LUSH LOVE! & not so favourites...
Falling in or out of love with Lush is somewhat a rite of passage. If you're unaware of a Lush experience, you'll either be nauseated or entranced by the aromas that await. Truth be told I hadn't become the latter until quite recently. Now I cannot stop.
Legend has it: 1. You'll be greeted with the widest smile you've yet to encounter. 2. An explanation of every product will continue. 3.The Lushie implores that their products will change your life. 4. At this point you can't remember a time without this soapy goodness. 5.Your hair, skin and clothes now smell like you were born at Lush. 6. Self-indulgence will never be the same.
Onto the products that I'd recommend… FACE
1st up is: Skin's Shangri La (Moisturiser) Shangri La came along when searching for a replacement for my current holy grail: Dr. Bragi's Age Management - because a £100 cream tugs on my heart strings. So I got a sample and 12 hours later I turned into Usher: Oh My Gosh! Ooh oh ooh oh oh! In english: I loved it - 24hrs later my skin still felt soft. Shangri La takes the post of Lush's night cream, but for super dry skins like me it's a fantastic all rounder - I liked it better than Gorgeous. The scent isn't the best, but isn't bad either - I feel as though most people will find it quite pleasant. £28.50/45g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
2 Grease Lightening (Spot Treatment) I'm fortunate enough not to get many spots - but once in a while I will, and I found that this clear gel doesn't sting, doesn't create a dry skin and in general is really gentle. What's more it significantly reduces spots within the hour and by the next day they're gone! It's cheap, goes a long way and works. £5.95/45g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 3 Mask Of Magnaminty Normally I stay away from anything meant for acne/oily prone skin - but as I've been trying everything for you guys, I asked for a sample - by the way it works on back acne too. This is a no pain no gain type product - it's extremely tingly. I left it on for just under 10 minutes and washed it off with a cloth and followed with a quick sweep of moisturiser. Any minute bump that had found it's way onto my skin had disappeared and it had worked it's wonder onto my red cheeks as well - which I have been told aren't laden with rosacea but some sort of acne so I was prescribed Duac Once Daily to help (it got rid of practically everything - but it's not with me at the moment) - so I'm happy that this has been working as a replacement. £9.25/315g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 4 Oatafix Fresh Face Mask I actually tried to eat this mask - sick I know. But I was hungry and it smelled unbelievably amazing. Bananas, oats and almonds make this a extremely moisturising mask. Oatafix has a thicker texture than other masks, so to combat the stickiness and make it easier to apply take a scoop and loosen it with a little water. My advice with these face masks - because they are made fresh and need to kept in the fridge, be generous when applying them. Last time I bought it - I ended wasting so much because I used a tiny bit - so have a heavy hand and reap the maximum benefits. 15-20mins should be enough. £5.75/75g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 5 The Sacred Truth Fresh Face Mask Lush's anti-angeing mask. Not like I need it but it’s always good to have an injection of antioxidants. Another mask good for dry skin, or if you want a pre-outing pick me up this mask certainly brightens, tightens, rejuvenates and softens the skin. I do also want to try Love Lettuce as I've heard it's a dry skin mask but haven't had the chance as yet. £5.75/75g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 6 Angels On Bare Skin Cleanser LOVE LOVE LOVE, take a bit and make a milky paste then use as you normally would. The ground almonds create a mild exfoliation gentle enough for everyday use. £6.35/100g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 7 Ultrabland This product keeps me on the fence. On one hand it takes off makeup like nothing I've ever seen - but on the other it is the hardest thing to get off. Don't try to wash it off because you'll be there forever, the best the is to use a toner and a cotton pad to wipe of the grime. If I'm using this to take off my makeup then I'll cleanse either with 'Angels on Bare Skin' or my Eve Lom cleanser just because it's easier for cleansing purposes. For me this only works as a makeup remover and an amazing one at that. £6.95/45g £10.95/100g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
SCENTS
2 Grease Lightening (Spot Treatment) I'm fortunate enough not to get many spots - but once in a while I will, and I found that this clear gel doesn't sting, doesn't create a dry skin and in general is really gentle. What's more it significantly reduces spots within the hour and by the next day they're gone! It's cheap, goes a long way and works. £5.95/45g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 3 Mask Of Magnaminty Normally I stay away from anything meant for acne/oily prone skin - but as I've been trying everything for you guys, I asked for a sample - by the way it works on back acne too. This is a no pain no gain type product - it's extremely tingly. I left it on for just under 10 minutes and washed it off with a cloth and followed with a quick sweep of moisturiser. Any minute bump that had found it's way onto my skin had disappeared and it had worked it's wonder onto my red cheeks as well - which I have been told aren't laden with rosacea but some sort of acne so I was prescribed Duac Once Daily to help (it got rid of practically everything - but it's not with me at the moment) - so I'm happy that this has been working as a replacement. £9.25/315g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 4 Oatafix Fresh Face Mask I actually tried to eat this mask - sick I know. But I was hungry and it smelled unbelievably amazing. Bananas, oats and almonds make this a extremely moisturising mask. Oatafix has a thicker texture than other masks, so to combat the stickiness and make it easier to apply take a scoop and loosen it with a little water. My advice with these face masks - because they are made fresh and need to kept in the fridge, be generous when applying them. Last time I bought it - I ended wasting so much because I used a tiny bit - so have a heavy hand and reap the maximum benefits. 15-20mins should be enough. £5.75/75g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 5 The Sacred Truth Fresh Face Mask Lush's anti-angeing mask. Not like I need it but it’s always good to have an injection of antioxidants. Another mask good for dry skin, or if you want a pre-outing pick me up this mask certainly brightens, tightens, rejuvenates and softens the skin. I do also want to try Love Lettuce as I've heard it's a dry skin mask but haven't had the chance as yet. £5.75/75g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 6 Angels On Bare Skin Cleanser LOVE LOVE LOVE, take a bit and make a milky paste then use as you normally would. The ground almonds create a mild exfoliation gentle enough for everyday use. £6.35/100g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 7 Ultrabland This product keeps me on the fence. On one hand it takes off makeup like nothing I've ever seen - but on the other it is the hardest thing to get off. Don't try to wash it off because you'll be there forever, the best the is to use a toner and a cotton pad to wipe of the grime. If I'm using this to take off my makeup then I'll cleanse either with 'Angels on Bare Skin' or my Eve Lom cleanser just because it's easier for cleansing purposes. For me this only works as a makeup remover and an amazing one at that. £6.95/45g £10.95/100g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
SCENTS
1 Solid Gorilla Perfume Lush makes fragrances in solid and liquid form. My favourite is Lust (£5) is a jasmine heavy scent. It's quite intoxicating, hence the name but I really love it. What's more solid perfumes has great value, they range from £5-£10. One thing to note, solid perfumes expire in a year, but because they're so cheap one can repurchase whenever - even if you were to misplace one as I've done recently. Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
2 'Sikkim Girls' Gorilla Perfume Another Jasmine scent - but a little sweeter and lighter than Lust. Although it's liquid - the oily base works like ouds regarding longevity. (price depends on size) Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
SHOWER
2 'Sikkim Girls' Gorilla Perfume Another Jasmine scent - but a little sweeter and lighter than Lust. Although it's liquid - the oily base works like ouds regarding longevity. (price depends on size) Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
SHOWER
1 Rub Rub Rub The first out the exfoliants - Rub Rub Rub is a shower gel/scrub made out of sea salt granules. It's thicker than other scrubs so it's easier to use. Like other Lush products - this is jammed packed with oils too - ensuring that your skin isn't stripped of its moisture. The true awesomeness comes out when used on a dry body - getting rid of those annoying bumps - especially on upper arms. Due to the high salt content - it can be used like 'Big' Shampoo creating volume. Because you don't need much, you won't run out very quickly so in that sense for the price you get some bang for your buck. £8.25/330g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
2 Ro's Argan Body Conditioner Body Conditioner? Um no, actually yes! First of all, the scent is highly addictive so I'm sorry in advance for how much you'll be buying. The roses and the argan oil make this a truly amazing product. So basically, the way you use it: apply it in the shower as your last step - let it sit, and then wash off. Results: moisturised heavenly smelling skin. So moisturised you do not need to apply lotions and potions post shower. Still, it doesn't contain any soap so you could use it as a moisturiser for face & body. £15.50/225g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 3 Aqua Mirablis Exfoliant No.2 - Aqua Mirablis is part of their Body Butter line and by far the most abrasive, but this gem works like a dream. I specifically use it underneath the arms to get rid of darkness. It's made of different butters & ground almond shells for a rough texture - but nothing too extreme. Please know that this isn't a product that cleans, but buffs away dead cells all around the body, so use soap or shower gel first. Oh and I recommend buying a tin for anything that comes in a bar form! £5.95/95g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 4 Soap These guys put everything and anything into soap, incorporating a variety of textures, creamy or smooth. My favourites: Karma, Fig & Leaves and Sea Vegetable. These are sold by 100g and can be cut to any size or shape you fancy. Some people like to cut soaps themselves into slivers for daily uses, but I prefer a thin block. Just be sure that after you're done with them that they're not sitting in water otherwise next time you look at it, it'll be mush. Most of their soaps are also relatively inexpensive. Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
5 King of Skin Body Butter As a pure block of different butters, King of Skin doesn't offer any exfoliation but excels at moisturising. So in fact it's somewhat similar to Ro's Argan Body Conditioner with more oil, without the strong fragrance. Also I should warn you this bar would typically last around 5-6 showers if you were moisturising your entire body. I like to use this to keep my body emollient to ward of stretch marks. £5.50/75g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
BODY
2 Ro's Argan Body Conditioner Body Conditioner? Um no, actually yes! First of all, the scent is highly addictive so I'm sorry in advance for how much you'll be buying. The roses and the argan oil make this a truly amazing product. So basically, the way you use it: apply it in the shower as your last step - let it sit, and then wash off. Results: moisturised heavenly smelling skin. So moisturised you do not need to apply lotions and potions post shower. Still, it doesn't contain any soap so you could use it as a moisturiser for face & body. £15.50/225g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 3 Aqua Mirablis Exfoliant No.2 - Aqua Mirablis is part of their Body Butter line and by far the most abrasive, but this gem works like a dream. I specifically use it underneath the arms to get rid of darkness. It's made of different butters & ground almond shells for a rough texture - but nothing too extreme. Please know that this isn't a product that cleans, but buffs away dead cells all around the body, so use soap or shower gel first. Oh and I recommend buying a tin for anything that comes in a bar form! £5.95/95g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 4 Soap These guys put everything and anything into soap, incorporating a variety of textures, creamy or smooth. My favourites: Karma, Fig & Leaves and Sea Vegetable. These are sold by 100g and can be cut to any size or shape you fancy. Some people like to cut soaps themselves into slivers for daily uses, but I prefer a thin block. Just be sure that after you're done with them that they're not sitting in water otherwise next time you look at it, it'll be mush. Most of their soaps are also relatively inexpensive. Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
5 King of Skin Body Butter As a pure block of different butters, King of Skin doesn't offer any exfoliation but excels at moisturising. So in fact it's somewhat similar to Ro's Argan Body Conditioner with more oil, without the strong fragrance. Also I should warn you this bar would typically last around 5-6 showers if you were moisturising your entire body. I like to use this to keep my body emollient to ward of stretch marks. £5.50/75g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
BODY
1 Therapy Massage Bar Massage bars are solid oil concoctions; they start to melt upon contact with the skin. Lush makes a whole array with different purposes. I like to use these as body lotions, and Therapy is especially good for stretch marks. £6.50/50g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
2 Lemony Flutter This is a rich cuticle butter uses lemon to dissolve and eat away at dead skin anywhere on the body. Great for heels, and even more amazing as a lip balm. I especially like it because it doesn't feel sticky, but more like a balmy lotion. £6.50/50g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
3 Silky Underwear A talcum powder that packed with essential oils, isn't sticky, isn't dry and smells like jasmine. Not much more to say but it's also great if you've over moisturised/too oily. £4.25/60g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 4 Lovely Jubblies Another purchase off a sample I had asked for. I usually don't believe in firming creams just because I don't feel them do anything. In that state of mind I get bored and push it to the side. I like that Lovely Jubblies comes in a pot, doesn't have that usual gelatinous firming cream texture and absorbs easily. Furthermore I can't vouch for how well it performs but I can say that I do feel some sort of tightening effect that I haven't found with other creams which is quite astonishing. It's been made for breasts but you can use it anywhere you feel saggy or even as an eye cream. £16.95/100g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
5 Dream Cream A recent purchase but a quick favourite. Most of the time I really hate body lotions because of the packaging - it makes putting on lotion such an effort. With Dream Cream, I love the fact that it's rich but doesn't have a thick consistency and so in the tub its easy to quickly scoop out and rub all over. The effect is insane - so moisturising and easily absorbed too. This lotion can be used any time, in a hurry or not, plus it's great for sensitive skin. Now listen, even if you have too many body lotions for your own good...IT'S OK...just go buy this one and you'll end up thinking of a way to dispose of all the others. £11.25/240g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
HAIR
2 Lemony Flutter This is a rich cuticle butter uses lemon to dissolve and eat away at dead skin anywhere on the body. Great for heels, and even more amazing as a lip balm. I especially like it because it doesn't feel sticky, but more like a balmy lotion. £6.50/50g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
3 Silky Underwear A talcum powder that packed with essential oils, isn't sticky, isn't dry and smells like jasmine. Not much more to say but it's also great if you've over moisturised/too oily. £4.25/60g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list 4 Lovely Jubblies Another purchase off a sample I had asked for. I usually don't believe in firming creams just because I don't feel them do anything. In that state of mind I get bored and push it to the side. I like that Lovely Jubblies comes in a pot, doesn't have that usual gelatinous firming cream texture and absorbs easily. Furthermore I can't vouch for how well it performs but I can say that I do feel some sort of tightening effect that I haven't found with other creams which is quite astonishing. It's been made for breasts but you can use it anywhere you feel saggy or even as an eye cream. £16.95/100g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
5 Dream Cream A recent purchase but a quick favourite. Most of the time I really hate body lotions because of the packaging - it makes putting on lotion such an effort. With Dream Cream, I love the fact that it's rich but doesn't have a thick consistency and so in the tub its easy to quickly scoop out and rub all over. The effect is insane - so moisturising and easily absorbed too. This lotion can be used any time, in a hurry or not, plus it's great for sensitive skin. Now listen, even if you have too many body lotions for your own good...IT'S OK...just go buy this one and you'll end up thinking of a way to dispose of all the others. £11.25/240g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
HAIR
1 Jasmine and Henna Fluff Ease Another jasmine culprit. My hair is thick, long and there's a lot of it. I cant stand brushing my hair due its tangled nature. I also find that the ends and back of my hair can get very frizzy and dry. This is a pre-wash treatment, which works extremely well. The bad thing about it is that you need to apply a large amount. When I first went to Lush, they told me that I should use half the jar for one use, and that way I will see longer results and improvement in the texture of my hair, but I've found that 1/4 works for me.. For people who have tight curls and extreme frizz you are recommended to use the entire jar - I'd recommend using half. In order to get the most out the treatment - try to keep it in your hair for at least 45mins, but 20mins will work in a jam. Tip: use it to protect your hair (specially if dyed) when swimming £11.95/220g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
2 'Curly Wurly' Shampoo Coconuts and eggs make the base for this moisturising shampoo. When I use this, my curls are visibly more defined and my hair feels much lighter and softer. My con with this product is that because it's thick you need to loosen it with water, make sure your hair isn't tangled and you need to wash out the coconut bits from your hair with conditioner that leads me to another coconut shampoo with less maintenance. £9.95/220g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
3 Trichomania Shampoo Trichomania is the only solid shampoo I get along with, probably because its not in the shape of a disc which makes it difficult to get through my long and thick hair. With a block I can use the corners to get into my scalp better. This too is made primarily from coconuts which give the hair an extremely soft finish and lingering scent which I can't get enough of. Note: It's great value for money! £5.35/100g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
4 'Big' Shampoo When my hair and scalp is need of a deep scrubby cleanse I go BIG! I absolutely love this shampoo, big salt flakes that are abrasive enough to get rid of a itchy scalp, a great liquid consistency so it easy to use and leaves your hair bouncy and beautiful. However, since I have dry hair, I make sure I alternate between shampoos and always follow with a luxurious conditioner (Yes To Cucumbers) so make sure the salt doesn't draw out all the moisture. £11.50/330g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
BATH
2 'Curly Wurly' Shampoo Coconuts and eggs make the base for this moisturising shampoo. When I use this, my curls are visibly more defined and my hair feels much lighter and softer. My con with this product is that because it's thick you need to loosen it with water, make sure your hair isn't tangled and you need to wash out the coconut bits from your hair with conditioner that leads me to another coconut shampoo with less maintenance. £9.95/220g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
3 Trichomania Shampoo Trichomania is the only solid shampoo I get along with, probably because its not in the shape of a disc which makes it difficult to get through my long and thick hair. With a block I can use the corners to get into my scalp better. This too is made primarily from coconuts which give the hair an extremely soft finish and lingering scent which I can't get enough of. Note: It's great value for money! £5.35/100g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
4 'Big' Shampoo When my hair and scalp is need of a deep scrubby cleanse I go BIG! I absolutely love this shampoo, big salt flakes that are abrasive enough to get rid of a itchy scalp, a great liquid consistency so it easy to use and leaves your hair bouncy and beautiful. However, since I have dry hair, I make sure I alternate between shampoos and always follow with a luxurious conditioner (Yes To Cucumbers) so make sure the salt doesn't draw out all the moisture. £11.50/330g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
BATH
Bath Bombs I've never been much of a bubble bath girl, I prefer having oils and salts in the bath. Bath bombs are primarily bi-carb soda balls which fizz when in water. Whilst fizzing they release various oils and butter along with whatever else Lush can fit in. The result. Your bath looks and feels beautiful. Sadly these guys are a one time use item (you can split them in half but not as great), a pricey bath if you ask me, but the ultimate way to treat yourself. My favourites are: Sex Bomb, Avobath and Phoenix Rising. Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
Ceridwen's Cauldron Luxury Bath Melt Of course you can use any oil to counteract a bath's drying nature, but why - we're talking Lush, there's going to be a snazzier option. I chose this especially because my bathtub is quite huge and their regular bath melts don't do the trick. This guy is big, doesn't leave a mess hence the muslin cloth and is packed full of herbs, flowers and oils. Since your bath is now a much better place, you'll be spending a lot more time in it. So prepare to be pruned! £4.25/80g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list .............................................................................................. And the not so great...
1 H'Suan Wen Hua Hair Treatment Many people swear by this treatment, it's said to be Lush's most potent treatments and I would definitely agree. I don't do well with this product because I simply cannot take the smell, and I'm not usually sensitive to fragrance but this is a whole new level since it lingers heavily for days after. Moreover, since the treatment is thick and doesn't have much slip, it doesn't spread or wash out easily - leaving a sticky unpleasant residue. I actually would try and make this work - but I just can't get past the fragrance. £8.25/225g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
2 Big Solid Conditioner This just didn't work for me, it's supposed to be 'Big's companion but for me I always need an extremely rich conditioner and this didn't deliver, perhaps if you thin short hair it'd be better. £9/100g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
3 Solid Shampoo As stated above, Trichomania is the only solid shampoo I like because it lends itself away from Lush's unique disc shape. It makes rubbing the product extremely messy and difficult to get through and coat my hair. I know that some people love these and I can understand why especially because they are so long lasting (40 - 80 washes), cheap and great for travel but I haven't found one yet that I jumped for. I've tried Godiva and Karma Komba. If you have any suggestions let me know because at the moment I'm constantly left with dry and straw like hair. I think they'll be a godsend if you have thinner or shorter hair. £5.50 - £6.45/55g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list
4 Lip Scrub Maybe I'm the only one but I don't get the hype around lip scrubs - its just sugar and oil/honey really which I'm pretty sure all of you have (tip: add some lemon if you have pigmented lips and want to make them pinker). To be honest I always scrub my lips with my toothbrush when brushing my teeth so I don't really need a lip scrub. £5.25 - £5.50/25g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list Thanks for sticking with me through this mammoth of a post. Give your thoughts on what you love/loathe from Lush! ****ALL IMAGES ARE FROM WWW.LUSH.CO.UK****
xxx
4 Lip Scrub Maybe I'm the only one but I don't get the hype around lip scrubs - its just sugar and oil/honey really which I'm pretty sure all of you have (tip: add some lemon if you have pigmented lips and want to make them pinker). To be honest I always scrub my lips with my toothbrush when brushing my teeth so I don't really need a lip scrub. £5.25 - £5.50/25g Click here for Lush's description and ingredient list Thanks for sticking with me through this mammoth of a post. Give your thoughts on what you love/loathe from Lush! ****ALL IMAGES ARE FROM WWW.LUSH.CO.UK****
xxx
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