Lush: Handmade, Small-Batch, Happy Products
When you walk down a crowded street in a major city in any of these countries and are suddenly surrounded by wafts of natural, deliciously clean-smelling fragrances, chances are, you've stumbled across a LUSH boutique. LUSH is a handmade cosmetics company based in the UK, and a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award in Best Bodycare Line.
LUSH's distinctively aromatic concoctions are handcrafted from fresh and organic fruits and vegetables ("We also believe words like fresh and organic have honest meaning beyond marketing," says their website), essential oils and well-tested synthetics. They try to use very few preservatives, none when possible, and keep their packaging to a minimum. Seventy percent of their products come with no package at all, but when packages are used, each is marked with the exact date of the product's creation, letting you know just how fresh the item is. Sometimes, the label will even feature a little picture of the person who made it!
Their ingredients, while often inventive, are never tested on animals -- nor do they buy ingredients from companies who test their products on animals -- and always vegetarian. This eco-conscious, green-minded attitude is part of what keeps us coming back for more. There are good vibes in the products at LUSH.
The small-batch, handmade, green products are said to be healthy for you and the Earth, and can be bought very inexpensively. A soap from LUSH is cut by weight and runs as low as $5.95 for 3.5 oz of nutrient-packed, palm-free product. We especially love their sugar scrubs and "emotibombs," which are like bath bombs for the shower (they steam up the shower with aromatic goodness) in scents like "Up You Get" and "Too Drunk..." (for difficult mornings). LUSH's Mo Constantine is the inventor of the solid shampoo bar (circa 1986 -- it's cheaper than regular shampoo and better for the environment), and it's now sold in over 15 varieties.
If you've never tried LUSH, or even if you have, you can waltz through the door of any LUSH shop and immediately be offered a good (free) hand-washing or other treatment with a smile. You're sure to walk out smelling fabulous -- and with a bag of happy cosmetic goodies. "We believe in happy people making happy soap," says the company.
Vote for the bodycare line that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.
The small-batch, handmade, green products are said to be healthy for you and the Earth, and can be bought very inexpensively. A soap from LUSH is cut by weight and runs as low as $5.95 for 3.5 oz of nutrient-packed, palm-free product. We especially love their sugar scrubs and "emotibombs," which are like bath bombs for the shower (they steam up the shower with aromatic goodness) in scents like "Up You Get" and "Too Drunk..." (for difficult mornings). LUSH's Mo Constantine is the inventor of the solid shampoo bar (circa 1986 -- it's cheaper than regular shampoo and better for the environment), and it's now sold in over 15 varieties.
If you've never tried LUSH, or even if you have, you can waltz through the door of any LUSH shop and immediately be offered a good (free) hand-washing or other treatment with a smile. You're sure to walk out smelling fabulous -- and with a bag of happy cosmetic goodies. "We believe in happy people making happy soap," says the company.
Vote for the bodycare line that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.
