Cruelty Free Skin Care Routine – Oils of Life Review

I remember when The Body Shop first opened back in the seventies.  Everyone got their gift baskets for Christmas and birthdays.  Those plastic bottles with the green labels packed into wicker baskets stuffed full of shredded paper – they were hugely popular.  But over the years it seemed to get a bit ‘old hat’.  I had only bought a couple of things from The Body Shop over the last few years … I love their Tea Tree Oil Sticks and have recently discovered their foundation.  But a couple of years ago hubby surprised me with a lovely selection of The Body Shop’s Oils of Life Skincare Range. The products have become favourites in my cruelty free skin care routine.

The Body Shop Oils of Life on Mature Skin

For reference I’m 58 years old, I have dry skin and have used skin care products since I was in my 20’s. I don’t have many skin problems and don’t have many wrinkles (yet). I have consciously tried to move to a cruelty free skin care routine in the last few years.

First of all I have to say I really like the packaging.  No more cheap looking plastic bottles.  Most of the skin care products come in amber coloured glass jars packaged into well designed boxes that look great on my shelf, and the products were all packed into a 100% natural reusable jute pouch (which I use for my toiletries when I go camping)

This luxurious Oils of Life skin care range is enriched with a blend of three seed oils: black cumin, camelia and rosehip, and smells absolutely gorgeous – very spa-like.  A great addition to anyone’s cruelty free skin care routine.

Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Cream

I’m using this as my daily morning moisturiser before I apply primer and foundation. The wesbite states:

• it replenishes moisture
• revives radiance
• reduces signs of ageing
• melts onto the face
• minimises wrinkles

This face cream does feel really good on my mature skin. It’s very creamy but doesn’t feel greasy. It definitely replenishes moisture and my skin does look brighter after using it. As for reducing signs of ageing and minimising wrinkles, I can’t say I’ve noticed a difference here. Maybe if there were two of me and one used it and one didn’t I would be able to tell if there was a difference lol.

Outcome: I have regularly bought this product over the past three years and would definitely recommend it.

Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Eye Cream-Gel

A light gel type cream which you pat into the area under your eyes. The website states:

• dark circles appear faded
• wrinkles appear smoother
• visibly reduces signs of ageing

This eye gel does feel very refreshing on application and while it feels a little sticky it does sink into your skin very nicely.  The directions say to use daily as a cream to revive radiance or weekly as a mask to nourish intensely.  My daughter is a beauty therapist and has always said you don’t need to use eye cream as your skin will naturally draw up your face moisturiser. So I have never really used eye creams.

Outcome: This little pot would last you months, and as I only use it occasionally (to give my eyes a treat as a mask) I haven’t noticed any difference in appearance. However I would recommend it if you’d like to add a nourishing treat to your cruelty free skin care routine.

Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Essence Lotion

I use this as a toner after cleansing.  I pour some onto a cotton pad and apply to my face before using the Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Cream. The website states:

• radiance is instantly revived
• prepares skin for the next steps of your cruelty free skin care routine

I’ve only started using a toner as part of my dehydrated skin care routine in the last few years as I’m never sure what a toner is supposed to do! I do like the product and it does give your skin that smooth, soft-touch effect in readiness for your moisturiser.

Outcome: I have used other toners and don’t feel this one is any better or any worse really. I do recommend it for mature skin, especially if you want to use products all from the same range.

If you have oily skin you might want to test out Karalee’s 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin which are also products she uses herself.

Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil

The oil comes in a bottle with a little drop applicator and the directions say to massage 1 to 2 drops into your face and neck every morning and evening before your moisturising cream.  The website states:

• for dull dry looking skin
• quick absorbing
• hydrates, soothes and refreshes
• no stickiness

I’ve never been a big fan of oils on my face but this doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy or sticky like some oils do.  I’ve been using it a couple of times a week on my face and neck at night-time and definitely notice a difference on the mornings after I do this.  My skin looks and feels really smooth.   

Outcome: This addition to my cruelty free skin care routine lasts a long time as you’re only using a couple of drops at a time. I’d recommend it for mature skin. However it does say you can use if before you put your makeup on but I found my makeup doesn’t seem to last as well if I do this.

Check out my review of 5 Makeup Items from The Body Shop.

Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Sleeping Cream

I’d never really used a different face cream at night before, so I was interested to try this. The website states:

• for tired, dehydrated skin
• nourishing & velvety
• wake up to skin that looks rested, revitalised and feels softer and more supple

I absolutely love this cream.   The texutre is really creamy and luxurious. And my skin feels devine the next morning. Plus it has that gorgeous spa-like smell which is lovely when you’re going to sleep.

Outcome: I highly recommend this as a fantastic addition to your dehydrated skin care routine.

My Hubby definitely did a good job when he chose this gift bag for me.  It was full of cruelty free skincare essentials. And it rekindled my love for The Body Shop.  My only complaint would be that the writing on the products is really tiny and I had to use my magnifying glass to read some of them!  I know companies need to add a lot of text about different things but I’d love it if they made the ‘How to Use’ bit much bigger.  But other than that I honestly think these products make up a really good cruelty free skin care routine.

If you’ve tried any of The Body Shop Oils of Life did you have any different views? I’d love to know, just pop them in the comments section below.