lush review #3
L U S H R E V I EW !
BATH & SHOWER STUFF
SULTANA OF SOAP
Type of product: Soap
Description: The creamy fruity one. Can we help it if our soap looks like a big cake of tasty Italian nougat? Well, I suppose we can. If we make it soft and creamy, fill it full of chopped apricots and currants and scent it with spicy olibanum, it’s hardly surprising that it looks tempting enough to take a lick. You know better than that, though, don’t you? Smooth a slice of our fruit encrusted, creamy dessert of a soap all over your body and enjoy smelling like a sweet shop.
My thoughts: I am in love with Sultana. I had actually cut my chunk in half and put one in the bathroom and my mum ended up stealing the other half because she loved it too. It's definitely the most moisturising soap from Lush that I've tried so far and I think it's a soap I'll always go back to. The scent is very creamy and pleasant. Obviously if you're allergic to nuts like my friends it's not the soap for you but if not, I encourage you to pick up a piece next time you make a Lush purchase.
Rating: ★★★★★
MIRANDA
Type of product: Soap
Description: We make Miranda with kiwi fruits because they are full to bursting with vitamin C and gently astringent on your skin. We add bergamot oil, which is said to be good for some skin conditions, because it smells of oranges. There's toning ylang ylang and juniper berry oil to brighten up congested skin. Even more fruity than Carmen Miranda's headpiece.
My thoughts: This soap is not what I was expecting I suppose I should've relied on the description more than I did. It's pleasant enough and quite fresh with the fruity scent, but it's not the kind of fruity scent I'm drawn to. I personally like more citric and berry scents and this didn't hit it for me. Unless you absolutely love the smell of kiwi fruit, I wouldn't pick this up.
Rating: ★★★
SUNNY SIDE
Type of product: Bubble Bar
Description: Sparkly golden bar with citrus scents to bring you sunshine. If you've had a bad night full of disappointing dreams, pop one of these in the bath. Even as you crumble it under the running water, you'll start to feel better. Another one from Noriko's glitter phase, you can't help but smile when you see water that radiant.
My thoughts: Oh the ever hyped up Sunny Side. This is a bubble bar I've heard loads about, the 'mermaid bath' in particular but for me it was just average. When used by itself it's a pretty lackluster product, I'd definitely recommend combining sunny side with other lush products if you plan on getting it.
Rating: ★★★
MAGIC MUSHROOM
Type of product: Bubble Bar
Description: Welcome back, little mushroom. It's been one long year since we said goodbye to our exceptionally fruity, sweetly creamy Bubble Bar and it's been tough. Make mounds of frothy bubbles with this limited edition romancer.
My thoughts: The scent of this is incredible, the problem is that it has zero moisturising properties and I actually felt like it was drying out my skin as I was in the bath. I had to get out after a couple of minutes and put some floating island in the bath because I just couldn't stand the texture of the water. I think next time they come out with magic mushroom they should add some more moisturising properties.
Rating: ★★★
THREE GOLD RINGS
Type of product: Bubble Bar
Description: A luxury foaming bath of gold and vanilla. It’s swirling waters of shimmering gold will mesmerise you, whilst it’s rich, layered vanilla fragrance will wrap you in a comforting hug.
My thoughts: This reminds me so much of sunny side. I don't believe you need both or either of the bubble bars if I'm being honest. Again it's so lackluster and had barely any moisturising properties.
Rating: ★★
KARMA
Type of product: Bubble Bar
Description: Our signature fragrance for bath-time: oranges and multi-layered spices. Karma is a fragrance that keeps on giving. Each time you catch a whiff of its many-layered fragrance, you notice yet another thread in its multi-stranded personality. Top notes, middle notes, base notes and all the notes inbetween disentangle themselves before you. Bathe in a fluffy Karma bath and you’ll generously perfume the whole house with its fragrance (and yourself, too).
My thoughts: Karma is one of Lush's iconic scents so I'm sure you're all aware of what it smells like. For me the scent it's a little strong and almost chemical so I'm not the hugest fan. I've found that Karma is great when paired with Avobath so I would recommend trying that combination. The bubbles are really good and long lasting but I definitely recommend smelling this one at the shop before buying it.
Rating: ★★★
MA BAR
Type of product: Bubble Bar
Description: Spoil yourself with a chocolate-toffee bar. Ma Bar is a bar of two halves: cocoa and honey-toffee. It’s so sweet that there’s even a lump of brown sugar in the middle. It originally appeared for Mother’s Day, but we couldn’t bear to be parted. It’s a lovely little present to give your Ma all year round, to show that you appreciate her every day. While it does smell good enough to eat, you really shouldn’t try.
My thoughts: Ma Bar is one of those bubble bars that is always left at the back of my Lush box. I never reach for it unless I have no other products from them. Ma Bar creates lots of bubbles but the scent is almost non-existent and it's not moisturising like other Lush bubble bars like The Comforter. Would definitely stay away from this one in the future.
Rating: ★★
YUZU AND COCO BUBBLEROON
Type of product: Bubble Bar
Description: Yuzu and Cocoa is a bright and uplifting treat disguised in a rich warm fragrance of cocoa absolute and tonka. Let the light grapefruit and bergamot oils lift your mind, whilst the cocoa and tonka bring warmth and comfort to the heart.
My thoughts: I found that the bubbles with the bubbleroons don't seem to last long. I love the scent of this, it is kind of a fruity/chocolately smell. I find the bubbleroon concept to be a bit cheesy so I wish they would redesign this product. I would pick it up again just for the scent but I do think Lush have much better products.
Rating: ★★★
AVOBATH
Type of product: Ballistic
Description: For liveliness and softer skin. If you’re the sort who lounges in bed, Avobath is what you need to get you moving in the morning. It’s a refreshing ballistic with freshly mashed avocado and olive oil to treat your skin to a banquet, and lemongrass to stimulate sleepy brains. When you’re sluggish in the morning, get up and Avobath.
My thoughts: In my very first Lush review I reviewed avobath and gave it kind of a negative review, but I have since tried it out again and wanted to retract my negative thoughts. It's very spa-like and moisturising. I chose to use a bubble bar (Karma) when I used this because I like bubbles and the combo worked really well. I'll probably pick this up again.
Rating: ★★★★
KEEP IT FLUFFY (PURPLE)
Type of product: Ballistic
Description: The newest member of our fabulous fizzers is a vanilla and jasmine scented wonder-bomb to wrap you in fluffy. You might recognise the fragrance from B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful. As Helen says: keep it fun, keep it fragrant, keep it fluffy.
My thoughts: Both the Keep It Fluffy's are super moisturising and lightly scented. it's very relaxing so I would recommend it for those times when you're really stressed out.
Rating: ★★★★
LEAP FROG (AKA. FROG PRINCE)
Type of product: Ballistic
Description: What could be more romantic than a fizzy amphibian with big red lips? Though Miss Piggy might find him attractive to look at, his true beauty only becomes apparent when he hits the water. He’ll fragrance your bath with a sexy perfume of jasmine, sandalwood and rose that’s sure to send you toadily wild for his froggy charms.
My thoughts: I had very high expectations for leap frog but I thought it was pretty awful. It wasn't moisturising at all and didn't really do anything except change the water colour. Wouldn't bother picking it up if they release it again next Valentine's Day.
Rating: ★★
PHOENIX RISING
Type of product: Ballistic
Description: Spicy and fruity, The Phoenix has a refreshing orangey twist to lift your spirits. Perfect for warming up in the tub on a crisp autumn or winter night. The spicy scent of cinnamon is excellent for stimulating tired minds and bodies.
My thoughts: This is one of the slowest fizzing ballistics I've ever tried. It sunk to the bottom and took a very long time to get going as it just sat at the bottom of the tub for a couple of minutes. Phoenix Rising has a very distinct scent to it that I don't usually gravitate towards, but I did end up enjoying it a lot. To me it smells like ginger beer but when used with sweeter, fruitier products it works with the scent as well. It turned the water a beautiful purple colour but I didn't find it to be a moisturising ballistic. I'd recommend using a bubble bar such as Gingerbread House to compliment the main scent of the ballistic.
Rating: ★★★★
VANILLA FOUNTAIN
Type of product: Ballistic
Description: When Mo brings a new Bath Ballistic to a Lush creative team meeting, she gets a bowl full of warm water, drops it in, then hands it around the room for everyone to smell. With the Vanilla Fountain, no-one wanted to let go of the bowl and pass it on. Simon Constantine made the comforting vanilla scent with natural vanilla absolute - the posh stuff made from vanilla pods - with a touch of restful sandalwood and a note of burnt caramel. It was inspired by the extraordinary desserts at Heston Blumental's amazing restaurant.
My thoughts: As you would expect, the main scent of this ballistic is vanilla. For me vanilla can be a little overpowering but in this case I found it very relaxing and pleasurable. Would recommend it if you love vanilla. Actually, I really like the new shape they're going for with Vanilla Fountain and Phoenix Rising, I think it's really cute.
Rating: ★★★★
BLACKBERRY
Type of product: Ballistic
Description: With bergamot, frankincense and berries for uplifting, grounding and fruity feelings. When you're feeling off colour and out of sorts, drop this Bomb of purple goodness into the bath.
My thoughts: This is possibly my favourite ballistic Lush has! I'm someone that enjoys sweet, fruity (and berry) scents so this is perfect. I've used it in combination with You Snap The Whip body butter and The Comforter bubble bar and it's worked great. There's nothing bad I can say about Blackbeerry apart from I just wish it was more readily available as you can only get it in gift sets in Australia.
Rating: ★★★★★
HONEY BEE
Type of product: Ballistic
Description: For a soothing, cleansing soak. Honey Bee smells like caramel, much like Honey, I Washed The Kids soap and Soft Coeur massage bar do. Honey Bee holds its own special distinction, though; in addition to soothing honey, it has Moroccan rhassoul mud to deep cleanse and soften your skin. The world’s best spas offer honey or mud baths on their menus. Now, you can have both in one go, for roughly 1% of the cost.
My thoughts: I'm not the biggest fan of the scent or colour of Honey Bee but it is so moisturising that you can't deny how lovely it is. Will repurchase this over and over again.
Rating: ★★★★
GEO PHYZZ
Type of product: Ballistic
Description: The earthy ballistic is back in a smaller size. Geo Phyzz is like a luxury spa treatment with Hawaiian sea salt. The salt is coated in mineral-rich volcanic clay, and it makes your skin feel better, too. Scents of seaweed, sandalwood and cypress conjure thoughts of bathing in the warm sea as the breeze gently skims the shoreline.
My thoughts: Geo Phyzz has quite a different texture than other ballistics I've tried. The second I put it into the water it crumbled and turned into bath salts. There was no fizzing whatsoever. It did create a very relaxing spa-like atmosphere. Not sure if I'd run out to pick this up again but it was enjoyable enough for something that came in a gift set.
Rating: ★★★
FLOATING ISLAND
Type of product: Bath Melt
Description: Slow-melting, sandalwood and lemon luxury. Technically, islands don’t float, but let’s not split hairs. Our Floating Island is a vanilla-scented melt with a touch of reviving lemon. It floats in your bath, gradually dissolving, softening the water and smoothing your skin. It’s a wonderful treat for a weekend bath, when you can stay in there as long as you like.
My thoughts: To be honest I never notice much different with bath melts. I only use them with ballistics and bubble bars that I know aren't very moisturising and it does help a bit but overall I'm not sure bath melts are worth the price. Won't be repurchasing this one.
Rating: ★★
YOU'VE BEEN MANGOED
Type of product: Bath Melt
Description: Cheery, fruity mango butter melt. You’ve Been Mangoed is bright and breezy, with nutritious mango and avocado butters to make your skin feel as if it has just had a really healthy breakfast and is all set up for the day. Its fruity scent comes from skin toning lemon and lime essential oils, with a drop or two of invigorating lemongrass to get things going. Everyone should know the joys of being well and truly Mangoed
My thoughts: I really like the scent of this but again, to me bath melts aren't worth the price.
Rating: ★★★
SWEETIE PIE
Type of product: Jellie
Description: Sweet and sophisticated fruitiness. Lashings of blackcurrant and bergamot essential oils in a sour cherry and coconut jelly make this about as fruity as you can get. It is incredibly difficult to resist taking a spoonful. Instead, take a handful and smooth it over your hair and body. Passing strangers will smell you and find their minds wandering to fruit pastilles.
My thoughts: I absolutely love this! I decided to cut mine up into little chunks when I first got it to make it easier to use. I would just grab one of the chunks each day, put it in a loofah and use is that way. I would definitely repurchase this and really want to try the other scents! This has kind of a fruity/candy scent which I really enjoyed.
Rating: ★★★★
LIP STUFF
MINT JULIPS
Type of Product: Lip Scrub
Description: Our fabulous lip scrubs are here to keep your kissers sweet. When you use Mint Julips, you’ll find yourself craving a bowl of mint-chocolate chip ice cream. It’s made with refreshing peppermint oil, which will make your lips feel soothed and tingly, and sweet vanilla extract to lock in moisture and protect your lips. Simply rub it over your lips when they’re feeling the need for some sugar.
My thoughts: There's nothing new I can say about this lip scrub as it is just like the bubblegum one, but with a different scent. I love mint so I really enjoy this. It's cool and refreshing on the lips. Don't buy this if you hate mint!
Rating: ★★★★
HAIR STUFF
ULTIMATE SHINE
Type of product: Solid Shampoo Bar
Description: For glossy hair, a few golden sparkles and the ultimate shine. With Ultimate Shine, essential oils make your hair shimmer, not the golden sparkles. We have fragrant ylang ylang oil to keep hair shiny and sensual; violet leaf to decongest your scalp and elemi oil to tone and calm your nerves, so you can shine socially, too.
My thoughts: This is quite a nice shampoo bar. For the way I like my hair to look and feel, I felt that this was the best shampoo bar I've tried. Seanik is great if you like very textured hair but I prefer this because it made my hair smooth and shiny and definitely made my hair feel clean.
Rating: ★★★★
AMERICAN CREAM
Type of product: Hair Conditioner
Description: Double-strength conditioning cocktail. American Cream was inspired by a vision of 1950s US milk bars, bright red-leather-and-chrome, neon-lit cafes, where teenagers would meet and drink frothy, fruity milkshakes. Our creamy conditioner is what the girls would have used to make their hair soft before going out on a date, dressed up in their bobby socks and circular skirts. The scent of honey, vanilla, strawberries and oranges is so sexy and sweet that dates can’t stay away.
My thoughts: I know a lot of people love this conditioner but I absolutely hated it. I hated the scent, it was absolutely horrid and I ended up having to use this conditioner mixed with other ones just to make the scent bearable. I also found the conditioner wasn't conditioning at all. It didn't make my hair softer, in fact it made it feel like straw. I wouldn't recommend this at all!
Rating: ★
So that's it for this review! Same as last time, feel free to recommend me products or share some of your own favourites! :)