The final look: Body Shop Holiday 2012

Wearing Smoky Copper on my eyes and Ruby Sparkle on my lips

With two Smoky Eye palettes before me and the Ruby Sparkle lippie as well, I painted my face for an evening out with my husband.

While the overall look seems appealing, there were a few things I was disappointed with. The eyeshadow proved to be quite difficult in the blending department as the formula was drier than I anticipated; once the shadow hit my lid, it just wouldn't budge.  Colour payoff was minimal as well -- I was really hoping to get the same sort of intensity I got during my swatch session. The eyeshadow palette's only saving grace was the fact it didn't crease.

Ruby Sparkle, however, delivered. A creamy lipstick that has the ability to mimic a gloss, stays put and lasts. The microscopic sparkles reflected light and created a bit of drama, but I didn't feel a bit of grit on my lips. A berry hued optical illusion!

Buy Ruby Sparkle now and maybe wait 'til Smoky Copper or Smoky Moonstone gets marked down.

*PR sample provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me: two eyeshadow palettes

The Body Shop's Smoky Eye Palettes

To compliment my Ruby Sparkle lipstick I was given two options to play up my eyes: Smoky Copper* and Smoky Moonstone*. However, do I take a walk on the dark side of the moon or should I conduct heat with a bit of copper?

Can you hear the sound of duelling banjos? Smoky Moonstone (left) and Smoky Copper (right)

Each palette comes with a creamy beige base for all over application and then they divide. Copper Smoke leans warm with the help of metallic copper, burnt taupe and chocolate brown. Personally, this is my favourite palette; while I was away I learned orange hues help to intensify hazel eyes -- colour me happy!

Smoky Copper palette

Copper Smoke swatches

Smoky Moonstone is perfect for those looking to capture the well-known smoky eye look. Soft taupe, milk chocolate and greyish brown take the guess work out of the equation.

Smoky Moonstone palette

Smoky Moonstone swatches

The texture of the shadow is soft yet doesn't promote fallout and I think the formula lends itself to well-blended matrimony.

Each palette comes with a built in mirror, petite eyeshadow and angled eyeliner brushes and "how to" guides.

Like what you see so far? The Smoky Eye palettes are still available for $39.95 AUS / $28.00 USD.

Stay tuned for my final holiday look...

*PR sample provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

Last minute gift ideas from The Body Shop

Tutti Fruity Bon Bon in Japanese Cherry Blossom

Japanese Cherry Blossom Bon Bon, $12.95 AUS

A stocking wouldn't be complete without this sugary sweet cherry blossom scented shower bomb!

Body Polish in Vanilla Bliss, Cranberry Joy & Ginger Sparkle

Body Polish, $20.95 AUS / $19.00 USD

Heighten the shower experience with seasonal scrubs available in three heavenly scents.

The gift will keep giving in the form of smoother skin all year 'round.

Body Butter in Vanilla Bliss, Cranberry Joy & Ginger Sparkle

Body Butter, $27.95 AUS / $19.00 $8.00 USD -- it's the deal of the day in the States!

During the Winter and even Summer months we could all use soft skin that smells good to boot.

Book of Coconut

Book of... Shea, Chocolate & Strawberry too! $49.95 AUS (Coconut's sold out online)

For the baker/fruit lover in your life.

Comes with a complimentary recipe on the inside cover as well :)

*PR sample provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Ruby Sparkle lippie

• Mistletoe? - check
• A loved one to kiss on the cheek? - check
• A sparkly red lipstick? - *cue record scratch sound*

Need to complete your seasonal look on the cheap, but aren't sure how to add that unexpected bit of pizazz? The Body Shop has got you covered this holiday season!

The Body Shop's (limited edition) Colourglide Shine in Ruby Sparkle

Label

Ruby Sparkle with flash

Swatch of Ruby Sparkle

Ruby Sparkle* comes in a bullet shaped tube and delivers a shot of cherry red infused with a subtle shimmer to the lips. The scent is light yet slightly fruity, but I suspect you won't notice it after application. Colour opacity was achieved after two passes in the swatch above. The only thing I can't comment about is wear time, however I will update you about this aspect in my final Body Shop Holiday beauty look.

Aside from the beautiful colour, you can expect to have soft and smooth lips thanks to marula oil and beeswax -- my lips can't wait!

Colourglide Shine retails for $24.95 AUS / $12.50 USD. Go to your local Body Shop before stocks run out!

*PR sample provided -  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.