LUSH Mask of Magnaminty, NEW Self Preserving!

LUSH - Mask of Magnaminty ( £5.25/125g or £9.25/315g)

"A multi-purpose mask with a mixture of gentle yet effective ingredients to clean, calm and clear the skin"

I love a good face mask and who doesn't?! I've been a fan of LUSH for a while now and never really wanted to buy a fresh face mask. One, I didn't think I'd use it up by its expiry date and two, I didn't think it would be worth the money. But, here I present you with the solution to my problems...Mask of Magnaminty! Mask of Magnaminty is not one of the fresh face masks that you have to keep in the fridge and also I've been amazed at how long this little pot is lasting me, therefore has been totally worth the money!

PROS:

-The minty freshness of this mask is, for me, what makes this product stands out. It leaves your face feeling extremely fresh, clean and super soft.

-A bonus of this product is that it is self preserving, although LUSH is natural there is stuff in some products, which although occurs naturally, some people believe to be nasty. LUSH recently have been re releasing products that are now self preserving which means they've got rid of some nasty stuff and it's even better for your skin!

-As I said above, you don't have to keep this one in the fridge, unlike all of the other LUSH face masks. For me, this is more suitable because I know I have a bit longer to use it up and to be honest, I probably would forget about it in the fridge.

CONS:

- I really love this product, I really do but as much as I'm in denial about it, I'm not sure if it's causing me breakouts. This is kind of disappointing as its meant to keep skin clean and spots away, but I always seem to wake up with more spots after using this! After I've used up this pot, I'll definitely be trying other LUSH face masks and won't rule out using Mask of Magnaminty unless I definitely know it's what breaking me out!

- This isn't so much a con but more of a personal preference; I hate mint (yes.. weird I know) and while you may think it was stupid of me to by a mint product, I thought I would be able to get over the smell but it is quite strong and over powering and when it's sat on your face for up to 15 minutes it's important that you can withstand the smell of a product!

Overall, I'd really recommend this face mask, it is well worth the money and leaves your skin squeaky clean!

Have you tried any of LUSH face masks? What did you think of them? Comment below or tweet me @simplyhayleyx

Hayley x

First Impressions: LUSH Ultraband Facial Cleanser

On my recent trip  to LUSH (see my Mini LUSH Haul post) I purchased the Ultrabland facial cleanser. I've been trying to find some new skincare products as my eczema prone skin has been playing up recently so I need something less harsh on my skin, the micellar water I was using has dried out the skin around my eyes. I'd seen quite a few positive reviews about this product so thought it was worth a try!

Ultrabland is a gentle cleanser and which contains almond oil, rose water, beeswax and honey (read the full list of description here on the LUSH website). I haven't been using this product long enough to say for definite if I'll repurchase but so far so good!

  PROS:

-Very gentle on the skin.

-Leaves my skin feeling very soft and fresh.

-Soothes my eczema and dry patches.

-Easy to apply and wash off (I usually apply then wipe off with a damp cotton wool pad then use my Eau Roma Water).

    

CONS:

- It does feels slightly greasy on the skin (but it is described oily so I'm not sure what I was expecting- duh!) but doesn't leave skin feeling oily at all once washed off!

-This product smells a bit weird in the pot (however, you kind of get over the smell once it's on your face and it could be a lot worse! A lot of people say it doesn't really smell of anything, so maybe it's just me!

OVERALL:

I really like this product so far and am using it daily as part of my night time skin routine, I can't be so sure if I'll repurchase just yet as I'm not sure if this is definitely the cleanser for me but so long as it doesn't cause any breakouts on make my skin any worse then I would consider continuing to use this! I'm also worried about how long it will last me, it wasn't particularly cheap but if it takes a few months for me to use up then I can justify it!

Have you tried this cleanser? If so what did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Hayley x

Another Mini LUSH Haul!

 

It had been a(nother) stressful week with lots of coursework, so I popped into LUSH to treat myself to a few things I've had my eye on! I've been looking to find some new skincare so thought I'd test out these bits! (Full reviews to follow!)

 Ocean Salt Facial Scrub - I haven't had a chance to try this out yet but it smells AMAZING, it basically smells like a lime cocktail! As well as sea salt for scrubbing away any dead skin, it contains  avocado butter, coconut oil and seaweed all which make your skin nice and soft! (see full ingredients here on the LUSH website)

Ultrabland Facial Cleanser- A first impressions post will be up about this soon (you can now read this here!), but ultimately it's a very gentle cleanser! I really wanted to try this out as my eczema prone skin has been very dry from the cold weather.

Eau Roma Water Toner Water- I've been wanting to try out the LUSH toners for a while but have always chosen to spend my money on other products instead but I've been using this before I go to bed to get rid of any makeup my cleanser hasn't removed, it's so relaxing and definitely worth purchasing!

It's Raining Men Shower Gel (100g)-So this is the scent of the Honey I Washed the Kids Soap, which I haven't actually tried as I'm not a soapy person. I've used it once and I'm not sure if I'm impressed, in comparison to the other LUSH shower gels it doesn't have a really strong scent and I couldn't smell it on my skin after my shower. I will test out a few more times though cause my sense of smells has gone a bit strange lately!

 

When paying for these products the lady who served me told me that LUSH is bringing out a new collection this month of lots of new stuff!! Unfortunately  it's top secret, I'm so excited though for the launch of new products! 

Comment below if you think there is anything you think I should try!

Hayley x

February Favourites

 

 LUSH Dream Cream Hand and Body Lotion - I've been using this product to try and cool down my eczema, it's £13 ish for the tub (I think) but it really is worth it and I know it will last me a while.

LUSH Popcorn Lip Scrub- With the weather being so cold this has been the best product for my chapped lips, it makes them feel SO soft!

Soap and Glory- Thick and Fast Mascara- I go through phases of loving then being indifferent about this mascara, however it's been the only mascara I seem to have been using this month! It makes my lashes look nice and long and very black.

Simple- Eye roll on- This product is so cooling and perfect to use in the mornings to help wake yourself up and refresh the skin under your eyes.

TRESemme Heat protection- Lately I realized how I've stopped using heat protection on my hair so repurchased this old favourite which smells nice and products my hair against the heat of my straighteners!

LUSH American Cream Hair Conditioner- If you want amazing smelling hair, this is the product for you! It smells incredible! I usually just put this on the ends of my hair as I feel it is a bit too heavy to use on my roots. The scent lingers in your hair for absolutely ages, which for me is extremely important!

My Kindle and new case is a non beauty favourite - I've been trying to get back into reading, this month I read The Knot- Mark Watson, it's quite a quick read that tells the story of a wedding photographer and his life.

What products have you been loving this month? I'd love some suggestions of some new things to try!

Hayley x

My Current LUSH Collection!

At the moment I have quite a few bits from LUSH so I thought I'd take a few snaps and show you what products I'm using on a daily basis and looking forward to using soon! Going into LUSH can sometimes be quite overwhelming as there are so many products. If you're new to LUSH or are stuck on what to buy I am loving the products in the top photos, they smell AMAZING and the scent actually stays lingering on your skin for ages! The bath bombs are mainly gifts left over from Christmas which I haven't had a chance to use yet!

 -Snow Fairy Shower Gel - I am so sad I won't be able to get any more of this until Christmas!!

-Popcorn Lip Scrub- This has been amazing for the weather lately as my lips keep getting really dry and chapped from the cold and wind!

-Dream Cream Hand and Body Lotion- This does an amazing job cooling down my eczema and for putting on freshly shaven legs 

-FUN (Green)- This smells so fresh and zingy I love washing my body and hair with it!

-American Cream Hair Conditioner- This leaves your hair smelling absolutely amazing even for hours after washing your hair.

-Prince Charming Shower Gel- Valentines collection, I'm a bit iffy on the scent of this and probably wouldn't repurchase.

Bath Bombs      Bubble Bars

 Dragon's Egg                     -Candy Mountain

-Sex Bomb

-Shoot for the Stars
 
-Bombardino
   

Is there any products you would recommend that I try? I really can't wait to purchase some of the Easter and Mothers day collection and also really want to try some of the skin care products!

Hayley x

January Favourites

To be honest, I haven't fell in love with many products this month but here are the few that I seemed to end up using most days of January.



 1. Vaseline: Spray & Go body moisturiser- This is absolutely perfect for when you don't have much time to properly moisturise after a shower or bath, you can quickly just spray it all over. It soaks in quickly and doesn't feel greasy at all. I'm not overly fond of the smell of this product and probably wouldn't use this product if I had more time after showers. However saying that it is a very gentle product which is good for my sensitive skin, especially after just shaving.


2. Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation- There's been so much hype over this foundation, so when my skin started getting paler over winter and my Bourjous Health Mix was looking not quite right on my skin I opted to try this out, I don't regret it at all! In the past I haven't been to fond of Rimmel foundations as they never seemed to apply very evenly. However, this foundation is a lovely colour and does add a nice glow to my tired and dull skin. I definitely will be repurchasing it again.



3. Fudge Urban Iced Raspberry & Vanilla Hair Spray- For a long time I've never really used hairspray as it I've never made me hair feel crunchy and I hate the smell. However, I've heard a fair few things about how amazing this one is and it certainly lives up to expectations! I've also purchased  Iced coconut cocktail hair spray but the scent is far too summery for this time of year.


4. L'Oreal Paris #TXT (Texture styling) Volume super sizing spray- This spray has a similar effect to sea salt spray, although it doesn't leave your hair feeling crunchy or stiff. I've found myself using this a lot in January just to give my hair a bit of volume when it's straight or curly.

5. LUSH green FUN- I'm completely in love with this stuff, I received it as a Christmas present and have been using it ever since. You can use FUN on your body, hair or in a bath- I've tried it in all 3, I prefer to take a ball into the shower and use some on my body and some on my hair. It makes my hair extremely soft and smelling fresh, it's a very zingy and limey scent which is very refreshing. I definitely want to try out the other colours of FUN.




6. Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Eau de Parfum- I don't think many people will disagree with me when I say that the packaging is disgusting and tacky but I love the scent it's sweet but not too teenage girlish. I'm on the search for a permanent new scent but this is what I'll be wearing until I do. Very fruity and vanilla like scent which I think it's lovely for during in the day!


7. Maybelline The Volum' Express Mascara Falsies (Black Drama) - Whilst everyone was raving about Maybelline The Rocket mascara, I fell in love with this one, it gives my lashes the perfect length and volume. So happy with this mascara I probably won't be changing it for a while!


8. Rimmel Professional Eye Brow Pencil (Black Brown)- I never really felt the need to start filling in my brows until last year or so but this pencil is completely perfect and makes my brows filled but still looking natural, plus it's very affordable.

9. Montagne Jeunesse; Dead sea face spa- I love this brand of face masks, they're affordable and perfect for a pamper night alone or with friends. My favorite ones tend to be the sea salt ones as they leave my skin feels soft and fresh.

What products have you been loving this month?

Hayley x

 

Mini LUSH Haul

On the last day of January, after not feeling great for the last few weeks and wanting to reward myself for some good coursework grades I decided to pop into my local LUSH store. I only picked up a few things as I still have a lot of bath bombs that I received at Christmas, but I fancied buying a few things that I could use to add a little bit of the gorgeous LUSH scent and pampering to my everyday routine. I purchased American Dream hair conditioner, Prince Charming shower gel (Valentines collection), Dream Cream and Close To You massage bar (Valentines collection).

 

 Close To You Massage bar- I've been wanting to try out a LUSH massage bar for a while but thought I'd wait until the Valentines day products were released to see if there was anything else and I'm so glad I did! The scent of this bar is extremely sweet and perfect for anyone who loves the Snow Fairy scent, it reminds me quite a bit of it. On the LUSH website it says it is scented with "Fair Trade vanilla absolute" which makes it smell gorgeous! What is even cuter is that the inspiration for the shape came from the Jammie Dodger Biscuit! I'm yet to test out this product, so can't full say what I think of it, although just by the smell I'm already rating it pretty highly already. The only thing that concerns me about this product is just how easily it melts, as soon as you have it in your hands it seems to begin to become very soft.

Dream Cream Hand & Body lotion- This product is their number one bestseller, it's described as a simple cream which with ingredients that soothe and cools upset skin. Over the years I've had a lot of trouble with eczema, mainly on my arms and legs. . I try to not use harsh products on my skin, I try to use what the doctor recommends but it never seems to work. For the last year or so, it's settled down dramatically, all except one place on my arm (the inside of my elbow) and everything I seem to put on it makes it more itchy and irritated.

I'd put off buying Dream Cream as at nearly £12 if it just made me itch like every other cream it would not be worth the money, however the last week I've been slapping on the Sudocreme in the attempt to dry it up (my eczema is gets red and sore rather than just dry) and it dried up all the nastiness but I was left with a very dry patch of skin, so as many eczema sufferers recommended and rated it highly I took the risk and decided to purchase it (at last).

 I've only applied this a few times so far but am extremely surprised at how much moisture it has locked into my skin and how soft it has made it. You can still see where the eczema is and I very highly doubt it's going to prevent future flare ups but I'm definitely feeling optimistic about it so far, my skin is definitely feeling a lot smoother and calmer.

As for the Prince Charming shower gel, I have mixed feelings about it and I haven't decided if I really like it. I've used it a few times in the shower and wouldn't really say it smells like anything it is supposed to (marshmallow root,vanilla and fresh pomegranate juice). On a recent review someone said it kind of smells like chocolate orange and I do see what they mean. This smell in my opinion is quite sickly, but in a different way to other sweet scented products by LUSH. Then again, after using Snow Fairy and falling in love with it, I'm not sure any other LUSH shower gels with live up to that standard for me.

I've only used American Cream once and although it smells amazing, I'm not sure it did wonders for my hair. I have quite fluffy/frizzy prone hair and I'm not confident this product will be smoothing enough. Saying that, it left my hair smelling AMAZING, it's supposed to smell like Milkshake and strawberries! I can still smell it in my hair even the day after washing it. I will review this product fully once I've actually made up my mind about whether it was a worthwhile purchase.

Hayley x