Lush 2017 Holiday Collection

If you want to put a smile on someone’s face this holiday season pop a Lush Bubble Bar or Bath Bomb in their stocking and watch them light up with joy. No matter how hectic life gets slipping into a warm bath filled with colorful suds and cheerful scents helps melt the stress away.

Today I’m sharing a few limited edition items from the Lush Holiday Collection that have been sitting on my desk and filling the entire room with mouth-watering aromas. One of my favorite combinations ever is mint-chocolate (whoever decided to pair these two ingredients was a genius). The ice cream flavor is to die for and so is the Thundersnow Bath Bomb ($6.95). It froths up into a delicious blue-green foam that smells like hot chocolate (try not to eat it) and the healing oils make your entire body feel velvety smooth.

If you haven’t tried a Lush Body Conditioner what are you waiting for?! These decadent butters nourish, soften and deeply hydrate to leave you feeling supple and silky all winter. Buck’s Fizz ($13.95) is perfect for a little self-pampering and relaxation. The yellow flower pot (that’s what it looks like to me) contains an abundance of natural oils with a yummy citrus-champagne sent that tantalizes the senses. Simply rub the creamy bar onto damp skin, rinse lightly and pat dry.

In the words of Lush “Christmas ain’t complete without your two front teeth” (I’m laughing so hard right now). This delectable little Bubble Bar ($7.95) is almost too cute to use but the sweet vanilla tonka bean bubbles smell like candy and a heavy helping of neroli and lavender oil revitalizes you from head-to-toe. Crumble this funny looking bar under running water and watch with pleasure as your bathtub fills with pink bubbles!

Who could resist a shower gel called Berry Berry Christmas? I mean come on, it’s just too adorable to pass up and the festive cranberry infusion is loaded with antioxidants, blueberry juice and other scrumptious ingredients. I mostly smell citrus (maybe orange) but the color and shimmer makes bath time a lot more enjoyable with cascades of fruity lather. The 250 ml bottle retails for $23.95.

These products are available at Lush stores nationwide for a limited time only and online at lush.ca.

Lush Winter Collection – Hair Restoration & Skincare

Winter is here...Well technically it begins on December 21st but if you’ve been outside recently then you know what I’m talking about. It is dark, a bit dreary and cold – perfect time to change up your beauty routine. To help combat the dry, frigid weather you need products that are super moisturizing and loaded with nutrients which is where Lush comes in.

The Retread Conditioner ($32.95) is the brand’s richest formula and after the first use I was totally hooked (seriously, this may be my favorite Lush product ever). This stuff is a savior for dry, brittle hair that has been subjected to heat styling, hair dye and harsh winter wind. It is loaded with hydrating ingredients like seaweed, avocado, yogurt, cantaloupe, olive oil, jojoba, neroli, orange water and more.

I expected the texture to be thicker and creamier instead of runny and lightweight but it coats thoroughly and drenches each strand. For best results I use it as a treatment mask so the ingredients have time to activate and work their magic. I apply a generous amount and comb through evenly, sometimes mixing with another deep conditioner to dull the scent (it isn’t bad but the undertone is a bit earthy). I then cover my hair with a plastic cap and wrap my head in a microfiber towel (to trap in the heat) for about 2-3 hours. This may seem like a long time but my hair thrives when exposed to extreme moisture and after styling it is incredibly soft, shiny and silky with much less frizz. The conditioner also smooths, restores and improves overall hair health and resiliency (better than most products I’ve used including high-end brands). The only downside is the short shelf life. Because the conditioner is all-natural, it only lasts about 2 months after it was made which doesn’t give me much time to use it. The good news is you can usually pop Lush products in the fridge for longer preservation. If you suffer from dry, damaged hair and sorry-looking ends, you need to try Retread but I should warn you – it’s addicting!

Winter doesn’t stand a chance when you arm yourself with the Buffy Body Butter ($12.95). This rich, indulgent bar is packed with exfoliating rice, almonds and beans to slough away dead cells and boost radiance. The creamy shea butter and cocoa base drenches skin is velvety suppleness that lasts all day and smells delicious. Simply rub the bar all over damp skin (before you step out of the shower) and pat dry.

The Skin Drink Facial Moisturizer ($26.95) is fittingly named because it quenches dehydrated, sensitive skin. Infused with a potent blend of avocado, rose petal, aloe, cocoa butter and essential oils, the lush formula seeps in deeply to revive, soften and improve skin texture immediately with no greasy residue. Flaky patches, windburn and sun exposure are no match for these dynamic ingredients and you can also use it as a sleep mask for a dewy, luminous complexion.

These products are available at Lush stores and online at lush.ca

LUSH Lipstick Review

I’ve used many bath and body products from LUSH so I thought it was about time I try some of the pretty lipsticks. Showcasing their colorful creativity, the brand packages these handmade pigments in cute glass jars and infuses them with nourishing jojoba and rose.

The collection includes a versatile range of bright, deep and neutrals tones in a variety of fun finishes. Although the caps resemble medicine droppers they are actually standard gloss applicators and the formula is very lightweight.

The first thing I noticed was how smooth the color glides across my lips before it melts in comfortably and sets with lacquer-like precision. The texture isn’t slick or glossy but the natural oils maintain a nice level of moisture to keep lips soft and hydrated with a hint of glistening shine.

Passionate is a bright fuchsia pink with micro-fine sparkle that blends in undetectably to create a luminous effect. The color is very buildable so layering subtly makes it appear light and soft while applying more makes the pigment stand out vividly for a bold look. The color payoff is full-coverage and quite intense which is great for spring and suitable for all complexions.

Out of all the color swatches online, Decisive was the one that stood out most. I expected it to be deeper but the classic pin-up red is beautiful and never goes out of style! The silky formula applies effortlessly and lasts a few hours before fading into a nice stain. The bright red is highly saturated with a mild undertone that works for all skin tones. I love pairing it with gold or neutral eye looks and a sharp winged liner.

Bubbly looks different than the swatch online but the frosty pink has a nice layer of shimmer that creates an iridescent, multidimensional effect. Unlike the other two shades above, this one has sheer coverage but applies consistently and looks quite dazzling.

The great thing about these lipsticks is that they are all-natural, non-sticky, gentle and non-drying plus blending a little onto the cheeks creates a nice blush! You can pick them up for $19.95 each at LUSH stores and lush.ca.

LUSH Toothy Tabs Review

If you’ve read my review on the new Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Electric Toothbrush then you know that I’ve made a resolution to enhance my oral health routine. After reading and hearing about some of the harmful side effects of toothpaste ingredients I also made the switch to all-natural toothpaste and I’ve stuck with it since the year began.

Giving up the ultra minty, creamy brand of toothpaste I’ve used for years was a difficult transition but once I adjusted there was no looking back! My Natural toothpaste of choice is the Toothy Tabs from LUSH because they are easy to use and come in two forms - pills and powder. It took about a week for me to fully accept the taste of Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) which is slightly salty but once I did the benefits were evident very quickly. Baking Soda has natural teeth whitening and plaque removal properties which prevents tooth decay, cavities and gum disease.

The Toothy Tabs are available in a variety of flavors like Dirty (loaded with spearmint and neroli oil), Miles of Smiles (organic peppermint oil and wild mint), Oral Pleasure (a blend of orange oil, rose oil, vanilla and almond oil with a fruity scent) and the bestselling and most popular flavor of all - Boom (made with activated charcoal, lime oil, black pepper oil, tea and organic ground chili). These ingredients may sound weird but they are gentle on enamel and have wonderful health benefits.

The tabs come in small, almost sample-size bottles with 50 g of product but they last a long time. This packaging is also very convenient for travel and carry-on luggage because they are not in paste or gel format. To use the tabs you simply chew one (don’t swallow) wet your toothbrush and clean away! The formula does foam up slightly but not quite as much as regular toothpaste. If you prefer more foaming action use two.

You can also try the Tooth Powder packaged in little jars. The formula is loose so you must wet your brush and dip it into the powder to coat the bristles. Tooth Fairy is strawberry flavored and Ultrablast has a mint-wasabi combo.

Compared to the Colgate Optic White Toothpaste I’ve been using for years, the Toothy Tabs whiten my teeth much more effectively over a shorter period of time and when used with my amazing new sonic toothbrush I’ve notice significantly fewer surface stains. Although many of the tabs do not have the blast of mint I'm familiar with, they still freshen your breath and do a great job cleaning the teeth and gums.

Boom is my favorite formula because the charcoal gets rid of germs and impurities while cleansing the tongue very well. It also helps diminish some of that morning breath effect. These tabs do turn your mouth grey while brushing but it rinses clean so don't freak out. My favorite in terms of taste is Ultrablast but the scent alone may not give a good indication of flavor since many have an aftertaste. At my local LUSH store I was able to get samples.

The most common complaint about these is the taste. Some like it and some don’t (which is the case with almost everything). The minty flavors tend to taste the best and although they aren’t delicious by any means they aren’t bad either. Many Toothy Tab users I’ve spoken to report fewer cavities and much happier dentist visits which is motivation enough for me!

The tabs retail for $9.95 per bottle and the powder is $9.95-$10.95 per jar. You can find these products at LUSH stores and lush.ca.

The New LUSH Cosmetics app for iOS and Android Users

Now that most of us are dependent on our smart phones for pretty much everything, being able to access information with the touch of a finger has simplified everyday tasks. Many brands have realized that the way of the web is pretty much the way of the world so LUSH has released their own app to help us shop their entire range and keep up to date on all things bath bombs, face scrubs and skincare.

I downloaded the app to my Samsung and started playing around with the features which are very easy to use. When you first open the app it gives you the option of selecting U.S or Canada which of course also determines the currency that will be displayed. From there you can sit back, relax and browse the store from the comfort of your home via categories like: scents, new products, bath, shower, hair, face, body, gifts makeup, perfume, spa and many more!

You also have the option of creating an account so you can access customer care, get information about returns, find shops near you or even create a wish list. Other functions include: browsing products by your favorite scents or even how you’d like to feel and you can place orders by credit card, Apple Pay or Pay Pal.

The graphics, categories and navigation is similar to the brand's outlook on natural, homemade products and quality ingredients - simple and pleasant with no unnecessary fluff or ads. Of course you can always hop on the internet and shop directly from the website but this way you don't have to open your browser and the process just seems easier.

I also found the Stories section quite interesting. It includes the brand’s charitable initiatives, product and ingredient information, ethical and environmental innovations and even some current news.  

The great thing about this app is that you can also shop the seasonal exclusives as they become available to avoid missing out on your faves which I’m sure LUSH fanatics are going to love! The downside (and this is a pretty substantial glitch) is that when I click on any of the products the app instantly stops working and shuts down making it unusable for its intended purpose.

The idea is great, the navigation is easy and it even introduced me to new products I’d like to try that I don’t recall seeing in-store but obviously there are still some major bugs and kinks that have yet to be resolved. I've been told that the team is on it so everything should be up and running smoothly very soon!

LUSH Christmas Collection & Gift Ideas!

A few weeks ago I attended the LUSH holiday event at the Eaton Center where I had the chance to meet some of the fabulous people who create the delicious bath goodies we have come to know and love. I even got my hands a bit dirty and made my own bath bomb which was a lot of fun!

This holiday LUSH has a fabulous selection of products to help make gift giving simple and delicious! From pre-packaged gift sets and festive bath bombs to rich face masks and moisturizers there is something for everyone on your list.

You can also make your own LUSH junkie gift basket!

The great thing about this brand is that they use natural ingredients like fresh fruit, luxurious butters and exotic smelling oils which is ideal for those sensitive to chemicals. Making these creative concoctions is actually a fun process and the creators at LUSH are passionate about their safe, handmade, cruelty-free products.

At the face mask station I saw how natural ingredients like fresh fennel, tofu and juicy cranberries were blended to make the Festive Face Mask which can be kept in the fridge and used to help revive the skin. This rich mask is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and nourishing oils to boost your complexion and it smells good enough to eat!

As far as body products go there are many yummy treats to choose from! The Magic of Christmas soap and shampoo is a mouldable mound of glittery goodness that feels like play dough and looks like an enormous piece of candy! You can unleash your inner artist by creating cute little Christmas figurines and gifting them to family and friends or have fun in the tub playing with them yourself! If you have kids these colorful soaps will make bath time more enjoyable and you can simply pinch off a piece and crumble under running water or lather in your hands. It also comes in Alien & Monsters (pink, purple & green) and each color has a unique scent.

The shower and body scrubs are a great way to exfoliate from head-to-toe for soft, supple skin. Natural sea salt crystals buff away dead cells for a smooth finish and the lavender colored bar (Rub Rub Rub) is scented with a delicate blend of jasmine, mimosa and orange. The orange scrub called- The Rough with the Smooth has a luscious blend of black pepper, patchouli, murumuru butter, sugar and vanilla to eradicate rough patches and fragrance the body. The bars last a long time and also help stimulate circulation! They retail for $9.95 each.

If you don’t know what to choose you can always get a chunk of soap in your favorite scent or stick with classics like Sex Bomb or The Comforter Bath Bubble Bar ($11.95) which is also available as a delectable body gel ($9.95-$28.95). 

There are also glitter stars and cute little Santa soaps!

Another bestseller is the Face of Grace Moisturizer ($15.95) which is a solid serum free of preservatives and packed with hydrating tropical butters, chamomile and antioxidant mushroom extract. The bar melts as you massage it in and instantly nourishes dry skin which is much needed during the winter. Although the aroma is a tad strong I like the sweet botanical fragrance and it makes my face feel super soft and silky for hours.

The Christmas Kisses Lip Gift Set is already wrapped in pretty red paper and contains Santa’s Sugary Scrub which is made with delicious sugar, cherry extract, jojoba, coconut milk, lime and other natural ingredients. You simply rub it onto the lips and it gets rid of dry, chapped peeling skin to help smooth and lightly moisturize for a sweet, polished pout. The pretty pink scrub has a scrumptious cola flavor and you can lick off the excess granules after your treatment which is totally yummy!

The Santa Baby Lip Tint will keep your pout kissably soft and as rosy as Rudolph’s nose this holiday! Infused with butters and oils it provides hydration and a red stain that lasts for hours! You can also use it under your favorite lipstick as a base or primer. This cute set retails for $19.95.

You can pick up these great gifts and more at LUSH locations and online by clicking HERE.

*Press samples featured

LUSH Halloween Collection!

Tis the season of ghouls and goblins and I am ready to get my candy on! This year I will be celebrating Halloween with dinner and a spooktastic horror movie marathon. My sis and I are carving up our traditional pumpkin that always ends up looking the exact same every year regardless of which design we choose and who we always name – Pumpkiny Boo (don’t ask).

I love decorating the house with festive details and the Sparkly Pumpkin Bubble Bars by LUSH add a touch of warm shimmer to cold, windy nights and make lovely accent pieces. You can use these cuties as glittering autumn centerpieces or stack them on a plate for a touch of Halloween fun! They not only look pretty they also make the room smell sweet as candy and glam-up any creepy party.

The pumpkin is enriched with a calming blend of juniper, lime and orange oils that waft through the air and smell delectable! Simply crumble it under running water, immerse yourself in the rich orange foam and relax. You may end up with a little glitter on your skin so I would use it before a party or event. This bath bar retails for $7.95.

The Lord of Misrule Bath Bomb is also a part of the Halloween collection and the herbal blend of patchouli and black pepper oil bring a bit of mischief to the tub. As it froths and fizzles your bath water will swirl and crackle with hues of silver, wine and deep green and the sinfully rich concoction scents the skin in yummy vanilla. This bath bomb retails for $6.95.

Lord of Misrule is also available as a shower gel and although it looks like green Frankenstein slime it smells amazing! 

To get your hands on these magical creations by LUSH check out one of their many locations or visit the website by clicking HERE.

*Press samples featured

Lush Candy Mountain Bubble Bar

Sinking into a warm frothy bubble bath relaxes tired muscles and can help relieve stress. For Christmas this year I received the Lush Candy Mountain bubble bar as a gift and this product smells amazing! The sweet candy vanilla scent is so deliciously pungent that I keep my bubble bar in my bedroom so that it fills the air with its aroma. It is actually a pretty great air freshener!

This particular bar may be seasonal and only sold around Christmas time but it is definitely one of my favorite scents from Lush. The bar actually has some bubble crumble mix added in which creates a "magical pink mist" on the foam. Sometimes they change up the Candy Mountain bar and add different aromas and colors.

To use this product all you do is break, or cut off a piece and then hold the chunk under the running tap. The stronger the water pressure the more bubbles you will get! 

Another great thing is that the scent sticks to your skin and makes you smell wonderful! This is definitely a product I can add to my relaxing spa Fridays. These bubble bars retail for about $7 each and come in a variety of scents and shapes. 

What is your favorite Lush scent?