REVIEW: LUSH ULTRABLAND CLEANSER

yeah... I stuck my finger in before I took the photo... oops...

I bought this LUSH Ultrabland Facial Cleanser after a recommendation from a friend, although having read up on it before purchasing it's received mixed reviews. I thought I would give it a go without expecting too much - after all, the cleansing balm of the moment is the Emma Hardie one you won't have failed to have a read a review about. It's alleged to be the cleanser the founders of LUSH swear by, the one they created explicitly for their own use before they put it on sale and is apparently in their top ten best selling products for skin.

Let's gloss over the packaging because LUSH tubs and pots are all pretty standard. The actual product itself is a wax-based cleansing balm that contains different ingredients aimed at balancing the skin whilst cleansing thoroughly. The directions suggest using the product 'a generous amount' but I wouldn't suggest it as the scent is quite waxy and strong - like an unscented candle - which isn't unpleasant but isn't exactly great either (unless, of course, you like that sort of thing).

I massage it across my face in circular motions before removing with a hot, damp flannel. It's OK at taking foundations off, although it's not the best cleanser I've come across for this task, but it's not one for eye make-up so I would strongly recommend a separate eye make-up remover. If you're wearing a lot of make-up though - night out type cosmetics for example - you'll definitely need to double cleanse.

I always follow a cleanse with Ultrabland with a quick sweep of a toner on a cotton pad because, although my skin is left very plump and soft, I still feel like there's some kind of residue left. No matter how much I rinse my face afterwards I'm left with this feeling so it's not just my laziness that's causing the residue left behind.

As a face mask, which is when I leave the cleanser on for 15+ minutes before massaging and removing, I didn't notice much of a difference to be honest. It remains tacky whilst it's on and attracts any loose hairs into getting caught it it which isn't great. To be honest I wouldn't recommend using it this way but that's just my personal opinion.

I do really like this product but if I'm in a rush or I'm feeling particularly lazy then it can be a faff. I would repurchase it because I do feel like my skin has improved slightly since I began using it regularly in the evenings (when I have the time to mess about) and would definitely rate it above other 'balm cleansers' that are in the same price range. All in all I think it's a product that you have to try for yourself.

LUSH Ultrabland Facial Cleanser (RRP £6.95 45g/RRP £10.95 100g) is available from LUSH stores and LUSH online. You can find more information on LUSH products, competitions and events on any of the following social platforms: Twitter; Facebook; Tumblr; YouTube.