Winter Warmer Cocktail

Verdict
A lovely deep warming scented bath for these cold and dreary months. The products dispersed lots of beautiful oils which left the water like silk and my skin unbelievably soft and moisturised. Had a really warming cosy effect and the my skin was heavily scented for hours after the bath, will definitely be doing this cocktail again. Forgot to mention that i also finished with some Pied de Pepper foot cream which went really well with the spicy/warming nature of the cocktail. Hope you enjoyed the vid, and sorry for the waffling!

Ghost Shower Gel (Ltd Edition Retro)

On the fourth week of Christmas LUSH limited gave to me......

4 Ghost shower gels

3 Hottie massage bars

2 Halloween specials

and a Snow Fairy lip and cheek tint

Ghost

Price: £8.95/250g

Product category: Shower gel

Contains: Dove orchid infusion to soothe and cleanse the skin, Rose water to calm and soothe the skin (also great for mature skin), Fine sea salt gently exfoliates, cleanses and softens the skin, White wine vinegar soothes dry/irritated skin and regulates pH of the skin, Organic jojoba oil to soften and moisturise the skin, Jasmine absolute for its beautiful sensual fragrance, Ylang ylang oil for its uplifting fragrance and Neroli oil tones, improves texture of and soothes the skin and is thought to reduce scarring and stretch marks.

How to use: Apply directly onto body or apply a small amount to a shower poof then the body, work to a lather and rinse.

Other interesting facts:

·  Rose water is used in aromatherapy to treat depression, low mood and grief.

·  White wine vinegar and Jojoba oil give the hair intense shine and condition by coating and smoothing down the cuticles on the hair shaft and increasing manageability. This makes Ghost a fabulous shampoo too!

·   Jojoba oil is very similar to our own sebum therefore it is easily absorbed and tolerated by the top layer of our skin.

·   Jasmine is valued in aromatherapy for sensitive skin, muscular complaints, depression, stress and anxiety.

·  Neroli is scientifically proven to increase serotonin production in the brain thus lifting the mood and promoting feelings of well being.

Verdict: I’m so happy that Ghost has made an appearance again this year even though it’s limited edition, as I’m a huge fan of its uniquely beautiful scent. It’s quite a difficult scent to describe so I’ll do my best. It’s definitely reminiscent of 9-5 cleanser’s delicate and calming notes (both contain dove orchid and ylang ylang), though it has more floral notes to it.

LUSH describe Ghost as having a ‘haunting scent of lillies’, so I assume dove orchids have a similar scent.  I agree that it has a very delicate and fresh floral scent similar to lilies, which assumabley comes from the careful blend of dove orchid with other floral notes such as jasmine, ylang, rose and neroli (blossoms from the bitter orange tree). Though it’s difficult to pick out exactly which notes comes through the most. I’m generally not a huge fan of floral products but Ghost does not have an overpowering floral scent. I’d describe it as a very gentle and delicate, light and fresh floral scent with calming notes.

I also think it’s important to mention that Ghost smells quite strong in the bottle, but significantly changes to something very delicate as you’re using the product and the scent your left with on your skin.

Ghost has a luxuriously think creamy texture and is pearly white /shimmery in colour. A little definitely goes a long way, especially if you use with a shower poof and it creates a beautiful creamy lather. It’s very softening, moisturising and calming on the skin (great for these colder months) and leaves the skin delicately scented. It’s also great to use as a shampoo as it contains white wine vinegar and jojoba oil, which leave your hair super soft and shiny. The delicate floral scent stays on the skin and hair most of the day in a subtle yet noticeable way.

Overall Ghost is a little piece of luxury in the bath or the shower, with its rich and creamy texture and its pretty and delicate floral scent.

Special thanks to everyone who voted on fb and helped me to decide on which product to review :)



Hottie Massage Bar

On the third week of Christmas LUSH limited gave to me......

3 Hottie massage bars

2 Halloween specials

and a Snow Fairy lip and cheek tint

Hottie

Price: £4.95/90g

Product category: Massage Bar

Contains: Cocoa butter softens, nourishes, moisturises and conditions the skin leaving it supple and smooth; Shea butter is gentle on the skin leaving it soft, supple and moisturised and improves skin texture and appearance ; Organic jojoba oil deeply moisturises and softens the skin; Ginger oil relaxes aching muscles, relieves aching joints and stimulates circulation; Vanilla absolute for its cosy/comforting scent and also its moisturising properties; Black pepper oil is warming, improves circulation and relieves aching muscles.

How to use:

As a massage bar: warm the product up in the palm of your hands, then apply liberally to the area you are massaging using your hands or the bar to work the beautiful oils deeply into the skin and muscles.

As an all over body moisturiser: warm the product as above, apply all over the body using your hands to work the product into the skin. TIP: Best to use in this way at night as it is quite greasy. You’ll wake up with beautifully moisturised, silky soft and supple skin, and best of all your pj’s and bed sheets will smell fabulous,

Other interesting facts:

·         Black pepper is known as natural pain reliever and also combats mental fatigue.

·         Ginger oils is thought to have anti inflammatory properties and is used by aroma therapists in treating rheumatoid arthritis and headaches.

Verdict:

It’s definitely getting colder here in the North West of England! So imagine my delight when LUSH released this new massage bar Hottie. Its sensual blend of vanilla, ginger and black pepper is sexy, warming and comforting (I’m hoping for more products with the same beautiful scent). Its careful blend of ingredients work wonders by releasing tension, easing aching muscles while stimulating circulation. The little knobbly bits (just like the retro massage bar Bewitched) enhance its effects, allowing you to massage the beautiful oils deeply into the muscles and skin.

Admittedly I’ve only tried this to massage my arms and legs as I still have to careful with my back, though it definitely eased my aches and pains and improved the circulation in my legs. Whether it’s the blend of ingredients or the action of massaging, it definitely has a warming effect too. Hottie has quite a low melting temperature, so it glides very easily on the skin (making it easier to work with) and leaves a generous layer of beautiful oils on the skin.  

It also makes a great intensive body moisturiser due to its blend of cocoa and shea butters with jojoba oil. Though if you’re using it in this way I’d recommend doing at night as it’s quite greasy. You’ll wake up with beautifully soft, supple and moisturised skin and your pj’s and bed sheets will smell beautifully dreamy. It’s going to be a blessing for post Christmas shopping aching arms and legs!  Hottie is currently my new favourite massage bar, so grab yourself one for a truly comforting experience, you won’t be disappointed.



Calacas and Lady Catrina (Day of the Dead range)

On the second week of Christmas LUSH limited gave to me......

2 Halloween specials

and a Snow Fairy lip and cheek tint

Halloween Specials

Ok so LUSH aren’t doing a Halloween range as such this year, instead they’re doing a range in celebration of the Mexican festival ‘Día de los Muertos’ (Day of the Dead). This celebration is all about remembering loved ones that have passed away. Instead of scary goblins and blood curdling shrieks, the people of Mexico welcome the spirits of their loved ones with the delicious smell of food in the air; tasty treats decorated like skulls, brightly coloured decorations and lighted candles to guide them home again. It is believed that dead relatives, both young and old, are allowed to return to the mortal world for two days to be reunited with loved ones.

I have managed to get my hands on two of the three products LUSH have released in honour of this celebration. All the products have the same scent this year.

1. Calacas Jelly

(Comes in 3 fantastically bright colours; orange, yellow and green)

Price: £2.95/100g

Product category: Shower Jelly

Contains: Organic aloe vera gel to cool, soothe, soften and protect the skin; Lime oil for its invigorating/ uplifting fragrance and antioxidant and astringent properties; Olibanum resinoid to soften and protect the skin; Neroli oil improves tone and texture of the skin.

How to use: To avoid comedy moments of trying desperately to hold on to your jelly while it slips and jumps out of your hands, simply rub the jelly vigorously on a shower poof to create a lather, and wash your body this way.

2. Lady Catrina Soap

Price: £2.95/100g

Product category: Hand and Body Soap

Contains: Rapeseed oil and Coconut Oil for their softening and moisturising properties; Organic agave nectar is soothing and softening on the skin and is a vegan alternative to honey; Lime oil is uplifting/invigorating and has antioxidant and astringent properties; Olibanum resinoid softens and protects the skin; Neroli oil improves tone and texture of the skin.

How to use: Apply bar straight onto the body/hands or use a sponge/shower poof.

Other interesting facts:

• Aloe soothes itching and reduces redness. It is excellent at calming sunburn and redness caused by the cold.
• Olibanum resinoid (aka Frankincense) is great for sore, cracked and de-hydrated skin, such as eczema-prone, dry and mature skin.
• Neroli is one of the few essential oils to be scientifically proven to increase serotonin production in the brain. This increase in serotonin enhances feelings of calmness and well being.
• The name Calacas comes from the decorated figures of skeletons and skulls displayed during the festival. While Catrinas (meaning elegant) are skeletal figures wearing beutifully extravagent hats.

Verdicts: If you like Whoosh and Happy for Sad this range is right up your street! They’re packed full of zingy lime which gives you an invigorating slap in the face and wipes all those cobwebs away. Guaranteed to wake you up and get you going on even the dullest and dreariest of autumn mornings. The Neroli is also very present in both products and I swear it really does lift my mood and make me feel happier. I’m leaning towards preferring Lady Catrina as it produces a lovely creamy layer (rather than a lather) on the skin and leaves my skin feeling so moisturised soft and supple. However both products feel really soothing and moisturising on the skin and really invigorate and uplift. Lady Catrina is deep purple (love it) with creamy swirls in colour and is cut from a huge flower decorated hat. While Calacas is available in three bright colours and is in the shape of a skull.

The only down side to both of these products is the scent is quite subtle on the skin once you’ve dried off (the soap leaves slightly more scent), though you do smell fresh and clean. That said I’d still highly recommend you give these refreshing jelly bean/fruit gum and lime scented goodies a go, and restore some much needed moisture to your skin during the Autumn/Winter months. I’m sure the only disappointment you’ll have is that they won’t be around forever.

Also in this range: Calavera ballistic (£2.95/180g); ‘Spectacular Bath Festival of Colours’ (LUSH).

On the third week of Christmas LUSH limited gave to me....tune in next week to find out :)



Snow Fairy Lip Tint

On the first week of Christmas LUSH limited gave to me......

A Snow Fairy lip and cheek tint

Price: £4.64/10g

Product category: Lip/cheek tint- Christmas ltd edition.

Contains: Extra virgin coconut oil for its moisturising and softening properties; Japan wax and Shea butter (emollient/softening); Carnauba wax prevents moisture loss/protects lips; Cupuacu butter nourishes and moisturises; Murumuru butter (protective/soothing properties); Glycerine provides a protective barrier;  Dried raspberries for colour and sweetness; Sherbet and Icing sugar for sweetness and texture.

How to use:

Step 1 (optional): Apply Bubblegum Lip Scrub (£4.50/25g) to the lips to gently exfoliate. This product gently scrubs away dead skin (with castor sugar), while smoothing and moisturising the lips (with jojoba oil). It has the same scent/flavour as Snow Fairy so goes great with this product, leaving your lips kissably soft.

Step 2: Apply tint to lips building up layers for a stronger effect. Apply clear gloss if desired (no gloss in pictures).

Step 3: For a subtle pinched cheek glow apply tint to cheek area blending well.

Verdict: Admittedly I very rarely where colour on my lips, and when I do it’s usually a slick of gloss or LUSH’s It Started with a Kiss lip tint. Although I’m not a girly girl (pink fluffy marshmallows), I can’t help but love this frosted pink tint. The more you apply the stronger the candy pink colour. It looks great with and coat of gloss over it, simply lined eyes and lashings of black mascara (great for those xmas parties); or eau natural with just a slick of mascara for those Christmas shopping trips. I love the way it looks on the cheeks too, though just a tip, it doesn’t blend well if you’re wearing powder foundation. Though it doesn’t show up great on the pictures it gives you a lovely pinched cheek glow.

All the lovely ingredients leave the lips feeling protected and moisturised (great for those cold winter days). The best thing of all it leaves your lips smelling and tasting deliciously sweet, with its typically Snow Fairy scent/flavour. The only down side is that it’s not very long lasting and comes off/transfers easily, so you do need to reapply quite regularly. Though not much of a negative, as it’s so easy to apply and such a joy to wear. If you or someone else can refrain from licking/kissing it off deserve a medal! So for a deliciously frosted pink pout, and pinched cheek look, pop on this candy flavoured balm.

On the seccond week of Christmas LUSH limited gave to me....tune in next week to find out ;)