The first thing I think of when The Body Shop is mentioned is the beautiful smell of their shower gels. I am certainly not the only one who delights in smelling gorgeous whilst knowing that I am treating my body well at the same.

The Body Shop scours the globe for the most natural ingredients that will enhance the body's natural beauty whilst remaining fair to the environment and all of its inhabitants. Whilst they don't claim to be completely natural, they do say that they are 'inspired by nature'. They strike up various campaigns, including their campaigns against animal testing, the protection of the planet, the defence of human rights and, the latest campaign, 'Stop HIV'.

So, The Body Shop really does seem to be getting everything right. With 2,400 stores across 61 countries, they're certainly doing something right. From the delectable Born Lippy raspberry lip balm to shampoos that smell almost good enough to eat, there are enough scrumptious products to get even the most cynical of customers hooked.

It all began back in 1976, when The Body Shop was founded by the late Dame Anita Roddick, who found herself inspired after visiting a shop in California that sold scented soaps and lotions made from natural ingredients. This shop was called The Body Shop, and it already had some values of its own; it employed and trained immigrant women, who would otherwise find it hard to find work. Roddick subsequently set up her own shop back in England, which she named The Body Shop after purchasing the naming rights from the shop in California. Whatever you think about this, and there has been much controversy surrounding this issue, there is no denying that The Body Shop has accomplished great things. In October 2009, The Body Shop was awarded a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' by the RSPCA for its unwavering stance against animal testing, and to this date has donated over £9.5million in grants. Last year The Body Shop delivered its first ECOCERT certified organic skincare line, Nutriganics, which includes various products ranging from face creams and cleansers to gentle skin toners. From make up to mouth-watering mango body butters, The Body Shop does it all.

A lot has been said about The Body Shop; much good, some bad. Whilst it aims to be as natural yet satisfying as possible, it can't get it right all the time. The Body Shop is continuously finding new ways to act upon its firm morals and find ways to make its products as pure and natural as possible. But beware, you'll be hooked.