As I always mention, everyone that knows me pretty well is going to know that I am an absolute fan of LUSH Cosmetics. I am aware that their products aren't exactly ideal for a typical college student's budget, but I believe in investing in good skincare whenever possible, and owning even one small product from their abundant collection is bound to produce amazing results. My undying love has even become borderline obsessive as I rave about their products to all my friends.

But not only that, LUSH is a genuine, admirable company in my eyes, and without further ado, let me explain just what makes this company so amazing.

1. They only use only the freshest ingredients in their products.

They're one of the very few companies out there that produce 100 percent vegetarian (and occasionally vegan) products. Every ingredient in their handmade products is one that I can actually pronounce (seriously), with items such as jojoba oil, chamomile and vanilla, and the explanations for their use of certain ingredients can be found in their Lushopedia.

2. They are cruelty-free.

Yes, LUSH takes a firm stance against animal testing, and has been actively fighting against it for over 30 years. In their own words:

We believe animal testing for cosmetics is not only cruel but is irrelevant and alternatives need to be further explored and ultimately replace animal testing for cosmetics. We believe that animals should not suffer and die to test cosmetics or their ingredients and we will continue to fight until it comes to an end.

3. They are ecologically responsible.

LUSH usually doesn't do much packaging, but for the few products that they do, they have "not virgin" packaging—meaning that they are completely recycled plastic used to avoid unnecessary waste. You can even bring back your LUSH containers to any LUSH store to recycle. (Protip: if you bring back five clean Lush containers, you get a fresh face mask for free).

4. The Charity Pot Fund.

In 2007, LUSH launched Charity Pot, a hydrating body lotion with cocoa butter, aloe gel and moringa oil, among other fresh ingredients. 100 percent of the profit from this sweet smelling lotion goes to the company’s “Charity Pot Fund,” which then goes to grassroots organizations working in the areas of environmental conservation, animal welfare and human rights. And according to LUSH themselves, ever since then, they've donated more than $10,000,000 to over 850 grassroots charities in 42 countries.

5. Their products actually work! (And smell amazing).

I have unbelievably dry, sensitive skin—to the point where even buying a simple moisturizer is a daunting task for me. There's just so many out there in drugstores and beyond that I have to be wary and cautious about not only its inability to completely hydrate my skin, but how it would even react to my skin. I've used the Celestial moisturizer for a couple of months, and it's truly made a difference reducing the redness of my cheeks, as well as calming and soothing it. It's also incredibly hydrating, with gentle yet potent ingredients like vanilla water, almond milk and fresh dove orchid extract.

I've also used the Oatifix fresh face mask every other week for around two months and it was also a fine, rejuvenating treat for my parched, inflamed skin (and smelled oh-so good). If you're wondering what specific products would work best for you, I encourage you to visit a LUSH store yourself to find out what is best suitable for your skin.

It's hard to find companies out there that are truly transparent in everything they do, that are authentic in their commitment to social and ecological responsibility, using recyclable products and supporting causes from global nuclear disarmament, to anti-bullying, to the Syrian refugee crisis. LUSH Cosmetics is a refreshing gem in the whole cosmetics industry. They're simply a company unlike any other I've seen in my lifetime, and I'm glad to be buying from them whenever possible.