The MASSIVE LUSH christmas gifts/haul + Golden Tickets.

Like my last post, this is far over due. I had so much work with the four award category that this got pushed a side for a while.

To start the story off, I want to let you know I have not one, but TWO GOLDEN TICKETS!! If you don't know what those are, it's a ticket that's in the gift sets for a chance to win something. Each store is given between three and five of these, and they are very hard to come by. I got my first one a few weeks before Christmas, but sadly, wasn't an instant winner. Then, for Christmas, my Mom got me the Wonderful Christmas Time 25 piece box set, which had my second Golden Ticket! I was so ecstatic, but sadly wasn't a instant winner, yet again. Not winning puts you in the running for the $500 gift card grand prize (which I'm hoping both win!!). Sadly, nothing I bought boxing day had another Golden Ticket.

The first ticket:

The second Golden Ticket:

So now lets get into the LUSH stuff!! Wonderful Christmas time had SO much stuff in it!! It was what I asked my mom for (as a xmas and bday gift, since they are a week apart). I was still so surprised when I seen it hiding behind the tree! I don't know how she managed to hide all that scent from me for a week!

What it has: Karma Soap, Twilight Bathbomb, Christmas Eve Bubble Bar, Bubble Gum Lip Scrub, Candy Cane Soap, Candy Mountain Bubble Bar, Ultrabalm Body Balm, Dream Cream Body Cream, Golden Wonder Bathbomb, Hottie Massage Bar, Jungle Conditioner, None of Your Beeswax Lip Balm, Pied de Pepper Foot Cream, Rocketeer Bathbomb, Satsumo Santa Bathbomb, Seanik Solid Shampoo, Snow Fairy Shower Gel, Snow Globe Soap, The Melting Snowman Bath Melt, Superstars Bubble Bar, Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly, The Comforter Bubble Bar, Tiny Hands Hand Serum, Buffy Body Butter and Ultrablast Toothy Tabs.

Phew! Lots to type. So if that wasn't a stock pile and a half, we made a trip on boxing day and got even more goodies!!

I forgot to include my Dream Steam Toner Tab and Stepping Stone Foot Scrub, they were already in the bathroom by this point! Ever thing Christmas was buy one, get one free, and the Emotibombs are "retiring" so I scooped some up.

I scored: Magic Wand Bubblebar, 2 Up You Gets Emotibombs, Too Drunk.. Emotibomb, Dream Time bath melt, Pheonix Rising Bathbomb, 2 Jilted Elf Shower Jellies, Golden Wonder Bathbomb, So White Bath Ballistic and Lil LUSH Pud.

I'll be reviewing lots of these items as I use them, and I've used almost everything once (minus all my bathbombs). I was too excited to test things out! I took pictures with all my bathbombs and such, so except posts in the soon future! I figured I'd share what of this haul I've been loving until those reviews.

Some things I'm really love from this haul:

Bubble Gum Lip Scrub, Candy Mountain Bubble Bar, Dream Cream Body Cream, Golden Wonder Bathbomb, Pied de Pepper Foot Cream, Snow Fairy Shower Gel, Superstars Bubble Bar, Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly, The Comforter Bubble Bar, Tiny Hands Hand Serum, Magic Wand Bubble Bar, Dream Time Bath Melt, Phenoix Rising Bathbomb and Stepping Stone Foot Scrub.

Hope this helps in your future purchases, and hope you had just as great of a LUSH Christmas as I did! I'm sure going to miss the seasonal stuff!!

VFAV Beauty Awards 2011 - Body Care

So here's my 2nd post for my personal awards for products this year. I don't use all of them at once throughout the year, I go in routines so that I know what's working and what isn't. Please check out my last post on Skin Care, and be sure to check out my upcoming Hair Care and Make-Up award section.

Best body wash: I Love … Strawberries and Milkshake Shower Smoothie $9.99 CAD

I had run out of body scrub and sent my husband to go get me more, and he came back with this surprise. I didn't find it to be a 'scrub' the way it describes (that or I'm just used to much heavier scrubs), but I really enjoyed it as my body wash between scrubs. I'm not sure what the little scrub particles are in it, but they are really subtle and better used in a wash than a scrub. But, I enjoyed having a little scrub action between my full out spa scrub. This was the first product I've used by them, and giggled when I seen the "Warning: I am not food, do not swallow me" on the back, until I smelt it. It smells exactly what it's called: strawberry milkshakes. It's absolutely delicious.

Best body scrub: Soap and Glory Flake Away Body Polish $19.99 CAD

I seen this brand on the shelve and thought "Hmm, these look cute" (which suckers me into a lot of products) and gave it a go. I also seen the words "spa body polish" and figured I had found something good. I was right. The smell wasn't to die for or anything, nor was the colour. But don't let that fool you. It has a very, very rough and heavy scrub (sea salt and sugar). It felt like getting a body peel. As well, the sea salt and sugar doesn't dissolve or disappear while your scrubbing, so a little goes a long way. After getting out of the shower, while drying off, I noticed too things: I had zero dead skin left and I was more moisturised than a oil wrap at the spa. Lots of scrubs this strong dry me out afterwards, but this doesn't at all. You could even skip body cream after using this. It absolutely made me feel like I just had a massive body peel and wrap at the spa. This is a product I'd probably cry over if I didn't see it on shelves anymore.

Best shave: Skintimate Skin Therapy Moisturising Shave Gel $3.99 CAD

I'm not too crazy about using expensive razors, because I tend to through them out after one use to ensure there's no bacteria (an episode of 1000 ways to die helped with that). So I make up for it by using a really good, thick and moisturising shave gel to protect my legs. I really enjoy the scents that Skintimate has, and the thickness. I haven't had any cuts or knicks since switching to this brand either. I always stick to things meant for dry skin as well on my legs, because it's always a random day when dry legs happen - and I like to keep my legs soft and glowy.

Best body cream:  Vasaline Deep Conditioning Cocoa Butter Lotion $3.99 CAD

I actually JUST switched to LUSH Dream Cream in the last week, and I'd love to say it's my new favourite, but this is what I've used religiously for the last year, and it deserves this award. I originally bought it because it was on sale and smelt delicious (I had used the cucumber aloe one in the past and enjoyed it). I generally don't like chocolate or cocoa butter scents, but this one was great. I found it to be very deep conditioning without feeling greasy, and I enjoyed being able to put it on at night and wake up in the morning still soft and moisturised (although that doesn't stop me from lathering a little more on). I also like that it absorbs quick and I'm able to put it on after a shower while still wet. I also use this any time I feel itchy, and it really hits the spot. For the price and great effects, I definitely think this should be a staple for everyone.

Best balm/salve: Mark. The Big Fix 15-in-1 Benefits Balm $10.00 CAD

I used a few salves/balms in the past, many home made, but didn't like the long lasting grease they had. I ordered this from Avon as soon as I seen it was fair trade, as well had some of my favourite ingredients: cocoa butter, olive oil and vanilla. Like everything else from Avon, I used it the second I got it. I've mostly been using it on my elbows, feet and lips. I noticed the biggest improvement on my elbows - it's a dry area I battle with very few product results. I'm not huge on the scent, but it gets the job done. I'm not left feeling greasy and can feel immediate effects on my dry, rough patches. It comes in a really big stick as well, and even though I use it a lot, I feel like I've made barely a dent in the tube.

Best self tanner: Dove Energy Glow Daily Moisturiser and Tanner $8.99 CAD

I'm not sure if this product counts for you, but it's the best I've ever used. I can't use anything that isn't gradual, and given how pale I am, anything too dark just looks fake. I absolutely love the smell of this - it's like actual tanning lotions for sun beds. It's a great moisturiser as well, and immediately gives you a sun kissed glow. I used it every day for about a week, and I could notice a light "tan" that looked natural and gorgeous. It didn't turn me orange and it didn't streak when showering/swimming. I've also had some bad luck in the past with darker, faster tanners and they always streaked, this gradual build is my favourite way to go, and a much more natural look. Plus I love the glow it gives you.

Best sunscreen: Anew Solar Advanace Sunscreen Body SPF30/Face SPF45 $34.99 CAD each

I never really used to wear sunscreen, but the last two summers really taught me a lesson - less than an hour in the sun each time and I had some of the worst burns I ever seen in my life (I also have very fair light skin). I bought a couple different bottles, but was super grossed out by the oily thickness of most of them.  Even though it was nearing the end of summer that this finally came, I was so excited to use it. It was light, had a great fragrance and did what it should - kept me protected. I personally don't have wrinkles anywhere but my under eye nor do I have age spots, so I can't really judge if it helps tighten the body and repair skin. But as I've mentioned before, I'm a firm believer in prevention of wrinkles. The reason I loved this product was because it was light feeling, non-greasy and smelt great. 

Best perfume: Calvin Klein Beauty $89.99 CAD

I usually wear very sweet perfume (like Britney Spears or Jessica Simpson), or florals (like Stella McCartney), and this was one of first 'mature' scents I've ever liked. This scent was to be less seductive and more sophisticated and mature, aimed at an older age audience. I really enjoyed it though, it was a nice change from my cute girly scents. It's weird how something like a scent can make you feel so much different about yourself, like your more grown up or something. It makes you feel fancy without smelling like an old lady.

Best body mist: Sephora Dry Oil Vanilla Cupcake Body Mist $5.00 CAD

I bought this for so many reasons - double acting product, oils, was on sale and CUPCAKE! It was a great purchase, because all those key words played out beautifully. It's not just a spray, it's got very soft oils to moisturise. If your anything like me, you can't get enough moisture and silky skin. It also absorbs quick so you don't have to worry about feeling greasy or staining clothes. I generally don't like smelling like food, but cupcakes are amazing. This had one of the most amazing fragrances I've ever smelt  - vanilla and almond, with hints of cupcakes of course! It's one of the most delicious sprays I've ever come across.

Best nail polish: OPI I Lily Love You $12.99 CAD

I completely fell in love with this sparkle coat the second I seen it. Without an under coat, it's a very subtle pink. The sparkles are really colour changing as well. What really got me is that the sparkles are all different shapes, as well un-even edged (like random flakes). It's like snow flakes with this one - every sparkle is different. I'm quite sure I've never used any one polish as much as this one, every time I do my nails this ends up over top. It just looks great over any thing.

Best hand cream: Nivea Anti-Age Q10Plus Hand Cream $9.99 CAD

I seem to always scoop up these anti-age infused things whenever possible. I seen the commercials and testimonials for this, and really wanted to give it a try. I haven't noticed improvements on hand wrinkles.. but I don't really have any yet. What I did notice is what I always look for in a cream - instant results and long lasting results. As well, a cream that can be put on at night and skin is still soft and moisturised by morning. This cream fulfilled all of that for me. I find it very, very silky without being greasy.

Best hand serum: LUSH Tiny Hands $7.95 CAD

This product almost slipped through my attention, as it was near the massage bars, and given I had 3, I decided to steer clear of that section for a while. I got this as a gift, and immediately gave it a try. The scent wasn't something I can really put my finger on, but I do enjoy it. I absolutely love the way it melts onto hands, and the creamy buttery feel of it. I only use it every few days, but even after a day or two I can still feel it on my hands. It's definitely a deep acting, long lasting moisturiser.

Best bath product: LUSH Dreamtime Bath Melt $5.95 CAD

This was the first of their bath melt I tried, and even now, it's always the one I come back to. The jasmine scent is absolutely relaxing and soothing for the senses. It's also pumped with cocoa butter, and literally makes your bath water feel like silk. I love how moisturising it is because you can hop out of the bath and into bed without worrying about getting dry skin.

Best foot treatment: LUSH Stepping Stone Foot Scrub $3.95 CAD

I'm not a fan of peppermint scented things for my feet, so LUSH was a great find for foot products. It's hard to describe the scent (LUSH describes it as mangoes) but it is absolutely delicious smelling. The first time I used it I was a little iffy, as it was a light scrub and not rough, but after getting out of the shower I noticed clean, exfoliated and moisturised yummy feet! It has sea salt and pumice for scrubbing and Jojoba for moisturising. All you need is a little piece as well for each foot. Another great use is for on your legs to get a really good exfoliation before shaving.

Best foot cream: LUSH Pied De Pepper Foot Cream $16.99 CAD

It's a bit pricey, but worth every penny. I got this in a gift box, and will be sticking with it forever. First off, the smell is amazing - like spices and cocoa. I like a yummy scent on my feet (who wants to rub dirty smelly feet?!), especially something that lasts to keep me fresh all day. It has a slight warming sensation, which is great in the winter. Some people have complained of it staining sheets and feet, but I've had no such problems. Now to where it matters - it's moisturises GREAT! The best is using it before bed and slipping some socks on, by morning your feet will be incredible. It's also great for achy feet - come home, soak, scrub, moisturise and throw some socks on, and your feet are going to love you.

What I learned about my body and products this year:

Never skip a routine body scrub - I personally can't stand drying off and having a single flake of dead skin lingering around. Oils are your friend when used properly. Fake orange tans are out - I don't care what Jersey Shore tells you (not that I ever thought they were in). When starting a new product, always try to keep a minimum on how many products your using, and stick with other things that you've used for a long time while using a new one. Otherwise if you get a rash, you're not going to know which new product caused it. Men are more willing to rub your feet if you've pre-pampered them. Most of all: I am now 100% committed to sparkly nails every day.

VFAV Beauty Awards 2011 - Facial Skin Care

Here's my 2011 skincare awards! Just so you know, I do use these in different routines and keep a journal of all my success/complaints, so it's easy to tell which product is doing what for me. Here's my years results, enjoy!

Best acne product: Avon Clearskin Professional Acne Treatment System $32 CAD

I don't deal with too much acne, just a few pimples here and there. I've used many drugstore brands and Clinique before to help clear it up without results I'd like. I've been pretty in love with many Avon products lately, and this is another that proves it's excellence - I haven't had a single pimple in over 6 months. Little tingly sensation, but it's also 0.5% salicylic solution, where most brands are 0.2%. Doesn't dry your skin out either, which usually happens, your going to feel sexy and smooth after this. I also mostly suffer from severe inflammation in new pimples over the actual huge pimple, and this calmed it down a lot!

Best face wash: Olay Total Effects Nourishing Cream Cleanser $19.98 CAD

This might be my favourite discovery next to my face cream. I've never washed my face with something that leaves me feeling like silk EVER the way this does. Not to mention the 7 skin+age fighting nutrients? This is a super wash for sure! I recommend this to every woman out there - even men. Go buy this NOW! It's recommended for all skin types. It's hypo-allergenic. It's gentle. It doesn't dry my skin out. It will un-painfully remove make-up. It's rich - but not oily or heavy. Let's the fact that it refines your skin, fights dullness and replenishes radience, minimizes pores, reduces fine lines and wrinkles.. I could go on forever on this product. It's worth every effing penny.

Best Face scrub: St. Ives Exfoliating Apricot $12.99

This product isn't 100% made for your face, but you'll never find anything better. You can get cheaper, smaller bottles, but I always go for the big tub. Used to use it on my whole body til I found Soap & Glory, but this still tops the best face scrubs. Don't be fooled by the roughness - the 100% natural jojoba beads are great for you face! It may seem like a rough scrub for your face but will actually leave your face amazingly soft and fresh - and deadskin free! I've been using this for 7 years now, will never turn my back on it. It's also pumped with Vitamin A and antioxidents. It always amazes me how actually gentle this is on your face.

Best face lotion: Neutrogena Oil Free SPF 15 Moisture Lotion $18.99 CAD

I generally have pretty normal skin, but was always searching for the perfect cream to top it off. Lots of creams are high in oils (which I find good for night time), but this turned out to be a perfect any time of day cream. It's very light, non-greasy, absorbs great and leaves skin soft and smooth. It's also one of the few creams I've found that can be used as a base for make-up. A lot of creams these days make pores pour out sebum, but this doesn't. 

Best eye cream: Anew Ultimate Contouring Eye System $32.00 CAD

Even though I have great skin, Clinique always made me break out, so I switched to this. I used to have what I'd say bad crows feet for 23, and this has visibly reduced it. I still suffer a small amount from them, but this cream has made my creases less visible, especially when make up is on which was my biggest problem. It's very light, great for night or day, and really showed a great improvement. 

Best toner: Sephora Face Soothing Toner $5.00 CAD

I had only tried one toner before this, which dried my skin out (felt more like an astringent). I've read some people think this has a bit of a sting, but I've never felt it. This was a great switch, as I felt my skin wasn't even close to as soft with my wash+ moisturiser. You can feel it doing the last bit of work to clean your face, did a great job cleaning my pores, and my face is left silk smooth. The smell is also great, like a soft rose sent. Sadly, they aren't selling it any more.

Best make up remover: Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action $26.00 CAD

I have tried many make-up removers, maybe around 20. I was using Clinique (unhappy about that one too) when I came apon a bottle in a free gift bag from Sears, and was instantly in love. Lots of other removers with oil like this will break out your skin or irritate your eyes, but this never did either. I also had trouble with having to rub hard to get mascara off, as where this one was simple - holding a facial pad against my eye for about 10 seconds and a quick swipe off. It's soft, conditioning and didn't leave any oily residue. I will never stray or even try another brand, this is the ultimate make-up remover. Not to mention a little goes a long way.

Best anti-age fighter: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Cream $23.99 CAD

I don't necessarily have wrinkly skin, but I'm a firm believer in preventing it. In the past I have always been very happy with Neutrogena products so I figured I'd give this a try. The first time I used it, I could feel an instant tingle and tightening sensation. Within a week (just like it says) I could visibly notice an improvement in my wrinkles near my eyes. I like creams like this that have instant effects as well as long term effects. Like all Neutrogena products, it isn't oily nor did it clog pores.

Best microdermabrasion: Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion System $19.99 CAD

The first time I used this, I was a little frigthened. But don't let that scare you away. This stuff is really intense first time around. It has a dial so there's different amounts of each liquid as time goes on, so you really need to make sure you use it as directed to get the best results. The first result I noticed was no dry skin - just like the real thing, dead skin layers gone! I also started to notice my face was more evenly toned - something I haven't found in years (I have a hyperpigmented spot on my face that's hard to keep hidden). This was my biggest love for this product - evening out my skin tones. Don't get me wrong, this stuff will get your face clean like you'd never believe. It's a great micro-derm system: exfoliates and cleans very deep without any harsh seeds or sand-paper like particles (although I personally like those kinds). But how deeply it cleans is un-believable. This is really spa level stuff!

Best facial peel: Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel $19.99

Here's another product that may scare you first use. I used it for the first time after washing my face off, and my goodness - she's got some sting to it for sure! It seems to have a very astringent/alcohol scent to it, which I'll assume is what helps with clearing breakouts and blemishes (because it will INSTANTLY remove blemish - no lie!). It's a pretty powerful peel, although not the first to have a bite to it I've used. This definitely has instant and long term effects. It kind of "puffs" the face so wrinkles aren't visible and softens skin beautifully. I noticed that for long term effects, after using this product, my face really started to have a glow about it, kind of like the cover of a magazine minus airbrushing. It's also dramatically cleaned and shrunk pores around my nose.

Best tool: Olay Profession Pro-X Advanced Cleaning System $29.99 CAD

As well as being my favourite tool of the year - this is my favourite skin care item of the year. I have wanted a Clarisonic forever, but couldn't justify spending over $200 on a face cleansing brush. So when this came out, I searched every corner of the internet for reviews and comparisons. To my happiness the internet told me exactly what I wanted to hear - this is a $30 clarisonic, more or less. I don't use this everyday, maybe twice a week. But each and every time I use it is like the first time. It's not just the cleansing, it's the massaging action while cleaning. It leaves your skin feeling relaxed, cleaned and pampered. I do use peels and what not once a week for deep cleaning and moisturising, but my Pro-X really does a good deep cleaning in between peels and is a great every-other-day tool for keeping up a good clean. 

What I learned about my skin and products this year:
I do not have perfect skin anymore, I get dry spots that need constant attention and a cream that could be applied multiple times a day. Astringents have started to fail me, so I had to find other products to clear up blackheads and shrink pores. Avon has great products - wishing I'd of given them chances before. Just because a product has a designer label and price, doesn't mean it's that great (clinique managed to disappoint me many times this year). Don't be afraid to switch it up if a product isn't making you happy, but always stick to what you love when you find it!

Keep checking for my 2011 awards for make-up, body care and hair care categories!

LUSH Butterfly Ball Ballistic

On my last trip to LUSH (which I've been doing almost every two weeks), I was sadly informed that I had JUST missed their Pinata Party, where everyone got to take a wack at Donkey Oaty for a free gift. Luckily, the girls are FABULOUS, and gave me a free surprise gift to take home - Butterfly Ball Ballistic. I was super excited and intrigued, especially over a product that was unavailable for purchase in the store. Being the fantastic mommy I am, I let my 3 year old daughter enjoy it!

From first impressions, I was in love. Half pink, half purple with flowers erupting from it, I couldn't wait to try it out!

 As it floated and fizzed, it filled the whole bathroom with gorgeous scents of jasmine! The more it fizzed, the more cornflower and larkspur petals came out! I also loved the pink and white foam, it reminded me lots of Mrs. Whippy! I had to hop in with her! The flowers and ylang ylang oil left my skin so smooth and hydrated, I just loved the silkiness of the water!

As time passed, the fizzing stopped, and the bubbles cleared, we were left with gorgeous pink water, filled with flowers! As we played around in the water, we found the best little surprise floating around - a sparkly purple butterfly!

This was a fantastic bath bomb that we both enjoyed! From start to finish, it was wonderful and relaxing! I really wish they carried these in the store, but it was a refreshing and more enjoyable experience knowing it was a one time treat! Haylee and I are total LUSH addicts, as soon as she see's me coming home with my big bag, she asks for her "bath eggs".

LUSH Big Blue and Sunny Side bath cocktail!

I recently purchased both of these from LUSH, which intentions of using them together. Big Blue (bathbomb) had scent of Lemon and Lavender to help you relax, along with pieces of seaweed and seasalt to help cleanse and soften the skin. It creates blue water, along with blue foamy bubbles. Sunny Side (bubblebar) has delicious scents of oranges, tangerines and lemon, also very relaxing, yet is very energetic. The golden lustre's cause the water to become gold, shimmery, and very swirly. The combination of these two results in sea green water, with golden shimmery swirls, and a bit of blue with golden hued bubbles. 

                                                         Elapsed time: 5 minutes

                                                        Elapsed time: 15 minutes

As you can see, the blue foamy bubbles dissapeared quite quick, but I was still left with bubbles. The golden shimmers lasted the whole half hour I was in the tub!

I really like the combination of these two, and would highly recommend trying with bath cocktail out. I hear adding the Avobath bathbomb as well into the mix makes for a great bath, I'll have to try it out!

My next cocktail? Blackberry (bathbomb with bergamot and black current, creates purple water), Tisty Tosty  (bathbomb based on a spell used to stir the passions and bring you love, eases tension and stress, will bloom flowers in the bath), and a Sunny Side bar. The combination should create a purple bath, with roses and gold shimmers, that will waken you up (from bergamot and tangerine), as well as ease your stress and tension. Definitely a great mix for the morning of something stressful, or after a stressful day, but too early for sleep.

LUSH haul and wish list!

This is only my second trip to LUSH, but it's a new love for me! Last time, I had two bathbombs, loved my Dragon's Egg, wasn't huge on Fizzbanger. I also got the Comforter bubblebar, which I love, lots of bubbles and pink water!

This time, I picked up two bathbombs, Big Blue and Twilight (Twilight for a LUSH virgin!). I also got to Sunny Side bubble bars (one for the virgin!), I am excited to mix it with Big Blue for an ocean coloured golden swirled bath! I heard a lot about the Too Drunk To @#$% emotibomb for the shower, basically helps cure the hangover. As well I picked up two bath melts in Dream Time.

Anyways, I'll let you guys know later how everything went, and what my water looked like with my new creation!

Next trip, I will be getting Blackberry Bathbomb, and mixing it in with a Sunny Side bar, and Tisty Tosty. Basically, purple bath water with golden swirls and roses! I'm also going to try out the Wiccy Magic Muscles massage bar.