Lush V-Day Treats!

 Lush Heart Throb, Bubble Bar

 Clockwise: Heart Throb, Bubble Bar; Cupid's Love, Soap; Floating Flower, Bath Bomb; 

and Unicorn Horn, Bubble Bar

Hey Beauty Lovers! It's that time of the year again when love should be embraced. Lush has mixed a few potions together and created lots of lovely treats for the V-Day, whether you are loved-up or enjoying the single-hood there is something for everyone. When it comes to Lush I love displaying a few soaps and bath bombs in a platter on my windowsill in the bathroom, it fills the room with beautiful sweet and floral aromas. 

Heart Throb Bubble Bar turns your bath water a bright red for a romantic mood setting. Frangipani and Vanilla create a beautifully floral and comforting sweet scent, while Geranium Oil helps to tone and balance the skin. 

Cupid's Love Soap has Bergamot and Rosewood for an uplifting atmosphere and fresh figs, passion fruit juice with soya yoghurt help to nourish and soften the skin.

Floating Flower Bath Bomb is great for a sensual evening, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang create a sweet and floral scent concoction, while Cypress Oil has calming and toning properties.

And finally, Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar is perfect for brightening up your day and bringing a little rainbow into the premises of your bathroom. Uplifting and toning Neroli is paired up with balancing and calming Lavender and sweet and floral Ylang Ylang.

LOVE

Lush Easter Treats!

Hey Beauty Lovers! Last year I have reviewed the Lush Fluffy Egg for the Easter and this year it's available again! Fluffy Egg Bath Bomb is a pink egg fragranced with Candy Fluff, which is a lovely sweet candy scent. For the full review and more images click here(!) to see the blogpost I wrote last year. Apart from enjoying the Fluff Egg this Easter again I am also loving the Bunny Bath Bomb and Carrot Soap! As you can see I have a dish that is dedicated purely to Lush products, I love keeping Lush soaps and what have you displayed in a dish, which fills the bathroom with a beautiful scent! 

Bunny Bubble Bar is new Limited Edition product, inspired by the White Rabbit in Alice Wonderland. The cute Bunny is full of rich oils and butters, which are super moisturising and conditioning leaving the skin super soft after the bath! It's scented with vanilla absolute and once the Bunny melts in the water it releases floating pretty blue cornflowers! The Carrot Soap has two parts, the orange is made with moisturising carrot seed oil, while the white leaping rabbit in the middle is the conditioning cocoa butter. The scent of the Carrot Soap is refreshingly tropical and super yummy, lingering buchu, lemon and bergamot essential oils.

                                                                             

LOVE

Stocking Fillers: Lush Christmas Collection!

...with cutest little hearts, aw!!

Hey Beauty Lovers! Lush make the most delicious soaps, shower-gels, bath bombs, fragrances, you name it. I love their products, and I think they make the yummiest stocking fillers. This year I'm obsessed with their Rose Jam scent, it's to die for! Rose Jam has Turkish rose absolute, geranium oil and a hint of lemon - a very floral and dessert-like delicious scent. I literally can't stop smelling it! The Rose Jam Shower Gel 100g  and Lush Scent 30ml are great stocking filler sizes. Also another favourite this year, which you absolutely have to try is the super festive Santa's Lip Scrub, it's cola flavoured, yes!!

LOVE

How To Get Your Lips To Look Beautiful and Healthy with Lush!

Essie The Girls Are Out is a perfect match to Lush Liquid in Passionate <3 span="">

I've been meaning to blog about these gorgeous Lush lip products for a while. I have been sent this package by Lush for to celebrate the International Kissing Day back in July. They have kindly included three products to get that perfect luscious summery hot pink lip! Three steps to a beautiful and healthy looking lip:

1. A lip scrub is something I have started using couple of years ago, and in fact my first lip scrub ever was the Bubblegum flavoured one also by Lush. This has literally changed my life, what a tiny pot of a lip scrub can do! The one Lush has sent me [pictured above] is the mint chocolate flavoured. The scent reminds me so much of the After Eight sweets. You just scoop out like half a pea size [this little jar will last you forever, in fact I still have my first Bubblegum lip scrub]. Massage it onto your lips thoroughly, this will remove any dry skin and give you that incredibly baby skin smooth healthy looking lip. Tip: if you find the Lush Lip Scrub starting to dry up [that won't happen any time soon!] just add a few drops of water and get it back to a softer consistency. It is sugar based so basically it won't go off.

2. After exfoliating your lips with a lips scrub it is always important to follow up with a lip balm, this will nourish them, keeping them soft. Lush Lip Service comes in a cute screw metal tin. It has Shea Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil, Cocoa Butter, Beeswax, Tangerine Oil and Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil to keep your lips super smooth and crack-free. It has a really natural scent, a mixture of olive oil and citrus. 

3. Once these two steps are done, your lips are prepped and ready for a lip product of your choice, be it a lipstick, lipgloss, or lipstain it will look a million times better on freshly buffed and exfoliated perky lips! I have tried the Liquid Lipsticks back when they were first launched. And I actually picked this shade: Passionate as one of my favourites, so thank you so much SarahJane for sending it to me!! The colour is incredibly vibrant and hot and summery, even though we are entering autumn pretty soon I still love wearing hot pink lips with black outfits, so I definitely will be wearing it in the colder season too! This shade is perfect for events and special occasions, it definitely makes an impact. Passionate is an almost glowing cool toned hot pink with blue shimmer - it's just stunning! And the consistency is pretty amazing too, super pigmented. No scent. 

Lush make-up range has a colour psychology behind it, every colour is meant to make you feel a certain way. So if there is a colour you gravitate to it means that's how you feel. Passionate means 'Feel Strongly'! Equally if you feel a little down, a colour like this would pick your spirit up. Such a cute concept!

LOVE

Lush Gorilla Perfume Sikkim Girls 28g Review!

When Lush Gorilla Perfumes first came out I didn't have a chance to check them out, and last month I decided to drop by at my local Lush shop and dedicate some quality time to sniffing and trying out the fragrances. To start with there were a few which weren't my style, but then I asked the girl at Lush if there was anything with Jasmine my favourite scent note. And she instantly urged me to try the Sikkim Girls! Oh my there and then I fell in love with it. I must say I adore the packaging, kind of retro. Whatever fragrance I wear I top it off with Sikkim Girls just on my wrists!! This scent is so beautiful and sexy, some of the notes are Jasmine, Frangipani and Tuberose. When ever I smell it it just calms me down and makes me feel happy. If you love Jasmine I really recommend you try this one!!

Here is a fun little story about how Sikkim Girls came to be [taken from the Lush website]: 

"Musician and composer Sheema Mukherjee was inspired after she had an experience with the Sikkim Girls. While hanging out in the oddly named ‘Hot Stimulating Café’ in Darjeeling, the café owner warned Sheema to stay away from the dangerous Sikkim Girls. When asked why, the owner said they had seduced and stolen away his son-in-law. Somehow they had accomplished this whilst covered head-to-toe and simply with a subtle yet sexual sway of their bodies."

LOVE

Lush Fluffy Egg Bath Ballistic Bath Bomb!

I had the Fluffy Egg Bath Bomb left after Easter, and I really enjoyed it too... If you haven't read my Lush Henata Bath Bomb review yet - click here! Fluffy Egg has got a sweet bubblegum candy kind-of scent, great for bringing out your inner-kid... The scent actually comes from the Candy Fluff dusting powder... The lovely bright pink relaxing bath soak is perfect for a girly relaxing me-time...

LOVE

Henata Bath Ballistic Easter Bath Bomb!

 The surprise explosion of the green ballistic egg inside the chicken...

 Inside the egg there is glitter. pink paper soap and pretty flower petals!

Hope you all had a lovely Easter Sunday Morning!! I know I did, getting up before dawn, doing Elements of Yoga: Air & Water with Tara Lee [ordered her DVD on Amazon] - really great for toning your muscles and getting your body in a great shape for the summer! And then the sunshine came out and it was a very pretty morning so I decided to take a lovely bath to relax the muscles after the work-out... 

There couldn't have been a better bath choice today than the cute Lush Henata Bath Bomb chick... The yellow/orange explosion of colours and aromas in the bathtub created a really refreshing and energizing atmosphere, which is the perfect way to start a springy day! I read somewhere that you should crack the chick in two by smashing it against the bathtub - please don't do that! I almost made a dent in my steel bathtub....... It's hard as a brick, so just put it in as it is... 

Henata was inspired by the Mexican Pinata, so inside there's a surprise to be revealed - a mini ballistic green egg that explodes with a bunch of glitter, pink paper soap and pretty flower petals [Cornflowers, Marigold Petals, and Red Rose Petals]... And of course it's that invigorating and cheerful citrus aroma of Sicilian Mandarin Oil, Tangerine Oil, Bergamot Oil that really picks you up and puts a smile on your face!

LOVE

Lush Massage Bars: Soft Coeur + new Tender Is The Night!

Here are the two new additions of Lush Massage Bars to my already existing ones... I like to display them on a rustic thick ceramic dish, this one is from Zara Home, I got it over the weekend it was an absolute bargain [reduced to £1.99]... The heart on the right is Soft Coeur [also known as The Honeymooner], which has cocoa butter, shea butter and almond oil in it and it's fragranced with Honey I Washed the Kids perfume [toffee scent]... In the middle you get honey and chocolate... You meant to break this massage bar in two halves and melt it with the heat of your palms and then you are ready for a rather sensual massage, anyways you get the idea... They recommend to use a towel underneath as things can get pretty sticky... I personally haven't tried this one yet, keeping it for a special occasion... This massage bar is part of the permanent line so it's available all-year-round...

The heart on the left is Tender Is The Night is the new massage bar that came out for Valentine's... It a similar concept, you can break of pieces or break right through to get to the soft and gooey centre of almond oil, agave syrup, cupuacu and glycerine... The scent is just incredible, vanilla absolute, jasmine and ylang ylang are a rather seductive mixture of aromas... I used a few pieces on my arms and hands and absolutely adored it, leaves the skin decadently smooth and smelling gorgeous... I literally couldn't stop smelling my hands, heavenly! I'm not sure if this one is limited edition but it's definitely available online... Absolutely love it, would highly recommend it as an intense moisturiser or even hand cream!

LOVE

Gift Guide 2012: Last Minute Stocking Filler Ideas!

The last few pre-Christmas days have been absolutely crazy busy! Everyone is working super hard to finish up their projects before Christmas, running around trying to get everything done in time before we finally can relax with our loved ones, cook delicious lots of delicious festive food and watch old Christmas movies.. Uhh bliss! But before we get to that, some of us are still wondering around in shopping malls trying to get the last minute gifts so I thought since I've been doing the Gift Guide pretty much for a month now to share some of my stocking filler ideas in case you still will be getting a few things tomorrow... These are mainly small but nonetheless cute and thoughtful! 

As it's such a busy time of the year, especially these few days I didn't have time to swatch all the products and create looks with some of them, but I didn't want you t miss some of the limited edition products... I chose things that are really fun to find in a stocking filler within a wide price and age range... I won't be reviewing every single product now, but I will be creating looks and doing separate reviews in the New Year, so here it goes!

STOCKING FILLERS LIST:

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in 360 Laced Up + 260 Glitz Blitz

Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps in Metallic Moon + Python + Pink Leopardskin

RealTechniques by Samantha Chapman Expert Face Brush

Lush Solid Massage Bar in Midnight Massage

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Twist and Spray Eau de Parfum Purse Spray

The Body Shop Chocomania Gift Set

Avon Glimmerstick Gift Set

Cowshed Lazy Cow Soothing Perfume Oil

Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Fallen Angel

Percy & Reed Simply Sumptuous Shine Gift Set

Eylure Naturalites Accent and Lengthen Strip Lashes

Lush Christmas Party Gift Set

Sally Hansen Gem Crush Nail Color in 02 Cha-Ching! + 04 Blingtastic

Pixi Early Bird Palette

Darphin Dry Oil Body Care Nourishing Satin Oil with Red Ginger

Tangle Teezer Salon Elite The Professional Detangling Hairbrush

LOVE

Gift Guide 2012: Lush Seasons Tweetings Gift Set!

Lush has so many lovely Christmas gift sets to choose from! Each gift set comes in a box wrapped in festive pretty paper, which is recycled of course... The choice is wide, you can find something for everyone... In the Seasons Tweetings gift set you get four items - Twilight Shower Gel, which I have reviewed before click here to read more, it's a lovely calming shower gel that helps to relax after a long day... Ro's Argan Body Conditioner works exactly like hair conditioner, you meant to apply it on the skin while bathing or showering and then rinse off and lightly dry yourself with the towel to leave the skin feel conditioned... 

I haven't had a chance to try the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner yet, but at the moment I am pretty curious as it's not a shower gel nor is it a lotion... I will do a separate review once I get familiar with the actual product, but let me tell you this - it smells heavenly! It's meant to really nourish your skin, which is exactly what you need during winter! Some of the ingredients are: Almond Oil, Cypress Leaf Infusion, Brazil Nut Oil, Vanilla Pod Infusion, Fairtrade Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Cupuacu Butter, Cocoa Butter, Rose Oil, Geranium Oil, and Lemon Oil...

Tiny Hands Hand Serum is a deep moisturising hand balm... Basically it's like their body bar that you need to warm up in your hands to melt the oils... It also smells amazing, literally every single item in this box smells so good that I can't decide which one I prefer! Some of the ingredients are: Aloe Vera Extract, Vanilla Extract, Chamomile Oil, and African Marigold Oil... When I am sitting at my computer writing I like to smother my hands in this gorgeous hand serum and just wash my palms to keep them grease-free, and because it's so oily it stays easily on the top of my hands leaving them feeling beautifully moisturised!

And finally, Snowcake Soap also smells amazing! I tried looking it up online to see the ingredients, but the Snowcake Soap that Lush has on their website looks completely different, cut white blocks with a sprinkle of gold on top, nothing like this star shaped soap... But the star shaped Snowcake Soap smells of marzipan just like the soap that is on the website, so it's probably the same one... Aside the little confusion about the shape differences it's a lovely soap... Snowcake Soap is meant to be their Christmas best-seller, and it does smell just like Christmas to me!

LOVE

Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask...

Last night after I came home from Lush Spa where I tried their new awesome treatment The Comforter? [to read more click here] I was still feeling incredibly relaxed for the next few hours... All I was capable of was to fix a quick dinner, change into my bathrobe, slap on the Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask [to continue the chocolate theme so to speak], and slouch on the sofa watching Some Like It Hot...

I have used this facial mask a couple of times... Some of the ingredients are: Rhassoul Mud, Linseed Infusion, Cocoa Powder, Cocoa Butter, Fresh Mint, Sandalwood Oil, Spearmint Oil, and Peppermint Oil... Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and don't forget to put it back in the fridge! Because of the natural ingredients these facial masks I think only last a few weeks... Cupcake is great for oily skin type as it is absorbing and calming... It is not the most flattering facial as you can imagine but I did not care, it was my spa night! Jokes aside, if you are a chocoholic you will have a hard time not eating this delicious chocolaty mud paste - it smells just like a chocolate cake!

LOVE

New Treatment at Lush Spa - The Comforter!

The cosy and organic looking area where you are explained what the treatment is about and 

later you can relax there having a cup of tea if you want...
It's like being at someone's country house kitchen, a pretty homey atmosphere...

The two new products used in The Comforter? treatment  -

the hot chocolate body scrub which melts when heated and the rose serum...

Just arrived for the treatment, looking absolutely exhausted! :)

 

The Comforter? treatment room...

Once you get under the super soft and thick duvet you ring the bell to get the dreamy treatment started!

An hour later, while you are still floating on clouds after the treatment, 

you have a special 'magical' drink waiting for you back where you started, at the consultation kitchen table!

A syrup is poured over candy-floss, which dissolves into a sweet deliciousness 

and you are reminded "not to take life too seriously!"...

The Lush Spa is in the basement of the Shop in Chealsea on King's Road...

Last night I was invited to try the new treatment at the Lush Spa in Chelsea, which was a great experience! The last few weeks have been completely exhausting so I was really looking forward to be smothered in chocolate and rose... It's an hour of hot chocolate all over body scrub and massage, but it's a little more special than just that... The whole experience puts you in a very comforting and almost whimsical state of mind... The textures, the aromas, the unique rolling massage, the super soft and fluffy heated duvet, the upbeat and relaxing at the same time music [composed by Simon Emmerson] - it all brings you back to your childhood and a happy place...

At first you enter a pretty psychedelic room, filled with über pink lighting and green stars jumping all over the room... But the magic begins when you slide-in between the 'sheets'  and find yourself horizontal on a super comfortable memory foam mattress covered with a super cosy heated duvet... Considering you just came from the cold and wet outside, just that already felt heavenly! When I closed my eyes the therapist put a nicely scented eye mask on, I figured it was lavender and perhaps a mixture of other relaxing herbs... From that moment and until the end of the treatment I felt like I was floating on clouds, it was beautiful and dreamy... The melted hot chocolate scrub is applied with massaging strokes, again the warm texture is very relaxing and exactly what you want on a cold autumn or winter's day! I think getting this treatment as a gift for a friend or yourself is a lovely seasonal treat...

At some point the room was filled with a beautiful rose aroma and next thing you know you are asked to open up your eyes and 'look at bubbles', for a second you feel confused but then you see lots of rose-scented bubbles floating in the air, instantly remembering cheerful and carefree moments from your childhood... The massage is also quite unusual, basically it feels like a giant soft toy is gently stepping on you, I'd imagine everyone has their own interpretation, but that's how I felt... 

And then to finish off you get the moisturising rose scented serum applied all over the body, although it feels very smooth and buttery it does not leave an oily residue on your skin... And finally you get a sweet drink served in a Martini glass, a chunk of candy-floss is purred over with some pale pink potion, to signify the importance of not taking life too seriously all the time! I left Lush Spa with a super soft skin and super relaxed mind... On my cab ride home I was still feeling dreamy and seeing bubbles...

LOVE