Bohemian Soap - Lush

Soap...such a simple and under appreciated thing. You don't spend much time picking one at the mall. You hardly look at it when you use it. The only reason you remember about it is that moment when everyone at the grocery store try to move downwind from you after a typical South African summer day spent outside.

With Lush there is no such thing as a boring soap. They are made to be noticed. Everything about them scream use me!

The Bohemian is no different. Don't let its simplicity fool you. This soap packs a punch! Its the one I nearly missed in the shop. Yellow with white marbling, a stark contrast against the likes of The Godmother. Pale in comparison to Ice Blue. A thing of majestic simplicity.

What drew my attention was the smell. I was drawn to a fresh lemon fragrance in the soap display. Having inspected all the other soaps I realized that the source of the amazing smell was the seemingly unimpressive Bohemian.

The citrus scent combined with the lemon oil in the soap is the perfect way to leave your mind fresh and invigorated after a long day.  The coconut oil will turn your dry, flaky skin into a thing of sleek beauty. No more praying that the weather will allow you one more day of stockings so nobody will notice your fish scale legs and cracking feet. The perfect soap for the free spirit and artist.

Not only does this soap pack a punch, it lasts for ever! After a month and a half I still have a sizeable piece left. At R42.50 for 100g this soap is worth every cent. Don't overlook this one, it will not disappoint you!

https://www.lush.co.za/shop/product/product/path/143_181/id/1656/BATH-Soaps-Bohemian

Sakura Bath Ballistic - Lush

The first of the products from my shopping spree at Lush. 

Now please note that I am not usually a bath kind of person. I find something rather strange about stewing in your own sweat and filth. I seriously think this little bath bomb has changed my mind. 

I chose it from the many available because of its distinctive scent and color. Sakura brings to mind a lush garden with Cherry trees, Brimming with blossoms and relaxation. My imagination got it spot on. 

The idea of a bath ballistic / bath bomb is to throw it in your bath while you have the water running, or just after. It turned my bath a soft pink, releasing light pink bursts of color as it twirled. The effect and scent is not as over the top as some of their other bath ballistics so is more suited to individuals who prefer subtle hues and fragrances when taking a bath. The scent was magical. A blend of  Mimosa, Jasmine and Citrus that lingered long after I finished my bath. 

I spent about 20 minutes just relaxing. (The exact opposite of my usual disgust with having to take a bath.) The idea of getting out and draining the soft pink water smelling of blossoms was rather depressing. 

Much was my surprise when I got out and the fragrance followed me. Relaxing, soothing and refreshing. Not only did I smell like spring blossoms, my skin was soft and moisturized. 

All in all the Sakura Bath Ballistic is an absolute win. A swirling twirling fragrant win. I can't see anything wrong with this product. 

At R59.90 for 220g it is the perfect addition to a gift basket for that workaholic that never takes a second to relax. You know what? Forget the workaholic, spoil yourself! You won't regret it. 

https://www.lush.co.za/shop/product/product/path/143_145/id/1747/BATH-Ballistics-Sakura

I Broke my Lush Virginity!

I have always wanted to try the Lush range of products but sadly it wasn't available in South Africa. I can not describe the joy when I learnt that the brand is being brought to us!

What is the big deal? Lush is the creme de la creme of Cruelty Free beauty products. Why? 

• Their range of products is 100% Vegetarian. Many of their products are Vegan, a very rare thing in the cosmetics and beauty industry. 
• Lush practices ethical buying. They strive to assist local communities when they source ingredients. (Not yet local as in South Africa local, but hopefully that will change as soon as the brand becomes more popular in South Africa.)
• All Lush products are cruelty free. All their bags are branded with their Fighting Animal Testing logo.
• Their products are fresh and hand made! 
• 70% of their products are sold naked. This means without packaging. You can sniff it, touch it, see it. 

From shower gels to eyeliner, you can find almost anything in their shops. Can't get to a branch? Not to worry, they have an online store as well!

We visited their first Gauteng store, Dainfern Square. Now you see, usually this is a dreaded exercise for me. I have social anxiety and agoraphobia. I also have severe allergies. My entire year working at Truworths (Surprisingly, a really awesome company to work for!) was spent wheezing and sneezing as the main counter was too close to the perfume area.  I hate shopping, especially in cosmetics and beauty shops. I'm used to rude employees that don't even understand the different products they sell. 

I was blown away. We were met by a bright and open shop. The display window was filled with fresh products. Bath Ballistics, Soap, Shampoo bars, Bubble Bars, you name it! I walked in, expecting the usual puffy eyes and wheezing that usually accompanies any establishment selling fragrant products. My olfactory senses realized that they have died and gone to heaven. Not even a sneeze! Just a shop that smelled like a field of fresh spring flowers. If there is a heaven it had better smell like the Lush store! 

We were a bit overwhelmed with the amount of products. I had a set idea of what I wanted, but the amount of amazing products far surpassed what I imagined. The sales ladies were spectacular. I told them which products I was looking for, and that I wished to review them for the blog. They were honest, well educated regarding their products, and friendly. So incredibly friendly! This is South Africa, a shopping spree is usually ended by a grumpy cashier who would rather be sipping Martinis somewhere than looking in your direction. 

Upon hearing that I have a blog the young lady assisting suggested adding some samples to my purchase. 

With the naked products you are prompted to take a paper bag and put your products in the bags. Each product is rung up at the till, and paper bags are weighed. (Most of their naked products are sold per weight.) I was petrified that I would go over my R300.00 budget. I was so far below my budget I managed to add another product that I really wanted.

With my shopping spree I bought the following:

1 x bar Bohemian soap.

1 x Sakura Bath Ballistic

1 x Dragon's Egg Bath Ballistic

1 x Woosh Shower Jelly

1 x box Chou Chou - I love You Toothy Tabs

For samples I received the following:

1 x sample It's Raining Men Shower Gel

1 x sample Sympathy for the Skin Hand and Body Lotion

1 x sample Vanishing Cream

1 x sample Veganese Hair Conditioner. 

I will be reviewing each product separately in the future blogs. 

My opinion of the brand, store and products? Simply amazing. I was sceptical as some of the products tend to be pricey, but I was pleasantly surprised. 

The only cons I could find is that Lush still uses parabens,  sulphates and artificial colours in some of their products. Because of the sulphates I am unable to use their Shampoos on my hair. (Never ever use shampoos and conditioners containing sulphates on your hair if you have funky coloured hair. It will discolour and fade it.)

Overall one of the most pleasant shopping experiences I have ever had. A big thumbs up to the ladies at Dainfern Square. Keep up the good work!

Buy the products online, or go visit a store. You won't be disappointed. 

https://www.lush.co.za/

https://www.lush.co.za/shop/common/store_locations