Lush are all about the weird and the wonderful - pushing those boundaries within the cosmetics world to produce some pretty outstanding results. Yet at the same time, this is a company that know that their products need to be more than just a novelty concept; they wouldn't have made it very far had they not been very successful at it.
Despite their confidence in pushing boundaries, they also know that many of their consumers don't have the desire for unique flavours and scents. They just want to purchase from a company that are ethically and morally sound, without the fanfare that other Lush fans might relish in. With the release of their new solid mouthwash tabs, they've clearly made a conscious effort to appeal to a wide range of tastebuds - Creme De Menthe standing out as the product they've created to replace the regular mint variety that people might have been using up until this point.
As I stated in my review of Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster Mouthwash Tabs, one of the reasons why Lush's solidified versions of liquid cosmetics are so popular, is because they're highly practical and can withstand a lot more than their bottled counterparts. When choosing between a product that: could leak or smash in your suitcase; wouldn't be allowed through customs; and needs preservatives to retain the product in its particular state, and then a product that doesn't harvest any of these worries, you're going to pick the latter choice. Hence, the reason for the release of Lush's new range of solid mouthwash tabs.As you would expect from Lush, the ingredients that have gone into making all three of the mouthwash varieties have also been carefully crafted and serve a purpose. Firstly, they all contain sodium bicarbonate, which is a natural softening ingredient that is also known for its ability to clean and deodorise at the same time. This is a key component that will help to clean your tongue, gums and teeth when you're swishing, and will help to rid your mouth of any strong odours that might be present at the time, freshening your breath in the process.
Each of the mouthwashes also contains xylitol - a natural substance that is found in certain fruits and vegetables and is used in foods and cosmetics as a refined sweetener. This ingredient has been proven to cause none of the harmful effects that sugar can have on the teeth, is perfect for diabetics as it doesn't effect blood sugar levels at all, yet offers the sweetness to help give these tabs their interesting but enjoyable flavours.
Out of the three varieties, Creme De Menthe is the one that I can imagine most consumers gravitating towards to begin with - not only because the tabs are a spectacular green-colour and are decorated with a coating of lustre to make them sparkle, but because they're the least complex out of the three flavours.This product contains a combination of menthol crystals, peppermint oil and peppermint powder, which is rather telling of the fragrance, even before you've opened the bottle. Immediately, you can smell a strong, crisp minty aroma. The peppermint is definitely out in full force here, and has a presence that replicates that of the bottled mouthwashes you can purchase in pharmacies and supermarkets.
Alongside this, the menthol offers a cooling background note that actually makes your eyes water if you inhale too much. The smell of Creme De Menthe reminds me very much of Trebor's Extra Strong Mints or tinned mints, in particular Altoids. Yet what makes them outshine regular mouthwash is that you don't experience the slight clinical smell of alcohol that often accompanies these liquid versions.
To use, I found it easiest to take a sip of water and then pop a single tab into my mouth - nibbling it with my back teeth before swishing, gargling and spitting out. Adding the water first meant that I didn't get any bits of tab left in my mouth during or after the experience, and this saved me from having to carry out a second swish to clear these bits between my teeth.
To use, I found it easiest to take a sip of water and then pop a single tab into my mouth - nibbling it with my back teeth before swishing, gargling and spitting out. Adding the water first meant that I didn't get any bits of tab left in my mouth during or after the experience, and this saved me from having to carry out a second swish to clear these bits between my teeth.
Furthermore, it's recommended that you keep the mouthwash in your mouth for a good minute. This allows the ingredients to get to work at cleaning the mouth and deodorising the tongue so you get the maximum results possible. It's important to note that you should try to avoid rinsing your mouth out with water after using one of these tabs. This could stop the mouthwash from being as effective as you'd be removing the traces of ingredients that would have otherwise been working on keeping your mouth as clean as possible.Not surprisingly, Creme De Menthe offers a strong, minty experience - one that completely clears the palette, removes any nasty or unwanted smells and leaves your mouth feeling super clean and refreshed. Using one of these after brushing your teeth means that you get that extra burst of freshness every time you inhale and this stays with you for a good while.
I should pre warn you that these particular mouthwash tabs do have a tendency to make both your tongue and your gums tingle and sting a little while you're swishing. However, I wouldn't describe the experience as being particularly unpleasant, and once you've spat out the product, this sensation disappears.
I should pre warn you that these particular mouthwash tabs do have a tendency to make both your tongue and your gums tingle and sting a little while you're swishing. However, I wouldn't describe the experience as being particularly unpleasant, and once you've spat out the product, this sensation disappears.
One of the interesting side effects of this mouthwash is that it stimulates the production of saliva, which is owed to the inclusion of the xylitol. Whereas other varieties of commercial mouthwash often contain alcohol and will dry the mouth out because of this, Lush's solid tabs do the very opposite - just another way that they support a healthy mouth.
Overall, I enjoyed using these as much as I did the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster variety. These are definitely more suited for those who want a basic, recognisable flavour to clear their palette with, and the beautiful emerald design gives them extra appeal, without taking away anything that might hinder their success.
A bottle of these will be slipped into my bag and used while I'm both at work, and out and about, and I look forward to the many conversations these alluring yet wonderful tabs will surely inspire in the future.
Quantitative Ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Sodium Bicarbonate, Silica, Citric Acid, Sorbitol, Malic Acid, Glycerine, Stevia, Xylitol, Flavour, Frosty Holly Lustre, Menthol Crystals, Peppermint Oil, Peppermint Powder, *Limonene.
Vegan?: Yes.
2016 Price: £5.95 for 45g.
Year Of Original Release: 2016.
