Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm

I was going to title this post 'Not for the light hearted' as I think that describes this product quite well. Which is only surprising to me as I have heard so much about it as a perfect starting cleansing balm. Don't get me wrong, I am not new to proper cleansing - I have been Cleanse and Polishing thanks to Liz Earle since I was 11. Needless to say I am more than familiar with the hot muslin to face action that this cleanser requires (as should all good cleansers that you are using on your face). So, what is so shockingly different about Emma Hardie.

I am slightly embarrassed to admit this is my first time with a cleansing balm, but from what I have heard it is the place to start. Short story? I really like this stuff, but if you're in for the long haul there is slightly more to it. It smells amazing, really herbal and not sickly. The scent doesn't make you worry about putting it on your face, but it can be slightly overwhelming at times so be aware. Now on to the cleansing itself. It is heavy. Warm it up in your hands first and you still feel like you are putting something on your face that if left on to long will suffocate it - those of you with dryer skins will LOVE this. It makes your skin feel so soft and injects moisture whilst keeping it the cleanest it has ever been. This stuff cleans well, my skin feels fresh and soft but very clean when I am finished with it. So what is the problem? Well as luxurious as it feels to massage into my face (and massage I do) there is something that makes me feel like it is clogging my pours and my skin is holding it's breath. Not a big deal I guess, it comes of quickly after and had not made my slightly oily skin any oilier. If you are worried about putting oil on your skin any oilier then think again, it doesn't it cleans. Oil breaks down wax - thus balm breaks down oil. Mascara, gone - eyeliner, gone. It takes it all off and it is brilliant. 

So bottom line, will I use it all?  Yes. Will I enjoying using it all? For the most part, yes - and my skin will most definitely enjoy. Will I repurchase? It is pretty expensive and it may be too soon to say but I am not going to rule it out. 

Hope this review could add something slightly original to the masses of blogposts out their about this product. You can buy it here  (this is the one I have but it is 200ml and the 100ml is available here). 

PS - the packaging is a pain. Bulky, cracking and it doesn't close properly. Sort it out. 

Body Shop Haul!

I ordered from the body shop as they were having an amazing sale! I think these are all sale items and I would seriously recommend jumping on it now as the sale will be over soon and things will be sold out. I don't have the exact prices (lost the order slip... grrr) but I know the whole thing came to £20.50 including shipping! £20.50! That is an amazing deal. So anyway, onto the purchases. Everything came packaged perfectly well. Not exactly as I depicted because I have already tried most of the things. I'm sorry I couldn't help myself!  

 Everything was packaged inside body shop bags except for the body butter, ironic as that is the exact opposite of the following photos - sorry about that. 

 Okay, first three things. Also, it seems like everything is very christmassy but they are very much universal scents - especially the Cranberry Joy. It is sweet and refreshing and fruity - really nice and I can even imagine using this in the summer months with no problem. I purchased the Cranberry Joy shower gel which I really enjoyed using. I also got the body polish of the same scent. I have tried the Body Shop body scrubs before but never the polishes so went for the latter this time. It is particles suspended in a latherable gel not dissimilar from the shower gel consistency - just a bit thicker. I didn't give this a proper go in the shower but I really look forward to using it before I shave etc. The 'bath lily' as the body shop call it was a special Christmas colour and on sale for £1. I needed a new one and the Body Shop ones are amazing and lathering so much more than any other I have ever tried. I also love the colour. 

 

 Second lot: Ginger sparkle body butter and hand cream first. Oh my does this stuff smell good. Do not be deceived - no sparkles in them that is just the slightly misleading name. I love TBS (can we call The Body Shop that from now on) body butters. Some people may find them greasy but I don't think they are at all - they really sink in to the skin and make it feel noticeably less dry in the long run - actual moisturisation here, no mineral oil. Some of the TBS body butters have a thicker consistency (ex. the shea, coconut, cocoa butter) and some have a thinner one (grapefruit, strawberry, mango). I see the Ginger Sparkle as very much in between the two and I really like that. It smells DIVINE. Fresh in the tub and when it first goes on but then it turns into this amazing warm ginger scent that is absolutely amazing. Same can be said for the hand cream. Amazing scent from TBS and a bit upset it is only seasonal. The hand cream is thicker than I expected but nothing greasy here either. Love it. Finally I got  one of the beautifying oils. I have been wanting one of these for a while and when I saw the brazil nut on for half price I knew I had to try it. Haven't used this yet but it smells divine and sweet. Love it! 

Very happy with my purchases and hopefully there are still some of the things available. Check TBS website to be sure. Did you purchase anything from the sale, if so what? Would love to know!