The Lush Times is a quarterly print newspaper featuring articles around our products, passions and the people that make up our pioneering cosmetics company.
LUSH TIMES SPOT THE HOT CROSS BUNNY INSIDE THIS SCENT HAUNTS MY EX LOVERS SPRING 2 0 2 4 FREE By SilkySiren, California
TURN TO PAGE 13 FOR MORE >
What’s in a name? New Alina perfume
The power of scent to improve your day and night
How we’re fighting animal testing and funding better science
Heaven scent: which fragrance matches your star sign?
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MAKING OUR MUMS PROUD SINCE 1995
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Lush Co-Founder, Mark Constantine, shares what’s on his mind. “I was brought up in different times. There was a lot of violence: from teachers, the other kids, the Headmaster. People were often horrible to anyone different. Rockers beat up mods, skinheads fought racist battles, being gay was illegal and it was deemed OK to make fun of those less fortunate. Like most, I like kindness and politeness. It seems to be that those who complain about the world becoming “too woke” want to return to those bad times that I grew up in. Although we have a long way to go, how lovely is it that societies are now starting to move beyond those old ways. On the topic of kindness, we believe in being kind to your skin. At Lush, we have had a lot of young folk come to us who have overused products with harsh, active ingredients and ended up with problems. If this chimes with you, the solution is Lush’s Ultrabland facial cleanser. Use it to clean the skin regularly for a month or so, and nothing else, to get things back to where they belong. MARK'S RAMBLES
LUSH NEWS
Q Why did you name the perfume Alina? It’s my name, a name which was chosen by my grandmother. It is an example of how generations influence each other; how they are still and always will be relevant in our lives. Q What was the inspiration for the fragrance? WHAT’S IN A PRODUCT NAME? The latest addition to our core fragrance range, Alina, was created by Lush Perfumer of the same name. Inspired by the generations of women who came before her, Alina sought to celebrate inter-generational connection in this complex and timeless three-part scent.
Trinity Wong at Lush Toronto Eaton Centre
Forbes’ ‘Best Companies for Women’ Lush was listed as one of Forbes’ World’s Best Employers, as well as Best Companies for Women. Co-Founder Helen Ambrosen says: “A culture which enables women to pursue their long-term career ambitions has brought their influence and ideas to the company. Lush has benefited greatly from their hard work and commitment. We are so proud to see this has been recognised with this award and we dedicate it to them.”
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All the love for Charity Pot Last year, you put your support behind the little pot that does a lot, making it our most-sold product of 2023. Because of your support, since 2007 we’ve donated £74m globally to grassroots organisations working to protect animals, human rights, and the environment. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for Bringing It Back In 2023, we recycled nearly 30 tonnes of Lush plastic packaging from the Bring It Back scheme at the Green Hub—our closed loop recycling centre in Poole, UK. In total, we collected and processed a whopping 1,428 tonnes of materials in 2023. 89.5% of this was recycled, and the rest went for waste-to-energy incineration. This was a record breaking year for the Green Hub!
Q What does Alina smell like?
The below ingredients are blended to give a sweet, spicy, powdery, earthy, soapy and musky character to the perfume.
TOP NOTES The first impression At first spritz, Alina is
sweet and fresh thanks to bergamot oil, pink pepper and clove bud oil, along with warm amber and vanilla.
We are always thinking about animal testing, which is another outdated piece of violence from the past. We think it needs banning. Turn to page 6 to find out what we’re doing about that.
BERGAMOT OIL
Rewilding in Peru Over 10 years ago, we acquired two Peruvian forest concessions. But instead of cutting trees, we worked with local people to preserve biodiversity. In one of the concessions we are hand-harvesting brazil nuts to produce nutrient-rich oil, used in products like Candy Rain hair conditioner and Ro’s Argan body conditioner. In a recent study, it was found that one of the concessions supports over 300% more primate life than outside the land boundaries, as well as some species that were only spotted in this area. Lush products can, quite literally, leave the world lusher. Scan the code to see some of the beautiful wildlife images from the camera trap.
It came from reading The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity.
BASE NOTES The lasting impact Finally, there’s a woody and deep undercurrent of frankincense, patchouli, vetiver and sandalwood oils. MIDDLE NOTES The heart of it Then comes a more floral and aldehydic centre with jasmine and orris oil – a sweet, powdery oil, reminiscent of the scent of violets.
The book explains how our lives will be affected by living longer and how the old system with three stages of life (education, work and retirement) will no longer suit our needs. We will need to reinvent ourselves, and this will lead us to natural interaction between all ages. I created three distinct fragrances, each one representing a different generation born in the last 100 years. I then blended these together to create one perfume, representing how the generations will mix together again, all thanks to longer life.
ORRIS OIL
Happy reading, Mark”
FRANKINCENSE
© Lush Limited 2024. All rights reserved. Printed on 100% recycled paper by Reach Publishing Services (Watford) Limited. Lush Limited Registered in England and Wales, No. 02940032 29 High Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1AB, United Kingdom. lushtimes@lush.co.uk Trademarks are owned by Cosmetic Warriors Limited and used under Licence. All information is correct at the time of printing.
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SCENT- SATIONAL ROUTINES The power of scent to improve your day and night
Scented Slumbers
some fragrance. I find being surrounded by the right scent can help my mind make the shift from a busy day towards a restful sleep. I always go for something more gentle than I’d typically wear during the day. My favourite perfumes for this are Vanillary, Dear John and American Cream—to me, they all have softer, calmer, or sweeter elements to them which makes me feel cosy and wrapped up.” What’s your bedtime scent?
Marilyn Monroe famously once said, “What do I wear to bed? Why, Chanel No. 5 of course.” It seems Marilyn was ahead of her time, as more and more people cotton on to the idea that wearing perfume to bed can have a myriad of benefits for mind and body, from aiding better sleep, to just adding a touch of luxury to your every day. Fragrance Category Lead, Lee Howes, explains: “Before I go to bed, I always put on
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S cent is a powerful way in which we experience the world. We build connections with our sense of smell all the time, just as we do with all of our senses. When we take in a fragrance, the odour molecules race through our systems, firing up key parts of the brain. Our amygdala is the part of our brain that processes emotions, and is part of our olfactory system. For thousands of years, cultures around the world have used fragrant materials for aromatherapy to affect mood and state of mind through scent. We also intrinsically encode the smells in our environment as part of our wider memories. Sometimes this can be a smell linked to a particular memory, like the smell of the orange blossom from your childhood garden, or the perfume you wore on your wedding day. But we also begin to associate everyday activities with the smells we encounter regularly—the smell of toothpaste in the morning or the pillow spray you spritz before you go to bed. Every habit starts with a cue. We can use fragrance to recall these everyday memories and how we felt at the time, making scent a powerful tool in building routines that support our natural cycle of sleepiness and wakefulness. Finding the right fragrances to wake you up or soothe you to sleep can be a wonderful way to weave scent into your every day. Here, our own Lush fragrance experts share what works for them.
Emma’s PM routine Here’s how our Perfumer, Emma Vincent, ensures a peaceful night’s sleep in the Vincent household.
Lee’s AM routine
Fragrance Category Lead, Lee Howes, shares his top tips for a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed morning.
4. Clear The Air Lush Melt “I’m a massive believer in using fragrance to shift and change the atmosphere of a space, and Lush melts do this perfectly for me. Lemongrass, mint and eucalyptus give Clear The Air a clean, breezy and refreshing scent. I love to use it in my oil burner on a Sunday morning when I’m cleaning the house, and I often have it melting away on my desk as I work to help me feel awake and focused.” 5. Happy Hippy Shower Gel “I’ve been using Happy Hippy for about 15 years now and it always has a place in my shower. Grapefruit has an amazing way of instantly lifting me up as soon as I smell it, and we use both the juice and the oil in this shower gel. On grey cold days, it feels like a bit of sunshine, and in summer it’s super refreshing.” 6. Cup o’ Coffee Face & Body Mask “This one has a dual purpose for me. My skin loves the exfoliation, but I also (like most people) naturally associate the smell of coffee with my morning routine. The mask is comforting and energising at the same time, helping me feel like I’m washing away the day before and starting afresh.”
1. Twilight Body Spray “I actually use this as a room spray in my children’s rooms. I go in an hour before bedtime and pump a few sprays into their room and have noticed they either settle a little quicker to sleep, or have less broken sleep.” 2. Deep Sleep Magnesium Massage Bar “This is the newest Lush product I’ve been loving. I began using it as I would often get restless and swollen legs, especially if I’ve been on my feet all day. Once I’ve rubbed it into my calves, I rub it into my forearms and hands as well so the strong lavender scent sits with me for some time before I go to bed.” 3. Sleepy Body Lotion “This was my go-to body cream for my children as it is mild enough on their skin, and became part of the ‘sleep’ routine we did after bathing, gently moisturising, and getting us all settled down for the evening. It’s been a family favourite for years.”
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Level up your bathing with Bathe, Lush’s audio-visual platform. Soak in guided meditations, from the healing vibrations of a sound bath, to the sleep-inducing sounds of ASMR. Available on the Lush app. TO THE FTR
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FIGHTING ANIMAL TESTING FUNDING BETTER SCIENCE
Over the past 30 years, Lush has blazed a trail in ending animal testing in the cosmetics industry and campaigned to eradicate it from other industries too.
“I get many emails from constituents deeply concerned about the harm that this causes to animals and the wider harm that animal testing causes.”
RAISING £674K FOR DEXTER’S ARC FUNDING £1M PROJECT These funds have now been donated to Wellcome Sanger Institute research centre. Animal-free research into Rhabdomyosarcoma in order to find better treatments to lengthen and improve the quality of life of these children and their families. Dexter’s Dragon Egg bath bombs were sold globally. SOLD 136,000
We know that animal test results lack human relevance, are unreliable, unpredictable and cause unnecessary suffering. Since 2012, Lush has championed and funded better science through the Lush Prize, which has awarded almost £3 million to those who are pioneering and promoting human-relevant, non-animal technologies. The cutting-edge science work we see fills us with excitement for a better future. That’s why we share the experience with our customers. Each year one of our customers is chosen as the Lush Prize Customer Judge to sit on the panel alongside scientists, campaigners and educators to choose the winners. Another way we are funding better science is through Dexter’s Arc. Thanks to your overwhelming support of the 2022 release of Dexter’s Dragon Egg bath bomb, we were able to raise £674K specifically for the purpose of non-animal tested research into Rhabdomyosarcoma—a rare childhood cancer. More on that on the opposite page.
In November 2023, we held a reception in the Houses of Parliament where 42 MPs met with representatives of Lush, animal welfare groups and scientists to learn more about this issue and show their support. Here’s what some of the MPs attending had to say.
Alison Thewliss MP
Send a message with MR H (NOW EVEN LOUDER)
“I don’t think we need animal research any longer, I think the science has outgrown that idea.”
Steve McCabe MP
Now we really need to ensure that this is an issue that no elected representative or person standing for office can ignore. We know that politicians really take notice of the letters and emails they receive from constituents, and with your help we can make sure they hear us loud and clear.
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Please take a moment to visit FightingAnimalTesting.com
where you can send an email to your MP calling on them to support our plan to end animal testing for good. This is within our grasp, we just need to make sure there is the political will to make it happen. The animals are counting on you, so please take action today.
Lobbying For Legislative Change
FUNDING BETTER SCIENCE WITH DEXTER’S DRAGON EGG
We also know that the vast majority of people want to see an end to animal testing, but there is only so much the public, industry and scientists can do. Ultimately we need the people who make the laws to enact legislation that reflects the will of the people and the innovations in science by systematically ending animal testing and channelling resources into better science. That’s why we are working with MPs to raise questions in Parliament, to put this issue into party manifestos and commit to a road map that will ultimately lead to an end to all animal testing.
I n 2022, Jack and Rachel Constantine and their family lost seven-year-old Dexter Constantine-Tatchell, their Master of Dragons. He fought fiercely against Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood cancer that lacks awareness as well as a lack of funding for research and treatment.
a fundraising platform created with the support of Alice’s Arc, a registered charity in England and Wales. We launched a limited edition adaption of the bestselling Dragon’s Egg bath bomb, ‘Dexter’s Dragon Egg’, and thanks to your support, raised £674K for Dexter’s Arc, specifically for the purpose of non-animal tested research into Rhabdomyosarcoma.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF DEXTER’S DRAGON EGG. Scan the Lush Code in the Lush app to donate to Dexter’s Arc.
“Best bag in the world. I recommend it to everyone, even people who don’t ask or care to know. I bring it up randomly in conversations, even with strangers.” Chelstruction, Orlando
CAROLINE LUCAS, CHRIS PACKHAM AND NATALIE BENNETT AT LUSH’S EVENT AT HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, NOVEMBER 2023
To honour Dexter and children like him, Lush supported the launch of Dexter’s Arc,
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FOR MANY MOONS, BURNT OUT STARS FROM BEYOND THE INTERGALACTIC UNIVERSE HAVE TRAVELLED TO FALL IN THE DREAM POOLS ON THE SURFACE OF TWILIGHT PLANET. ONCE THE MAGIC OF TWILIGHT HAS REPLENISHED A STAR’S LIFE FORCE, IT’S HARVESTED AND RETURNED TO THE SKIES, READY TO BE WISHED UPON AGAIN. ONE STAR HARVESTER, STELLA, IS SEARCHING FOR RESTORED STARS…
THE NEXT DAY, STELLA RETURNS TO THE DREAM POOL TO RETRIEVE THE STAR WITH CARE.
YOU’RE NOT QUITE READY, BACK YOU GO, LITTLE ONE. IT’S THE LITTLE LILAC STAR I SEEK.
YOU HAVE A MESSAGE FROM THE LITTLE STAR NAMED SLEEPY? HIS DREAM ISN’T TO RETURN TO THE SKY.
HELLO LITTLE STAR, HOW DIFFERENT YOU SEEM TO ALL THE OTHERS.
THIS IS SLEEPY, AND HE WANTS TO STAY. A STAR NOT READY FOR THE SKIES.
WORLDS WILL SPEAK OF YOU IN THE AWAKE HOURS SLEEPY, AND THEY WILL REJOICE THE TRANQUIL PEACE YOU GIFT THEM IN THEIR DREAMS AND SLUMBER.
I’LL BE BACK WHEN YOU’VE RESTORED YOUR STRENGTH.
HE DOESN’T WANT TO FULFIL THE DREAM OF ONE BUT OF MANY. HE GIFTS THE POWER OF HIS SLEEPY STARDUST.
COMIC ILLUSTRATED BY DAVID COUSENS
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THE MOTHER OF ALL BATHS (OR SHOWERS)
Like Lush, the POP programme has a rigorous set of ethical standards, inspired by the Ethical Trading Initiative — a leading alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promote workers’ rights around the globe. The POP programme has created a recycled plastic supply chain with remarkable traceability, allowing us to track the raw material right from the communities where it originates, through to the sorting and recycling centres where it is processed. We’re witnessing the incredible impact of this programme, which as a whole is preventing over 1,000 tonnes of plastic from entering the ocean every month.
Here’s a peek at three of the best and buzziest products from our Mother’s Day range. Scrub and lather with a host of sensational springtime scents and celebrate your unique mum in all their glory.
At Lush, we’re constantly looking for ways to innovate with packaging, especially when it helps us to leave the world lusher than we found it , and our new Prevented Ocean Plastic™ does exactly that! Currently in the U.K. and all its export markets, Lush is using certified recycled PET plastic for all of our clear bottles (excluding the cap and label), except our 1 litre bottle which we are working on transitioning. We are also planning to launch this recycled plastic in North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand in the coming months, which will allow us to roll Prevented Ocean Plastic™ bottles out globally. Every time you take home our product in a clear plastic bottle marked with the POP trademark, you’re helping to protect marine ecosystems and the coastal communities who are at the forefront of the effects of ocean plastic pollution. A CLEAR VISION FOR PREVENTING OCEAN PLASTIC
YUMMY CUSTARD BODY WASH From £9.00
A legend returns. Lather up with this SLS-free wash loaded with hydrating glycerine, soothing aloe vera and calming oat milk—plus a sprinkle of cornstarch for a velvety finish. It smells just like fan fave Nana, but with a touch of extra sweet vanilla.
How is Prevented Ocean Plastic™ turned into new Lush bottles? Plastic bottles are collected from at-risk areas by bottle collectors and delivered to a Prevented Ocean Plastic™ collection centre. Collectors are paid by weight for the plastic waste they deposit, and receive a higher price for clean sorted plastics than the standard market rate. These plastic bottles are sorted and pressed for easier transportation, then sent to recycling factories that sanitise them before processing them into raw material pellets. These pellets are then sent to our plastic bottle manufacturer in the UK where they are turned into beautifully clear, high quality recycled plastic bottles that showcase our gorgeous products. Why is ocean plastic pollution disproportionately affecting developing countries? Rising standards of living have enabled people in low-resourced remote communities to use more single-use plastic items, while complex geographical barriers and minimal collection services make effective waste management difficult. At the same time, developed countries, which generate more plastic waste per capita, are exporting their recyclable materials to developing countries, despite them lacking the effective waste management systems needed. All this means these under-resourced communities are shouldering the burden of protecting our oceans from plastic pollution. The POP programme provides a preventative, holistic solution. The programme is developing efficient waste management infrastructure, creating reliable income opportunities with dignified working conditions for local people, and providing certified and traceable premium quality recycled plastic to global markets, all while fighting ocean pollution.
How can you help close the loop on plastic? When you’re finished with your Lush products, bring the clean plastic packaging back to your local Lush and we’ll recycle them into fresh new pots, wherever possible. We accept all Lush plastic packaging in the Bring It Back scheme, and you’ll receive 50p off your new Lush goodies per packaging item you bring back, or save up five to exchange for a free fresh face mask. Taking responsibility for the packaging we create as a business is an important step in our evolution towards a circular economy. Our stores send your empty Lush packaging to our Green Hub recycling centre on the trucks that have just dropped off lovely new products to them. We then take on the waste reduction and resource recycling, finding new and creative ways to make sure our packaging stays out of landfill. From left to right: Gusti Ngurah Oka Sidemen, I Nyoman Widana, Efendi Lau Bura, Eka Agustiana, Daniel Lawrence, Alvaro Aguilar, Widian Tari, I Nyoman Darsana
SNUGGLES SHOWER GEL From £8.00
THE OLD SONGS ARE WAKING SUGAR SCRUB From £10.00 This new scrub has the sweet scent of tonka and vanilla, mixed with the richness of bergamot and babassu oil. “I took the name from a song called Savage Daughter. I really like the lyrics ‘old songs are waking’, as a way of passing knowledge and stories from generation to generation.” Michelle, Lush Product Inventor
Fancy a snuggle? Product Inventor Gary says his daughter is always asking for cuddles, so he created the ultimate cosy shower gel with hydrating cocoa butter and the comforting sweet scent of Butterball.
So, what is Prevented Ocean Plastic™?
This is your sign ...to stop using wasteful wrapping GATHER UP GIFTS WITH NEW ZODIAC KNOT WRAPS—DROPPING EVERY MONTH.
Prevented Ocean Plastic™, or POP, is plastic that has been collected within 50km of an ocean coastline, or major waterway, that would otherwise be at risk of entering and polluting oceans. The plastic used for our clear bottles comes from Indonesia, where a lack of waste management and recycling infrastructure is already being overwhelmed by tourism and a growing population, creating a significant threat of plastic contamination to their wildlife and ecosystems. 80% of the plastic polluting our oceans comes from land-based sources in developing coastal communities. Once this plastic enters the ocean, it breaks down into smaller particles, becoming extremely difficult to track and remove. Packaging made from Prevented Ocean Plastic™ works to stop harm to marine life and ecosystems before it even enters the ocean.
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TOP NOTES Love letters & reviews from our lushies
and they’ve brought a basket of egg- cellent tub and shower treats to soak in the season. Chocolate not included (but highly recommended). THE BUNNY IS BACK...
HOT CROSS BUNNY BUBBLE BAR £5.00
Who could stay mad in a bath brimming with sweet, gingery-scented bubbles? Product Inventor Michelle was inspired to use the classic Gingerbread House scent again after Lush Discord user @xpeachx said they’d love to see it make a comeback. Look familiar? You might’ve already noticed this frowny little face throughout these pages. Scan the code on the Lush app to tell us where they are and you might just be in for a special treat… STICKY DATES SUGAR SCRUB & BODY LOTION Both from £10.00 Can’t get enough of Sticky Dates? We hear you. That’s why we’ve created not just one but two new products with the sweet toffee scent. Enjoy a sugar scrub that leaves limbs soft and gleaming, and a buttery lotion made with supremely softening cocoa and illipe butters.
ROMANTIC LOVE.
THIS SCENT HAUNTS MY EX LOVERS.
REEK LIKE OUTDOOR FILTH–THAT’S A GOOD THING.
“Once upon a time, my new boyfriend and I visited a little shop in Covent Garden called B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful . We decided to choose our own signature scent and hoped that they would carry on making it (which they mostly have)...
“It’s my signature scent and the source of my power. It is so beautiful and unabashedly sexy, sensual and seductive. It works so well with my body chemistry and people compliment me on it all the time, demanding to know what it is.” SilkySiren, California
“Deem myself as having a
penchant for the outdoors as this scent delivers. Contains a musty
after all, our love for one another was going to last forever and ever. After smelling all the incredible
enough hint to remind me of kayaking past hanging moss from the lower tree limbs. Whatever the flashback, it’s outdoors to me.” Muck, Texas
perfumes, we chose Love. We wore it on our wedding day and still both wear Love to this day– 24 years in March!” Anonymous
MAKES ME MISS MY BED.
OUDHESS SHOWER GEL From £10.00 Shower under the moonlight and lather up with this grounding, woodsy oudh- and osmanthus-scented wash. To honour Eid al-Fitr with our Muslim community, we created an exclusive product and gift, in collaboration with Lush team members who celebrate Eid.
“This scent is amazing, I spray my bed with it before sleep and it sends you off into an incredible slumber. So peaceful and comforting. The only downside is that one of my colleagues is wearing it as a perfume to work and it makes me dozy and miss my bed!” Cassahh
THE MOMENT I TOOK MY FIRST WHIFF OF SHADE, A LINE FROM SHAKESPEARE’S THE TEMPEST POPPED INTO MY HEAD:
DESPERATELY WANTED TO SMELL LIKE TAYLOR SWIFT’S ARMPIT.
“But you, O you, So perfect and so peerless, are created Of every creature’s best.”
NEW MOON GIFT £24.00 Features the year-round bestseller, Twilight bath bomb as well as the Eid-exclusive Crescent Moon soap—made with zippy lemongrass, grounding patchouli and sweet orange. The gift is designed by Aiza Johari, a visual designer from Malaysia who is based in London and Kuala Lumpur.
“In my artwork, I aimed to capture the joyful essence of Eid by depicting a blushing, starlit night sky embellished with decorations that draw inspiration from my home country’s traditions associated with the eagerly awaited sighting of the new moon which heralds the commencement of Eid.” Aiza Johari
“This is, hands down, the most captivating perfume in Lush’s core range collection. It’s everything I adore about Lush fragrances–exuberant and unrefined, it quickly draws you in and leaves a loving, lasting impression. Woody with just a touch of sweetness, Shade is an absolute joy to wear.” Lady Lushalade, Toronto
“This perfume is lovely. It’s expensive smelling, but very delicate. I wouldn’t say it’s androgynous. I smell pine and it quickly dries down to citrus. More importantly, this smells like Taylor Swift’s armpit.” Cornelia Street, NY
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YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS We’re hippies. But even hippies have high standards. Safe skincare explained
-Lola “Bury me in this mask” SKINCARE
For several years now, Lush has been diligently building up a database of ingredient safety information through a partnership with XCellR8: the UK’s first completely animal- free testhouse. Innovative tests on human skin cell models (not ‘cruelty-free’ animal tissues derived from the meat industry) have given us new and more accurate insights into cosmetic ingredients on humans. Not only is it more ethical, but using human cells to test human exposures is simply better science.
exfoliators damage the skin whilst promoting high strength ingredients like retinol, Helen recently initiated the testing of finished Lush skincare products with XCellR8. These tests assessed the potential irritancy of the product on the skin as a customer would use it, whether left on like a moisturiser or scrubbed and rinsed like an exfoliator. The results were vindicating: every tested Lush skincare product was completely non-irritating to human skin in realistic use conditions, apart from our most active scrub, Bright & Beautiful, which was ranked as mild to moderate. “The results we’ve had tell us what we already knew,” she explains, “that we formulate carefully in a way that’s sensitive to the skin. They also tell us that blanket statements about avoiding perfume, essential oils or physical exfoliants don’t ring true — it comes down to expertise in formulation and knowledge of your ingredients.” Helen, Mark and their Lush colleagues are used to not following industry trends. Decades before the microbiome was a buzzword in cosmetics, they were formulating self- preserving products to protect the health of this ecosystem. Where others add packaging to their skincare and years to their shelf life, Lush sells it minimally packaged and fresh. And now, while competitors put formulas once only available from dermatologists straight into the hands of customers, Lush is working towards making the safest cosmetics in the world.
ANGELS ON BARE SKIN CLEANSER From £12.00 Natural and timeless, this gentle almond recipe may be mediaeval, but it’ll leave delicate skin feeling good as new. Contains over 30% almonds grown using organic practices.
PEACE MOISTURISER £24.00
Whether you’re 18 or 80, this softening oat milk and almond blend puts back in what life takes out. Made with Colombian cocoa beans from the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó.
From sunscreens to essential oils, Lush’s in- house toxicology team has data on over 500 ingredients. This is ready to be used by our inventors and in-house perfumers as they formulate safe and effective products. For Lush Co-Founders and Product Inventors Mark Constantine and Helen Ambrosen, it’s the next step in their ambition to make products that will care for you for life. “You should never have an uneasy feeling if you’ve used a product from Lush” says Mark. “We are interested in long-term care, not cheap, short-term results. That’s why we are offering products that consider the health of your skin beyond its appearance as a site that has an important immune function.” Fed up of competitors and influencers claiming that fragrance and physical
“Most masks make no difference - but this one is a pure miracle. Skin is left perfect, matte and poreless.” -Allie
“One of my favorite skincare products ever. After I use this mask, I feel as if I have the skin of a newborn baby.” -Dehydrated skin
“My skin feels as if I’ve had a spa facial and it smells amazing. I’m hooked.” -Stacey
COSMETIC WARRIOR FACE AND BODY MASK From £12.00
“I don’t know what kind of magic is in it, but my face is visibly firmer, glowing and healthy after I wash it off, not to mention soft, moisturized and supple.” -Bree
“I will legitimately buy this for the rest of my life. So calming. I use it every night before bed and sometimes in the morning if I’m feeling anxious.” -Emma
“Whenever I use this mask I look so refreshed for the rest of the day, every time I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror I’m like, “woah, why do I look so good?!” -Jessie
Honey, tea tree, grapes and garlic gently combat hormonal spots without stressing out your skin. Organically grown jojoba supports climate resilience in the Peruvian Desert.
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THE TOP 10 WAYS TO GET SLEEPY These soothing bestsellers are created with winding down and relaxing in mind. Naturally, plenty of the lavender-tonka icon, Sleepy, can be found here, along with some other classics that complete the perfect pre-bedtime ritual. But don’t just take our word for it. Take it away, super fans…
THE 10 BEST WAYS TO START YOUR DAY You’ve finally emerged from your lavender-scented cocoon, blinked open your eyes, and need the perfect routine to get your day jump-started. Don’t worry—we’ve got plenty of fan favourite products to shake you awake, too.
ANGELS ON BARE SKIN FRESH CLEANSER From £12.00 “I’ve used this every day for 15 years now. It is the most natural, calming, soothing and at the same time gently cleansing and exfoliating product ever.” Emeranta, Glasgow
INTERGALACTIC BATH BOMB £6.00 “This one blows my mind every single time. It leaves skin silky smooth and adds a shimmer to my bath experience. Plus the color patterns are wild. WILD.” EarlGreyT
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THE OLIVE BRANCH SHOWER GEL From £8.00 “The fruitiness of the olive oil and the citrusy tang is a really nice combination. Lovely yet lively.” Michelle, Danbury
SLEEPY DUST DUSTING POWDER £11.00 “My favorite thing to do is have a little pillow fort in my bed and sprinkle this dust all over my pillows and blankets. It really brings me to my safe space.” Feather
DEEP SLEEP BATH BOMB £8.00 “This bath bomb helps me drift off so nicely. If you leave the bag to dry out, you can pop it either in your wardrobe or
OUTBACK MATE SOAP From £5.00
“This soap literally makes me want to get out of bed in the morning. Not only does it give a refreshing clean that’s great on my sensitive skin; the smell is out of this world.” Outback Mate’s Best Mate, New Jersey
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under your pillow.” NewGirl92, Newry
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DREAM CREAM BODY LOTION From £6.00
MASK OF MAGNAMINTY SELF-PRESERVING POWER MASK From £10.00 “This is the best mask of all time bc it clears your skin, moisturizes, AND exfoliates. Honey is the first ingredient, which equals more yummy nutrition for your face.” Deanna, San Diego
“Lifesaver if you struggle with eczema. I’ve been using it for a week every night before bed and my eczema is gone. Like vanished and my skin is beautiful.” Reagan, LA
SLEEPY SHOWER GEL From £8.00
06 NOT SLEEPY SHOWER BOMB £3.00 “So fresh and lemony. It woke me up and just made me feel happy. My skin is so soft and lightly scented.” Frogme77, Columbia
09 JOINTS CBD MASSAGE BAR £10.00 “Since using this, I’ve been waking up less and sleeping longer. My body feels a lot more relaxed and it’s helping soothe sciatica pain as well as muscle pain.” PenguinC
“It brings me joy and such an overwhelming sense of peace. It feels like I am walking through a field of lavender on a sun kissed spring day.” Kimberly Rose, United States
RUB RUB RUB BODY SCRUB From £13.00
“The fresh laundry scent is heavenly—a perfect combo for a morning shower to start the day. The texture is a nice balance of fluffy lather and gentle scrubby bits.” Zarina
TWILIGHT 4-WICK CANDLE £36.00 “The calming lavender scent fills my whole apartment. I burn it for an hour each night and it makes me want to get straight into bed.” LJ 04
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SLEEPY FACE NAKED CLEANSING
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BALM £10.00
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NEW SHAMPOO BAR £9.00
TEA TREE
“It not only calmed my skin down, but it calmed me down too. This was my first foray into naked cleansing and I’m now converted.” Islandniles
SUPER MILK CONDITIONING HAIR PRIMER From £13.50
SLEEPY BUBBLE BAR £7.00
WATER TONER WATER From £8.00
SLEEPY LUSH MELT £7.00
LIME BOUNTY BODY BUTTER From £10.00
“It cuts through the oil in my hair, leaves it shiny and clean, lots of volume and bounce, and the smell of cinnamon is so nice in a hot shower. One bar will last me 6 months or longer, a bottle of liquid shampoo will last a month if I’m lucky.” Bring back “I’m Home”
“Wow, this literally makes the water feel like silk. The smell is amazing. Honestly, I felt like I was in a ball of silk cotton wool.
“I love that you can use it as a wax melt or in the bath tub but I definitely prefer in the bath! Oooo lord you will be so relaxed and in heaven.” GigiPanda, New York
“Smells like a delicious lemon cookie. When I’m out in public wearing this product in my hair, people stop me and ask what I’m wearing.” Brenna
“This body butter smells like an actual key lime pie. My skin feels hydrated and soft ALL DAY. It’s like magic!” Em (with sensitive skin)
“My pores are less noticeably large and I’m much less oily after a long day at work! It’s incredibly refreshing.” Meipinkie
Didn’t want to get out.” Sharon Swift, Nottingham
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ISSUE#002
SPRING 2024
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INSIDE THE LUSH SPA
When Lush gives you lemons ...
Personal SLAP A GIFT BOX WITH A CUSTOM PHRASE (KEEP IT CLEAN!) AND FILL IT WITH ALL THEIR FAVOURITES. MAKE IT
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With Treatment Developer, Jody Bailey
This might be creating a new treatment from scratch—like the new Highlands treatment— or evolving existing treatments, for example updating the teas we serve to include antioxidant ingredients. I have synaesthesia, which is when your brain routes sensory information through multiple senses—literally a merging of the senses. So when I develop treatments, they turn into colours in my mind. The Highlands treatment is green, so I pick out ideas that are green, and then I’ll add some elements that are yellow or blue for depth. I can taste massage. Sometimes someone might be massaging the back of my leg and it tastes like custard. The Lush Spa is unlike anything else that exists in the industry. For example, we’re the only spa in the world that makes our own music. It’s a unique job because it’s a unique spa. For me, each treatment is its own little world, it’s got a soul. To be able to create new worlds or develop the depths of older ones, is really special to me.”
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We offer twelve unique treatments across our spas globally, with locations in the UK, Spain, France, South Korea, Japan, Dubai, U.S. and our newest addition: Vancouver, Canada. Discover some of our classic treatments here, or browse them all on the Lush app and book your appointment for some well-deserved pampering. Our treatments
“I ’ve worked at Lush as a massage therapist and spa manager since 2011. Now, my job involves looking at what is going on in the spa industry and beyond, using my research to develop Lush Spa in new and interesting ways.
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FRESH FACIAL A rejuvenating 30-minute facial.
Wear them with pride FRESHLY SQUEEZED MERCH
HARD DAYS NIGHT A cosy 75-minute full-body stretching massage.
The Highlands Treatment
GET TO KNOW THE PERSON BEHIND THE FACE STICKER. Paulo, Master Compounder
A master compounder is someone who is specially trained and can compound products in every single Lush department. My favourite product to compound is Dream Cream as it has lots of complex elements so you have to take extra care and attention when making it. My favourite thing about working in manufacturing is definitely the positive vibe, the camaraderie and everyone working together as a team. I was quite shy when I started working here, but this job has really helped me be more confident and grow as a person. Being fresh and handmade makes us different, everything is done in our own factories, from making a product mix, all the way through to decorating and packing it to go to shops. You know a Lush product has been made with love and has had that special touch from everybody in manufacturing.
MEET THE MAKER
Taking inspiration from the rich history of Scotland, this 1-hour treatment uses natural basalt stones, which are commonly found in the Highlands, to massage the whole body. By working deep into areas of muscle tension, it is said that one stroke of the mineral rich warmed stones is worth ten of the hands, offering clients a deeply relaxing and healing treatment. The soundscape transports you to the magical landscape of Scotland, featuring bespoke Gaelic songs by Scottish folk artist, Julie Fowlis. It is also the last time Simon Emmerson worked on a piece of music for Lush Spa—a treasured gift. Book your Highlands treatment in our Edinburgh and Glasgow spas from 1 March. It’s coming to the rest of our spas globally later in the year.
SYNAESTHESIA Our signature
80-minute multi- sensory full-body massage.
I ’m Paulo and I’m a compounder at Lush’s UK Manufacturing. I’ve been working at Lush for seven years, before I worked here I was a chef for fifteen years! At Lush, I started as a production assistant in Ballistics packing bath bombs, then I became a compounder, and then I had the opportunity to become a master compounder. Being a compounder feels like somewhere between being a chef and a scientist — you work on putting all of the fresh ingredients together to make the products, which will then be pressed, shaped and decorated by manufacturing production assistants.
THE SPELL A grounding 60- minute reflexology- inspired foot and scalp massage. TALES OF BATH A restoring 75- minute side-lying hot oil massage and blissful bath.
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LUSH
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ISSUE#002
SPRING 2024
21
HEAVEN SCENT
HILARY’S SOAPBOX People Power: a message from Lush’s Ethics Director, Hilary Jones .
Is your favourite fragrance written in the stars? We say yes. So we’ve paired each of the sun signs with a fine Lush perfume that evokes their unique essence. We apologise in advance to Scorpios. Just in general.
It’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed by the world’s problems and think there is nothing that one person can do to make a difference. But at Lush, we really believe in the power that every person has. After all, your purchasing power is what built cruelty-free cosmetics brands like ours from small beginnings to international success. You hold the power to shape the world a little bit everyday, via the choices you make when spending your money, and the lifestyle you choose to lead. But this year you also get to wield your power as a voter as the UK gears up for a general election. My role as Ethics Director at Lush takes me in and out of Parliament a fair bit. Usually as a guest of charities and NGOs, but also sometimes to round table meetings with MPs and committees. I hear all the time from MPs about how their email inbox can sometimes get swamped by people writing to them. They
take notice of these emails and they know that for every person that took the time to write to them, there are probably dozens of others that think the same way.
GEMINI 21 May-20 June
TAURUS 20 April-20 May
ARIES 21 March-19 April
REVEALS FINLEY
Fresh, headstrong and fiery. What else could we pair with the first trailblazing sign of the Zodiac? Spritz a little of this ginger, mimosa and sandalwood scent and you’ll get an instant rush of spicy, floral sensations to fit your vibe.
Cosy luxury marks this serene, indulgent earth sign. Sure, you love naps. Yes, you have a dedicated snack cupboard. Okay, sure, you have three different weighted blankets. Is that a crime? No. So what better fragrance to suit your needs than Turmeric Latte, filled with warm vanilla, soothing benzoin and an intriguing dash of spice.
Gemini slander will not be tolerated on this page. Instead, this mercurial, vivacious sign deserves a fragrance just as inscrutable, indescribable and unique as they are. At once minty, smoky, woodsy and spicy, this scent is as multifaceted as the twins themselves.
O h, how time flies, a fresh Lush Times, a fresh reveal. This time I’ll be showing you a sneak peek at a couple of Father’s Day products, and yes, this will be the first time you’ve seen them, and just like last time, should I be sharing this? No, I really shouldn’t, but it’s too late, it’s already printed. First up is Dinosaur In A Crisis: This was designed by Lush superfan, Ella. Now the name is amazing but I have to share the inspiration behind Ella’s creation: “I have picked this design because I think in situations you can have a bit of a panic/crisis and I wanted others to feel included.” Such a thoughtful little Lushie. Now such a special creation needs a special fragrance. Alina, one of our perfumers here at Lush, worked up a new fragrance which includes lavender and rose. If you’re wondering what that smells like, think Rose Jam meets Sleepy. Next up is Seaside: A cuttable bubble bar filled with nostalgia, containing patchouli, ho wood, petitgrain and ylang ylang oils. After taking a good old whiff, I can tell you this has the same fragrance as the Big Moustache soap, Swell shampoo and the Damp Squid bath bomb from Cosmetics To Go (from a time before Lush existed). That’s all I was able to get my hands on this time. Make sure you check back in with the next Lush Times to get your next sneak peek reveal.
CANCER 21 June-22 July
LEO 23 July-22 August
VIRGO 23 August-22 September
We are full of opinions here at Lush, some of which you might not share. But whatever it is you care about, whatever you think needs to change or improve—now is the time to contact your MP and let them know.
Don’t let them wind you up for feeling too deeply, Cancer! This sensitive yet intuitive sign deserves a little warm romance for all of your emotional output. That’s why this earthy-sweet scent is underpinned by a heady dash of myrrh that lets you unleash your feelings in safe security.
A God complex? Leo? Well, if you insist. This fiery, confident sign is balanced beautifully by a fresh and meditative fragrance filled with sweet rose, heady ylang ylang, zesty Sicilian lemon oil and a dash of smoky cade.
When it’s time to get something done, you need two things: a Virgo and a strong cup of coffee. So why not combine the two with this warm, smoky scent that has its feet firmly on the ground so it’s ready to tackle anything.
Manifestos are being written at the moment, so exercise your power by letting politicians know what you want from them in order to win your vote. BLAST FROM THE PAST
LIBRA 23 September-22 October
SCORPIO 23 October-21 November
SAGITTARIUS 22 November-21 December
Exploring the Lush Archive
Lush’s archive is for everyone, and to celebrate World Bath Bomb Day on 27th April, Lush Archivist Julie delves into our past to find Bombastic. This floral-scented bath bomb was first launched by Cosmetics To Go (the company that came before Lush) in 1991. Inspired by Portuguese-Brazilian singer and actress Carmen Miranda, you could kiss dull bathtimes goodbye with this product. It contained cedarwood and ylang ylang essential oils, and would soften and deodorise your bathwater whilst leaving behind a lovely lingering fragrance. Would you like to see Bombastic make a comeback?
A goddess complex? Libra? Wait, we already made that joke. But since Libra is the other main character of the Zodiac, it fits. This jasmine, rose, sandalwood and oudh fragrance feels so luxurious that it could only fit the ultimate (and, admittedly, indecisive) pleasure-seeker.
You know we had to do it. To be fair, it was a toss-up between this and Dirty, so you can’t be too mad at us, Scorpios. Either way, you know (and we know) that this sexy jasmine, rose and ylang ylang scent has an almost carnal aroma that fits you to a T. Just spritz a little before firing off that angry email to us.
A Sagittarius is always yearning for adventure, so why not toss The Smell Of Freedom in your suitcase so you can fly in style? This sharp, intoxicating scent opens with a splash of zesty lemongrass but heady jasmine is hot on its heels to round those sharp edges and make this an unexpected everyday choice.
AQUARIUS 20 January-18 February
CAPRICORN 22 December-19 January
PISCES 19 February-20 March
If anyone’s going to tell you like it is, it’s a Capricorn. They are (literally) the backbone of the Zodiac. So why have we matched the no-nonsense sign with the hippy fragrance? Earthy patchouli, sweet Brazilian orange and pine oil give Karma the structure it needs to be Lush’s all- time bestselling fragrance. The backbone of the collection, if you will.
Just like Aquarius, the facade doesn’t match the interior. A perfume called Junk doesn’t exactly conjure up a delicious blackcurrant aroma, blended with refreshing lemon and a dash of herbal sage. And yet Junk is just that: unexpected, creative and (don’t tell anyone!) actually quite sweet… once you get to know it.
With your feet in the air and your head on the ground, what else could we pair with Pisces than this sweet, airy and gently floral fragrance? Vanilla and lemongrass make for an unlikely duo that balance sharp citrus with cosy sweetness, while rose and jasmine leave you feeling serene.
If you have any old Cosmetics To Go or Lush products that you would like to donate to the Archive, please contact julie@lush.co.uk.
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ISSUE#002
SPRING 2024
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OUR LUSH COMMUNITY We ask some of our beloved Lushies the hard-hitting questions…
QUIZ TIME Solve the clues to reveal a message from Lush 1. Which bath bomb, invented in 2010, was the first product to have the Sleepy scent? 2. Which Canadian city is the location of our newest Lush Spa?
Can you guess which products these reviewers are raving (and ranting) about? MYSTERY SHOPPERS
The Lush Discord
3. non-vegan ingredient you’ll find in our products, other than beeswax. Ethically sourced, always. The only 4. Lush Co-Founder, Mo Constantine, invented this packaging-free game-changer in 1987. 5. Which groovy patchouli scent is our bestselling perfume of all time? 6. Beauty Sleep face and body mask contains a dollop of which luxurious moisturiser? 7. Which dreamy lotion contains over 25% extra virgin olive olive?
Jamie from Liverpool, UK
Nicholas from Ontario, Canada
Josh from Melbourne, Australia
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WANNA EAT THIS LIKE FINE CUISINE “first and foremost i gotta emphasize how delectable this smells. scrumptious, even. opened the jar and my eyeballs almost fell outta my head bugs bunny cartoon style at the scent. when i actually bit the bullet and washed my face with it my worldview changed. i caused world peace. ended world hunger. i forgave those who have wronged me and kissed them on the cheek. if you have skin (most of you i hope) please buy.” -Grace
BOOTYLICIOUS!!! “Made all of me feel amazing, in every crack and crevice, might have to indulge in another one of these bad bois again,
Q. What’s your earliest Lush memory? A. My first experience was a shower jelly way back in the day and it was probably the weirdest shower experience I had up until that point...and I ended up loving it! Q. What’s your ritual for a good night’s sleep? A. I am an evening showerer, so once I’ve sat down in my pyjamas, I use a massage bar, serum bar, and lip mask to prepare myself for bed and it’s amazing. I feel so silky and clean! Q. What would you like us to invent next? A. Pimple patches or even headbands for skincare.
Q. What’s your favourite Lush story? A. Ghost scent was created for a segment on the Paul O’Grady show, when they made Lily Savon soap. The scent went on to feature in way more products and became a fan favourite. Considering we have recently lost Paul, it’s nice to think that he and Lily Savage (Paul O’Grady’s stage character) influenced Lush, even just a little bit. Q. What’s your favourite thing about the Lush community? A. Meeting amazing people who share the same passions as you. “I’ve made really good friends through Lush.”
Q. What’s your favourite Lush story? A. One of my favourite things is that Lush and music go together. So many products are named after or inspired by music. It’s a way for all your senses to come together. Q. What’s your ritual for a good night’s sleep? A. A small spritz of Twilight body spray on my pillow and embrace the calming scents into dreamland. Q. What product would you like to see us invent next? A. Bath bomb inspired nail polishes or reed diffusers of iconic Lush scents to scent our living spaces.
no hate just love for this cheeky little number!” -s164smith_6840347
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More social, less media JOIN US FOR SNEAK PEEKS, CHAT ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCTS, YELL AT US FOR DISCONTINUING THINGS, AND SO MUCH MORE!
STINKS! “My SO uses this. It smells. It is a mix of embalming and honey. Nasty! Such a turn off. Gag!” -Gag the Hag
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GIVES ME TERRIBLE WIND “I’m not sure why but every time I previously used this, it gives me really bad wind. Shame though as the product smells great.” -Saffron
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KING TO THIS QUEEN “I love that I can skip lotion and my dog loves chasing me around the house when I get out of the shower trying to lick my shins.” -RockyMtnMerigold
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“Quietly
We’ve been making it since before Lush was Lush, so just a few years after the ancient Greeks. Today, it’s got over 1,000 5-star reviews. brilliant” -MintyCane
Q. My partner can’t stand the smell of Karma around the house, but it’s my favourite fragrance. What should I do? -Kan’t Abide Removing My Aroma A. It’s simple, KARMA. Leave them. Dear Rosemary,
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My favourite Lush scent is Tramp. A s soon as I smell it, I am taken away to a swampy wooded area. It really helps me to feel grounded and calm. My inspiration for the painting was exactly this – walking through soggy grasslands approaching a forest, with the damp mossy smell increasing as you get closer.”
Watercolour by Lushie Ryan
This almond oil, rose water and beeswax cleanser is based on an ancient Greek recipe, with only a handful of ingredients.
“80 plus and feeling great! I attribute my smooth skin to this remarkable product.” -Mer
“I had destroyed my skin barrier from using too many harsh products. I used nothing but Ultrabland and Breath of Fresh Air toner for an entire month and saw my skin completely transformed. I got my glow back! -Shantron, Oregon
“If I could only use one skincare product for the rest of my life, it would be this! My oily/sensitive skin loves it.” -MyScentOfTheDay
Have a burning question for Dear Rosemary? Send it in to dearrosemary@lush.com
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