LUSH- Christmas Cheer- Gift box

 

I know this review is late, but to be fair I only got this box after Xmas and on sale to boot.  Every year I have waited with bated breathe and anticipation to see if LUSH would introduce a boxing day sale as they do overseas but alas it never happened, until this year, I was scrolling through my instafeed and wham 50% off LUSH Xmas stock, I just about died from happiness.

Now I have reviewed LUSH products on this blog before but for those who don't know, LUSH is a store that sells all natural, mostly vegan skin care, beauty and bathing products, their stuff is literally good enough to eat and on the rare occasion that I do brave Canal walk I can smell the store from a mile off.

My favorite product and scent in their range just happens to be a Halloween/ Xmas scent called the Lord of Misrule, patchouli and black pepper heaven in a scent I tell you when my hubby was able to visit the Oxford Street branch when he went to England on a work trip he brought me back the body wash which I savored until the very last drop.

So of course I was so excited, however there is a catch, South African stores are not lucky enough to stock the Lord of Misrule body wash only the bath bomb (If anyone at LUSH reads this PLEASE bring the body wash into SA), and when I looked at the fact that we are in a drought and that you just cannot enjoy a LUSH bath bomb in a few cm of water I decided to find a gift box instead and one that contained products that I could still use without a full bath and a guilt trip.

I adore fruit scents, Lush usually leans towards candy, spicy smells for Xmas which just arent in my usual line of taste so I was very happy to see that this year they opted for more fruit scents, after much scrolling and decision making I chose the Christmas Cheer gift box, I paid 50% of the price, so under R150 and I got 3 products in the box namely:

Bubbly Body wash

I absolutely love the smell of this body-wash, the wash contains vine leaf, lemon, lime and fresh grape juice, to me it smells like a fruit ice lolly, the scent is incredibly strong and wakes you up as you are using it.  I did find that the scent didn't seem to linger after I had finished in the shower though, however after my kids had used it I noticed the smell would waver through the air whenever they walked by me or hugged me, and one day after getting out the shower hubby asked me what smelled so great so I am not sure if it is a case of simply not being able to smell my own scent or maybe my sense of smell was just having an issue, a bought of flu did go through our household at that time so it is possible.

The wash also leaves my skin feeling incredibly moisturized and smooth which considering the awful hot and sickly summer weather we have had of late is perfect.

Santa's Belly bath Jelly

The bath Jelly's have always intrigued me although not something that I think I would have bought on my own I'm glad I received one in the box, the scent is bergamot, fresh grape and apple, does that not sound frikken amazing?  I will admit the jelly was a bit daunting and in the end I just went with the recommendation of using a small bit at a time instead of the whole thing and it worked.

Would I buy it again, I am not sure but only because of the Jelly appeal, I think I just prefer a soap or a wash.

Christmas Citrus Soap

The last thing in my box was the Christmas Citrus Soap and this was by far my favorite product in the box lime oil, bergamot oil and fresh lemon, again the smell was fresh and wonderful and left my skin feeling great, my only complaint but it is a fault of my own is that the soap melts super quickly so keeping mine in the shower reduced the size of the product incredibly quickly which just made me sad.

All in all a lovely box full of 3 wonderful products that I was all to happy to receive.

If you haven't tried LUSH I would highly recommend it, they are cruelty free, as as I have said chemical free all natural and mostly vegan, the LUSH employees are awesome and they know plenty about each and every product so if you are not sure or you are looking for something specific they will help you find what you need.

My favorite set of products is most definitely their shampoo bars which offer incredible value for money and in the drought and for travel they are perfect, The honey I washed the kids bar smells like sweet toffee and I could eat it, it just smells that good.

Oh So Heavenly- skin Care Range

So I have been trying to put this post together for a month already now but every time I start I seem to amble off onto something else which is a royal pain considering how much I love this range guys.

I have mentioned my skin issues many times over my time as a blogger and for the most part since having my hysterectomy my skin has done a complete turnaround to the point where for the first time in many a year I am happy with my skin.

Then 3 months back I started to notice a change in my skin and my hair actually but let’s focus on skin for now, my skin has always been dry bar my t zone but of late it has gone full throttle and the dryness has increased and I have also started getting breakouts in my chin area.

I have been incredibly lazy with skin care over the past year so I decided it was time to climb back on the horse and find a regime I love, I popped in at Dischem and perused their skin care isle for a good 40  minutes and I left begrudgingly with a face wash that I wasn’t all too happy about, seriously the entire isle was a mass of tested on animals, paraben laden products even the one range which claimed to be all natural wasn’t and they no longer stock the Essence skin care range I used to use so I had to make do, but after 2 weeks I could not use the product any longer it only worsened the issues I was experiencing and my skin was dry and painful.

Then whilst browsing in Clicks a few days later the Oh So Heavenly skin care range caught my eye, I did not know that they had a skin care range and I knew that it was a range I had to try.

I picked up a gel wash, spa mask/wash and moisturiser and it was a 3 for 2 special so I believe I paid less than 200 for all 3 products, I have been using it for 2 months now and I could not be happier, my skin feels more hydrated, my skin is smoother and the breakouts have all but dissipated apart from being sick now the last few days which has brought out one or 2 spots but I have found that the moisturiser is amazing for use on what is now an incredibly sensitive nasal area thanks to my flu whereas before I found any product used at this time would have burned and hurt terribly.

I use the mask twice a week and the wash every day as well as the moisturisor, the mask doubles up as an scrub (exfoliant) as well which I find works incredibly well for my skin.

I highly recommend that you try this range whatever your skin type, the product is cruelty free and inexpensive as far as skin care goes.  The range I tried is the Beautifully Balanced range which to me seemed to be the most all rounded product range they had on offer, I am dying to try the day and night cream and will pop in to purchase those in the coming month.

Thank you Oh So Heavenly your products never fail to amaze me.

Essence and Catrice Mini Haul

It's no secret my go to make up brands are Essence and Catrice as they are both affordable and cruelty free, which in SA there is far to little of.

Anyhoo I managed to replenish my make up stash this month and I usually like to try new things whenever I do so 4 of the 5 products I purchased are just that new and newly tested.

Essence Rock and Doll Mascara (R59.95)

Uhm I'm not actually sure how I feel about this mascara, the packaging is great, however the wand is much bigger than I usually prefer and the product is really thick which I am not a fan of but it did make my lashes look long, thick and amazing so its a hate love relationship on this one, will I purchase it again, I'm not sure I will I really love the Essence multi purpose mascara and will most probably stick to that a staple in the future.

Essence All about Matt High covering Concealer (R45.95)

My first impression when I opened the tube was that it had a very strong smell which I have to say put my off initially and I was somewhat disappointed but after using it I was pleasantly surprised, the coverage was awesome and so little product went a very long way.

Catrice Illuminating Blush- I'm nuts about you (R79.95)

Before I found out Avon tested on animals I purchased a dusty rose colored blush from them that made me completely change how I felt towards blushes in general, it was absolutely stunning and I have found it so difficult to find a similar colour since.

So when I saw this blush I just about jumped for joy and bought it, the colour once on the cheeks isn't exactly what I was hoping for but I love it all the same as it looks natural and the product and packaging in general is stunning so I will definitely purchase this one again, here is to hoping it isn't discontinued at some point!

Essence Kajal Pencil in Black (R19.95)

I always have both a black and a grey eye pencil in my make up bag, the grey is for days I want a more subtle natural look and the black for when I want my eyes to pop, I have purchased this eye pencil before and will again, the formula is great it feels soft and light and stays on all day and at the price it is such a good buy I highly recommend it!

Catrice All Matt plus shine control Powder (R74.95)

I adore Catrice powders they really are a gem, the packages are gorgeous and the product feels amazing on your skin.  Last time I opted for a translucent powder but I decided to go with the skin toned one this time and I was not disappointing, it makes my skin feel so soft and just blends everything in so beautifully, I will definitely purchase this again in the future.

Essence stay all day make up (R84.95)

I have not had a chance to try this one yet as my other Essence foundation is still half full but I hope to get the same results as I did with my previous purchase, Essence has really changed my feelings towards liquid foundations I used to detest them and preferred either a mousse or a powder but since Essence came along I have changed my mind.

Kiss, Care, Love Lipbalm- Essence

I am not a lip product fan as much as I love the look of a vivid red lip or the idea of a lip product that can moisturize and care for your lips I cannot for the life of me stand the feeling of a lip product on my lips and have always found them incredibly drying so I usually just skip that beauty section all together.

So I am not exactly sure what it is that drew me to purchase this product but I did and I decided to give you a quick review.

Oxford Street Mini LUSH Haul

My Hubby just got back from a 2 week stay in Uxbridge England for work and whilst he was there he did just about the most romantic thing ever (well to me anyway) and went out of his way and traveled to the LUSH Oxford street store to get me a few things, I didn’t ask for anything in fact I discouraged him from getting anything as I felt that it was too expensive but he insisted as he was allocated spending funds and surprised me with 3 wonderful products that I’m just gushing over.

Lord of Misrule Shower Cream

This is not the first time I have had this one, I received a bottle in my xmas gift box and I have to be honest at first the consistency of the product irritated me as it is very watery you tend to lose some of the product as you lather and use it… however Lord of Misrule is my absolute favorite LUSH scent ever and as I used the product I have learnt to use it in small amount as not to waste or lose any of the product, the scent is just amazing and lingers on your skin so wonderfully so I was just absolutely delighted that he got this one for me.

Yuzu and Cocoa Bubbleroon.

Yuzu and Cocoa is my second favorite LUSH scent and recently the redesigned their bubbleroons, they used to be orange in colour and less macaroon shaped, but the smell was absolutely divine and smelt of cocoa butter and orange two of my favorite combos, upon smelling the new design it does smell a bit different not as chocolate like as the previous one but I still love it and the new design is bigger and will go further, the cream/bath melt in the middle is also much bigger so I cannot wait to use it.

Sacred Lotus Bath Bomb

Last but not least hubby asked for a LUSH Oxford street exclusive and settled on the Sacred Lotus Bath Bomb, words cannot describe how beautiful this bath bomb is (picture does not do it justice) and I was honestly surprised that it made it here in one piece but it did.

I am not usually a fan of flower scents but the jasmine and neroli combination is just stunning I am actually just a bit scared to use it knowing I may never get another one lol, but I’m sure there will come a night when I take the plunge.

I also got some Terry’s Orange segments which is awesome and another one of my absolute favorites so I felt absolutely spoilt rotten by hubby and it could not have come at a better time, the boys also got some choccies so they were pleased as punch.

Maybe one day I will get to see the Oxford street store myself but until then I could not be happier.

Thrive Launch- Natural Momma's Guide

So for those of you who frequent my blog you know that I am a pro natural/ cruelty free momma who has tried to live as ecologically friendly as possible for the sake of my family as well as our planet.

This means that I only buy eco friendly household products, I stopped buying any products that test on animals, I cloth diapered and so on,  and what I can say from this experience is that cruelty free and eco logically friendly products are often so difficult to find locally and in stores and I think this makes it so much more difficult for people to make the change, also as much as people are changing and evolving there isn’t always a host of pro natural information because let’s face it the larger manufacturers of the world don’t want you to stop buying their products they know their products are easier to get hold of and are often even cheaper and if more people started making the change they would lose out on a whole lot of money, unfortunately money is what drives the world, we need more people to start thinking about the future of our earth, our children’s futures to stop looking at profit and to make the change for the good of everyone not just themselves.

So that leads me to the new logo I now have displayed on my blog, for those eagle eyed readers yes I am talking about the Thrive Heart now displayed on the sidebar of my blog, this logo is linked to their website and I urge all you mommas out there to go on over and take a look.

Basically Thrive is in short a natural moms online guide it includes recipes, articles, online shopping links and a whole lot more

The Thrive Team consist of; Mia Blom, Jacqueline Baldwin, Janet Neilson and here is what these lovely ladies have to say about Thrive…

“Our journey began 9 years ago. We were mamas with new-borns, desperate for a bit of guidance.  Like all new mothers, we received a barrage of well-intentioned, but outdated information and opinions and had little access to fresh perspectives.  We knew that there were innovative and eco-friendly baby products out there, but were clueless where to find them.  It was not that long ago, but it was before social media, and we were based in the Garden Route – so we really were in the dark!

Necessity really is the mother of invention… we sourced products and articles that ‘felt good’ to us, inspired us and helped us survive and decided to share them!  So the Survival Guide for Families was born.  We printed A5 guides for 8 years – with distribution channels in the Garden Route, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

By the time the babies, who’d suckled while we burnt the midnight oil doing layouts, started ‘Big School’, we discovered that they weren’t the only things that had changed.  The world was a very different place!

It was time for us to change too!”

Why print?

Even eco paper did not feel light enough on the planet and totally unnecessary in a technologically changed world where sharing information, quickly and inexpensively is possible.

Why just survive?

We also realised that while there was a time (which most new parents will know well) when surviving was the best we could wish for on the average day, we had made good choices and our families had thrived. 

Why only help families with babies and young children?

Survival Guide for Families has evolved into www.2thrive.co.za.  We will always hold young families very close to our hearts and ensure our website, app and Facebook feeds address this market, but we are broadening our scope to inform and inspire families as they evolve through all ages and stages of life. 

I absolutely love the fact that more ladies are taking this initiative are taking the stand and trying to share all this information with their fellow moms, the website has just launched and I already feel that there is so much wonderful information on there to offer, I know I have already pegged so many of the articles and yummy recipes myself.

As I said the logo does link to the website but they also have a Facebook Page as well as an Iphone app and Android app as well, how awesome is that these ladies thought of everything!

You can also find their Green Family Guide here and if you would like to find out more information or would like to be listed on their website as a natural/ ecologically friendly family company you can contact Jacqueline here.

                                            

LUSH Seasons Greetings Box set

So Christmas has come and gone and whilst my hubby and I do not celebrate if there is anything that grabs our attention at the time finances permitted we will get it, this year all I wanted was something from LUSH.

Now LUSH is known for their amazing boxing day sales in both the UK and the USA where all their Xmas box sets and products go half price so I was extremely excited at the prospect of the same in SA, and I have to say that as much as I love LUSH, their seasonal and events coordination stinks, I got to the Canal Walk store first thing on Boxing day only to be told the stores did not have enough stock so the sale would not happen until the Monday possibly, I left my number but after receiving no call, I called them and was told they weren't sure etc but I must watch social media which I did, with no mention of anything I took a chance and called a few days later only to find out the sale had started a few days prior, so I ended up going into the store again and there was literally no stock left of the products and only 3 types of gift boxes, 2 of which were not in my opinion worth it so I ended up walking out with the only other option The Seasons Greetings Box set.

Catrice Brow Set and Anti Red Base Primer

I have had these two products tucked away for a while now but as I have run out of my usual staples I decided to bring them out and give them a try.

Sunnyside Bubble Bar

Last week when I took the boys with me to the LUSH store (bad idea) they asked actually begged me to get them something so I said ok one thing as long as you choose together, it took a while but in the end they Chose the Sunnyside bubble bar, now I have never bought this bar before and it has been remastered into the shape of a tear/raindrop when it used to be circular and it is bright gold and COVERED in glitter (shudder).

Essence My Skin- Skincare Range

So over the past 2 or so months I have been on a search, a search for a better skin regime and a solution to the various skin issues I have been experiencing lately.

Whilst I love LUSH and I loved the Aqua Marina facial cleanser I was using I just couldn’t afford it at the time on a monthly basis and the soap version of it Fresh Pharmacy seemed to be aggravating my skin to the point where my skin was physically sore and brought me to tears.

So after doing a bit of research I went on a search I looked at various options and eventually my mom spotted the Essence skin care range and I am so grateful that she did because not only is it extremely affordable but it has worked miracles to the point where my skin has now COMPLETELY cleared up, it feels soft moisturised and looks healthy with no more breakouts!!!!!!

Small Catrice Products Haul

So last weekend I was recommended to incorporate a primer into my make up routine, I have mentioned before that I am having some troubles with my skin lately so it was recommended as a barrier layer between my skin and make up and in particular the Catrice Prime and Fine smoothing refiner was recommended so upon my trip into red square this week I decided to go ahead and get it.

Usually I would go for the Essence brand which is the same company as Catrice but somewhat less expensive but since Essence didn't have a primer I decided to give it a go.

Essence Soft Touch Mouse- 02 Matt Beige

So I have been meaning to review this foundation for a while now, I started using this mousse from Essence 3 months ago, I was using their CC cream but the mousse came highly recommended by their brand ambassador who also happens to be my elder two monkeys step mum, so I decided to give it a go and am so happy I did.

Catastrophe Cosmetic- LUSH Face Mask Review

So I mentioned on my LUSH vlog that I was looking to try another one of the LUSH fresh face masks, for anyone who doesn’t know LUSH offers a reward/ recycling program whereby you can return 5 of your empty product pots in exchange for a free fresh face mask from their collection.

I fell head over heels for the last one I used which was the brazened honey, but upon my return to the store this time it had sold out and when I told the store manager what I was looking for she suggested Catastrophe Cosmetic (I wanted something to fight break outs), she said that this mask specifically detoxes and purifies the skin clearing up all the nasty’s so that seemed to be exactly what I needed…