THE BODY SHOP VITAMIN C GLOW RANGE REVIEW

 

It's my daughters birthday next week and she will be 19.  As a single mumma money has always been tight but I do like to splash out a little on birthdays. When I asked her what she would like for her birthday she said 'mum I really don't need anything but I absolutely loved that Body Shop Vitamin C cream you gave me months ago'. Now my daughter often benefits well from the fact I write reviews, she gets her pick of the most expensive creams, but the one she utterly loves is The Body Shops Vitamin C range.  She seems to have good taste, as it was in 2011 that I clearly remember it was one of Kylie Minogue's favourite products too. I am a huge fan of Kylie so these little snippets of information stick in my brain, and after a quick Google search there was the article on her skincare regime at that time and The Body Shop Vitamin C was mentioned!

Luckily for me, (and for my daughter as she's about to get gifted for her birthday), The Body Shop have brought out their latest Vitamin C products in the 'Glow' range. Having a box of products that were waiting in line to be reviewed, I've had to crack on so I can give these to my eldest for her birthday in a few days! So they've jumped the queue!

The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Glow Cleansing Polish 100ml £12

This facial polish is the perfect antidote to dull, dehydrated and skin that is in need of a good cleanse. The microfine scrub really delivers into buffing and cleansing the skin so that it's left feeling really clean and radiant. Ingredients include:-

• Coco-Glucoside - the base that is derived from coconuts ensures gently cleansing without stripping the skin.
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine - again derived from coconuts, this hydrating ingredient is ideal for sensitive skin, it helps remove impurities and is ideal for those who suffer with eczema.
• Perlite - an ingredient that is mattifying and has tiny spheres that help unblock clogged pores and eliminates bacteria.
• Jojoba Esters - aids in reducing dryness and flaky skin, is anti-aging and helps plump up the skin.
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate - derived from vitamin C, this helps give skin radiance and treats dull skin. It's skin brightening properties are ideal for tired and dehydrated skin conditions.
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder - calming, anti-inflammatory, this ingredient is ideal if you have been in too much sun. 
• Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract - aka Camu Camu Fruit Extract, rich in vitamin C and full of anti-oxidants that protect the skin from environmental pollutions.

The gentle gel formula feels rich and luxurious upon first application, and thus stops the fine exfoliation beads from being too intense on the skin. After massaging on to dry skin (for the sake of the photo I tested on the back of my hand), I applied a little water and it emulsified into a light lather, that left the skin feeling fresh and deeply cleansed. Without any other moisturiser my skin at this point was glowing. 

The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Revealing Serum 30ml £26

My daughter's going to love this part of her birthday present. Whenever I get asked the question 'where should I spend my pennies on skincare'? I always recommend on serums. Serums are packed full of active ingredients. One of the reasons why they often come in dark bottles, is to protect the ingredients from the sunlight to keep ingredients at their optimum. This serum is an absolute must for anyone who suffers with dull, tired skin that needs a good injection of radiance.

The light, delicate serum comes in dropper format, which is essential as you only need a couple of drops pressed into your face. Key ingredients include:-

• 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid - vitamin C, the key ingredient in a high quality and quantity that gives an immediate beneficial dose to the skin. Ideal for UV damaged skin, dull, dehydrated skin, dark spots, hyperpigmentation. Over time skin just doesn't look more even toned and radiant, but it gives the skin the defence it needs to ward off fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Propylene Carbonate - nourishing, excellent if you have dry, flaky skin, this ingredient delivers hydration and ensures skin looks and feels smooth. 
• Palmaria Palmata Extract - an algae that helps tone the skin and creates a micro-fine barrier to protect the skin and keep it hydrated.
• Bakuchiol - this potent anti-oxidant is derived from the Psoralea Corylifolia plant. It helps protect the skin from external aggressors such as the sun, pollution and exposure. It can also help prevent the signs of aging such as fine lines. 

You only need a small amount daily to get maximum benefits. It immediately sinks into the skin and leaves it feeling soft, glowing without any sticky residue. The active vitamin C is such a high quality/quantity you will notice results immediately, and from the evident rave reviews on the internet, will notice longer term results after a couple of weeks. 

The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser 50ml £20

The product my daughter 'can not live without'. This has been amazing for her acne prone, teenage hormonal skin. She swears by it, and I've seen such a huge difference that she has gotten the confidence to finally be makeup free for work, and not cover her face with foundation! I wish I had before and after photos from when I gifted her this a few months back, but it really has made that much of a difference. She works hard on a pittance of an apprenticeship wage (under £4.50)! and this is the one product she spends her literally, very hard earned money on!

So what makes this moisturiser so amazing? Well key benefits are similar to the serum, it treats dull, dehydrated skin and gives skin that much needed glowing boost. It's ideal if you work long hours, work in polluted areas and yet is very gentle on all skin types including acne prone like my daughters. It's excellent if you suffer with hormonal breakouts and have oily skin as it comes in a light, gel format. It's moisturising without being heavy, so is ideal if you feel like your makeup can sometimes slide of your face. It is also a good formula to use in warm, humid weather conditions. 

Again you only need a small amount as it spreads thinly onto the face, but doesn't leave it feeling tight, just fresh and nourished. Ingredients are similar to the serum but also include:-

• Sodium Hyaluronate - this has a smaller molecule than the often talked about 'hyaluronic acid' so penetrates the skin even more. Skin is left hydrated for up to 24 hours and thus reduces flakiness and dry patches, leaving the skin feeling comfortable all day. 
• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate - vitamin C, as above skin brightening and also helps stimulate collagen production. In this form skin is left looking brighter and more clarified. 
• Malic Acid - ideal for sensitive skin, this ingredient helps unclog pores, keeps bacteria at bay and acts as a gentle exfoliant.

As with all the products above they come in fully recyclable packaging, yes even the glass! Vegan and of course never tested on animals. I would urge you to look at their website - something I always think people should do to make their own mind up. I'm sent samples and have always written in an honest approach, but one persons opinion may differ from another. You will see that this range has a huge fan base! I'm off to wrap these up for my daughters birthday and will leave you to have a browse here www.thebodyshop.com