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The Body Shop: Natrulift Skin Care

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A couple of weeks ago I posted a few pics of my eye makeup after being made over by the awesome Mala Brar. But my pretty peepers weren’t the only thing creating a buzz – many ladies were surprised to realize that aside from the eyes (and eyebrow pencil, of course – don’t leave the house without sculpting your brows, gals!), my skin is always au naturel – no foundation, powder or other Jedi tricks designed to cover up the epidermis of this almost 33-year old. (Did I really just admit that? Sigh.)

Now I’m not going to be one of those deluded thirty-somethings who proclaim, “People say I look 24!” (BTW, those “people” are lying. Once you turn 30, you’ll never look a day younger than 28) but I am pretty darn happy that I can still leave the house foundation-free without looking like a BEFORE picture.

And for the last few months, my skin has even impressed me – aside from a few fine lines (duly noted below) and unavoidable crows feet (my mother taught me to embrace all wrinkles caused by smiling), I’ve been pleased with the overall firmness, hydration and clarity. Click to enlarge the photo if you really want to see my wrinkles, I won’t be mad at cha.

Have I been doing something different? You bet I have.
Just before the holidays, I had the distinct pleasure of receiving products to review from The Body Shop’s new Natrulift line.

Loaded with pomegranate extract, a “natural alternative to retinol” – which is awesome for those who experience redness and stinging associated with most retinol-based anti-aging creams – the entire line has been thoughtfully designed to help minimize damage caused by environmental aggressors.

To begin, there are two cleansers available: Natrulift Softening Cream Cleanser and Natrulift Softening Facial Wash. Because I have an oily T-zone (made evident by the shine visible on my nose and cheeks) I found the Facial Wash to be a better fit; it lathers easily and rinses away effectively – and even though it’s labelled as a “wash”, the product leaves your skin soft, smooth and refreshed without stripping or drying. Brazil nut oil, one of The Body Shop’s favourite add-ins, makes a cameo appearance here to add moisture, and the pomegranate seed oil comes from pomegranates that are organically grown and hand-harvested by farmers in south-east Turkey.

Unless you haven’t changed your skin care regime for the last 20 years, follow up with a toner is essential. And while the Natrulift Softening Toner is a nice change from my usual fave (The Body Shop’s Cucumber Toner, no less), there is nothing remarkable about the product other than it does what it sets out to do. Residual traces of makeup, dirt and impurities are removed with ease, and your skin is left refreshed – never tight or dry. Par for the course with most toners – but if you like to stick to entire lines, then this product is a must buy as well.

I must say I really enjoy the Natrulift Firming Day Cream; with just the right amount of moisture without leaving your skin feeling greasy or sticky, its the perfect way to protect your skin throughout the day. Outdoors enthusiasts may protest the lack of SPF, but I find most sunscreen-infused creams to be irritative around the eyes, so I’m quite happy to bypass the option.

Perhaps the only questionable addition to the lineup is the Natrulift Firming Serum – designed to be applied before moisturizing, it theoretically boosts the firming action of the day/night creams which results in a more toned appearance. I believe that my skin is likely outside the target demographic for this product, as I saw a negligible difference and didn’t care for the extra step. However, those who are trying to combat visible sagging and/or lacklustre skin would benefit from giving this serum a go.

The Natrulift Firming Night Cream is thick, rich and designed to plump away your fine lines overnight. (An aside: my husband LOVES the light fragrance and has no trouble snuggling up to my face in bed.) My favourite product hands down, I love the creamy, smooth consistency of the formula and would swear on a bible that my skin has never felt softer after a night of sleep. If you decide to try just one product from the Natrulift line, you will not go wrong with the Night Cream. Its 100% Lena-Approved!

The Natrulift line is available in-store and online at The Body Shop. The cleansers are priced just right at $14, and the moisturizers will only set you back $30-36.

Click here to visit The Body Shop.

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Comments

  3. @Halifax – thanks doll! And I must say, it was a pleasure meeting you at the Toronto Beauty Bloggers meet up!I hear ya – I purchased another night cream with my TBS Groupon :) But the line is thankfully very affordable on it's own, too.

  4. @Halifax – thanks doll! And I must say, it was a pleasure meeting you at the Toronto Beauty Bloggers meet up!I hear ya – I purchased another night cream with my TBS Groupon :) But the line is thankfully very affordable on it's own, too.

  9. @Justine – you bet, you're the queen of deals, ha ha! And that includes TBS.@Norma – silly. But try the line out anyways! xo

  10. @Justine – you bet, you're the queen of deals, ha ha! And that includes TBS.@Norma – silly. But try the line out anyways! xo

  11. You're skin is amazing…and you look 24.I'm turning 33 this year too (eek!)…but sadly, I can't do anti-aging skincare – because I'm on antibiotics for acne – ugh! So I have to "prevent" using facial massage, facial exercise and supplements. Now if only Halle Berry would share her anti-aging secrets…she looks 15 years younger than her real age!

  12. You're skin is amazing…and you look 24.I'm turning 33 this year too (eek!)…but sadly, I can't do anti-aging skincare – because I'm on antibiotics for acne – ugh! So I have to "prevent" using facial massage, facial exercise and supplements. Now if only Halle Berry would share her anti-aging secrets…she looks 15 years younger than her real age!

  17. @Ella Pretty – oh you've got gorgeous skin! And I'm curious – I'll have to send you a note to find more about the supplements you're taking.@calbi – both the wash and cream cleanser are moisturizing; I just find the cream cleanser a bit thick for my tastes. I would definitely recommend it if you've got dry skin and want an extra hit of moisture, but I've always been a fan of my skin having that "clean feeling" after using a cleanser so I prefer the lighter wash. That being said, the wash is in NO way drying.After using both, though, I still needed a toner – residual traces of eye makeup and oil was still evident. Guess it's a trade off if you don't want harsh cleansing.Hope that helps!

  18. @Ella Pretty – oh you've got gorgeous skin! And I'm curious – I'll have to send you a note to find more about the supplements you're taking.@calbi – both the wash and cream cleanser are moisturizing; I just find the cream cleanser a bit thick for my tastes. I would definitely recommend it if you've got dry skin and want an extra hit of moisture, but I've always been a fan of my skin having that "clean feeling" after using a cleanser so I prefer the lighter wash. That being said, the wash is in NO way drying.After using both, though, I still needed a toner – residual traces of eye makeup and oil was still evident. Guess it's a trade off if you don't want harsh cleansing.Hope that helps!