Aromarant Solid Deodorant

As I’ve said before, Lush deodorants are probably the one area that I just cannot commit to fully. While the concept of solid blocks and powders - without any metallic or synthetic nasties sounds like a dream, the reality is that my armpits are just too stubborn to want to use anything else but, what I would call, a ‘normal’ deodorant.

Firstly, I should probably state that a deodorant is different from a antiperspirant, and you need to know how they differ so that you don’t (like me) confuse the two and slate a product based on something that it would never be able to do in the first place.

Lush don’t create antiperspirants because at the moment the technology to create a natural version isn’t there. These products are the ones that contain ingredients that are quite literally used to try and stop you from sweating altogether. Normally they contain components to block your pores, thus the lack of sweat. However, this can obviously lead to health problems, including skin sensitivity, irritation and possible poisoning. Deodorants work by masking and hopefully eradicating any smells that may form during the day, and they can also help you to feel a little drier as you go about your busy schedule.

Aromarant is a rather hard block that used to be sold by the gram in stores. Discontinued a few years back, this was a deodorant that you either loved or loathed - a solid product that divided Lush fans down the middle, and you only have to read reviews online to recognise this for yourself. 

Containing sandalwood, witch hazel and oak bark, the smell of this is definitely not something that you’d want to wear as a perfume. However, as far as deodorants go, I really appreciate the smell that this offers: it’s definitely very different from what you’d expect to find in a normal pharmacy or supermarket. 

The sandalwood is definitely the strongest note - working alongside the lemon to produce a deep, woody aroma, with warming notes of lemon to make it a little uplifting as well. The inclusion of the cleavers infusion, which I found out was a herb, adds a sweet, gentle honeyed element that definitely rounds the deodorant off and makes its fragrance more pleasing. 

While I love the concept of solid deodorants, if there’s one aspect that I dislike about them, it’s trying to apply them effectively. Much like Aromaco, this block was really stubborn if I tried to massage it directly onto the skin. In fact, doing it this way left my skin feeling a little sore and didn’t heed much of a result either.

To make the most out of Aromarant, I found that if I wet my underarm, or added a few drops of water to the bar first, the bar would leave a slight residue (what I can only describe as a paste) on the skin, which would then work well at deodorising my skin for a good many hours before I needed to reapply more. In fact, I was impressed to discover that if you apply it this way, you can get coverage that will last right the way through your working day.

As someone who can sweat a lot, I was impressed to find that I stayed feeling clean and smelling clean for most of my twelve hour day, although the product did struggle a little when it came to my increased sweating in the gym. In these conditions, I found that if I used a powdered deodorant on top of this at the same time, I usually remained dry for the most part of my hour workout. 

While a 100g block would easily last you a good twelve months and then some, its longevity is also to its detriment. After a couple of months of using this, I found that, ironically, the moisture was expelled from the block and it was much more difficult to create the paste to apply to the skin. For this reason, I would highly suggest that you wrap this in greaseproof paper and store somewhere dry and cool, in order to retain those oils for as long as possible.

In addition, I should also point out that there will be a very slight odour expressed from the product once it has merged with the heat of your body. This is by no means detrimental in helping you to rid your body of smells. However, you will occasionally get a waft if the sandalwood, and this will be something you’ll have to get used to, if you decide to use it long term.

Overall, I actually really liked this product more than I thought I was going to. While it has not fully converted me over to the land of self-preserving, natural solid deodorants, it’s a step in the right direction, and I shall be using this product as part of my regular routine. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Fresh Lemons (Citrus limonum), Sodium Stearate, Cleavers Infusion (Galium aparine), Witch Hazel Infusion (Hamamelis virginiana), Oakbark Infusion (Evernia prunastri), Sodium Bicarbonate, Perfume, Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album).

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £4.25 for 100g.

Year Of Original Release: 2006.

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1000 Millihelens Jelly Face Mask

One of the biggest problems I have with Lush is their constant need to invent new products. This may sound rather strange, given that you'd normally expect to find me revelling in new releases. However, I have more of an issue with the fact that many of these new inventions never see the light of day, or if they do, they're likely to be made in very small batches and only available to those lucky enough to be there at the time. For someone who has a compulsion and a need to experience everything that comes out of the company, this is a practice that I feel uncomfortable with. 

When I attended the Lush Summit event earlier this year, I was apprehensive about the fact that the company had five brand new face mask inventions available to sniff, hold and experience right there and then. However, not one of them was available for sale at that particular moment, meaning that I had to walk away knowing that there was a product in existence that I wasn't able to try. Luckily for me, I was finally able to obtain four out of the five of them later that day, which helped to relieve the uneasiness that I had been feeling up until that moment.

1000 Millihelens is one of a handful of exclusive new jelly masks that have just recently made themselves available in stores. The first of its kind, this brand new invention is an exciting leap for Lush, who have only been known to release fresh face masks up until this point. 

While there current range of masks are far superior to any other mask I have experienced outside of Lush, my only issue is the fact that they offer the shortest shelf life out of every other Lush product available to buy. What first struck me about each and every one of the five new jelly masks, is that they appear to have an extended use by date of up to a year - which is a 1100% increase when compared to the regular masks. 

After using the face mask near on every day for a matter of weeks, I have also concluded that the longevity of this product far outweighs that of its predecessors. Whereas a normal pot would give me on average about 6-8 uses, I found that the jelly variation had barely shrunk after my tenth use, and I could easily envisage getting upwards of another twenty uses out of it, if not more.

The basic premise of the jelly face mask is that you could can utilise it in one of two ways. Firstly, you have the option of using it in the same way as you would a regular shower jelly, albeit on the face. You can either add a little dash of water between your palms, massage it to create a gentle lather and then apply this to your face; or you can ensure that the jelly is wet and then massage it directly across your face. This way will heed a very light layer of product on the skin, although it's still enough to get impressive results from the mask.

Secondly (and the way that it was meant to be used) is to break off a small grape-sized piece, use a small amount of water to massage the jelly into a paste-like consistency, and then apply it directly to the face. This will give you a much thicker layer of production on your skin, and perhaps works slightly more intensely overall. 

Either way, what you will notice is that this mask is not as heavy or as noticeable as the regular face masks are. You wont be left with a really thick layer of product on your skin, like you would normally expect to. Instead, your face will harvest a thin layer of product, that you then leave on for the usual twenty minutes, before washing off.  

Having chosen 1000 Millihelens to try out first, I was really impressed by the fragrance that greeted me from the tub. Sharing its scent with the Johnny Appleseed Bath Oil, this bright, fruity apple-dominated mask is delicious from the word go. Featuring witch hazel to soothe and relieve irritated skin, green tea to detox and purify the pores, and kaolin clay to remove unwanted grease and dirt, this powerhouse of ingredients is lighter and far sweeter than any of Lush's other masks. For those who have not experienced this bath oil before, 1000 Millihelens smells like a combination of expensive apple juice with a gentle layer of herbal green tea alongside this.  

Based on Helen Ambrosen, this face mask also features lemon oil to add radiance to your complexion, making it super effective but equally gentle on the skin. What I really appreciated about this face mask was that it was far easier to use than a regular face mask, and I was able to apply it after jumping in the shower, rather than set time aside to so before I could wash myself. 

After washing this off, I was initially disappointed to find that my skin didn't feel as plump or as well-nourished as the likes of Oatifix or Don't Look At Me. However, I discovered that this product was more of a 'grower' - in that it worked more subtlety over time, so that my skin felt far softer and smoother half an hour after I had rinsed it off.

I feel as if this mask would be suited for most skin types. My complexion is what I'd describe as normal to dry, and my skin was left feeling very radiant and smooth afterwards. The inclusion of the green tea infusion really help to clean out my pores of any dirt or debris; the apple gave my complexion a natural shine that stayed with me for the most part of the day. For those with slightly greasier skin, you may find that the different clays will help to absorb excess oils  as well.  

Overall, I am really excited about the idea of these being made for shop release. The jelly face mask is a unique concept that won't (and shouldn't) replace replace the regular face masks, but definitely makes a very different and more cost effective alternative. I look forward to seeing what other variations may transpire in the near future.

Quantitative Ingredients: Green Tea Infusion, Glycerine, Propylene, Glycol, Kaolin, Zeolite Clay, Fresh Apple Juice, Talc, Carrageenan Extract, Sicilian Lemon Oil, Neroli Oil, Brazilian Orange Oil, Witch Hazel Extract, Water, Geraniol, Perfume, Chlorophyllin.

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £6.95 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2017.

Scent Family:
1000 Millihelens Jelly Face Mask
Johnny Appleseed Bath Oil

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Sunflower Deodorant

When it comes to solid deodorant, I love the concept but have yet to find one that works with my body. Whether it's because I sweat more than the average person or because my expectations of what a deodorant should do is greater than most people, I am unsure. However, it is the one area of Lush's extensive cosmetics range that I just simply do not get on with. Until this week that is. 

Sunflower Deodorant was one of the first products to greet me upon entering the Oxford Street store for the first time. Stacked up in huge blocks, this strange but alluring looking product was probably not the first port of call for most people visiting the shop on the opening day. Yet I can see it being one that builds up a repertoire quite quickly with the regulars and becomes a firm favourite for many.   

Described as a cold-pressed floral deodorant, this new product is one that for many people, will need to grow on them over time. Containing a concoction of cleavers and chrysanthemums, you would expect this deodorant to give off a green, grassy and very strong floral aroma. However, with the inclusion of witch hazel, orange juice, mandarin oil and lemon oil, the scent of this product is very difficult to describe and one that can be a little off-putting to begin with. 

An initial sniff definitely showcases the orange juice and various citrus oils, but the inclusion of the chrysanthemums creates a fragrance that almost clashes with the other elements and gives off a strange, sweet, waxy smell - I suppose a little like sticking your nose into a flower arrangement. The inclusion of witch hazel adds a sort of medicinal, chamomile-eque note which doesn't make Sunflower smell terrible but doesn't give it a particularly enjoyable smell either. While I would have probably left this on the shelf had it been a shower gel, I was intrigued to see whether or not this would work as a deodorant, and it did. 

Cut into 100g pieces, this product can be a little fiddly to use, but definitely a lot easier than the likes of T'eo, Greeenich or Aromaco. I would suggest that you divide your block in half as I found it a lot easier to use a small square than the entire piece, and it also makes it easy to slip the product into a pocket or make-up bag if you wanted to it to travel with you. 

To use, simply rub the bar under your armpits and after a few seconds of your body heat warming up the oils, you'll notice that it gives off a slightly waxy sheen that wets the skin. This dries after a minute or two and you're left with a gentle floral smell that stays with you for hours after initial application. Furthermore, the inclusion of the witch hazel means that your armpits will feel lovely and smooth and overtime will become softer. 

While this deodorant doesn't mask smells after excess exercise, and I wouldn't say that it's strong enough to last the entire day, it definitely left me feeling much cleaner and dried for longer. Whereas my usual Nivea has all but vanished after a couple of hours and can sometimes transfer onto my clothes and leave embarrassing wet patches, Sunflower is the perfect balance between Lush's dry deodorants and the liquid shop-bought variations. 

Furthermore, having used my 50g piece since the day I purchased it, I have noticed very little change in the size. This means that I can expect my 100g block to see me through 4-6 months worth of use. This equates to roughly £1 per month, which is much better value than any that you might purchase in the local pharmacy. 

Even better is the fact that this solid bar is free from preservatives and all of the nasty metallic ingredients that you would expect to find in normal deodorant. These unnecessary ingredients rely upon clogging up the pores and glands to stop sweating - often creating a build-up of dirt and grime that can leave you with pretty nasty looking armpits. 

Although I wouldn't appreciate the smell of this in any other format, this product is definitely a firm favourite from the Lush store and one I will continue using regular. Lush have finally developed a solid deodorant that works for me and this is really exciting.  

Quantitative Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Cleavers, Witch Hazel and Chrysanthemum Infusion (Galium Aparine, Hamamelis virginiana, Chrysanthemum Indicum), Fresh Organic Orange Juice (citrus Aurantium dulcis), Sodium Stearate, Water (Aqua), Sodium Bicarbonate, Fresh Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum Indicum), Lemon Oil (Citrus limonum), Orange Oil (Citrus sinensis), Mandarin Oil (Citrus reticulata), Citral, Limonene, Linalool, Perfume. 

Vegan?: Yes. 

2015 Price: £4.95 for 100g. 

Year Of Original Release: 2015. 

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Sunflower Deodorant

When it comes to solid deodorant, I love the concept but have yet to find one that works with my body. Whether it's because I sweat more than the average person or because my expectations of what a deodorant should do is greater than most people, I am unsure. However, it is the one area of Lush's extensive cosmetics range that I just simply do not get on with. Until this week that is. 

Sunflower Deodorant was one of the first products to greet me upon entering the Oxford Street store for the first time. Stacked up in huge blocks, this strange but alluring looking product was probably not the first port of call for most people visiting the shop on the opening day. Yet I can see it being one that builds up a repertoire quite quickly with the regulars and becomes a firm favourite for many.   

Described as a cold-pressed floral deodorant, this new product is one that for many people, will need to grow on them over time. Containing a concoction of cleavers and chrysanthemums, you would expect this deodorant to give off a green, grassy and very strong floral aroma. However, with the inclusion of witch hazel, orange juice, mandarin oil and lemon oil, the scent of this product is very difficult to describe and one that can be a little off-putting to begin with. 

An initial sniff definitely showcases the orange juice and various citrus oils, but the inclusion of the chrysanthemums creates a fragrance that almost clashes with the other elements and gives off a strange, sweet, waxy smell - I suppose a little like sticking your nose into a flower arrangement. The inclusion of witch hazel adds a sort of medicinal, chamomile-eque note which doesn't make Sunflower smell terrible but doesn't give it a particularly enjoyable smell either. While I would have probably left this on the shelf had it been a shower gel, I was intrigued to see whether or not this would work as a deodorant, and it did. 

Cut into 100g pieces, this product can be a little fiddly to use, but definitely a lot easier than the likes of T'eo, Greeenich or Aromaco. I would suggest that you divide your block in half as I found it a lot easier to use a small square than the entire piece, and it also makes it easy to slip the product into a pocket or make-up bag if you wanted to it to travel with you. 

To use, simply rub the bar under your armpits and after a few seconds of your body heat warming up the oils, you'll notice that it gives off a slightly waxy sheen that wets the skin. This dries after a minute or two and you're left with a gentle floral smell that stays with you for hours after initial application. Furthermore, the inclusion of the witch hazel means that your armpits will feel lovely and smooth and overtime will become softer. 

While this deodorant doesn't mask smells after excess exercise, and I wouldn't say that it's strong enough to last the entire day, it definitely left me feeling much cleaner and dried for longer. Whereas my usual Nivea has all but vanished after a couple of hours and can sometimes transfer onto my clothes and leave embarrassing wet patches, Sunflower is the perfect balance between Lush's dry deodorants and the liquid shop-bought variations. 

Furthermore, having used my 50g piece since the day I purchased it, I have noticed very little change in the size. This means that I can expect my 100g block to see me through 4-6 months worth of use. This equates to roughly £1 per month, which is much better value than any that you might purchase in the local pharmacy. 

Even better is the fact that this solid bar is free from preservatives and all of the nasty metallic ingredients that you would expect to find in normal deodorant. These unnecessary ingredients rely upon clogging up the pores and glands to stop sweating - often creating a build-up of dirt and grime that can leave you with pretty nasty looking armpits. 

Although I wouldn't appreciate the smell of this in any other format, this product is definitely a firm favourite from the Lush store and one I will continue using regular. Lush have finally developed a solid deodorant that works for me and this is really exciting.  

Quantitative Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Cleavers, Witch Hazel and Chrysanthemum Infusion (Galium Aparine, Hamamelis virginiana, Chrysanthemum Indicum), Fresh Organic Orange Juice (citrus Aurantium dulcis), Sodium Stearate, Water (Aqua), Sodium Bicarbonate, Fresh Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum Indicum), Lemon Oil (Citrus limonum), Orange Oil (Citrus sinensis), Mandarin Oil (Citrus reticulata), Citral, Limonene, Linalool, Perfume. 

Vegan?: Yes. 

2015 Price: £4.95 for 100g. 

Year Of Original Release: 2015. 

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Marathon Bubble Bar

I've been really enjoying my bubble bars as of late. Since downsizing my bath bomb collection by almost 90% over the last twelve months, I now have a much better selection of bubble bars than I do ballistics. With my skin being particularly dry at the moment, these bars do wonders at soothing and nourishing my winter-kissed skin.

Marathon Bubble Bar has been one of those unlucky products, buried at the back of my drawer underneath a hundred other bubble bars. It was only when I decided to have a clear out that I found two of these - still perfectly soft and highly fragrant, wedged at the back between my Bathos and my Ma Bars.

Ever since I set my eyes on these, I made it my mission to find myself a couple for no other reason aside from their design. Sporting a bright orange facade, these bubble bars are gorgeous to look at and it helps that each one is decorated with a paper flag that only adds to it's allure.  

What is immediately noticeable about these bars is the scent - I only had to peal back the wrapper before I was engulfed with a strong, well-rounded and very distinctive aroma. Made from a combination of cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, witch hazel extract and aloe vera gel, this is bubble bar with a bite. 

The peppermint oil is the most prominent ingredient here - offering a strong, natural minty fragrance that stays throughout the entire bathing experience. Peppermint oil is a fantastic stimulant, helping to increase circulation of the blood and increasing alertness. This means that Marathon is the perfect accompaniment during the winter months, when you want something to aid relaxation whilst invigorating your senses. 

Intertwined with the mint is an equally heady note of cinnamon. This works really well with the peppermint - helping to fight depression whilst adding a warm element to the overall fragrance. Aloe Vera Gel gives the bubble bar an almost antiseptic smell and is great for cleansing the skin of impurities, while witch hazel extract, known for it's anti-inflammatory properties offer a soothing, herby aroma to finish the bar off. To me, it smelled very much like a piece of peppermint chewing gum. 

Marathon Bubble Bar is the perfect bath accompaniment for anyone who needs a complete mental or physical overhaul. It's a product that really makes you feel as if you've washed the week's stress from your skin - a refreshing, comforting addition to anyone's tub. Fans of Wiccy Magic Muscles will love this as it leaves that clean, tingling feeling on the skin afterwards.

To use, I crumbled half of the bar under the running tap and this helped to heed a good amount of bubbles. It certainly didn't offer as many bubbles as a lot of bubble bars, but it was more than enough for me. As it's colour suggests, this bar turned the water a wonderful orange colour, which doesn't necessarily match the scent it's giving off, but does help to brighten up your experience that little bit more. 

What is great about Marathon is that it doesn't take very long to work on your physical well-being and mindset once you've gotten into the bath. Within 5-10 minutes of soaking in it's water, I found that my body felt noticeably more relaxed and I found myself feeling a lot more focussed. This would be great after a long day's work if you're planning on going out in the evening as well. Immerse yourself in it's water for 15-20 minutes and you'll be set to continue for a good many hours.  

Not only this but after using half of a bar a little while after exercising, I found that it loosened my muscles up quite a bit and I didn't feel as stiff the next day. Furthermore, the fragrance lingers for hours and hours on both your skin and in the bathroom, so you've got to commit to the smell if you're planning on using it. 

One aspect that worried me slightly with this product was it's consistency. It was wonderfully soft in the wrapper but when crumbled under the tap, it did tend to turn gloopy and I noticed that there were deposits on the base of the tub. However, after being submerged under the water for a good 15 minutes, I found that these left over pieces had fully dissolved and the tub was clean once I had drained the water. 

As with most of Lush's bubble bars, this one left my skin feeling well-nourished, gorgeously moisturised and soft to the touch. I can imagine it being a fantastic bubble bar for those with sensitive or delicate skin, as the concoction of ingredients make it incredibly gentle on the body. 

It's definitely a lot different to any other bubble bar I have tried from Lush so far. It's one I would use again and I hope that Lush bring it back during those colder months. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Cream of Tartar, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Betaine, Glycerine, Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Olive Oil, Cocoamide DEA, Peppermint Oil, Witch Hazel Extract (Hamamelis virginiana), Aloe Vera Gel, Mustard Oil, Myrrh Gum, Oilbanum Gum, Benzoin Gum, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Cinnamal, Eugenol, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool, Perfume, Gardenia Extract, Colour 59040, Colour 14700, Paper Flag.

Vegan?: Yes.

2016 Price: £3.95 each.