Q&A- Melissa

Q. I actually have a question about Catastrophe Cosmetic, since you mentioned that you use it for hormonal breakouts. My skin type is odd, I have dry skin with breakouts. A bit tricky, since many of the good products for spots are formulated for oily skin. So my question is whether Catastrophe Cosmetic is drying at all? I'm interested in trying it (for breakouts), but I don't want to use something that will dry my skin out a lot! It doesn't need to be super moisturizing, as long as it doesn't make my skin more dry. Anyway, just wanted to see what you think! Thanks for your help!

A. I understand your predicament  Melissa with regards to your skin care. I too have quite complicated skin and don’t want to use something that strips my skin too much that the dry bits get dryer, but I want something that will help clear my skin.

First of all what I can tell you is stay well clear of Cupcake, as this product is designed for oily acne prone skin types. As for Catastrophe Cosmetic, I don’t find it drying at all. It soothes and calms my spots, while leaving my skin softened and smooth. It does contain Calamine powder which is absorbent, but certainly doesn’t dry. From what I remember Cosmic Warrior is slightly more softening (though the scent isn’t great), and still works great on spots. In saying that what works for me (or anyone else to that matter), may not work for you.  We all have very individual skin needs which, react and behave differently to different products even if our skin types are similar.  

Some people feel put off by the tightening effects these 2 masks have, as they think its drying their skin. However, this is simply down to the pores being deeply cleansed and closing and isn’t anything to worry about. It’s also important to remember that your skin may appear worse to start with as the mask draws out all the impurities in the skin, before it will clear.  Some people believe some masks have made their skin worse, but it’s just the skins way of clearing itself up. There is no such magic product that will just make your spots vanish straight away, just products that will calm the skin and draw out the impurities.

Another very important thing to remember is that, as a general rule of thumb you should only use a face mask 1-3 times a week. Once a week for dryer skin types, twice for combo, three times for oilier skin types. Any more than this can have an adverse effect on your skin as it will strip too much of the skins natural oil production (which is actually good for your skin), causing it to over produce oil more than what is normal. Some people panic that as this products have a short shelf life, that they have to use them up quickly, therefore using them far too often. However even if you only use once a week, you’ll get at least 5 treatments out of the pot for less than £1 each.

I’d also highly recommend that you don’t dismiss some of LUSH’s other fresh face masks that don’t have ‘spot fighting’ claims to them. Many of the fresh face masks contain great ingredients that have antibacterial, antiseptic, antioxidant properties for the skin (such as honey), which will help clear your skin, while moisturising at the same time. BB Seaweed is a great all rounder that is pretty uneatable in my opinion.

My best piece of advice would be to pop into your local LUSH store and speak to the staff. Explain your skin type and needs in as much detail possible and tell them what you want from the mask. They’ll be able to advise you on the best product for you. I’m sorry this is a bit vague but without seeing your skin, and knowing its specific needs it’s difficult to say ‘this one is for you’.  Quite often it’s just trial and error. What I would highly recommend is that if you don’t have joy with one you have bought, say for example Catastrophe Cosmetic, don’t throw it away. Try using it just over the affected area rather than all over the face.

Remember a great skin care routine is essential too in keeping the skin clear. Make sure you cleanse, tone and moisturise regularly as well as using a face mask. I cleanse, tone and moisturise in the morning then sometimes cut out the toner in the evenings and just cleanse and moisturise.  Eau Roma is the best toner for dryer/combo skin types and I’d also highly recommend Angles on Bare Skin as a cleanser or 9-5 (if you want a lotion like cleanser). You can find mini reviews of these products in my Skin Care Routine post http://pixie-loves-lush.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-lush-skin-routine.html.

Please let me know how you get on :)

S

xx

Sacred Truth Fresh Face Mask (with Oatfix mini review)

(Owed for Friday the 10^th December)

On the tenth week of Christmas my LUSH limited gave to me......

10 Sacred Truths,

9 Snowcake soaps,

8 Buffy body butters,

7 Sonic Death Monkeys,

6 Bearded Ladies,

5 CHRISTMAAAAS EEEEEEEEEVES!

4 Ghost shower gels,

3 Hottie bars,

2 Halloween specials,

and a Snow Fairy lip and cheek tint!

Sacred Truth

Requested by and dedicated to Alex Ward.

Price: £4.95/75g.

Product category: Fresh Face Mask.

Contains: (You might want to a make brew before you read this, as the fresh face masks are PACKED FULL of ingredients)

Ginkgo Leaf and Brown Linseed Infusion stimulates the skin and works as an antioxidant; Kaolin cleanses the skin and exfoliates dead skin cells and debris from the surface of the skin; Talc is an absorbent, bulking agent allowing the face mask to be easily applied to the skin; Honey for its antibacterial,  antiseptic and moisturising properties for the skin; Fresh Papaya for its powerful brightening properties for the skin; Glycerine is softening and moisturising and is also used to effectively carry oils allowing the skin to absorb them and benefit from their properties; Organic Yoghurt is soothing, cooling and moisturising on the skin; Fresh Free Range Eggs contain vitamin A which help maintain healthy skin by regulating sebum production;

Shea Butter for its moistening, emollient and softening properties on the skin. It also contains vitamin A which helps maintain a youthful appearance and healthy skin; Evening Primrose Oil cares for dry, irritated or troubled skin; Lanolin has a plumping effect on the skin. It is highly emollient and an effective moisturiser for dry skin, and leaves a protective barrier on the skin; Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for its moisturising and softening properties and balancing action on the skin; Ginseng Root Powder smoothes, conditions and stimulates the skin; Green Tea Powder for its powerful antioxidant properties; Fresh Wheatgrass for its antioxidant and moisturising properties;

Bee Pollen refreshes, nourishes and protects the skin; Ylang Ylang Oil for its uplifting aroma; Rose Absolute is moisturising (great for dry, rough, irritated and mature skin types) and improves the skins appearance.; Lavender Oil for its antiseptic, antibacterial and soothing properties; Rosewood Oil has antiseptic properties that ensure fresh, clean skin.

Other interesting facts:

·  Kolin is naturally occurring soft clay, first discovered at the Kao-Ling Mountain in South-East China.

·  Honey has been used successfully to treat problematic skin conditions such as infected acne spots.

·  Papaya is packed full of vitamins A, B, and C, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron; it also contains malic and pyruvic acids, two potent alpha hydroxy acids, and the enzyme papain. This ingredient is fantastic for the skin and breaks down dirt as the Kaolin cleanses.

·  Evening Primrose Oil has been evidenced to help psoriasis and eczema and acne.  

·  Bee pollen is full of beneficial elements for the skin. It is antibiotic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antibacterial, calmative and tonic, and its natural composition keeps the skin healthy.

How to use:

1. (Optional, but defiantly worth doing) Apply a layer of a LUSH serum bar to the face (Saving Face for oily, combination, normal, acne prone and breakouts, Full of Grace for dry, irritated, sensitive and normal skin types). Using the serum under the face mask will enhance its effects.

2. Apply a good amount of the face mask to the face (avoiding the eye area) on clean dry skin, massaging the product into the skin.

3. Leave for a minimum of 5mins (I usually leave on for 10-15 minutes).

4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

Verdict:

LUSH have a fresh face for every skin need going. I generally have combo skin (slightly oily tzone, with dry patches on my cheeks), though its needs change like the weather. I tend to use BB Seaweed for a general face mask, then change to Catastrophe Cosmetic during hormonal breakouts (Cosmic Worrier is also great for this), and Sacred Truth when my skin is crying out for moisture.

The reason I’m including Sacred Truth in my Christmas countdown, is that during the winter months my skin can get quite dry (due to the cold weather and central heating), and also appears duller. And for this very reason I always make sure there’s a tub of Sacred Truth in my fridge during the winter or just when my skin needs some extra moisture.

It’s absolutely packed full of beautiful natural ingredients that have great properties for the skin. The linseed, eggs, shea butter and lanolin leave the skin nourished, moisturised, soft and supple, while the powerful antioxidants in ginseng, wheatgrass, green tea and papaya, clear and brighten mature, sun-damaged or tired skin. The papaya works at breaking down the dirt while the kaolin clay gently exfoliates.  All skin types can benefit from this face mask, but mature, dry, sun damaged and dull looking skin in particular. The results are definitely noticeable, my skin looks and feels really hydrated, moisturised (without being greasy or too heavy for my slightly greasy tzone), supple, fresher and brighter. Used over time the results are even more impressive, it really improves the skins appearance and tone.

OK so onto the scent, texture and appearance. Sacred Truth has a lovely, fresh, clean, fruity scent, and a lovely smooth, creamy texture to it, making it easy to apply (with minimal mess). The colour isn’t the greatest; it’s sort of a sludgy green colour, though due to its amazing effects this doesn’t bother me at all.

When you apply it feels really cooling, nourishing and soothing on the skin, and I usually enjoy a lovely LUSH bath while I leave it to do its work as the steam also helps it effects. It stays quite moist on the skin (unlike some of the other masks that completely dry), so don’t be surprised if you decide to give it a try.

As with all the fresh face masks you need to store this in the fridge due to all the lovely fresh ingredients. I get about five or even 6 good uses out of the pots, but I think LUSH state three to four uses (maybe I have a small face). They also have a short shelf life (4 to 6 weeks), but I’ve found that they can last a little longer. The best thing is if you save 5 of your empty black pots (now including shower jelly pots), you can exchange them (after cleaning them out), for a free fresh face mask...YEY!

I’d highly recommend Sacred Truth for any of you whose face is feeling the effects of the cold, and is looking a little dull during the winter. It’s also great for those of you who have mature skin types and have sun damage to your skin.

Another fabulous fresh face mask to use during the winter if your skin is feeling a little tight and dry from the cold is Oatfix. I’ll do a mini review of this just because I like you all so much (hehe), and owe you for falling behind on my blog.

Oatfix

Contains:

Glycerine is softening and moisturising for the skin; Fine Oatmeal soothes the skin and relieves dry, irritated and itchy skin. They also gently exfoliate, removing dead skin cells and improving the skins tone and appearance; Fresh Organic Bananas act as an emollient and are highly moisturising and softening while leaving the skin more supple; Water cleanses the skin; Ground Almonds exfoliate and smooth the skin; Illipe Butter moisturises and softens the skin and restores the skins flexibility; Kaolin cleanses the skin and exfoliates dead skin cells and debris from the surface of the skin; Talc is an absorbent, bulking agent allowing the face mask to be easily applied to the skin; Vanilla Pod contains sugars which act as a humectants helping the skin to retain moisture and have antioxidant properties; Vanilla Absolute for its cosy/comforting scent and also its moisturising properties; Sandalwood Oil for its emollient, protective and moisture retaining properties; Benzoin Resinoid calms and soothes irritated, cracked, sore and dry skin conditions. It also leaves a protective film on the skin, which prevents it from loosing moisture; Gardenia Extract for its balancing effects on the skin.

Verdict:

Oatfix smells like deliciously sweet flapjacks and bananas. It’s super moisturising and leaves the skin, soft, hydrated and supple. It gently exfoliates the skin too, so when you’re ready to rinse, spend a little time massaging the product into the skin first, to get its full exfoliating effects. My only quibble with this product is that the consistency is very thick making it quite difficult and messy to apply and work with. Other than that a great face mask for dry skin, or skin that needs some extra TLC during the winter!

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

My LUSH Skin Routine

Had a bit of fun with this on (mainly the unflattering pics lol). The idea came from Lindsay Joyce who was asking about my skin care routine, and then I just got carried away with the idea.

My skin type is difficult to describe but I guess it falls into combination (slightly oily t zone, with some occasional dry patches). I’m also prone to hormonal and medication (side effects) breakouts. Since following this skin care routine using LUSH products, my skin has never looked or felt better. The only non LUSH product I use is Benefit Eye Con (works wonders for dark circles, bags and fine lines).

SKIN ROUTINE MORNING

Step 1. Angels on Bare Skin (cleanser) £5.50/ 100g.

Contains: Rose absolute (improves skin’s appearance), lavender oil (soothing on the skin), ground almonds (gently exfoliating, removing dirt and dead skin), Kaolin (mild cleansing ingredient) and Chamomile blue oil (antiseptic, anti inflammatory and soothing properties). Leaves my skin beautifully cleansed smooth, soft and supple. Also evens skin tone.

How to use: Splash water on face; take a pea sized amount of product and mix with a little water to make a paste; apply to face gently massaging into skin; rinse well and pat dry.

Step 2. Eau Roma Water (toner) £6.35/ 250g or £3.25/ 100g

Contains: Rose water (helps skin retain its moisture and evens skin tone) and lavender water (gently sooths skin). Tones without drying leave skin cool, soft and supple. Also calms the skin, reducing redness.

How to use: Spay on to cotton pads and gently apply to face OR spay directly on to face to refresh skin.

Step 3. Imperialis (moisturiser) £10.75/ 45g

Contains: Lavender infusion (balances sebum production and sooths); orange flower water and tiger lily (tone skin) and St John’s wart (calms irritations, soothing and conditioning). Calms irritation/redness, moisturises dry patches while balancing t zone. Sinks in well and makes a good base for makeup.

SKIN ROUTINE EVENING

Step 1. 9-5 (cleanser) £7.95/ 240g or £3.95/100g

Contains: Dove orchid extract and everlasting flower absolute (calm, soothe and thoroughly cleanses skin) and almond oil (smoothes and softens skin). Lovely fresh scent, awesome for removing make up, feels gentle on the skin and eye area. Leaves skin soft, supple and delicately scented.

How to use: Apply to cotton pads and gently wipe over face and neck. Remove residue with warm water or toner if desired.

Step 2. Saving Face (serum)£7.50/20g

Contains: Lime and grapefruit oils (balance sebum, refresh and tone skin); illipe and shea butters (moisturise and soften skin/improves tone). Enhances the effect of your moisturiser/face mask when used underneath. Leaves skin beautifully moisturised, supple and matt.

How to use: Warm product in hands, apply to hands then face or directly on face and massage product into skin well.

Step 3. Celestial (moisturiser) £10.25/ 45g

Contains: Almond milk (calming and deeply moisturising); vanilla water (soothing/ helps skin retain moisture/reduces redness and irritation); cocoa butter (softens, smoothes, nourishes and tones) and dove orchid extract (calms/ soothes). Leaves skin deeply moisturised, soft and supple (takes longer to sink in though).

NOTE: I only use a different cream at night because I love both Imperialis and Celestial. However if you use the Saving Face under your usual day cream, it will enhance its effects making it a lovely night treatment, without having to buy a separate cream. I’m just so darn indecisive lol.

Also once a week I replace Angels on Bare Skin with Dark Angels (£5.50/100g) for a deep cleansing treatment. WARNING: This is a hardcore cleanser so apply gently.

Contains: Powdered charcoal (exfoliates/ absorbs oils), rhassoul mud (cleanses), black sugar (abrasive exfoliant), avocado oil (softens) and glycerine (locks in moisture).

How to use: Same as AOBS. Recommended use: once a week for normal/combination skin; twice a week for oily skin.


HORMONAL BREAKOUTS

Step 1. Fresh Farmacy (cleanser) £4.15/100g

Contains: Calamine powder (calms redness/ irritations); tea tree oil (antiseptic and antibacterial great for spots); lavender oil (calms and soothes); rose absolute (evens skin tone) and chamomile blue oil (antiseptic, anti inflammatory and soothing properties). Gently cleanses skin, leaves skin calmer and clearer.

How to use: Same as AOBS only break small amount off bar.

Step 2. Tea Tree Water (toner) £6.35/250g or £3.25/100g.

Contains: Tee tree water (antibacterial, antiseptic that tackles spots/blemishes) , juniper berry and grapefruit water (astringent and antiseptic qualities improve skin appearance and tackle acne and oily skin). Soothes and clears skin.

How to use: Same as Eau Roma.

Step 3. Vanishing Cream (moisturiser) £15.25/ 45g (or Imperialis)

Contains: Shea butter and linseed gel (deeply softening, improves tone and moisturises); camellia, grape seed and jojoba oils and which hazel (soothe and clear skin); lavender honey water (calms and lightly moisturises); neroli oil (improves tone and texture of skin) and geranium and lavender oils (soothe/balance skin). A lightweight moisturiser that soothes skin, calms breakouts and helps keep skin clear.

I will do a separate review for my favourite Fresh Face Masks :)