Not to make this too personal, but I lost my mom 2 weeks ago and  in the middle of that there was no time for blogging. As such, I won’t  be going back to the 14 Days of Red posts (or to wearing red, for that matter). It’s time for a fresh start and what’s better for a fresh start than “fresh handmade cosmetics”?

Lush goodies from left to right : Soak and Float shampoo, 9 to 5 cleansing lotion, Tea Tree Water

I have oddly sensitive skin as it is anyway, but after the recent stress and extreme emotions I’ve been through, to say that my skin has been distressed would be a huge understatement.  My first priority problem was that I had a burning, flakey, scalp that nothing seemed to sooth. I don’t know if it was the stress or a styling product that irritated my scalp, or perhaps a combination of both, but it was really frustrating, to say the least.

A friend recommended the Soak and Float shampoo bar from Lush and upon speaking to my Lush girl, she agreed.  This product is a miracle… and I don’t say that lightly.  I find it very difficult to trust reviews that only offer praise, but as far as this product goes, the only criticism I can bring is in the smell, which at first will make you grimace (it smells strongly of what I interpret as wood smoke), however, even the smell is growing on me now. Once you get past the initial smokey smell, there’s a kind of rich clean-like-the-forrest scent underneath, and I find it rather pleasant!  The shampoo completely soothed my scalp, no more flaking, no more burning. I did find my hair was a little dry, BUT I follow up with Retread conditioner and my hair feels soft and bouncy when it’s try!

Next problem to solve was my suddenly dry-as-the-desert skin… which is problematic considering the tremendous amount of makeup I have to wear. There’s no going easy on a face covered in glitter, my friends. For this I was directed to the new 9 to 5 cleansing lotion. If you’re not familiar with cleansing lotions, they’re the texture of a body lotion, they do not get sudsy (to keep from stripping the skin) and are typically best on dry/ sensitive skin. The trouble I’ve found in the past is that they tend not to be the greatest with makeup removal. With that said, I do strongly urge everyone to at LEAST use a makeup removing wipe of some sort before you actually cleans your skin and not waste your good cleanser on just removing a layer of makeup from your face, but the fact is that there’s still going to be some makeup left, and your cleanser has to be able to handle that. Fortunately 9 to 5 packs a punch for all it’s gentleness. The stubborn eye liner I always have issues with getting off, slipped away with no struggle whatsoever! It also leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft as well.  Because I tend (normally) to be more combination, I also purchased the Tea Tree Water toner ( the Lush girl said I should massage my cleanser onto my face, then spray the toner over the cleanser and the wipe clean).  So far this seems to be treating my distressed skin very well! Just be warned if you are very oily, you’re not likely to appreciate a cleansing lotion. =)