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Beauty Field Trip: We Were Lushes For a Day

Miriam Lacey — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:00:00 PDT

Ever wondered what it's like to work in a Lush Cosmetics store, or what goes into those amazing in-store treatments provided by employees? Well, wonder no longer. We recently spent an afternoon at Lush, learning the company's skin care secrets and even lending our hands to "help" out at the store.

Thanks to Lush-perts Karly and Michael, we came out with a bunch of incredible tricks and learned how to replicate some of these special miniservices at home. So come behind the apron with us - you'll never look at shower gel the same way again.

Additional reporting and main photo by Jaime Richards

What We're Sweet On: Natural Perfumes to Fall in Love With

Miriam Lacey — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:05:00 PST

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.

Lush Launches Adorable Shark Soap For a Good Cause

Jaime Richards — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 06:05:02 PDT

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?

Awesome Alert: We Have Reached the Toothpaste Singularity

Miriam Lacey — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 03:05:00 PDT

Get ready to have your worldview realigned, because Lush just introduced these awesome toothpaste tablets dubbed Toothy Tabs ($4). Just think about how much space you'll save in your designated gels and liquids bag at the airport. Plus, instead of throwing away tube-style toothpaste packaging that will never biodegrade, all you have to do is recycle a tiny box.

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?

Take a Bubble Bath and Help Support the Freedom to Marry

Annie Tomlin — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:38:22 PDT

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.

Lush Launches Products to Help Japan

Annie Tomlin — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 06:03:01 PDT

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.

Lush's New Soap Is Going to the Dogs

Annie Tomlin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 04:00:10 PST

Last April, 100 sled dogs were slaughtered near Whistler, Canada after a company saw a downturn in business. As part of a campaign with the Vancouver Humane Society, Lush Cosmetics is demanding a ban on dog sled races in British Columbia. Lush stores in the province will have leaflets explaining how sled dogs suffer because of the industry, but if you're not in Canada, you can still help the cause. One hundred percent of proceeds from PAWS soap ($6, available online) will help fund work to stop dog sledding. And of course, it's vegan.

How to Make Your Valentine Happy For $10

Annie Tomlin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:24:00 PST

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.

Have a Happy Hanukkah With Lush's Fizztival of Lights

Miriam Lacey — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 04:01:52 PST

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.

Scents of the Season: Clove

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST

Cloves are one of those distinctly holiday aromas; spicy and a little sweet with a hint of nose-numbing chill. And since scent is one of the easiest ways to relax and brighten your mood, it follows that making the most out of wintry smells is a good way to avoid the cold weather doldrums. If you love the taste of cloves, try Burt's Bees Medicated Lip Balm With Clove Oil ($4) or Tom's of Maine Cinnamon Clove Toothpaste ($7). If you're a fan of warm home scents instead, this Diptyque Orange Spice Candle ($68) is a gorgeous, though pricey, option. And if you'd just like to smell like mulling spices all day, try Lush's Hot Toddy Bath Bomb ($7) or the warm, smoky scent of Puro Puro ($95).

Source: Flickr User Elenadan