Christmas at LUSH | 'Snow Fairy' & 'Hot Toddy'

When it comes to Christmas pampering, LUSH is my first port of call.  It's my annual tradition every Christmas Eve to watch Love Actually, wrap the last of my presents and have a bath full of festive lotions and potions before getting into bed with a mug of festive tea and brand new christmas-themed pyjamas.  You may have seen my previous LUSH post this week all about their 'Yog Nog' soap which has fast become one of my new obsessions (post here), but I tottled back into the store the other day to see what other festive-themed goodies they had to offer - how could I resist? A girl can never have too many bath-time treats, right?! I walked out with my trusty old favourite, 'Snow Fairy' (which in all honesty was an impulse buy at the till) and a bottle of the rather christmas-y looking 'Hot Toddy' - this isn't one I've tried before but I was sold on description alone.   Even though they're shower gels, I sometimes use them under the tap as a bubble bath so for me, they're much more versatile than a one-use bath bomb and I'm able to enjoy them for the entire lead up to Christmas.

Lush // Snow Fairy Shower Gel // £3.75 for 100g // Link

An old favourite of mine, 'Snow Fairy' has to be my festive guilty pleasure.  I went absolutely crazy for it in my teenage years and found myself slightly addicted to the super-sweet, girly scent.  In all honesty, I haven't gone mad for it the past couple of years as I've favoured slightly spicier scents, but I decided I'd treat myself to a bottle on a bit of a whim.  I took one sniff and remembered why I used to love it so much. Even though it's quite a young scent, it's the perfect girly treat.  I wouldn't say it's actually very festive, however, since it's a product they release as a limited edition every year I can't help but associate it with Christmas!  It's definitely not for you if you don't like sweet scents as it can be quite sickly - it's like candy floss, pear drops and vanilla all rolled into one big bottle of sweetness but it's so unique. I adore it. The scent lingers on the skin long after you've gotten out of the bath and the iridescent, pearly pink colour is just the perfect finishing touch - Snow Fairy really does live up to its name.  They've added more skin softening ingredients this year so it's bound to be a winner.   Loved by many, there's a reason why they bring this back every year...

Lush // Hot Toddy Shower Gel // £3.95 for 100g // Link

It was the gorgeous deep red colour swirled with golden glitter flecks that sold me on this one.  With cinnamon, ginger, lemon oil and skin softening seaweed, this festive concoction is warming and spicy and looks the part too.  It's definitely more of a traditional fragrance (as opposed to Snow Fairy's quirky signature scent) and is a good option for cosy nights in - i find it really calming and it would be a fab one to use if you're feeling a bit under the weather. It definitely does knock your socks off slightly!  It fills your bathroom with a beautiful, festive aroma and instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit. It's such a gorgeous, wintery product and if you're after something that really does smell like Christmas in a bottle, I really recommend picking this up!

What are you favourite Christmas LUSH products?

Brand Focus: Organic Surge | Shower Gels

Organic Surge is a brand I've been familiar with for a while now and I've featured a few of their products here on Bird's Words. Their cruelty free products are 100% free of harsh chemicals, parabens, artificial fragrances and colourants and are full of naturally derived, nourishing ingredients and fragrant essential oils.  My favourite product has to be their '2 Minute Moisture Hair Mask' and it's one that I've repurchased a couple of times since I first tried it. I'm also a big fan of their 'First Class Face Mask' and their facial moisturisers as well as their bath foams (I'm a bit of a bath product junkie!) I just think the whole brand hits the nail on the head when it comes to affordable skin/body care and the entire brand ethos is something I really feel drawn to. Sometimes, I feel as if natural products can be very hit and miss but Organic Surge really have impressed me and their products really do work.  I'm also really excited to see that they've introduced some Travel Sized products to their range - I'll definitely be stocking up on the minis the next time I jet away on holiday or find myself away from home for a while.

Today, I thought I'd focus on their range of shower gels.  I'm aware it's difficult to get excited over a shower gel but as shower gels go, these one's are a treat I tells ya! Each one contains 250ml and they last absolutely ages.  I find them to be really nourishing on the skin and the thick, gel consistency means that even the tiniest blob gets a good bit of lather going on (a very crucial factor for me!) I've tried 4 of their gels now and each one is deliciously scented whilst providing a range different benefits...I find it difficult to pick a favourite!

Fresh Ocean | £4.95* | Link

This is the newest addition to my little OS stash! Enriched with lime, rosemary and lemon oils this one is rather refreshing.  It isn't overly citrus-y which I really like -its just the right sort of balance for me and the 'ocean' hint definitely comes across. This one is said to be beneficial for dull or dry skin, whilst helping to soothe irritation with it's intense natural moisturisers.

Citrus Mint | £4.95* | Link

This is one for those early morning showers! Citrus Mint is really refreshing but with a certain 'kick' to it! I find it to be really awakening and I love using it when I need a bit of a perk up! It also contains healing aloe vera which is great for irritation and blemishes - I went through a stage where I had a few little blemishes on my back and I have to say this helped no end.  It helped to keep my skin looking clear and calmed and it really does seem to help keep my skin clear.  It's also a good one for summer time as it helps to cool the skin and leaves it feeling really refreshed.

Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel | £4.95* | Link

I know summer is coming to an end, but this one really has been a firm favourite for me over the past few weeks.  It reminds me of Solero ice lollies! Yummy! Sweet orange and bergamot oils help to cleanse the skin and the uplifting fragrance provides a lovely little mood boost.

Super Fresh Body Wash 'Awakening' | £5.99* | Link

A little pricier than the other shower gels, this one is said to target and stimulate the senses for a naturally 'uplifting' effect - containing a blend of spicy may chang and bergamot oils. I prefer to use this in the mornings, it has a similar effect to the Citrus Mint but is a little more warming and 'zingy'...

Overall, I really recommend these body washes.  They're a little pricier than your average but they hardly break the bank and the mix of essential, natural oils combined with their range of unique, beautiful scents make them well worth it.  Like i said earlier in this post, I've repurchased a couple of products from them now and this is the type of thing I'd add to my basket for an added treat now and again - it's worth mentioning that they often have offers on as well as providing different 'bundles' (I signed up to their email newsletter and often get little codes and heads up on offers). If you're after little 'stocking fillers' these make lovely little gifts - I'm not sure if it's just my graphic design background coming out in me, but I really like the whole brand appearance too. You can find the range of shower gels and bath goodies on their website here.

Have you tried Organic Surge? What's been your favourite product so far?

My Love For.. Soap & Glory 'Clean On Me'

Soap & Glory | Clean On Me | £5.50 - 500ml

Just recently, I've been quite stressed to say the least.  I've had uni work to do on an almost constant stream and haven't had a great deal of 'me time' the past month.  I cannot wait until my deadline is done and dusted and I can finally treat myself to a nice hot bubble bath and a pampering sesh!  A relaxing soak has been totally off the cards for me of late, but I've re-introduced an old favourite into my shower-time regime that has made things just that little bit brighter.  Soap & Glory's 'Clean On Me' shower gel. I know there's only so much one can say about a shower gel, but don't knock it until you've tried it. You'll be brushing aside the Imperial Leather rather quickly once you've copped a sniff of this little beauty (not that I'm knocking Imperial Leather, but sometimes in a girl's life you just need a little dose of pink, right?) If you're a fan of Soap & Glory, you'll love this. It smells really light, fresh and creamy - and lathers up like a dream.  Once I step out of the shower my skin feels moisturised, soft and totally pampered.  With a built-in body lotion, it gives you an excuse to skip the moisturising ritual (I hold my hands up and admit I've been slacking just recently!) and it leaves your skin feeling squeeky-clean and soft to the touch.  The consistency is more like a luxurious cream - it's very rich and smooth, meaning it's a fabulous option for dry skin.  I tend to follow up with their Righteous Butter and together I find them the perfect combination.

At £5.50, it isn't the cheapest of shower gels but this bottle will last an age - the little pump means that it's virtually impossible to waste a single drop and you don't need handfuls of the stuff to get a good lather going on! Not only that, but it looks adorable sitting on your bathroom shelf!  I can't say I'm one to get excited over a shower gel, but Clean On Me will forever remain one of my firm favourites and for me, it's worth every single penny.  It's something I tend to buy when I feel like a little pick-me-up and I know a lot of you will agree.  If you love Soap & Glory but haven't tried this - I urge you to grab yourself a bottle...

What are your thoughts on Clean On Me? What's your current favourite Soap & Glory product?