I've had plenty of issues with my skins over the years, but that's the joys of hormones and stress.  I started using the St. Ives apricot scrub about eighteen months ago, and found it worked for my skin. However, the longer I used it, the more I noticed the actual quality of my skin deteriorated. I then found out that the crushed apricot pit, that is the abrasive and exfoliating ingredient actually microscopically tear the skin. It may not be visible damage in the mean time, but long term, I didn't want to think what was happening to my skin. 

 So, that started my hunt for new products. 

I tried a few different cleansers which used round microbeads, yet none of them reacted well with my skin. They either dried it out ridiculously, or I broke out the whole time I was using it.

I popped into Lush one day and had a good chat with one of the girls there about the state of my skin, my skin type (combination) and the problems I'd had with other cleansers.  She suggested I give ULTRABLAND a try.  So I did. 

The first few days it worked fine on my skin - left it feeling not too oily or dry, reduced my spots and left me feeling great with my skin. I used it for three weeks straight, giving my skin time to get used to a new, more natural product. However, even after that time I found it wasn't perfect, so started incorporating my St. Ives scrub again twice a week, which helped. 

So the other week when my friend and I popped into Lush, I asked my friend what cleanser she recommended. She pointed my straight into the direction of DARK ANGELS. To be honest, I was kinda freaked out by the black colour, but after using it for just under three weeks, i'm in love! My skins smooth, relatively breakout free (no thanks to hormones trying to work their magic!). I've also noticed the redness I have on my cheeks/by my nose has dramatically reduced! I also find my skin is a lot less oily, which is a nice added bonus. Truth be told I just want to constantly stroke my face. Yep. I said that. 

TEA TREE TONER and GREASE LIGHTENING have also helped better my skin too! I just dab on Grease Lightening one any spots - both 'growing' and 'grown' spots, and they're definitely heal a lot quicker compared to not using it. I wipe Tea Tree Toner all over my face after I've washed my face, just to get any left over product off of my face.  I've had my KIEHLS ULTRA FACE MOISTURISER for months and it's finally running out. I love the way it feels on my skin when its all sunk in. I can't quite justify buying a replacement though, so I'm looking out for a cheaper alternative! My Clinique eye roll on is also a newer addition, but when I use it, I find my eyes are less puffier and my dark circles are lighter. Bonus!


ULTRABLAND - Almond oil, rose water, beeswax, honey...
DARK ANGELS - Rhassoul Mud, avocado oil, charcoal...

This is 100% not a sponsored post, I'm just super happy I've finally found a skincare regime that finally works for my skin. I'm also aware of the fact Lush isn't the 'super natural all the best for your skin' type of products they aim to be. BUT, personally, I find them so much better than your normal pick up from the supermarket type of cleansers/face washes that I've tried and have failed with.