Body Shop skincare routine – what to buy for Mother’s Day
I was 13 when I first bought makeup at the shop. It was the 90s, so makeup meant Heather Shimmer lipstick, matte brown lip liner and ghostly pale face powder. I looked like an extra from the Addams Family, but I felt like a woman, especially when I discovered skincare for the first time at The Body Shop. I didn’t have a Body Shop skincare routine or any idea what my skin type was – I had teenage skin and a paper round allowance.
A trip to the Body Shop was an aromatic trip to heaven, and it soon became my favoured visit with friends every weekend. I tried on the fragranced hand creams, different array of eyeshadow and lip liners and treated myself to body butter and bath bombs.
Then the noise of the naughties drowned out the brick and mortar brands with online shopping paving the way to a whole new selection of affordable skincare. Social media heeled the barrage of gimmicky skincare fads and with influencers plugging their own merch too, I quickly became overwhelmed. My thirties were my ‘baby years’ (I had four babies in my thirties) so my skincare routine took a nosedive and since then I have stuck to serums which help me look like I’ve slept for more than a few minutes in the last five years.
After a long hiatus, I found The Body Shop again and I truly forgot how amazing it is. The Body Shop online took me straight back to that 13-year-old bright-eyed brunette, searching for her own identity and immersing herself in makeup and skincare for the first time.
Now I’m in my 40s, I try hard to have a basic skincare at the best of times and even though I rarely get it right, I have tried to look after my skin over the years.
I would love for someone to do the research for me and gift me with a suitable skincare kit for Mother’s Day this year because it would be one heck of a present for a tired mum with minimal time to think for or look after herself. You can’t go wrong with a well thought out skincare set!
So, let me do the research for you – here is a step-by-step rundown of the different body shop skincare routines that could work for that special mum in your life, so you can make her feel like she’s glowing on Mother’s Day.
My everyday skin care routine at home
I have to admit; I am not the best at keeping up with my skincare routine, but over the years, there are a few things I do (almost every day/night) to ensure my skin doesn’t age prematurely (the fine lines have already got to me, though.)
I take my makeup off before I go to bed
I only started religiously taking my makeup off in my thirties, but doing so has helped to ensure I have softer, cleaner skin when I wake up in the morning. I don’t wear foundation and I only use concealer on certain parts of my skin (especially around my eye area), so it’s important I wash the concealer off to prevent pore clogging.
I use a cleansing wipe to wash my makeup off and a hot wet 100% cotton towel to wipe it off
I use a cleansing wipe which I can lather on my skin in a gentle circular motion to wash my eye makeup off, so I’m not dragging on the skin. The cleanse ends with a hot damp towel, which feels like a mini spa facial. I place the towel over my face and press gently for a few seconds (which feels amazing). Then I gently wipe and repeat until all the makeup is off.
I always use a serum on my skin
Using a serum before you put on your moisturiser just helps to keep things properly moisturised. Now that I always use a serum, I find it is not enough to put moisturiser on. I have combination skin, so some moisturisers are too drying and some are too oily. But the serum feels just right on my skin.
I do a mini facial workout before bed
I always make sure I use lip balm regularly
I try to keep my lips as moisturised as possible, and they’ve helped to stay plump in my forties. I’ve been doing this since my twenties and I feel like the work has paid off, although during this winter weather, they’ve taken quite a beating! (I always have parched skin in the winter).
Here is a video of my basic skincare routine before bed:
What I should include in my step-by-step skin care routine
I’m slack with SPF and often forget to add it to my skincare routine before I go out. The only way to get around this for me is to buy a moisturiser which has SPF* in it. I’ve found some great ones from The Body Shop, which I’ll list below.
What you should include in your steps for skin care routine excellence
So, being a mum of four with tired, aging skin, I’d love nothing better than to receive skincare that makes me feel glorious on Mother’s Day. So here are the top Body Shop skin care products for each skin care routine so you know what to get for your special someone on Mother’s Day.
What is The Body Shop?
The Body Shop International Limited started in 1976 as a little green shop in Brighton. Its founder, Anita Roddick, wanted to revolutionise beauty in business as a force for good and with over 40 years of campaigning The Body Shop has strived to smash beauty industry standards with ethically sourced and naturally based ingredients from around the world, as well as no-nonsense packaging you could easily refill. The products are made for everyone with all skin types – no discriminating.
Sounds like a company I’d want to back!
HYDRATION HEROES. Discover face creams and moisturisers designed to keep all skin types happy*
“Business shapes the world. It is capable of changing society in almost any way you can imagine.”
Dame Anita Roddick, FOUNDER OF THE BODY SHOP
Best skin care routine for combination skin
Shopping for combination skin can be tricky because sometimes your skin will be oily and other times it’ll decide to be dry. Or parts of your skin will be a bit of both! So, trying to work out a skin care routine step-by-step leaves you feeling like you’re going around in circles. Click here* for more information on combination skin.
The ultimate Body Shop skin care routine for combination skin should comprise:
Morning Face Routine Steps
Cleanser
A cleanser removes any buildup that occurs overnight. A great cleanser for combination skin is the Seaweed Cleansing Gel Wash*, which is also suitable for oily skin, and rebalances and controls shine. It’s also vegan!
FOR COMBINATION AND OILY SKIN. REBALANCES AND CONTROLS SHINE VEGAN. Buy here*
“Good wash for oily skin. Leaves skin fresh and clean.”
Buy the Seaweed Cleansing Gel Wash for just £8.50 here*
Up to 50% off new lines added. Plus 3 for 2 on all sale items!*
Alcohol-free Toner
A hydrating toner removes any oil that your cleanser doesn’t and balances your skin’s pH levels. A great toner from the Body Shop for combination skin includes the vegan Seaweed Oil Balancing Toner* which rebalances and revives your skin and gently cleanses impurities.
FOR COMBINATION AND OILY SKIN. REBALANCES AND CONTROLS SHINE. VEGAN. Buy here*
“A great toner that leaves my skin feeling refreshed. Perfect for my combination skin.”
A new mum? Get relaxing with British Rose*
Serum
I’m a huge fan of serum, especially those which contain hyaluronic acid because they hydrate and protect the skin. A great serum from The Body Shop for combination skin is the Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil* which is suitable for all skin types and provides 24-hour moisture.
FOR ALL SKIN TYPES. 24HR MOISTURE. Buy now here*
“Vitamin E Overnight serum in oil is amazing. My skin feels so soft and glowing after. I love it.”
Buy the Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil for just £14.40 here*
Give the gift of hydrating hand care for the hardworking mum here*
Moisturiser
You’ll need one creamy moisturiser for the dry areas and a lightweight, water-based formula for the oily areas.
Clean up with a cleanser for £5 with any moisturiser* – Use code 14320
A daily cream that intensely revitalises skin, replenishes moisture and revives radiance is the Oils of Life™ Intensely Revitalising Cream*.
FOR SMOOTHER SKIN. Buy here*
“So creamy and wonderfully smooth. Feels wonderful on your skin.”
Buy the Oils of Life™ Intensely Revitalising Cream for £28.00 now*
Sunscreen
If you can find a moisturiser with at least SPF30, then you can combine the sunscreen and moisturiser in one. A great, highly protective sunscreen is the Skin Defence Multi- Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++* which has a weightless finish and helps protect skin against pollution.
SPF moisturisers to help keep skin protected all year round*
WEIGHTLESS FINISH. SPF 50 PA+++. HELPS PROTECT FROM POLLUTION. Buy here*
“A little goes a long way! Easy to apply, light lotion, no residue and invisible.”
Buy Skin Defence Multi- Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++ for £22.00 now*
Makeup
Then add your makeup, but make sure it’s lightweight. Foundation and concealer should be oil-free. Check out the Matte Clay Skin Clarifying Foundation* which is lightweight and perfect for all skin types, especially oily skin.
FOR OILY SKIN. FULL-COVERAGE. MATTE FINISH. VEGAN. Buy here*
“Beautiful creamy foundation giving great coverage.”
Buy the Matte Clay Skin Clarifying Foundation for just £8.00 now*
Evening skin care products order
Makeup remover
You should always remove your makeup to keep your pores unclogged and help your skin to breathe. Micellar water is one of the gentlest products and is great to use on sensitive skin. Use gentle make-up remover pads, like these Clean Conscience Reusable Make-Up Remover Pads* which are reusable and machine washable too.
REUSABLE. SUPER GENTLE. MACHINE WASHABLE. Buy now here*
“Amazing, use them every day. Great that you can wash them.”
Buy the Clean Conscience Reusable Make-Up Remover Pads for just £10.00 here*
Cleanser
A nighttime cleanser helps to remove makeup remnants and natural buildup. A good cleanser for sensitive skin is the Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter* which gently removes make up and impurities.
FOR SENSITIVE SKIN. GENTLY REMOVES MAKE-UP AND IMPURITIES. VEGAN. Buy here*
“Best on the market, I wouldn’t use anything else now.”
Buy the Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter here*
Serum and moisturiser
Use a strong serum and emollient-rich moisturiser for dry areas to get to work during the night while you’re asleep. You could also use a treatment to help with certain areas that need it the most. A good nighttime moisturiser is the Hemp Overnight Nourishing Rescue Mask* which is suitable for dry skin and keeps skin quenched for up to 72 hours.
FOR DRY SKIN. FRESH SCENT. Buy here*
“WOW, WOW, WOW! This is the best Body Shop product I have ever tried. It is superbly moisturising! Smells divine and makes by skin baby soft. A must have essential in everyone’s bathroom cupboard.”
Buy the Hemp Overnight Nourishing Rescue Mask here*
Exfoliant
Using an exfoliant once a week is great for removing dead skin cells and keeping pores clear. It also relieves dry areas. The Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Exfoliator* is suitable for combination and oily skin and gently exfoliates away dead skin cells.
FOR COMBINATION AND OILY SKIN. REFRESHING AND CLARIFYING. VEGETARIAN. Buy here*
“Absolutely love this product! Would recommend it to anyone and everyone who struggles with oily skin or blemishes!”
Buy the Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Exfoliator for £11.00 here*
Facial mask
Once a week, you could apply a different mask to different areas of the face. The Seaweed Balance Sheet Mask* works in just 15 minutes to lock hydration in for 24 hours. And it’s only £4.00!
FOR COMBINATION/OILY SKIN. VEGAN. Buy here*
“A lovely treat for the skin. Help to clear up my spots and hydrate my skin. Will buy again.”
Buy the Seaweed Balance Sheet Mask here*
Get personal and create your own gift set here*
And for the body
Body wash
Go for a nice exfoliating wash like the Fresh Raspberry Gel Body Scrub* which softens and exfoliates the skin.
JUICY, FRUITY SCENT. FRUITY, PULPY TEXTURE. SOFTENING AND EXFOLIATING. Buy now*
“This is so fresh and fruity it’s unreal. My skin feels and smells amazing. Definitely a beauty must have”
Buy the Fresh Raspberry Gel Body Scrub for just £8 here (50% off!)*
Moisture
After a good exfoliating session in the shower, butter up with the Strawberry Body Butter*, which provides up to 96 hour moisture.
FOR NORMAL SKIN NEW! 96HR MOISTURE. VEGAN. Buy here*
“I absolutely love this body butter, it smells divine and leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturised.”
Buy the Strawberry Body Butter for just £8 here (50% off!)*
Find gifts for under £15 here*
Body Shop skin care routine for oily skin
Oily skin is one of the most common skin concerns, with shiny complexion and acne breakouts being typical symptoms for acne sufferers.
Cleanse morning and night
A Body Shop skin care routine for acne should include a cleanser that contains salicylic acid. The best evening skin care routine for oily skin should include a double cleanse at night if you wear makeup.
The Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash* deeply cleanses grubby faces and is kind on oily, gentle skin.
FOR OILY, BLEMISHED SKIN. PURIFYING. VEGAN. Buy here*
“It is a superb product which keeps your skin well balance and very clean.”
Buy the Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash here*
Use a toner to remove excess oil
A toner could help fight blackheads and blemishes. Try to find an exfoliating toner that contains either salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid. A mattifying toner like the Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner* can help to purify, refresh and prep the skin so you’re ready to take on the world!
FOR OILY, BLEMISHED SKIN. PURIFYING. VEGAN. Buy here*
“This is my go to product, day and night! Absolutely fantastic! Keeps my spots at bay!”
Buy the Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner for £8.50 here*
Treat your skin
Treat your skin according to your specific skin concern. So if you’re prone to acne, use benzoyl peroxide or sulfur in the daytime to help curb oil production and prevent breakouts. In the evening, a retinol product can help to keep pores clear and skin glowing.
Tea tree oil for oily, blemished skin can be used throughout the day to target blemishes. Try Tea Tree Oil* which is suitable for oily, blemished skin.
FOR OILY, BLEMISHED SKIN. PURIFYING VEGAN. Buy here*
“This product is amazing! It really helps to reduce my blemishes and oily skin. Can’t recommend enough.”
Buy the Tea Tree Oil for £8.50 here*
Moisturise day and night
Even if you have oily skin, your Body Shop skincare routine steps for the morning should include moisturiser, but be more careful with the type you use. Look for a moisturiser that’s lightweight, free of oils and water-based.
The Tea Tree In-Control Hydrator* is suitable for blemishes and imperfections and moisturises for up to 24 hours.
“A very light cream, hydrates well and smells lovely”
Buy the Tea Tree In-Control Hydrator here*
Body Shop skin care routine for dry skin
When you have dry skin, the right skincare can transform your skin from tight and flaky to soft and glowing. But you need to start the day the right way.
The Body Shop skincare routine order for the morning should include products that keep moisture in.
Prepare your skin with a gentle non-foaming cleanser
A gentle cleanser removes oil and dirt without drying the skin. The Vitamin E Cream Cleanser* is suitable for dehydrated skin and removes impurities while leaving skin hydrated.
FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN. REMOVES IMPURITIES. Buy here*
“Love this cleanser, removes makeup so easily and the product itself lasts for a really long time.”
Buy the Vitamin E Cream Cleanser here*
Add extra moisture with a serum
After cleansing, a good way to soak up moisture is to add a serum, especially one with hyaluronic acid. A good Body Shop serum for dry skin is the CBD Restoring Facial Oil*, which is good for dehydrated skin and leaves skin feeling soothed and smoothed.
FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN. GREEN SCENT. Buy here*
“Love this oil, really soothes my skin, become a regular part of my skincare routine.”
Buy the CBD Restoring Facial Oil for £25 here*
Use a light moisturiser
Look for lightweight moisturisers that help to hydrate skin and form a protective seal over the skin’s surface. The Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream* offers up to 72 hours of hydration and is infused with hyaluronic acid to help lock in that moisture. Don’t forget to add an SPF to protect your skin further from the sun.
FOR DRY SKIN. 72H HYDRATION. VEGETARIAN. Buy here*
“All my skin is consistently dry. This face cream has worked brilliantly for me since the first day I used it”
Buy the Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream here*
Night skin care routine steps
Cleansing is important to remove impurities and relieve parched skin, but moisturising is the key here to keep skin supple and hydrated overnight. The Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Sleeping Mask* is suitable for dehydrated skin and gets to work overnight to infuse optimum moisture levels for intense hydration.
FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN. Buy here*
“I leave it overnight and feel my skin softer! Great services of Body shop and very fast delivery! Great value for money!”
Buy the Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Sleeping Mask
here*
Find gifts for under £15 – £25 here*
Body Shop skin care routine for anti-aging
When creating a skin care routine for more mature-looking skin, you’ll want to plump fine lines, banish dark spots, and lift sagging skin.
Your Body Shop skin care routine for dry skin should include cleansing, treating and using sunscreen on your neck as well as your face. Choose a gentler exfoliant as your skin may be more sensitive.
Boost the skin with deep moisturization
After cleansing, activate your skin with Roots of Strength™ Firming Shaping Essence Lotion*
NATURAL FINISH FOR SMOOTHER SKIN. Buy here*
“Light, easily absorbed lotion – does what it says.”
Buy the Roots of Strength™ Firming Shaping Essence Lotion for £17.00 here*
Then use a firming serum to boost and plump up skin like the Roots of Strength™ Firming Shaping Serum*.
FOR MATURE SKIN. SKIN APPEARS FIRMER, AS IF RESHAPED. VEGAN. Buy here*
“I love this product. Instantly makes me skin look and feel better.”
Buy the Roots of Strength™ Firming Shaping Serum for £32.00 here*
Finish off the moisture process with Roots of Strength™ Firming Shaping Day Cream* for firmer, plumper and denser skin.
CREAMY FINISH. FOR SMOOTHER SKIN. VEGAN. Buy here*
“I use Roots of Strength both for night and day. I love the consistency and smoothness of the cream.”
Buy the Roots of Strength™ Firming Shaping Day Cream for £28.00 here*
Consider Face Yoga
Why not take just two minutes a day and give yourself a little facial yoga massage? I use Danielle Collins’ Face Yoga Interactive Journal which includes 53 exercises, motivational quotes and weekly wellness hacks to help you set your own goals, allowing you to get healthy, glowing, younger-looking skin just by dedicating a minimum of 2 minutes a day to face yoga.
Find the price on Amazon here*
It’s important to build a skincare routine that works for you and your unique skin. But the best face routine involves doing things in a certain order, so follow the above steps or find out what the recipient’s skin is like so you can buy the right Body Shop skin care set for Mother’s Day.
Check out The Body Shop skin care reviews on line too and see what others think of the products you’ve picked. There’s nothing better than a personalised Mother’s Day gift mum will actually use and it’s a great way to discover new products that are even better for your skin than you realise!
FAQ
What is your skin care routine that has changed your skin?
I found cleansing every night with an exfoliating wipe and moisturising with serum prevented me from getting spots. I used to have slightly bumpy and uneven skin, but that has changed since I have a good working skincare routine that works for me.
Does the order of skincare steps matter?
Yes, it’s important to cleanse and prep your skin before you moisturise so you lock in moisture.
What is Community Fair Trade?
Community Fair Trade was launched in 1987 and is the Body Shop’s bespoke fair trade programme, which helps their suppliers gain market access and invest in social and environmental projects that benefit their communities. You can find more information on the Body Shops’ Community Fair Trade programme here.
What can help with very dry skin?
Use the right cleanser, i.e. non-foaming cleanser, to clean your skin because some can be drying. Rehydrate the skin with the right moisturiser for dry skin. This article has additional helpful tips for how to relieve dry skin.
Do skincare products delay aging or worsen it?
Using the right skincare products can delay aging to a certain extent, but your genes and lifestyle will eventually catch up with you. The wrong products can speed up aging so make sure you’re using the right products for your skin.
What does it mean when someone says your skin is glowing?
“Glowing skin means different things to people. Many people use the term to refer to skin that looks healthy and “awake” rather than dry, dull, or unevenly textured. For some, healthy skin results in a natural sheen, or “glow.” Healthy skin is something that most people can work towards.”
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-get-glowing-skin
What are some of the best beauty tips advised by dermatologists?
*Be consistent
*Get to grips with cleansing
*Target winter skincare concerns properly
*Go cautiously
*Don’t overlook essential oils
*Safeguard sensitive skin
*Consider retinol alternatives
*Give your products a chance
*SPF really is everything
*Aim for continuity of care
https://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/article/dermatologist-skincare-tips
Should I use cleanser and toner if I don’t use makeup? Is it optional?
“If you don’t wear makeup on your skin, you might be able to get away with just using a targeted toner on a cotton ball as a cleanser. However, the process of using warm water to cleanse the pores can help soften the pores and add radiance to the skin.
https://theportlandgirl.com/the-perfect-simple-skin-care-routine/
Do you have age spots on your skin?
“If you have light skin and spend a lot of time in the sun, you’re more likely to develop age spots — areas of increased pigmentation. Age spots are small, flat dark areas on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms.”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859
How often should you apply a face mask?
“We recommend adding a face mask to your skin care routine once or twice a week. Masking should follow cleansing, toning, and applying a facial essence. These steps clear impurities and excess oil, provide a base layer of hydration and prep your skin to better absorb the benefits of your face mask.”
https://eminenceorganics.com/ca/blog/2019/09/30/face-masks-101-benefits-types-and-how-often-you-should-use-one
What is the difference between baby oil and lotion? When should you use them?
Check here for a great answer on the difference between baby oil and lotion – https://qr.ae/pGLhR5
Does vitamin E help in closing pores?
“Vitamin E oil is a heavy emollient. It removes dirt from your pores to give you a refreshed and smooth appearance.”
https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/vitamin-e-oil-for-face
Is there any way to cure a hormonal acne without taking pills? Are there any natural ways to deal with it?
Following a nutrient-dense diet, cutting out dairy, and limiting added sugars are evidence-based practices that may improve acne symptoms. Taking certain supplements like vitamin D and green tea extract, getting enough sleep, quitting smoking, and reducing stress are other healthy ways to fight this disease.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hormonal-acne-diet
*This post is sponsored by The Body Shop (some pictures have been taken from their website)
*Links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission when you click through to buy. Prices are correct as at 11 March 2022
