Hidden Mountain Soap

At the risk of repeating myself, most of my readers know that I am not a huge fans of soap at all. Despite Lush creating some incredible scents in this format, they just don't get on with my skin. As someone with quite a dry complexion, I have found that most of the company's soaps leave my body feeling parched, and then I need to moisturise heavily afterwards, which brings about problems of its own.

For this reason, I was not particularly enamoured to see so many new variations in this year's seasonal range. As someone who feels the need to try and review every vegan product Lush offer to consumers, I knew that I would need to work my way through every single one of them - which wasn't going to be the best news for my already winter-touched skin.

Hidden Mountain was the first one I reached for - not because I was overly excited with the scent, but because the premise and design grabbed my attention immediately. If there is one (only) thing I love about the cold weather, it's the brisk through the local woodlands, while wrapped in a million layers to keep myself from freezing to death. I am definitely a country person at heart, and the cold weather brings about a romanticism when I think about exploring woods and forests.

This soap immediately offered a rapport that reminded me of both Needles And Pine Shower Jelly and Tramp Shower Gel. In fact, I have heard rumours that the soap is supposed to be a combination of the latter and Grass, and I can definitely relate to that description as well. Either way, this product is definitely one for those who like grassy, earthy smells.

Containing ho wood oil and labdanum resinoid, Hidden Mountain offers a green floral smell with woody undertones that support and pad out of the overall fragrance. Labdanum has a very rich, resinous smell about it and I see this as the dominant note overall. Despite it being low in the mix, the lavender can be detected, and offers a subtle dry, floral component as well. 

To me, this soap really is like walking through a forest after it has snowed - the ferns and woodland plants wet and bleeding that earthy, green phosphorus smell into the air; the shrubbery and fallen branches adding a cloudy and quite saturated woody smell. It's definitely not a scent for the faint-hearted, and when you use this you will find the aroma follows you around for hours later.

What I enjoyed about Hidden Mountain was that the inclusion of cocoa butter meant that this soap was a little gentler on my skin. While I would never claim that it was moisturising for me, I did use it for successive weeks as a hand soap, and I never once suffered from dry or damaged skin. In fact, the soap brought about a slight clarity to my hands - meaning that there was almost a radiance to my skin after using it. Furthermore, the scent clung to my skin like an icicle on a tree branch, and I was once complimented on my 'perfume' some three hours later, which was impressive. 

For those who appreciate soaps more than I do, and love the fragrance of this one, I should warn you that this shrunk at an alarming rate. After using it around 3-4 times in the shower, the 100g piece I had bought had almost halved in size. For this reason, you need to make sure that it does not come into contact with the running water very often, and that you pat the piece down once you have finished bathing. 

Ultimately, this was never going to be a product I would rave about; neither was it ever going to be one that I bought multiple pieces of. However, I did really appreciate the smell of Hidden Mountain and I can see how someone with skin that's a little less drier than mine might benefit from using this.  

Quantittaive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Castor Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Perfume, Kaolin, Ho Wood Oil, Labdanum Resinoid, Lavender Oil, Coarse Sea Salt, Citric Acid, Glycerine, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Bicarbonate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Iron Oxides, Alpha-Isomethyl ionone, *Coumarin, *Eugenol, Oakmoss Extract, Colour 42090.

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £5.40 for 100g.

Year Of Original Release: 2017. 

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Chick 'N' Mix Bath Bomb

As the only new bath bomb in this year's Easter range, Chick 'N' Mix has a lot of pressure on its shoulders. The fact that it's also on the more expensive side means that this newly-hatched invention has a cumbersome amount of work to do, in order to prove its worth as well as its price tag. 

What is interesting about this bath bomb is that it comes already divided: both halves of the 'egg' are separate bath bombs that can be pulled apart with ease. While this makes it really effective for those who wish to spread this across multiple baths, it does prove a little fiddly when trying to escort the bath bomb home. I was very surprised to find that both of mine survived the journey from Oxford Street, yet I know of many people who couldn't claim the same about theirs. 

On the negative side, the fact that this bath bomb is separate means that if you wish to use it in one go, it doesn't last for more than a second together before both pieces disperse themselves across the water. I should probably mention at this time that there is a third ballistic in the middle, although I wouldn't say that it is big enough to be used by itself.

What struck me as interesting about Chick 'N' Mix was that the smell was so far removed from anything I was expecting. Featuring bergamot, labdanum and tonka, this seasonal special offers a rich, intoxicating smell - one that would work incredibly well as a perfume, if I do say so myself.

From the get-go, I was able to make out two key components: the labdanum was at the forefront with a musky, resinous aroma, while the tonka absolute wrapped itself around this note and added its own sweet, warming components. The latter was definitely more forthcoming once the bath bomb was in use, but it was still present before this time.

There is something slightly woody and slightly smoky about this fragrance that reminds me a little of incense sticks. However, there is also this thread of green running through the whole aroma that adds a subtle fruitiness to it as well. It's quite a dark and exotic smell - definitely not something you'd associate with the playful nature of the bath bomb itself.

Upon impact, the bath bomb breaks off into the three sections, and although each part has the same aroma, they each perform very differently in the tub. The top half rolls itself over and sends out streams of yellow across the surface; the bottom produces a pastel blue colour. Along with the mini orange bath bomb in the middle, each of the colours swirl and eddy around the tub until they form a rich, succulent shade of green.

While it doesn't appear at all oily in the tub, I found that the water was far more moisturising than I was expecting. Furthermore, the scent was dampened a little, but remained with me during the whole experience. What I really liked about this bath bomb is that the soothing nature of the fragrance felt really mentally calming, and I found that the smell actually helped to alleviate a headache I was suffering from at the time.

My only issue with this bath bomb is that I found orange smears around the bath tub, after the water had drained. These were easy to remove with a sponge and a little squirt of shower gel. However, it would obviously have been nicer if hadn't needed to have done this after a relaxing bath.

Chick 'N' Mix is one that I will be buying a couple more of before the season is out - just to try out separate baths with each half and see what they heed by themselves. However, despite hoping that other products will be released in this scent, I don't think this bath bomb is one that I'd miss all that much if it wasn't to come back again. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Bergamot Oil, Labdanum Resinoid, Tonka Absolute, *Limonene, Coumarin, Perfume, Tangerine Lustre, Colour 45350, Colour 42090, Vegan Dark Chocolate.

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £6.95 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2017.

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Rentless Liquid Perfume

What I love about being so passionate about Lush, is not only how enthusiastic they are about their products, but also how much they have influenced me over the years, when it comes to my favourite aromas and what I look for in a new scent. Their perfumes in particular, are an area that I have grown to cherish - not only because they offer unique fragrances that you just wouldn't expect to find anywhere else, but because of the stories that go hand-in-hand to bring these smells alive for the wearer.

Rentless is a perfume that initially bowled me over for the simple reason that patchouli was listed as the key ingredient. Over the years, I have come to realise that the much-used plant is one of my favourite smells, and it amazes me that it can present itself so very differently, depending on what accompaniment it has been arranged with.

Sharing its scent with the much sort-after Metamorphosis Bath Bomb, this unique and very beautiful fragrance was, up until recently, only available for those who managed to grab them at the Lush Showcase Event back in September. With the company announcing its release in the Gorilla store this week, it's only a matter of time before this wonderful product makes its presence known across the UK, and hopefully across the globe in the near future as well. 

Inspired by a man named Tachowa Covington, Rentless tells a story of the twenty five years he remained homeless on the streets of California. Upon finding an abandoned water tank one day, he decided to convert it into a home - swearing an oath with God that he would begin a new life in the tank and use his time to care for those who needed his help. He filled his tank with an array of wonderful, recycled items that he used to create makeshift shelving and decorations with, and set about on his quest to better the lives of those who needed extra support.

His happiness was cut short when the street artist, Banksy, thought his self-made home wasn't to be taken seriously, and scribed the words 'This Looks a Bit Like an Elephant' across the side of the tank. Given the popularity of the artist's work, the tank sparked interest from potential collectors, and ended up being sold by a construction company, thus destroying Tachowa's home and the life he had built up for himself.

What I love about this perfume is that I really get a sense of what his home might have been like, through the use of the ingredients and the carefully constructed layers that read like a story on your skin. Containing patchouli, labdanum, tonka and grapefruit, this fragrance is warming as well as spicy; crisp as well as herbal, and I get a sense of belonging whenever I wear this.

Strangely, in the bottle, Rentless reminds me of a fresh Christmas tree - it has an element of pine to it that initially confused me until I realised that labdanum was the other main ingredient. This note gives the perfume a fresh, crisp edge to it, which smoothens out once it's warmed on your skin, and offers a sort of resinous smell with notes of pepper and leather.

Out of the bottle, the patchouli and labdanum worked together to create a spicy, peppery concoction with just a hint of sweetness from the former ingredient. It's herbal yet equally woody, and reminds me very slightly of the smoky note you find in The Bug, albeit more gentle and not as overpowering.

You'd be mistaken if you thought that the inclusion of the grapefruit would give the perfume a fruity component. Instead, I feel as if it sits towards the back of the smell and supports the patchouli's sweeter side as opposed to offering much of its own aroma. Likewise, the tonka doesn't present much of a smell either - its purpose seems to be in softening the patchouli and labdanum just very slightly so that neither are too harsh on the senses. 

If you're expecting something rounded and vanillary, you'll be disappointed. Rentless possesses the warming qualities you might look for in a winter perfume, but it does this through the use of fresh, crisp, peppery layers, that intertwine to create a unique and very exquisite fragrance. 

If like me, you're a fan of all things patchouli, you will probably appreciate how different this component presents itself in this perfume. However, if you're expecting something in the same realms as Karma, Blue Skies or Lord Of Misrule, you will probably be left feeling a little deflated. 

Overall, I feel as if this scent works better in liquid perfume format than it does as a bath bomb. The fragrance is far stronger, more pronounced and it stays on your skin for many hours after initial application. Rentless is a product that I would use to compliment those icy-cold mornings, when your breath is clouding in front of you and the frost is nipping at your face. This fragrance would create a warming barrier around you - that much-needed hug to see you through the day.      

Quantitative Ingredients: Patchouli Oil, Labdanum Resinoid, Tonka Absolute, Grapefruit Oil, Anise Alcohol, Citral, Coumarin, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.

Vegan?: Yes.

2016 Price: £36 for 30ml.
2017 Price: £25 for 30ml.

Year Of Original Release: 2016.

Scent Family:
Metamorphosis Bath Bomb
Rentless Liquid Perfume

Read More

Rentless Liquid Perfume

What I love about being so passionate about Lush, is not only how enthusiastic they are about their products, but also how much they have influenced me over the years, when it comes to my favourite aromas and what I look for in a new scent. Their perfumes in particular, are an area that I have grown to cherish - not only because they offer unique fragrances that you just wouldn't expect to find anywhere else, but because of the stories that go hand-in-hand to bring these smells alive for the wearer.

Rentless is a perfume that initially bowled me over for the simple reason that patchouli was listed as the key ingredient. Over the years, I have come to realise that the much-used plant is one of my favourite smells, and it amazes me that it can present itself so very differently, depending on what accompaniment it has been arranged with.

Sharing its scent with the much sort-after Metamorphosis Bath Bomb, this unique and very beautiful fragrance was, up until recently, only available for those who managed to grab them at the Lush Showcase Event back in September. With the company announcing its release in the Gorilla store this week, it's only a matter of time before this wonderful product makes its presence known across the UK, and hopefully across the globe in the near future as well. 

Inspired by a man named Tachowa Covington, Rentless tells a story of the twenty five years he remained homeless on the streets of California. Upon finding an abandoned water tank one day, he decided to convert it into a home - swearing an oath with God that he would begin a new life in the tank and use his time to care for those who needed his help. He filled his tank with an array of wonderful, recycled items that he used to create makeshift shelving and decorations with, and set about on his quest to better the lives of those who needed extra support.

His happiness was cut short when the street artist, Banksy, thought his self-made home wasn't to be taken seriously, and scribed the words 'This Looks a Bit Like an Elephant' across the side of the tank. Given the popularity of the artist's work, the tank sparked interest from potential collectors, and ended up being sold by a construction company, thus destroying Tachowa's home and the life he had built up for himself.

What I love about this perfume is that I really get a sense of what his home might have been like, through the use of the ingredients and the carefully constructed layers that read like a story on your skin. Containing patchouli, labdanum, tonka and grapefruit, this fragrance is warming as well as spicy; crisp as well as herbal, and I get a sense of belonging whenever I wear this.

Strangely, in the bottle, Rentless reminds me of a fresh Christmas tree - it has an element of pine to it that initially confused me until I realised that labdanum was the other main ingredient. This note gives the perfume a fresh, crisp edge to it, which smoothens out once it's warmed on your skin, and offers a sort of resinous smell with notes of pepper and leather.

Out of the bottle, the patchouli and labdanum worked together to create a spicy, peppery concoction with just a hint of sweetness from the former ingredient. It's herbal yet equally woody, and reminds me very slightly of the smoky note you find in The Bug, albeit more gentle and not as overpowering.

You'd be mistaken if you thought that the inclusion of the grapefruit would give the perfume a fruity component. Instead, I feel as if it sits towards the back of the smell and supports the patchouli's sweeter side as opposed to offering much of its own aroma. Likewise, the tonka doesn't present much of a smell either - its purpose seems to be in softening the patchouli and labdanum just very slightly so that neither are too harsh on the senses. 

If you're expecting something rounded and vanillary, you'll be disappointed. Rentless possesses the warming qualities you might look for in a winter perfume, but it does this through the use of fresh, crisp, peppery layers, that intertwine to create a unique and very exquisite fragrance. 

If like me, you're a fan of all things patchouli, you will probably appreciate how different this component presents itself in this perfume. However, if you're expecting something in the same realms as Karma, Blue Skies or Lord Of Misrule, you will probably be left feeling a little deflated. 

Overall, I feel as if this scent works better in liquid perfume format than it does as a bath bomb. The fragrance is far stronger, more pronounced and it stays on your skin for many hours after initial application. Rentless is a product that I would use to compliment those icy-cold mornings, when your breath is clouding in front of you and the frost is nipping at your face. This fragrance would create a warming barrier around you - that much-needed hug to see you through the day.      

Quantitative Ingredients: Patchouli Oil, Labdanum Resinoid, Tonka Absolute, Grapefruit Oil, Anise Alcohol, Citral, Coumarin, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.

Vegan?: Yes.

2016 Price: £36 for 30ml.
2017 Price: £25 for 30ml.

Year Of Original Release: 2016.

Scent Family:
Metamorphosis Bath Bomb
Rentless Liquid Perfume

Read More