After all of the voting for so many well-qualified bloggers was over, Karissa from Prissy Green emerged as the winner of our Natural Beauty Blogger contest, and we are so excited that we were able to snag her for a quick Q&A session. At The Body Shop, we’ve always been committed to natural beauty, and we’re so thrilled to be highlighting a blogger who shares our goals and ideals!

How long have you been blogging, and what motivated you to start blogging?

I have been actively blogging since January of this year, when I lost my job due to the recession. I had always spent countless hours researching products before purchasing, and all my friends and family would tell me I was a wealth of random knowledge on skincare, cosmetics and natural remedies, so I decided to start a blog as a hobby. Little did I know it would grow to be so large. It has since become my baby rather then a hobby.

Was your initial interest about natural beauty, or did you evolve into that topic?

I have always been interested in Beauty. When I was young I spent every cent I had on shampoos, makeup, you name it - I have tried them all. I used to be the manager of aesthetics at a prestigious surgery office in Indianapolis. While I was there, I mentored under an aesthetician who taught me some of the common names of bad preservatives.
Then I started traveling, seeing bands, and well being somewhat of a hippie. I realized then that there are all natural solutions to every skincare need out there.

What does “beauty” mean to you?

Confidence. Most people that are ugly on the inside lack confidence. If you have it, it completes you and enters the room before you.

Do you have a favorite ingredient, like tea tree or cocoa butter?

Probably avocado oil, which recently replaced my jojoba oil as the favorite. Very emollient, non-pore clogging, and perfect for any season. I also love lavender and ylang ylang essential oils.

Are there any organizations or charities whose work exemplifies the ideals that you find important?

I really respect and love 1% for the Planet. Being an animal lover I also support the ASPCA and the Wildlife Fund. Charity Water is another that I support.

What’s your favorite Body Shop product?

I love the entire Aloe Line. But I used the Tea Tree Face Wash every day in high school, so I have fond memories of it as well.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the new winter trend collection, Frosted Sparkle. I was lusting after those sweet little palettes because there is nothing a Taurus girl loves more than organized, convenient glamour!

This look is quick and subtle enough to wear during the day, but the shimmer and touch of sparkle will make you really stand out!

Begin by priming your entire face with Skin Primer Matte It. I’m loving this stuff because it makes my face super smooth, and helps keep my foundation from shedding off.

I’m working with the Frosted Sparkle Eye & Cheek Palette #02, which is full of warmer winter shades.

• Take Shade 02: Pink Shimmer and carefully sweep it over the inner half of your eyelid using the Eyeshadow Brush.

• Using the same Eyeshadow Brush, take Shade 04: Plum Shimmer and sweep it over the outer half of your eye, beginning from the outer corner and working your way in.

• Take the Slanted Brush and using Shade 05: Chocolate Shimmer, make a little “V” in the outer corner of your eye. It should follow the natural V shape of your eye, so it’s more like a V on its side.

• Carefully blend all of the shades together using our fluffy Eyeshadow Blender Brush, working from the lighter shades outward.

• Next take Shade 02: Caramel Shimmer into the inner corner of your eyes (your tear ducts) and just below your brows for highlight color. I like to use the Lipstick/Concealer Brush for this, because its size gives more control when working in small areas.

• Then, take the same Lipstick/Concealer Brush and bring Shade 05: Chocolate Shimmer gently down underneath the eyes, lining the lower lashes softly.

• Curl eyelashes and swipe on one coat of the mascara end of the Define and Sparkle Eye Duo in Shade 02: Black.

• Finish by lining your upper lid with the liquid eyeliner end of the Define and Sparkle Eye Duo in Shade 02: Black.

Finish off this look by dusting on a bit of the blush that comes in the palette using our Blusher Brush in circular motions. Now you’re ready to shine!

Quick ways to help relax during the season of joy and peace!

It’s about that time of the year where we begin to head into the seasonal space known as “The Holidays.” While the holidays can be about family, food, and the spirit of giving, they can also be incredibly stressful, if we’re honest with ourselves.

With that possibility in mind, here are a few creative ways to keep the holidays from driving you crazy!

• Escape – Do yourself a favor and take some time for you. Be intentional and choose an escape that is free of Christmas music and holiday sales so that your To-Do List is fully off of your mind. The library is a perfect place to escape, even just to spend a half an hour reading that new novel you’ve been meaning to start, or go to a museum during the day, when it’s less packed. The point is to get some mental space from reminders of the holidays and all of the stuff you have to do!

• Rest – Remember nap time in school? It always used to happen in the middle of the day, mainly because that’s when our bodies have been going non-stop since waking up and could really use a break. In the spirit of the siesta, try taking a daily nap to keep the holiday stress from bringing you down. If your anxiety level is making it difficult for you to sleep, gently mist Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow & Body Mist across your pillows and sheets for a scent that will help you relax and stay asleep once you get there. Sleep for around 20 minutes (so you don’t get into your REM cycle) and then awake refreshed and ready to take on that family holiday.

• Hire – If your holidays have you to the brink of the breaking point, don’t fall into the trap of feeling you have to do it all yourself. If you have a little extra cash, hire a cleaning service to come and take care of the house before that big weekend where all of your in-laws show up. Or have your party catered inexpensively rather than slaving over a hot stove all week. That way you’ll be able to enjoy your own guests & festivities, rather than stressing about the details.

20 easy & fun ways to get in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year.

Some people love the holidays: the food, the family, and the festive mood that permeates the country this time of year. But for some people, especially in difficult economic times, the holidays can be a trial. Here are a few ways that you can get into the festive holiday mood without spending an arm and a leg.

• Window Shop – Store window displays can get elaborate and gorgeous during the holiday season, so window shopping can be almost as much fun as the real deal. Take a walk down your town’s main street and see what artistry is happening behind the panes.

• Create A Holiday Playlist – Nothing works more quickly to get you into the holiday spirit than a custom curated holiday playlist. Mix in the old favorites with some of the more contemporary gems, and burn a copy for all of your friends.

• Bake Cookies – Remember baking for the holidays with your parents? Everyone loves holiday cookies, so whether you’re mixing them up from scratch or you prefer slice-n-bake, just get that oven hot to get you in the spirit.

• Send Seasonal Cards – People don’t do snail mail much these days, so the holidays are a good time of year to take a moment to sit down and get back in touch with people the old fashioned way. Grab a stack of cards and let your loved ones know you’re thinking about them.

• Drink Hot Cocoa – Just holding up that steaming cup to your mouth will slap a smile on your face, because no one can resist the draw of a cup of hot cocoa. But you don’t have to drop a ton of cash for a gourmet blend. There are plenty of ingredients right in your pantry to help pull off the classic cocoa.

• Get Nostalgic – Pull out old photos of holidays past and reminisce about the year that your sister actually got that pony she asked for! It’s a great way to share memories and remind yourself of good times.

• Decorate – Whether it’s a tree, your house, or a table top, holiday decorations bring out the celebration in all of us. But don’t think you have to spend a fortune to indulge. Decorating on a budget is simple with a few helpful hints.

• Scent Seasonally – Don’t you love the cozy feeling of walking into a home and smelling baking cake, pine trees, or a fire burning? Scent evokes our strongest memories, so burn a little home fragrance oil to take your guests to a festive frame of mind in no time.

• Hang the Mistletoe – It’s an adorably cheesy tradition, but one that makes everyone blush in good-nature. Hang a sprig of mistletoe over your door and watch the smooches evoke smiles (and possibly sparks!).

• Cat Costuming – I know this article says it’s a no-no, but what could possibly get you more in the holiday mood than dressing up your cat! A few treats will coax him over to your side, and the pictures of him dressed as a reindeer will be worth 1,000 words!

• Make A Wish List – Sitting down and writing up your holiday wish list can make you feel just like an excited kid writing to Santa. Plus, there are tons of fabulous ways to make a visual wish list that looks gorgeous, and helps the people in your life know what to get for you.

• Get Crafty – So maybe you have a little time off over the holidays, and you’re itching to get crafting. The holidays are the perfect time for a little DIY present-making, so hit up the interwebs for plenty of crafty freebies and starters.

• Give Your Time – Nothing gets people in the holiday spirit like donating their time through volunteering. There are plenty of worthy organizations in your back yard, but if you’re planning on taking a trip, check out the innovative vacation/volunteering adventures from Hands Up Holidays.

• Enjoy The Lights – People get fabulously inventive with their front yard light displays this time of year, so why not pile into the car to take an evening cruise to go light-watching?

• Switch Up Your Scent – Get into something a little more in line with the holiday season and you’ll have people wondering if it’s you or the cookies that smell so amazing. A little Nutmeg & Vanilla Body Buttera goes a long way!

• Create Custom Cards – Taking a hilarious photo of you and your roommate in awful Christmas sweaters and then sending them out to your friends will have you all giggling in no time. You can even make your own stamps to match! Blinking reindeer nose sweaters, anyone?

• Hit the Party Circuit – Despite the tough economy, most workplaces are having a get-together or a little soiree to celebrate. Say yes to as many party invites as you can and enjoy the all of the dancing and meeting new people.

• Read the Classics – Nothing like a little “T’was the Night Before Christmas” to bring back the memories of anticipation of Christmas morning. Snag the nearest child and read it to them to pay the tradition forward, and entertain yourself with some of the hilarious parodies.

• Shimmer It Up – The holidays are for glitter, and if you don’t have any gorgeous makeup with shine, now is the time to indulge. Our Frosted Sparkle collection will help up your shimmer quotient without turning you into a disco ball.

• Host a White Elephant Party – White Elephant parties are fun because guests can bring something that they already have at home, but don’t use. It’s a way to conserve by trading unused items, as well as have a good time watching the swapping chaos ensue!

Want to know what we’ve got up our sleeve for the holidays?

The holidays are almost here, and we can’t wait! Just like an enthusiastic kid dreaming of sugarplums and gifts under the tree, we can’t help but be giddy about the days before Xmas!

We want to be your Santa this year and stuff your stocking full of yuletide joy, so we’re counting down the days until the 12 Days of Christmas. Grab our countdown widget to help mark off the days before 12 great surprises. Keep an eye on our blog for more details to come.

(Maybe I’ve already said too much, but with these great surprises just around the corner, I have to spill the beans a little.)

Just in time for the holidays, The Body Shop is offering a grab bag of our fabulous assorted goodies at the amazing price of $15 a bag. Spoil yourself or get a head-start on your Holiday shopping list with these great stocking stuffer items.

Each bag contains at least $50 worth of products (retail value) and some bags are worth over $75.

At a minimum each bag contains:

1 full-sized (6.7oz) body butter

1 Spa Wisdom Product

1 Mini Gift

1 Accessory

1 Makeup Item

Some of the bags will contain additional surprise items. Who knows…you may end up with a gift card, makeup brushes or some other coveted The Body Shop product!

To keep the giving going, grab bag purchases are limited to 2 per customer. We will release a certain number of bags every day, so visit us early to secure yours before we run out!

Happy Shopping!

*All Grab Bag purchases final

Be sure people remember your gift & not your garish makeup. Avoid these holiday makeup mistakes:

One of the best things about the holiday season is getting the chance to amp up your makeup look for all those festive parties. The day-to-day of the office doesn’t always present the opportunity to experiment with shimmer, so there’s no better place to kick it up a notch than at a holiday party.

But even though you want to stand out, you definitely don’t want your shimmery dream to turn into a sparkle nightmare. Here are a few tips on what to avoid so that you stand out, not strike out with the shimmer.

• Gloss Smart – Shimmery gloss is a great way to help your festive pout stand out, but a little dab will do ya. No need to layer on tons of the stuff. Too much gloss can make you look slippery rather than kissable.

• Sleeping (in) Beauty – I know you may head home from those holiday parties way past your bedtime, but that’s no excuse to pass up your evening facial skincare regime. You may be in a hurry to get to bed, but leaving your makeup on is a terrible idea that can result in horribly cranky skin. Instead, opt for a makeup remover that is quick and gentle so you can cleanse in no time before hitting the sack.

• Foundation Faux Pas – Now that it’s colder and we’re all outside a lot less, chances are likely that your skin shade is lighter than in the summer months. But don’t keep pulling out that summer shade and thinking it’ll make you look more bronze for your holiday shindig. Invest in a proper foundation shade, and leave the duo-tones to the carolers.

When weather gets frigid, be sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your delicate skin.

Once cold weather starts nipping at our delicate skin, we’re all familiar with the changes we’ll face: dry, flaky, and temperamental skin. The chapping winds and cold can suck the moisture right out of your skin, and even though it may not feel hot, winter sun is just as intense with UV rays as it is in the summer, especially if you’re on the slopes. It pays to be protected.

Here are a few quick tips to remember that go beyond the usual “stay moisturized” commandment of winter skin. (But hey, stay moisturized, too!)

1. Use Tepid Water – No doubt it feels wonderful to crawl into a hot shower on a chilly day, but water that is too warm strips the natural moisture right out of your skin, leaving you feeling more dry and itchy. Resist the urge to steam, and keep shower water at a happy medium.




2. Moisturize While Damp – One of my favorite ways to apply body butter is to gently pat off excess moisture after a shower without totally drying off. Then I apply the body butter to damp skin, and give it time to let it soak in. For me, this is especially effective if done right before I go to bed, so it has a full 8 hours to moisturize and protect.




3. Stay Bronze – Some people hit the tanning bed once winter sets in, which is a big no-no for skin. Staying bronze into the winter months will help you look and feel better about yourself, but do it the healthy way. Use a subtle self-tanning lotion with a rich moisturizer to keep your skin supple and bronzed.

Check out these holiday look tutorials & vote for your favs!

We’re excited about our new seasonal trend makeup line, Frosted Sparkle, which features shimmering shades of winter with an icy sparkle. So we decided to ask some talented makeup vloggers to create holiday looks using the line, and they created some amazing looks!

Visit our Holiday Looks page to watch the tutorials and vote on your favorite. And while you’re at it, check out the fabulous tutorials below for even more holiday makeup inspiration!

Here’s to a knockout look for that holiday party!

Simple winter hairstyles that are easy on your fragile hair.

When the winter rolls around, hair can get a little testy: dry, brittle, or just looking a little fried, those locks can be hard to tame and style. But if you stick to styles that don’t require a lot of tugging, heat processing, or hair-spraying, your hair will be much more willing to cooperate.

Here are a few quick styles that keep in mind those basic principles, getting you gorgeous and coiffed in no time.

• Bangs – Bangs cut to properly frame your face can be left to air dry, giving you a trendy look with minimal effort. Pair them with a messy ponytail and you can literally roll right out of bed into your look.

• Side Ponytail – For a more contemporary twist on the old stand-by, try a side swept wintertime ponytail. This look can be achieved with a little bit of volumizing mousse and bobby pins, so you don’t have to subject fragile hair to the rigors of ponytail holders.

• Headbands – Nothing is easier than pushing hair back with a gorgeous headband. And the more fabulous the headband, the more it will distract people from your hastily styled hair. Just tell them you’re rocking that messy bedhead look!