There aren’t many British beauty brands that evoke as much nostalgia as The Body Shop. From its iconic fragrances to fruity lip balms, brightly colored makeup and luxurious body butters, it’s been a staple in our downtown area for nearly 40 years.
Founded in 1976 in Brighton by ‘environmental warrior’ Dame Anita Roddick, she is a pioneer in the ‘green’ beauty sector, with a focus on ethically sourced, sustainable and cruelty-free products. She believed that the beauty industry could contribute to the future. The power to bring good to the world. She worked tirelessly to spread her message to the mass market until her death in 2007. The brand continues her legacy of focusing on fair trade trade and commitment, becoming a B Corp and recently announcing that all of her products are 100% vegan. .
Unfortunately, as the green beauty market evolves and becomes saturated, The Body Shop struggles to stay on top. In particular, it has attracted attention over the past five years, since French giant L’Oréal sold to Brazilian beauty company Natura for £880m in 2017, and then again to investment group Aurelius in November 2023. There is. Among the administrators.
Why it failed to capture the attention of ethically conscious shoppers is still up for debate. However, the failure to capture the “Sephora kids” generation may also be a major factor. While teenagers beg their parents for bronzing drops and retinol, they’re missing out on a beauty rite of passage that includes simple ingredients, fruity scents, and heady perfumes, and are instead buying premium products and flashy perfumes. They are the first to jump on the package.
Whatever the logic, The Body Shop will forever remain in our hearts as a positive high street option for those looking to make ethical, sustainable and cruelty-free choices. That’s why it’s all the more upsetting to think that this latest financial crisis could see British financial institutions like Topshop once again leave our high streets for good.
To celebrate our love for this British favorite, we’re showcasing our POPSUGAR UK team’s favorite The Body Shop products.
“In 1996, it was my 13th birthday. My friends and I were planning to go to Planet Hollywood for dinner. One of them handed me a birthday present and said, “I opened it before I left. When I tore open the package, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was the coveted The Body Shop Bronze Makeup. It was my first makeup product and probably the beginning of my obsession with beauty, which lasted for 30 years and I still have 3 different eyeshadow shades. and brown glitter-encrusted lip gloss, and I couldn’t wait to put it on my face. At the time, The Body Shop was considered a brand aimed at teenagers. ‘It’s vegan and simple formula has been praised by parents across the country, but we feel it’s innocent and a far cry from the current tween/teen trends we’re seeing right now. Ta.
My love for this brand didn’t end there. I endorse the Vitamin C Glow Boosting Intense Moisturizer (£22) as one of the best products for brightening dull skin. And one of our most recommended products of all time remains Chamomile Sumptus Cleansing Butter. (£12) – Her OG on the market!” – Lauren Ezekiel, Deputy Editor
“The Body Shop’s White Musk (£20) is a scent that always reminds me of my mother. She’s a hoarder herself and has about two bottles left, but I’m sure they’ll arrive on Mother’s Day. Christmas and Birthday Wish List. At home, she has created a scent that is so homely, cozy and reminiscent of the holidays that we love it.” – Lauren, Editorial Coordinator・Gordon
“When I smell the Peppermint Invigorating Foot Cream (£12), I’m immediately reminded of my childhood and my homemade indulgences with my mother. Dipping my feet in the dishwashing bowl and applying Rimmel for 60 seconds. Afterwards, I always slathered my toes with creamy pink lotion to leave them completely refreshed.” – Chloe Dunn, Senior Content Producer.
“My first introduction to skin and body care was at The Body Shop. When I was 11 years old, I saved up my pound coins in a piggy bank for a trip to my local Blancs. I remember the scent vividly – the first product I ever bought was the Mango Body Butter (£7).I instantly fell in love with the scent and ended up buying every body butter in the collection, from coconut to strawberry. – Aaliyah Harry, Associate Editor.
Image source: The Body Shop