LUSH Happy Blooming Bath Melt Review

*The Claims for Happy Blooming Bath Melt*

Blooming soothing cherry melt.

Heaps of calamine powder.

Inventing Happy Blooming took a careful eye for perfection. Helen, inventor of the bath melt, tinkered with the formula for months. She wanted to create a smooth feeling on the skin, like a dry oil, so she used 50% calamine powder to create just the right effect on the skin.

Cherry chops.

The happy, mouth-watering, fruity fragrance is down to Simon's 'Cherry Chops', named in honour of beautiful cherry blossoms. You get three baths out of each one ? just snap off one segment per soak and its blend of calamine, ylang and cocoa butter will leave your skin silky and non-greasy. We think it's blooming marvelous, and we're sure you will too.

Passion flower seed oil

Passion flower oil forms part of that sweet scent and encourages a sense of happiness and calm.

Calamine powder

Powdered calamine soothes and creates a smooth feeling on the skin.

 *My Experience with the Bath Melt:*

•  Price: $6.95 for 60g
• Effectiveness: I break the decadent bath melt into 3 chunks - it breaks into perfect pieces easily.  The rich melt gives off a wonderfully relaxing creamy pink hue and makes my skin smell amazing. The product leaves me with ultra smooth and soft skin  all over without causing chest and back break outs.
• How to use:  I held the product directly under the running tap for a bit before the Happy Blooming Bath melt disolved. 
• Scent: Cherry candy
  
• Cons:It's pricey!
  
• Bottom line: A must have!
  
• *Grade: 9.2/10

LUSH Tea Tree Water: Toner Review

 *The Claims for Tea Tree Water*

TOUGHER TONER FOR SPOTTY SKIN.

Ah, tea tree: how do we love thee?

Tea tree is extremely soothing and can work wonders on troubled or oily skin. We've also added juniper berry and grapefruit waters to refresh and tone with natural oils.

Mild antiseptic spray.

Use this throughout the day to help tackle blemishes and lift your spirits.

Juniper berry water

Juniper berry oil has many properties, some of which are very beneficial to the skin. The antiseptic quality of the oil is very good for helping oily, spot-prone and acne skins.

*My Experience with the Toner:*

• Price:$8.95 for 100mL
• Cons: I find that this toner is not as effective as my regular drug store brand toner; the tea tree water does not seem to remove makeup and oils as well as drug store brands.  
• Effectiveness: I really like how gentle the Tea Tree Toner is on my skin; the product is not harsh and does not dry out my skin.  The toner removes some blackheads (after multiple uses) and leaves my skin feeling soft and refreshed.
• Bottom Line: I'm on the fence about repurchasing this product or not. I like that the toner doesn't contain alcohol, but the effectiveness is quite mild for me. I'm still searching for "the perfect" toner.
• Grade: 6.5/10

LUSH Cosmetics Skin Nanny Review

*The Claims for Skin Nanny*

Protects your face from the effects of the sun

Skin Nanny is the natural way to protect your skin from wrinkles. If you are going out in the sun and want to look after your skin, you've got to choose a moisturizer with some protection. Skin Nanny has natural AHAs from the fresh apple juice, helping to combat free radicals. It's all part of our holistic approach to keeping your skin bright by using the whole fruit.

Heavy duty moisture soak.

Starflower oil moisturizes and hydrates your skin. Skin Nanny's C and E vitamins come naturally with almond and hibiscus oils to penetrate your skin and smooth wrinkles.

Cold-Pressed Oils

We use cold-pressed oils because they are the finest quality available and combine to make skin instantly soft.

*My Experience with the Moisturizer:*

• Price: Original size - 45g for $48.95 CAD;  Sample size: $5
• Texture: The rich moisturizer is very heavy, thick, and creamy kinda like Vaseline.  The product melts on contact with my skin i.e. the cream turns into oil.
• Effectiveness: I have combination skin; oily t-zone in the spring and summer, and super dry skin in the winter. It's a great night cream but the product is too heavy for day use for me. Suprisingly the cream doesn't clog my pores (yayyyy)! With Skin Nanny my skin is blemish-free, and much smoother and softer.
• Scent: Heavenly like a combination of sweet exotic flowers and lavender
• Cons: It's expensive! 
• Bottom line:I would recommend this product for people who have dry skin and those individuals who are looking for a luxurious night cream.
• Grade: 8.5/10

LUSH Enzymion Moisturizer Review

 *The Claims for Enzymion Moisturizer *

Balances oil production.

Enzymion goes straight for those oils and makes them disappear. Helen's amazing formula of cleansing papaya, blended with soothing aloe vera, absorbs oils naturally. Our inventors worked hard to get the right amount of papaya and lemon on the skin, and this moisturizer is the fruit of their labour. Its name pays homage to a classical poem by John Keats.

Gives skin a matte finish.

An infusion of brightening fresh lemons and sweet grapefruit and lime oils refreshes and tones your face. Then, we whisk in the organic butters to moisturize and soften your skin.

Lemon

Lemon refreshes and brightens.

*My Experience with the Moisturizer:*

• Price: Original size - 45g for $36.95 CAD;  Sample size: $5
• Effectiveness: I used this product when I was suffering from cystic acne and was in the early phase of taking Accutane.  It's a light but hydrating moisturizer which I still use and only in the morning. Enzymion Moisturizer helps brighten my skin and even out my complexion. The product helps me regulate shine and greese! My skin is calmer in that I'm breaking out less.
• Scent: Refreshing citrus 
• Cons: It's a bit pricey and no SPF protection.
• Bottom line: Recommended for individuals who have combination skin and oily skin. Enzymion Moisturizer is waaaay better than any drug store moisturizer. You won't regret trying this product.
  
• Grade: 7.8/10

Review on LUSH Cosmetics: Dream Cream (Body Cream)

LUSH Cosmetics: Dream Cream (Body Cream)

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 Widget: Photos of Dream Cream

 *The claim for the Body Cream *

Calming and dreamy.

Incredibly soothing body lotion for troubled skin. Dream Cream is LUSH's best-selling product because it makes sore skin feel good again. Chamomile and lavender calm irritations, reduce redness and banish blotches. Mark considers it his favourite product because it makes so many people so happy.

Mark's favourite.

We also use oat milk, too, which has traditionally been used on troubled skin for centuries. It contains everything nature makes for soothing your skin.

Rose and lavender

Rose and lavender essential oils are calming for irritated, suffering skin.

*My Experience with the Lotion:*

• Price: I bought a tub 240g for about ~$25.
• Effectiveness: After reading many postive reviews about Dream Cream I was convinced that I needed this product.  Best lotion I have ever used;  it's packed with every calming chamomile - great for troubled skin and stressed mind. 
• Duration: One tub lasts me for a year; a little bit of the lotion goes a long way! I use it daily on my hands and elbows, and the cream absorbs into the skin almost immediately thus leaving no greasy feeling. 
• Scent: The lotion smells herbally/floral but not an overpowering or strong scent.
• Bottom line: I am definitely going to repurchase this cream in the new year. I urge people to try this product out; you won't go back to lotions and creams on supermarket shelves. 
• Grade: 8.8/10

LUSH Cosmetics Gift Set: Christmas Washes

I received this wonderful collection of seven body care products from my dear brother. Thank you for the awesome present. :)

*Colorful packing peanuts

*LUSH bag and packing paper

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New Shampoo Bar

*The Claims for the New Shampoo Bar* 

Clove and peppermint oils to motivate tired scalps.

Help treat hair loss with cinnamon, clove and bay oils. When stress or life goes to your head, this shampoo will encourage hair growth and stimulate scalps. It's intense, but works a treat on irritated scalps or hair that's thinning.

Herbs for softness.

Rejuvenate hair with rosemary and nettle to make hair shiny and soft.

Nettle and peppermint

Nettle and peppermint stimulate the scalp and the hair follicles.

*My Experience with the Shampoo:*

• Ease of use: I wet my hair and the bar. Then glide the bar down the length of my hair about two or times. 
• Results: Cleans hair thoroughly- squeeky clean and shiny;  a tad harsh- kinda dries out my hair; great for people with oily hair.
  I will update this post - letting you know if the product stimulates hair growth.
• Scent: Sweet smelling spicy cinnamon with herbs

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Sexy Peel Soap

*The Claims for Sexy Peel Soap* 

Wake you up for breakfast.

Use a bar of Sexy Peel soap to get yourself going in the morning. Wesley created it because he thought that a citrus soap would be great for mornings and there was plenty of citrus peel going to waste at the factory. The fragrance smells like a breakfast marmalade.

Peel has never been this sexy.

A wash with Sexy Peel soap will bring you back for breakfast. Fresh lemon, grapefruit and lime juice wash away sleepiness and get you breathing in revitalising fruitiness.

*My Experience with the Soap:*

• Results: Cleanses throughtly; clean, smooth and silky skin; moisturizes and hydrates dry and flaky skin; gentle exfoliator
• Scent: Freshly squeezed sweet lemonade

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Sugar Scrub

*The Claims for the Sugar Scrub* 

Tough on cellulite, kind to skin.

Our Sugar Scrub is hard, but a bit of a sweetie. Its no nonsense stance stimulates activity and tackles cellulite with fennel and ginger. Calming lavender has a balancing effect and encourages healthier skin.

Made with Fairtrade sugar; created by Ro.

Get yourself wet in the shower or bath, but don't let the bar get under the running water or it'll be lost before it can prove itself. Scrub, scrub, scrub and rinse away. It doesn't waste any time getting down to business

*My Experience with the Scrub:*

• Ease of use:  I wet my skin then rub the scrub bar on my elbows and legs.
• Results: an invigorating scrub that leaves my skin super smooth and bright.  The scrub is good for three uses.  FYI: The scrub won't dye your skin green. :P
• Scent: Yummy lavender and herbs

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Buffy Body Butter

I've done a review of this product a few months ago. Check it out here.

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Mandarin's Tea Party Soap

*The Claims for Mandarin's Tea Party Soap*

Winter wake up call

Stocking stuffers are a Christmas tradition all over the world. On the 25th, you can usually find satsumas, tangerines or mandarins bulging in there, so we packed Mandarin's Tea Party with citrus oils and orange juice to give you some early morning refreshment.

Spicy orange blossom refreshment

It has the same fragrance as our summery Orange Blossom perfume, and there are real dried orange slices throughout, along with soft chunks of crystallized ginger to add a little bit of sweet spice. This soap will help to keep you smiling in winter and it's perfect for any time, not just tea parties.

Crystallized ginger

Crystallized ginger is traditionally used in baking. It adds texture to the soap and makes it very Christmassy.

*My Experience with the Soap:*

• Results: Fresh and clean skin; lightly lingering scent on skin after use; hydrating
• Scent: Zesty and sweet Mandrian oranges 

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Glögg

*The Claims for Glogg*  

Spicy gel for festive showers

Glögg is a LUSH interpretation of a Swedish spin on festive mulled wine. While it may be tempting to take a swig of our festive shower gel, we recommend you save the warming effects of the organic red wine, brandy and spice oils for the benefit of your body. Winter can put a chill into your bones and leave you with toe-sicles; heat things up, get the circulation going and get into a lather with this instead. Glögg and Cinders are the duo for you if you find the cold of winter difficult to deal with and want to stoke the embers. 

*My Experience with the Shower Gel:*

• Results: The shower gel is a bit watery but it an awesome product; a nice warming sensation; fresh and clean skin but scent does not linger
• Scent: Hot cinnamon, cloves, and refreshing citrus

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The Olive Branch Shower Gel

*The Claim for the Olive Branch Shower Gel* 

Like the warmth of the Mediterranean.

If your body is beaten by the rigours of the rat race, accept an olive branch. The Olive Branch has a welcoming warmth to it, with organic olive oil to soften your skin, an infusion of vine leaves, sea salt and the fresh juice of mandarins.

Accept a peace offering.

It is uplifting and reassuring, and brings peace of mind whenever you lather up in the bath or shower.

Fair Trade olive oil

The oil's active ingredients are vitamin E (a fat soluble antioxidant), oleic acid (omega 9 monounsaturated fatty acid), hydroxytyrosol (plant polyphenol) and squalene (an organic compound found in human sebum).

*My Experience with the Shower Gel:*

• Results: a nice thick lather with a long lingering scent; softens and hydrates the skin for a nice glow
• Scent: warm citrusy and musky
• Cons: A very watery gel 
• Bottom line: I would not repurchase this product because the product is not thick enough. I end up spilling most of the gel.
• Grade: 6.8/10

LUSH Cosmetics Gift Set: "From...With Love"

Gift Set: From...With Love

I received this classy collection of eight body care products from my dear brother. Thank you for the wonderful present. :)

Photo 1: Gift Set--From...With Love; slightly unwrapped. I was too eager and pulled off the red ribbon before the photo taken.

Photo 2: Gift Set--From...With Love; opened. Gift set contained Snow Fairy 100mL, Up You Gets 90g,  Heavanilli 55g, Snow Showers 100g, Sugar Babe 100g, Father Frost 100g,  Snowcake 100g, Honey Trap 10g, and 15% discount card--one time use (not featured in my photo).

Photo 3: Dates on the bottom of the gift set.

Recommendations: Money saving tip is to purchase the items separately.

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 Shower Gel: Snow Fairy 100mL

Photo 4: Snow Fairy 100mL

Photo 5: Shake well before use!

1.) Likes/Pros: 

-Pleasant smell (Sweet, fruity, grapefruit scent)

-Light lingering scent on skin and in hair all day 

-Skin and hair feels squeaky clean after-use

-Not greasy or oily

-Easy application

-Luxurious lather (22)

-Travel size

-Safe for daily use

2.) Dislikes/Cons:

-Sparkles adhere to skin, and hair 

-Challenges to clean up in the tub

Overall Grade: B+

Final thoughts: I would repurchase this item for occasional use before I go out to casual parties.

 

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Emotibomb: Up You Gets 

Photo 6: Up You Gets 90g

1.) Likes/Pros: 

-Pleasant smell (Citrus: Lemon-lime, grapefruit scent)

-Great value (~$3.XX)

-Easy to break or cut into chunks

-Food for the soul ;)

-Mentally refreshing

-Product placed on shower floor: Oils released makes feet smooth

-Placed on soap rack: Product lasts longer; slowly releases oils and scents

2.) Dislikes/Cons:
-Light scent in shower
-Product wasn't strong enough to give me that wake-me-up kick in the morning :(
-Scent does not linger on skin but lingers in the bathroom
-Placed on the shower floor: Product disappeared quickly ( ~ 45 seconds)

Overall Grade: C-
Final thoughts: I would repurchase this item in lieu of air fresheners.

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Massage Bar:  Heavanilli

Photo 7: Heavanilli 55g

1.) Likes/Pros: 
-A pleasant sensational smell (Yummy, musky french-vanilla scent)
-Lingers on skin for several hours
-Easy application; Melts on contact
-Oily and greasy initially but sinks into skin
-Soothes flakiness, hydrates skin and moisturizes
-Works great on elbows, knees and ankles
-Doesn't get messy (Yay!)
-A little bit goes a long way; product lasts much longer than bottle lotions
-The pink on the product does not stain the skin 

Overall Grade: A

Final thoughts: I would repurchase this item and recommend it to others.

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Shower Jelly:  Snow Showers

Photo 8: Snow Showers 100g top of container

Photo 9: Snow Showers Jelly!

Photo 10.  Empty canister. :(

1.) Likes/Pros:

-A fun squishy jelly! (Reminds me of Jell-O ^__^)

-Pleasant smell (sweet, spicy, orange-lime scent)

-Light linger scent for a few hours

-Safe to use on the face

-"No more tears"; Product does not sting or irritate eyes

-Cleans effectively

-Does not dry skin out

-Rich lather

-Product tastes salty, not bitter

-Keep in fridge or freezer for a more solid soap

 

2.) Dislikes/Cons:

-Messy

-Chunks of the product ends up down the drain

-Long shelf-life (greater than 12 months)

Overall Grade: B+

Final thoughts: It's a must try product! 

 

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Body Scrub: Sugar Babe

Photo 11: Sugar Babe 100g

1.) Likes/Pros:

-Pleasant smell (a creamy vanilla-coconut scent)

-A granulated sugar scrub

-Gentle exfoliant

-Super soft and smooth skin after-use

-Easy to cut up and use (divide into 4 pieces) 

-Use on elbows, knees, legs, ankles and feet

-Non-greasy, non-oily

-Great value

2.) Dislikes/Cons:

-Melts upon contact with water 

-Slightly messy; crumbles easily

-Does not moisturize skin

Overall Grade: B-

Final thoughts: I will repurchase this item and recommend it to others. 

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Soap: Father Frost

Photo 12: Father Frost 100g

1.) Likes/Pros:

-Pleasant smell (elegant flora scent; unisex)

-Easy to use

-Cleans effectively

-Moisturizing, but not greasy or oily

-Skin feels silky smooth after-use

-Luxurious lather but not creamy

-Product lasts a long time; doesn't just melt away quickly

-Soap doesn't stain your skin or tub

2.) Dislikes/Cons:

-Scent does not linger on skin

-On LUSH's website the soap is suppose to be indigo blue, but my bar is black...what happened?! :(

Overall Grade: B-

Final thoughts: I product that I will purchase again because it makes a nice hand soap or gift.  

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 Soap: Snowcake

Photo 13:  Snowcake 100g still in packaging

Photo 14. Top view of product.

Photo 15. Side view of the bar.

1.) Likes/Pros:

-Pleasant smell (yummy, sweet almond scent)

-Easy application

-Cleans effectively

-Moisturizing, but not greasy or oily

-Doesn't strip natural oils from skin

-Rich and creamy lather

2.) Dislikes/Cons:

-Scent doesn't linger on skin

-Soap melts away fast :( 

Overall Grade: B-

Final thoughts:  I will repurchase this product when it's on sale.

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Lip Balm: Honey Trap

Photo 16: Honey Trap 10g   

1.) Likes/Pros:
-Moisturizing
-Prevents wind burn 
-Treats chapped lips
-Fast absorbing
-Tingly feeling after application

2.) Dislikes/Cons:
-Heavy musky honey scent
-After application I received comments from friends and family about a "funky" smell (it was my lip balm! *sad*)
-Difficulties in application; product is a hard solid and does not melt easily on to finger tips
-Slightly gritty
-Tastes salty
-No SPF protection

Overall Grade: D

Final thoughts: A disappointing product it was not creamy or rich. I would try other LUSH lip balms but I would not repurchase or recommend this item.

LUSH Cosmetics: Aqua Marina

Facial Cleanser: Aqua Marina

Photo 1: Aqua Marina; a nickel size amount for one time use 

Aqua Marina is quite similar to A.O.B.S. (Angels on Bare Skin) except...  

- it is an ultra creamy cleanser 

-does not provide any exfoliation 

-it is invigorating; leaves skin feeling clean

-good for acne troubled skin; balances our natural oils
-calms redness

-does not smell like lavender but instead a strong medicinal scent (yuck!)

Overall Grade: B+

My final thoughts: The smell of the product needs to be altered but the results of the product is excellent.

LUSH Cosmetics: Angels on Bare Skin

Facial Cleanser: Angels on Bare Skin

Photo 1: Angels on Bare Skin; a nickel size amount for one time use

1.) Likes/Pros:

-A gentle and creamy cleanser

-Does not strip skin of its natural oil 

-Grounded almonds serves as a light exfoliant

-Leaves skin feeling moisturized and soft

-Improves skin texture and complexion
-Reduces blotches on skin

-Safe to use daily use and twice a day

-Great for sensitive and dry skin, also good for combination skin

-A light and pleasant natural/organic lavender scent

-A little goes a long way

-Fairly long shelf-life; several months depending on when product was made and purchased

-Good value

2.) Dislikes/Cons:

-Takes time, effort and skill to make the right consistency

-Sometimes gets messy; lavender seeds are left behind in the sink


3.) Use
I take a dime size amount of A.O.B.S. then wet my face. I rub the product on to my skin in a circular motion and then I rise the product off.

Overall Grade: A-

Final thoughts: Product provides a unique experience. Definitely worth a try. I would purchase this product over and over.

LUSH Cosmetics: Fresh Face Masks (A Crash Course in Skincare & BB Seaweed)

A Crash Course in Skincare

Photo 1: Lush cosmetics front of fresh face mask container; A Crash Course in Skincare

 

Photo 2: A Crash Course in Skincare

Photo 3: Lush cosmetics back of fresh face mask container; A Crash Course in Skincare

1.) Likes/Pros:

-Smooth application

-Product has the perfect consistency (not chunky or runny)

-Cool to the touch (since the mask must be stored in the fridge)

-Face feels soft, moisturized and revitalized

-Porcelain skin after-use

-Brightens face

-Leaves a lemony yogurt scent (mmmm, yummy!)

-Recommended to people with dry skin

-Calming to the mind and skin

-Dries within 15 mins. of a light application

-Gently tightens skin

-Easily removed with a warm wash cloth

2.) Dislikes/Cons

-Short shelf-life (about 2 weeks)

-Average value ($8.35 CAD)

Overall Grade: A+

Final thoughts: I love this mask because of the wonders it does for my skin. I would definitely repurchase this item.

 

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BB Seaweed

Photo 4: Lush cosmetics front of fresh face mask container; BB Seaweed

Photo 5: Lush cosmetics BB Seaweed (fresh face mask)

Photo 6: Lush cosmetics BB Seaweed (fresh face mask) chunks of seaweed

Photo 7: Lush cosmetics back of fresh face mask container; BB Seaweed

1.) Likes/Pros:

-Lemon-lime scent (very pleasant)

-Gentle exfoliator for face, elbows, knees and feet

2.) Dislikes/Cons

-Short self-life (about 2 weeks)

-Average value ($8.35 CAD)

-Experienced difficulties in application

-Product was extremely chunky because of the large pieces of seaweed

-The mask did not stick to my skin (It was frustrating because most of the product ended up in the sink.)

-No noticeable improvements in my skin

Overall Grade: D

Final thoughts: After all the positive reviews I have read and heard about BB Seaweed, the mask ended up to be disappointing.  I would NOT repurchase this item.

Thanks for reading!

LUSH Cosmetics: Lush Toner Tabs (Vitamin C & E)

Photo 1: LUSH Cosmetics; a Vitamin C toner tab

Photo 2: LUSH Cosmetics; a Vitamin E toner tab

Photo 3: Dissolving a Vitamin C toner tab in a bowl of hot water

I didn't find a significant difference between the Vitamin C and Vitamin E toners therefore the rest of the review I will not address them separately.

1.) Likes/Pros:

a.) After-use

-Face feels soft, moisturised and hydrated

-Soothes redness and blotchiness

-Smooth and glowing skin

-Shrinks enlarged pores

-Eliminates dryness and dullness

b.) The Experience

-Light flora scent

-Relaxing 

-Food for the soul ;)

c.) Evaluations 

-Safe for daily use

-Gentle on sensitive skin

2.) Dislikes/Cons:

-Average value ($1.50 per tab)

-Leaves a saltly after-taste in my mouth (I know what you are thinking; trust me, I'm not licking or drinking the product)

3.) Creative Uses:

If you are frugal, like me, there are multiple ways to stretch the use of this product! I usually dissolve a toner tab in a tin bowl of warm water. After steaming my face I can pour the water away or I can...

a.) Let the water cool and pour it into a spritz bottle. Then store the toner in the fridge and use it as a regular toner. The toner lasts for about a week.

b.) Soak your hands, elbows or feet in the water. Then pour away the water.

c.) Soak a cloth in the water and then rub your face with the cloth. This will exfoliate your skin.

I would love to hear from you. Email me at bioscisweetie[at]gmail[dot]com or leave a comment below telling me how you use toner tabs!  :)

4.) Storage

I store my toner tabs in a zip lock bag because it will preserve the freshness of the product. I also place it in my closet since it is a dry and dark place. This is will prevent the product from prematurely expiring.

Overall grade: A-

Final Notes: I would repurchase this product in the future.

Thanks for reading!