For the Love of Lush Collection: Part 1

As many may know, I am a massive fan of Lush, thanks to its cruelty-free ethics and wonderful products. I had the privilege of being a Christmas Temp at Chester Lush this year, which is the best job ever. Friendly people, wonderful smells and lots of glitter! This wasn't so fortunate for my bank account or my bathroom, as it meant that I probably doubled my Lush collection, because as I'd learn about the products in training, I would sell them to myself. This wonderful experience led to my current decision to write my Business dissertation on Lush (eeek!). 

As I was sorting through my boxes, I realised how much Lush I had, so I thought I'd share it with you all. You may be

What I Got For My Birthday 2015

I’m sure you’ve all seen the hundreds of What I got for Christmas blog posts, because I sure have. However like few, I celebrate my birthday 6 days after Christmas, which means it isn’t until the new year that I can round up all my presents to truly appreciate what I now own in my life.

So now I have decided to show you a glimpse of some beauty products that I received for either Christmas or Birthday! Enjoy!

Currently, my bedroom lacks both good lighting and a good mirror. Both of which are vital to getting ready daily and successfully at that. I am so happy to have received Carmen’s Light Up Desk Mirror, that runs on batteries, so is super handy and is perfect to give good lighting for a decent winter makeup routine. (I received this from the wonderful Rach, whom you can find online here and here.)

After the poor death of my The Wet Brush, I was eager to try a new version, for comparison. Superdrug’s Detangling Brush seems to be a cheaper dupe for the Tangle Teaser. And boy it is good!
With the size fitting comfortably in my hand, I find myself constantly wanting to brush my hair. However, I fear how successful it’ll be on a day that I want to keep my wavy hair on point without brushing them out.  

Personally, I like mascaras that give length. After recently disliking my current mascaras, I subtly asked for recommendations. This resulted in two mascaras for my birthday, that I know I’ll already love. Rimmel Extra 3D Lash has a small plastic brush etc. Maybelline Lashionista claims to give endless length (unrealistic but hey). As soon as I opened this I saw that medium bristled brush also had fibres on it, of which is known to create length. Perhaps a more evening mascara, for that fake lash effect?!

In the shade Bare Light, Revlon Photoready Face Illuminator is a liquid lightly golden highlighter! It’s so pretty and effective, that I do have to be careful not to get carried away with it on my face. It’s quite a bit darker than the pink-toned Benefit highlight, yet still works on my pale skin, foundation or not!

In the past, I’ve used M&S skincare, as it is cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny approved). With thanks to my skin clearing up, I can now use Marks & Spencer Limited Collection Eyeshadow Palette and eyeshadows freely, and this is the perfect way to start. A variety of matte and shimmer coloured eyeshadows, as you can see, are a perfect beginner and even travel-friendly palette! 

Estee Lalonde Nail Art Kit. A nail art pen for dotting and lines, and three beautiful shades of nail polish. I both adore Estee and The Body Shop; with these being my first nail polish from there, it has a good formula and brush for application. Oh and I’m wearing the blue shade right now #beaut!

This Nail Kit, of which I'm brand clueless,  legit has everything you’d need to maintain your nails! Personally, my nails grow quickly, and losing my clippers can be guaranteed. So I also love the packaging, as I know I’ll try my hardest to keep them all in place and not lose them!

I’m beyond happy with all the wonderful gifts that I received. Plus, it’s crazy to know that I got many non-beauty gifts too! What good products did you receive over the Christmas period? 

- Tash.

Choosing Natural Deodorants

A product that we all use on a daily product, but many of us never put much thought into what we choose or the affects that will occur is deodorant!

I have given myself the role to educate you on how natural deodorants work and high street options that are also cruelty-free and vegan!

Natural deodorants work by natural ingredients being applied to the skin which inhibits the growth of odour causing bateria, unlike antiperspirants that plug pores from sweating with synthetic ingredients that then get absorbed. More can read on this here. 

5 Cruelty-Free Morning Essentials

  Five of my cruelty free skin care and makeup essential products that are a part of my morning:

Lush's 9 to 5 Cleanser, which is their vegan cleansing alternative, is a light cleansing milk. Despite its thin consistency, it's amazing at removing dirt and makeup (including mascara) that you don't realise is on your face. This cleanser seems to be a winner, as it only requires cotton pads to apply and remove, meaning it takes next to no time!

October Haul

I went shopping on a few occasions with no intentions of what to buy, but after discovering a new shop and using my loyalty points, I've ended up with some bits to haul and share. 

After clearing out some of my nail polishes that had gone bad, when I saw W7 was being sold for £1.99, I knew I had to pick up a few, and I'm surprised at myself not not picking up even more! W7 is cruelty-free, hight street available and cheap!
I chose the colours Midnight Debris (glitter), Skinny (the nude colour which doesn't even seem to exist on W7 website) and Mauve (purplely blue). 

Skin Sincere Natural Skin Care Range

After discovering this brand at the recent West Midlands Blogger Meet, I was intrigued and excited to get my hands on free samples of their skin care range, like a kid at Christmas!

All Skin Sincere products are natural, organic and paraben-free, and the plus of being cruelty free and manufactured in the UK. Are there even any negative points about this brand?!

 With products suggested for all skin types, they also offer a specific Aloe Vera range that is aimed towards those with sensitive and dry skin.

Due to looking for a new facial cleanser, I eagerly picked up the cleansers to try that evening. The Clarifying Cleanser and Aloe Vera Cleanser like all their other products is made from recycled plastic with minimal packaging, but still with a convenient and

Dr. Hauschka Skin Care

Last Thursday I was invited to the shop BeYOUtiful in Sandbach, where they held a wonderful event with a guest speaker from Dr. Hauschka to talk about skincare and their product line.

The evening begun with a bit of history about how Dr. Rudolf Hauschka valued natural ingredients that are certified organicly obtained from bio-dynamic farm based in Germany; policies which they still stand by now. A cruelty-free, vegan friendly brand that is natrue approved, majorly caught my attention!

A selection of their products were then demonstrated on each of us, from their cleansing milks, to their moisturisers. I left the event with a goody bag from them and a few mini products that were suggested for me to trial.

Melissa Day Cream

Recommended due to my combination and sensitive skin, Melissa Day Cream first off smells like lemon sherbert which got my attention. This cream helps hydrate my patchy areas as well as controlling shine. With ingregients of melissa, dasiy, witch hazel and anthyllis, they all help to soothe and help balance my skin. So far, so good using the mini version of this product, but I'll continue using it daily until I've run out.