Coalface Review

Coalface

Cleansing Charcoal Bar

$13.95 for 100g

Coal Face is ideal for those of you who loving washing your faces with a good, old-fashioned bar of soap. Except, there’s nothing antiquated about this preservative-free facial cleanser. Inspired by the complexion bar in ‘Annie Hall’, we created Coal Face for combination to oily faces. Powdered charcoal absorbs excess sebum and acts as a mild exfoliator, while rosewood and sandalwood oils reduce redness and clear up blemishes. Use Coal Face daily for clear, balanced skin.

FEATURES

• Quell your troubles: Suitable for blemish-prone, combination or oily skin.
• A solid choice: Coal Face is preservative-free, thanks to its water-free formula.
• Clear up blemishes: Liquorice root decoction is antibacterial, making it especially helpful for clearing up unsightly blemishes.

Main Ingredients

Sandalwood Oil

Liqourice Root Decoction

Powdered Charcoal

Rosewood Oil

How to Use

After cutting the chunk into more usable pieces, simply lather Coalface in your hands, and massage into your skin. Make sure you avoid the eye area, though.

A tutorial on how to cut LUSH soaps can be found here

Best for...

Combination to oily skin

Acne prone skin

Cleansing your skin

Removing dead skin cells

A deep cleaning

A daily cleanser

Overall...

Even though I don't have many problems with my skin anymore, I still found this cleanser a great addition to my usual routine.

I found that Coalface immediately changed the texture of my skin. After I washed my face, my pores were open, and completely clear. After drying my face, my skin was much softer. I even found the tiny pimples, and dirt clogging the pores of my nose, had been washed away by this cleanser.

Now, I normally have very clear skin thanks to Accutane, so some may not see results as quickly as I did.

The sole problem I had with this cleanser was that my face was a bit dry afterward, nothing a bit of moisturizer couldn't fix though. I think I had this problem though because my skin is normal to combination, and can get a little dry.

Now, the price can be a bit steep considering you only get 100g, but I didn't find that too bad since the results were spectacular and it will last since I only use this on my face.

Overall, I loved this cleanser and it really lived up to what it promised.

I would recommend this to anyone, especially those with problem skin.

Complete video review can be found here

Phoenix Rising Review

Phoenix Rising Bath Bomb

Spicy Cinnamon Fizzer

$6.95

If you've ever read the LUSH We Believe statement on our bags or on our website, you may remember the bit that says we believe “in the right to make mistakes, lose everything and start again”. This new Bath Bomb is a tribute to our belief that great things can rise out of the ashes, just like the mythical Phoenix. Royal purple and gold-dusted, with a cinnamon stick in the centre, this gorgeous bomb sinks to the bottom of the tub when you toss it in, and slowly rises up, fizzing out a spicy apple and cinnamon scent.

FEATURES

• Spicy and fruity: The Phoenix has a refreshing orangey twist to lift your spirits.
• Baby, it's cold outside:Perfect for warming up in the tub on a crisp autumn or winter night.
• Sparkling cinnamon fizz: The spicy scent of cinnamon is excellent for stimulating tired minds and bodies.

Main Ingredients

Organis Jojoba Oil

Icing Sugar

Cocoa Butter

Bergamot Oil

Cassia Oil

Shea Butter

How to Use

Simply drop Phoenix Rising into your bath (preferably after you've completely filled you tub) and watch the bath bomb fizz away.

Best for...

Moisturizing your skin

Exfoliating your skin

Relaxing your muscles

Leaving your skin with a warm scent

Waking up your scents

Overall...

I loved using this bath bomb! It was absolutely amazing.

When you throw the bath bomb in, it sinks to the bottom of the tub, rises, and slowly fizzes just as described. Soon the room is filled with a spicy apple scent, that is just gorgeous to take in. If you take the bath bomb out while it's fizzing, you'll see that inside, there is a blue, green center. Phoenix Rising also makes a few bubbles while it fizzes, but they soon melt away.

When you get in the bath, your skin instantly feels moisturized as it's lightly coated with the oils from the bath bomb. Phoenix Rising also makes it easier to exfoliate your skin while you're sitting in the tub. After sitting in the bath for a few minutes, you'll notice that your muscles feel soothed and relaxed.

The sole drawback to this bath bomb are that your tub can be slightly stained purple, and there weren't very many cinnamon bits in the bath bomb as described.

Overall, at the moment this is my favourite bath bomb from LUSH.

I felt relaxed, my skin was moisturized, my aches went away, my skin was left with the scent of Phoenix Rising, and I felt much more awake after my bath.

I would recommend this to anyone.

Let the Good Times Roll is Here to Stay!

LUSH Cosmetics has just announced that their facial cleanser made for the holidays, Let the Good Times Roll, is now a part of their permanent collection!

Described as a gentle exfoliant, with maize flour, polenta, cinnamon, and popcorn topping, this facial cleanser will leave your skin with an improved texture. 

This cleanser will surely become one your new favourites.

How to Cut Your LUSH Products

Cutting your LUSH products can save you lots of money, and help you get the most out of whatever products you are using. 

There are many different ways to cut LUSH products, and there is no wrong way to do it. I'm going to outline the way I prefer to cut my soaps, and bubble bars. 

In the next few days I will be posting a video version of this tutorial, and will link it below.

Cutting Soaps

1. Before you cut your soap, get something to cut them on. I usually cut soaps in my room the day I get them, so I just cut them on the LUSH bag.
2. Get a knife. Some people say you should use a sharp cutting knife, but I find I can get away with using a butter knife (or one you normally use to eat with, just make sure you wash the knives after cutting your soap) to cut with. 
3. If you're cutting a particularly thick, or hard soap, it may help you if you warm your knife under some hot water.
4. Figure out what kind of shape you want your soaps to have. I tend to cut them into generic rectangular pieces. Cut them into any shape you prefer, just make sure they are more manageable than the original piece.
5. Plan out your cuts. Before I cut anything, I make light marks in the soap with my knife in an attempt to make even pieces.
6. This is optional, but since I like to cut my soap into rectangles, I try to get the pattern/texture (if there is one) on my soap. I do this by standing the soap upright with the pattern facing upward, and slicing downward. If you want this as well, plan accordingly.
7. Once you've got everything figured out, start cutting. LUSH soap tends to be very soft, so you shouldn't have a lot of trouble slicing up soap.
8. As soon as everything's cut, I wrap up my soap in plastic wrap and put it in my drawer. You could also store your soaps in an air tight jar (they're available at Michael's) and store them in your bathroom. Just make sure that if they're in your bathroom, water can't get at them easily.

Complete video on cutting LUSH soaps can be found here

Cutting Bubble Bars

1. I do not cut up my bubble bars the day I buy them. Cutting them up and putting them into storage can be problematic. Sometimes my bubble bars sit for a while without being used, and they lose their moisture. So, I don't cut them up until the day I plan to use them.
2. Just like cutting soaps, get something to cut your bubble bars on. A cutting board will work.
3. Get your knife all ready. Once again, I still use a butter knife. Bubble bars are rarely hard to cut. 
4. Don't forget to plan out all of cuts. There is no need to use all of your bubble bar since many bath tubs are small. I like to cut my bubble bars in halves or quarters depending on the bubble bar and its size.
5. Start cutting. You will notice that bubble bars do crumble. That's fine. When you use a bubble bar, you crumble them up anyways. I like to save the crumbled pieces and use them up.
6. After you've cut everything, put your bubble bars into a bag (I use ziplock bags) and store them away from moisture and sunlight. Leaving them near moisture will melt them, and the sun will fade them.

For Fresh Sakes Haul - Part Two

The first part of this haul was purchased on Boxing Day, online and by my wonderful mother who helped fuel this addiction. 

(Thanks, Mom! <3)

However, I personally still wanted to try the rest of the LUSH holiday collection, so today I made a trip to my local LUSH store hoping to get a couple holiday themed bath bombs. The trip went so, so, luckily the "For Fresh Sake's" sale was still going on. 

Although I didn't get exactly what I wanted, I was able to get a good deal of their year round products, as well as repurchase my favourite soap that I tried from the holiday collection, Snowcake.

Even though I had already been to the LUSH store, I was trolling the LUSH website when I returned home, and made some further orders...

I know, I know. I'm an addict.

I will be making full reviews on each product listed below, as well as demos to the bath bombs/bubble bars, and link them once they are complete.

Part one of this haul can be found here

Bought in store...

Flying Fox

250 mL for $18.95

Northern Lights

160 g for $12.72

Snowcake

190 g for $15.11

Complete review here

Santa's Sack

$9.95

Twilight

$6.25

A complete review here

Big Blue

$6.40

Rocket

$9.95

The Comforter

$10.95

Sex Bomb

$6.65
Complete review here

Dragon's Egg

$6.25

Complete review here

Ickle Baby Bot

$3.95

Video version of this part of the haul can be found here

Bought online...

Bubblebeard

$9.95

So White

$6.35

Rocketeer

$6.95

Sakura Bath Bomb

$6.45

The Enchanter

$6.25

Space Girl

$5.25

Storing Your LUSH Products

With a large amount of LUSH products, sometimes it can become difficult figuring out how to store them all. You don't want your LUSH bath bombs breaking, or your soaps melting away. 

To prevent this, I will be describing how I store my LUSH products. I do not have a very extensive collection of LUSH, but I do have a fair amount of products.

Listed below I have a list of tips and ideas on storing different bath, and shower products from LUSH.

1. Don't leave soap in its original packaging.
        The oils from the soap will seep away into the brown packaging paper and ruin the quality of your soaps. Instead, wrap your soaps in plastic wrap.
2. Don't leave your soaps anywhere humid, especially the shower. 
        They will melt away and you'll have wasted all of your money for nothing.
3. Remember to cut up all of your soaps.
        Using a massive soap block isn't a good idea - it will waste your soap.
   

   A full tutorial on how to cut your LUSH soap products can be found here

4. Fresh face masks are supposed to be kept fresh.
        Keep them in the fridge. Although, make sure whoever you share the fridge with knows that this shouldn't be thrown away. I keep a sticky note on it saying, "DON'T THROW OUT!''
5. For your bubble bars and bath melts, cut them up too.
        Many bath tubs are too small to handle the amount of bubbles that are created. Your bath tub may even overflow. This saves you tons of money in the long run.
   

   An explanation on cutting your LUSH bath products can be found here

6. When you cut up your bubble bars, there will be crumbs - save them.
        Throw them in your bath. They will still make bubbles no problem.
7. After you've cut up all your bubble bars/melts, put them into plastics bags.
        This keeps them nice and fresh, and will prevent colour fading.
8. Before you cut any of your bath products, warm your knife under hot water.
        It will make cutting into the soap much easier.
9. Keep all of your LUSH products, especially bath bombs/melt/ect., in a dark, cool, dry place.
        Storing them in a dark, cool, dray place will prevent fading, and keep the products from melting.
10. Buy the aluminum tins for solid shampoos, massage bars, and body butters.
         Sure it may seem like a useless waste of money, but it will keep your products lasting, and fresh.
11. Be warned that LUSH products in packaging (shampoos, facial cleansers, ect.) can have the labels wear off in the shower.
         Leaving these types of products in the shower, under water can wear off the black label. This may, or may not bother you depending on your preference. 
12. Don't keep your LUSH products for too long.
         Since they are mainly natural products, they will only last so long. Use them in a timely manner to get the best results.
13. Don't overload yourself with soap. 
          Unlike bath bombs and bubbles bars that can only be used a couple times, LUSH soap lasts a very long time once you've cut it. You will become overwhelmed with soap if you buy too much, and waste your money.

2012 LUSH Discontinued List - Canada

I previously posted a discontinued list, which can be found here, however I stumbled upon the discontinued list for Canada (where I am from), and thought I'd share it.

Now, these products may be found as online exclusives, but will no longer be found in stores.

Thankfully, the list is short.

1. Noubar
2. Double Choc

LUSH Accessoires!

Hey Lushies!

I was just scrolling around on Tumblr looking at LUSH porn, when I stubbled upon this website. 

http://artsandcandies.com/

This website is filled with hand crafted accessories, and one of their main sources of inspiration is LUSH! There are phone case, necklaces, bracelets and key chains with tiny LUSH charms. 

I highly recommend you check them out. Their stuff is adorable :)

LUSH themed accessories here :)

Your First Time at LUSH

Your first time at LUSH can be very overwhelming, with all the different products, it's hard to know exactly where to start. 

Here I've compiled a list, from each of the cosmetic categories LUSH provides, that make a great starting point for your first time at LUSH.

After the list of cult favourites, I will also list some general tips about starting your collection.

All of these products work for all skin types, hair types, have top rated scents, and are perfect for everyday use. 

Please note that this list was complied from reviews, and videos about experiencing LUSH for the first time, and I personally have not tried all of the products listed.

I did not list any soaps, or body butters since scent is highly subjective from person to person. I also did not list any face masks seeing as they can only be purchased in store, and it is hard to know if you really enjoy it without trying it out in store first.

The Cult Classics...

1. Big Shampoo
        Big Shampoo is one of the top rated products at LUSH. It is a fresh smelling shampoo that gives volume and shine to your hair. It will make the texture of your hair so much smoother, and softer than it was originally. No matter what your hair type, Big will add volume and body to your hair.
2. American Cream Conditioner
        This vanilla scented conditioner is a thinner conditioner compared to most, so thicker haired girls take note, and may not show the best results if your hair is excessively dry. Despite that, American Cream will leave your hair with moisture and shine, coupled with a scent that lasts all day long. 
3. Ocean Salt Scrub
        Ocean Salt is the most popular scrub LUSH has created. It is useful for your face, and body, to remove excess dirt and dead skin cells from clogged pores. Even though it can be a bit too abrasive for some, this is an excellent exfoliator.
   A complete review here
   
4. Almond and Coconut Shower Smoothie
        This shower smoothie is a great body wash if you want something to moisturize your skin. This shower smoothie is also one of the many products at LUSH that can have multiple uses. If desired, you could use it as a shaving cream due to its moisturizing properties. Your skin will be left completely moisturized and with a subtle, sweet scent.
5. Flying Fox Shower Gel
        Another great shower gel by LUSH is the Flying Fox which will leave your skin feeling very crisp, and clean. It has also been promoted to help sooth, and calm you when stressed.
   A complete review here
6. Sympathy for the Skin Moisturizer
        This moisturizer will leave your skin greatly hydrated no matter what time of day you use it. The subtle scent of bananas won't linger for long, but your dry skin will be thanking you after using.

Starting out your Collection...

1. Don't buy everything in sight.
        Buy things that you like, not what others like. You don't want to go wasting your money on things you'll never use up.
2. Store your products properly. 
        Most people say that they don't like LUSH because it's overpriced and runs out quickly. It doesn't have to as long as you store your products correctly.
   
   A full description on cutting your LUSH products here
   A full description on storing all of your LUSH products here
3. Stock up on bath products over anything else.
        Don't waste your money on a pound of LUSH soap, or on a whole shipment of a moisturizer. LUSH products are designed to be long lasting. Besides bath products which have one, or two uses out of them, everything else will last your quite a while.
4. If you're not sure of where to start, ask someone who works in LUSH.
        All of the LUSH employees are very enthusiastic and knowledgable about the products. They will point you towards some great products, and even demonstrate some of them.
5. Don't underestimate samples.
        Samples are a great way to test out products. If you want to sample anything, simply ask someone who works there to cut you a sample size of a product.

For Fresh Sakes Sale Haul - Part 1

Happy Christmas Gift

Holiday Limited Edition

$45.95 (received for free)

Quality Treats Gift

Holiday Limited Edition 

$59.95

This being my first year as a self-proclaimed Lushie, I knew I had to get in on some of the LUSH boxing day sales. Thankfully, I was browsing their website when I saw LUSH announce their Buy 1 Get 1 Sale, also known as their "For Fresh Sakes Sale", at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). I quickly snatched up two moderately priced wrapped gifts from their holiday collection.

Part two of this haul can be found here

Happy Christmas Gift

Within this wrapped gift, LUSH included; three bath bombs, two soaps, and a bubble bar, wrapped up in a shiny red box. The scents in the box are all warming and fragrant. 

Included...

Snowcake

A complete review here

Karma

Christmas Eve

Father Christmas

Cinders

Phoenix Rising
A complete review here

Quality Treats Gift

In this wrapped gift, LUSH designed the contents with pink lovers in mind. Filled with pink, sparkly, sugary treats there are; two soaps, two bath bombs, two bubble bars, a shower gel, and a lip scrub. This box will envelope you in a sweet, vanilla fragrance.

Included...

Angel's Delight

Rock Star

Snow Fairy

Popcorn

Candy Mountain

Magic Wand

Vanilla Fountain

Pink

I will be doing a separate text review on each of these products, an unboxing video, and demonstrations of the bath bombs/bubble bars.

LUSH Top 25 Best-Sellers

LUSH has complied a list of 25 top rated products this year. I thought I'd list them all here for you, and the original list can be found at the link below.

Your Top 25

I have not reviewed many of these products (yet), but I will link the ones I have, and as I complete their reviews.

1. Shimmy Shimmy
         A body tinting block
         $7. 45
2. Dirty Body Spray
         Body spray in the same scent as dirty
         $19. 95
3. The Comforter
         A bubble bar
         $10. 95
4. Tea Tree Toner Tab
         A toner tab
   
         $1. 95
5. Dream Cream
         A moisturizer
         $26. 95
6. Shine So Bright
         A hair treatment
         $9. 95
7. Aromaco
         A body butter
         $6. 95
8. Stepping Stone
         A foot scrub
         $4. 50
9. Dirty Toothy Tabs
         A toothpaste tablet
         $4. 95
10. Ocean Salt
          A face and body scrub
          $21. 95 for 120g
          A complete review here
    
11. Big Shampoo
          A shampoo
          $26. 95
12. Silky Underwear Dusting Powder
          A powdered deodorant
          $6. 95 
13. Wiccy Magic Muscles
           A massage bar
           $10. 95
14. Ultrabalm
           A lip balm
           $13. 95
15. Dreamtime
           A soap/massage bar
           $6. 25
16. No Drought
           A dry shampoo
           $13. 95
17. Full of Grace
           A soap/massage bar
           $14. 95
18. Godiva
           A solid shampoo
           $11. 95
19. Fun - Blue
           A bath roll
           $6. 95
20. Butterball
           A bath bomb
           $4. 95
21. Rub Rub Rub
           A multi-use cleanser
           $21. 95
22. Hello Gorgeous
           A wrapped gift box
           $39. 95
23. Feel Younger Tint/Primer
           A facial primer and tint
           $18. 95
24. Popcorn
           A lip scrub
           $8. 95
25. Karma
           A soap bar
           $7. 95 for 100g

For Fresh Sakes Sale - ON NOW!

LUSH is keeping it fresh by having a Buy One Get One Sale starting now!

You can buy any item from their list below, and get another item for equal or lesser value.

For Fresh Sakes Sale!

There is an extensive list of items included in this sale, many of which are holiday and cosmetics, but this only lasts while their supplies do.

Good luck shopping, Lushies!

Lust Review

Lust

Sexy, Sultry, Seductive Soap

$7.95 for 100g

We love our gorgeous, jasmine-y Lust perfume so much, and it's become so popular that we wanted more products with the same sexy, pleasure inducing fragrance. In fact, it's so sensual it's actually soap-sensual. Now you can layer your Lust by washing with it, then spraying it on. And, the more you layer it on, the more likely you are to be taking it all off, and then getting it on. You'll definitely be lusting after this hand and body soap! Don’t say that we didn’t warn you…

FEATURES

• Bringing soapy back: Jasmine absolute is said to relax, ease tension, and act as an aphrodisiac.
• One, singular intention: We’ve made jasmine fragrances before, but we’ve never fully unleashed the carnal, heady desire of jasmine. We have now.
• Layer it on thick: For the ultimate weapon of mass seduction, lather up with Lust before spritzing it on.

Main Ingredients

Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla planifoila)

Coconut Oil

Jasmine Absolute

How to Use

After slicing your soap down to a more usable size, use as normal :)

A full tutorial on how to cut LUSH soaps can be found here

Best for...

A strong scent

Overall...

This soap was the first one from LUSH that I ever tried and it is what made me fall in love with LUSH and their products. Again this is a great soap for its lathering and longevity.

Although the scent can be a bit overpowering if you're not a jasmine lover, it will leave your skin smelling of jasmine all day. 

The sole problem I had with the soap was the pink dye. Sometimes the water from my shower would melt off the bright pink dye and leave a puddle of pink water beneath it. However on the site, they do warn to keep Lust away from water.

Bottom line, I would recommend this to anyone who wants a scent that lasts all day long.

2012 LUSH Discontinued List

Every year, LUSH is forced to discontinue some of its products, and this year is no different.

As per usual, the products are not fully discontinued, but become online exclusives for a short period of time until their stock completely runs out.

* Please note, the following list is from the United States. If you need the list from other countries, they are not difficult to find. *

1. Big Tease Styling Gel
2. Double Chocolate Lip Tint
3. Glorious Mud Body Scrub
4. Moon and Sun Toner Tab
5. Rocketeer Bath Bomb
6. Snake Oil Scalp Treatment Bar (moving back to Retro)
7. Token to the Forest Gods Toner Tab
8. Vanilla Fountain Bath Bomb
9. Very Berry Wrapped Gift 

Big Solid Conditioner Review

Big Solid Conditioner

For Big Volume and Tons of Shine

$9.95 for 100g

Big conditioner livens up dull, limp and fine hair with a jolt of volume and shine. It carries with it the beautiful fragrance of the vanilla, jasmine and tonka absolute to perfume hair while the sea salt goes to work building body. Extra virgin coconut oil and toothed wracked seaweed infusion soften and condition hair without weighing it down, while a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh lime add even more shine.

FEATURES

• Preservative-free!:We make Big conditioner solid so no preservatives are necessary. Use it fresh!
• Go Big or go home: Finally we've got a conditioner to complement one of our most popular shampoos! Check out Big shampoo here.
• We like it naked:We like to make things in solid form so we can ditch the packaging and go naked!

Main Ingredients

Sea Salt

Seaweed Infusion

Coconut Oil

Jojoba

Lemon and lime juice

How to Use

Since this is a solid hair product, I went with the slicing technique I use with their soaps. Once sliced, I lather it in my hands then massage into my hair.

I let the conditioner sit for a bit while I wash my face/body to get the best results.

A full tutorial on cutting LUSH products here

Best for...

Fine hair

If you want shine in hair

If you want more volume in hair
A light scent to hair

Overall...

I wasn't 100% sure how to use this solid conditioner when I first got it, seeing as its solid. However once I got the hang of it, I found the results were pretty good.

I did find that this conditioner is a bit harder to work with compared to the traditional ones, but besides that, my hair texture improved. There were less tangles, I got more volume in my hair, and my hair was softened.

Even though I find this product a bit too difficult to work with; however, it is easy to get the hang of. The scent was also amazing! It wasn't too strong, but still had the sweet jasmine and coconut scent that LUSH promised.

In the end, I would recommend this to people who are up for something a little unconventional and would enjoy a boost in their hair.