My Honest LUSH Review Part Three

I might be a broke author, but the LUSH reviews will continue as long as they keep offering free samples--and, as an unexpected bonus, I've learned a few things about skincare along the way. Here's my honest, non-sponsored LUSH product review for anyone who's thinking about refreshing their beauty routine.

1. Pineapple Face Wash

As the name suggests, Pineapple Face Wash includes a selection of tropical ingredients, such as pineapple juice, Brazilian orange oil, cupuaçu butter, lime oil and apricot kernel oil. While the pineapple juice exfoliates your skin with natural enzymes, the fruits and oils aim to nourish your skin and promote a healthy glow.

I expected a yellow-hued formula, but this product was clean white with a mild pineapple scent and a thick, lotion-like texture. As directed, I applied the wash to my face and rinsed it off in the shower. Afterward, I noticed that my skin felt softer and my pores were less visible, addressing a major concern I've had for a while.

I used this product for about a week before I ran out, and while it didn't transform my skin, I ended up with a softer, smoother texture and a more even skin tone. Plus, the fresh, tropical scent made this formula a delight to use. This ended up being one of my favorite LUSH products, so if you're looking for a new face wash, try stopping by your local store for a sample.

2. Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter

Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter is loaded with shea butter, fresh lemon infusion, organic avocado oil, mango butter, beeswax and other ingredients that could soften your cuticles and moisturize your skin. Your nails are the main target, but you can use this product almost anywhere on your body.

When I opened the tub, I immediately detected a sweet, lemony scent that reminded me of lemon cream pie. The formula had a claylike texture that quickly melted into a clear, smooth formula when I applied it to my skin. On the first night, I rubbed the balm into my cuticles, then decided to target a few dry areas on my palms.

The next day, my cuticles looked cleaner and neater, but my hands were still dry. I kept using it for the next few weeks (you don't need much, so this product lasts a long time) and noticed healthier cuticles but not much improvement on my skin. For that reason, I wouldn't use this balm as a replacement for a real moisturizer.

Still, the buttery texture and creamy lemon scent made this product irresistibly fun to use. If nothing else, it might help you wind down before bed and encourage you to pay attention to your nails, which many people overlook.

3. Enzymion Moisturizer

With a blend of cocoa butter, aloe vera gel, organic lemon infusion, cold-pressed avocado oil, papaya juice, tangerine oil and more, Enzymion Moisturizer aims to cleanse your skin and remove excess oils. I have oily skin, so this product was particularly attractive when I saw it in the store.

At home, the white, silky formula and clean, woodsy fragrance seemed to emphasize freshness. When I applied it to my face, I immediately felt a pleasant cooling sensation. My skin felt damp afterward, but since this product was supposed to remove excess oils, I assumed it would dry quickly.

However, while my face did feel softer, it was also damp and sticky for the rest of the day. Evidently, I'd applied too much. I guess the website wasn't joking when it recommended applying a "dab" to your face.

It took a few days of trial and error, but I finally figured out that a few dabs are all you need for coverage. Still, I can't say it did much to relieve the oiliness. It's a decent moisturizer, but a cleanser might be your best bet for removing oils and grime.

4. Flaxseed Hand Cream

Flaxseed Hand Cream's extensive list of ingredients includes sweet wild orange oil, fair-trade cocoa butter, ylang ylang oil, organic Brazilian honey, rosemary infusion and more. According to the website, this formula may soothe cracked skin and protect your hands from further damage.

This product offered an off-white shade, a thick, creamy texture and an earthy, seedy fragrance that reminded me of raw nuts. When I smeared the lotion on my hands, they became moist and shiny but not sticky, like I'd covered them with a thin layer of wax.

I enjoyed this product's rustic, homespun vibes, but after using it for about a week, I didn't notice much of a difference. My hands were still dry and cracked in a few areas. Other people might have a different experience, but for me, this hand cream was a little disappointing.

5. Skin Drink Moisturizer

When your face is dry, Skin Drink is your source for hydrating ingredients, such as cocoa butter, rose petal infusion, sesame oil, fresh avocado and aloe vera gel. Excess oil on my face made me a little hesitant to try this product, but I couldn't resist my curiosity about this supposed ultra-moisturizer.

Inside the pot, this formula had a mildly earthy and floral fragrance, a tan hue and a rich, creamy texture that made me think of hydration. The formula quickly became clear as I massaged it into my skin. While Enzymion Moisturizer embraces minimalism, Skin Drink requires a large helping to get the full effects.

Then again, my face felt damp and sticky for the rest of the day, so maybe I used a little too much. Still, if you're dealing with dry, tight skin, this formula might be a godsend. I also noticed that my face felt softer, smoother and plumper, creating a healthier appearance.

6. Dream Time Temple Balm

Dream Time Temple Balm is one product that I didn't expect to find at LUSH. The website makes the bold claim that using this formula, which includes ginger oil, chamomile blue oil, jasmine absolute, candelilla wax and more, will help you relax and sleep better at night.

I had my doubts, but I was happy to be proven wrong, so I brought home a sample. The full-size product comes in a stick like lip balm. As instructed, I rubbed the balm on my temples and wrists, then lay down and waited for relaxation to arrive.

As I took in the strong, perfumey fragrance with notes of almond and florals, I did feel a little calmer, but I didn't fall asleep any earlier. I kept using the balm for the rest of the week until I ran out, and no luck.

Admittedly, as someone with insomnia, I'm probably not the target audience. If you just need a little help falling asleep, Dream Time might lull you into a relaxed state. Plus, if you make this balm part of your nightly routine, your brain might start associating the scent with bedtime.

Have you tried any of these products? What's your favorite LUSH purchase? Let me know in the comments.