Since having my operation, I've felt tired and a bit run down. This has left my skin and hair in desperate need of some TLC. Luckily, I've got these great products to hand to make me feel better and boost my beauty routine:
Sanctuary Hot Sugar Scrub (vegan)
While it doesn't feel as scrubby as salt scrubs, it still does the job and has the added benefit of heating up when it touches wet skin. The warming sensation is really lovely and helps to get blood flowing through your skin, which leaves it looking better than after a standard scrub.
It leaves your skin feeling really clean and fresh, even after a quick shower, so is ideal if you've had a busy day or - like me - you've been stuck in PJs while recovering. This is because it contains kaolin clay, which is a gentle cleanser and effectively lifts dirt and excess oil without drying your skin out.
You're left with soft skin - due to the glycerin, which keeps your skin moisturised for hours - that is also lightly scented. The scrub has an oriental and slightly floral scent, which is lovely and warm but not overpowering on your skin after you've used it.
I seriously cannot get enough of this scrub.
Breath of Fresh Air Toner Water (vegan)
You can spray it onto a cotton pad or your fingers for applying to your face, but I tend to spray it directly on my skin and rub it in gently. This is especially great if you keep your bottle in the fridge, as it is instantly refreshing on hot mornings, as well as throughout the day when you need a pick-me-up.
A lot of toners on the high street are quite astringent as they contain alcohol, but Breath of Fresh Air is basically spring water, fresh sea water, essential oils and aloe vera. This means it is super gentle and quite moisturising, helping to stop your skin from drying out in the summer.
When I do wear makeup, I use the toner after washing my face but before applying moisturiser. The toner helps your skin absorb more of the goodness from your moisturiser while also freshening your skin. There are other Lush toners you can use depending on your skin type, but Breath of Fresh Air is a great all-rounder.
Coconut, Vanilla & Black Pepper Body Wash (vegan)
My favourite right now - probably because it smells like summer - is Coconut, Vanilla and Black Pepper. Adding black pepper top this fragrance might seem a little strange, especially when you consider how sweet coconut and vanilla are together, but it really works. The result is a lovely warm scent that still has sweet notes but also has more of a kick.
As well as featuring a gorgeous fragrance that stays on your skin - especially if you team it with the matching body lotion - the body wash is a great cleanser and is incredibly moisturising. It contains glycerin and essentials oils that leave your skin feel really soft but not sticky, while the fact that it foams up so well makes you feel really clean.
I'm loving this product for helping me feel like I'm out in the sun even though I have to stay in a lot.
Mask of Magnaminty (vegetarian)
Unlike the fresh masks, this one doesn't need to be refrigerated - although it is nice to do so during the summer to up the cooling factor - but it is just as effective. Like the sugar scrub, it contains kaolin and glycerine for cleansing and moisturing properties, but it also has peppermint oils and ground aduki beans to exfoliate.
The results of these ingredients help to deeply clean skin while also calming it in case of breakouts. The peppermint oil also stimulates your skin, making it feel a bit tingly but also leaving it looking much brighter. You can use it all over your body, but I stick to using it on my face and neck.
It has definitely been a good alternative to Brazened Honey - although this will always be my favourite - and has made me feel a lot better about my complexion.