Friday, September 30, 2011

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

This post is LONG overdue. I have been meaning and meaning to review this product and I just kept forgetting. First, I'm not sure if you all have heard of the line of haircare products called Not Your Mother's or not.  They are a drugstore brand line, I have only seen them at some WalMart locations.  Their marketing strategy is based on the concept of "being different".  Their line includes:
I have only tried one of their products. I am not big on using hairspray and fortunately I do not need much help in the volume realm so I decided to give the Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray.  There has been a lot of hype surrounding Sea Salt Spray based products recently and I figured maybe I should give this all a try. 


This product according to the website, is supposed to give you that tousled wavy hair that typically comes as a result of being at the beach all day. We all know what I'm talking about.  Everyone tries to accomplish these beach waves at least once, right? I know I have. Especially since I really only have two kinds of hair, either naturally curly or flat iron straight. I thought maybe the wavy look would be something interesting to add in to my rotation. 

According to the directions this should be applied to clean, damp hair and then should be combed through to ensure even application. After use a brush or your fingers to accomplish different textures in your hair. You can either allow your hair to air dry, blow dry, or use a diffuser to accomplish and set the look. 

The product has little smell to it, which is nice for those of us with sensitive noses. However, I have to admit I DO NOT like this product at all.  It left my hair crispy and about 20 times curlier than my hair is using my normal curl products(aka, I looked like I had a fro).  I didn't apply all that much of the product (I was intimidated by it) so I can't blame the crispiness on applying too much, I think the product just sets that way.  I've mentioned a billion other times how much I dislike my hair being crispy so obviously this is not my favorite product in the whole world.  I think I have finally given up on ever achieving the beach wave look with my hair as it is just too dang curly.  Perhaps someone with more fine and straight hair would have much better luck using this product.  I definitely recommend trying it if you can get your hands on this stuff, after all it is less than 4 bucks for an entire bottle!!!

Have you ladies tried anything else from this line? What did you think? Any of you have better luck with this particular product than I did?

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Antionette's Revolution Cosmetics Review and Haul

Recently I have been basically dying to branch out and try some more indie companies. I have looked on Etsy several times at all of the companies listed on there and truthfully just none have really struck me. We all know I'm a loyal Pretty Addictions customer so that makes it difficult when you find another company and know the company you already love has shades very similar.  Over the Labor Day holiday I noticed that one of the blogs I follow had posted that an indie company called Antoinette's Revolution was having sale.  I figured I would take the opportunity and order some samples from this company, after all that weekend their sample bags were on sale for just 60 cents a piece! What a steal right?  I placed my order on September 5, the order included 9 sample bags.  Including the cost of shipping the order was $7.90, not bad right?  Well here is when it gets a little tricky.  Below you can see that my order in fact was placed on September 5 (I took out the ID number, just for privacy)

After I had placed my order, I was incredibly excited. I loved all of the colors I had picked out and just couldn't wait to try them.  Well, September 13th rolled around and I had not received anything from the company, no package, no shipping confirmation, not anything. The last contact I had received about my order was the receipt I had been sent by PayPal confirming my payment the day I placed the order.  Being the curious and highly impatient lady that I am, I of course emailed the company.

Kelly to ARCpigments
show details Sep 13

Hello,
I placed this order 8 days ago to review for my personal blog. I was curious as to when this order would be shipped.

Thank You,
Kelly

The following day I received this response:

Racheal  to me
show details Sep 14 
Hello dear!

I'm so sorry about the delay. We've been posting about it on our FB page, but essentially we had major issues with Artfire temporarily losing orders. We've slowly been getting caught up on orders, and the last batch to get the orders out is going out tomorrow, and then we'll be all caught up.

Keep an eye out on your invoice. As a sorry to everyone we'll be offering and free full sized eyeshadow coupon code.

Thank you for being patient :)

Rach

After I received this email I quickly went to their facebook page (Antionette's Revolution Cosmetics) to check this out.  There in fact was ONE post about the issue it read:

Hello my lovely Revolutionaries! Just wanted to update you on this Artfire nightmare. We'll finally be fully recovered this coming Monday, and up to date on all orders going out. As a thank you, we'll be sending out a special coupon code to all those affected. It's heartwarming to see how nice you've all been during this awful time. ♥

So the story checked out. I was back to being calm and excited about receiving my order! Then 2 more days had passed and I had yet to receive the invoice I was told to look for.  I again took it upon myself to email the company.

Kelly to Racheal
show details Sep 16 
Racheal,
I have not gotten an invoice about shipment of my order. I just wanted to follow up with you about this, incase you had not been able to find my order.
Thank You,
Kelly

2 days later I had yet to receive any kind of response from the company.  at this point we were 13 days after the order had been placed.  I had been discussing my issue with a friend of mine and the suggestion was made to me to perhaps start investigating filing a claim with either my bank or PayPal (yes I am aware that this was only $7.90, at this point though, it was more that I felt cheated out of my time and products.)

Kelly to Racheal
show details Sep 18 

Racheal,
Since I have not heard from you I will be filing a claim dispute with my bank in the morning. I will also, be sharing this experience with those that follow my blog.
All the best,
Kelly

I gave the company 1 additional day to respond to my emails, when they did not. I moved forward with opening a claim dispute with PayPal (again for privacy reasons I have removed ID numbers)

Dear Kelly,

You have opened a dispute for the payment you made to Antoinette's
Revolution Cosmetics on Sep 5, 2011 (Transaction )
indicating that you did not receive the item you purchased.


----------------------------------------------------------------
Transaction details
----------------------------------------------------------------

Seller's Name: Antoinette's Revolution Cosmetics
Seller's Email: ARCpigments@gmail.com
Seller's Transaction ID: 
Transaction Date: Sep 5, 2011
Transaction Amount: -$7.90 USD
Invoice ID:
Your Transaction ID:
Case Number: 
Buyer's Transaction ID: 
Response deadline: Oct 9, 2011

By opening a dispute in the Resolution Center, you will be working directly
with the seller to resolve this issue. We will email you when the seller
posts a response. Most of the time, disputes can be resolved quickly and
amicably in the Resolution Center. You'll be able to review the dispute
details, communicate with the seller, or ask PayPal to decide the outcome
of the case by filing a claim.

At this point it took only a few hours for ARC to take a few minutes and finally respond to my email

Racheal to me
show details Sep 19 
Hello Kelly,

I've just sent you a response to your dispute, as I am backtracking on emails. I really, sincerely apologize for all I've put you through. I let my personal problems overshadow the importance of my customers and business.

I'm still going to send your order tomorrow. It's the least I owe you, after all the frustration I'm sure you've endured. Plus I'm upgrading to full sizes. I'm really, really sorry.

Racheal

So at this point not only did the website in which I purchased from this company through managed to lose my order but the owner of the business let personal stuff get in the way of their business... I'm confused... which reason is it that I am now 14 days past the day that I have ordered and have yet to receive my order?

That evening I checked ARC's facebook to see if anything had been posted about this issue

As many of you know, I've dropped the ball on orders. I have no one else but myself to blame. I let personal issues get in the way of what is most important: you, the customer and fans, and the business. Know that I am only now taking a break from packing orders, but ALL orders will go out tomorrow. I deeply apologize that I let it get this bad, and the inconvenience I may have caused ANYONE.

At this point I guess I could at least be happy that ARC was taking full responsibility for their crappy turn around and not blaming others, right?

How many of you think my order went out the next day like both my email and the post on fb said? Well I certainly hope none of you were raising your hand on that one, because you guessed it! It did not!! I gave ARC two days to send me something and on the 2nd day I sent another email:

Kelly  to Racheal
show details Sep 21

Racheal,
I was wondering if you had a shipping confirmation for my order? Once I receive the order I will close the dispute. If I have not received it within the week I will be continuing with the dispute.
Kelly

At this point I was beyond frustrated... I was so furious. If there is one thing I hate, it is being given the run around! I hate being lied to and I hate when people (this includes everyone) does not follow through with things they say they will do. 

I had been waiting for a response and happened to check out ARC's facebook page and notice that their was a recent status update by ARC

Hello my lovely Revolutionaries! Just wanted to update you that we've packed all orders, and we're waiting on an electronic deposit to our paypal so that we can have funds to send out the packages! Please, bare with us through this nightmare, and we'll be back to 100% operating status shortly :)
(Take a second for me to interject here, so now not only has your website failed and lost orders, you slacked off, your assistant quit, you let personal bs get in the way, BUT on top of all of that you don't have the money to send out my order? Are you KIDDING ME? I mean this has to be a bad joke right? At this point I was livid!!! I decided to post on this status as I could not control my anger anymore. I also got back on PayPal and escalated the claim, in my opinion it was something that was no longer going to be settled between myself and ARC.)
Kelly :What are you waiting on funds for? I paid shipping in the cost of my order... therefore the money should already be there.
Anonymous: guys, i would like to take a moment to vouch for ARC. Anytime you buy indie, you have to take into account that these companies are not operated the same as Mass produced cosmetic companies. It's easy to become over extended. Products are often packaged once they are ordered because it's hard to estimate what will sell out quickly and what will not sell at all. As far as i am aware, this is the first time ARC has run into this issue and she is working diligently to get back up to speed. Please be patient--i know it's hard when it's your stuff you're waiting for. But let's be kind to our indie ladies: they work harder than we ever know!
Kelly  I have ordered from indie companies. Please do not pretend to be versed in a situation you are not. I have no problem waiting for products, I have a problem with being lied to and being given the run around. Next time you want to tell me something I already know make sure you know the situation that the girl you are telling is in.
Kelly: When I post about this situation on my blog I invite you to read the blog and see what has really happened.
Anonymous: ‎@Kelly: that was a generalized statement. I did not mean it as you are obviously taking it. I have ordered from MANY indie companies myself and seen the good and the bad. I did not mean my comment as a chastisement towards you or anyone else. I would appreciate similar treatment.
Kelly: I am just asking that perhaps you take a minute to understand the situation that some of us that ordered and are having issues are in. It's not merely it's just taking a long time to get our purchases.
Kelly: I apologize for the way my comments came off.
Antoinette's Revolution Cosmetics Kelly I sent it off this morning, but since I work a full 40 hour work week, and they've been messing with my hours, I didn't get to get online till tonight. As for the funds, yes, you paid for the shipping, but the money was put towards emergency supplies. I will not make anymore excuses, as it is coming across as just that: excuses. I completely understand where you are coming from, 110%. I think what Jess is asking is what I would like, a little bit of understanding. I am human, I just lost my only help, and mishandled things in the process. I apologize that this escalated as far as it did.

Antoinette's Revolution Cosmetics And also, I would like to point out that &*$# is indeed correct on my situation. This is the first time I've ever had this issue, and of course it's been feast or famine. I lost my assistant, and was completely overwhelmed with orders. Once I figure out how to do so on our website, I'm going to shut it down for a catch up hiatus so I can get caught up on orders and also the work that my assistant used to do.
Kelly Hall I appreciate the update.

20 minutes after the conversation on facebook I received an email from ARC with a shipping code attached.  THANK YOU!
I FINALLY received my order on Monday the 24, only 19 days after I placed the order for 9-1/8 tsp sample bags of product. The one thing I can say that was actually a surprise to me amongst all of the excuses and reasons of ARC was that I actually was upgraded to full size shadows. 

Let's take a look and see...
I've stated before I am a sucker for packaging. I love opening up my mail and seeing that someone has taken the time to perfectly package and glam up the items I have paid for... overall, not super impressed with the packaging, but at this point I decided I'd cut them some slack since I FINALLY had my order.

Here are all 9 full size shadows (remember I originally only purchased 9 sample bags.) Also, there was a free sample of an additional shade as well as business card in the package.

On each of the tops of the shadows is a picture of Marie Antoinette and the companies name (I have to admit I appreciated that ARC stuck to their theme.)

When I opened the shadows I noticed that they were in sifter containers. I couldn't decide if I was a fan of that or not, but then I noticed that the sticker over the sifter didn't have a tab so I could pull it off, this was for some reason really bothersome to me. 




This picture was taken with the flash on. All shadows are swatched over NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk.
Top Row (L to R): Chocolate Rose, Majesty, Gouttiere, Musket
Middle Row (L to R): La Fontaine,, Bordeaux, Louis, Duchesse
Bottom Row (L to R): Le Chocolat, Chamber Pot


This picture was taken without the flash on. All shadows are swatched over NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk.
Top Row (L to R): Chocolate Rose, Majesty, Gouttiere, Musket
Middle Row (L to R): La Fontaine,, Bordeaux, Louis, Duchesse
Bottom Row (L to R): Le Chocolat, Chamber Pot

I have to admit, the pictures DO NOT do these shadows justice.  They are seriously gorgeous! I truly mean that. I love every shadow I received! It's just too bad that the entire ordering experience was such a nightmare for me. Needless to say ARC did not make a longtime customer out of me. When I'm ordering from ANY company whether it be jewelry, makeup, bath products, electronics, etc I look for more than just a quality product, I look for a good customer service experience.  This was a case in which I do not feel like there was any customer service at all.  I am aware that many ladies/men who run indie companies also have a full time job, however that does not make it ok to make endless excuses to customers, give them the run around, or take your good old time getting the items they spent their money on to them.  I am a pretty understanding person, had ARC just been upfront with me from the beginning perhaps the outcome of this situation would have been entirely different.  While the claim dispute through PayPal was closed unfortunately ARC has lost what could have been a loyal customer. 

If you ladies have had a different or even similar experience with ARC, please share!!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Lush's R&B

Hello ladies!! I hope you all had a super fabulous weekend! I know I did!
To continue on with my theme from last week and to post about the last product in the Protect and Nourish Head  Case Kit I am going to share my review of the last product in the kit,  Lush's R & B Hair Moisturizer.

To use this product you just grab a small amount and smooth it through your recently washed and conditioned hair. After application you style as prefered. 

I have noticed that I personally like the results of this product better when I chose to wear my hair naturally curly. When I straighten my hair after using this product, my hair feels slightly "slick" and slightly heavier than I would like.  However, it is perfect when I chose to wear my hair naturally without using an heating for styling.  The smell is coconut-y and a slight bit of avocado.  It is not an overwhelming scent at all.  I have also noticed that I love this product much more when I pair it with Jungle conditioner.  I received this as a 1.6 oz container and have used it over a handful of times and you can barely notice that there is anything missing from the container.  From Lush stores this can be purchased for $20.95 for 3.5 oz.  While I do enjoy this product it is not something I see myself replacing as soon as I run out.  If there is another Head Case Kit sale, then I would consider a repurchase.

Have you ladies ever tried this hair moisturizer? What were your thoughts?  Did you love it, like it, or dislike it?

Also, are there products you ladies are just dying to try but want an honest opinion of before you buy? Let me know!!!!
Enjoy some smooth R&B stylings. The tropical butters and candelilla wax will help to moisturize and control frizzy, flyaway hair, but this works to soothe dry scalps, too, with calming oat milk. And once you smell the orange blossom, your hair will truly get its groove back.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Jasmin and Henna Fluff-Ease

Hello Ladies!!!! To continue with my Lush theme of the week I am going to review another product from the Protect and Nourish Head Case Kit. 
The product of the day, today is the Jasmin and Henna Fluff-Ease Hair Treatment. 
According to Lush:
If your hair is a little fluffy, frizzy, dry or out-of-control, this is the one for you. It's packed with copious amounts of moisturizing and nutrient-filled oils including organic jojoba, almond, brazil nut and extra virgin coconut oil. It works brilliantly on curly hair as well, as all the oils help define the curls and add loads of shine. The jasmine fragrance will stick with you for days after using it, so you'll have irresistibly soft, shiny and sexy smelling locks.

To use this hair treatment you saturate your 'tresses' in the product from roots to ends.  You then let the product sit on your hair for 20 minutes.  After 20 minutes you rinse, shampoo, condition and then style. 
I admit I have only used this product once, but the one time I did use it, I enjoyed the product very much.  It definitely took the ''fluff'' out of my hair and made my hair much easier to manage, plus the amount of frizz my hair usually exhibits was substantially less.  I didn't notice any added shine to my hair.  The smell is very light and different.  You can definitely smell the Jasmin.  I didn't notice the smell staying with me for days after I used the product, but it did for that day, that's for sure. 

Have you ladies ever used this hair treatment? Did you enjoy it? 

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Lush's Jungle Conditioner!

I've decided that this week I'm going to dedicate all of my blog posts to my beloved, Lush. On Monday I posted about an item I received in my Protect and Nourish Head Case kit, today I'm going to post about another item that was in the kit. 
Along with the Curly Wurly Shampoo I also received the Jungle Conditioner.  For those of you that are not familiar this is actual a solid conditioner bar, which at first was super weird for me.
There is a sweet leafy looking design on the top and it comes in a 2oz solid bar form for $7.95.  According to Lush:
Jungle feels different on your hair from liquid conditioner; until you wash it off, you hardly notice it's there. It smoothes and detangles, leaving a fruitily scented coat of shininess. Smooth it along the length of your hair from root to tip, then rinse out.

I have to admit that the first time I tried this product I did not love it, not even a little bit. It has definitely been something that has grown on me the more I use it.  The first time I used it I used WAYYYY too much of the product and as a result my hair felt pretty greasy within an hour of using it. I also wasn't aware that it shouldn't be used on the roots, but only the ends.  The Jungle conditioner has a very "spicy" smell to it. It's a smell completely different than anything I have ever used. When I came to work that first day I remember complaining to people that all I could smell was this conditioner. Several hours later I walked past one of my co-workers and he asked, "Kelly do you smell that? It smells, I don't know... spicy!" I immediately knew what he was talking about and it was my conditioner.  He even asked me if I was turning hippy on him! After that first time I learned my lesson that a little of this product goes a LONG way and to not apply directly to the roots.  Since then, I have realized I really do love this conditioner, I only use it sparingly as I have several conditioners that I work in to my daily showering ritual, but I have to admit I really am a fan.  this will be added to my Lush shopping list for sure!

Have you ladies ever tried the Jungle Conditioner? If so, what do you think? 

Monday, September 19, 2011

My absence and a little bit of Lush!!!

Hey ladies!!! First let me apologize for my absence last week. I realized last night I never informed you I wouldn't be blogging last week nor did I give you a reason. As most of you know I am a graduate student working on my Ph.D., last week my boss sent me to a conference in Niagara Falls, Canada so it was definitely a little difficult to blog being gone, as I had to limit the items I brought with me and etc. No need to fear though, I'm back and will be back to my normal blogging schedule starting NOW!

Anyway, If you all read my recent Lush haul (if you need a referesher click here) I purchased the Protect and Nourish Head Case kit.  I realized I blogged that I purchased it, but have yet to review a single product in it! Well today, I am going to blog to you about the amazingness of the Curly Wurly Shampoo that was including in the kit.

According to Lush:
Curly Wurly makes thick, unruly curls behave. It's packed full of nutritious creamed coconut and coconut oil, moisturizing vanilla, softening eggs and avocado butter to give moisture back to hair and eliminate frizz.

In my personal opinion this product description is DEAD on.  I absolutely love this shampoo. I wish there was a little more fragrance to the product, but how amazing my hair feels after using it makes up for the lack of overwhelming fragrance.  When I first used this I was very taken back by the texture of the product...
You can kind of tell by looking at it, it's almost kind of sticky/goopy and there are some large chunks in it.  It actually kind of reminds me of the body scrubs from The Body Shop.  At first I was like you want me to put this in my hair? I finally sucked it up and did and man am I glad I did!!! The container is around 3 oz of product and I believe I had already used it about 8 times and this is how much is still left. It doesn't take much to get your hair clean.  The size that is available online is 7.8oz and is $23.95.  I will without a doubt be purchasing this after my current container is empty!

Have you ladies ever tried this shampoo? What did you think?

Also, I will leave you with a few pictures from my trip last week :)

This is a picture of the falls.  The boat in the middle of the pictures is the Maid of the Mist. It's a tourist attraction that drives you around the falls and under them.  What you see in the background is actually New York, as I am standing on the Canadian side of the falls.

this picture was actually taken from an observation deck on the Journey Behind the Falls attraction.  I am actually standing on a deck that is underneath the falls. You can actually see the waterfall in this one. This was probably my favorite site to see. You could hear the waterfall literally roaring and it was truly beautiful to be able to watch the falls from behind the "scenes"!

Have you ladies ever been to Niagara Falls?

Friday, September 9, 2011

Help!!! I need PAA!!!!

Yes, it's true... I officially have a problem... I need to start attending meetings to battle this addiction... Does anyone know of a Pretty Addictions Anonymous meeting I could attend? It seems that I just cannot stop ordering, and NO it isn't because the owner is one of my good friends, I truly am ADDICTED!
At the beginning of the month, Pretty Addictions released 5 new duochrome shadows, I am pretty sure I was the first to order, if not it was damn close. I had been texting her for almost a week asking her when I would be able to order.  When she finally told me they were up, I was sitting at O'Charleys with my friends Rachel and Blake and I ordered on my iPhone... Yes, that is how bad it is!!!
I am loving this little animal printed bag that all of my stuff came in.  This is a little different than the packaging I have gotten before. I love that it's not always the same packaging!! Keeps us habitual orders guessing :)
Here are all my products, in all their glory... Just waiting for me to dive in!!!! I ordered 9, 5 g jars, 1 sample size and received a large sample complimentary with my order.
The swatches are done over NYX jumbo pencil in Milk, this was taken with the flash
Top row (L to R): Mango Margarita, Kiwi, Unicorn Wings, Vintage Doll
Middle row (L to R): Brown Suga, Envious, Hell on Heels, Torrid
Bottom row (L to R): Foggy Hollow, Candy Corn, Hocus Pocus.

The swatches are done over NYX jumbo pencil in Milk, this was taken without the flash
Top row (L to R): Mango Margarita, Kiwi, Unicorn Wings, Vintage Doll
Middle row (L to R): Brown Suga, Envious, Hell on Heels, Torrid
Bottom row (L to R): Foggy Hollow, Candy Corn, Hocus Pocus.

Aren't they just AMAZING??? I have only had them since Wednesday evening so I've only gotten to rock Unicorn Wings, Hocus Pocus, Brown Suga, and Foggy Hollow so far, but I AM IN LOVE!!!!

I will try to post some looks soon :)

Have you ladies had the chance to order yet? If not, you better get on it!!!

What do you ladies have planned this weekend? a bunch of my college friends are coming in to town this weekend... our Alma Mater is playing my Graduate School in football tomorrow so we are all heading to the game.  I am also flying to Canada this Sunday for a conference. I don't know if I will be able to do many makeup related blogs next week, but maybe I will post some pictures of the trip instead!!!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

My new fancy wreath!

So, I'll be honest I LOVE fall. It's my absolute favorite time of the year. The weather is perfect, the leaves are gorgeous, and there is football on 5 out of 7 days of the week.  This past weekend I was out looking for stuff to make feather bouquets with my friend Rachel for her upcoming nuptials and while we were at Hobby Lobby I noticed that their wreaths were 50% off.  For some reason this gave me a HUGE urgency to make a cute little wreath for our front door (I feel as though this is a sign that I truly am aging.)
Anyway, I just thought I'd give you a little peek at my little Friday night crafty project.
 
the wreath is pretty decent sized, It was originally 5 bucks at Hobby Lobby, but it was 50% off, so It was $2.50 (I'm not sure why I felt the need to do the division for you.) The flowers were a fall artificial bouquet from Wal-Mart that was $5 and it had around 15 flowers. I also purchased a small bunch of red-orange artificial leaves for 94 cents from Wal-Mart as well.  I used wire cutters to cut flowers and leaves from bouquet leaving a 3 inch or so wire attached to the base. I then weaved the wire around the vines in the wreath.  Technically you could just pull the flower off and just super glue it to the wreath, but I wanted to leave the option there to change flowers out on the wreath if I chose to. 

This was about a 15 minute craft project, the hardest part was successfully cutting the flower wire, which is super thick. 

I think this wreath is super cute and add just a little something to our boring front door :) What do you ladies think?

Friday, September 2, 2011

Mask of Magnaminty

A few weeks ago I placed an order with Lush, you can see my haul here. With this order I purchased their Mask of Magnaminty.  If you remember in a post long ago I raved about how much I loved their skincare products, so I thought that it was well worth it to give this mask a try, especially since I was already ordering anyway. I ordered the smaller size of the product (4.4 oz for $11.95), that way in case I didn't like it I wasn't stuck with a huge container of it!

The mask is a China clay and bentonite gel mask that also has ground aduki beans, primrose seeds and peppermint oil. 

According to Lush:

China clay and bentonite gel will pull the dirt from your pores, ground aduki beans and evening primrose seeds exfoliate surface skin cells, and peppermint oil will make you feel so fresh and minty that you'll forget you were ever grubby.
Ground aduki beans remove dead skin cells when used on the skin as an exfoliating powder. They polish the skin, leaving it healthy and renewed.

This clay mask is very very thick. It feels super weird at first, but once it's on there it does have a slight cooling/refreshing feeling. At first the texture really weirded me out.  According the directions you should use a handful of the mask, massage in to your face, let it dry completely and then rinse the mask off. I typically put the mask on in the morning before I get in the shower, let it dry while I wash my hair and then rinse it off. 

As with all other Lush skincare products I love the way my face feels after using this. It feels so smooth and fresh. I do feel though that perhaps the description builds the product up a little more than necessary, at least for me. I do really like that when the mask dries your face doesn't get unmovably tight like it can with some masks. I do enjoy this product, but I am not sure that I would run back to Lush to replace it as soon as it is gone. 

Have you ladies ever tried this mask? What did you think? What is your favorite skincare product from Lush?

Are you ladies, doing anything fun and exciting for the holiday weekend? I plan on making it a very very low key weekend. I have friends coming in next weekend and then I am leaving town for a few days as soon as they leave, so I need this weekend to relax and of course watch football!!!!