Tumble out of Bed and Stumble to The Kitchen - Working 9 to 5 with Lush

As most of you know, I'm a huge supporter of Lush Cosmetics and all they have to offer. I have tried many of their products and they always keep me coming back for more. Admittedly since moving to Australia, it has become a little harder to keep up with the spending sprees, given that I now live 3 hours from my nearest store. Ladies in the UK, if you love Lush, DO NOT take for granted how close your nearest stores are. Never again will I complain about the over-powering smell that hits you upon walking into the Arndale Shopping Center!

Anyway, my next review on Lush Cosmetics surrounds the joys of Facial Cleansers, Exfoliants and Moisturisers. I of course have mainly tried the products that are suited to my own skin type, Dry and Sensitive. A couple of the products I have tried though, I have found would be more suited to other skin types, as I will explain over the course of my skincare reviews.

First up, and the first Cleanser I tried from the range; Nine to Five Daily Cleanser!

I've had trouble finding a suitable skin care regime for a few years now. Having been pretty much spot and blemish free throughout my time at Secondary school, while others had terrible acne 'Pizza Face' nightmares going on, my skin was foundation flawless. But, in recent years and after studying Beauty Therapy, being a model for fellow students and having a Facial on a day to day basis, my skin started to take  turn for the worse. It couldn't handle the constant removal of make-up, scrubbing, steaming and reapplication of make up anymore. So for years I have suffered with dry, sensitive, unhappy skin. So I decided to give Lush Skincare a go, given the brand has already helped me out on countless occasions. I was recommended Nine To Five, suitable for all skin types. I was told this product was strong enough to 'Cut through Make-up' even mascara. For removal it was as simple as a cotton wool pad or a warm flannel and did indeed leave my face feeling a little more glowing. It was almost as if there was an inbuilt moisturiser in the product. Some days though, it was as if this actually made my skin feel more greasy than moisturised. On these days I tended to team Nine to Five with Lush's Ocean Salt Exfoliant, just to be sure that my skin was super clean and fresh. 

After a few weeks of use, I wasn't completely disappointed. But I was beginning to find that the 'greasy' feeling just wasn't for me anymore, however, outbreaks were much less frequent than before and my skin felt somewhat more hydrated. Plus this stuff is fantastic for Make-up removal. So to use in partnership with another cleanser to get rid of the days war paint is highly recommended. I often find a double cleanse at the end of the day gives the best results in making  my skin feel it's freshest, and tends to leaves less foundation residue on Mum's brand new Cream Egyptian Cotton guest towels....

So overall, as a general day to day skin cleanser Lush 9 to 5 Cleansing lotion comes in at around 7/10. with its price coming in at a start of $9.95 for 95g it's not too bad a bargain, given that this small measure has lasted me for 6 weeks and is still going. It has a rather pleasant smell and it's ingredients include - Almond Oil, Orchid Extract, Ylang Ylang, Everlasting Flower Extract and Water. Plus it's quick 'Wax on Wax Off' application is fantastic for those of us with a busy lifestyle. If you're very much on-the-go, but still know the importance of daily make-up removal and skincare, this is a must have product for the Bathroom cupboard. It's 'Top Tip' boasting Nine To Five as 'A liquid facial cleanser for when you're in a hurry and need to cleanse and go.' So if you're in need of a quick skincare regime, get yourself into a Lush store and pick up a pot!

Brides that Blush and a Touch of Lush

A few months ago, my older sister asked me to be her Bridesmaid on her Big Day. Now we all know that this normally entails the tasks of organising a Hens Party, with pink feather boas, Head boppers, Shots of tequila and many many male strippers and to hold the brides dress up along the aisle and sometimes in the ladies loos. On this occasion, however I was given the role of Beauty Therapist. Given my qualifications this seems a very fitting role.

So alongside calming the wedding day nerves my job was to get the Bride and the Bridesmaids looking as fabulous as could be. All it took was a few of my favourite products from Lush.

Some of you may not be aware that Lush have now launched a great Make-up range, made of course with natural products, most of which are also Vegan friendly. I now don't use any other foundation since finding Colour Supplement in Light Pink. With its great colour match and no-nasty-ingredient policy, my skin has never felt better.

You can get colours to suit your skin tone, including 'Dark Pink' 'Jackie Oates Colour Supplement' 'Dark Yellow' and 'Feeling Younger Skin Tint'. I have found that my skin looks fresher and has a more natural finish, while still covering up the blemishes and pimples that us girls have to battle with day-to-day. But with the help of Lush, I now say... 'Be gone vile pimples!!' In the past I have found that some foundations can give over the 'Trowel Effect'. The type of look where you can see the foundation a mile off and could almost make a new face from it? Colour supplement also avoids this and instead leaves a non shiny, non cakey beautiful base for everyday wear and your more glamorous evening looks. It also moisturises beautifully and to make it ever more perfect, it's winning at end of day removal too. Where it stays on all day, when you're ready to let your skin breathe at bedtime, this foundation doesn't clog up your pores, a bit of Cleansing, Toning and Moisturising (I can recommend many Lush products if you're stuck) and you're skin still feels like a Million Dollars!

Plus these dinky little pots may look as if they wouldn't last two seconds, but how wrong you are in that assumption. When I discovered this in October, I decided to buy two pots, expecting to need to open the second by Christmas. Wrong! Its now the end of March and I have only just opened my second pot. Granted, I don't wear make-up everyday, but I do put it on at least 4-5 days in the week. So do take into consideration how much make-up you wear an how often when it comes to how often you'll buy this product.

So ladies, if you are looking for a new foundation, trust in me that you won't be disappointed when you pop to your nearest Lush store. Why not have a chat with a staff member in store, as in my experience, they are always happy to help. You can pick up a pot for $15.50 AUD or £8.95 GBP. So go make this your Make-up Must Have today!!