Lush, Baths and Spiralised carrots.

Hi Blog, in the words of Joey Tribbiani, How ya doooooing ? 
It's been a while, you know that song, Eat Sleep, Rave Repeat. My life has been going something like this, Vibe, Work, Sleeeeeep, Repeat. With gym and circuits chucked in the middle. But yeah, I thought I'd kick it off with a few things I am lovin.

If you guys didn't now, I am now working with the company of my dreams. Lush.3 weeks ago, Lush opened the world's largest Lush store. 3 floors of Lush heaven, a mecca if you will, residing in London's very own Oxford Street. And they didn't stop there ... 200 new, YES. NEW. Products. A tiny bit of wee just came out. I am hoping to venture up there in a couple of weeks time, but my lovely managers took lists of goodies we couldn't wait to try and bought them back for us.I had a lovely selection of bath bombs/melts, their pretty straight forward. Smelling lovely of course. But the golden wonders I received, Cup o Coffee face mask, Hair custard and Damaged hot oil treatment.  All of which I am in love with. 

Cup o Coffee, is like dunking your head in a bag of coffee beans, refreshing and energising. Not to mention what it does for your skin. Talc, Kaolin, Agave Nectar and some ground coffee for exfoliation. I love the smell of this, and I hate coffee. Best used in the morning, if your feeling sleepy and need a perk up. Or when your hungover. Yeah, when your hungover.

Hair Custard. THE. SMELL. Argggghhmaaaaagaaaaawd. The smell. Argan oil, coconut oil, fair trade cocoa butter, egg whites, vanilla. And THE SMELL. This is pre blow dry treatment as well as a styling cream. It makes your hair feel soft as a babys bot, but gives it volume. I want to say this is the egg whites ? But who cares, soft, yummy, scrummy, I WANT TO EAT IT.  

Finally the cherry on the top. Damaged hot oil treatment. Some cocoa butter or something in this, maybe vanilla. (I am too lazy to go find the packaging, it's my day off alrite) But it made my hair so soft it may as well have been waterproof. TRY THIS. TRY IT ALL.

One thing I can't wait to get my hands on is the makeup.As much as I love all the things Lush. I do use other things, be it a fair few but there are things. Aloe Vera Gel. My spots life saver. I love Grease Lightening, but sometimes this little thing helps the little blighters go. Finally Baths and massage bars. I am working out a lot more these days, I blame the two weddings I am going to, one I am being a bridesmaid. Exciting, but I need to get this booty in shape. So most evenings I will spend in the bath. My favourite, Big Blue and Sunnyside, topped with a rubbing down of hottie or wiccy massage bar. The water looks like mermaids water. 

Mind Blown 💨😮🔫

Pair this, with my iPad and Vampire Diaries. Perfect evening. 

Vampire Diaries probably deserves a mention. Bit late on that wagon, but yeah. Vampires, werewolves, witches, blood. It's like an action packed less sparkly Twilight, but with better actors. Ooooh. Sorry KS and RP. You are better in other films. My spiraliser, I've been wanting one of these bad boys for ages. I got one. It's amazing. Courgettii with pesto, plum tomatoes, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Bon appetite. Chicken, satay sauce, with carrotii and veggies. Yum. 

As well as working on my body I am trying to get my mind in check. I am a firey  passionate person by nature, but want to put in more positive outlets. AKA I am one mad B****.  I already crochet. Now I Yoga and Meditate. I am still working this into my routine but the little I have done, I am loving. Youtuber Yoga with Adrienne, she is my yogi master. Check her out. And am test running some meditation apps. Headspace, Digi Pill and calm. I will let you know how those work out. And that probably won't be to the end of this year at the rate i'm blogging ...

Finally, I am loving my mum.  I embarrass her so much on my Facebook, but she truly is an inspiration. My inspiration. And i've always said that, even before she got "The C word." (Do watch BBC's adaptation of that by the way !) Mum has now had all her treatments, chemo, mastectomy and radiotherapy. It's now recovery. Or rather back to work full time and kicking my ass, even now, at sprinting. Yeah, she's even joined the gym again. A month after radio finished.

#HENCHWENCH

Ta Ta for now ! 

HAPPY HENNA : Tips + Tricks !

HAPPY HENNA.My tips and tricks to a stress free henna.
I would recommend henna to a banana I love it that much. It is ideal for those "dye-a-phobes", like me. Who has only dyed there hair once and wants to do something a little different to their hair, but not much because they are boring. Yep, that's me. I use Lush henna, which means ethically, it is the dogs. No pun intended ... It has the best ingredients, and is surrounded in rich fair trade organic cocoa butter. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm good. (name that film !) I eased my way in with colours. Starting with Noir, then half noir and half brun. Now I am full head of brun. I haven't managed to succumb to the likes of marron and rouge. I am biased brunette through and through.
Not only is Lush's henna packed with all things good, it is also a gentler way of colouring those locks. Henna wraps around your hair like a hug, works with your natural hair colouring and makes it shinier than a bald mans freshly polished head. Whilst also thickening the hair. Which for my fine hair, I aint complainin. Compared to chemical dye, it's a hoot. Chemical dye penetrates your hair, alters the hair colour itself and makes in generally weaker. There is some techincal lingo, but ya know. It's a sunday.
I think today marks well over my 5th Henna and I have some tips and tricks for ya'll.
Tip 1: BE PREPARED + ORGANISED !
Make sure you have all the necessary tools. This comes down to the cling film and scissors. Cause once you got it on your head, dancing around the kitchen with head full of henna can only mean disaster. 

TIP 2 : KEEP CLEAN + TIDY !
This is made easier if tip 1 is well mastered. Before I even chop my henna up, I make sure I have bin bags down, the sink is prepped and everything is out of the way. Cause it does like to fling everywhere. Like a pig in mud. 

TIP 3 : The kitchen sink.
I set my henna station up over the kitchen sink. Then I can lean over it, and if you haven't had any jumpers, it will just wash away down the sink. If it jumps, then tip 2 will take in to effect.

TIP 4 : Consistency + temperature.
Something I feel I have mastered. I achieved the perfect texture of henna today. Smooth, just like chocolate. Also, leaving your henna over the saucepan of water to keep warm whilst applying also helps to achieve a richer colour.
TIP 5 : Sectioning.

I work with my hair in two halves. Always start from back to front. Always comb your hair through before applying. Always start at the root. Simples.

TIP 6 : Washing.
Again Tip 1 and 2 really help here, but I always find jumping in the shower nakey is the best way. It takes about 1 rinse and two washes, and I don't want a neck ache. To ensure an easy clean up, rinse the bath between rinse and washes. And a clean bath before hand, means stuff don't cling to them dirty patches.

There, I think that's it. Happy Hennaing chappies !
Let me know if your keen to give it a go !
x

My little lush secret !

If you haven't worked it out yet, I am little Lushobessed. 
Juuuuuuust a tiny bit.

My recent favourite comes from there EB range. This stands for Emotional Brilliance and is a very unique makeup product. With names chosen specifically to cator for different moods. I like to think of them as a sort of face paint, which can be used anywhere on the face, giving you more than just your averge make up feel, but makeup with a purpose.  

Dynamic is a peachy pearlescent, making this very versatile. It blends beautiful and can be used all over the eye, as a highlighter and even on the lips for that beautiful peachy sheen. 

Rose, jojoba and almond oil to keep it all nourishing. With cupuacu butter and glycerine to help blend and set the makeup. Oh and it hasn't been tested on animals. And for a bonus point, vegan !

This will certainly make a spring glow. 

Have you tried any of the lush EB range ? 

You Snap The Whip. Cheeeeeky ...

It has happened. I have taken my Lush obsession to the extreme. How do you know when this happened ?
Well here are 3 easy warning signs:
1) Your haircare, bodycare and skincare are all Lush products
2) You tell anyone and everyone about Ultrabland
3) You apply to become a Lush Christmas Temp.

Yep. You guessed it. My name is Jess, and I am a Lush Christmas Temp/addict. Which can be said for all of it's employees, they aint foolin ya when they are generally enthusiastic about that product. They probably and most likely do have it by the buckets. Myself included.

Enough of that anyway and onto the product. This product was introduced to me at my group interview, and, GASP ! this is a product I have never heard of/used before.

HOOOOOOOOW ?! I do not bloomin know, but needless to say, there was nothing but smiles on my face.

Now kiddies, who of you LOVE the Comforter ? Silly question, who doesn't. But who out of you, loves the Comforter but do not have a tub ?

Raises own hand with a very sad sad face. Yes, I no longer have bath. A lovely well decorated house on a budget perhaps, but no bath. Alas, my Comforter days are long gone. I lie, due to my mummy I visit home more frequently these days, so I can sneak in a bath here and there.

But, for the in between visits, the product that keeps me smelling of blackcurrent and my skin buttery smooth.

You Snap The Whip.

Again, HOOOOOWWWW ?! HOW ?! Did I get through my days, without realising this product existed ? It is a beautiful exfoliating body butter, so lazy people, this is yo thaaang.

Now it's main base is cocoa butter so it will melt quite quick, but that is what you want, melt it baby, melt it all over your body. It uses charcoal and pumice to gently exfoliate, so it's a bit messy. But a sacrifice you should all be willing to make. Full of macadamia oil which helps cell renewal. And what gives it that black currenty scent, bergamont and cassis absolut. Oh booooooy.

Now I moisten my body with the shower turn it off, scrub then rinse. And definitely do not leave this one in the cubicle cause it's bye bye buffed bod. This lovely bar is £6.25, so a just a little pricey if you are on a budget. But, definitely one of those, 'what can I get for under a tenner that makes me feel like a goddess without breaking the bank products.' I have had about 5 uses out of my bar so far and pretty intense sessions with it too and some left for a couple more. Win.

Let me know if you have tried this Comforters best friend !

See you guys soon !

Jess, Just Another Blogger <3

Lush me longtime.

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of being invited to Lush Plymouth's first blogging event. Now, when it comes to Lush, we all know I aint no stranger. As you may have guessed, from the many product mentions and reviews. But I am that gal that will want to use every product from that brand. And I mean every product. And I've done it with most; clearsil, Clinque, Origins, John Frieda, Bed head. Lush is the one that stuck, and the one that's products really have worked.

But, back to the event. This marks the first official justanothablogger outing and it true Jess form, I did everything I could to make a tit out of my self. See evidence below.

That being said, the event was a true beauty bloggers dream. We were demo'd the teams summer essentials, scoffed a sufficient amount of mini cakes and drank tea from the most sexiest vintage tea collection I had ever seen. Definitely instagramworthy.

One of the highlights was making our very own Bath Bomb. Those little Lushies, don't lie when it comes to it being "hand made". As I struggled to make mine in 3 minutes, a Lushie will make 10 in just 1. Cray to the cray. (Name that YouTuber !)

Big Blue is full of sea salt, sea weed, lemon and lavender ! A perfect dip for all you beach lovers. That perfect pick me up for those of you who are unable to have that summer getaway this year. Myself included. But for those of you who are, Lush Plymouth have prepared the perfect plethora of products to prep your pins and piggies for the glorious summer sun.

First up, Buffy. Inspired by the Brazilians bought religiously by Kylie Minogue. Yes, that's why her booty always looks so buffed. The trick, ground aduki beans, the Eco way to exfoliate. This bar is also full of cocoa butter and shea butter. So for all you lazy folk, it's a perfect all in one.

Fake tan faff = SORTED.

For those who prefer a frothy alternative, have a go with Sandstone soap. Sand, lemon and coconut oil make it a fresh exfoliator. Once you've sanded yourself down, slick yourself in African Paradise. A light body conditioner, full of mangos, almond oil, Shea butter and aloe gel. This beaut will not only brighten the skin with its natural enzymes that eat away dead skin, but will soothe sun burn with its aloey goodness.

Now not to forget those piggies, feet.They make me cringe on all kinds of levels, but you have to give them some TLC. Soak your feet in the bath, bowl, or whatever you have to hand, even the shower ! Break off a piece of Stepping Stones and then go to town on those flappers. If you like pumice stones, you'll love this more. With lemon and lime to eat nasty odours and jojoba oil to soften. It's like a bath bomb for your tootsies.

So if you are fortunate enough to engage in the sun, it's that thing bright thing in the sky, often found in foreign climates where one has to pay to enjoy it. Brits, I can assure you, it is real. One thing you must always remember is to slather on that SPF. Even if you are in the sun or not. PROTECT YO SKIN. Now Lush, the clever beans have produced the most gorgeous sunscreens that will stop you from reaching for your usual sun protecting suspects. One that has me peeing in my little panties, well, rather large panties, is Million Dollar Moisturiser. SPF 30, rich in honey, shea butter, jojoba oil, lavender oil and shiny pigments for that million look. This won't only protect your skin but will keep it healthy and balanced. Good for you acne skin types, with Shea butter and jojoba oil being non comedogenic. So no blockages baby.

If you wish to find out more about the other wonderful sunscreens, nip into your nearest Lush, even better, pop down to Plymouth. The team are lovely ! And bloggers, old and new, Keep yo eyes peeled. There is talk of more #LushPlymouthBlogs events. Yet more peeing in my over large panties.

Cheers Plymouth Team ! You beauty blogging babes !

Also check out the other Blogging Talents, lots of lovely ladies here who have been blogging for a while, it's safe to say I have a lot of catching up to do ! All the links are on Lush Plymouth's Facebook page. Go onnn, give em a like too !

         

Spot Budget Busters. Neutrogina and Lush. Again.

It's no lie, that when it comes to a blog post on skincare, I will be the person blogging it, reading it, memorising it. That, and Caroline Hirons of course. DUH. It is the thing that got me hooked on beauty and everything that surrounds the industry, both positive and negative. Naivety is certainly not my middle name and when it comes to media, a pinch of salt is most certainly needed.

That said, I still hunt for that winning product. Even better, that winning product on a budget. Todays budget buy, spot treatments. And kids, I can tell you one that is free, available to all (in most cases), and if you get off your ass, you can have this product, this very second.

WATER.

I know, I know. But they don't lie about this one. Tried and tested. I can even notice a difference when I haven't been toting up the glasses in a week. So get it down you, force yourself too. You will notice a dramatic difference, not just in skin, mind, and body too !

The next one, that is free.

SLEEP.

Yeah, they don't lie about this one either. Sleep is golden. Lack of it causes; energy loss, making you reach for sugar instead of water. Makes you grouchy, causing arguments, makes you stress, increasing hormone levels and we all know what happens when equilibrium is messed with. Everything gets messed with. Not to mention, all that repair shit that goes on when your catching them Z's. So go catch them.

Now we have upped the water, upped the sleep, whats next ? Products. After committing, painfully, to the Ultrabland Challenge, I have noticed that reducing your skincare can work wonders. Too much can overwhelm your skin, so start with the basics. A good cleanser AND a double cleanse. I mean, take of your makeup, then WASH your face. The most simple thing, but again works a treat. Then if you need extra moisture do. If you fancy a tone, do. Reducing your skincare to what really works, and what you really need, will save your skin and your well earned pennies.

Okay, now onto the more satisfying things, retail therapy. So we have done all the good things we are supposed to do, we still want to buy something and a bargain buy too. When it comes to spot treatments, I am pretty sure I have tried most things on the market. Alpha H liquid Gold being my most expensive one to date. The trusted Origins Super Spot Remover. Freederm, you know the brands. Now I have a dupe for Origins SSR that will blow your socks off, okay, the ingredients aren't going to be word for word, but on getting the job done, it gets it done. Neutrogina Visibly Clear Rapid Spot Treatment. Full of salicylic acid, you know that stuff that helps spots. This will help reduce the little blighters and priced only at £4.99. Not bad huh ? My one and only tip, is use sparingly. This stuff is strong and can cause skin to dry out.

On the more gentler front, one that I use for little pimples and one that I currently have smothered on my face. You guessed it, it's another Lush product ! Grease Lightening, a couple of pounds more at £6.25. But for all of you product conscious beauties this will satisfy all those needs and more. Rosemary, Thyme and Tea Tree a lethal anti-bac and antiseptic trio. Witch Hazel and Grape Juice, the astringent and anti - flam duo. And finally Aloe Gel to soothe, because if its a biggun, that thing will bust through the skin causing all kinds of nasty and crusty bits. We don't like them crusty bits.

Crusty bits dealt with, let me know if you have tried these spot budget busters.

Ta Ta For Now !

Jess, Just Another Blogger, JAB <3

Lush's Solid. Budget haircare that works !

We all have that same love hate relationship ... One minute your in love. The next, screaming from  the top of lungs, scissors at the ready, wondering what you did to deserve this. Yes, I am talking about hair.

Ohhhh hair. One of the many things both women and men alike spend a fortune on. But fear not oh budget beauties, I have the thing that may save you and your bank account.

Lush.

Alas, me and Lush quite simply have a thing going on. Do not tell the boyfriend. The majority often see Lush as that "smelly shop that smells soap and bath bombs" and kids, it does. But it sells more than just soap, it sells wonder products that will change your life. Well, they changed mine at least.

I have tried it all and I aint talking about all the products in Lush. Which shamefully, I have. Bed head,Tigi, John Freda, Herbal Essences, Redken. You name it I have tried, but nothing gets these locks as shiny and soft as Lush products do. That and the fact I have only ever dyed my hair once.

So, on the budget menu today we have Solid Shampoos and Conditioners. Economical, self preserving and naked. I like naked ... These solid bars are not only packed with glorious oils and natural ingredients but they can out last two, even three bottles of 200 ml of shampoo. Priced at £5.50 each, you are getting more than money's worth.

How do you use it you ask ? Well my pretties, soak your hair, wet the bar, rub it on your head till you get your desired lather, put it back in your dry place, give it a quick massage, wash annnnnd done. The only con of this is, you need to make sure you leave it in dry place after use. This ensures you get your two to three bottles worth of washes. More importantly, it comes in a variety of "flavours" to cater all hair types. Lush has got it covered. My favourites are, Jumping Juniper and Seanik.

                                                                    My dry place.

Jumping J is amazing for all you oily hair types, or for those of you who like to give your hair a good cleanse every week to stop your hair going limp and laden with product. It's filled with; juniperberry, to balance sebum, Lavender to calm, rosemary to deeply cleanse and lemon and lime oils to help with shine. As well as making your hair smell fresh and zesty.

Seanik is one for you bouncy shiny folk. Solid seaweed, salt and lemon. No no, we aren't prepping your hair for a fishy feast. The seaweed is softening. The fine sea salt helps to give your hair some oopmmmmmmpfffff. And the lemon, well, we all like our hair to shine don't we ?

Now if I haven't enticed you enough, solid conditioner. There are only two solids ... Pun not intended. They do obviously have a ton of liquid conditioner. American Cream, strawberries and cream is a long lasting favourite but we are on a budget here people. And how more budget can you get than Jungle, pricing at £3.35.

YES. THAT'S RIGHT.
THREE POUNDS AND THIRTY FIVE PENCE.
So for both your shampoo and conditioner, that actually works, that improves the quality of your hair you will paying a total of £8.85. Proof is in the puddin.

This solid beauty will last you a life time, a little definitely goes a long way. If used correctly Jungle is suited for all hair types. After shampooing, wring out your hair, moisten the bar, get it as hot as you can, and run it along the ends of the hair. Just a couple of times will give you a good coating, too much and may end up with greasy mess. Packed with, cocoa butter, avocados, figs, passion fruit, Kumquat this doesn't only smell divine, it does divine and only for £3.35. I am in heaven. The smell last's all day and night, even to the following morning. You may even find yourself selloptaping your hair to create some form of moustache or beard, just to get a constant wiff of your passion fruit pong. And no, I have not tried it ... Yet.

Let me know if I have tempted you with the solid saver ?

I challenge you to, the Ultrabland Challenge.

Skin. Or what I like to call, the bane of my life, and probably the reason why my love and fascination for the beauty industry has grown. I have problem skin. Or rather, a cystic acne, dry, patchy, oil slick, sometimes congested mess. Okay, so it isn't that bad.

But stress, poor diet, hormones, ill used products and look out ! Is that a volcano that has erupted on your face ? No, that's just my spots. Painful. Red. Takes ages to go away. Boy it's a real treat.

So, lately due to stress, horrible medical worries, organising general life. My skin, has been somewhat to put politely ... F - UDGED ! And I aint no stranger when it comes to a good skincare routine.

Can we get some love for the Goddess and the somewhat sarcastic (my most favourite part), Caroline Hirons. Skincare Guru. You must have heard of her. If not. I will do that thing, you know links and all that. Her blog is like the Bible. It is, in fact, the Bible.

I double cleanse, tone, moisterise, treat. You know the steps. But this time, she wasn't having it. So, after much conversation with the advisers at my favourite store, Lush ! We decided I should do the Ultrabland Challenge.

My love for this product was already strong. But boy, it just went full blown love, babies, marriage and to death to us bloody part. It is a staple in my everyday skincare routine, slather it on, hot cloth it off. IT. IS. HEAVEN. I think most avid skincare junkies will hold up their hands and admit that when it's time to slap on that cleanser and moisten that flannel, the satisfaction you get after is something that can only be related to a little something, something. You know what I mean, and if you don't. Keep it that way. Until your atleast 21 or over. 

The challenge is, use nothing but Ultrabland. And that's it. That. Is. It. Cleanse. And done. For a whole MONTH. You can imagine my brain going into meltdown, but what about the my Tea Tree Toner, what about my Effaclar Duo. Nope. Just Ultrabland. And hands down, 5 days in, texture, oil, tone, massive improvement. I may also add, i've been downing water like its going out of fashion. It's like skin re - set. A detox if will. And, no I have been using this product for well over a year and it does not add to my cystic acne. In fact, the break out is still there, but reduced dramatically in size.

A little on the the texture. It is thick and balm like, enabling all the dirt (yummy) to cling to the cream. You'd think, woah my greasy skin won't like this, trust me it does. Afterwards, once you've been to hot cloth heaven, your skin feels nicely nourished, balanced and no overly oily. 

I can safely say I am a happy camper. Now, the question is, do you dare to do the Ultrabland challenge ?

If you are daring let me know. If not, use it anyway. It last's ages and is amazing value for money and better for the planet ! Everyone's a chicken dinner ! I will keep you posted on it's progress.

Ta Ta for now !

Jess, just another blogger.

<3

Ingredients : Proof is in the pudding ! 

Almond Oil - Packed with Vitamin E ! Heals and protects

Rose Water - Calms and reduces redness !

Beeswax - Gives a rich emollient ! And awesome for healing bruises, inflammation and burns !

Honey - Not just something you have on yogurt is full of nutrients and antibacterial, antiseptic, antioxidant and antifungal substances. Tasty and tactful.

Fresh Iris Extract - It smells amazing but also helps to  soothe and reduce inflamtion.

Glycerine - Now don't panic ! Glycerine is a humectant, absorbing water-based materials into its structure. In a cosmetic product, glycerine will carry effective ingredients, such as aloe gel or fruit juices, into the skin where their beneficial effects can be utilised. It is very mild and will not irritate in any way. It is also very moisturising. Yay !

 Rose Absolute - Restores balance. And also an aphrodisiac. Cheeeeky.

Tincture of Benzoin - Help cracked sore skin

Methylparaben/Propylparaben- Safe parabens, helps to preserve