Lush Bath Cocktail: A Currant Affair

So I saw a load of people making Lush Bath Cocktails using different mixes of ballistics, melts and bubble bars to get a custom scent, colour or texture in their bath (My fave so far has been Mermaid Water - Big Blue and Sunnyside!). While I don't think mine is a great example since I only put one product in the actual water itself, I thought it would be a fun way to start using up some of the things I may otherwise neglect, especially since my Lush collection is so extensive.

First, I ran my bath and added half a Blackberry bath ballistic, which is described as smelling of bergamot and frankincense and turns the water a stunning lilac colour. Once it completely fizzes away, you're left with a small piece of paper floating around with "Boom!" written on it, as well. The novelty is a nice touch that Lush is really known for with their bath products.

Then, I exfoliated all over with large shards of You Snap The Whip body butter, which performs better in the shower but is just as great in the bath. To make this product last a whole lot longer, rub it all over before you get in the water (on dry skin) and then wash it off when you hop in. That way, it doesn't melt and wash away as quickly.

Finally, I pulled off a small piece of Sweetie Pie shower jelly, wedged it in a puff and lathered all over. This is one of my all-time favourite Lush products, because it's so long-lasting and comes in at such an amazing price considering it's popularity! Also great for keeping small pieces in the fridge or freezer during the summer months, for a wonderful chilled shower on those excruciatingly hot days.

That's it! An hour later and I still smell like black curranty goodness. I hope this has inspired you to try a Lush cocktail of your own, or suggest any favourites you may have tried already?

Lush 'Emotional Brilliance' range - Launch!

I was lucky enough to go to one of Lush's product launches last Saturday for their new line called 'Emotional Brilliance'. It's Lush's first real go at makeup, their previous efforts really only being confined to some borderline-theatrical concealers. Now with the new 'desert island products', all of which are 100% vegan, Lush has finally made up for some of its past woes.

The three products I chose from Lush's colour wheel

The range is a little gimmicky - but I love that! The idea is that you close your eyes, spin a colour wheel (pictured below), and when you open your eyes pick the first three colours that stand out. Each corresponds to an Emotional Brilliance product, and each has a special meaning for you in that moment.

The first colour is your strength/weakness. I picked Dynamic, a beautiful pastel peach. The second colour is a subconscious need you might have, for which I picked Focus, a pearlescent baby blue. The third is your talent, which you need to fulfil your subconscious need. I picked Quietly Motivated, a burnt caramel-colour. All three products I chose were liquid eyeliners.

Even though I knew that this was a sales gimmick of which I was entirely in control, I went in thinking I would pick completely different colours and when these words popped up in front of me, I was surprised at how relevant they were to my current situation. (Especially Focus - I have been trying to move house for 7 weeks!) It really added something special to the event, and although I walked away without any of these products (I'm coming back for Quietly Motivated though) I was impressed with the choices my subconscious made.

Emotional Brilliance colour wheel and kiosk

I ended up buying a cream eyeshadow tagged Sophisticated, and the very much talked-about Fantasy, a gold liquid liner that when applied honestly is like liquid gold leaf - it is so amazing. My one issue is that as it is drying, it stings a little. I'm not sure if it's due to the vegan ingredients or perhaps I just have sensitive eyes, but once it's dry it's no longer a problem. The other products in the range were incredible too though, such as their mascara (which was the blackest black ever) and my favourite, the Feeling Younger skin tint which is a shimmery white highlighter which when applied lightly gives a dewy and fresh, rose gold halo effect to the skin.

L-R: Translucent powder, mascara, cream highlighter (not to scale).

The title product Emotional Brilliance is a pink-toned translucent powder which is of very good quality, but not anything revolutionary. At $19.90/8g, it's fairs well against something like the Laura Mercier powder, which in Australia retails at $68/29g.

Sophisticated, Fantasy - $24.95 each.

I had a really amazing time at this event and once I go back and pick up some more products from this range I'll definitely let you know how I got on with them (Quietly Motivated, Eyes Right and Feeling Younger are on the list!). This has also become part of the permanent line, so definitely don't feel as though you have to buy everything at once as buying two products alone set me back $50, however it's a really impressive and well thought-out range and I highly recommend it.

Have a good week!

-Kate.

Lush Freedom Foamer Bubble Bar

I picked up the Lush Freedom Foamer Bubble Bar today, which is their new limited edition product in support of marriage equality in Australia. 100% of the proceeds go toward ending marriage discrimination in Australia, and each store is equipped with a clipboard and petition out the front as well, so if you aren't interested in buying the product you can still show your support.

The product is quite reminiscent of Lush's Sunnyside Bubble Bar, which is an old favourite of mine especially in summer. It's described as smelling of "fresh lime, grapefruit and equality", and it's absolutely true to it's word. This product is so fresh and summery, and the perfect pick-me-up in the bath. I'm a huge fan of Bubble Bars in general too, as they tend to last AGES - at least 6 baths. As this is a limited edition product, I'll definitely be going back and getting more.

Due to the nature of it's release, I unfortunately couldn't find much international product information. But if you are outside Australia, keep an eye out as it may become a Lush charity item in your country too!

-Kate