The Body Shop- Review and Giveaway

Recently I was given the greatest pleasure of reviewing some amazing products from The Body Shop, a company who is against animal testing, promotes activating one's self esteem, believes in protecting the environment, defending human rights and supporting community trade.

The Body Shop was founded by Dame Anita Roddick (1942-2007). March 27, 1976, The first The Body Shop opened its doors for business on March 27, 1976, in Brighton, England. It was started as a means to create a livelihood for Dame Anita Riddick and her two daughters while her husband was away.

In addition to having over 2,045 stores, The Body Shop launched The Body Shop At Home, a direct sales channel, where products can be purchased directly from an Independent, home-based Consultant's website or by hosing/attending a Girls' Night Out- a home party.

When I was approached by Independent Consultant Nicole Ibarrondo to see if I'd be interested in a review of a couple of The Body Shop products, I didn't have to think about my response. I have used The Body Shop products over that past 10 years and have loved every single item I tried!

Nicole sent me two products to review- Spa Wisdom Africa Spa Body Scrub Salt and
Spa Wisdom Hand And Foot Butter.

I tried the Spa Wisdom Hand and Foot Butter first. In a word- amazing. I've tried my share of conditioning products for my hands and feet over the years. I've liked some, but never to a degree that I would say I absolutely loved the product. The Spa Wisdom Hand and Foot Butter is unlike any product I have ever tried before!

Key Ingredients (from the website):
Lanolin Is one of nature's richest moisturizers. It is readily absorbed by the skin and so provides good protection for rough, dry hands.

Organic honey Moisturizes and helps condition the skin. Helps protect and preserve the forest as well as providing necessary income for beekeepers, an increasing number of which are now women.

Shea butter Moisturizes and helps soften the skin. Also provides a rural community of women with regular work and income.

Unfortunately, I inherited my father's problem with dry, cracked skin in the winter months. I have to moisturize or else my skin itches and aches. The Spa Wisdom Hand and Foot Butter is like a miracle for my skin. Truly.

Although I use it several times during the day on my hands, I most use the Spa Wisdom Hand and Foot Butter directly after my shower in the evening. Then, I cover my feet with a pair of socks, and by morning, my feet are luxuriously soft. After just a few days of using the Spa Wisdom Hand and Foot Butter, I noticed that the rough spots on my feet have completely disappeared!

I simply cannot say enough good things about this product. If you suffer from dry skin, or you just want incredibly smooth, soft hands and feet, the Spa Wisdom Hand and Foot Butter is a must-have product for you!

After a botched first attempt using The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Africa Spa Body Scrub Salt, I tried it again and have decided I really do like this product. If you noticed, I mentioned there was a botched attempt. Yes, it was all my fault.

Let me preface this explanation by admitting that I have never used a scrub in the shower before. I didn't read the instructions first either. I figured it was a no brainer- apply to wet skin in a circular motion and then rinse. Right? I was correct with that part. The part where I messed up was not realizing that I shouldn't use the product on freshly-shaven legs. OUCH!

So, after healing from a difficult and painful lesson, I decided to give Spa Wisdom Africa Spa Body Scrub Salt another try. I am glad I did because I like it. I could definitely get used to feeling all silky and soft right out of the shower before putting on any lotion. This product leaves my skin feeling fresh, soft and dewy, and that softness stays with my skin for quite some time.

Key Ingredients (from the website):
Shea butter Moisturizes and helps soften the skin. Also provides a rural community of women with regular work and income.

Organic beeswax Moisturizes and helps to condition the hands and dry skin around the nail beds. Acts as a barrier that helps to seal in moisture. Helps to keep product texture consistent, when used over time. Helps protect and preserve the forest as well as providing necessary income for the beekeepers, an increasing number of which are now women.

Admittedly, I haven't used the scrub more than four times since its arrival, but I do intend to continue using it. I recommend that anyone who is able to follow directions and NOT use the Spa Wisdom Africa Spa Scrub Salt immediately after shaving one's legs should give this product a try.

BUY IT:
Stop by Nicole's online store, and indulge in some amazing products for your skin!

WIN IT:
Nicole has generously offered one living life one day at a time reader a chance to win two fantastic products from The Body Shop- Spa Wisdom Dreamboat Bath Milk and Spa Wisdom On a High Hydrating Puree (not shown on website). The prize is almost a $40 value!

HOW TO WIN:
• Visit The Body Shop, and then come back here and tell me which products you like the most from her store and why.
• If you are not a blogger, email 3 of your friends telling them about this giveaway, and cc me at colleenstearns@gmail.com.

ENTER DAILY!!!
Once you post your initial entry, you can come back daily and tell me you want another entry by posting a link to one of the products you'd like to try from The Body Shop aside from the one you mentioned in your initial entry.

SCORE EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to my site and The Body Shop (be sure to post your link here so I know where to find it).
2. Subscribe to my blog via email.
3. Click on the FOLLOW THIS BLOG link on my left sidebar.
4. Tweet about this contest on Twitter (Be sure to follow me on Twitter too- see link in my sidebar.). Make sure to leave a link to your twitter message in your comment. You can do this once a day. Please make sure to come back each day and leave another comment with your new twitter message link.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

*Enter by 9pm (EST) on Monday, February 16, 2009.

One lucky commenter will be chosen at random and notified via email, so make sure you leave a valid email address in your comment. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email. If she or he does not respond within 48 hours, a new random winner will be chosen.