Over the years I’ve heard so many friends comment on their desire for chemical-free soap, or cosmetics free from the horrendous animal testing we hear so much about. However, it took us forever to find makeup and other cosmetics in stores that proved to remain ethical in their practices. After so many years stuck in this endless pattern, I’m happy to say I finally discovered a place that is well-known for their homemade, ethically created products. I’m just sorry it took so long for me to discover it!
The store is called Lush Cosmetics and it is beyond incredible. The mission statement is inspiring, stating that, “We Believe in making effective products from fresh organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics. We believe in buying ingredients only from companies that do not conduct or commission tests on animals and in testing our products on humans.” (x) And they definitely live up to it. Their stores are overflowing with hundreds of handmade products, all labeled with the creator, the ingredients, and how these ingredients will bring out the healthiest in you.
So how to begin? Whether you go into one of the stores or shop online as a newbie, there is no clear direction on how to get started. The best way to do this, I believe, is to figure out the best-selling products, and then narrow down the choices from there.
Shampoo Bars
The shampoo bars in Lush literally appear like bars of soap, where you just scrub the shampoo right of the bar and into your hair. Many of Lush’s shampoo bars are 2-in-1, adding in the ingredients of the conditioner as well. Easily the best-selling product of Lush, there are hundreds of these to choose from, with every single type of healthy ingredient that you can think of.
The Favorites:
Godiva–2-in-1 jasmine shampoo with conditioning butters
New!–Stimulating and reviving minty shampoo bar
Face and Body Cleanser
The natural ingredients of the cleansers make it feel like you’re giving yourself a massage. Much like spa treatments, I have a ton of fun applying these products onto my skin. There aren’t many, but each new one that comes out is better than the last, and so far all of them have been amazing.
The Favorites:
Angels on Bare Skin–Balancing lavender cleanser
Grease Lightning–Tea tree gel for out-of-sorts skin
Soap
The soaps are simply entertaining. The sell a lot, not because they are the best soaps out there, but because they possess unique scents and shapes. Too often, the Lush soaps can be mistaken for slices of cheese or cake, which only makes it more amusing for us as customers. Even if you are not into the huge body care part of the Lush stores, the soaps are a great product that anyone can buy and use in any household.
The Favorites:
Karma Soap–The fresh earthy scent of Karma, in a bar
Honey I Washed The Kids–Best-selling honey toffee soap-sation
Dusting Powder
A product that is slowly growing in the Lush stores, but has definitely left its mark, is the dusting powder. While not many people seem to use these powders, the bottom two items sold a surprising amount once they came into Lush. It may be the popularity of Lush or the positive idea of the natural ingredients, but dusting powders may be something Lush brings to light sooner than later.
The Favorites:
Silky Underwear Dusting Powder–Smooth, sensual jasmine powder
T for Toes–Herbal warrior to banish foot odor
Bubble Bath
The best is saved for last! Without a doubt, Lush sells the most entertaining bubble baths of any place out there. It’s hard to leave the store or the website without having browsed every type of bubble bath they have. The time to settle down in a bath might be little, but once the occasion arises, having a Lush bubble bath will definitely make the time worthwhile.
The Favorites:
Butterball–Beautiful butter cream hydration for dry skin
Avobath–Skin softening lemongrass and avocado soaker
And these are only the best-sellers! Whether you want to shop online or head into the closest Lush Cosmetics, hopefully this quick guide will help you narrow down on where you want to start your cosmetic hunt and then begin scavenging from there. Either way, you are sure to find something that you like and will grow to use on a daily basis!