Lush Love Lettuce

Lush will always be my go to brand when my skin is feeling a little worse for wear and in need of a quick pick me up. 

The masks are fresh, affordable and with such a vast variety of them to choose from - the brand caters to pretty much everyone and any problem.

I've been dealt a good hand with my skin in terms of never having suffered from break outs or acne. But what I do have trouble with is an extremely oily T-zone. The base of Love Lettuce consists of ground almond that assists in digging up 'dirt, oil and debris'. In addition to this, the combination of Honey, French Lavender Oil and Seaweed is nourishing, softening and does a great job of reducing the oiliness from your complexion. 

As with all of the fresh face masks, they have a short lifespan and must be kept in the fridge making them super cooling to apply. 

To get the best results, apply an even layer to the skin and leave to dry for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. I like to massage the product into the skin as I wash it off to give a gentle exfoliation. Masks can sometimes feel drying upon removal but I haven't yet suffered any tightness with this product.

Out of the masks that I've tried from Lush - Cranberry, Rosy Cheeks and Oatifix to be precise - Love Lettuce is definitely my favourite one so far.

I have to get through two more products before I can redeem a free mask. What's your favourite Lush product?

Origins GinZing Peel Off Mask

You can never go wrong with an Origins Face Mask. The Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask is a cult favourite of mine and will be a constant repurchase for years to come. 

A couple of months ago, I came across the Origins GinZing Peel Off mask online and instantly Googled to catch up on recent reviews. Although the main purpose of this was to read the benefits of the product, I was instantly intrigued by the amazing pearlised finish that it gave following application. This of course led to a purchase - it could have been pants, but it's copper in colour and peels off = my favourite type of mask.

But all coppery joys aside, what it actually does is quite lovely:

Amongst application it gives off quite a tangy scent. This is something that is to be expected of a product that contains a gentle Orange and Lemon fruit acid complex! An element that assists with energising and renewing, ridding the skin of fatigue. 

The mask also provides a refreshed and uplifted complexion - a benefit driven by Coffee Beans and Panax Ginseng. It practically does all of the things that we crave in a product when we're in the midst of Christmas parties! 

Without forgetting the beneficial properties of this product, it's also a joy to apply. Cooling, relaxing and complements a night in with a Christmas film and your favourite Bath and Body Work's candle. 

The mechanics of the mask are simple:

1. Apply an even layer across the skin while avoiding eyebrows, eyes and hairline. 

2. Leave it to dry for around 5-10 minutes

3. Smile and Peel

I don't know what it is about the peeling off feature but the immediate sense of renewal is so satisfying.

This would make a great stocking filler - pick one up here for £24.00.

What other Origin's face masks do I have to try?

Soap & Glory The Ultimelt Deep Purifying Hot Cloth Cleanser - A Quick Review

I have never been entirely drawn to Soap & Glory skincare. I think it might be because although the body care smells delightful, it can sometimes come across as overly commercial and artificial. Don't get me wrong, Soap & Glory as a brand are amazing and I love an overpowering scent of vanilla and  citrus for my legs and arms - but not for the face.

Before I purchased this I did some online dishing and found it on Caroline Hirons' blog. A skincare guru/blogger whom I don't know personally but trust dearly with all the skincare recommendations! So I bought it, finished it and thought that it was about time I did a quick review. I'm impressed! Like Caroline described, the packaging is quite relatable to toothpaste but who doesn't like a tube? You also get a large muslin cloth with every purchase of this which is always a bonus!

The Ultimelt has a very similar concept to my favourite cleanser of all time - the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. You squeeze out a grape sized amount onto your finger tips and throughly massage onto dry skin and down to the neck. The Ultimelt is suitable for all skin types unless you have sensitive skin and react to essential oils. The core ingredients are as follows:
Provitamin B5, Sweet Almond, Orange, Lavender, Clary Sage, Rose and Geranium Oils.

The product initially comes out as a thick cream but begins to dissolve and melt into a less dense and softer formula as you distribute and massage it over the skin. I usually prefer to use an oil based cleanser to take my make-up off but this product works really well as both a first and second cleanse. After use, your skin is left feeling soft, refreshed, cleansed and make-up free. Basically everything you want from a cleanser.

If you're on a budget or want to experiment with hot cloth cleansers then I would highly recommend this one. As I find myself researching more and more into skincare, the price of products that I really want are way out of my budget. This cleanser is really accessible and retails for £10.00. You can buy it from your local Boots store both in-store and online. Soap & Glory usually have an offer on so you may be able to grab yourself an extra treat or two.

Have you tried the Ultimelt? I would love to know your thoughts. Find it here :)

My Go To Breakfast Smoothie

This is something quite different for me. I am by no means a health expert or qualified nutritionist, but I am starting to care more about what I eat these days and learning about the benefits of doing so. Basically, I've been heavily influenced by The Body Coach. As have most people in the UK at the moment.

I've recently written in a previous post that I decided to purchase a NutriBullet and that it was the best decision I have ever made. That wasn't the post Christmas/New Years blues talking. This claim still stands!

Breakfast has never been my thing. I find it really difficult to stomach anything in the mornings. I'm even more rubbish at waking up at an hour that gives me enough time to consume anything before I have to run out of the door for university. There's also nothing worse than being stuck in a 2 hour morning lecture on an empty stomach. Not to mention bloody embarrassing when your stomach constantly lets off loud roars of hunger.

My Boyfriend, Ed, has been trying to get me into breakfast shakes for ages. I wouldn't say that I'm a  fussy eater, but I initially had zero interest. It was the same scenario with Sushi. But over time they have both gradually grown on me. I can be a very stubborn individual and can get 'stuck in my ways'. (Ha). 

I finally gave in and I'm so pleased that these shakes have been introduced into my morning routine. It's an easy and quick way to get something healthy and nutritious down in the mornings. They're light, refreshing and delicious. And as an added bonus, they don't blend into a vile green colour!

Here are my very unprofessional measurements:

1. 1/2 Handful of Black Forest Frozen Fruits.

2. 1/2 Handful of Frozen Blueberries and Strawberries.

3. Half a Banana, chopped.

4. 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter. (I use the MyProtein UK Smooth Peanut Butter)

5. 2 Tbsp Greek Yoghurt

6. 1 Scoop of Whey Vanilla Protein Powder 

7. 150ml Almond Milk

8. 150ml Water

And Bob's your uncle! I wouldn't say that the protein stage is obligatory. I use it as I know that I don't have enough protein throughout the day. The Vanilla does add a difference to the flavour though.

Any blender will work for this but the NutriBullet is super quick and easy to clean.

Although I have found something that I really enjoy, I'm determined to 'unstick' my ways and try out more recipes.

What's in your favourite morning smoothie?

Pushing The Boundaries and Tackling Snake Gorge

Well, that sure was a great Easter holiday! After spending the past month visiting my mum in Bahrain and friends in the UAE I am now back to the reality that is Manchester. Exams are coming up and I probably should be revising but I couldn't help but reflect on what an amazing holiday i've had. Sunbathing, socialising (a little bit too much), Sephora-ing and travelling around the Gulf pretty much sums it up!

The weekend before I flew back to the UK, my other half and I did the long drive from Abu Dhabi and up to the mountains of Oman to meet up with friends to do a bit of glamping and to tackle the three hour trek through Snake Gorge. I definitely surprise myself sometimes. I've always preferred going to a nice hotel and soaking up the sun by the pool, away from any form of creatures. You know, girl stuff. On this trip, however, apart from the 7-8 hour drive I had a fantastic time!

Following the long and bumpy ride up the mountain, we found a place to set up camp, cook some yummy food and have a couple of drinks. The location was particularly peaceful apart from the odd goat moan, but that didn't bother us too much. The following morning we got up bright and early to grab a bit of breakfast before beginning the trek through Snake Gorge or Wadi Bani Auf. Having grown up on an extremely small and flat island such as Bahrain (which I hold very dear to my heart), the scenery was a delight.  

The Dream Team as I like to refer to us by consisted of four boys and two girls. Groups of tourists would pass us by with a qualified guide. They were equipped with life jackets, helmets, rope and trekking boots. On the contrary, us dream team members threw on a pair of trainers, swimming gear and carried only but a piece of rope to help us through it. Luckily we had the minds of four boys to suss out the tricky obstacles for us girls and i'm here to tell the tale! The trek itself was challenging but one of the best things i've ever experienced. While we were walking or swimming through all of the nooks and crannies of the gorge, I would keep telling myself 'Wow, this is just like a natural, peaceful and way more attractive water park'. 

When the trek came to an end I gave a positive sigh of relief and a feeling of accomplishment came over me. I pushed the boundaries and went out of my comfort zone. Something I should do a lot more often! Anything is possible, even for a whimp like me *Hehe*.

Lying by a pool for the weekend in a hotel is still my preference when it comes to trips away though, and i'm kind of OK with that. But every so often it's nice to be cool and traveller-esque too.

Why don't you push the boundaries? Like me, you may surprise yourself.