then blend with fingers). Though the product has a foundation-like texture and consistency, it does not need a few minutes to “settle” like foundation. So I immediately follow it up with my favourite day compact powder.

Verdict: The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB cream has now become one of the most important products in my daily makeup routine. Enough said! 🙂

Rating: 4/5

MRP: Rs 1095 (40 ml)

The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream is available at The Body Shop stores and counters across India. You can also buy it online on The Body Shop website.

Note: The product was provided by the brand / its representatives for consideration. However, the views expressed in the blog are honest.

In 2012, Accessories, Fashion, Men

It’s Women’s Day today! So let’s talk about men

Speaking ChicMarch 8, 2012March 8, 2012Leave a comment

It’s International Women’s Day today, but I’m not one to celebrate it. You can read my rant against Women’s Day here.

So to “celebrate” Women’s Day, I’ve decided to focus on men. This is a special post especially for men, based on inputs from girl friends and Speaking Chic readers. They’ve shared their views on what they like best about men (from the fashion POV). In short, they answer the question—when and how do men look their best?

This post is meant for the guys, so I’ve addressed the men, not the ladies.

Guys, here goes:

Start with the jackets: Women love men in dinner jackets, formal jackets and stylish casual jackets. My personal favourite these days is the light linen jacket like the one SRK wore in Don 2. Tres chic! (Below: Jacket from Zara)

Impress with your fragrance: Not one, not two, but three women told me they love fresh, clean, aquatic scents (I do too)! Which means CK’s Eternity for Men Aqua is a hands-down winner.

Dress down once in a while: While women love men dressed formally, they also like the guys to chill out once in a while. So wear casual shirts with sleeves rolled up, geeky tees with reference to popular culture and coloured polo tees. (Below: T-shirt from Guru).

Don’t forget to groom yourself: Well-groomed nails are a must. One reader even recommended manicures for guys. Also on the list are soft hands, shaven face and moisturised lips. (Below: L’Occitane Shea Butter hand cream, The Body Shop lip balm).

Hair is important: Shiny, glossy hair is awesome. So is the neat and clean gelled look. But not too spiked, thank you!

Accessorise: Sport classy belts with brands/ logos, and wrist accessories like bracelets/ kadas. My current favourite is an oblong dial watch with a leather strap. (Below: Watch from Fossil)

Rock those jeans: If a guy can pull off well-fitted jeans (not the skinny ones), the woman will be super happy! That’s because it shows the guy is healthy and fit. And we all like that, don’t we? (Below: Look from Diesel)

Try on new trends: Women like to see men who are “with it”. Think coloured shoes, boots, fresh colours, slim fits, grunge and lots more.

Health is wealth: Toned biceps, flattish abs, muscular legs. A good body and confidence can pull off almost every look. So being healthy and strong will make you look young, haute and happening! Drool… 😉

Ladies, what are your fashion and style tips for men?

PS—Thanks to Florence, Tanveer, Harlein and Kanika for their inputs.

PS 2 —There’s a hidden message in this post. Can anyone find it?

In 2011, Advertising, Beauty, Bollywood Fashion, Celebs, hair, News, trends

Bollywood beauty ads: Bipasha Basu (Wella Kolestint) and Dia Mirza (The Body Shop)

Speaking ChicJune 8, 2011Leave a comment

The Bollywood bandwagon is on the endorsement spree yet again (eg: Sonakshi Sinha for D’damas), and the beauty brands are signing them on.

This time Bipasha Basu is promoting Wella Kolestint, a DIY hair colour brand, while Dia Mirza is the face of The Body Shop’s Moisture White range of products. And both actors are looking gorgeous!

We applaud the choice of ambassadors and visual treatments of both Wella Kolestint and The Body Shop, unlike earlier bloopers (a whitewashed Kajol!). Bipasha Basu has always experimented with her looks, especially her hair (remember she went super short once?), and we’re certain her healthy flowing mane will make women all over the country want to try Wella Kolestint at home. Check out her gorgeous hair at a recent Wella Kolestint event:

(Picture from Wella Kolestint Facebook page)

Meanwhile, just-turned producer Dia Mirza has always had clear glowing skin, and folks at The Body Shop India seem to have known that. We love the pristine imagery of the advertisement and Dia’s angelic radiance. I’m sure the photoshop guy didn’t have to “enhance” her complexion too much (thank god for that!).

Our verdict: Finally some sensible brand endorsements on the Bollywood scene! Thank you to both product/ brand managers for giving us a refreshing take on beauty. 🙂

What do you think? Which Bollywood actor makes for the better fit—Bipasha Basu for Wella Kolestint or Dia Mirza for The Body Shop Moisture White range?

In Beauty, makeup, Review

Makeup Review: Body Shop Concealer

Speaking ChicFebruary 22, 20112 Comments

A concealer pencil? That was my first reaction to the Body Shop concealer when I saw it online. But the concealer was recommended by a friend, so I tried it out at the Body Shop store in a Mumbai mall.

Initially, I wasn’t sure if this cream-based concealer was doing its job well—hiding dark circles, redness and pigmentation. But the more I use it, the more I’m convinced that it works great when applied correctly. The coverage is adequate for a concealer, but not buildable.

I blend the concealer either using a concealer/lip brush or my ring finger. The latter is perfect for when I’m on the run; I apply the pencil directly on the problem area, and begin blending. While using the brush takes slightly longer, it blends better, though I usually do the final “round” of blending with my finger.

I follow the concealer with a dab of compact powder and carry it in my purse to touch up when needed. The makeup lasts long (it stayed in place from 1 pm to 10 pm, even as I ran from one part of the city to another).

The only thing I don’t like about the concealer is that it needs to be sharpened regularly. But luckily, one twist of the pencil is enough, so not much product wastage.

Speaking Chic verdict: I recommend the Body Shop concealer for busy women who have little time for makeup, are looking for a “lighter” option to foundation.

Speaking Chic rating: 4/5

Which concealer do you use?

Showing all posts tagged Body Shop

Pick of the Week: The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream

It’s Women’s Day today! So let’s talk about men

Bollywood beauty ads: Bipasha Basu (Wella Kolestint) and Dia Mirza (The Body Shop)

Makeup Review: Body Shop Concealer