The Glueless Scr4pbook.

Sometimes I just feel like my skin needs a break and I don't want to use all my usual products together because it seems too much, that's when I go for the more natural products which are gentler and generally kinder to the skin. Here's what I use to give my skin some TLC.

For cleanser I have recently picked up the Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash which is a creamy cleanser that leaves skin soft and cleansed without drying, so instead of my usual oil, cleanse, exfoliate routine I just wash my face twice with this (the first time to remove my make up like the oil would and the second to actually cleanse my skin). After cleansing I use the Aesop Control spot gel, which has active ingredients to fight against blemishes without being as harsh as the tea tree oil I often use.

For moisturiser something like the Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser is great as it intensely moisturises for up to 12 hours and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated. Something new I have also been trying lately is the Grown Alchemist Camellia & Geranium Hydrating Cream which is full of natural extracts and makes the skin feel instantly nourished so it's a great base for foundation.

If I'm going to use a mask I go for the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask which is a great 3-in-1, a gentle cleanser, fights blemishes and leaves skin moisturised with Manuka honey, avocado oil and vanilla pod. The Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti Blemish Masque is great for bad skin days as it gently soothes, helps with blemishes and prevents future breakouts with natural ingredients like Chamomile, tea tree and evening primrose.

What products do you use to give your skin a break?

Lush Full Of Grace Solid Serum (£8.25/ 20g).

"Solid serum to calm sensitive skin with fresh rose petals, portobello mushrooms and soothing rainforest butters." 

"... Portobello mushrooms are a natural anti oxidant, while Amazonian butters smooth and soften."

This serum contains organic almond oil, cupaucu butter, camomile blue oil, muru muru butter, calamine powder, targeted oil and rose oil.

So, onto my thoughts. First thing I noticed is that it does not come in its own tin, as Lush are an environmentally friendly company they are very minimalist on packaging, but I did find a little plastic tub from Muji which fits it perfectly. Second thing was the scent, it's very heavily scented, a sort of herbal floral. To use this you simply rub it between your hands and it starts to melt into your finger tips, you then rub the melted oils into your face and neck. This feels immediately moisturising but it's quite heavy and greasy so I would say unless you have extra time on your hands in the mornings or your skin is ultra dehydrated this is best only for night time as it does not sink in quickly by any means. It feels really luxurious on the skin and when I wake up in the morning my skin has a sort of velvet feel to it which I really like. I think I would repurchase this, I kind of got used to the scent after a while and it lasted me ages so it worked out quite good value for money.

I am finally reviewing the famous REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (£30/ 50ml) which comes complete with a muslin cloth for removal. Like all REN products it's jam packed with natural ingredients which is a great start.

To use this mask I follow the instructions on the box, which is simply spread over clean skin and leave for 10 minutes, then remove with the damp muslin cloth. This should only be done once a week as this  is an exfoliating mask. It is suitable for all skin types too (apart from sensitive).

In brief this mask is supposed to remove dead skin cells, make skin appear healthier and more radiant, help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and combat congestion, blemishes and blackheads.

My thoughts... So it's true what everyone says it is a thick sticky orange gel that is just like marmalade in texture, it smells of oranges which is really refreshing. It says you can experience a tingling feeling when the mask is on but I have never had that (only on the odd sore blemish) but I have read a lot of reviews where people have. I think I would feel like it were working more if I had that sensation but anyway, once on the skin it's almost clear and doesn't set or go hard, it stays the same consistency until you wipe it off. I think the feeling of wiping it away with a warm cloth is really pampering but I like to splash water over my face too because I feel like the muslin cloth can leave product behind.

As for the results, I never really notice a change to the look of my skin, but it does always feel soft, smooth and plump as though it really has taken a layer of skin off. I can't comment on the fine lines and wrinkles because I don't have any that are really noticeable to see results on but I would say that my skin feels tighter after using this mask, not it a stiff-cant move kind of way but just in a more youthful way which I love. In my personal experience it hasn't helped with blackheads or blemishes, not noticeably anyway, which is a shame.

All in all I'm really happy to have tried this mask but I won't be repurchasing it when it's gone, I just think I'd rather spend my pennies on something new to try. I hope this was helpful.