Lush: That Smelly Shop

I used to HATE walking by Lush.  The overpowering stench of soap and foam was disgusting.  I absolutely refused to step foot in there until I spent the weekend in Sligo and discovered that all the products my beautiful friend Ammo used were from Lush.  As Ammo is absolutely beautiful (bth inside & out) I will take on board every single one of her recommendations. 

After taking a module in Bio Mechanics in my final year,  I've become very very conscious of my effect on this planet - my carbon footprint if you will.  We learned how nearly everything we use is tested on animals to ensure they were safe.  These little rabbits, pigs and dogs were former residents of Luce Hall.  They've now moved to a new location which I'd rather not disclose.  I sat through that module in horror as I learned that nearly all shampoos, make-ups, shower gels etc are burned onto little piglets and rabbits to see how they react.   I am really not OK with animal testing and got in quite the debate with the now current Provost of TCD over these issues.  Many of these torturous acts took place in the building I was sitting in.  I eventually walked out, never came back and got about 57% in that module.  Oops.

Lush not only utilises completely organic & natural products, but nothing is testing on animals and everything is vegetarian with many vegan options too.  I just had to take a look and my oh my was I not disappointed.  While some products came with a bit of a price tag, the fact that they worked was well worth it.  Here my shopping list:

Angels on Bare Skin: €7.95

A lovely facial scrub this feels simply devine.  This is the reason I went there and it is most defiently worth the purchase.  My skin is softer, brighter and feel alive.

Dream Cream: 240g €16.85

This is their best seller I'm told and I'll agree it is lovely, a tad too expensive though considering there's lots of cheaper alternatives.

Light Pink Foundation: €10.25

Genius! A tiny little pot of light full coverage foundation. Mix it with your moisturiser for a lighter effect. 

Vanishing Cream: €24.95

Now this was very expensive but I swear to god it works.  For acne prone, combination skin, it aims to reduce redness and spots etc.  It's so light yet magically moisturising.  I am in love.  I wish in came on a bigger box so I could buy in bulk!!

Brazen Honey: €8.95

A great little face mask for tired (hungover) skin.  It smells interesting... but it left my skin so bright and white with perfectly peachy cheeks.  I love it

Dirty Shaving Cream: €6.25

I have no idea why I bought this and I still have no idea how to use it... I alway used soap for shaving...

Rehab Shampoo 250g: €14.40 & American Cream Conditioner 250g: €11.95

The shampoo is for tired and distressed hair.  It did leave my hair feeling very soft but to be honest it's like every other shampoo.  The conditioner is for a heavier treatment.  You only need a tiny bit and it smeels better than anything I've ever smelt!  While both are exceptionally pricey, being natural, not tested on animals nor environmentally damaging says something in my book.

Rub Rub Rub: €9.95

I was disappointed to find that this had no distinct smell :( It's lovely but too expensive and I wouldn't buy it again.  I'll stick to my Original Source Body scrubs for €3.99 (also vegan!).

Dirty Tooth Tabs: 40 for €2.50

These are so fun and very clever.  It a hard tablet of toothpaste.  You chew one like a mint, add some water and brush.  The novelty alone make them worth the purchase!!  On your conscience side of things, they don't come in a plastic tube but a small biodegradable box. Definitely buying again!

Charity Pot: €1

I don't know what this is, I think it's lip balm but I can't open the tub without risking my pretty Barbie pink nails.  The money (less VAT) went to charity so I'm happy!

I also got two free soaps - a mint and tea tea block and a delicious christmas block.  I am very happy with Lush and my hair smell AWESOME!  Also when you return 5 empty, clean pots you get a free face mask like the Brazen Honey listed above :)


Overall I'm very happy and will buy a lot of this again.  Ammo says they all last about 6 months and longer so when you think about it, they're not actually that expensive.


C