Warning: your life will change if you use this product!
To exfoliate or not to exfoliate? That is the question! There are numerous different opinions in the beauty industry about using an exfoliator as some say it's essential to scrub dead skin away and brighten whereas others believe that simply washing with a flannel is almost too much abrasion for delicate faces. I think there is such thing as too much exfoliation, but I could not live without it. I only exfoliate my face when I wash my hair in the shower, usually three times a week, or perhaps before using a face mask. I love to feel it deep cleaning my skin and think it can be truly beneficial a couple of times a week to keep skin feeling alive. Know your skin and use the right amount and pressure for your face, and if you are going to exfoliate... you must use Lush Ocean Salt Facial Scrub.
This facial scrub, as its name suggests, is made up of fine sea salt which acts as its exfoliating ingredient. It provides a scrubby mix which cleans the skin by removing dead skin cells, leaving your mush bright and glowing. It doesn't tighten or dry out the skin, however, as lashings of fresh and softening ingredients are also packed into the pot. Organic limes, avocado butter and infusion of fresh grapefruit also all make this scrub truly scrumptious. The limes are soaked in vodka which account for its astringent, tangy feeling which may not be to everybody's tastes. There is a slight sting and even if I avoid getting the product anywhere near my mouth, I can always taste the lime and salt on the tip of tongue when washing it off. It's not entirely unpleasant though and I now enjoy it as I associate the taste and experience with this good old scrub! It is, however, therefore antiseptic which is a little added benefit.
To counteract the zesty assault on your face, the avocado butter, extra virgin coconut oil, lanolin, seaweed and violet leaf all moisturise and leave your skin supple. It is the most beautiful combination. I first used the product after having a sickness bug and being bed ridden for a few days. I emerged from under the sheets and headed straight for a much-needed bath and this scrub sorted me right out! My face was a lank and oily mess and after a quick dab of Ocean Salt, it was back to normal having been miraculously both scrubbed within an inch of its life yet also feeling so so soft. Divine! Even the gorgeous turquoise colour is heavenly.
It literally has the consistency of salt so certainly is abrasive. I would recommend only using a small amount as even a teeny scoop will do the job. I will warn you that to some it may seem harsh, but as long as you are gentle I think it does your skin the world of good. Simply dip your finger in the tub after wetting your skin and then softly work onto your face in circular motions, paying special attention to crevices and problem areas - for me my t-zone, chin and the crevices around my nose. Then simply wash it off and feel your skin breathe and whisper 'oh wow!' :).
An extra good tip to know is that it comes with most of the salt sitting at the top of the pot so just like when you open a new pot of paint - it needs a good mix. Use a lollypop stick or similar implement to spread the salt all throughout the mixture until you get the beautiful aquamarine colouring and it looks something like the pictures above, rather than below:
This beauty gem is also Vegetarian Society approved and of course, like all Lush products, NOT tested on animals! Praise the Lord! It's unfortunately not vegan though as, as mentioned, it contains lanolin which is sheep's wool wax or fat. It is plainly and simply a substance secreted to keep wool waterproof and protected. But for us, it means excellent moisturisating, plumping and protecting.
Lush https://www.lush.co.uk/product/306/Ocean-Salt-Facial-Scrub-100g
£6.95 for 100g
£12.95 for 250g
If you listen to any advice I give you - please give this product a go. It is my absolute favourite beauty product at the moment and the best thing I bought in 2012. It can also be used on the body, but I like to enjoy the kick it gives to my skin (and envigoration of my senses) and use a thicker and less concentrated scrub on the rest of my wobbly bits. I only bought the 100g pot as it was my first time, but I think I will rebuy this smaller size. It lasts a long time as only a small scoop is required and it's nice to keep it fresh once mixed together and activated.
Let me know how you get on! And if your skin really does whisper 'oh wow!' like mine.
