Lush Coalface review
Coalface is the one Lush product that I can’t live without and it deserves a review for the difference it has made to my skin. Having tested several products in the past, from Oxy to Angels on Bare Skin I was actually recommended this by Lush staff. I trust the staff at Lush and a week later my skin was clear and glowing like never before.
Lush describe the bar as ‘soothing’ and claim that: “Ground up charcoal is very good for your skin, though; it helps to absorb excess sebum from the skin’s surface and acts as an exfoliator. Hence we put it into a complexion bar with skin softening liquorice root plus rosewood and sandalwood essential oils, both rumoured to help cells regenerate and to slow the arrival of wrinkles”. Well with such confident claims who wouldn’t want to give it a go?
The bar
This assuming bar of soap probably gets overlooked at Lush as there are other more fun and brighter looking cleansers. Coalface looks a bit waxy like most soaps, is black and on close inspection it contains tiny little flecks of glitter (which are actually edible).
Coalface contains liquorice root to detoxify and calm the skin, as well the soothing oils of rosewood and sandalwood. My nose can detect the sandalwood and I quite like this, it tempers the liquorice well and creates a pretty inoffensive scent.
How to use
For first time users I would advise washing with Coalface in the shower. Break off a small chunk so you don’t waste it and use it last before getting out of the shower, gently rub the bar in circles around your face and then neck. Turn away from the force of water and massage the lather into your skin. The lather is very creamy and not bubbly. This is a good way of testing the gritty side without it being too harsh. I haven’t found the charcoal to feel scratchy, in fact I think it is the perfect exfoliant. Rinsing is simple and make sure you clean the sink after using it as it can leave a bit of a mess.
The scent of the bar is soft and inoffensive. I can hardly smell the licorice, and I am not surprised that many men use this bar because it not floral or overpowering like some of the other cleansers. I have never noticed any glitter left on my skin after using Coalface, though the soap can get under your fingernails so wash carefully.
Coalface is brilliant used at the sides of your nose to prevent black heads and dry skin. Don’t scrub too hard though otherwise you will end up with red skin. After using this cleanser my skin is very clean, smooth and shine free.
Results
Coalface is suitable for oily skin and may be harsh on skins that are already dry. I have been using Coalface for over a year and it is the best cleanser I have ever used (and believe me I have tried a fair few). Currently I alternate Olive Oil cleanser with Coalface every few months if my skin gets dry, but I’d happily use only Coalface if need be.
I have combination skin, with an oily T zone and cheeks that can dry out. From my teens I suffered from odd stubborn spots -probably due to my hormones. Now spots are a rarity and they heal up so fast I barely notice them. My skin used to be very temperamental and Coalface appears to have calmed it down. I found when I switched to Angels on Bare Skin for a change my inexplicable rashes returned (they appear in a flash and disappear just as quickly). Using Coalface again eliminated all skin problems so I know it works for me.
Coalface is by far the best cleanser I have ever used.
Value
I think Coalface is provides excellent value for money. A 100g bar will last me a year, which at £4.16 is a good deal. The bar travels well- you can just cut it and take it in a plastic bag. It also doubles as a treatment for ingrown hairs; I have scrubbed it on my knees to get rid of annoying bumps. A good storage device for the bar is important for optimum use; do not leave it in the shower as it will melt in the steam. I keep mine in an old plastic Lush pot and keep it well drained, otherwise use a soap dish.
If you have oily skin, enlarged pores and/or blackheads you should try Coalface.
