Snow Fairy FUN Bar

Needless to say, I don't think the Snow Fairy family really needs any sort of introduction - it's one of those products that most fans either fall into Lush because of, or hear about pretty soon after making their first purchase. Surprisingly, you may be interested to know that while the shower gel is a staple member of every Christmas release, and there hasn't been a year gone by when Lush haven't brought out something different in the same fragrance, it's not a particular favourite of many people high up in the company.

Having said this, Snow Fairy is a fantastic gateway into the vast and rather wonderful world of Lush, and it is the original product that inspired me to invest in their products in the first place. The aroma is very easily accessible to most people, and it also happens to be rather sensually pleasing - especially around Christmas time when a lot of consumers are looking to satisfy their sweet-tooth in ways other than food.

For this reason, I wasn't at all surprised when I discovered that Lush were bring out Snow Fairy FUN as part of the seasonal range this year. Alongside Father Christmas Bath Bomb, Snow Fairy Body Conditioner and Fairy Dust, this latest format is just another reminder of how much demand there is for this scent. Despite not being particularly enamoured with the idea, I bought a couple of bars nonetheless, and found that it was actually more enjoyable than I had original envisaged. 

Sporting a pink, white and gold design, this new release is everything as magical as you would expect Snow Fairy FUN to be. I honestly couldn't think of three better colours to use, and it makes a very pretty addition to anyone's Christmas stocking - male or female. Furthermore, the inclusion of a paper wand and wings to add detail to possible sculptures, means that there are hours of fun to be had from this seasonal item.

Impressively, I only had to remove the outer packaging to establish that this FUN bar smelled near on identical to the original shower gel. As with most products in this scent, the sickly-sweet notes of pear drops and bubblegum and candy floss are often lost somewhat, and I find that the fragrance can be both dampened, and not as rich as it is in the shower gel format. However, much like the body conditioner, I found that Snow Fairy FUN offered the same delicious sugary coma that the gel presents, and this excited me even more to try it out.

As with all FUN bars, this one can be used as a shampoo; as a replacement for a shower gel; or crumbled under a running tap to produce bubbles much like a regular bubble bar would. In the latter circumstance, Snow Fairy FUN produces a light pink water, which is nothing to write home about but works as a great base for a bath cocktail. 

As a shower gel, the item works really well - lathering up with ease and producing a light, fluffy lather to clean yourself with. Despite the vividity of the pink and gold sections on the bar, I found that the lather wasn't as colourful as some of the other FUN bars. This I see as a positive because splatters can occur when using any of the FUN bars, and while it doesn't stain your skin or the bath tub, it has been known to leave marks on my walls and towels if left unnoticed.

In use, this seasonal FUN bar boasts the same strength of smell as the shower gel, and I was able to detect delicate hints of sweetness on my skin for a short while after exiting the shower. However, it was by no means as generous as the gel format is when it came to longevity. Neither was it as moisturising on my body as the original gel, although it would definitely benefit those with sensitive skin, as it's far gentler on the skin due to talcum powder and corn starch base.

Overall, a single bar lasted me around six to eight weeks, which is a few weeks short of how long a 100g bottle of the shower gel would see me through. In addition, it was a little trickier to store without exposing it to unwanted moisture, and I had to make a conscious effort to pat it down after each shower to ensure that it didn't shrink in between uses. 

This is not a product that's going to replace the best-selling shower gel any time soon, although it does offer a lot for what is ultimately a bar of talc and perfume. This would make a great stocking filler and bring a little 'FUN' back into bath time routines for those who have children to comprehend with. However, for those who don't need any encouragement to bathe, Snow Fairy Shower Gel is better value for money and the one that I will turn to the next time I need to fix.   

Quantitative Ingredients: Corn Starch (Zea Mays), Talc, Glycerine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Synthetic Musk, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Fragrance, Radiant Gold, Snowflake and Soft Pink Glimmer Lustre (Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides).

Vegan?: Yes.

2016 Price: £5.95 for 200g.

Year Of original Release: 2016. 

Sleepy Body Lotion

This year's range has been a struggle to review - not necessarily because there's been a large number of brand new products to get through, but due to the other commitments that have demanded a huge part of my life over the last couple of months. For this reason, this particular review has been almost four months in the making, and I feel as if I've been through one hell of a journey to reach the verdict that I've expressed below.

Sleepy Body Lotion is probably the Christmas product that had me the most intrigued when the seasonal range leaked back in late August. While I'm not as openly obsessed with the Twilight scent as many Lush fans are, it is still up there as one of the favourite fragrances to come from the company. For this reason, the idea of a body lotion that I could lather myself in more than made up for the fact that Celebrate Body Lotion appeared to have been axed from the seasonal collection.

Alongside new addition, Mr Sandman Dusting Powder; my firm-favourite, Luxury Lush Pud Bath Bomb; and Twilight Shower Gel, Sleepy Body Lotion is yet more evidence that this Christmas has been royally dominated by lavender. While it may not be the most festive of fragrances, it is definitely a welcome change from the sweet and spicy offerings that tend to saturate the market place around this time of year.

Containing an oatmeal infusion as the base ingredient, this lotion is perfect for sensitive skin. Normally used as a gentle exfoliator, this ingredient offers an abundance of  anti-inflammatory properties that work their magic during use - soothing and softening the body, whilst helping to both reduce and eradicate inflamed and irritated skin at the same time.

As if that wasn't enough, Lush have also combined both lavender water and a lavender flower infusion, alongside a helping of tonka absolute, to give this body lotion a wonderfully warming and well-rounded smell. Both of the former ingredients create a natural but very sweet floral aroma that dominate for the most part, while the latter ingredient rounds the lotion off and gives it a thick, sultry and very malty fragrance.

The inclusion of the various butters and oils: almond, jojoba, illipe, cocoa, ylang ylang and lavender oil, also means that Sleepy is bursting with components to nourish and soften winter-kissed and parched skin. Together these ingredients create a body lotion that is of medium consistency - similar to that of Dream Cream, albeit a little thinner. 

The product is easy to apply and works well when massaged in a circular motion across the body. I found that an amount roughly equal to that of a level teaspoon will moisturise each arm, and any more than that can prevent the lotion from absorbing effectively into the skin. Unlike some of Lush's other body lotions, this one doesn't take very long to settle into the skin - I found that I was able to get dressed within 10-15 minutes of applying Sleepy, and my skin wasn't left feeling sticky or clammy at all.

In its favour, I felt as if the body lotion was much more wholesome and beautiful  once it was in use - the different notes were very much brought to life by the warmth of the skin and the aroma stayed with me for a good couple of hours after application. This is one of those body lotions that tends to work better in the evening, not only due too the nature of its fragrance, but because it lasts longer when you're tucked up in bed and can smell its wholesomeness on you as you drift off to sleep.

While my pictures don't showcase this, the body lotion comes topped with a little sprinkling of silver lustre, to give it that extra little bit of sparkle and make it even more magical. Having said this, lustre-phobes will be pleased to know that the decoration can be scraped away with ease, if you're completely opposed to using anything that features lustre in it. Although, I found that I hardly noticed much of a sparkle on my skin after use, and if the lustre is combined in the tub with your fingers, it soon dissipates enough that you wont be able to see it at all.

My only qualm about Sleepy is that I found the results were short-lived when compared to other body lotions. At times, my skin can become very dry, and after my recent bout of surgery, I discovered that I had developed patches of peeling skin from where my bandages had restricted a lot of moisture. After using Sleepy, I found that the immediate results were incredible - the dried patches all but disappeared and I was able to wear tight clothing without worrying about it irritating the area throughout the day. However, the dry patches would return the following morning, and this continued for a matter of days before they began to dissipate.

Overall, this is a much appreciated body lotion, and one I can imagine making an appearance in the Lush Kitchen before next year's seasonal range has been announced. For Twilight fans, it's a must-have because it replicates the scent perfectly, and for those who are looking for something to aid their sleep, this is a great addition to have. I will definitely continue to enjoy the three tubs I bought this Christmas, and look forward to purchasing some fresh ones hopefully next year.

Quantitative Ingredients: Oatmeal Infusion, Almond Oil, Lavender Water, Lavender Flower Infusion, Organic Jojoba Oil, Glycerine, Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter, Stearic Acid, Illipe Butter, Triethanolamine, Lavender Oil, Benzoin Resinoid, Tonka Absolute, Ylang Ylang Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, *Benzyl Benzoate, *Benzyl Cinnamate, *Coumarin, *Geraniol, *Limonene, *Linalool, Fragrance, Snowflake Lustre, Red 28, Blue 1.

Vegan?: Yes.

2016 Price: £7.95 for 95g, £13.95 for 215g.

Year Of Original Release: 2016.

Scent Family:

FUN With A Twist
Luxury Pud Bath Bomb
Sleepy Body Lotion
Twilight Bath Bomb
Twilight Liquid Perfume
Twilight Shower Gel
Twilight Shower Jelly

Twilight Solid Perfume

Self Esteem Machine Liquid Perfume

There is a certain level of animosity that comes with the release of new Lush perfumes. While the excitement always outweighs any other emotions that I may be feeling towards a brand new product, there is always a small part of me that wonders how long it'll take me to wear and experience these new fragrances before I am able to write about them afterwards.

Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly love writing reviews and hearing such positive feedback in return for my hard work. However, there are occasions when I feel slightly overwhelmed by the task of blogging extensively and in depth about each of the aromas in turn. Unlike a bath bomb or a soap, fragrances take a while to develop on a person. And what you experience the first time you wear a smell, might be completely different to what you experience the second time, and the third.

This year Lush have tried something a little different with their rumoured new volume of perfumes. As opposed to releasing them all in their Gorilla perfume shop in Islington, the company have instead chosen to trickle them out in various stores, and for a limited time only. This means that although I was able to pick up eight potential Volume 4 fragrances, I've had the luxury of time to acquaint myself with each and every one of them before they make a global release.

Self Esteem Machine Liquid Perfume has been sat untouched on my shelf for a matter of weeks now, and it was only when I was choosing a perfume to see me through the last week of work, that I decided to opt for this limited edition. Made from a combination of mandarin and grapefruit oils, with a sprinkling of vanilla absolute to boot, this is a perfume that'll enhance a good mood and turn all things sour into all things sweet.

In the bottle, my initial reaction was that it offered a very fruity aroma. In a way, the smell reminded me a little of a bottle of crisp, uplifting wine with a citrusy burst for good measure. Both the mandarin and the grapefruit play a part in this dominant note. The former ingredient gives this perfume a slightly soured fruity element with a very subtle hint of greenery, and reminds me a little of The Sun Liquid Perfume, albeit less potent and not as orangey. 

Alongside this, the latter component presents itself as if it were a freshly peeled grapefruit. You can detect the spritzy element as well as the crisp but citrusy tones of the breakfast fruit. In other words, both of the key ingredients offer a note that is very much in line with what a fresh variation of each would smell like.

It is only when Self Esteem Machine has had time to warm and develop on the skin, that the perfume becomes a little sweeter and more rounded. It is then that the vanilla absolute steps forward - intertwining with the other two ingredients to form a bright, fruity fragrance with a warming layer of gentle sweetness to enjoy.

In all honesty, while the perfume is very lovely and I have enjoyed wearing it this week, I wouldn't say that it was one that left a huge impression on me. Fans of 1000 Kisses Deep and Cocktail will probably really enjoy this latest offering from Lush, as while these three fragrances are nothing alike, they all share similar traits that would no doubt appeal to the same sort of consumers. 

This is definitely a perfume that I can see myself wearing during the summer months. While it is long-lasting (it remained on my skin for some 4-5 hours), and very comforting, it's both light enough and uplifting enough to compliment the warmer weather. Having said this, I have thoroughly enjoyed wearing this in the evenings - when the wind is battering at my windows and I'm finding solace in a cup of hot tea.

Quantitative Ingredients: DRF Alcohol, Perfume, Sicilian Mandarin Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Limonene, Vanilla Absolute, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Coumarin, Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lillial), Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Anise Alcohol, Benzyl Cinnamate, Citral, Farnesol, Isoeugenol, Benzyl Salicylate, Cinnamal.

Vegan?: Yes.

2016 Price: £36 for 30ml.

Year Of Original Release: 2016.

  

Green Green Bath Of Foam Bubble Bar

This year I have really struggled when it comes to getting into the festive mood. Normally, I am the one who has all of my presents bought and wrapped by the end of September; the annoying friend who winds everyone else up by playing Christmas songs months in advance. However, this year has been far too busy for my liking, and I think this may be the reason why, with only hours until the 'big day', I still find myself rather uninspired by the whole charade.

To try and coax me into enjoying the festivities, I decided to use my very first Green Green Bath Of Foam Bubble Bar. Released for the first time in the Lush Kitchen this year, this beautiful bar offers the same fragrance as the Go Green range, which currently features a body spray and solid perfume. Although I have enjoyed using both of the aforementioned fragrances, I wouldn't say that it was one of my favourite scent families from Lush. However, this bubble bar is on a whole other level.

While I fail to make a strong link between this product and the song, this bubble bar is a play on words of the original country tune 'Green Green Grass of Home'. The hit is about a man dreaming of going home and seeing his loved ones again, only to awaken on the day of his execution and realise that his wish will never be fulfilled. In fact, the only way he'll be able to do this is to be buried there after his death so that his family and friends can visit his grave under the shade of the old oak tree.

Similar in scent to the Green Day Bubble Bar, Green Green features a blend of vertivert, grapefruit, neroli and cedar leaf, combined together to create a product so incredibly fresh and so wonderfully crisp on the senses. Imagine taking an early walk through a forest on Christmas morning - a gentle layer of snow at your feet, the bitter wind nipping at your nose. As the morning dew defrosts around you, you can smell the chlorophyll of the wet shrubbery, and a gentle, sweet grassy note from the saturated leaves and flowers.

  

It is such a natural and very invigorating fragrance - one that is elevated by the inclusion of both the grapefruit and neroli oils, without either ingredient adding any of the fruity qualities that you might expect. The addition of the cedar leaf is the strongest component featured, and gives this bubble bar a robust, very pronounced pine smell. To finish up, Lush have also added in a touch of smoky vetivert to give the product a deep, sweet and slightly woody aroma. This latter component is very low down in the mix, and almost acts as a basket to support and carry the other elements, while offering a solid base for them to work from.  

Surprisingly, I found that the Go Green fragrance works best in this format, and it was because of how effective the smell was that made me fall in love with this bubble bar very quickly. It was definitely not one that I expected to be as enamoured with as I was, and I would definitely say that this is far superior to the Green Day Bubble Bar is almost every way.

To begin with, the design is wonderful - a vibrant emerald-green cone that has been shaped to look a little like a Christmas tree, and adorned with red peppercorns for decoration. Although these tend to fall off fairly quickly, they don't cause any mess in the bath tub, and can be removed before use if you're at all worried about them being washed away down the drain afterwards.

What is great about this bubble bar is that it is the perfect consistency to crumble under the running tap, and I found that a third of it was more than suffice to offer me a beautiful bathing experience. As well as turning the water a vivid shade of green, Green Green Bath Of Foam produced a very generous amount of soft, silky bubbles, and I thoroughly enjoyed submerging myself beneath them.

Furthermore, I was really impressed to find that the fragrance of this product stayed with me throughout the entire experience, and I was able to detect the scent on both my skin and my hair afterwards. Moreover, the bubble bar was really moisturising, without being at all greasy, and I really appreciated how soft and smooth my body felt - particularly my hands as they were looking and feeling rather weathered at the time.

Overall, I feel really grateful that I managed to pick up a handful of these bars because I was not expecting to love them as much as I did. While they are definitely geared towards more of a festive feel, I can't help but think that these would also work well in the spring/summer months, as a light and refreshing option when the weather is a little warmer. 

Green Green Bath Of Foam Bubble Bar is a product that I would definitely be interested in buying again, and I do hope that this is not the last time they are seen in the Lush Kitchen. If you have one of these lying around, and you've lost your Christmas spirit, I would highly recommend that you try it out for size and see how you feel afterwards. While I am still nowhere near wanting to air guitar to Slade, or adorn a Santa hat at all, I am definitely a little further away from the Scrooge I felt like before using this gorgeous product.

Quantitative Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Cream of Tartar (Tartaric acid), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Betaine, Perfume, *Limonene, Cocamide DEA, Grapefruit Oil (Citrus grandis), Bergamot Oil (Citrus bergamia), Frankincense Oil (Boswelia carterii), *Linalool, Hydroxycitronellol, Gardenia Extract (Gardenia jasminoides), D&C Green No. 8, D&C Blue No.1, Lustre Holly Sparkle (Potassium Silicate, Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Yellow No.5, FD&C Blue No.1), Red Peppercorns (Piper Nigrum).

Vegan?: Yes.

2016 Price: £3.95 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2007.

 

Scent Family:
Go Green Liquid Body Spray
Go Green Solid Perfume
Green Green Bath Of Foam Bubble Bar
Squeaky Green Solid Shampoo

 

Coming Soon!

 

Calavera Bath Bomb

You can never have too many Calacas-scented products in your life, that's for sure. It's one of those fragrance families that inspires somewhat of a cult following, and I am a fully fledged member of that movement - captivated by the very essence of its simple but delectable, mouth-watering lime aroma.

While I have already developed a love affair with the shower gel, jelly, perfume and Enchanter Bath Bomb, I was very excited when the Lush Kitchen announced that they were releasing Calavera Bath Bomb for the first time. One of the products that teased me relentlessly when it was made available as part of the US Retro range, I was so happy to be finally able to try it out for myself. And it didn't disappoint.

Released at part of the 2010 limited edition Halloween range, this is a bath bomb inspired by the Day Of The Dead festivities. Featuring a generous helping of lime and neroli oil, Calavera is a fresh, uplifting fruity bath bomb. While not as sour as the actual fruit, Lush have managed to find the perfect combination of zestiness and sweetness, and while I still stipulate that it reminds me of candy, it still retains a very natural fragrance that I love more and more with each use.

Although the bath bomb doesn't look as bright or as appealing as many of the other products in this range, you only have to pop one in the water to realise that you shouldn't judge a product by its outer shell. Sporting a cream shell with etches of pink, green and blue as light decoration, this bath bomb is far more colourful than may be immediate obvious.

Upon contact with the water, this ballistic begins to foam wildly - bubbling and frothing quietly while sending out waves of white across the tub. At the same time, small pink and yellow bubbles begin to form on the surface of the bath bomb, and as the product starts to get smaller, pockets of yellow and pink begin to ebb into the water. 

Towards the end of the show, vibrant strands of both yellow and blue explode out of the bomb and pattern the surface with swirls of vivid colour. As Calavera divides into two, and more and more colour seeps into the bath tub, the product reveals a number of Marigold petals in its centre - a surprise I was not expecting at all, and one that made the experience all the more magical. 
   
Known as a symbol of death during the Day Of The Dead festivities, these flowers are often sprinkled across graves and alters - used as a way to guide the  deceased back to their loved ones. The attractive scent of the marigold is said to draw them back to earth for the yearly Dia de los Muertos reunion. What I loved about the use of them in this bath bomb, is that the movement of the water made it appear as if the flowers were almost insect-like, and the petals moved and swayed like insect legs, which was a little creepy at first.

Once the bomb had fully dissolved, I was left with a fragrant bath that was coated with an eerie blanket of white foam. The water was a golden yellow-colour and there were swirls of blue painted across the surface in which the marigolds rested like wilted flowers.

While this bath bomb is softer in scent when compared to The Enchanter, Calavera is in no way subtle, and much like Monsters' Ball, offers a slightly more sophisticated take on the Calacas fragrance. It's almost as if the neroli has been given a little more responsibility in this format and the lime has taken the tiniest of steps backwards to allow it so. Furthermore, I actually found that this product softens the water more than the aforementioned bath bomb does, and my skin was beautifully soft and smooth after I had exited the bath. 

As the other Calacas-scented ballistics happen to be two of my all-time favourite bath bombs, I was not expecting this one to be able to stand up next to its competition. However, I feel as if this is a great addition to a fragrance family that I hope they keep extending, and I will definitely be buying a handful of these next time they are available again.  

Quantitative Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Lime Oil (Citrus aurantifolia), Olibanum Resinoid (Boswellia carterii), Neroli Oil (Citrus Aurantium amara), Marigold Petals (Calendula officinalis), Sugar, Cream of Tartar (Potassium bitartrate),Cocamide DEA, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Benzyl Salicylate, *Citral, *Limonene, *Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Perfume, Colour 45350, Colour 45410, Colour 61570, Colour 42090.

Vegan?: Yes.

2016 Price: £4.25 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2010 

      

Igloo Soap

It was only when I was having a sort out of my Lush collection the other day, that I discovered that I had yet to try (or indeed review) one of the brand new soaps in this year's seasonal range. Surprisingly, this was also one of the products I was privy to seeing during my factory tour earlier in the year, so I felt it only fair that I should host a shower for the sole purpose of trying this out for the first time. 

Perhaps the one to receive the least amount of publicity, Igloo Soap is as much an experience as it is a cosmetic. There is something about its fragrance that reminds me of Christmas, without relying on the typical spicy, cinnamon smells to do so. While it may not be a staple in every household, this soap is modelled on a product that features in many sweet bowls over the festive period, and is something that is often overlooked when people discuss their favourite Christmas foods.  

Turkish Delight is a family of confections that are created using a gently flavoured, glycerine base. The sweets are often then divided into small cubes and dusted with something like icing sugar to prevent them from congealing together. While most people are only familiar with one variety, the name actually encompasses a whole variety of sweets, featuring ingredients such as chopped dates, pistachios, and hazelnuts. Rosewater, lemon and orange are three of the most popular variations around, and it is usually the former two that are featured in the aisles of your local supermarket during the Christmas period.

As the 'difficult vegan', Turkish Delight was something that my family would always have an abundance of around Christmas time. I have fond memories of the chocolate bowl being passed around the room, while I snacked on the delicate box of goodies my parents had gone out their way to buy for me especially. For this reason, the smell, texture and taste pertains a certain level of nostalgia for me, and I was hoping that Igloo Soap would be able to mimic this.   

Interestingly, it is not just the scent of this product that is modelled on these exquisite sweets - the design itself also plays homage with its array of different coloured pieces, stacked on top of each other, and the fact that it has an almost sugary outer consistency in line with the edible versions.

Containing rose absolute and rose oil, it's not surprising that this is the first and indeed the strongest note on offer by the soap. However, neither of these components are in any way overpowering. Instead, they provide Igloo with a very sweet and delicate rose aroma that is identical to what you'd expect Turkish Delight to smell like.

Alongside this is the Sicilian lemon oil, which wraps itself around these floral components to offer a light, fruity and rather uplifting second layer. In a small way, this smell of this does remind me of a far more milder Rose Jam, albeit with the addition of a little more powdery sweetness. While I'm not normally one for gentle smells, it's a credit to Lush for creating an aroma very much like the sweet, and with many interesting layers, yet one that is so subtle, you would barely detect its smell in a Lush shop.

Foaming up with ease, this product is very generous when in contact with water, and it only takes a matter of seconds before you have an abundance of lather in which to clean yourself with. I was also rather impressed to find that after a couple of weeks of using this daily, the block hadn't changed very much at all, and I think it is perhaps one of the longer-lasting seasonal soaps from this years range.

For those who read my blog regularly, you'll know that my skin has an aversion to most soaps - in that I have found very few that don't dry out my skin and leave it feeling parched. For this reason, I was surprised to find that this soap left my skin feeling well-nourished within a matter of seconds. Furthermore, I was fascinated to discover that Igloo left my hands feeling as if there was a thick blanket of moisture coating them for a good while after I had dried them off. This seemed to dramatically improve the condition of my skin and the weathered areas between my fingers all but vanished from the very first use.

Although I didn't notice such an obvious difference with the rest of my body, I found that I didn't need to always use a body lotion after showering with this. In addition, there were times when I refrained from using a perfume afterwards, and was still able to detect the smell of this very gently on my skin.

While I don't see myself buying too much more of this to see me through until next year, I will continue to use my current chunk on an almost daily basis, using it more as a hand wash than a full body clean. I have definitely enjoyed experiencing this and do think it replicates the confectionary it is influenced by really well. With budgets being cut this Christmas, this will work as a less gluttonous replacement for my well-loved confectionary. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Carrageenan Extract in Glycerine, Rapeseed Oil and Coconut Oil, Sorbitol, Fresh Lemon Juice, Water, Perfume, *Limonene, Sicilian Lemon Oil, Rose Absolute, Rose Oil, Glycerine, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, *Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, *Linalool, Colour 45350, Colour 45410, Colour 14700, Colour 42090, Colour 17200.

Vegan?: Yes.

2016 Price: £4.25 for 100g.

Year Of Original Release: 2016.

Santasaurus Reusable Bubble Bar

For most companies, the idea of combining dinosaurs with Christmas would have probably been seen as a ridiculous notion. Yet when it comes to Lush, there are never any holes barred, and the outcome of this can sometimes heed some of the most obscure but equally fantastic creations. With Christmas bringing in the biggest profits, they have to cater for a market that are looking for unique gifts, stocking fillers and secret Santas. Santasaurus Bubble Bar meets all of the criteria above. 

Priced at £5.95 each, this seasonal special caters for consumers of all ages. The  younger audience will love the playful nature of its design, while it'll appeal to the inner children for those a little older. The fact that it also happens to be reusable, which means that this can be utilised across multiple baths, does nothing to harm its sales either. Having managed to heed four full baths out of a single bar, (and I am sure you could stretch this out even further), Santasaurus is definitely good value for money.

Sharing its scent with the Honey I Washed The Kids range, this limited edition bubble bar is packed full of Brazilian orange and bergamot oils, and offers a scent that is perfect for when you're craving another helping of that pudding, and need to find something to remove any temptation that you may have to overindulge.

Santasaurus is a honeyed concoction of fruit and sweetness. Imagine a pan of simmering toffee intertwined with a drop of fresh orange juice and a spoonful of honey to give the fragrance that thick, nectar-like aroma. Add to this the most subtle amount of vanilla and a sprinkling of brown sugar, and you may begin to understand just how decadent and devilish this fragrance is. 

What is good about this particular bubble bar, is that the overall smell is not as strong, nor as sickly as some of the other products in this scent family. While the aroma is still fairly robust both before and during use, I found that it wasn't as overbearing as I was expecting it to be, and this worked to its advantage. Sometimes I have to be in the right mood to enjoy the liquid perfume, just because it can be rather stifling at times. However, this is not the case with this particular bubble bar.

As with most reusable bubble bars, I use mine by holding it under the running tap for up to a minute, and this heeds more than enough bubbles to fill the tub with. While I wouldn't say that this is the most generous bubble bar I have used from Lush, a little swoosh around with your hands creates a mountain of soft, fluffy bubbles that'll keep you company for the most part of your bath.

Despite the wonderful shade of green Santasaurus comes in, I was a little disappointed to find that the colour of the water was not as vibrant as I was expecting. Having said this, I find that this problem seems to happen with most of Lush's reusable bubbles bars - I wonder whether the difference in formula between the normal bubble bars and the reusable ones have anything to do with this absence of colour.

On the positive side, the smell of this product remains a prominent feature throughout the entire bath. I found that I could still detect its gorgeous honeyed aroma even after I added in a bath bomb to cocktail, and it also seemed to work well when I was in the bath, using other products that could have easily masked the bubble bar.

Overall, I wouldn't say that this is a product I will continue to use by itself as I think it is much more suited when combined with a bath bomb or bath melt. While it leaves a subtle lingering aroma on your skin afterwards, I wouldn't say that it is as moisturising as many of the other bubble bars. However, it does leave your skin feeling smooth and radiant afterwards. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Cream of Tartar, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerine, Lauryl Betaine, Perfume, Brazilian Orange Oil, Bergamot Oil, Amyl Cinnamal, Lilia,l Citronellol, *Limonene, *Linalool, Colour 47005, Colour 61570, Colour 14700.

Vegan?: Yes.

2016 Price: £5.95 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2016.

Scent Family:
Golden Egg Bath Bomb
Gold FUN
Honey I Washed The Kids Liquid Perfume
Honey I Washed The Kids Solid Perfume
Honey I Washed The Kids Soap
Humpy Dumpty Bath Bomb
Ma Bar Bubble Bar
Santasaurus Reusable Bubble Bar
Shoot For The Stars Bath Bomb (2013)
Shoot For The Stars Bath Bomb (2016)

The Mum Reusable Bubble Bar