The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream – Review

I got it on a whim a few months ago. It says it’s suitable for all skin types – I sort of disagree with that.

Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream
This rich night cream replenishes moisture levels while you sleep.

-- Intensively hydrates
-- Works when skin is at its most receptive
-- Leaves skin soft and smooth

The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream

The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream

My thoughts
Anyone living in Karachi would know that we get summers almost throughout the year. The winter months aren’t very cold. Moreover, it’s pretty much humid all the time. I have a combination skin type and my skin tussles between dry patches and an oily T-zone. My first impression about the product was that it’s a bit too heavier for my skin and I feared it might break me out as well. But then I figured out that if I apply too much, it’s definitely going to feel very sticky. So now, I just take a tiny amount of the product and massage on my face. Trust me, a little goes a long way in this case.

Soon after applying this, my skin feels baby soft and I love the mild scent it has. I like that it has a gel-like consistency and melts into my skin in no time. I don’t use it every night since like I said, it's heavier. I apply it every alternate night. I basically like rubbing it on my damp skin before I hit the sack. And no, It hasn’t broken me out yet.

If you have a dry skin type, you’re probably gonna love it. But if you live in a place that’s mostly hot and humid all year round and got a skin type like mine, I suggest passing up on this one and trying something else – perhaps another TBS cream that is specifically formulated for combination skin. Don’t get me wrong, I like this cream and what it does to my skin in the cooler months. Having said that, I would really like to try something that would work for me in warmer times of the year.

You might like it if…

• You have a dry/normal skin type
• Your skin struggles with dry patches
• It makes your skin baby soft
• You work tiny amount of product into your skin

You might not like it if…

• You have a combination/oily skin type
• You slather too much 
• You think it's pricey

My rating

3.5/5

The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream is priced at PKR 1980 and can be purchased from any TBS outlet in the city. If you wish to buy online, check out Just4girls.pk.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?

The Body Shop Color Crush Lipstick in 125 Crazy Sexy Crimson – Review & swatches

I am so digging deeps and brights on my pout this season.

Color Crush Lipstick
This luscious lipstick gives a stunning pop of color and rich moisture, infused with a subtle rose scent.
- High-impact color
- Rich moisture
- Infused with a subtle rose scent

The Body Shop Color Crush Lipstick in 125 Crazy Sexy Crimson

The Body Shop Color Crush Lipstick in 125 Crazy Sexy Crimson

The Body Shop Color Crush Lipstick in 125 Crazy Sexy Crimson - Swatch

The Body Shop Color Crush Lipstick in 125 Crazy Sexy Crimson - Applied

My thoughts
125 Crazy Sexy Crimson is a deep red – ideal for fall/winter and looks absolutely wonderful on my fair medium skin tone. It appears shiny upon application but sets to a semi-matte finish eventually.

I love how it is so moisturizing and has a faint rose scent to it however the pigmentation of the product is such a comedown. It’s not as intense as it seems in the tube which is why I think the coverage falls somewhere between sheer to medium. The good news is, it’s buildable and can be built to full coverage. Since the formula is very hydrating, you need not to worry about your lips drying out. Also, it glides smoothly over lips without highlighting lip lines.

Truthfully speaking, I am not thrilled with the longevity of the formula. It lasts no longer than two hours on my lips. Overall, I think it’s an okayish lipstick; I was hoping for something richer and long wearing.

You might like it if…

• You expect it to hydrate your lips without drying out
• You are looking for a semi opaque lipstick
• It doesn’t highlight lip lines

You might not like it if…

• It doesn’t last long on your lips
• You expect full coverage

My rating

3.5/5

The Body Shop Color Crush Lipstick comes with a price tag of PKR 1490 and can be found at all TBS outlets across the country. For more details, visit The Body Shop Pakistan on Facebook.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

The Body Shop Shea Body Scrub – Review

Winter is on its way and I’ve got to say it’s not my favorite time of the year since my skin doesn't behave very nicely. It gets dry and more often than not I suffer from winter breakouts if I neglect taking better care. Drinking plenty of water, regular exfoliation followed with a good moisturizer is absolutely essential if you wish to keep your skin hydrated all season long.

Today I’m going to share one of my favorite body scrubs for winter.

Shea Body Scrub
This exfoliating body scrub contains real shea butter. It lifts away dead skin cells and has a subtle, nutty scent.

•  Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
•  Stimulates skin microcirculation
•  Subtle nutty scent

How to use?
Apply to damp skin in a circular motion, then rinse thoroughly. Use two to three times a week for best results.

The Body Shop Shea Body Scrub

The Body Shop Shea Body Scrub

My thoughts
I absolutely adore the nutty aroma which in the case of this scrub isn’t too overwhelming unlike other products from the line. Remember when I said I was looking for a substitute for my favorite Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish? Well, I think I just found one. These aren’t exact dupes but they do come close enough at many levels. For instance, the granules in this scrub feel somewhat the same against the skin as the ones in the Flake Away do. The only difference, I believe Flake Away is much more abrasive but less moisturizing compared to this. It is not as scrubby as I would’ve liked but you can massage it over until the granules melt and disappear; they do vanish rather quickly so it doesn't offer much of exfoliation as opposed to Flake Away.

The best thing about it is that it moisturizes extremely well. It imparts a visible glow to the skin which I haven’t yet experienced from any other body scrub that I’ve tried. This could be bothersome if you find the film too greasy for your liking or if you don't really have a dry skin. So in my opinion, I think Flake Away can be used all year round while Shea Butter scrub is best suitable for colder months. It makes my skin feel smooth and hydrated after each use. Of course, you should use your favorite lotion or body butter afterwards for best results. My biggest gripe is with the packaging; I struggle with closing the lid back which is annoying.

Overall, I think it's a good winter scrub. There’s something warm and cozy about it which makes me reach for it a lot these days. The only let down is that doesn’t contain as much grains in it that would help with buffing away stubborn flakiness/dead skin cells as it promises. Nonetheless, it infuses skin with the much needed moisture leaving it feel soft and silky all through the day.

You might like it if…

• You have very dry skin
• You expect gentle scrubbing
• You’re happy with the subtle scent
• You expect it to moisturize & make your skin glow
• The visible dewy film it leaves behind doesn't bother you

You might not like it if…

• You expect abrasive exfoliation
• The emollient feeling seems greasy to you
• The packaging isn't the most convenient

My rating

3.5/5

The Body Shop Shea Body Scrub (200 mL) costs PKR 1490. It can be purchased from all TBS outlets nationwide. Folks abroad can get this for £12.50 or for around $13.

What do you think about it? Which is your favorite body scrub for winter?

The Body Shop Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm – Review

I have heard quite good things about it and I think, it kind of lives up to the hype; yeah!

Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm
Our cult lip balm in a stick format. Gives lips a pop of colour, a shot of moisture and a soft shine.

• Moisturises and conditions lips
• Plum tint
• Subtle shine
• Fruity plum flavor

The Body Shop Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm in Plum

The Body Shop Born Lippy Plum Lip Balm

The Body Shop Born Lippy Plum Lip Balm - Swatch

My thoughts
TBS Born Lippy Lip Balm comes in a stick form. I must say the packaging is very eye-catching. I’ve got this in ‘plum’ which looked scary in the beginning since I am not keen on putting a deep shade such as this for everyday use. But when I applied it, I was relieved. The pigmentation is so sheer, it only gives a faint tint to my lips with subtle sheen. Also, I am in love with the delicious fruity scent and flavor.

I am glad I have this in a stick as opposed to the previous tiny tub. The stick is more hygienic to be honest. You don’t have to dig the jar with your fingers to get the product out. I like to toss it in my bag and carry it around everywhere. It hydrates and conditions my lips just the way I like it. The consistency is not too heavily moisturizing nor too less which makes it ideal for wear under matte lipsticks (Nope! it won’t sheer out the shade). It’s not very long lasting though which upsets me.

Overall, I find this amazing for summer time. My lips become very dry during winter so I don’t think this would help much then.

You might like it if…

• You think it’s extremely travel-friendly and easy to use
• You find the scent and flavor delicious
• It adds a slight tint of color with subtle shine
• You find it excellent for use underneath a matte lipstick
• You use this in summer

You might not like it if…

• You expect it to last long
• It doesn’t intensely moisturize your lips
• You use this in winter
• You think it's expensive

My rating:

3.5/5

The Body Shop Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm is priced at PKR 750 and can be purchased from any TBS outlets across Pakistan. For more details, visit The Body Shop Pakistan on Facebook. If you live in the U.K, you can purchase online from The Body Shop's website here.

What do you think it? Have you tried it?

The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion – Review

Most of you must be familiar with microdermabrasion. To put it simply, it's a technique that uses tiny rough grains to slough away the outermost layer of the skin in order to improve the overall appearance. This at-home microdermabrasion boasts of making the complexion bright and improving your skin's texture. Read on to find if it worked for me.

Vitamin C Microdermabrasion
Fine exfoliating micro particles and crushed garnet stones remove dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion.

• Removes dead skin cells
• Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
• Gives skin a brighter, more radiant look
• Improves skin texture and tone

How to use?
Wet face and neck. Apply using circular motions and rinse off with clean water. Use once or twice a week.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion

The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion

My thoughts
I think it's an amazing product! I like it because it almost does everything it claims to. For a start, it comes in a convenient packaging – a flip top tube to be precise. The first thing I noticed was the scent which is very mild – smells like synthetic citrus – and doesn’t bother me at all.

The product has a slightly dense creamy consistency hence it’s easy to control the quantity you require to dispense from the tube. Also, you don’t need much; just a dime-sized amount is enough to do the job. Upon closer inspection, I found that it contains very fine grains that exfoliate my skin effectively.  Now I must mention that the grains could feel harsh if rubbed hard against the skin so I strongly suggest keeping a light hand. You only need to massage this in circular motions for under a minute or two and rinse it off. I personally like using it once or twice a month. In my opinion, don’t use it very often as it might cause skin irritation. Besides, if you have sensitive skin, this is not for you. Since my skin isn’t sensitive, I haven’t noticed any redness after its use.

Now to the results! Well, I have noticed that my skin feels smooth and super soft after using this. It gives a nice subtle glow to my face and my skin looks incredibly polished. What really amazes me is that it gets rid of superficial blackheads that I have on my nose. My pores look squeaky clean and it doesn’t dry out my skin or give me a tight sensation. I’ve got to admit, it does enhance the overall texture of my skin and make it appear more even-toned. On the downside, it does not brighten up my face like it claims to.

Overall, I am truly in love with it! I am definitely going to repurchase once I run out.

You might like it if…

• It exfoliates your skin effectively
• Your skin feels smooth and soft after using this
• It makes your skin glow and appear polished
• It helps get rid of superficial blackheads
• It helps lighten blemishes
• It doesn’t dry out skin

You might not like it if…

• You expect it to brighten up your face
• You have sensitive skin
• You think it's too expensive for you

My rating

4.5/5

The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion is priced at PKR 2290 and can be purchased from any TBS outlet in the city. I got mine from Dolmen City Mall, Clifton. Folks abroad can purchase it from The Body Shop official website.

What do you think about it? Have you tried TBS Vitamin C Microdermabrasion?

Glam up with The Body Shop – Recreating Leona Lewis Signature look!

The Body Shop Pakistan is holding a nationwide blogger contest where participants are required to recreate the Leona Lewis look using products from the brand. The winner shall receive a cash prize and TBS products; amazing isn't it?

I was over the moon to have received an invitation from The Body Shop Pakistan's business development manager; she's a sweet heart I tell you. 

The Body Shop Leona Lewis Collection

The Body Shop Leona Lewis Collection

Products used for the look

A look created with Leona Lewis collection

A look created with Leona Lewis collection

A look created with Leona Lewis collection

A look created with Leona Lewis collection

So we (my sister and I) went to The Forum outlet and were warmly received by the sales assistants -- gotta say they were very helpful as always. Being a regular TBS consumer myself, I knew precisely where to pick my products and how to begin. It was a wonderful experience creating a look inside the store. A lot of customers passing by thought something special (maybe a free demo) was happening lol. One of the ladies even asked the SA excitedly about what's going on. Anyway, after I was done, we took photos then and there. My sister was a big help in all of this. We had already decided to recreate the look putting slight creativity of our own so to make it look more personalized, if you know what I mean.

The Leona Lewis collection looks very tempting and the packaging is just adorable. The Shimmer Palette in Oh Deer! Blush that I used on the cheeks applies sheer but could be built up though it may not show up well on deeper complexions in my opinion. On the whole, it's one of those products you would want to wear on daily basis, the one you just can't over do. The lip gloss is pigmented and non-sticky. I put Deerlicious Fuchsia on my lips which is a gorgeous and extremely flattering summer shade. The other products used for the look have been mentioned below. I was pleasantly surprised by the Colour Crush eye shadows; they're super pigmented. Not to mention, the Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder is brilliant; I've got my eye on it. Overall, I had a great time.

For Face, I used:

• The Body Shop Oil Free Balancing Foundation SPF 15
• The Body Shop Pressed Face Powder
• The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder
• The Body Shop Leona Lewis Cruelty Free 'Oh Deer! Blush' Shimmer Palette

For Eyes, I used:

• The Body Shop All In One Concealer
• The Body Shop Colour Crush Eyeshadow in 'Berry Cheeky', 'Pink Crush' & 'Be My Clementine'
• The Body Shop Carbon Eye Definer in 'Black'
• The Body Shop Liquid Eyeliner in 'Black'
• The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit in 'Brown & Black'
• The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara

For Lips, I used:

• The Body Shop Leona Lewis Cruelty Free 'Deerlicious Fuchsia' Lip Gloss

I heard that about twenty bloggers have taken part in the competition. I wish them all the best. Wish me luck too! And, I hope you like the look I created.

For more details about the brand, visit The Body Shop Pakistan on Facebook.

What do you think about the Leona Lewis Collection?