The Man Post - AHAVA Men and Molton Brown Cassia Energy Sport

I remember my mother using Ahava products when I was a child (and when they were still by mail order only) so when I saw this on the shelves at Bath&Body Works for 50% off I couldn't resist! I didn't want anything for myself because I have literally enough skincare stuff to last me until eternity but as a beauty addict, what kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't lavish my Schmoopy with fantastic skincare products as well? Schmoopy is a metro-man but he could care less about fancy skincare products. Before me, he was quite satisfied with drugstore brands but I made him see the Matrix :)

I got him this small sampling of Ahava Men shaving products. The smell of the products is really nice. It does not smell like Old Spice but it is manly and it's not overpowering (i.e. I didn't smell Schmoopy coming down the hall from half a mile away).

I also couldn't resist getting him a sport body wash from Molton Brown - it smells so good! I'll review this after the AHAVA products.

About AHAVA
Products from Ahava are all derived from plants and minerals found in the Dead Sea. Yea, that's right - THE Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is considered nature's natural spa and it's waters contain the highest concentration of minerals in the world – an astounding 32%. The mineral mud of the sea bed yield extraordinary concentrations (ten times more than ocean water) of natural elements – such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, strontium, boron and iron – all of which are essential to maintaining healthy, supple skin. Even its water is unique, infused with useful proteins created by fossils and algae. Using scientific research they've studied the therapeutic effects of the Dead Sea minerals when applied to the skin and found them to be revitalising and effective. Ahava is also an environmentally-friendly brand. They utilize non-polluting and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes. They do not use animals in any product testing phase and all of Ahava product containers are recyclable plastic.

AHAVA Deep Cleansing Gel for Men $18

Micro-peeling, foaming gel eliminates impurities and deep cleans skin without drying. Prepares skin for shaving. Invigorating. Gently massage micro-peeling cleansing gel onto wet face in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water.

AHAVA Foam-free Silk Shave $19

This luxurious foamless shaving cream is enriched with Dead Sea minerals, vitamin E, Provitamin B5, and plant extracts including ginseng, ginger, ginkgo and dates. Specially designed to lift up, soften and condition individual hairs to achieve a comfortably close, even shave, and to leave skin soft, smooth and moisturized. Approved for Sensitive Skin. Hypoallergenic. Free of Parabens, SLS and Alcohol . Apply onto dampen skin and shave.

AHAVA Soothing After Shave Moisturizer $28

Dead Sea Minerals enrich this daily moisturizing cream. Alcohol free, it instantly addresses discomfort and irritation while smoothing fine lines. Antibacterial. Smooth onto clean, dry, shaven skin for instant absorption and relief. Avoid eye area.

The Verdict - AHAVA Men : A
Schmoopy was happy with all 4 items, not that he had a lot to compare to. He was impressed with the Soothing After Shave Moisturizer since it was alcohol free and did not sting his skin. He also liked the Foam-free Silk Shave because there was no foam, his skin was visible as he was shaving so he could see where he was placing his razor. The products did aid in shaving by softening his hairs and his skin was not irritated one bit. They also have a pleasant spicy scent that isn't overpowering.

Molton Brown Cassia Energy Sport Hair & Body Wash $24

This is just a simple body wash from Molton Brown. I know a lot of guys really like the scent Black Pepper, but I'm really not a fan and neither is Schmoopy. I really like this smell for a guy because it's refreshing and not floral or fruity.

This product is great for atheletic guys as it's a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that can be easily taken to the gym. Cassia is a spice related to cinnamon and it's scent helps relax muscles and has antiseptic properties making it the ideal natural deodoriser.

The Verdict - Molton Brown Cassia Energy Sport: A+
He loves this body wash! I think a lot of guys out there hate body washes because body washes usualy leave a filmy feeling. My Schmoopy loves this body wash because there is absolutely NO filmy feeling at all. In fact, he says he feels squeaky clean just like if he used a bar soap but his skin isn't dried out. He also says wash's deodorant effect really works. He has that "I just showered" smell for most of the day. This body wash is highly recommended by Schmoopy!

Happy Easter ~ LUSH Style

Happy Easter from LUSH! I had this craving for LUSH bath products last week and I just had to stop by the mall just to go to LUSH. What goodies did I bring back? Tada!

LUSH Haul

Clockwise from top: Lush bag, The Pink One Easeter Gift, T for Toes Dusting Powder, Easter Egg Magic Bath Bomb and the Lush Times.

The Pink One Easter Gift (Vegan) $30

I saw these Easter egg bombs on the Lush website a while back and just had to pick one up while I was in the store! Online they have 2 to choose from The Yellow One Easter Gift or The Pink One Easter Gift (Vegan). I think these are a great gift idea for Easter especially when people are watching their weight and don't want to be tempted with chocolate eggs and bunnies (although I thoroughly enjoy biting off the ears).

I really wanted to gift one to my schmoopy because he just loves baths and I knew he had a big essay due this weekend and he'd deserve a relaxing and scented bath. I wanted one of each color but when I got to the store they only had pink ones left. Schmoopy didn't mind the pink at all. Whew! I had thought the eggs would be normal-sized but was shocked when I saw them in person. They are HUGE!!! They look like freaking dinosaur eggs! They're about 8-9 inches tall and 4-5 inches wide. The SA told me that each half of the shell could last for 3-4 baths. Wowsa.

The shell is the limited edition Candy Fluff Bath Bomb Vegan. It's of course pink and is sweet-smelling much like candy. I guess the size is justifiable becuase are 2 full-sized bath goodies enclosed in the shells. Inside the pink egg is the Frosty Gritter Bubble Bar Vegan(vanilla and lavender scent) and Rock Star Soap Vegan (creamy vanilla scent). Sorry no pics of these guys.

Magic Bath Bomb $6

I also picked up a smaller Easter egg Bath Bomb just for me! Tee hee! This is the seasonal Magic Bath Bomb that they made in the shape of an egg for Easter. I'm not sure what scent it is but to me it smells like sweetened tea. The cool thing is that this bath bomb starts off blue. As it dissolves it reveals an interior of red salts and then the water's supposed to become purple like magic but it's really more like a deeper blue.

T for Toes Dusting Powder $11

Since summer is rolling around and I wear a lot of flip flops and flats this is always a must-have. This the sweetly scented T For Toes Dusting Powder is a great foot deodorant! I love it! My shoes smell fresh and sweet all day!

I really like all dusting powders from LUSH because they're very finely milled and they leave your skin feeling extremely silky. Plus they all smell really good and different from baby powder so it's not always the same old diaperish scent.

REN Glycolatic Skin Renewal Peel Mask $55

I'm not usually a fan of peel masks. I find them annoying to remove and I hate how you have to pick at your face. I'm also not usually a big fan of natural cosmetic lines because they usually smell pretty funky and I don't find them as effective. I first saw a review of the REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask by Jen, my go-to beauty guru at http://www.abeautyfulsentiment.com/ (definitely check out her site because like I said - she's my beauty guru :) and I was finally motivated to try this out!

If you read the product description from the REN website there doesn't seem to be anything this mask can't do! This mask is part of the REN product recommendations for combination skin and mature skin. It claims to renew the complexion, reduce fine lines, improve skin tone, firmness and radiance. It also helps with post acne scarring, blemishes, blackheads and sun damaged skin. All concerns of mine! Can it get any better?

The Verdict
This mask is not a traditional peel mask but it gives the same effect and results. What I really love about it is the instant results. Your skin becomes so radiant and smooth and it only takes 10 minutes. This mask is a thick gel that looks, feels and smells like orange marmalade. When I apply it there is a bit of a tingly sensation. My cheeks are really sensitive to this mask and the sensation on my cheeks get to be unbearable after about 3-4 minutes so I just wipe off the mask from my cheeks but leave the rest on my T-zone. Due to this I definitely do not think this is suitable for people with sensitive or delicate skin. The good news is that once wiped off your skin doesn't continue to react (no redness, breakouts or peeling). After the full 10 minutes I just rinse the rest of it off. For now I'm using this mask once a week and I really love the results it's been giving me! I have noticed a huge reduction in blackheads and my skintone is extremely radiant!

Freebies
I also got these free samples from Sephora along with this purchase: Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel and Bliss Peeling Groovy Facial Serum.

**Update** I 've been using this every morning under my moisturizer on my forehead and neck - but honestly not really seeing any results. It's supposed to help with any fine lines/wrinkles. Since it's a gel, it is very fast absorbing but unfortuntately it has a weird smell that is a mix of old lotion and old flowers. This sample lasted me about 1 week and I really don't think that was enough time to see the effects.


**Update** This stuff rocks! I was interested in trying this out but did not have high hopes of it giving any sort of instant results. I was completely wrong! This serum really and truly delivers! I have started to notice some fine lines on my forehead and when I apply this I feel a slight tingling and 5 minutes later - smooth! Also I have not broken out once using this. The serum is clear and quite runny but is not one bit oily or greasy. There is no smell to it either! It also claims to help minimize dark spots but I have not noticed any dramatic difference. It does however give my skin an overall radiance. I just don't notice my old acne scars lightening.

Read the full review for Bliss Peeling Groovy Facial Serum.