I have indeed come a long way from the homely besan-milk scrub that mum used to put on my face so lovingly when I was young! The logic was as clear then, as it is now – deep cleanses, helps removes impurities from pores, gets rid of dead skin and makes you rise and shine. While I now am 5000 kms away from mommy, her wisdom is close by … in that I am a big fan of exfoliating and scrubbing, both face and the body! Today’s review is on the scrub is one of my ‘cult’ favorites – the Lush Ocean Salt Facial Scrub.
Lush Claims: Washing with Ocean Salt is like taking your face on a trip to the seaside for an invigorating splash in the water. The minerals in sea salt soften as it scrubs away dirt, dead skin and blockages for a bright, fresh face. We mix in fresh avocado and coconut to hydrate thirsty skin, leaving it balanced and soft. The antibacterial effects of lime and vodka are ideal for blocked pores, blackheads or blemishes and leave skin visibly brightened. It’s no wonder Ocean Salt is so enormously popular!
How to use? Splash water on your face and apply about a teaspoonful of scrub using an upward, circular motion to exfoliate and refresh the skin. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry. Ocean Salt can also be used on other parts of the body including chest, back, arms and legs.
Jumping straight in, it comes in the usual Lush pot that is recyclable and has all the info you need to know on the pack (who made it, what are the ingredients, how to use, when to use etc etc). The scrub is made of two parts – the sea salt granules / particles and a hydrating – moisturizing paste that acts as a base for the salt granules. While the SA mixed my pot, you are supposed to mix the two things before you start using. The texture of the base is creamy (coconut and avocado butter) and the salt granules vary in size. If you are particular about the size of particles in your scrub, I recommend using it on your hands first and then on the face.
Since the texture is not very runny, Lush says to first moisten your face before using this – that is a must do! The salt granules exfoliate super well and you can feel your face getting thoroughly cleansed as you scrub. An amazing side benefit is the fragrance that is so sparkling-ly fresh! Citrusy notes dominate making it a very uplifting, refreshing experience.But nothing prepares you for the sight of the bright, tightened skin (thanks to lime) that reflects in the mirror! It was love at first sight. And the magical thing is that you kind-of expect your face to feel a bit dry and stretchy after this thorough scrubbing…but the avocado butter in the scrub is soothing and makes my skin feel yummily soft!
Since the exfoliation is gentle but thorough, its most relevant for oily / combination skin people. Further, best used sparingly – not more than twice a week initially. As with most Lush products, a little goes a long way! I mostly use this to exfoliate face and hands as I have more appropriate (read economical) scrubs to use on the body! I love to use this on my face after a sticky, humid day — an instant pick-me-up! For an even more invigorating experience, it helps to keep it in refrigerator – this also makes the product last longer (Lush stuff is preservative free and hence has shorter shelf life). It has Vodka in it, so it apparently works well for backheads and blemishes – not sure of that but it definitely will sting if used on an open cut or raw skin.
On the topic of Lush, am sure you all know they are far more reasonably priced in their home country, UK, than in the rest of the world. So next time you have friends or family visiting from the Land of the Royal (Baby)…do yourself a favor and ask them to get you some Lush goodies!
Let’s look at the photos and swatches:
What Works about Lush Ocean Salt Sea Facial Scrub:
Thorough cleansing / exfoliating
Brightens, tightens
Baby soft skin
Very fresh, citrusy fragrance
A little goes a long way
Not tested on animals
Preservative free
Lush’s best seller
What Doesn’t work about Salt Scrub:
The put down price is very high!
Not for daily exfoliation
Ideal for oily / combination skin people – might be too strong for dry skin
Price: INR 1740 for 250 gms (from Lush India online site)
VNA Rating: 4.5/5
Will I re-purchase?Yes, as and when I or someone I know, travels to the UK! It is a fabulous product with a steep put down price…but a little goes a long way!
So, is it for you? Lush Ocean Salt Facial Scrub is a fantastic product, am not sure a scrub should be that expensive! Do try it if you get a chance, but you are better off buying a drugstore scrub and saving the rest to buy a foundation / concealer / BB cream with some great recos from VNA as the theme of the month.