Christmas Beauty Wishlist 2015 | Just Add Ginger

If you have been following me on my blog for a while now, you'll know that it's no secret. For me, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year! I love everything about it. The food, the fun, the festive cheer. Everything about the Yuletide just makes me happy and revert back to a child-like state of immeasurable glee.

This year, unlike the past few, I actually have a pretty good idea of what I would like on my Christmas wishlist. The past couple of months my preferences have drastically changed, and whereas I would be drawn to lusting over fashion, I really am loving my beauty and lifestyle products.

Of course, right there at the top are my picks from the Lush Christmas collection. Now I'm a Lushie all year round, but the Christmas products for me are my absolute all time favourites to use. You'll usually find me in the Lush in Liverpool, cramming as many Luxury Lush Puds as I can in to my basket. But I'e had to be incredibly restrained this year (wedding purchases take priority) and instead I have put some of the products I know will be the best in making me feel like a pampered princess (mainly those precious little puds, Rose Jam, The Golden Wonder, and Yog Nog.)

No Christmas wishlist of mine would be complete without featuring some ESPA Skincare products. Scroll through my posts over the past year and ESPA have featured a lot. They are by far my most beloved skincare brand, and I could sing their praises til' the cows come home. Up there amongst my most favourite ESPA products are the Bergamot & Jasmine Foam Bath, Winter Spice Candle, and Skin Radiance Mask. So of course, these had to make it on to my wishlist.

Now, generally I'm not one for lusting over loads of high-end make up. Trust me I would be, but my bank balance just doesn't accommodate this as an option. But the one thing that I have been completely drawn in by and cannot get out of my head are the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders. Forever a fan of a glowy complexion, I would love to give these a try. And have you seen the packaging of the palette? Oh my goodness. It is just the prettiest thing I've ever seen. Just seeing that every time I opened my make up drawer would be enough for me (not that I'm fickle of anything...!)

Santa, if you're reading this, I think I've been an exceptionally good girl this year, so if you could hit me up with any of these beauties, I'll be oh-so very grateful!

#AtoZChallenge / Validation Facial at Lush Spa Liverpool

As a part of Boyfriend's birthday celebrations in March, I booked us both in for a treatment at the Lush Spa in Liverpool. I love going to the Lush spa. It is such an ultimate treat, and every time I've been there, I've left floating on a cloud! (My blog is full of reviews of other treatments I've tried if you fancy a read.)

The one treatment that I hadn't tried but that I'd really wanted to was the Validation Facial. I have never had any kind of facial in my life, and from reading the description of Validation on the Lush website, I knew I was in for a treat. 

The treatment started in the comfort of the spa's cosy country kitchen reception. I was greeted by my massage therapist - Kora - who sat me down and explained a little about what the treatment would entail. Displayed in front of us was a slate palette - almost like one an artist would have - and a vast array of Lush products. Kora went through each type of product individually, talking over their key properties and ingredients, and helping me select the ones that I thought would work best for my skin. Now I have no other facial to compare this one to, but being able to touch, smell, and feel the products before they were applied immediately made the treatment feel incredibly personal. There were a few that Kora disregarded immediately - in line with my sensitivity to tea tree oil, but there were still loads I could choose from. 

Kora also asked me to pick out some key words about how I wanted to feel after the treatment, and how I wanted my skin to feel. Knowing that she understood my needs and what I wanted to get out of the facial really added to the personalisation and made me feel really looked after. Even though Kora had probably done the Validation Facial loads, it really felt like she cared about my experience.

Heading in to the therapy room, I felt a wash of excitement and relaxation wash over me. The room was very atmospheric/ Glowing tea lights twinkled in a dimly let room that really evoked a sense of tranquillity. Kora began by "cleansing" the room ready for the treatment, which filled the room with billows of dry ice, and kick-started the enchantment. After time to get ready, and with a little ring of a bell next to the bed, I was ready to begin.

The Validation Facial is beautifully choreographed to the musical soundtrack. If you're thinking any of the Lush treatments come with a bog-standard, run-of-the-mill spa CD background, you'd be very wrong. Each treatment comes with it's own musical score, with the treatment choreographed to each track. It takes away any sense of anxiety you might have, and takes you to a really special, unique place. The whole concept of the facial is to help you feel uplifted, evoking positivity and helping you regain a sense of self. And the music really underpins that in a way that is really personal. 

The techniques of the facial ebbed and flowed over my face like a ballet. I lost all sense of time and space and floated away on a sea of peace and tranquillity. Kora was incredibly patient with me and understanding of my needs. I am a fidget when I'm getting a massage. When my left side relaxes, it moves so much more, and I know this might put people off, but I didn't feel foolish at all, and anywhere I needed to move, Kora worked with me. 

All the products that I had chosen for the facial kissed my skin, making it feel soft, supple and incredibly loved. My face zinged with vigour and I just felt so relaxed/ From the top of my head to the tips of my toes I lay in ultimate peace. A feeling I never thought you'd get from a facial. 

But Validation isn't just a facial. It's so much more! It's a journey. It allows you to really let go and relax, letting any tension, any stress and any anxiety leave you. By the end of the treatment I felt very emotional. Like a great weight had been lifted and I was finally free. It's a feeling I can't really describe, but it's one I won't ever forget.

At the end of the treatment, Kora poured me a glass of a fabulously fruity punch. I was allowed ample time to collect my thoughts and get ready. My legs had turned to jelly with relaxation, and I wobbled out the room holding in my tears of happiness. 

I left Lush floating on a cloud. Boyfriend - who had had The Spell - felt just the same. We spent ages just walking around, digesting everything that had happened, and feeling amazing.

The Validation Facial is just amazing. It's not just a spa treatment, it's a full-on experience that really makes you feel uplifted. It is definitely a treatment that I would go for again, and know that each time I would get something different out of it. 

Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser | Just Add Ginger

My skin has always been a big issue for me. During my oh-so-graceful (not) teenage years, my face literally looked like a big pepperoni pizza. I couldn't even tell you how many spots I had. All I know is that they were huge, red, and didn't go away until I was about 18! It was so embarrassing. I honestly felt like I was the only girl in my year that had massive skin issues. And to be honest, I think I was. 

So, once I hit 18, I thought "Great, this is it, clear skin ahoy!" Oh no. Not for me. My skin has never been completely clear. Whether it's hormonal break-outs, or because I've eaten too much chocolate, there isn't really a day goes by where I don't have a spot on my face. It can make me feel really frustrated. But I've just learnt that for me, that's the way it has to be.

I have tried a lot of skincare products over the years. Mostly from the high street. I'm always looking for the easy option. I am the laziest person when it comes to skincare, and the fact that I am is something that really annoys me. I know that if I had a better skincare routine I wouldn't be having so many issues, but at the end of the day....I just can't be arsed. When I come home at night, I'd rather slob around in my pjs & watching Game of Thrones, go to the gym, or blog. Anything that is going to help my wind down. My skin is the last thing on my mind. (All feel free to mentally slap my wrist now.) 

The thing is about my skin is that it is combination and really sensitive. Even the products that claim to be gentle, or full of natural products tend to react to my skin, and now, because I am on Cilest (read my post about that here), my skin is just a bit more unpredictable. I have to be really, really careful. 

I'd heard about Lush's Ultrabland Facial Cleanser mentioned a little bit online. And it was hearing Amelia (xameliax) mention it in a video, and a blogpost that really got me intrigued. I decided I had to give it a go.

Ultrabland really appealed to me because I knew that it would be full of natural products that wouldn't irritate my little face. And I wasn't disappointed. Ultrabland contains a blend of almond oil, rose water, beeswax, honey & iris extract (sounds delicious doesn't it?) The combination of ingredients work to hydrate, sooth and moisturise the skin. So, for me, who always has skin qualms (love that word,) it sounded like heaven for my skin. 

And oh boy. It has been. Since using Ultrabland my skin has been kissed back to life. If I have a big confidence-bursting breakout, using Ultrabland immediately nurses my skin, and ALMOST overnight it looks and feels so much clearer. Because of my skin tone, I am really really unlucky when it comes to redness. Spots always leave their mark on my skin, but with Ultrabland, my skin tone evens itself out. 

Using Ultrabland is so easy. All you need to do is smooth a bit all over your dry face, then using a hot flannel to wipe it all away. I think you can use cotton wool to take it off as well, but I don't want to risk getting any stuck to my face. The consistency is really light and smooth and easy to apply. Simply wipe away the product with flannel/cotton wool and you're done. How easy is that?

And the result? Skin that feels hydrated but not overwhelmed, and a face that is gorgeously smooth. The only thing that I've found with taking off Ultrabland is that it does leave a little bit of residue on the skin, but it really doesn't bother me. It doesn't linger, and in the morning, my skin feels amazing. 

The scent is also a bit odd. Odd because it doesn't really smell of anything that I can describe. Boyfriend has said that it smells like rose, but I'm just not sure. It's not an unpleasant smell (at least to me anyway,) but what it does smell of is *sniffs pot*.... kind of a suncreamy/beeswax/almond oil concoction. To describe it plainly, it smells natural. 

I know I've rambled a bit, but I really an so passionate about this product. It is a wonder-product for me and has really perked my skin up and helped in the Battle of the Blemishes. Even Boyfriend is impressed, and he is very difficult to please when it comes to skincare products. He used it over the weekend, and couldn't get over how smooth his skin felt afterwards. He was in awe. 

If you are like me and do suffer from problematic, spot-prone skin, I'd really recommend giving Ultrabland a go. It really has done wonders for my skin, and now that I've found it, there's no going back. It's in my bathroom and it's there to stay. 

Ultrabland retails for £6.95 for a small pot and £10.95 for a big pot. For more information about Ultrabland, or any of the other LUSH product, go to: 

http://www.lush.co.uk

Take Time Out For You

I think that it's really important that when you live with your other half, to not neglect having your "alone time." Just because you live together it does not mean that you need to constantly live out of each other's pockets and be around each other 24/7. If you do, this is when tensions can arise. Having time to yourself is of major importance because not only does it mean that you are still taking time out to do the things that you enjoy, but that the time you spend with your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife is all the more special. 

The last thing you want to do when you're living with your partner is to end up resenting them! 

Boyfriend and I are in a position where on a day-today basis, we don't really know how much we are going to see each other. Last year, over the summer, we barely saw each other once a week. He is a very clever thing and was off at university working extremely hard on finishing his PhD. He needed that time to focus. And I 100% respected that. He called the shots on when we saw each other. It had to be that way. 

And now that we live together, the dynamics have changed again. We both work. But our schedules are completely different. I'm on regular hours that don't ever change. And he can be working anything from 8 to 12 hour days (sometimes more.) The time we spend together is precious. And it means that the time we have apart when neither of us are working needs to be spent taking time out to really relax and focus on the most important people in our lives....us. 

On Tuesday night, Boyfriend was out all day and for most of the evening. So I took the opportunity to have a completely girlie pamper evening. I had been out during the day with a friend, and picked up a few bits to help me indulge my beauty-holic side. 

I ran myself a hot bath, popped in a LUSH Golden Egg bath ballistic and was swept away into relaxation. I picked up a really indulgent Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Orange face mask, and followed up with my brand new LUSH Ultrabland  Facial Cleanser. I switched my phone to silent, and spent a good half an hour soaking all my cares away. 

When I have a bath, I take the opportunity to banish any stresses or problems that I have. If I want to cry, I cry. If I want to sing, I sing, and if I want to laugh, then I just go ahead and let the giggles out. Nobody can hear me. It's my time to just completely be at one with myself. If you're in a relationship and you do live together, you do not want to be bringing your own stresses into the mix. Especially when you don't know how your other half is feeling. Boyfriend is a very intuitive person, and if there is ever something bugging me, even if I don't say anything, he knows. And if I don't want to talk about it. He really takes it to heart. And that makes me feel awful. He thinks it's something he's done. Which isn't the case at all. Because when it comes to our relationship, we are completely honest with each other when it comes to things that piss us off.

After my bath, I heated myself up some leftover pizza I'd had boxed up from my Pizza Express lunch, and turned the living room into a cinema. I put Frozen on, turned out all the lights, and munched on chocolate chip cookies. And it felt so good. I was relaxed. I was happy. And above all. I was really looking forward to Boyfriend getting home. 

We all need time for just us. It's okay for you to have that time or to ask for that time. Don't feel that just because you live with somebody, you need to dedicate all your time to them and only them. That's not a healthy relationship at all. 

And it works both ways. Make sure your other half gets their own time Even if it's watching Match of the Day, letting them do their thing in the kitchen (this is one of Boyfriend's favourite ways to de-stress,) or making sure that they have a night out with their friends. Maybe your boy/girl really wants to do something for themselves, but is shy about telling you in case they upset you. Be intuitive and make the move first. Let them know that it's okay to have that time. 

Because the only way we can truly love others, is if we love ourselves first. 

Rose Bubble Bar by Lush | Just Add Ginger

Prior to going away to The Netherlands, I took a little trip in to town to pick up some pre-holiday pamper goodies for myself. A good old pamper in my world is not complete unless there are some Lush bath ballistics or bubble bars thrown in somewhere. 

As soon as I saw Rose Bubble Bar, I knew I had to take one home with me. The design of the bubble bar is similar to that of Comforter, but with a cute little leafy twist. The moment I glimpsed it only one thing crossed my mind....Tale as old as time..... My dream of soaking in the ultimate Princess Bath was about to come true. So into my basket it went. 

The scent of Rose is exactly like Lush's Ro's Argan Body Conditioner with a smash of Rose Jam Shower Gel (Limited Edition release last year) thrown in for good measure. The scent isn't overpowering, but gentle and delicate, the hits of rosy smells tickling your nose and making you feel instantly relaxed. 

What I love so much about Lush bubble bars is that they last more than one bath. Bath ballistics are great fun, and perfect for adding a touch of luxury to a bath when you need a bit of a pick-me-up. Bubble bars are..... one, twice, even three times a product (name that tune) in terms of lasting power. So you get the beautiful bath as well as bank for your buck. 

As soon as I had crumbled half of Rose under warm running water, my Princess dreams came true. The water turned a beautiful baby pink colour, and rose-scented bubbly mountains started swirling around the tub. Ooo it was just heavenly. The water kissed my skin and left it feeling nourished, super-soft and smelling sensational. The scent of the rose once the bar was in the bath was not too strong, so if you're not the biggest fan of florally smells, you needn't worry. 

There is shimmer softly milled in to Rose, but once in the water you barely even notice it. And the residue left at the bottom of your tub is practically non-existent compared to other bath products that contain glitter. Fortunately, Boyfriend fully understands and appreciate my love for Lush, so glitter and shimmer left over from baths is never an issue, but even if your other half isn't a fan, there is no need to panic. 

Yes, there are Lush bubble bars that are bigger and last longer, but Rose is too pretty and delicate a bubble bar not to try, If you are a bath-holic, a Disney fan, and admirer of all things Spring and floral definitely get your hands on one of these before they vanish. They are not going to be around for ever, and at £2.95 for a bubble bar, why deny yourself a bit of luxury? 

Have you tried Rose Bubble Bar? Or any other bubble bars from Lush? 

Beauty by Ginger: Lush Spa Liverpool - Sound Bath

This Valentine's Day was the first one that me and Boyfriend spent together. With this in mind, I wanted to plan something really special for us to do together. I am an absolute LUSH and LUSH Spa fanatic, and with Boyfriend having now become a part of this love, I had no trouble deciding what I wanted to treat us to. 

At first, I wasn't sure which treatment to go for. With so many to choose from and two The Comforter? and one Tailor Made treatment already under my belt, I was flummoxed. but, after a long conversation with one of the lovely LUSH employees, and under her recommendation, I decided to book us both in for a Sound Bath.

It was a treatment that I was a little bit hesitant about. Only for the reason that the only thing I knew about it was that it involved candles being placed in your ears. I mean, c'mon, I've never had any beauty treatment that involves flames before. You can understand my nerves.

But once Boyfriend and I had arrived at the LUSH Spa in Liverpool. My fears quickly disappeared.  

After a little wait on the shop floor (the previous treatments were running late.. Everyone was really apologetic, but we were in no hurry,) a cup of tea, and a gander at all the products (Boyfriend was made to look at -and sniff - all the things,) we were taken up to the spa by our massage therapists. 

I never grow tired of the way that going up to the spa feels like you're going round to somebody's house for a cup of tea and a slice of home-made cake. We were made to feel so comfortable and at ease by our therapists. After filling in the consultation forms and offered a glass of water, I was able to express my nerves about the whole ear candle situation, and have all my nerves quashed as they reassured me and attentively answered all my questions.

Then it was time to begin. 

Placed before us on the wooden kitchen table was a box. And as we lifted the lid surrounded by a sea of  swirling mists, inside lay two vials with "Drink Me" and two chocolate mushrooms. What a most magical way to begin any treatment. I felt a sudden sense of giddiness. Almost like the feeling you get before you tear down the biggest drop of the roller-coaster. I just had this feeling that Sound Bath was going to be a massage like no other. 

Once in the double treatment room, we were invited to take a seat. As we took in the relaxing atmosphere of coloured lights and tea candles, incense was lit, and we were shown how the tuning forks were to be used. (Having never seen a tuning fork in my life, I was very glad that what I saw before me was not a piece of cutlery!)

There is simply no way to describe the sensation of having a tuning fork placed on your skin. The immediate sense of relaxation that came over me was completely unexpected. Our massage therapists also explained the rest of the treatment and what might happen. I'm being decided cryptic with some details of the treatment. With Sound Bath, more so than the other treatments, I think what you get out of it is deeply personal, and I wouldn't want to spoil the effect for anybody. 

But trust me, you'll fall completely into a state of relaxation such as you may have never experienced before.

Boyfriend and I tucked ourselves in to our massage beds, and with a quick ting-a-ling of the bell to say that we were ready. It was time. 

Akin to the other treatments I have had at LUSH, the soundtrack to Sound Bath was just beautiful. And the treatment is choreographed in perfect time to the music. Every movement and part of the massage just flows. 

A dance on your skin. 

The treatment began with focus on my face and jaw. I've never had a facial massage before, and I don't think I'd ever realised just how amazing it could feel...Until then. 

I cannot imagine just how much tension I must carry in my face everyday, but I certainly felt any stress I had vanish almost instantly. I was so relaxed I literally thought I was going to melt in to the massage table. The massage combined with the use of the tuning forks is hypnotic and completely inexplicable. My body just gave a huge sigh of relief and I was floating. Lost in the moment and surrounded by utter relaxation. 

I don't know where I went, but I was nearly asleep on the massage table. 

When it was time for the ear candles, we were gently asked to turn on to a side of our choosing. By this point, I was completely un-phased by the candle that was about to be placed in my ear that I turned on to my side unmoved from my relaxed state of mind. 

This is the part of the treatment that I remember the most. Even though my eyes were closed, I could still see a glowing flicker of orangey-yellow warmth. It really felt like I was in front of an open log fire in a log cabin in the middle of an isolated field. It was not uncomfortable in the slightest, and felt very surreal. Boyfriend and I must have been in sync because we chose the same side to turn to for the first ear candle. 

After the ear candles came a seriously intense head massage. And by no means was thin intense in a bad way. Oh no. Having never had a head massage (but loving those mini ones you get at the hairdressers sometimes,) I didn't really know what to expect. Yet I found myself subconsciously moving in time to the movements of the massage. My head went where it needed to be placed and yet my mind stayed in its hypnotised state. 

The use of the soundtrack with the massage could not be more perfect to help bring you back floating down from your cloud and on to the ground. It gently nudges you out of a sleepy state and allows you to wake up slowly. 

Boyfriend and I stood in silence for a few minutes after the massage. I don't think either of us really realised that the treatment was over. It all seemed so surreal. 

One of our therapists greeted us after the massage and led us to the seating area. We were treated to a pot of calming, aromatic tea, and sat in our mesmerised state. I can't really explain how I felt after the massage other than to me, the world seemed more alive. I was more in tune to what was going on around me, and everything had this fresh rosy glow. I felt calm. I felt at ease. And it was wonderful.  

Sometimes it is difficult to clear our minds of the stresses of everyday life, problems we have, worries we feel. But Sound Bath gave us that time to just be. We could unwind in a place where nothing could seep in to our heads. And it was just what we needed. 

Have you tried Sound Bath yet? What did you think?

Soot Ball by Lush | Just Add Ginger

I couldn't tell you how excited I was to see the launch of Soot Ball by Lush a few weeks ago. 

It's by far the cutest bath bomb I've ever seen, and as soon as I saw the little guy, I was immediately drawn in by those adorable big eyes. 

So when Boyfriend and I were in Chester a few weekends ago, and we popped in to Lush, Soot Ball was on the list of goodies I needed to buy.

I don't think we really need to say much about the bath bomb design. Soot Ball speaks for itself. The bomb is whimsical and incredibly cute. The gold shimmering through the darkness of the bath bomb creates an immediate sense of excitement and anticipation about what amazing goodies may wait inside. 

The price is fantastic too. For a bomb like Soot Ball, normally I'd expect it to me more than the price tag it carries. So you can imagine how impressed I was when I discovered that it retails for only £2.50.

100% WIN!

Like with my Luxury Lush Pud, I really wanted to hold out as long as possible until I tried Soot Ball, but one cold and dark evening, feeling in the need of a little pick-me-up, there he was, waiting for me. So into the bath Soot Ball went. 

If you were to just look at the colour the bath water is turning, it might out you off slightly, but give Soot Ball time to work its magic. Unlike Luxury Lush Pud, I did have to help Soot Ball on its way a bit, but look at the end results after it ad finished fizzing away. 

So much glitter!!! 

Soot Ball gives you such opulent, luxurious bath water. The charcoal-y nature of the bath bomb itself highlights just how shimmery the water becomes and I felt so glamorous bathing in gold. 

The scent of the bath bomb was similar. Very comforting for a cold Autumnal night. Not as memorable as Luxury Lush Pud, but it complemented the consistency and finish of Soot Ball well and added a great fragrance to such a glamorous bath. And like with all the Lush bombs I've tried, the formula made my skin feel really nourished and soft, and I didn't feel the need to moisturise afterwards (a step I sometimes just cannot be bothered with.) 

There is just one small thing about this bath bomb that may put some people off.....

It did leave some residue in my tub after I'd let the water out. 

Now, this didn't phase me. I'm used to some of bath bombs leaving shimmery residue behind, and the charcoal-coloured marks wiped off quite easily (with only one spot needing a bit of elbow grease, but that part of my bath is tricky to clean anyway.) So if you don't mind giving your bath a bit of a rinse and a wipe after you've had a soak, then there should be no problem. But in the grand scheme of an honest review, I need to include al good and not so good points. 

For a novel, shimmery, and comforting bath, I'd definitely give Soot Ball a go. The concept is so cute, and you really do feel so decadent bathing in a bath full of beautiful shimmer. 

For more information about Soot Ball, or for a look and lots of Lush goodies in general, visit: 

http://www.lush.co.uk

Z is for Zit Zapping

I have never had the best skin. Growing up, I was one of those teenagers who had a huge amount of spots that just seemed to appear on my face as soon as I hit puberty, and never left. 

It wasn't easy at all. Nearly all the girls in my year at school had perfect skin and perfect hair, and there I was with a mess of ginger hair on my head (the teenage years were incredibly frizzy because my hair just couldn't decide if it wanted to be curly or wavy,) and a load of red pimples on my face. 

Although my skin has cleared up a lot since being a teen, it isn't perfect. I am still really prone to breakouts and sometimes I have zits of DOOM that just don't ever seem to go away. Add to that scars from previous spots, and I tend to look really red and feel really self-conscious. 

On one of my frequent trips to the Lush shop in Liverpool, I got talking to one of the shop assistants. I had read a lot about their face masks online, but needed a bit of guidance on what to go for, because my skin is a) combination and b) incredibly sensitive! 

She recommended to me the "Mask of Magnaminty" which is designed for acne-prone skin. She also recommended "Coalface" to try alongside the mask. 

Mask of Magnaminty contains a range of ingredients that help combat breakouts and perk up the skin. I use it about 1-2 times a week, focusing on problem areas on my face. I apply a thickish layer to where I have spots, leave for 5 minutes, then rinse off. It always leaves my skin feeling zingy and smelling minty-fresh!  The mask really helps to reduce inflammation, and push my skin in the right direction to start looking better. It's not harsh on the skin at all, and is a perfect skin-pampering product. 

Coalface is a solid cleanser that foams up when you use it with water and apply it to the face. It is designed for oilier skin, and acts as a cleanser and an exfoliater in one. Because I have combination skin, I only use Coalface once a day (usually at night) as it does dry out the drier patches on my face. Since using the cleanser I have really noticed a difference in the clearness of my skin. I still get spots, but my acne scars have faded, and my skin looks brighter and happier in general, and it always smells fantastic after I use the cleanser!

Using these two products together has really made a difference to my skin. I'll probably always suffer from spots, but having good quality, effective products that I can turn to in times of trouble really makes me feel a lot better about it! 

What's your skincare routine? Are there any other Lush products you have tried? 

Ginger x

Beauty by Ginger: Lush's Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

Instagram: Gingerjaxx

At the start of the year, I received the "Rosie" gift set from LUSH as a gift (funny that!) One of the products in it was a miniature version of the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner. 

Literally. Obsessed! 

Firstly, it was the smell that got my attention. I'm not a huge fan of overly-floral smells, but this is a perfect balance. Now, I'm terrible at describing scents, but to me, it smells like a sweet shop on a summer's day. Deliciously sweet, with a floral hint that tickles your nose and fills up your senses. Smelling it makes me smile. I just can't help myself! The smell lingers on your skin for a good long while afterwards. Whenever I use this product, throughout the day I catch whiffs of it. Knowing that you smell fresh and delicious is a very good feeling! 

The consistency of Ro's Argan Body Conditioner is GORGEOUS. It's thick, creamy, and luxurious. It smoothes on the skin beautifully, and leaves it instantly feeling nourished. All the ingredients work together to pamper your skin and leave it feeling really moisturised and soft. This makes it the perfect product to use as a body conditioner/moisturiser combo, which, if like me you're always in a rush to get out the shower and do other things, is VERY GOOD! I sometimes don't even bother moisturising at all after the shower because Ro's Argan Body Conditioner is enough. 

As a body conditioner, the idea is to use this in the bath or shower, and treat it like you would a hair conditioner - apply, rinse, then towel dry. To be honest, I prefer using this when I have a shower, because in the bath, I'm always left with lumps of the conditioner floating around in the water, and they always escape my clutches. After a bath I tend to use it as just a straight moisturiser, not bothering to rinse it off. If you take time working it into the skin it works really well. It still leaves my skin feeling gorgeous, soft and supple, and just divine! Putting this on makes me feel gorgeous! 

I HAVE to be really restrained when using this product, because it is soooooo tempting to smother lashings and lashings of it over your skin. But then the problem is that your supply goes down very quickly. Not. Good. I think it's best to use a touch of this product on the areas of your body that get the most dry (for me it's elbows, knees and heels) on a regular basis, then, as a once-a-week treat, use more, and really treat your skin to a feast of delicious sweet and floral scented goodness! 

I'd definitely recommend heading in to LUSH to smell and sample this product first, especially if, like me, you are a bit unsure of really florally (new word) scented things. However, if you know you like sweet and flower themed smells, give this product a go. I haven't looked back since I first tried this, and it is a firm staple in my shower. 

This baby's here to stay! 

( Ro's Argan Body Conditioner is £15.50 for a 255g pot on the Lush website (UK) )

Ginger x

Beauty by Ginger: February Favourites

I am a self-confessed creature of habit. I have the same routine in the mornings, I always drive the same route into and back from town, and I always shop for products that I know....

Until recently.... 

I don't know what happened in the new year, but I had this moment of thinking "You know what...It's time to branch out..." And so, I did! 

These are some of the products I have LOVED using in February (and January too.) They are a firm part of my current beauty/pamper routine, and I wanted to share these finds with you, because, well, I think they are just bloomin' lovely! 

LUSH Ro's Argan Body Conditioner: I first came across this product in a gift I was given for my birthday, and it was love at first smell. This product is absolutely GORGEOUS! It is packed full of nourishing ingredients that make your skin feel soft and beautiful, and smells divine....I'm not good with describing scents, but this smells scrummy! Not overbearing in anyway, but subtle, and a bit sweet. The smell lingers on your skin for ages, and I always catch whiffs of it during the day. Sometimes I use it as a moisturiser as well as an in-shower/bath body conditioner...I am literally obsessed! 

Benefit They're Real mascara: If you want super long, super thick,. super sexy lashes, look no further! I cannot sing the praises of this mascara enough. When I was on holiday over Christmas, I saw this, but could NOT justify buying it when I already had a mascara on the go. But last month, I got a voucher, and KNEW I HAD to get my hands on it! And I'm sooooooo glad I did. My lashes look so good wearing this. It makes my eyes look bigger and pop out of my face! My night out make up is not complete without applying this...and there is no need for me to break out the false eyelashes, which is good, because I'm rubbish at applying them anyway! 

MAC Lipstick "Dubonnet": I used to stick to nude lipsticks all the time...drawn to them like a moth to a flame. I could never find that perfect red shade (being ginger, you have to be careful...Too bright = CLOWN!) When I was in London during December, I popped into Selfridges, and was colour matched to this shade, and now, it's a staple for a night out look. Wearing this colour makes me feel like a Vamp, and ramps up my confidence to 150%! 

Ted Baker Body Spray: This was a body spray I got as part of a set for my birthday. It has not left my handbag since!! It is the perfect size to carry around with you, and smells really fresh and fruity. When I've used it with the other products in the set (all with the same scent), I find myself constantly wanting to smell myself (I refrain from it though.) The scent stays with you all day, and it makes me think of Spring and Summer, and beautiful sunny days! 

Tesco Sugar & Spice Candle: Once upon a time, I was doing my food shopping in Tesco, and I thought it would be a good idea to look in the home section. There I found this gem! I had bought a candle from the range before ("Princess") and LOVED it. But this one, I LOVE even more. To me, it smells like gingerbread men and cinnamon. A bit of a Wintery scent, but when you like in England, and it's still freezing outside, it's nice to bring in a bit of warmth and cosiness to your home. And this definitely delivers. Having this burning in the background in the evening whilst you chill out on the sofa with the scent of cinnamon and spices floating into your nostrils is sheer perfection....Ahhhhh!!!

Armani Code: Spotto had this perfume when we went away last year, and I instantly fell in love and felt a pang of jealousy that it belonged to her and not me. When my Alien ran out, I was a free agent, and went on the prowl for this perfume. I found it on the ferry, we had a brief encounter, and it came home with me, promising to be mine until the bottle was empty....I can't even describe how this perfume smells. All I can say is that I love it, and to me, it smells like perfection. The staying power on my skin is great, and wearing it just makes me pretend that I am a mysterious Bond girl....which is a good thing by the way...not insanely weird!

St Ives Apricot Scrub: I have a confession to make. I am 26 years old and still get spots! Goshdarnit!!! I also have really sensitive skin, which never helps in my quest to find blemish busting skin solutions. I saw this scrub, and decided to just give it a go. It claims to be "Blemish Fighting", and to be honest, since using it, my skin seems to be getting a lot better! It doesn't dry me out, or react with my skin, and I use it 3 times a week at least. I really wish I had discovered this before. It seems to be a bit of a knight in shining armour at the moment. 

Share your February Favourites in the comments below. It's good to share...who knows, there may be a new product that you discover and want to give a go! 

Ginger x

Ginger's Jollies: Weekend Wonders

Another busy busy weekend full of love, laughs, and life!