How I am Getting Rid of my Acne and Hyperpigmentation (Dark Spots)

I was very delighted to be offered the opportunity to try out the Banish Acne Skincare range mainly because I am in the quest of finding the right products to restore my skin which has been through a little rough time over the past few months. I thought my days of active acne were over but I recently got acne towards the beginning of the year and the accompanying post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I had not heard about Banish prior to contacting me but I did some research and was impressed with what I saw. So, here I am sharing my thoughts with you on the brand and the products I tried. 

Acne Skincare Products

Acne and I have never been friends and will never be. We have struggled with each other but I think I am winning now. I thought it would be useful to share some of the products I have been using to help keep my skin clear. I was going to do post on lifestyle changes for Acne which is still in draft so expect it up soon.  Making lifestyle changes definitely has made the biggest difference and I would share tips on what I have done in that post. Please bear in mind that everyone's skin type is different and so is everyone's experience. These are products that have worked for me and I hope they work for you if you try them. My skin type is predominantly Combination-Oily skin which is Acne-prone. My acne also tends to leave hyper pigmentation marks which take ages to clear but I am working on it now. Lastly, I am no dermatologist as you may have guessed already. Anyway, let's jump right into it...


Makeup Removers
I know some people assume that removing your makeup is the same thing a cleansing but it is not at all. Removing your makeup is more like cleaning the skin of makeup, dirt and grime that may have accumulated naturally from the environment. Cleansing the skin is more of nourishing your skin and making it ready for serums, moisturisers, etc or just leaving it to breathe in a clean and clear environment. I am not really fussy about my makeup removers as I tend to gravitate towards wipes (as a first makeup remover), micellar waters, cleansing oils or a soft cleansing gel. I am currently loving my Garnier Micellar Water (Review//Link) and Bioderma Micellar Water (Review//Link). I use my Garnier more often because it is cheaper and easier to find although it dries out my skin ever so slightly. I reach for Bioderma when I need to take off my eye makeup and I just prefer something less drying and more powerful. Other times, I reach for La Roche Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel* (Review//Link)which I absolutely adore because it is so gentle and removes my makeup much better than micellar waters or wipes. If you have Acne prone skin, it is always best to use a makeup remover that is gentle but effective so you don't have to physically manipulate the skin to get makeup off.



Cleansers
When it comes to cleansers, I am a little fussy as i look out for ingredients that I know will help with my Acne. I have tried a few active ingredients and I now understand what works for my skin. Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid-BHA) is one of my best friends because it really helps to keep my pores clear and prevents de congestion which sometimes lead to acne. Salicylic Acid works right into the pores and you can feel its effect almost immediately. Another active ingredient I love is Glycolic acid (Alpha Hydroxy Acid-AHA) which is amazing at keeping the skin clear, decongesting pores and encouraging cell turn over. This means any damaged skin or irritated skin gets better in a shorter time. There are a bunch of other ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide, Lactic Acid, Vitamin C, etc which all help with Acne and Hyper Pigmentation. My favourite cleansers are the Dudu Osun African Black Soap (Review//Link), Neutrogena Visibly Clear Gentle Exfoliating Wash (Review//Link)and Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control. I use them interchangeably and they have done wonders for my skin. They both contain the above named ingredients as well as other ingredients. The Dudu Osun African Black Soap is definitely the biggest game changer for me. It really helped my skin get rid of active acne and it is currently helping with my hyper pigmentation. It can sting the skin when you start using using it at first as a result of the Lemon and Lime which it contains amongst other ingredients but the sting is a small price to pay for the results. It leaves my skin squeaky clean and slightly dry but I always mitigate that with my toner and serums later. The Neutrogena lot are mainly gentle exfoliators for me and they are non-abrasive because that's the last thing you want when you have acne. I feel it is okay to use scrubs every now and then depending on your skin and I use these Neutrogena Scrubs/Washes everyday because they are suitable for my skin. They are also designed as everyday cleansers although you may choose to use them as weekly exfoliators.



Toners/Astringents
Toners are definitely one step I never miss because I love the way they make my skin feel. I tend to stick to one toner for a period depending on how my skin feels. When my skin is playing up, I reach for my La Roche Posay Micro Exfoliant Astringent Lotion (Review//Link)because it contains Salicylic Acid which you all know I love. It helps decongest my pores and I feel that may skin feels so much more cleaner when I use it. It stings just a little depending on how rough my skin feels but it is nothing compared to the Neutrogena Spot Stress Control Toner. This toner is very effective but it does feel a little harsh so if you have sensitive skin, you may want to skip this toner. It is actually more effective than the La Roche Posay toner but it contains alcohol which I guess makes it more drying.  I still reach for it when I really need any spots to go away as soon as possible. One tip I have learnt is to go in with a cotton pad soaked with water to add the moisture back to my skin and neutralise any unwanted alcohol/drying effects. Another toner which I absolutely love is the Pixi Glow Tonic (Review//Link) which contains Glycolic Acid, Ginseng, Aloe, etc. I am totally obsessed with it because it actually helps clear spots and any hyper pigmentation that may follow. It feels really gentle and it is one of my favourite toners although it is a more expensive than the other toners in my stash. If you have very sensitive skin and you don’t want to try any of the above, then you can opt for something more natural. The Lush Tea Tree Toner (Review //Link) has always been a staple in my stash as it is effective and portable so easy to travel with. Tea Tree is very effective in helping clear spots and has anti-bacterial properties. I really enjoy using this especially when I am just trying to give my skin a break but I still need something that works well. Another toner in my stash is one I never thought will be effective but it is the Dolce and Gabbanna Clarifying Toner/Lotion (Review//Link) which I absolutely love because it contains Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid. These two combinations work together to keep spots away and the skin generally clear. I love the fact that it feels so gentle that you may even think it’s not working but it definitely is. The only downside is it contains a fragrance which is pleasant to me but I guess many people react to fragrance. The last toner but not the least is the La Roche Posay Serozinc (Review//Link) which is seriously amazing for blemishes especially when it comes to reducing their appearance. It comes in a can and sprays out very evenly which is why I love it. It actually helps keep my skin matte and it feels very refreshing as well..

Moisturisers/Lotions

When it comes to moisturisers or lotions, I am not very fussy but I tend to reach for products with the right ingredients and right moisture to suit my skin type. Most times, I opt for oil-free moisturisers because I have combination-oily skin as mentioned earlier. My favourite moisturiser is the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil Free Moisturiser (Review//Link) because it contains salicylic acid, chamomile and aloe and these ingredients work together to keep the skin clear and calm. It is really lightweight and absorbs ever so easily into the skin. I have used it for almost two years now and I always repurchase it as it is very affordable. Another product I love for my acne is the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo* (Review//Link)which is a serum/moisturiser hybrid. I don’t exactly know how to classify it but I just love using it. It really helps keep my pores clear and it helps calm any breakouts I may have. It is also effective in preventing any scarring or hyper pigmentation provided they are new ones as I don’t think it is very effective with old ones. I just can’t be without it and I always repurchase it every time Boots or Escentual have offers. If you are into oils, you would definitely love the Gamila Secret Face Oil (Review//Link) which I absolutely love. I am not sure about all the ingredients it contains but it definitely has Rose Hip Oil which is effective at keeping the skin clear and helping fade any hyper pigmentation. It is very pricey but it is one of the most effective oils I have tried. It was very instrumental with helping my skin stay clear and it absorbs so easily so don’t be afraid to use it even if you have oily skin. I find that using oils help my skin feel less oily with less breakouts but I guess it depends on the quality and type of oil used. Not all oils were created equal at all so you have to be mindful of the source and type of oil. Last product in this category is my Bioderma Cicabio Soothing Repair Cream. It is one product that I am really impressed with as it helps sooth and calm my skin down especially when I have red raging spots. It contains Zinc Oxide which is very effective for repairing/soothing damaged skin so if you are a spot picker, you really want to try this product.

Spot Treatments

I once had a full arsenal of spot treatments when I used to break out like crazy; thankfully I don't break out as much any more. When you have spots, you just want something that promises to work fast. I know the feeling and the good thing is quite a few products are actually so effective that you can see results overnight. One of my all time favourite spot treatments which I have repurchased countless times is the La Roche Posay Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector* (Review//Link). It’s just simply amazing and it contains Benzoyl Peroxide which seeps right into the pores and destroys any germs causing the spot. I just love this product so much and I rely on it to half (or most times completely remove) any unsightly spot that graces my face especially before a big event. It has never let me down and I apply it directly on the spot after I cleanse my face thoroughly. Another product which I love is the Mary Kay Acne Treatment Gel (Review//Link)which is simply amazing. It also contains 5% Benzoyl Peroxide so it is equally effective as the La Roche Posay version but I think the LA Roche Posay contains some other ingredient that increases its efficacy. If you have sensitive skin and you prefer natural ingredients, the Lush Grease Lightning  Spot Treatment (Review//Link)is a really good alternative as it contains Tea Tree which is very effective for spots but I find that the Grease Lightning is not as effective as the Mary Kay or La Roche Posay. I just recently tried the Neutrogena Rapid Clear Spot Treatment which is an okay spot treatment but I am not sure it works within four hours. It does help with redness but I would say it clears a spot within two days for me.

Masks

The only masks I have tried that are specifically for Acne prone skin are the Una Breenan Salicylic Acid Clay Mask and the Glam Glow Mud Mask. I love both masks although they are very different to each other in price, results and uses. The Una Breenan Salicylic Acid Pore Purifying Clay Mask (Review//Link)is my go-to mask which I reach for whenever my skin is massively playing up and I need to properly decongest my skin. I apply this after I have cleansed my skin and leave it for 30 minutes because I want to get the full effects. It feels slightly stingy especially if you have any active spots or under the skin spots but it works so beautifully well. The mixture of Clay, Aloe, Salicylic acid and other ingredients all work in the best synergistic way to keep my skin clear. You will definitely notice a difference in the appearance of your skin and the spots. It is an amazing staple and I tend to use it at least once a week. The newest mask I tried is the Glam Glow Mud Mask which is one of the most popular masks out there and I absolutely believe the hype. This is only a sample size but I got three uses from it because you only need a thin layer. It works deep into the pores to clear any impurities from the skin and it also works on blackheads which are sometimes difficult to get rid of. You can see it actually working on the skin once it dries up and an immediate effect when you wash it off. It feels slightly tightening on the skin when it is drying but I don’t mind because it leaves my skin super soft and most of my spots look less angry. I am definitely going to invest in the full size.

Little Extras

I decided to include my Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Pads (Review//Link) which are amazing. They contain glycolic acid which helps with spots and keeps the skin clear but it does not feel harsh at all. I absolutely love using it although I think it is slightly expensive. I use it as a toner because it is effective and feels refreshing on my skin. Another product which is a controversial one for spots is Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream. I only started using it recently and I love it because it actually helps dry out my spots. I know it is a nappy rash cream and many people say using it for acne is not the best for the skin but I have not had a problem with it. The jar indicates that it can be used for Acne and it is a very affordable way to help with spots. I only use it directly on the spots and it is gone/ dried out the next morning. It feels very thick so it is always best to use a light layer.

Overall Thoughts

I am aware this is a very long post but I wanted to write it anyway and I hope it is useful to some people. I don’t use all these products at the same time as I only choose depending on how my skin feels and the efficacy of the product. I have to emphasise that it’s not really about the product but more about the active ingredients it contains. I find that active ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Lactic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Rosehip Oil, Aloe, Chamomile, Clay/Mud, etc are all amazing for acne prone skin. What makes one product stand out from the other is how these ingredients are formulated in the final product for best use. I always look out for active ingredients That’s it folks! What are your favourite Acne Skincare Products?

*PR Samples +Affiliate Links, read my full disclaimer here

Dudu Osun Review (African Black Soap)

If you are a regular reader of my FashStyleLiv (FSL for short-coined by my lovely friend Lamide..Hiya!!), you will know by now how much priority I give my skin because it is acne-prone and combination-oily whenever it pleases.  I am always on the haunt for skincare products that are inexpensive but effective. I got the Dudu Osun Soap during my trip to Nigeria and I have been using it ever since. Actually, my Mum gave this to me so I did not technically purchase it so Thank you Mum!! I am not a newbie to Dudu Osun because I used it back when I lived in Nigeria every now and then but I was not really into taking care of my skin as much as I do now.  Dudu Osun has recently become popular outside Nigeria, especially in the States and here in the UK and I can understand why; it’s a chunky lil' piece of natural goodness..

Background

Dudu Osun means “Black Soap” in Yoruba which is one of the major languages in Nigeria, my Home Country. Although Dudu Osun has been branded by Tropical Naturals Ltd, it has been around for a really long time. African Black Soap as it is popularly called is made by local people and sold in the markets wrapped in leaves or cellophane wraps. They are essentially made the same way but they are softer in texture and I don’t think they are easy to travel with or use as the branded one. But I have used both types and I can say they deliver the same results. The branded one is just shaped in a more solid bar/soap-like way which is much easier to handle.

Packaging

The packaging in itself is nothing special as you can tell but the soap is a proper bar which I have mentioned is definitely more solid than the local ones sold  in the markets. I like that the bar has a curve on the other side which makes it fit really nicely in the hands and easier to swipe it across your face. I have to say, this soap lasts for a really long time and I just started with my second bar since May which means the first bar lasted for almost three months although I use it only on my face and not my body. I store mine on the Gamila Secret Stone Soap Dish which helps drain the soap effectively and prevents it from looking and feeling messy. It also looks much nicer in this soap dish, don’t you think?

Formula

If you love using skincare with natural ingredients, say hi to your new BFF because Dudu Osun is as natural as it gets. It is enriched with Pure Honey , Shea Butter, Camwood (Osun), Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa Pod Ash, Palm Bunch Ash, Aloe Vera, Lime juice, water and fragrance. The original Africa Black Soap has no added fragrance which gives it its characteristic indigenous scent which is not as pleasant as the branded one but it is bearable.  Below are the skin benefits of some of the ingredients used:

Aloe Vera: Moisturizing properties, anti-acne and helps with sun burn.

Lime Juice: Anti-acne properties, lightens dark spots and anti-bacterial properties

Pure Honey: Helps with hyper pigmentation, anti-acne properties, reduces enlarged pores and nurtures sensitive, dull and matured skin

Shea Butter: Moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties while hydrating the skin

Camwood: Skin brightening properties, antibiotics and skin balancing properties

Palm Kernel Oil and Cocoa Pod Ash: Helps in the saponification of the soap but aid in natural exfoliating and lifting dirt and grease from the skin.

How I use it

I always do a double cleanse which means I remove my makeup first with either wipes, micellar water or a cream cleanser like the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish before cleansing my skin to nourish it. Since Summer, I prefer removing my makeup with a micellar water and the Garnier Micellar Water already hyped here is the best product for me. Next, I dampen my face with a splash of warm water and run the Dudu Osun soap under warm water then I use it across my face concentrating on my cheeks and forehead because that’s where I break out more often than not. I leave it on for a few minutes and rinse it off. I use this during the day and in the evenings although I use my No 7 Cleansing Brush with it in the evening and it’s amazing as it removes all dirt, grime and makeup traces left and leaves my skin really clean and smooth.

My experience

I am going to be honest, the first time I used this on my face, I felt it was on fire. It was itchy and felt super sting-ey and I could not even leave it on for two minutes. I rinsed it off immediately and I still felt the impact for a few minutes even after I rinsed it off. Then, I tried using it with my cleansing brush another day and Boy!! It was even worse; it was itchier and uncomfortable. However, I knew this was normal because it contains Lime juice and other natural ingredients so I did not expect anything less and I had also read a few reviews where people had the same experience. I persisted because my skin felt really nice afterwards and I could see a glow even after just one/two uses. After two-three days, my skin was able to tolerate it well with just the occasional itch/sting here and there and I now use it with my cleansing brush without any hassles. It is also worth noting that you must not allow this soap or its lather get into your eyes or else you would be sorry (speaking from experience, guys!!)  If you have sensitive skin, you may need to test it out slowly to get your skin accustomed to it but the results are so much worth it. I did not experience any breakouts or any untoward reactions with this soap. After each use, it is important to moisturise your skin effectively because this baby would strip your skin off all the moisture so much so that your skin feels quite taut, tight and dry. I remedy this with my Indeed Labs Retinol Cream which deserves its own review soon.  

Results

It goes without saying that sometimes our skin does not need too much to reset itself. Dudu Osun has transformed my skin especially when it comes to breakouts. Would you believe I had no form of breakout even when Mother Nature paid a visit? (I know, I know-very gross way to put it). I have also made some changes to my diet but I would say Dudu Osun has been instrumental on the skincare front and I have not stopped using it. I still love my Gamila Secret Cleansing Bar but it’s a little pricey compared to this one which is why I choose this over it. My breakouts have been reduced drastically. In respect to my dark blemishes, they are diminishing slowly but surely although I also use some other chemical exfoliants like Glycolic Acid and Retinol (interchangeably) to help with that.

 

Cons

1. It leaves your skin really dry and you would need to amp up your moisturising technique

2. It could feel quite itchy/stingy on the skin especially when you first start off with it; just try and persist for a few days and it’s well worth it.

3. However, if you have sensitive skin, it’s worth introducing it to your skin slowly to see if you can or cannot tolerate it

Cost

I already mentioned that this was given to me by my mum but it is really affordable. A pack of 6 costs an equivalent of £1.50 which is about N300-350 naira in Nigerian money and it can be found in many health and beauty supply shops . I am not sure how much a single bar costs but I am sure it is very affordable.  It can also be purchased on Amazon USA and Amazon UK for an equivalent amount and I think you can buy this in many African Shops in the States and in the UK. If you live outside of these places, I guess Amazon may be your best bet.

Final Thoughts

I love this soap and I am happy to say I no longer feel any itching whatsoever while using it. It is such a pleasure to use especially knowing you can get good results with this. My mum already sent me another pack of 6 because I don't want to run out of this soap but I am pretty sure all my supplies now will last me for a long time because one soap lasts at least 2-3 months if you limit it to just your face. I cannot recommend it enough. I hear it can also be used as a shampoo for natural hair and I can see why because it gives a good lather (it does not contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate if you are wondering) but I think I may need to deep condition my hair afterwards because it is very dry. I would update you all about my natural hair soon which by the way has grown a little although I have been very bad at caring for it; I am lazy...more on that soon..See you in my next post. Have you tried Dudu Osun Soap or any other African Black Soap?

La Roche Posay Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector Review

Everyone and their mother must have heard about the La Roche Posay brand especially their best selling Effaclar range including the Effaclar Duo and Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector. I have been in the know for a long while now and I always say I will try something from LRP soon. Thankfully the day came when Boots was offering 1/3rd off La Roche Posay brands so I quickly snatched up both the Effaclar Duo and A.I but today I will be concentrating on the Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector. 

La Roche Posay Brand

There is something about French Skincare that makes other non-Parisian ladies just go gaga. Could it be that we think that using French Skincare can make us as chic and pristine as French ladies? I would never know but I know I love French Skincare products because they just seem to know their onions when it comes to skin care. The Effaclar range is targeted at oily skin which is prone to acne, imperfections and dullness and this is the only range I have tried from the brand so far.They are one brand that I have heard and read so many consistent glowing reviews which goes to say a good product always sells itself...no need for excessive adverts.

Packaging

For starters, I think white and blue look very good for skin care items and I have noticed that most of my skin care currently in my bathroom are white and blue. Very bizarre I know. The outer packaging has some instructions on how to use it and an ingredients list. The packaging of he product itself is a tube which is quite small (it's only 15 ml). I really like the tip because it is narrow and pointed which means you get the right amount of products and there is a very little space for cross contamination. 

Ingredients

To begin with it's paraben-free which is good to know. The active ingredients are Salicylic Acid which you all know is excellent for zapping acne/spots/pimples, Benzoyl Peroxide which targets acne that is deep in the pores and dries it up. The Effaclar A.I. formula has a unique approach to treat acne by combining Lipo-Hydroxy-Acid (LHA) which has an exclusive exfoliating property to prompt cell renewal and Benzoyl Peroxide in a micronized form which makes it even more stable. Together, they work in synergy to reduce spots and prevent scarring in the most effective way I have experienced. The unique combination makes this product really effective on different skin types.

How I use it

I use this whenever I have any breakouts or pre-breakouts especially those associated with that time of the month. I never wait for breakouts to become full blown before using this to kill them off...I know that sounds rather harsh but honestly, that's what those pesky breakouts deserve. I cleanse my face thoroughly and wash my fingers afterwards. I apply a tiny amount, not even up to a pea size, directly on the area and massage it a little bit and that's it. Most times, I follow up with Effaclar Duo to prevent any dark blemishes and that's all.It is a white cream and it is really easy to apply and blends out easily which is great if you want to wear your makeup underneath.

Results

Seriously, this has to be my favourite spot/breakout treatment because it is super effective; I daresay it is more effective than my Holy Grail Mary Kay Acne Treatment Gel which I think may be because my skin is used to it or because Effaclar A.I. contains a slightly higher percentage of Benzoyl Peroxide. If I use this at night, guys no joke, my spot is significantly reduced by morning. In fact, there have been times when they have actually disappeared. You need to use it to understand and I remember reading many reviews and narrowing my eyes saying "Hmmm how dramatic can this be though?" but it truly is. However, I would say if it's not a full breakout (you know those that are deep in the pores and not ready to pop), it takes a few days to be completely cleared but if it's already there and ready to pop (Ewww!! I know that sounds super gross!!), then it would definitely reduce its size significantly or it may disappear completely. It's all up to your skin type really.

Cost

It normally retails for £9.50 for a tube which I already said is only 15 ml but trust me, it lasts for a really long time provided you use it as instructed. A little goes a really long way. The best time to purchase this is when Boots is having any of their offers either 3 for 2 or 1/3rd off so keep your eyes peeled. However, Escentuals are currently having 1/3rd off all French Skincare Brands so, you can pop over and get your hands on it while it's still on. I got mine for £7.12 when it was on offer in Boots and this was since February and I still have a good amount of product left.

Personal Thoughts

I really, really love this product so much that I went to get a backup even though it was full price. It has saved my skin a great deal and it is non-comedogenic and it is suitable for use under makeup. It is an amazing product and if you suffer from pimples/spots/zits, it's definitely worth a try.  Watch this space for the Effaclar Duo Review...See you in my next post...x

Lush Tea Tree Toner and Lush Grease Lightning Spot Treatment Review

Hi My Lovelies,

I popped into Lush after almost 2 years because I wanted to stock up on an old favorite. Back then, I bought the Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner and I really liked it and I kept saying to myself I would stock up but I had other toners to use so it didn't happen until a few weeks ago.  This time around I didn't end up buying it rather I was convinced by the ladies who work there to try the Tea Tree Toner as my skin is prone to acne and it is a bit on the oily side. I listened to them and also picked up the Lush Grease Lightning Spot Treatment which I had heard many good things about.

Lush Background

I am pretty sure you have already heard about Lush but it won't stop me from rambling a little bit about their background in case there is an off chance that someone here has never heard of them. They are a cruelty free beauty and skin care brand which specialise in mainly skin care items ranging from Bath soaps, Bath Bombs, Spot Removers, Toners, etc. All products are handmade is brilliant.

Lush Tea Tree Toner

As mentioned earlier, I had already tried the Breath of Fresh Air Toner which I really liked but I was keen to try something new and this toner was highly recommended by the Sales ladies.I like the packaging because it’s black and really stands out from all other packaging. However, as expected with all black/opaque packaging, you can’t see how much product you have left so you have to guess or estimate. It smells of Tea Tree Oil which is its main ingredient but it’s not an over powering scent. I use this straight after cleansing and it is really refreshing. Sometimes, I spray it directly on my face and other times, I spray it on a cotton pad and swipe it across my face. Tea Tree oil in itself has numerous benefits for the skin including reducing inflammation and redness that accompany acne and it also helps clear the acne. It does exactly what it says but I won’t go as far as saying it works really fast. It is an effective and natural way to help keep the skin free from nasties and I find it really refreshing on my skin.

Lush Grease Lightning Spot Treatment

I have seen this floating around a few blogs and I thought it was about time I tried it for myself. I was not disappointed. It come in a smaller bottle compare to the toner but it also has a pump which is really handy. In addition to it Tea Tree Oil content, it also contains Grape Juice, Aloe Vera , Seawater, Rosemary and Thyme which all have various functions ranging from antibacterial to antiseptic to acne/spot blasters. I really love the combination of ingredients because it treats the acne and also helps nourish the skin around. many spot removers end up drying out the spot and the skin around the area but that;s not the case with the Lush Grease Lightning as it leaves the area really smooth and soft while effectively treating the spot. The only snag is it may take a longer time to clear the spot completely compared to other fast acting spot treatment gels. The product itself has a gel-like consistency so it is rather easy to apply. I rally don't have anything bad to say except the length of time it takes to work compared to others I have tried but the fact that the ingredients are natural and handmade scores it really high points in my books.

Personal Thoughts

I am really pleased with my purchase and I think Lush products are fantastic. Their Tea Tree Oil range is super for acne and combination/oily skin which is what I have so I have no complaints with it. I guess they are never going to change their packaging because it 's their signature look so I can stop complaining about not knowing when the product finishes or not. See you in my next post..toodles...x

Dr Organic Vitamin E Moisturising Cream

Hi My Lovelies,
I hope everyone has had a nice weekend so far. I am hoping you must have read my previous review of the Dr Organic Vitamin E Oil which is reviewed here.  This is the much awaited sequel. so, I will just jump right into it.



The Dr Organic Brand
I have always seen the Dr Organic brand in Holland and Barrett which is where I bought this oil. I know the brand mainly for their Manuka Honey which always looks enticing but somehow I never bothered buying it. Dr Organic is a skincare brand which prides itself in producing organic products to the highest and purest quality they can muster which is music to my organic product loving ears.

Packaging
I quite like the packaging given the price. It comes in a glass jar which feels quite expensive and sturdy which is good. It's not very heavy but it does fit in well in my travel makeup bag when i am travelling so that is very good in my books. It does have an outer packaging but it's not really important to keep it.


Formula/Ingredients
Dr Organic describes it as an intensive, emollient moisturising cream and i absolutely agree with them. Its major (or star) ingredient is Organic Vitamin E predominantly in a moisturising formula. It also contains Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Panthenol, Cocoa Butter, Wheat Germ Oil, Bergamot Oil and Sweet Almond Oil which are all naturally derived emollients and antioxidant. It is super hydrating, rich in texture and very moisturising. I can't really say it has a particular scent or fragrance but it does not smell bad. According to the Dr Organic website, this cream is suitable for scars, stretch marks, ageing skin and dry skin but it is can be used for many more uses and in my case, it has been superb during the winter season fir hydrating my skin and keeping my acne and acne scars under control.

Texture
I am not going to lie to you; this cream does really come off really thick and truly, a little goes a long way. Although it has a thick consistency, it does not feel greasy when applied. I am sure many people will prefer not to use this for their face and i understand why given its consistency. However,  I use it on my face only at night and ocassionally in the morning. It really sinks into my skin fast so the thick consistency is only for a short while as my skin readily absorbs it.

Application
As stated earlier, i use this only at night and ocassionally during the day if i feel my skin feels a little dry which is really rare. I apply this straight after the Vitamin E Oil (reviewed here). When I first started using it, it felt a little heavy straight after i applied it but it got absorbed within a short time so it was fine. These days, i don't even notice how heavy it feels on my skin. If you have dry skin, i think this cream will be suitable for you especially during the winter or drier seasons. If you are combination to oily skin like me, you may want to test run it for a couple of nights to see how you fare but i am pretty sure you will enjoy it.



Results
Every time I use this cream at night, I always wake up to really soft skin which has been really refreshing this winter season. I really like this cream and using it together with the Vitamin E Oil has brought really significant improvements to my skin which has been visible to the boyfriend and my close friends. It is definitely not a quick fix as i stated in my precious review of the Oil, it took me a little more than a month to see significant differences in fading away of Post Acne Scars and Blemishes. In terms of skin texture and softness, I saw significant differences overnight and a massive improvement within a week of using this cream. I have not broken out at all using this and that was my biggest fear instead it has helped clear my ocassional Acne and i have not broken out at all except for a few naughty hormonal fellas which were very short lived.



Cost
Again, I got this from Holland and Barret for £7.39 but i got it together with the Vitamin E Oil and they had an offer of buy one get one half price like they always do which is  massive bargain seeing that i still have a good quantity of this cream left as i use only very,very little every night.

Verdict
I really love the Vitamin E Organic Cream range from Dr Organic and it has really changed my skin with some other changes which i have made with my skin care. It's definitely worth a try regardless of what kind of skin you have. I can imagine that ladies with very dry skin or dry skin will like this and if you have oily skin, it's still worth a try because it will help balance out hydration and moisture levels.



That's it folks. I hope you have enjoyed this review like the previous ones. I am sorry i have been a little erratic with my blog post but you know sometimes life gets in the way and i have had a few things going on but i will be back with a grind soon. I have taken tonnes of pictures so that's always a good sign to watch out for more posts. Thanks for sticking by me and see you in my next post..toodles..x