I am a complete magpie when it comes to cosmetics. In particular, I have always been addicted to face scrubs. I say that I was addicted but they have always been somewhat of a necessity, especially throughout my adolescent years. As I grow older I demand more from my cosmetics. In particular, I need a multifunctional exfoliator. It needs to provide a blank canvas for make-up in the morning. It must then do the reverse at the end of the day and thoroughly cleanse away all traces of dirt. In addition to cleaning my face, my scrub has to have a favourable scent, something that will positively impact my mood. After what feels like an eternity, I have found the perfect product. Lancôme exfoliating Rose Sugar Scrub ticks all of my boxes.
I received this scrub in a gift bag from a Cosmopolitan magazine event. The bag was crammed full of products and included a full-sized scrub. It was one of those days when you cannot help but say ‘I am winning in life’. I know, it really does not take much to make my day.
Rose Sugar Scrub by Lancome
On first glance I did not think much of the scrub. I mean, it is bright pink. How natural could it be and how could it possibly be good for my skin? As happens every now and then, I was wrong, oh so wrong!
Not only does this scrub exfoliate it provides an experience, something that I want to replicate every time I have a shower.
To explain, I use different shower gels, oils and scrubs in the shower. Each of these products have different scents and impact my mood in one way or another. For example, I use a ginger and sugar body scrub in the morning to help wake me up but lavender scented gels and shower oils at night to relax and prepare me for sleep. I do not feel like I have had a shower unless I have spoilt myself with my different products, I always complete my regime.
The Sweet Scent of Rose
The first thing that hit me on rubbing this scrub into my moistened face was the smell. It was a combination of rose, honey and sugar. It instantly lifted my mood and made me smile.
True to my senses, the scrub’s main ingredients include sugar and rosewater from Damascena Roses. The Damascena Rose is one of the main roses used in the perfume world. For more on Damascena roses please read my blog post ‘A Rose by Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet’.
Further, this scrub doesn’t just contains Honey, it contains Acacia Honey. This is of particular significance as Acacia Honey is known for helping to improve the healing time of wounds. As such, it can help with scarring or open afflictions on the skin like spots. Furthermore, the addition of honey has created a thick and sumptuous consistency. Unlike other products, the scrub’s consistency stops it from washing away on immediate contact with water; you are afforded the time required to work the scrub into your skin despite being under running water.
As an aside, this product also contains sweet almond oil. I have zero allergies so I am not fully versed on this area but I wonder if this would be suitable for someone with a severe nut allergy? Definitely something to bear in mind.
How do they put the Scrub into a Scrub?
We are all aware of the dangers posed by certain plastics, in particular, microbeads, the exfoliate in many face and body scrubs. As part of the plastic awakening microbeads have now been banned in cosmetics.
Cosmetic companies have had to find an alternative. Many have opted for natural substitutions like coffee. I hate the smell of coffee, especially first thing in the morning. Others, like Lancôme, have opted for more palatable solutions (in my opinion) like sugar. Sugar is eco-friendly in the sense that it melts and like the previous microbeads, creates a harsher scrub. This is key for me as I prefer a coarse scrub, I want to ensure that all of my dead skin cells are removed.
Is it Hot in Here or is it Just Me?
Surprisingly, after massaging the scrub into your face for 10-20 seconds it heats up. Yes, it literally warms on your face and creates a soothing effect on the skin. Soon after the warmth, the sugar dissolves and your skin is left feeling squeaky clean. See, it is an experience!
My Verdict
This scrub removes dead skin cells and leaves my face feeling as smooth as a babies bottom. It creates the perfect canvass for moisturisers and can be used 2 to 3 times a week. If you use anymore than this you could over exfoliate and damage sensitive skin.
The Packaged Product
Whilst the scrub cleans dirt, I do not use it on my eye area and it is most definitely not a make-up remover. As an aside, Lancôme also have a fantastic eye make-up remover too.
I have been using this scrub for three months and my skin is both smooth and supple. I cannot recommend it enough as part of your skin care routine.
Let me know if you have any scented skin care recommendations and I will happily try them out.
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