After years of Lush bubble baths, I've only just dipped my toe into the world of Lush skincare, starting with the Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser.
Based on an Ancient Greek formula for cold cream, Ultrabland is designed to remove makeup and dirt effectively without stripping the skin. With ingredients like Almond Oil, Rose Water, Beeswax and Honey, apparently this is the Lush founder's No1 desert island product. A 45g tub costs £7.25.
Ultrabland isn't like any cleanser I've tried before - it's a rich, thick cream that melts into an oil as you rub it between your hands. (It doesn't melt quite as well if you apply the cream directly onto your face - thanks to Dannie from Famous in Japan for telling me the right way to apply it, as there's no instructions on the tub or the Lush website.) The oil itself is quite heavy and almost feels a little greasy, but it does a great job at removing makeup, melting away my mascara with ease. It's also very softening and hydrating. The oil doesn't emulsify, so you need to remove it with a cloth or flannel otherwise it just won't come off. I find I spend a bit longer removing it compared to other cleansers, just to be sure. I also need to mention the smell - I normally love natural scents, but I just can't warm to this one.
So where does Ultrabland fit into my routine? Well it's definitely better suited for a first cleanse in the evening, but for me it's not something I feel like I can use daily as it's just so heavy. So I reserve it for days when I've worn a lot of makeup plus SPF and need something that can lift it off effectively.
Beauty Bird xx
Great balanced review, I tried this ages back but can't really remember how I found it!
ReplyDeleteThanks lovely! xx
DeleteThis is one of my favourite cleansers. When my skin is at its most sensitive (thankfully not very often these days), Ultrabland is usually the only product it can handle so it becomes my morning and evening cleanser. Ordinarily, though, it's just my go-to first cleanse in the evening. I don't wear makeup daily, but I do wear sunscreen and I love it for removing that.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could use this in the morning, but I do love it for SPF and makeup wearing days! I like that this contains quite a few natural ingredients and is quite a short ingredients list too xx
DeleteI used to use this many years ago and I did love it then, although I remember the residue it used to leave if not removed properly. Funnily enough I was thinking about this cleanser the other day, and had almost decided to pick it up again once I've gone through my bits I'm using up. Glad to see it's not too expensive! Definitely needs a good flannel to take it off, but I remember it removing every scrap of makeup with it. And I remember the unusual smell!
ReplyDeleteI can't say it's quite love for me, however I do really, really like it. Have you tried any other Lush cleansers? xx
DeleteI used Ultrabland before and found it was too rich for my face as I broke out really badly. :(
ReplyDeleteAngie x | Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog
Oh no what a shame :-( It is very rich though so I can see why it could affect skin in that way xx
DeleteI love Ultrabland! It's a tad too heavy for me in the summer but it comes into its own on my skin in the winter months. Got to get myself another tub in a couple of months!
ReplyDeleteSharon x | StargazyEyes
I haven't used this as much recently as when I first got it, but maybe I'll start getting more use of it in winter too xx
DeleteGosh, I'm intrigued because it sounds so unique!?? I'd definitely give this a go if I wasn't such a cheapskate, I can't restrain myself when I go into LUSH!
ReplyDeleteTara x
It's very unique! Maybe one to add to the birthday/Christmas list instead! xx
DeleteNever heard of this before but it certainly sounds good though - especially if Lush's founder swears by it! Haha thanks for your honest review, not sure if I would like such a heavy cream but might give it a try! :)
ReplyDeleteI have a new outfit post up on the blog, would love to know your thoughts:
* Electric Sunrise - Fashion and Lifestyle Blog *
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I'm glad you liked the review :-) You could always ask for a little sample of it in Lush if you wanted to try it, they're pretty good like that xx
DeleteSounds like the perfect heavy-duty cleanser! You've written an extremely detailed review and I would try out the product even if I won't use it everyday, haha
ReplyDeleteMay | THE MAYDEN
I do like to write fairly detailed reviews as I base a lot of my purchases on blogger reviews. Let me know if you do try it! xx
DeleteI've not yet branched out from the bath products, but I've heard a lot about this cleanser. It sounds great for a skincare treat, intrigued whether I'll like the scent or not! Will have to sample it :)
ReplyDeleteStyle Sunrise☀
:)
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Definitely recommend asking for a sample - the best way to see if you like it without wasting your money :-) xx
DeleteSounds like I need to make a lush trip! Sounds like a good cleanser for heavy makeup days.
ReplyDeletehttp://arnellavanilla.com/category/home/
It's just perfect for that xx
DeleteI have some of this but I'm just not keen on it at all. I'm not a fan of the smell, I actually found that it made my eyes sore trying to remove my eye makeup and I think it's just too thick for me. It's unusual for me to not like a Lush skincare product (although I can't try a lot of them due to lavender) but this one just isn't for me x
ReplyDeleteBecky @ The Little Blog of Beauty
It is a shame when something doesn't work for you. I can see why this wouldn't work for a lot of people though xx
DeleteAw thank you for the mention lovely! :D When I first tried it I literally coated my face in it.. and it wouldn't come off? It was like a mask! It is rather heavy though so it's best for VERY heavy make up or for the cold winter months... but with the weather being like it is it would just be too much for my skin.
ReplyDeleteDannie x
You're welcome! I still really appreciate the tip! I haven't given it as much use since it's been warmer, mostly for when I've been out in the evening and worn heavier makeup xx
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