The Body Shop

Love the fair trade and environment-​conscious philosphy and all the great scents in the store — coconut, shea, grapefruit, etc. There are loads of goodies here. And, I got a buy one get the second at 50% off deal — nice :)
But, wish the customer reps were a bit more knowledgeable about the products. They’re super friendly and try to be helpful but product knowledge is key when it comes to lathering whatnot on your body…
Aside from that, they still have me at ‘coconut’ anything…

I’ve been a fan of The Body Shop since I was a kid. And this Body Shop was the defacto Body Shop to go to when I was up from the country for the day or the weekend.
The sales pitch can be a bit intense in here, but once you tell them you are not interested in what they are offering, they back off. Which is good.
On this occasion I went in for a jar of Coconut body scrub, which was on offer — 3 for 2. But at just over 18 EUR a pop I decided to get just the one. I did get a shower gel for half price though — ah, they got me in the end ;)
I have found The Body Shop to be expensive these days, but some of the products were nice enough to justify this… but now I am not so sure… I have just noticed on their website the same Coconut body scrub, which was just over 18 EUR in the shop, is 12.50 GBP on their website, which converts to 15.05 EUR. It’s a bit disappointing they add another 3 EUR onto the price in Ireland.
It goes without saying, but The Body Shop is a good place to buy gifts, especially box sets.

Okay, I’m not proud to admit this. I sometimes go in here and walk around just because it smells so good.
I’ve only ever bought stuff here as presents. A hamper of bath salts isn’t all that imaginative but it will get you in the good books on mothers day.
Just don’t try to eat the mango body butter.

I like the Body Shop well enough. I think their products smell great. I am particularly a fan of their body butter, which doesn’t have the playdough smell of some other heavily moisturizing products. In fact, the body butters here really do smell great, as do the rest of their products.
I also really love that the Body Shop has brought tea tree oil and hemp products to the masses. Tea tree oil is wonder serum that does incredible things for blemish-​prone skin. Though here’s a hint — check a health food store to find it cheaper!
So after all this raving, why have I only given this place 3 stars? Because it is way too expensive! They have sales and buy one get one half off all the time, but it’s still expensive. Most of the stuff is not worth it in my opinion, and you can find just as yummy smelling stuff at Boots for less money.

I have only recently rediscovered The Body Shop, with all its ethical potions and lotions. As so many local branches have disappeared, I nearly forgot it existed at all until I wandered into the Grafton Street outlet last week.
I was pleased to see that the essence of the shop hasn’t changed much and it has stayed true to its socially conscious roots. The creams and concoctions I recall pouring over in my youth are still plentiful and as fruity-​flavoured as ever. The shop is very easy to navigate and not too over-​crowded with products. I found the staff to be particularly relaxed and helpful, and they didn’t make me feel as if I needed every product on the shelf in order to function as a normal member of society — which makes a nice change in beauty places.
I was impressed to see that they have just launched a hand cream, the profits of which are in aid of child trafficking campaigns — an all too often forgotten cause. It smells nice too so head down there and pick up a bottle. I wonder if they still sell Fuzzy Peach perfume… note to self: check that out next time.

The shop that took ethical trading out of its hippy doldrums and into the mainstream. For that reason alone it should be admired. Not to mind the fact that it’s kind of amazing. Kids love it for the ocean-​inspired kiddie stuff and grown-​ups like it for it’s high quality, truly scrumptious beauty products. (Then there’s always those who like it for both reasons stated… weirdos…ahem…)
Everyone knows what they do and the great products they, well, produce.
However, full marks to them on maintaining their dedication to helping those less fortunate… they currently have a campaign to end sexual slavery of young people. OK, so they want you to buy a product in order to donate, but who cares? You get something lovely from the Body Shop, and they bring much-​needed attention to a heinous crime. Smiles all round…

I’ve always been a fan of The Body Shop.
When I was a little girl it was kind of the only shop of its kind that existed — it was either that, or a chemist. I remember thinking everything was so pretty and novelty — even cute little things like whale nail brushes or their gift baskets. And all the lovely smells… it was like heaven!
Sadly quite a few of the body shop’s have closed around the country, but the one in Grafton St is still there and it is still as bright airy and reasonably priced as always. I still love it. Their body butters are so good (my favourite is the strawberry flavour) and even though they’ve discontinued it, I still love their moonflower perfume. I buy it whenever I can get my hands on it.