Lush

Lush has a passel of exclusive new scents that are only available online. If you're a fan of Karma or any of the brand's Gorilla Perfumes, though, you shouldn't let the being Internet-only factor discourage you from trying them, because they're pretty super. In short, here's why two of the scents, Love and Cocktail ($40 each), are worth your time.

Love, the warmer and spicier of the two, opens with an aroma of Red Hots cinnamon candies, then dies down to smell exactly like those red wax lips you can get around Halloween. Cocktail, on the other hand, starts off smelling like Teaberry gum (or sweet spearmint, if you're not familiar with the aforementioned old-timey treat). Then it gets a little oakmoss-like underneath, making the whole concoction redolent of the underside of a Christmas tree.

They're both really lovely, seasonal scents that will put you in the holiday spirit without overpowering your senses. Plus, for fragrances with such nice development, they're reasonably priced. They're also out at the perfect time, so you can switch from your regular scent to something a little cozier and more festive.

Sharks may induce fright among some people, but they're an essential part of the balance of marine life. Unfortunately, tens of millions of sharks are killed each year for their oil, cartilage, and fins (the latter is often used to make shark fin soup). It's a rough practice: after being captured and de-finned, sharks are tossed back into the water only to eventually suffocate, bleed to death, or be eaten.

Hoping to put an end to the practice, Lush has just released a limited-edition Shark Fin Soap ($6). All proceeds from the exfoliating cleanser, which is formulated with fine sea salt, softening seaweed, and lime oil, will go to Shark Savers, a nonprofit that works to protect and preserve sharks. Soft skin and happy critters at sea: what's not to like?

To use, simply chew the tablet up and then start brushing. They're made with the same foaming agents as regular toothpaste, so it works exactly the same way. What do you think? Will you give these guys a go?

I'm loving this just-released video from Lush, whose employees give an inspiring and often moving declaration of support for marriage rights. Just in time for Pride Month, Lush is teaming with the Freedom to Marry campaign, which aims to end marriage discrimination and allow everyone — gay, straight, bisexual — to wed the person they love. From now until June 26, its North American shops are being transformed into "freedom to marry campaign centers," where shoppers can sign a postcard petition to encourage their lawmakers to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). To raise funds for Freedom to Marry, Lush is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from sales of the new Freedom Foamer ($6), a cool green citrus-scented bubble bar available online and in the shops for the next two weeks. Want to join the campaign to end marriage discrimination? Visit Lush to shop and find out about events in your community.

To help raise funds for survivors of last month's earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Lush has launched a limited-edition Japan Relief collection. One hundred percent of proceeds from the Rising Sun soap ($5.95) and Charity Pot lotion ($5) will benefit nonprofits: Rescue Stock Yard, the NGO Collaboration Center for Hanshin Quake Rehabilitation, Animal Peace, and Peace Boat. Though the handmade-cosmetics company is known for frequent charitable initiatives, this endeavor hits particularly close to home. The company has 145 shops, a factory and 1,600 staffers in Japan — some of whom have lost everything. The Japan Relief items are available now, and if you wish to donate to those charities directly, you can do so at the above link as well.

Got a sweetheart? Got 10 bucks? Then you can have an incredibly easy (but memorable) Valentine's Day gift. Lush just launched this Hottie massage bar ($9), and it's pretty much a foolproof present. The nubby bar is made with cocoa butter and shea butter, so it melts upon contact with skin; vanilla, black pepper, and ginger add a slightly warm and very pleasing scent. Package it with the promise of a massage, and you're golden.

You can MacGyver a massage setup on your bed fairly easily. First, place a towel on a bed to protect sheets from the oils within the bar. Seriously, do this or you'll wind up with stained sheets. To make things more comfortable, use pillows to support your sweetheart's head so his or her face isn't smushed. (This video explains how to do it.)

Since you're probably not a massage therapist, don't worry too much about using the perfect technique. It's more about giving your own energy and touch. Generally, you can't go wrong with a little shoulder kneading and large, sweeping circular motions on the back. Don't forget to give the arms a rubdown, too. If your valentine returns the favor with a reciprocal massage, you just might have a keeper.

I'm well aware that Hanukkah started at sundown Wednesday, but for those of us inclined to be a little tardy with the gifting, why not make it up to your favorite mensch with Lush's Fizztival of Lights ($20) gift box? It's in a cute little hat box that's already all festively wrapped, it has four bath bombs (buy two boxes and you've got all eight nights covered), and with the price, you'll have plenty of gelt left over.