Paper and perfume

I mentioned a few posts ago that I have started my new Christmas job at Lush. The training has been absolutely fantastic and I've genuinely enjoyed every moment of it. I originally knew a lot of their products, but now I understand them on a whole other level. We've learnt the science of hair care and skin care, how to work with different skin types, dying with henna; I feel like I should have a Lush degree!

I'm most looking forward to getting out on the shop floor. I think the more face to face interaction I have, the more I am going to grow and change. I've had shop jobs here and there, but I've been waiting for an opportunity like this to really explore sales and social interaction. I am also greatly looking forward to Christmas. Our new range looks incredible and I can't wait to show you all! Pop into Lush Arndale for a consultation with me! 

Yesterday I also attended a meeting for the new student newspaper. It's our first year making the jump to online so things have been hectic. Having said that, I am greatly disappointed with the organisation of our recruitment drive and although I take my features editor role seriously, I am feeling exasperated by the whole situation. For now, I'm operating in my own bubble. I want to make content that students will love reading and those that don't will still talk about. I don't want the paper to be ignored in the same way that it has been in the past. We have great writers involved already, it's just a shame they may not be able to show and nurture their talent in a structured way. 

I will do what I can but at the end of the day it's a team effort!

Review: Lush - Moon&Sun steamer tab

I have to start by saying I've read a few reviews of this product and none of them are accurate when compared to my personal experience.

Moon & Sun steamer tab contains neroli and lavender oil to relax the mind and sooth your skin. My skin certainly felt a little more luxe after steaming. I felt refreshed and around my cheeks felt more tight, instead of the tired sagging I'm used to.

The scent of Moon&Sun is most notably Lavender based. Infact I couldn't really pick up the other ingredients, which include Farnesol, which smells of violets. I've heard a few people comment that the smell was over powering. For me, this certainly was not the case. If anything, I was slightly disappointed as I found the smell to be quite weak. However, when your nose is a few centimeters away from something, you don't want the fragrance to be too 'in your face' (excuse the pun).

If you're using water from the kettle, let it cool for a bit for safety reasons. However, the warmer the water, the more steam you'll get and the longer steamer time you'll have. I suggest putting your hand over the bowl before you drop the steamer tab in, to test how hot the steam is. To get the most out of the steam, place a towel over your head so it is most concentrated on your face.

The left over water can be used as a toner for up to 1 week. Any longer and you're risking it as unlike natural water, tap water has an expiry date.

Overall I quite liked Moon&Sun. However, I felt slightly silly sniffing a bowl with a towel over my head, so perhaps steaming isn't for me? I have Dream Steam left to try though so maybe I need to get used to it. I can image this to be the perfect thing to treat your skin during the winter months when you come in from the cold. I also suffer from migraines and since the scent isn't strong, I feel they could be very soothing.

Review: Lush - The Olive Branch shower gel

The Olive Branch shower gel from Lush is comprised of vine leaves, Mandarin juice, Bergamot oil and a whole load of other naturally sourced goodies. Unlike a lot of Lush products, the scent is actually less sweet and has more of an earthy smell. Despite the difference, the scent still lasts on the skin long after your shower.

One thing that did strike me was the consistency of the shower gel. It's a lot more runny compared to other shower gels. Sometimes the ingredients also separate, don't be put off by this though! Just give it a good shake before you use it.

The gel foams a little less that the other Lush products and I think this is down to the change in consistency. However, it's not the sort of problem that would make me avoid buying the product again.

The Olive Branch is Lush's most popular shower gel and in my opinionit's slightly over rated. The smell is gorgeous but I much prefer their other products such as Happy Hippy or limited addition Snow Fairy. I would recommend this to any Lush fans looking to draw away from the heavy, sweet scents