Lush Review: Fresh Farmacy and Coalface

Another review to my Lush edition...

I just want to start off by saying that I love both of these facial cleansers and think they are a fabulous edition to my skincare routine. I use Fresh Farmacy on a daily basis for the most part and alternate with Coalface maybe once a week. Both of these products are Vegan. Coalface is one of Lush's best selling products. Now off to the review:

Description (per the Lush website):
Fresh Farmacy: Cleans and calms blotchy skin
Fresh Farmacy looks like soap and you use it in the same way, getting it wet and smoothing the light lather over your face, but it's a good deal more special. Wash your face (and even your whole body if you're prone to soreness) with our calming calamine, chamomile and rose facial bar. And if you're prone to breakouts, lavender and tea tree will banish pimple-forming bacteria. The result: happier skin and a fortune saved by not having to shell out on concealer

Coalface Cleanser: Removes impurities and tones combination skin

Who would have thought charcoal and liquorice could get along? One is tough and gritty, the other sweet and syrupy. But charcoal and liquorice could just be the odd couple of skin care, teaming up to fight oily, troubled skin in our Coalface cleanser. Powdered charcoal removes impurities and mildly exfoliates while liquorice heals naturally. Sandalwood oil tones the skin (and mediates should charcoal and liquorice disagree about anything).

Ingredients (per the Lush website):
Fresh Farmacy:
Calamine Powder, Chamomile Decoction (Anthemis nobilis), Elderflower Decoction (Sambucus nigra), Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycerine, Lavender Oil (Lavandula hybrida), Chamomile Oil (Anthemis nobilis), Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), Rose Absolute (Rosa centifolia), Sodium Chloride, EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, *Limonene, nalool, Perfume, Marigold Flowers (Calendula officinalis). *Naturally occurs in essential oils

Coalface Cleanser:
Liquorice Root Decoction (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Propylene Glycol, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Stearate, Rosewood Oil (Aniba rosaeordora), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Powdered Charcoal, Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album), Glycerine, Sodium Chloride, EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, *Linalool, Perfume, Silver Edible Lustre (Potassium aluminum silicate, Titanium dioxide, Iron oxides and hydroxides).

Cost:
Both items can be purchased to the cost of your liking. You can request the piece by size or simply just ask for a $1, $5, or whatever and they will cut the piece and weight it. I got a $4 piece of Coalface and it has lasted a while (months)..but I do not use it daily. Fresh Farmacy can go pretty quickly so I buy a $9 piece at a time and it can last about 6-8 weeks. If you buy the pre-made cut at 3.5 oz, Coalface is $10.95 and Fresh Farmacy is $8.95.

Application:
Fresh Farmacy:
This is one of the softest soaps Lush has. It can be incredibly crumbly and can melt fairly quickly so I advise to cut it into little squares and keep it in a dry area. I usually wet my face, wet my hands, and rub the little bar in my hands until it creates a good lather. This soap should be able to create a good amount of lather for you..if not, wet it a bit more. Then I just rub on my face in circular motions for about 30-60 seconds. Then rinse off! Some people complain of a 'film' that is left on their face..but I have never felt this film before. Also, you can definitely feel the calamine powder as you rub it on your face. It's like this soft, velvety feeling mixed in with soap..but when I rinse it comes right off. Some people complain of a 'medicinal' smell, but it just smells like soap to me.

Coalface Cleanser:
Let me start by saying that the first few times I used this, I hated this! First, it has a strong smell of charcoal which really bothered me. In fact, it bothered me so much that I quit using it. Well, I decided to break it back out and I am glad I did. Now, I don't even smell the charcoal as strong and I think it is because I use more water with the product. I apply it the same was a Fresh Farmacy and it creates a great lather as well. This soap will have little gritty bits of charcoal which provide great exfoliation properties. Again, cut it into little squares. This product doesn't melt extremely easily, but it is best to keep it in a dry area, as with most Lush soaps.

Results:
Fresh Farmacy:
This is a fantastic facial cleanser for sensitive skin. I love how soft it makes my skin feel, yet I feel clean and refreshed. I have noticed an improvement in my complexion and the overall clarity of my skin. I think the calamine powder has significantly 'calmed' my skin. The description the Lush website provides definitely describes this soap perfectly.

Coalface Cleanser:
I do not recommend this cleanser for people who have extremely sensitive skin. I don't have sensitive skin, but I do have acne prone combination skin. This soap can be extremely drying!!! I started out by using it twice a day and quickly realized that this should only be used once a day. I love the exfoliating bits and always feel super clean after I use this soap. You definitely have to follow up with a good moisturizer. I don't think I could use this on a daily basis but my skin seems to do fine with it one to two times a week.

Good luck and I hope I helped!

LOTD: Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween people!

Obviously this orange and black look was inspired by today!

Face:
MAC Fix+ (as moisturizer)
Boscia Skin Perfecting face primer
Milk of Magnesia (as primer in t-zone)
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation in Caramel
MAC Studiostick concealer in NC45
MAC MSF Natural in Dark

Eyes:
UDPP
NYX Jumbo Pencils in Black Bean and Orange
NYX Sunset eyeshadow (lid and lower lash)
120 Palette metallic golden orange (on top of NYX Sunset..beautiful combo! and above black tie)
CoverGirl Queen Collection Black Tie eyeshadow (in crease)
Jordana Fabuliner in Black (upper eyelid and waterline)
L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in Black

Cheeks:
NYX Mosaic powder in Love (orange)

Lips:
Revlon MoonDrops Lipstick in Orange
Love My Lips Wetshine Lipgloss in orange

Lush Baby Face Cleanser (Makeup Remover)

Hello!!!!

So a while back I had purchased a ton of Lush Handmade Cosmetics products and told you guys I would put my thoughts up after I had tried them for a while. Well, true to my word I was drafting a HUGE post of my thoughts on all the products. I had it broken down by face, body, etc....by skin type..everything. It was perfect! THHEEENNNN as I am typing..somehow I ended up erasing it all. No prob...I can just go back to my previous draft..WRONG! At that exact moment Blogger decided to Autosave the blank screen. I was pissed and did not feel like re-writing everything so I just left it alone...for a good two or three months lol. Sorry! Well now I am back and I will be posting about a few products at a time..lol.

I have a new skin regimen that seems to be working great with my skin. I am using Lush's Babyface Cleanser solely as a makeup remover. It looks like a little baby's face..too cute! This is primarily for people who have very dry skin. Honestly, I do not know how someone can actually use this is a cleanser because of the texture. I decided to give it a try because I heard that it can also be used as a makeup remover. I like to remove my makeup as soon as I get home..but I shower later in the evening after I hit the gym..so I like my makeup remover to do it's job and give my combination skin a bit a moisture so that it's not dry until I hop into the shower. This product works great!


Description (per the Lush website):
Vegan (While all LUSH products are vegetarian, this product is vegan. That means it contains no eggs, dairy, honey, or other animal product, byproduct, or secretion.)
May Melt

Baby Face gently cleanses skin to leave it soft as a baby's bottom. Perfect for dry, sensitive skin or wind-whipped faces, it effectively removes makeup and dirt while its cocoa, shea and avocado butters smooth and soften. After applying Baby Face, simply wipe it off with a slightly damp cotton pad or face cloth. Preservative-free and unpackaged, this cleanser is easy on the environment too and the bar format makes it a cinch to travel with!

Ingredients (per the Lush website):

Fair Trade Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii), Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera), Fresh Avocado Butter (Persea gratissima), Tangerine Oil (Citrus Tangerina), Narcissus Absolute (Narcissus jonquilla), Everlasting Flower Absolute (Gnaphalium uliginosum), *Limonene, *Linalool, Perfume.

*Naturally occurs in essential oils

Cost:
Due to the size, you are not able to get a sample of this product so I took a risk and just bought it. It was about $9 and I can see this bar lasting for MONTHS! I am definitly saving money versus purchasing makeup wipes once a month (there are normally 25-30 wipes in a pack).

Application:
The first time I used it, I thought..ewwww this is greaseball city..how the hell do you use this? First thing, I rinse my face with water. I have found that it is best to run Babyface under hotter water than normal...this will loosen the oils and make it a bit more slick. Then, I concentrate only on putting it on the tips of my fingers (not all over my hands) and concentrate mainly on the eye area (where I have the most makeup usually). CAUTION: You do not need a whole lot of this product. A little goes a LOOONNNGGG way. Then I spread it outward to get off my foundation, blush, etc. Then I rinse, rinse, and rinse. I have been using this for about 3 or 4 weeks and haven't even made a dent in my bar. Just keep it in a tin and away from heat, because it will melt easily if not properly stored.

Results:
I don't have to apply lotion afterward and my face DOES not feel greasy. It feels moisturized and clean with no film on my face. I think this also has to do with the fact that I rinse my face thoroughly afterward. I can see people having their face greasy if they do not rinse properly. My makeup is completely removed (eyeliner, shadow, mascara, everything!) and the skin feels soft. I can see a drastic decrease in oily production on my face throughout the day since using this. I think it is because my skin absorbs oils with this product, thus my face doesn't have to produce as much. Also, I was worried about it clogging my pores since I normally remove my makeup with it and then hit the gym, but so far so good. No breakouts and my skin looks much more hydrated.

Overall, this product is very much cost effective and just makes sense. Previously, I was using EVOO to get rid of my eye makeup and then a wipe for my face makeup. This products does it all. It removes my eye makeup flawlessly while conditioning my lashes and then further removes my face makeup while hydrating and not clogging my pores. I think I will be purchasing this product for a lonnnnggg time!

LOTD: Puuurdy Plaid

Look of the Day: Purple and Black, inspired by my plaid shirt..Love it! PS. My camera makes my shirt look bluish..but it definitely is a vibrant purple..


Face:
Neutrogena Combination Skin Lotion
Boscia Skin Perfecting Primer (love this stuff!)
Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse in Caramel (my fav foundation at the moment)
MAC Studio Stick concealer in NC45
MAC MSF Natural in Dark
MAC Blot Powder in Dark (normally I wouldn't add this but I broke a sweat trying to get my lashes on..lol)

Cheeks:
Maybelline Expert Wear Blush in Apricot Flush (great for brown skin)
Maybelline Expert Wear Blush in Potpourri

Eyes:
UDPP (primer)
NYX Jumbo pencil in Purple (base)
120 Palette: matte dark purple, shimmer pinky purple, shimmer dark purple, shimmer black
Jordana Fabuliner in Black (top lid, under and over lashes)
Jane Glitter jumbo pencil in Black (water line)
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black
Red Cherry #42 (my second attempt at lashes..yikes! still practicing...need to get closer to my lashline!)

Lips:
Jordana lipgloss in Peach Sand

Do Your Research: Makeupalley.com

Helllooo!

So a few weeks back I posted my quick tips post. The most important tip I offered about was to DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!

One of my favorite ways to look up reviews on various products is to check out:

MAKEUPALLEY.COM

This is a fabulous website that has product reviews, pictures, videos, etc. from people all around the world. It uses a lipstick rating system of 1-5. I have written a few of my own reviews for products I like and don't like. It's great because although we know products work differently for some people, you can at least get an idea of what to expect (IE, why did this product create this weird flaky texture on my skin..etc.)

There is also a SWAP section where you can post products that you have that you don't really want or like anymore and swap with other users. Do this at your own risk because you never know what you may get or what the hygiene of the other individual is like. You can always disinfect the products with alcohol. There are plenty of BRAND NEW NEVER BEEN USED products listed too. It's just another alternative if you are tight on cash and want to try something without actually buying it...SWAP with someone!

Finally, there are a TON of message boards to talk about the ins and out of beauty, skin care, and favorite products. This is good if you are looking for a particular product that works well with your complexion, skin type, etc. and don't even know where to start!

Check it out...and write some reviews!

P90X Series: Kenpo X

Another day...another video...

Today I did KENPO X followed by AB RIPPER X. I can say that this is the most fun workout out of all of the ones I have tried so far. KENPO X is a martial arts type workout. It's not like Tae Bo because it focuses on more form, but it is meant to be a cardio workout. In fact, the models in the video are all wearing heart rate monitors (I have decided that I am going to ask for one for Christmas!). Like all the videos in the P90X series, there is a little time bar at the bottom of the screen that tells you how much time you have left and completed. This video had a rep counter as well. I didn't notice it until toward the end of the video, so I don't think it was there the whole time..but it was there. I think Tony Horton is too funny. I swear he was in my house with me as I was doing this video. Toward the end I was getting a bit sloppy and as soon as I thought it he says, "Come On! I know you are getting slopping right now with your form because you are getting tired, but step it up!". Another time we were doing back kicks and I noticed I started kicking outwards versus back and he says, "Don't turn it into a side kick..think mule kick!". It was hilarious..

I enjoy martial arts and even took Tai kwando as an elective in college. My instructor would always comment on how well my form was. I chalk it up to having short limbs (4'11) and my passion for dance. Plus I have done my fair share of Tae Bo and similar videos so I knew I wouldn't have a problem with doing any of the moves. This is the first video I was able to keep up to pace with the entire time. I didn't feel like I was over exerting myself and I was sweating lots!

The only hard part of doing this video was doing it sore as hell from yesterdays LEGS AND BACK. Man, my butt, legs, and even arms are really sore and I did not realize until I started this video. It hurts but once I was loosened up, it wasn't a big deal and I was fine.

It is really neat feeling all this soreness because I am sore in muscles I have never actually felt before. Ab Ripper X was still hard, but I did a lot better. I have a feeling that next week I am going to do better because I will be more familiar with the videos. For the next 2 weeks I will be following the same exact schedule as far as what videos I will be doing. I will not be writing daily since you guys already know of my thoughts on the videos...but I will update you on my progress and anything else that comes across my mind.

P90X BRING IT!!!

P90X Series: Legs and Back

I can sum up this video in ONE word: BURN!!!!

This video is chock full of squats and pull ups. My legs were on fire the majority of the time! It felt good though because all of the moves are do-able...no ridiculously hard moves here. It is just a matter of being strong enough to do them for the reps he suggests. The burn really came through when we did wall squats...my line sisters know about these crazy exercises!

This video has the best calf workout I have ever had. I never felt like I engaged my calf muscles like I did today. Granted, my calves are probably the most tone part of my body, so it's not like I need it..but it is always great to strengthen that foundation.

You also are supposed to write down your progress after every set. P90X comes with workout sheets, but I have mine in an excel file. I just press pause and type it in my excel document and then press play again.

Today was the first video using the pull up bar. Of course, they recommend you get the P90X Pull Up bar, but I got my Iron Gym pull up bar from Target. It was $29.99 and fits it most door frames. There is no drilling or screwing it...you just latch it over the door frame and go! Holds up to 300 pounds. In any event, I had to do all my pull ups assisted because I am not strong enough to do one pull up on my own. Since I am so short I had to put a box on top of my chair to really get it to work. If I didn't add the extra height I would basically be standing up and down, up and down, versus actually pulling up with my arms. I made sure to barely keep my feet on the box so that my arms would do the work and not my legs. I will say that with the Iron Gym you may have to tweak some of the pull ups due to the grip padding (ie, may have to alternate the wide grip with something else).

I have to admit..I was surprised at my strength. I did a good amount of assisted pull ups and I didn't think I would be able to. Once again, Tony emphasizes doing as many as you can. He tells you to pick a number and try and reach it..even if it is only 5. Many of the models only did an average of 12. In the video, they also show you how you can use resistance bands instead of a pull up bar. My sister is using the resistance bands and says it works great.

This is definitely a workout to follow up with your 'recovery drink'. By the way, I slept like a baby last night and woke up feeling less sore than I expected..GLUTAMINE ROCKS!

Okay. Off to shower and then to bed. I'm tired!

P90X Series: Ab Ripper X

Today I went to the gym and just did my regular 45 minutes of cardio (remember my Shoulders and Arms video won't play for me right now). When I got back I did AB RIPPER X.

OH MY GOODNESS....This video is HARD.

Figures that the area I need to work on the most has the most difficult routine ever. Jeez. It is 15 minutes long and you do a variety of ab exercises....349 total to be exact. I can tell you now that the majority of them require you to have your feet off the floor. Out of the 11 different exercises, I was able to do like 2 at max reps (25). All of the exercises require 25 reps, but Tony really emphasizes that it is okay to take a break. I had to modify most of them to make it easier.

Yes yall, I almost died on my living room floor but I sure that over time it will be easier. Hell, it better!

Tony recommends following the routine with a 'recovery drink'. He is referring to the supplements that come along with the program that are able for purchase. I did not purchase any of the P90X Supplements but I did get some protein powder (Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Double Rich Chocolate) and some Glutamine powder for my tougher workouts to aid with muscle recovery. You can google protein shakes and see what kind of protein you are interested in. I definitely can recommend this brand because it tastes yummy and they have a variety of flavors. Also if you go to www.vitaminshoppe.com they have great deals on Optimum Nutrition brand. I spent less on the product that if I would have gone down to the store (including shipping) and it only took about 2 days to arrive at my house.

Tomorrow we are using the pull up bar...we will see how that goes!

"Class Reunion" TNX Fall 2009 Week Performance

P90X Series: Yoga X

Day three people..and today was supposed to be SHOULDERS AND ARMS PLUS AB RIPPER X. Unfortunately, this video is having problems playing for me so I just skipped to the next workout which is YOGA X. Until I get the video issue fixed, I will be supplementing SHOULDERS AND ARMS with my own gym routine. However, tomorrow I have to work late and I was aware that YOGA X us fairly lengthy and I would have much more time today to do it, so I skipped ahead. Just wanted to clear that up!

YOGA X! Let me start off by saying that I like yoga and similar pilates, but find yoga to be incredibly difficult. It takes an intense amount of balance, focus, and a strong core. I think when I work out I do a great job of maintaining control with whatever I do, so I figured I would do well but knew I would struggle a bit.

Well, this was probably the best yoga workout I have ever had...along with being the hardest. I really like how Tony breaks down each of the positions and clearly names them so you can really learn. By the end of the 90 days, I am sure I will be a yoga pro! I stretched and held my body in positions that I didn't even know were possible. I twisted my body in ways I didn't think my body could go! It was great.

This routine is the longest at an hour and a half. It is broken down into yoga exercises, balance/control exercises, stretching, and meditation. I had difficulty with the balance part but I am sure I will get better over time. Particularly THE CRANE move...hell nah. I will most likely never be able to do that move. This is what it looks like:

Ha ha! Isn't it beautiful?!

Toward the second half of the video I noticed a dramatic difference in my flexibilty. I was able to stretch further than normal and it felt great. I really loved the last 10 minutes of YOGA X. I am sure if someone walked in on me doing the Shavasan (Corpse pose) they would be like.."Hey! Aren't you supposed to be working out!"...because you basically just lay there. The end is the mediation piece and we even practice a few "Ohms". Tony says that the "ohms" vibrate the central nervous system and it felt REALLY cool.

YOGA X definitely is a challenge and takes control and patience. Tony does an excellent job of being very descriptive with the moves so you don't have to do much looking at the screen and can follow along. In fact, I found I held my moves much better when I stopped trying to look at the screen and just listened to his direction. Overall, I am impressed but I wonder if once I get better at the moves, if I will get bored. Hmmm.