Product Review: Lush "Love Lettuce" Facemask

 For my first blog post in...let's just say 'a while', I thought I'd write about something very close to my heart - Lush Cosmetics. I've always loved Lush and their gorgeous products, I mean who can genuinely walk past a Lush store without being enticed inside by the magical aroma drifting out? However, since I became vegan, this company has become even more important to me. As a vegan, I only use products that are cruelty-free (i.e. not tested on animals) as I believe that in the twenty-first century we should have evolved as a species enough to realise that poisoning, starving, blinding, paralysing, mutilating (the list goes on) innocent animals so that we can 'look good' is very far (to put it mildly) from, what I would define as, 'humane'. Therefore, I am always looking for new companies that promote the cruelty-free message but, so far, Lush remains my staple brand when it comes to toiletries. 

Today, I'm offering you a product review of my most recent purchase from Lush: the 'Love Lettuce' face mask. 

You should probably know that I've struggled with acne my entire teenage life and since becoming vegan a year ago, my skin has cleared up more than ever before - yet another (perhaps more superficial) reason for you to make the transition! So I decided to add a face mask to my weekly skin routine and began browsing the Lush website for one that suited my skin type. Since I have oily/combination skin, this appeared to be the mask for me as it boasted French lavender to "balance the skin's sebum production" and "gently exfoliating almond shells" to get rid of the layer of dead skin occupying my face.

I've now used this face mask a good few times and I can honestly say that it is the best one I have ever tried. You can see from the picture to the right that, despite my frequent use of the product, the tub still holds a good amount. This could be due to the fact that I use a lot less than I have seen other people use - many tend to spread it on very thick but I find that it works just as well with a thinner layer. I will continue to use this product until the tub is empty and am extremely likely to purchase it again immediately. I simply cannot fault it. 'Love Lettuce' smells absolutely incredible, each time I smooth it onto my face and sleepwalk through to my bedroom to allow it to set for 10 or 15 minutes, I begin to drift off as the calming smell of lavender fills my head. After this episode of relaxation, I wash off the product with warm water and, as I do so, I can feel the almond shells gently exfoliating my skin, leaving it baby-smooth when dry. This is one of the first products I've tried that genuinely does even my skin tone and calm my blemishes, rather than aggravate them. 

If you're in the market for a good face mask, I would definitely recommend this one! Has anyone tried it or any of Lush's other face masks? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

100 Happy Days Day 33: Bathtime, Dreamtime

I'm quite a newcomer to the Lush scene but as soon as I set foot in Edinburgh's shop a month ago, like most people, I felt like I had found the answer to all my problems. I was not aware that a shop could smell that good, walking in the door your senses are bombarded with a hundred different scents all mingling to form one incredible aroma.

For this particular heavenly bath, I used the Dreamtime bath melt for "soothed skin and mind". If you haven't tried this yet, you need to. I lay there with the sleep-inducing scents of lavender and chamomile oil wafting around me, never having felt more relaxed. Lavender is one of my favourite scents so this bath melt was perfect for me. Even more wonderful, were the little sprigs of lavender that were left floating in the bath around me when the melt finally dissolved into a creamy sheen in the water.

When I eventually pulled myself out of this tranquility, I was delighted to find that the cocoa butter had worked its magic on my skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. I would recommend this bath melt to everyone, I know I'll be venturing into the Lush store to purchase it again and I'm excited to try the other bath melts they have to offer.

100 Happy Days Day 24: A Greasy-Haired Girl's Dream

As a member of the greasy-haired family, I know that it can seem like an end-of-the-world problem at times. For this reason, I am always on the lookout for new tips and tricks to combat this massive genetical letdown. I've watched countless videos on YouTube about all things hair and a good majority of them mention build-up removal shampoo or clarifying shampoo. I don't know if I'm just a little dim at times but I have found it extremely difficult to get my hands on such a thing. Until I finally came across this lovely bottle in my trusty Boots store. 

Unfortunately, I couldn't find a link for this product but I think it was around £3 to purchase and I am telling you now, it's worth it! Get your hands on a bottle ASAP! I have integrated this shampoo into my weekly routine, using it once a week, meaning the bottle is going to last me forever. I have definitely noticed a difference in my hair since I started using it. After a wash using this shampoo, my hair feels and looks lighter and takes longer to grease up. I'm one of those people whose hair can be used to fry eggs just one day after washing, so for me this product is fantastic and I will definitely continue to invest in it. 

100 Happy Days Day 23: Mend A Hand

First of all, I'd like to offer up a big fat apology for my absence throughout the past week. I've had a lot going on, meaning I've struggled to post anything. I was actually considering giving up on the entire challenge after finding myself a week behind until a friend convinced me to catch up. So over the duration of the next couple of days, I will do my best to get up to speed and back on track. Starting now...

Another item I've been on the hunt for for a long time now is a good hand cream. My hands have been getting very dry since I started using my new topical acne treatments so it seemed only logical to invest in something that would combat this. While shopping in Boots last week for an entirely different 'something', I found myself in the Soap & Glory aisle. Soap & Glory has always been a company that I have heard great things about and have been anxious to try but never have. So I decided this was the time to finally give them a go and picked up this luxurious hand cream.

Soap & Glory Mini Hand Food Hand Cream 50ml

The bottle reads "The most astonishing hand cream ever? You decide! Hand Food. Non-greasy hand cream with shea butter, macadamia oil and marshmallow." This product really does do what it says on the tin. I've never found a hand cream to be so unbelievably non-greasy, it simply sinks into your skin immediately, leaving your hands feeling smooth and nurtured. Equally importantly, in my opinion, it smells INCREDIBLE. I find myself applying this probably far more often than I need to, purely because of its heavenly scent. *applies hand cream...sniffs...sighs contentedly* This was my first Soap & Glory purchase but I am certain it will not be my last. I'm fairly confident this product will be one that I continue to buy again and again. I also can't wait to try as much as possible from the entire range. What's your favourite Soap & Glory product? I'd love suggestions on what to buy next!

100 Happy Days Day 12: Finding The Perfect Summer Nail Polish

If you read my blog a lot, you'll have noticed that I didn't post my Day 12 of 100 Happy Days yesterday. This isn't because I couldn't find happiness in life anymore. I simply didn't have the time to write a post yesterday, but I'm making up for it now so here goes...

I've been on the hunt for a pretty, pastel-blue nail polish for a while now but every one I've seen before has either been too light, or too dark, or too grey, or too whatever. But while shopping yesterday, I found the perfect colour.

Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint by Barry M in GNP 24 (Elderberry)

I think this is the perfect colour for summer since it's 'pale and pretty', meaning it can be matched with most outfits without clashing. What makes this nail polish even better is that its by Barry M. I don't know about other people but I've always had amazing experiences with Barry M nail varnishes. They are nice and thick, making them a joy to apply and they are perfect for me since they are virtually indestructible for at least the first week. I'm horrendous for chipping my nails on the first day. I am in love with this nail varnish for the moment and will probably be extremely boring for the next month or so and wear nothing but my lovely Elderberry on my nails. 

100 Happy Days Day 8: Discovering the Magic of Primers

So I know I am very behind the times in this one but yesterday I discovered the genius of make-up primers. There has been a crazy amount of hype around these little bottles of magic for a long time now but (as I am with every craze these days) I was sceptical. However, I've been a lot more interested in all thing beauty recently so I decided to give one a go. When out shopping this week, I purchased this beautiful potion.

Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer (£5.99)

The bottle claims that it is a "skin perfecting primer, ultra lightweight formula minimises the appearance of pores". I picked this one up since, at the moment, my favourite foundation is the Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation, along with its accompanying powder. These both work for me since I have very oily skin - although, my skin is a 'bit all over the place' now since I started using my topical acne treatments, so I may need to invest in a new foundation soon that is better for dry and sensitive skin (any ideas?). Anyway, I was quite excited to try out my new primer as I was sick of my make-up melting off of my face within a couple of hours, after spending so much time trying to make it look good. So I applied it under my foundation yesterday for a get-together with friends and could not have been happier (or more surprised) with the results! The primer was super easy to apply, going on like a dream and soaking into my skin. I applied my make-up around 2 in the afternoon and it was still going strong well into the night. I am so happy I finally gave into the hype and would encourage anyone with similar tendencies to do the same. 

Dreaming of an Acne-Free Life

At the age of 19 I am finally saying "enough is enough"! I've had acne for so long now it feels like I can no longer remember living without it. Living without feeling constantly self-conscious. Living without hating every person with clear skin (ok, maybe not hate but the line between hate and extreme jealousy can seem incredibly thin sometimes). Many people may read this and say I'm making a fuss about nothing and that acne is nothing to be ashamed of. The majority of these people have clear skin. Acne does take its toll on the majority of its victims and I happen to be one of those people who struggle to rise above it. I now feel as though I'm willing to try absolutely anything to get rid of my spots, the only thing in my way is my lack of money. Therefore, despite various people telling me that treatments prescribed from a GP do not work, I have decided to give them a go.

I showed up to my appointment last Friday begging for my GP's help and she suggested three different products. Initially, I took her suggestions to mean that I would try one at a time but no. I made my way to the pharmacist with three prescription sheets!

Duac Once Daily Gel

First of all, I have this Duac gel, which I am to "apply once daily in the evening". I started using this on Friday night and have found my skin getting very dry and sensitive since. It also now stings to apply this, which I was initially worried about but I decided to do some internet research and I have found that this can be completely normal and can actually mean the Duac gel is working its magic. Nevertheless, there was lots of advice on how to decrease this sensitivity, including applying it 20-30 minutes after cleansing, rather than immediately after, and applying a moisturiser beforehand. I have taken on both of these pieces of advice and have also realised that I may have been applying too much of the gel to begin with so have reduced this amount to a pea-sized quantity. I'm going to have to give it a couple of days before I discover if my new game-plan is working but in the meantime I am planning on investing in a moisturising face wash and intensive moisturiser to replace my current products, which combat the oily skin that I no longer have. Perhaps an advantage of this newfound sensitivity?

Differin/Adapalene Cream

Secondly, I acquired this Differin or Adapalene Cream, which is also to be applied once daily. My GP advised me to apply the Duac before bed and the Differin earlier in the day so I have found myself incorporating it into my morning skincare routine, much like the Duac has integrated itself into my nighttime regime. So far I feel that this cream is treating my skin much nicer than its evil friend and actually leaves my skin feeling smooth throughout the day.

Oxytetracycline Tablets

Finally, we have these antibiotic tablets, which I have the most hope in as my Dad had very bad acne at my age and these were the only things that cleared it up. However, they are the most annoying things to take if you are anything like me. The instructions read "One to be taken twice a day. Avoid milk, iron, zinc or indigestion remedies at same time. Take regularly and complete the course..." and this is the big one: "TAKE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH 1 HOUR BEFORE FOOD OR 2 HOURS AFTER FOOD." Now, I'm one of those people who basically eats constantly since I can get away with it weight-wise and I truly believe I'm nearly ALWAYS hungry. So waiting two hours after eating is killing me at the moment but if I'm being honest, it's probably a good thing that the tablets are forcing me to get into a healthy eating routine.

So there we have it, my new pills and potions that claim they will change my life! The Oxytetracycline tablets have to be taken for a full month to see any results and before I can revisit the GP so I'm sure I will post an update on my skin in a month's time! In the meantime, if anyone has tried any of these remedies before I'd love to hear about your experiences or any advice you may have? Thanks!

Sudocrem...Does it Work?

For a while now I've been trying to find a cheap spot treatment (being a student leads to cutting down in expenditure). Time and time again I've come across Sudocrem being suggested for the treatment of acne. However, after researching a little, I've seen very mixed attitudes towards the stuff, meaning I'm quite reluctant to try it. Has anybody tried using Sudocrem on spots or blemishes? Did you use it as part of your daily routine or just at certain times? What's the verdict? Please comment below, I'd really appreciate any advice!

Dealing with Acne and My Current Skincare Regime

Oh how I wish I could return to being a small child. Looking back at old pictures, I'm envious of my former self...how weird is that? When I was younger I had natural bleach blonde hair, a beautiful tan that never seemed to fade since we used to go abroad once a year and it would always be topped up, and, of course, clear, soft skin. That's what I miss the most. 

I must have been around the 14 years mark when I started to develop acne and it's been there ever since, to varying degrees. Like most people, I think, I go up and down like a yo-yo concerning how I feel about it. One day I'll decide I don't care, people should love me for who I am, etc., etc. Then, the next day, I'll be really upset and spend the entire day googling, hoping to find quick and easy solutions. 

I know I don't have it anywhere near as bad as some people but I think it's silly to say you can't be upset because others have it worse. I'd say I'm somewhere in the middle in terms of severity and that's enough to make me feel really self-conscious and ugly. People can tell you you're being stupid but that's not going to change how you feel and you should be allowed to feel however you want to feel. If someone really cares about you, they'll support you and help you through whatever you're dealing with it. 

So, like I said, over the last few years my attitude to my acne has been all over the place, but that ends now. I'm 19 and I want to be able to go out bare faced and still feel like I look okay or wear make up and see smooth skin in the mirror, void of blemishes. Is that too much to ask? No, I think not. Time to crack down on a good skincare regime and stick to it until I can see results. I think that's always been my problem, if I don't see results after a week or so I get annoyed and change my routine. Even though I've read a thousand times that it can take over 3 months before a new routine will work. So this time, I'm going to persevere.

First of all, I'm completely cutting dairy out of my diet. I've read about this tonnes online and every article says that there is no conclusive research to say that dairy causes acne. However, I've lost count of how many blogs I've read and videos I've watched on youtube where people swear by the no-dairy diet and have seen dramatic improvement in their skin. Surely that's evidence in itself? Well, that's what I'm taking from it for now, I'm on day 4 of the no-dairy diet and so far it's proving surprisingly easy. I thought it'd be much more difficult but there's a crazy amount of alternatives out there and raspberry flavoured sorbet is my new favourite thing!

Secondly, I've read lots about hygiene being a major culprit in the accumulation of nasty zits. Ergo, I am now going to change my bedsheets once a week, my pillowcase once every two days, properly clean my room (dusting, sweeping, etc.) once a week and wipe down all my gadgets once a week (e.g. kindle, phone, laptop). 

Finally, as for my actual skincare routine, I wash my face every morning and night. Twice a week with an exfoliating scrub (at the moment I've got into the routine of doing this Thursday morning and Sunday night...not sure why but yeah) and a regular cleanser the rest of the days of the week. After each wash I splash my face with cold water (apparently closing your pores is good) and then pat dry. Next I use a refreshing toner and then, if it's morning, I'll use a light moisturiser. I've only been using a moisturiser once a day because I have extremely oily skin and moisturising only seems to make it worse. However, I don't know if this is the way to go about it. I really need some good advice from a former acne sufferer or skincare expert! I've also started using a face mask once a week to try and get rid of any residue or impurities but I'm yet to find a really good one. (Suggestions?) 

Anyway, that's the plan for now! I know it's not full proof, I might never have completely clear skin and I'm probably doing nowhere near enough to try and gain it but hey! It's a start! If anybody reading this has gone through the same things and has some good advice, please tell me! I need all the hints and tips I can get! 

Thanks!