Polyamorous Bath oil

Polyamorous means the practice of intimacy with more then one partner, in which all involved are aware of, and consent to, the arrangement. With humans being far more open and accepting of different sexualities and practices these days, it is only fitting that Lush have decided to celebrate this freedom and highlight one such different outlook on life.

Polyamorous is a new contender for my favourite Bath Oil, as well as being a new addition to the impressive array of oils and melts already on offer from the company. While I cannot claim that I turn to bath oils all that often, I have definitely found myself craving this one a number of times this last month, and I have enjoyed every single experience.

Shaped like a heart with smaller hearts painted across the surface, this is perhaps the most beautifully designed oils of all the ones currently available. For such a small product - coming in about the 3cm in length and 1.5cm in height - this miniature masterpiece is warming, comforting, and perfect for those who perhaps wish for more company but only have a bath tub to explore. 

Containing a combination of orange, sandalwood and jojoba oils, you would expect Polyamorous to offer a fruity aroma. However, it is the inclusion of the violet leaf absolute that provides the strongest component overall.  

To me, this bath oil has a warm, sweet and slightly musky violet scent - nowhere near as sultry and potent as Tuca Tuca, yet equally not as grassy as Kerbside Violet. In fact, it smells very similar to how I remember Metropolis smelling. The inclusion of the sandalwood grounds the different notes again, and you can detect a very subtle uplifting element that I thinks comes from the orange oil. However, this Bath Oil is predominantly violet with a touch of wordiness to completely to compliment the floral components.

In the water, this bath oil sinks like the majority of Lush oils and melts. This is always disappointing to be because I usually like to indulge in a bath melt or bath bomb whilst I am already in the bath myself. Once submerged, I like to watch the product dissolve across the surface of the water and see the oils become absorbed into the skin. Unfortunately, Polyamorous simply sunk to the bottom of the tub and I ended up melting the product down between my fingers because I didn’t want to find myself sitting on it while I was bathing.

Once fully dissolved, the Bath Oil didn’t really do anything to the water, which was expectation anyway so it wasn’t as if I was disappointed by this. However, I would recommend that you use this along a bath bomb (Ylang Song, Ne Worry Pas) or Bubble Bar (Baa Bar, Bathos) as you’ll end up with a rather disappointing looking bath if you use it by itself.

Another aspect of Polyamorous that I was little disappointed with was the fact that the scent didn’t linger on my skin after I had towelled myself down. Although I expect a lot from my products, and the main purpose of this bath oil is to add extra oils and butter to soften, I would still have liked to have detected a slight musky sweetness on my body. While I can vouch that the scent does make an impression in the water, and I was rather impressed by how much it held itself against other cosmetics I was using at the time, I would have assumed that at least a small note could have made itself known afterwards.

Having said that, my skin did feel lovely and smooth afterwards, and Polyamorous is definitely a bath oil that makes a difference to the softness of the water when it’s fully dissolved. You could probably cut this in half, if you’re rather reserved about using your Lush products. However, I think using the whole product in a single bath will heed the best results, and help you to make the most of this softening little gem.

To conclude I will say that this is a fantastic edition to Lush’s extensive bath melts and oils. It’s wonderful to have a violet-scented Bath Oil available at all times, as I know a lot of consumers love the naturally sweet and floral components of violets. This is definitely one I would buy again - perhaps over most of the other variations currently on offer - and I am equally excited to try the other two new editions to see if they’re equally as impressive.

Quantitative Ingredients: Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter, Sodium Bicarbonate, Laureth 4, Cream of Tartar, Perfume, Alpha-Isomethyl ionone, Organic Shea Butter, Brazilian Orange Oil, Sandalwood Oil,  Violet Leaf Absolute, Organic Jojoba Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Titanium Dioxide, *Citral, *Limonene, Colour 17200, Colour 45410.

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £2.50 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2017.

Coming soon!

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Deep Atmosphere Bath Bomb

When the Lush Kitchen was still in full swing, this bath bomb appeared on the menu one week and was thrust into my radar for the first time ever. While I pride myself in knowing about the majority of Lush products released across the years, there are still some that manage to remain hidden until the company unleash them onto the world again. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this product would cement itself as one of my favourite bath bombs of all time - perhaps the only bath product that has genuinely given Lord Of Misrule a run for its money.

Deep Atmosphere has a name that means business. Described be Lush as one for 'acquired tastes', I wasn't initially all that interested in what this bath bomb had to offer. The inclusion of oakmoss absolute, tarragon and chamomile leaf gave me the impression that this would smell similar to that of Tramp Shower Gel - which although something that I enjoy at times, is not a fragrance that bowls me over in any formats. As soon as the bath bomb arrived however, I immediately fell head-over-heels in love with the limited edition, and greatly regretted only buying the handful that I did. 

Despite its ingredients list suggesting otherwise, I would say that this bath bomb is very much like Lord Of Misrule - minus the vanilla but with a sweet, musky layer that must come from the combination of violet leaf absolute and distilled cedar leaf. While I expecting something far more potent and herbal, I was both surprised and incredibly grateful to experience something so beautifully rich and exquisite.

It is the inclusion of the pine that I think not gives this bath bomb a scent similar to Lord Of Misrule, but that which also gives this bath bomb its made note of fragrance. The pine oil offers a sharp, sweet green layer that immediately conjures up images of forests in my mind; the cedar leaf and orris root add a musky sweetness reminiscent of parma violets combined with a touch of floral.   

Not only would say that all of the layers work in unison with each other perfectly, but Deep Atmosphere is one of those bath bombs in which each note is equally matched. While I can pick out every component individually for this review, there is not one that I would say is stronger than the others - before or after it's been added to water.

In the water, this bath bomb immediately begins to fizz and dissolve - sending out waves of spring green across the surface of the water. Within seconds the tub is filled with a bright, uplifting colour that matches the robust aroma that elevates itself around the bathroom, and minutes later the bath bomb is all put dispersed. 

What I noticed immediately, upon stepping into the tub, was that the water was incredibly smooth. Although there is nothing in the ingredients list that suggest the ballistic would be all that moisturising, my skin felt nourished and smooth within minutes of submerging myself under the water. This feeling carried on long after I had exited the bath, along with the scent - that lingered on my skin for a good hour after I had towelled myself down.

The inclusion of the chamomile not only supported the tarragon in giving Deep Atmosphere a delicate but refreshing herbal smell, but helped me make this a very relaxing bath bomb. Once I was settled in the tub, I found it very difficult to want to leave. Moreover, after using one of these a little before I went to bed, gave me a much better sleep than what my body is normally privy to on a daily basis. 

My only qualm with this bath bomb was that it created a greenish-yellow mark around my bath tub afterwards, and I had to scrub away the stain before it became a permanent feature. Having said that, I would (and still have been) using this bath bomb over and over again, as it is easily one of my all-time favourite products. 

While the Lush Kitchen is no longer producing its weekly menus, I very much hope that this little gem makes itself present at some point again in the near future. This is one of only a handful of bath bombs that I would be happy to stock up on, and I would take full advantage of doing so if the opportunity arises. Look out Lord Of Misrule: your number one spot might not be a secure as you think. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Bicarbonate Of Soda, Citric Acid, Perfume, Siberian Pine Oil, Oak Moss Absolute, Cedar Leaf Distilled Over Orris Root, Tarragon Oil, Chamomile Oil, Violet Leaf Absolute, Crocin, Colour 61585.

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £3.95 each.

Year Of Original Release: ?

Coming soon!

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Amelie Mae Fun Bar

Reflecting on the various scented FUN bars that Lush have released over the years, I really wish that they had the incentive to do the same with their shower gels. While I am very much in love with the jellies, gels and creams that the company have brought out over the last five years, there has been some superior choices made in the FUN range - this one being no exception.

To coincide with the global Gorilla Perfume tour, Amelie Mae FUN was released and sold in small batches at the various shows - available alongside most of the Volume 4 perfumes that were featured in the showcase. Sharing its scent with the liquid perfume of the same name, this gorgeous looking bar is exquisite in every way, and may even trump the fragrance itself.   

Created by Simon Constantine for his youngest daughter Amelie Mae, this FUN bar is not only a homage to one of the perfumer's biggest achievements, but it's also rather fitting, given that FUN is primarily designed with children in mind. Sporting bright shades of both green and pink, this limited edition also happens to be one of the most attractive FUN bars to date, and I couldn't wait to rip the wrapper off and use it for myself.

Featuring notes of lavender, ylang ylang and rose, you would expect Amelie Mae to offer a highly floral fragrance. While there is definitely a floral theme running throughout, there is something rather sweet and playful about this scent as well. As I said in my review of the liquid perfume version, if you think you are able to imagine what this smells like from the ingredients list alone, you are most likely going to be proved wrong.

From the wrapper, I get what I can only describe as a juicy rose smell - one that does have traits of the popular Rose Jam family, albeit sweeter and perhaps a little more jam-like. There is also a thread of fruitiness running through, which reminds me a little of raspberry bubblegum, but again I would be underselling it if I said this was all I could detect.

Much like the perfume version, the gentle note of lavender is very subtle in the mix, and almost adds a base that all of the other components rest on. You can definitely smell that the lavender is there, but the other components make much more of an impression on me.

There is something fruity about this FUN bar that makes me salivate when I smell it, and I love that it offers something quite playful and youthful. However, there is also something a little mature about the notes of lavender and violet that make it as delectable as it is sophisticated.

As with all of Lush's FUN bars, you can use this one in replacement of a shower gel, bubble bar or shampoo. To create bubbles in your bath, simply break off the amount that you wish to use and hold it under the running water. If you're using it in the shower, take a small grape-sized piece, add a little water and lather between your hands. 

Although it is not as moisturising as any of the products that you may replace it with, for the price tag it is great value for money. I found that when used across my skin, the scent was really strong and stayed with me for a good hour after I had towelled myself down. In fact, I am now convinced that Lush need to bring out a body lotion version because it would be delicious.

My only warning about this and every one of Lush's FUN bars, is that you have to ensure that the rest of the product is kept both cool and dry in between uses. In addition, you need to ensure that the bar is stored in a container if you wish to keep it in the bathroom. If left exposed, FUN Bars will sweat and melt, and leave a horrible mess all over the counter it's perched on. 

Overall, this may in fact be my favourite FUN Bar to date. It smells exactly like the perfume, although I would even go as far as to say that it may even be slightly stronger than the fragrance itself. I really hope this is made available in the near future - for everyone who loves this scent, or for those who has not had the opportunity to try this out for themselves, as it is truly delicious. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Cornflour, Talc, Glycerine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lavendar, Ylang Ylang Oil, Violet Leaf Absolute,

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £6.95 for 200g.

Year Of Original Release: 2017.

Scent Family:
Amelie Mae FUN Bar

Amelie Mae Liquid Perfume

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Road From Damascus Liquid Perfume

I say this time and time again: I have never understood how or why Lush work in the way that they do. On the one hand, I understand and agree on their stance for allowing the consumer to promote their products as opposed to them doing it themselves. This incites a level of honesty that most companies try to diminish, which means that promotion from companies other than Lush don't  very often offer a true reflection on the products on sale. However, Lush's 'exclusivity' is both confusing and frustrating, and from an outside perspective I just cannot make sense of it all.

Road From Damascus Liquid Perfume is yet another fragrance from Lush's recent Volume 4 collection that hasn't made it to commercial release. After attending the Gorilla Perfume exhibition in Edinburgh, this is one that I was convinced would be a popular seller, and it left a lasting impression on me: not least because it was the opening act as you walked through the door and into the gallery. 

Inspired by perfumer Simon Constantine's travels into and across Lebanon, this fragrance is a full-bodied and very powerful combination of bitter orange and Damascus rose. During his time in the country, Simon learned the struggles and the dangerous journey that thousands of refugees had to make on a daily basis to flee the neighbouring, war-torn Syria. Witnessing the ordeal of having to cross checkpoints that were guarded at gunpoint, and collecting hundreds of stories from the people around him - fleeing their livelihoods to survive, the harsh reality was enough to inspire him to create a perfume in homage of his ordeal.

For starters, Road From Damascus is a strong, powdery combination of rose, orange and violet. Sharing its scent with both the bath oil that was released last year in the Lush Kitchen, and Magic Bubble Bar that came out at the Lush Summit, this limited edition fragrance is perhaps one of the strongest perfumes from the Volume 4 range. One for floral lovers, for sure.

While I shouldn't really compare this to Rose Jam Liquid Perfume, I will say that the initial burst of smell holds a very small remnant of similarity. There is something very cloudy about the rose smell that gives that impression, although this is quickly diminished when the underlying note of violet leaf steers it away from being 'strictly rose'.

Both of these ingredients create a sweet but equally very powerful floral aroma - one that showcases all three of the key components by themselves, while also working in harmony so that they combine perfectly. The orange absolute not only supports the naturally sweet element of the other two ingredients, but offers a thread of bitterness that comes through the longer it is on the skin.

This latter note sets Road From Damascus apart from other Lush floral perfumes, and it is this gentle tartness that gives this fragrance its poignancy. It's a perfect reminder that while life is and should be sweet, there is always that element of bitterness that makes itself known.

This is one of my favourite perfumes from Volume 4, despite not really being a huge advocate of floral smells. The perfume is strong enough that it lasts for hours on the skin. In fact, I can spray this in the morning before work and still smell remnants of the scent as I'm leaving to go home. Lush would be silly not to celebrate this fragrance in other formats, and I look forward to seeing these releases in the near future.

Quantitative Ingredients: DRF Alcohol, Perfume, Rose Absolute, Orange Flower Absolute, Violet Leaf Absolute, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Farnesol, Eugenol, Citral.

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £50 for 30ml.

Year Of Original Release: 2017.

Scent Family:
Magic Bubble Bar
Road From Damascus Bath Oil
Road From Damascus Liquid Perfume

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Kisskin Bubble Bar

Aside from the physical design, there is no difference between this product and the original Mumkin Bubble Bar. Yet, you would have assumed that Lush were releasing my most wanted item, given how much fuss I made after the announcement that it would be coming into the Kitchen. Despite pertaining an identical scent and working in exactly the same way in the bath, this cutie is more favoured by myself, and sits comfortably at number two on my 'favourite bubble bar' list.

First released in Japan as part of their White Day celebrations, Kisskin Bubble Bar is known as the 'Mumkin in love', and it certainly works its magic at making the user fall head over heels at the same time. Sporting a range of stunning pastel colours, this limited edition features a pink body, purple headwear and chocolate chip eyes - with an array of candy leaf daisies to garnish its head and make it the most beautiful bubble bar that Lush have ever produced.

Containing a combination of bergamot, lemon and violet, this bubble bar offers a glorious floral arrangement, with a sweet, fruity element to make it both unique and highly sensual. This is easily the greatest floral fragrance that Lush have ever released, if not one of the most incredible aromas that they've produced since the company first began.

While it is a scent that I find quite challenging to describe, Kisskin has always reminded me of freshly pureed raspberries with a sort of 'nettle-like' infusion. It's almost as if the green leaves of the plant have been added into the mix, along with the fruit, so you experience a sort of grassiness to the floral aspect of the product.

Upon first sniff, you can definitely smell the presence of the lemon. Yet it is a lovely sweet, fruity lemon - not in any way zesty or citrusy. It reminds me a little of lemon mousse in the fact that there is something rather rounded and creamy about it. Alongside this, the bergamot not only adds a gentle green element that gives the bubble bar its crisp, refreshing properties, but also induces its own layer of fruitiness which helps to create that 'berry-esque' appeal. Finally, the violet leaf offers a sprinkling of muskiness in the background, and rounds Kisskin off for a perfect finish. 

You only need to use half of this bubble bar to create a haven of smells and a mound of bubbles that'll engulf you with their softness. While the water isn't as impressive as a Mumkin - in that it turns a soft shade of purple, there is something very soothing about the shade that adds to the overall experience. 

Not only is this bubble bar really generous with its bubbles, but it's one of those products that makes the water silky smooth to the touch. You only need to submerge yourself for a few minutes to notice how smooth your body becomes, and once you towel yourself down afterwards, your skin feels super refreshed, hydrated and silky-soft. 

What is just as impressive is the fact that the scent is wonderfully robust while also being crisp and light as well. It offers a perfect level of freshness that makes Kisskin the ultimate Springtime bathing companion. Furthermore, it's one you'll want to use whenever the weather seems far too hot for a bath, as it's light enough not to be too stifling in the tub, while equally being comforting enough to offer a well-rounded experience.

Overall, this bubble bar is superb in every way. It possesses a wonderful and very unique fragrance, it's stunning to look at, hydrates and moisturises the skin, and will give you two or more amazing baths that you'll want to relive again and again. Put it this way: I don't ever want to be in a position where I am Kisskin-less.       

Quantitative Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Cream of Tartar, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Betaine, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Fair Trade Shea Butter, Perfume, Cornflour, Titanium Dioxide, Bergamot Oil, Sicilian Lemon Oil, Violet Leaf Absolute, *Limonene, *Linalool, Geraniol, Colour 17200, Colour 42090, Vegan Dark Chocolate, Candy Leaf Candy Flowers.

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £4.25 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2017 In The UK.

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Baa Bar Bubble Bar

Lush know that no matter how old you are or how long you've been into Lush, if a product is released in the shape of a creature, it's going to be a big seller. As a consumer, I speak for most people when I say that we adore products in the shape of characters, as there is something even more entertaining about sharing a bath with a bubble bar that offers up a little of its own personality.  
      
For this reason, Baa Bar Bubble Bar was going to be a guaranteed favourite amongst Lush fans, even if it turned out to be one of the least popular fragrances within the Mother's Day range. As it so happens, the scent of this, along with the catchy name and 'cute factor' means that this limited edition ticks all of the boxes that make a great product.

Firstly, I was surprised to find that this bubble bar is a little on the small side. When compared to a regular-sized bar, this is probably about two thirds of the size, which does make it a little expensive, given that it still has the same price as the bigger ones. Having said that, I would still say that you can get two good quality baths out of this bar, so it does work out better value than a bath bomb.

Secondly, don't assume that this bubble bar is going to be a boring experience because of its mostly white design. What impressed me was the fact that when you break it open, the centre is filled with the same vivid purple colour that the bubble bar sports as a face. For this reason, expect to enjoy a beautiful, rich violet coloured bath when using this product. 

Featuring bergamot, clove and ylang ylang oil, with jasmine, rose and violet absolute, this limited edition smells like a packet of parma violets. It's a gentle, powdery aroma - one that is light enough to get lost when surrounded by other products in a shop, but one that comes out of its shell when you get it home and into the bathroom.

For those who have had the privilege of using Bathos Bubble Bar, you might recognise the fact that Baa Bar offers the same musky violet scent. While not as potent or as sugary as the likes of Tuca Tuca, this bubble bar is sweet and warming, with an almost cloudy floral smell. The inclusion of the bergamot oil adds a subtle grassiness to it, which makes it seem fresh and slightly refreshing, but it is not in any way as strong as Kerbside Violet Liquid Perfume or Ultraviolet Bubble Bar.

The bubble bar is easy to use - simply crumbled it under the running tap and allow the water to stimulate and produce a mound of fluffy, fragrant bubbles. While you may need to swish your hands around to generate a few more bubbles, this bubble bar is generous enough to leave you with a strong-smelling and very beautiful looking bath. 

The inclusion of the soya milk is definitely noticeable, as I found that the water was velvety-smooth to the touch, and my skin didn't need to be exposed to the water for very long to recognise how softening and moisturising this bubble bar is. In fact, I was rather impressed by how good my skin looked and felt, when I had only used half of one of these in the water.         

This is definitely going to be a really popular seller for those who like violet smells, or just sweet floral scents in general. I happen to love this bubble bar, and only wish that it was a little bigger for the price you pay for it. Although they haven't swept me off of my feet like the Tweet Bubble Bars did last year, I do plan on harvesting a flock of these limited editions before the season is over. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Cream of Tartar, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Betaine, Cornflour, Perfume, Bergamot Oil, Clove Bud Oil, Jasmine Absolute, Rose Absolute, Violet Leaf Absolute, Ylang Ylang Oil, Lavender Powder, Soya Milk, Alpha-Isomethyl ionone, *Eugenol, *Limonene, *Linalool, Colour 17200, Colour 42090.

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £3.95 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2017.

Coming soon!

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Metropolis Bath Bomb

With each and every release that Lush do, you'd expect them to start running out of original ideas and concepts. Surely there are only so many fragrances that they can create with the given number of oils that they have at their disposal; surely there can only be so many colour combinations that you can conjure up when it comes to bath bombs? And then they go and showcase something that knocks everything out of the water -pun intended. 

  

Metropolis Bath Bomb is what some Lush fans would call the 'elusive product'  - a rarity in the fact that this was only featured at Lush's Showcase event last year, and was never made available for purchase. While a few employees and lucky fans were able to secure one through various means - one of which ended up outside my front door, there doesn't seem to be any plans for a global release any time soon. 

While the external design may initially appear quite boring - a white bath bomb with what appears to be black smears all over the surface (the smears supposedly to represent the dirt and grime of an inner city), the internal workings are by far the most exciting concept that Lush have ever created.At the very centre of the bath bomb is a water-activated light box, which begins working its magic, the second it makes contact with the bath water. 

At the top of Metropolis is a small opening, which allows the water to seep into it fairly quickly after it has began dissolving in the tub. Once the light box is activated, bright, fluorescent lights begin to project out of the bath bomb - changing every few seconds to create an absolutely stunning light show. The more the bath bomb dissolves, the more the lights are able to escape out of the sides and create a beautiful show of fragrance and colour.

Inspired by city life, the vivid light show contrasts against the bubbling, milk-like consistency of the water, once the bath bomb has fully dissolved. So while there are patterns of creamy, slightly oily puddles across the surface, they allow the light show to be the most dominant feature of the experience. I was thrilled to find that the light box continued to flourish for a good forty minutes after I had entered the bath, meaning I was able to enjoy its company the entire time I was bathing.

Smell wise, this bath bomb was not what I was expecting at all. With a generous amount of violet absolute added in here, Metropolis is a musky, floral aroma intertwined with a gentle shaving of grass to give it a very dry, almost exotic, earthy smell fragrance. Imagine Kerbside Violet with less emphasis on the grassy element and with more of a powdery violet aroma.

It's definitely not the strongest bath bomb I have ever had, but there is enough of a scent here to remain in the tub for the during of a bath, and then a little extra to linger on your skin for a short while after towelling yourself down. In all fairness, I would have liked the scent to have been more prominent during my experience. However, there was more than enough going on in the tub for me to appreciate this bath bomb for what it was.

Unfortunately, the inclusion of the light box in the middle of the bath bomb meant that this was far too heavy to remain afloat while it was dissolving. For this reason, it is clear that Lush need to tweak the design a little before even considering a national release. Furthermore, despite the background information about the choice of colour and design, I feel this would work better if there were colours involved alongside the lighting.  

Although a novelty, this bath bomb definitely shakes things up a lot in the bathroom, and the smell is something that needs to be enjoyed by those who appreciate a good violet or musky smell. While there is no guarantee that this will ever resurface again, I hope for fans' sake that it does make a reappearance, as I feel it is one that should be experienced by everyone at least once. 

Quantitative Ingredients:?

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: Not available for sale.

Year Of Original Release: 2016.

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