Sunday, July 29, 2012

LUSH Overview Series: Massage Bars, Body Butters and Body Lotions

This LUSH Overview is including Massage Bars, Body Butters and Body Lotions that are currently sold in stores, this is not for Retro items.  I am in no way affiliated with LUSH.  All opinions are my own.

                                                                     Massage Bars
Wiccy Magic Muscles: The worst smelling massage bar from LUSH but apparently it feels nice on your skin.  I won't try it because the smell is terrible.
Shimmy Shimmy: This massage bar shares the American Cream scent and has pink glitter in it.
Hottie: A slightly less nauseating version of Wiccy.  It is supposed to do the same thing, but it smells less terrible.
Heavanilli: This massage bar has the same Vanillary scent as the Vanilla Fountain Bath Bomb and Vanilla Dee-Lite Lotion.
Mange Too: A very mediocre smelling massage bar.  The scent on this one is really strong.
Each Peach (And Two's A Pair): Has the same lemongrass scent as the You've Been Mangoed Bath Melt.
Therapy: Perhaps the most popular massage bar.  I am currently using this one and I love it.  It leaves almost no scent on you and pairs so well with the Silky Underwear Dusting Powder.
Strawberry Feels Forever: The strawberry scent on this is very strong on the skin, when I put it on after a bath, it overpowered everything.  It smells good but the scent is too strong on the skin for my taste.  This one does not fit in the massage bar tins.
Soft Coeur: Does not smell like Honey I Washed The Kids, it smells like fake chocolate and a bit of honey.  Much too small for the price in comparison to the other massage bars.
Friends With Benefits: Smells bad.  Nothing else to say.
Peace: Smells bad and much too expensive.  $12.95 for a bad smelling massage bar when you can get a better smelling one for $9.95.

                                                                      Body Lotions
Dream Cream: Don't believe the hype, this cream did nothing for me.
Karma Kream: A body lotion with the disgusting scent of Karma.
Sympathy For The Skin: Doesn't get enough love.  Smells great and very moisturizing.
Coco Lotion: Can't say anything about it.  It has peanut oil in it, to which I am allergic.
Vanilla Dee-Lite: Very moisturizing, despite its thin consistency.
Charity Pot: A very nice lotion, I recommend this one.
Creme Anglaise: Smells bad, so I never tried it.

                                                                       Body Butters
Buffy: Very exfoliating.  I recommend using a dusting powder after since it leaves a greasy residue.
King of Skin: Solely moisturizing, no exfoliation in this one.
Aqua Mirabilis: Best one, moisturizing, no residue, not abraisive.
You Snap The Whip: I can't say anything about it besides it smells nice since it is for oily skin.

Mini Haul

Today, I went to Yankee Candle to help my dad pick out an air freshener for his car.  He got the vent sticks in Vanilla Lime.  I got some stuff there and some stuff at Bed Bath and Beyond, so I thought I would share them.  Stay tuned at the end for Yankee Candle party info.

At Yankee, I got two tarts, Pink Sands and Pumpkin Buttercream.  Pumpkin Buttercream smells like what you would think and it smells heavenly.  If you think it sounds good or you are looking for a pumpkin scent without the spice, I suggest this.  Pink Sands smells mostly like lemon and pink grapefruit with an underlying scent of beachiness.  It smells really nice and I can't wait to melt it.

At Bed Bath and Beyond, I got Savon des Belles hand soap in Honey Almond for only $1.  I also got Welch's Fruit Snacks for fifty-nine cents.

On August 4th, Yankee Candle is having a Halloween Preview Party from 10am to 4pm and I can't go since I have tech for Into The Woods.  There are giveaways every hour and you will be able to preview the Halloween scents that they will come out with.

Have a Nice Day,

~Mr. Lushie

Friday, July 27, 2012

My Review of Oatifix


Food For Your Face

By Soft Skin from Suffern, NY on 7/27/2012

 

5out of 5

When you survey your stash, you label this product: Guilty Pleasure

Pros: Good packaging, Softens skin, Easy to use, Soothing, moisturzing, Smells Great

Cons: Short shelf life

Best Uses: Sensitive Skin, Normal skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin

I love this. It smells great and it moisturized and smoothed my skin like nothing else. I didn't even need to use moisturizer, and I always need to use moisturizer because I have dry skin. Of all of the masks I have tried, I recommend this one.

(legalese)

Thursday, July 26, 2012

July 2012 LUSH Haul Featuring Teavana.

Hi!  Today I went to LUSH and I made a stop at Teavana to get something.  As always, this is not sponsored, the only thing I received for free was my R&B sample.

I got a small bottle of the Flying Fox shower gel which smells delicious, like jasmine and honey.  I have never tried this one before so I will do a review soon.  My skin is dry and even with a moisturizer, it gets dry throughout the day, so I picked up a small Breath of Fresh Air toner to spritz on my face if it is feeling dry.  It smells like the ocean.  I got another pot of Retread, you know I love that.  I got the Enchanted Eye Cream because my eyes have been flaky, and the sales associate said this would be good.  I got the Therapy Massage Bar, which I have never used before, I hope it lives up to the hype.  To go with it, I got the Silky Underwear Dusting Powder because the scents go well together.  I got a sample of R&B, their leave in conditioner, I will do a review once I finish the sample.

I went to Teavana to get the Moroccan Tea Mints, for more information on those, you can check out Teavana.com.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Apology and a Bath Cocktail (Into The Woods)

I am sorry I haven't been updating this blog for about a week.  I actually just started a new show. (if you don't know, I am an actor)  I am playing the Baker in the musical Into The Woods By Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine.  To celebrate, I will be sharing a bath cocktail inspired by the musical.  As always, I will be giving many options for each thing.  Beware of spoilers.

Into The Woods is a combination of the fairy tales Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and the made up (for the show) story of the Baker and his wife who want a child, but the Witch placed a spell on their house when his father took her beans.  Everybody goes into the woods to get something.

For the bath bomb, I suggest Butterball (for the Baker), Sex Bomb (for the princes, princesses and the Baker and his wife), or Twilight (for the three midnights the Baker and his wife have to find the four things).  For the bubble bar your options are The Comforter (for when Cinderella sings to Red after she found out Granny and her mother had died), Green Bubbleroon (for the actual woods), Two Timing Tart (for when Rapunzel and Cinderella's princes ditch them for Sleeping Beauty and Snow White and for Cinderella's Prince making out with the Baker's Wife in the woods) or Pop In The Bath (for the Mysterious Man, who keeps popping up out of nowhere to help move the show along), you can use any bath melt you think would go well with the bath bomb and bubble bar you chose from the lists.

For soap you can use Sultana of Soap with any of these products to represent the royal family.  For shower gel/jelly/smoothie you can use Flying Fox for the couples in this musical.  As always, use whatever you want for your hair, you can use the Jasmine and Henna Fluff Ease for a hair treatment.  Use the King of Skin Body Butter to represent the royalty again and to add more moisture to your body.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

My Review of Sweet Lips

Originally submitted at LUSH USA

Sweet Lips is the lip scrub for chocolate fanatics. It smells like a bar of creamy milk chocolate. Vanilla extract keeps your lips moisturized, castor sugar gently exfoliates, and the rich, deep fragrance of cocoa absolute gives this an irresistible flavour. It's meant for exfoliating and softe...


Hot Cocoa Scrub For Chapped Lips

By Mr. Lushie from Suffern, NY on 7/19/2012

 

5out of 5

When you survey your stash, you label this product: Must-Have

Pros: Moisturizing, Exfoliating, Tastes Great, Smells Great

Best Uses: Chapped lips, Exfoliation

I have had this sitting in my LUSH storage for about a month, and my Mint Julips from about a year ago finally expired with still some product left, so I threw it out and broke into my Sweet Lips today. It tastes so much better than Mint Julips. It doesn't taste like a "Hershey Bar" chocolate as much as hot cocoa. I am in love. As if it didn't taste great enough, it will slosh off all of the dead, chapped skin on your lips and moisturize with the Jojoba Oil in it. I just lick my lips and rub a little bit on there, rub my lips together and wait a minute for the jojoba oil to sink in and then, I lick it off. It works the same as the Mint Julips did, and I assume the same as Bubblegum lip scrub, so the only reason to buy a different flavor is for the taste. They don't do anything different. A must have in the chocolate lover's lush collection. Please make a Christmas bath bomb, bubble bar, bath melt and soap in this scent so I can have a hot cocoa bath?

(legalese)

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Read This: Important

Never order anything on amazon from the seller "New Chapter Recycling Inc." They sold me the book "Healing Teas" by Marie Nadine Antol in "good" condition. When the book arrived, half the back cover was ripped off. I am pissed.  How do they have the nerve to call that "good condition?"  They didn't state this, they just sent a horribly damaged book and said it was in good condition.

Bath Cocktail: The Black Cauldron

You have probably never heard of this movie, but you should go watch it because it is so amazing.  Today, I will be sharing a bath cocktail inspired by the movie.  Just a warning, this post may contain spoilers.

For the bath bomb, you ca either use So White, which is a Christmas product, or Fizzbanger from the regular line.  These both have apple scents, like the apple that Gurgi (my favorite Disney character, besides Tigger) steals from Taran.  For the bubble bar, you can use Happy Bubble to represent Gurgi and how he is very energetic and happy for most of the film.  For the bath melt, you should use Ceridwen's Cauldron because of the Horned King finally getting the cauldron by using Hen-Wen's powers and producing the cauldron-born army.  I can't use that one since I am allergic to walnuts, so I would use Floating Island because both of those bath melts don't change any scent.

For soap, I would use Demon In The Dark to represent the Horned King, by far the scariest villain in the Disney lineup.  For shower gel, I would use Flying Fox to represent the beautiful Princess Eilonwy, who has been captured by the Horned King and was being held in his dungeon until she and Taran escaped.  For shampoo and conditioner you can use whatever you want.  While in the bath, you can use the King of Skin Body Butter because of the Horned King.

For lotion, you can use Charity Pot because the scent is light and won't overpower the smell left on your skin by the bath.

That's all for the Black Cauldron bath cocktail.

Have a nice day,

~Mr. Lushie

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Bath Cocktail: Song of The South

Today, I will be putting together a bath cocktail inspired by Song of the South.  It was released in 1964 and stars Luana Patten, Bobby Driscoll and James Baskett.  It is one of my favorite movies of all time and I am so excited to put together this cocktail for you.

For the bath bomb, I was thinking Avobath because it is a very invigorating and energizing bath bomb and Johnny and Ginny (Bobby Driscoll and Luana Patten) always have so much positive energy.  There are many options for bubble bar, Comforter because of Uncle Remus (James Baskett) always comforting Johnny and later Ginny with stories about Brer' Rabbit when they are sad.  Two Timing Tart because James Baskett played both Uncle Remus and Brer' Fox, Happy Bubble or Sunny Side to go with the positive energy kids again, Green because so much of the movie takes place on a farm or Dorothy for when Johnny's father leaves him to go back to work and he wants to go to see him, he must have been dreaming of that place, much like Dorothy dreaming of going somewhere over the rainbow.  For bath melt, if you have it, you can use Something Wicked This Way Comes to represent Brer' Fox.  You could also use Happy Blooming or You've Been Mangoes to go with the happy kids again.  Another option is Floating Island to represent how Johnny felt so alone when his dad left.

For soap, you can use Demon in the Dark to represent Brer' Fox or The Godmother to represent Uncle Remus's relationship with Johnny.  For shower gel, you can use Happy Hippy for the happy kids or Grass to represent the farm.  It doesn't matter what you use on your hair.  You can use any Fresh Face Mask that you want.  For lotion, use Sympathy For The Skin to represent Uncle Remus's relationship with Johnny.  For perfume you can use the Orange Blossom perfume.

Have a nice bath

~Mr. Lushie

Monday, July 16, 2012

Belle Ame Haul and Scent Descriptions

Today, I got my Belle Ame haul in the mail.  It came in a box with packing peanuts and all my sample soaps came in a bag.  I got three full size soaps and a sample pack.  I got Lavender, Jazzy Bee Good and Honey I've Scrubbed in full size and the rest came in the sample pack.  Each soap was $6.95 and the sample pack was $1.95.  Nothing was given for free, I am not affiliated with Belle Ame and all opinions are my own.  I have not tried the soaps, I will review each soap as I use it.  This is just telling what I bought and what they smell like.  The smells are pretty strong.  When I opened the box the entire kitchen smelled of honey.  The soaps are packaged so adorably, just look on her website www.belleame.com for pictures and to search through the products.  I only know what kind of soap my full size ones are, it is probably on the website though.

Lavender:  A very strong lavender smell.  Nothing else.  It is very relaxing.  It is not perfumey or fake in any way, very nice smelling.  This soap is an Aloe, Olive Oil, Blueberry Seed soap with real lavender essential oil.
Honey I've Scrubbed:  This soap has their Honey Almond fragrance.  It is fantabulous.  This smells so good.  If you like honey scents, go to the website and add this to your cart.  It smells like real honey with a little bit of nutty almond.  The almond is not very strong in this, just the right amount.  This soap is a Shea Butter soap with apricot seeds.
Jazzy Bee Good: This is probably my favorite of my full size ones.  They say it is jasmine and honey, but I only smell a giant pot of honey, no jasmine at all.  Just a very realistic honey fragrance.  This soap is a glycerin soap with shea butter chunks.
Lavish: This is a very creamy floral scent.  It is a little bit perfumey but not overly perfumey.  I surprisingly like this one.  I can't pinpoint different florals but the website says rose, calla lily and mandarin.  I'm not sure if I would get this full size.
Lemon Verbena: This one is very lemony, I could see people using this in the kitchen or in the mornings to invigorate themselves.  I don't know what verbena is but this just smells like lemon or a less dimensionally citrus version of LUSH's Sexy Peel.  I might buy this in full size, I am not sure though.
Life's a Beach: This smells like the typical "beachy" fragrance that is very popular in the summer.  The website says sea spray, salt, jasmine and mandarin.  I can't really pinpoint specific notes but I would buy this in full size during the summer, not really any other part of the year because it is so summery.
Mandarin, Lime, Basil: I don't smell basil, so if that is scaring you away from it, i recommend at least requesting it for in a sampler.  It smells like oranges and limes, the part of Sexy Peel that Lemon Verbena is missing.  I surprising like this and may buy it full size if it is a good soap.
Juicylicious: I'm kind of "meh" on this soap.  It is very perfumey.  It has mostly florals.  It's okay and I probably won't be buying this in the full size.
White Tea: I don't know what White Tea smells like, but I like this one.  I might buy it in the full size during the winter as I can see it being a warm, comforting scent.
Rosemary Mint: I don't smell Rosemary.  I just smell a nice, clean minty scent.  Peppermint to be exact, I might repurchase this in the full size during the winter.  This one was a big sample.
Oatmeal, Milk and Honey: If you like the real Oatmeal, Milk and Honey scents and find most of them bland, you will like this because it is not bland.  It smells very good and I can see myself buying this one in full size in all seasons.
Royal Luxe: This smells like a man's cologne, but I like this one because it isn't an Abercrombie or Old Spice cologne.  It isn't too musky and I might repurchase this in the full size but I'll have to use it first to decide.
Love & Roses: I think she saw I didn't get any florals and thought I forgot or something because she sent a lot of florals and perfumey scents in the sampler.  This smells like perfumey roses and I hate it.  I feel bad saying that but it gave me a headache when I smelled it.  When I saw it, I knew I was going to hate it.  I will not be repurchasing this in the full size and I probably won't even use the sample.

Final Verdict:  If their soaps are good, I will definitely repurchase Jazzy Bee Good, Honey I've Scrubbed, Lavender, Oatmeal Milk and Honey, Life's A Beach and White Tea.  I will probably repurchase Rosemary Mint, Royal Luxe, Lemon Verbena, Mandarin Lime Basil and Lavish.  I will not repurchase Love & Roses and Juicylicious.

Bath Cocktail: The Simpsons

If you know me in real life, you probably know that I am a huge Simpsons fan.  It is my favorite TV show and the movie is phenomenal as well.  I will have a shower or bath cocktail for the movie, I haven't decided yet.

For the bath bomb, I am going to use Honey Bee because it is yellow, like most of the characters on the Simpsons.  For the bubble bar, I have many suggestions, you can use French Kiss for the episode when Bart was sent to France as a foreign exchange student, Dorothy for when Bart is in school and wants to be somewhere more fun, the Comforter to represent Marge's relationship mostly with Lisa, but a little bit too with Bart or Green Bubbleroon to represent how Lisa loves nature and the environment.  For the bath melt you can use Something Wicked This Way Comes if you still have it to represent Dolph, Jimbo, Kearny and Nelson as the school bullies, Dreamtime to represent Homer always sleeping during work or Floating Island to represent how Lisa doesn't have very many friends at school and she doesn't really relate to anyone in her family.

For soap, you can use Honey I Washed The Kids to represent Marge always cleaning, Sea Vegetable to represent Springfield Lake, Banana Moon to represent when in the episode "Bart the Genius," when they are playing Scrabble at the beginning and Bart uses all his letters to spell "Kwijybo," and when asked what it means, looks at Homer and says "A big dumb fat balding North American ape."  You could use Demon in the Dark to represent how Homer hates Marge's sisters or Flying Fox shower gel to represent Marge and Homer's love as the smell of that is described as sensual or an aphrodisiac.  You could also use It's Raining Men because in one episode, Homer said his favorite song is It's Raining Men.

For your hair, I would wash with Rehab to represent how Otto is always taking drugs and should probably go to Rehab, any conditioner and H'Suan Wen Hua hair mask to represent how Apu's last name (Nahasapeemapetilon) is hard to pronounce, just like the name of the mask.  On you face, use the Oatifix Fresh Face Mask (or Cupcake if you have oily skin) to represent how Homer is always eating, and that mask smells like yummy food.  For lotion, if you have it, you can use the Skin Sin which is a Retro item to represent how Ned Flanders is very religious.  You could also use Charity Pot to represent how Lisa wanted to give money to a charity when the family received their grandfather's inheritance early.

For candles, you can use anything honey like, or clean scented.
\
Have a nice bath,

~Mr. Lushie

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Overview Series: Bubble Bars

Today, I am doing my overview series on bubble bars.  I am not including any Retro products.

The Comforter: Blackcurrant and bergamot scented bubble bar for pink water.

Green: Smells like grass shower gel with added sweetness.

Rose Jam: The worst smelling of the bubbleroons, in my opinion.  Very strong, sweet rose.

Yuzu and Cocoa: Citrusy bubbleroon.

Karma: Bubble bar in the signature Karma scent, patchouli, orange blossom and lemongrass.

Blue Skies and Fluffy White Clouds: Worst smelling bubble bar ever, it makes me sick.

Pop In The Bath: Bubble bar that shares the Olive Branch scent.

Dorothy: Supposed to smell like Figs and Leaves, but I hate Figs and Leaves smell and love the smell of this.

French Kiss: Lavender and herrbs

Amandopondo: Rose and orange, yuck.

Sunny Side: Glittery gold, orange scented bubble bar for beautiful water.

Creamy Candy: Candy Fluff scented bubble bar.  This bubble bar is a bubble bar combined with a bath melt.

Ma Bar: Chocolate and honey, does not smell like HIWTK like most people say.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Please Read

Victoria (Candles By Victoria) posted a new video about getting burned by a contractor who drove off with $2000 worth of material and is threatening to go to court.  I would appreciate if you would watch the video after you read this (the link will be at the end of the post) and show your support for Victoria in the comments below the video.  I will give the information here.  His name is Jeremy Wansley, just in case he changes the name of the company.  The company is A&N Remodeling & Handyman Service.  I just want to make sure that none of you get scammed by this jerk.  Here is the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB9HDD6eaCM&feature=g-u-u

Don't get scammed by a contractor,

Mr. Lushie

My Review of Retread

Originally submitted at LUSH USA

This may look like a tub of pudding and some of the ingredients are edible, but we meant it to be a healthy meal for your hair. We put in yoghurt and soya milk to add lots of protein and shine and nutritious olive, avocado and jojoba oils to get damaged hair back in shape. If your mane tends to be ...


Smooth Hair in a Black Pot

By Happy LUSHie from Suffern, NY on 7/12/2012

 

5out of 5

When you survey your stash, you label this product: Life-Saver

Pros: Improves Texture, Improves Hair Health, Great Smell, Detangles, Adds Shine, Smooths & Softens

Cons: None

Best Uses: Thick Hair, Daily Use, Curly Hair, Deep Conditioning, Dry Hair

Hair Type: Wavy Hair

Describe Yourself: Product Junkie

This is the best conditioner I have ever used in my entire life. I just scoop a little bit of this creamy wonder in my hand and smooth it through my hair. I used to use so much conditioner in my awfully dry hair to make it soft, but I barely use any of this and together with Rehab shampoo, turned my hair from fried to soft and touchable in one use and with every day my hair looks nicer and nicer. If you can afford to spend $28 on conditioner, then you have absolutely no excuse to buy this. I used this conditioner and will never go back.

(legalese)

Monday, July 9, 2012

My Review of Soak and Float

Originally submitted at LUSH USA

Wherever we can, we like to choose ingredients that are not only effective for our purposes, but also smell lovely. Sometimes, that's just not possible, as in the case of Soak and Float. With the fragrance of a freshly paved road, this little brown bar may be a turn off compared to our other co...


Ex Danruff? Nope.

By Disappointed Lushie :( from Suffern, NY on 7/9/2012

 

1out of 5

When you survey your stash, you label this product: None of the above

Hair Type: Wavy Hair

Pros: Lathers Well, Cleans Thoroughly

Cons: Scalp Gets Used To It, Smells Bad, Dries Hair Out

Describe Yourself: Product Junkie

I have posted a review on this before. I raved about how it cured my dandruff. I have still been using this regularly and had to throw it out today. I thought I could handle the smell. Then, I thought I would get used to it. I was using it for a month and I still wasn't used to the smell. It smells so bad and is so strong. I could find a way to deal with it if my scalp didn't get used to this. It lathers well, that's the only positive thing about it. This dried out my hair so badly, and I have really dry hair and need conditioning shampoo and have to condition my hair even if I am not washing it that day. My scalp is now so itchy and I can't use this product anymore. I won't use it if my scalp has gotten used to it. I am going to try the Snake Oil once a week and see how that goes with using Rehab every other day.

(legalese)

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Tonight's Actual Bath: Candy Berry Caramel

I changed my mind and decided to add more dimension to my bath than just candy.  1/4 Comforter, 1/2 Creamy Candy, a little bit of Warm Vanilla Sugar Bubble Bath (BBW), 1/2 Fluffy Egg and Rock Star Soap. After my bath, I will use the Strawberry Feels Forever Massage Bar.

I will do a bath follow up later tonight.

Tonight's Bath: Candy Fluff

Tonight I am taking a Candy Fluff bath, so I can use up some of my bath product stock.  Keep in mind that I have a small tub.

First, I am using half of a Fluffy Egg from Easter, which has the same scent as the Candy Fluff dusting powder.  For the bubble bar, I am using half of a Creamy Candy crushed up in a nylon and for the bath melt, it would be ideal to use MMM, but I don't have one right now, so I will be using a couple pieces of Floating Island because it is a subtle scent that fades away in the bath.  During my pre-bath shower, I will wash my body with a slice of Rock Star soap.  You could also use Godmother soap, Snow Fairy Shower Gel or Yummy Yummy Yummy if you happen to still have some.  It doesn't matter what you wash your hair with.

Have a nice day

Mr. Lushie

Thursday, July 5, 2012

LUSH Review: Rehab Shampoo

If you follow my blog, you know that I recently bought a bottle of Rehab shampoo instead of using the other pot of Curly Wurly I had because my hair is so thick that the pieces of coconut in it wouldn't rinse out of my hair.  As I always do with my reviews, I will tell you what the website says and what is in it.

"Rehabilitation for damaged and abused hair.  Hairspray, bleach, hair dye, styling products, poor health- these are all things that can really take a toll on your hair and leave it far away from its natural best.  Treat your abused hair to some serious recovery time in the shower with Rehab shampoo.  Rehab is about bringing your hair and scalp back to basics and repairing it with an array of nutritious ingredients.  Enzymic papaya cleanses, while almond oil softens the follicles.  It doesn't take long for this shampoo to restore your hair to youth and vitality.  Once your hair has been put into Rehab, you'll never look back."

The bottle says "If you've been neglecting your hair, check it into rehab!  A good shampooing will allow the zesty fruits to cleanse, tone, strengthen and soften tired locks."

The ingredients are Sodium Alkyl Sulfate, Carrageenan Extract (Chondrus crispus), Water (Aqua), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide MEA, Perfume, Fresh Papaya Juice (Carica papaya), Propylene Glycol, Fresh Pineapple Juice (Ananas sativus), Fine Sea Salt (Sodium chloride), Fresh Kiwi Juice (Actinidia chinensis), Fresh Mango Juice (Mangifera indica), Cold Pressed Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis), Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olea europaea), Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis), Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifola), Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita), Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis), Jumiperberry Oil (Juniperus communis), Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

Yes, it does have sulfates and parabens in it.  The real story about those ingredients is that sulfates are derived from coconuts and parabens are a fairly natural preservative.  I personally have nothing against the use of these mild chemicals, but if you do then that's okay, just remember the real story and don't badmouth LUSH for their usage of them.

First thing I noticed, before I even used it was the smell.  It smells really nice.  The smell pairs amazingly with Retread, that I also bought recently but want to finish my American Cream before starting my pot of that. The shampoo smells of peppermint with a subtle background of tropical fruits.  It is very refreshing and just beware that it stinks up the shower when you use it. They can demo it on a small patch of my hair, which they did that with Retread and I was sold.  I brought home a medium sized bottle (which I pretty much got for $1 because I returned a pot of Curly Wurly in exchange for it) and a pot of Retread (review coming after I use it) and a bunch of other stuff that you can see in my 4th of July Mall Haul.

Okay, to how I used it.  I took almost nothing in my hand.  I noticed that this shampoo is very thin, Similar in consistency to the Olive Branch shower gel.  I rubbed my hands together and it made some bubbles.  I then massaged it into my scalp and hair and it foamed up really nicely.  I let it sit for about 30 seconds to let all the ingredients work their magic.  I then rinsed it out and felt my hair.  I could tell that my hair was moisturized, but it also had had its deepest clean in a long time.  I followed up with American Cream because I still had some left.  Follow-up post once I pair it with Retread.  I got out and dried my hair.  I instantly noticed that my hair felt healthier and softer.  Once my hair completely dried, it was very shiny, but not in an oily, greasy way.  It felt so moisturized and clean and I was so excited.  I have found my holy grail shampoo.  When I run out of my Soak and Float, I will do a follow-up on how it balanced your scalp and a comparison on that part of the shampoo because it is more moisturizing and smells better than Soak and Float.

Have a Good Hair Day,
       Mr. Lushie

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Fourth of July Mall Haul

I went to the mall today and thought I would share what I bought.  I went to LUSH, Teavana and Bath and Body Works.  Once, I use the products for a while, I will do blog reviews on them.

First, I went to LUSH.  I bought a nice amount of stuff there.  The first thing I did was ask if they could demo Rehab and Retread on a section of my hair and long story short, I bought a pot of Retread and a medium bottle of Rehab.  The bottle of Rehab says "If you've been neglecting your hair, check it into rehab!  A good shampooing will allow the stimulating herbs and zesty fruits to cleanse, tone, strengthen and soften tired locks."  Rehab smells like mint and a background of fruits and is supposed to help hair be healthy ad my hair is dry and damaged, so this is the perfect shampoo to get.  The pot of Retread says "Been naughty to your locks?  Grab a generous scoop of our soya milk and fresh melon conditioner to revive, soften and moisturize over-processed or dry hair.  Massage into washed, damp hair and rinse out thoroughly."  This conditioner is recommended to go with Rehab and it smells like musk, which combines well with the scent of Rehab so you have really nice smelling hair.  By itself, it smells better than other testers I have smelled.  Be expecting a blog post on these.  I also got some bath products.  Avobath Bath Bomb (smells like lemongrass), Green  Bubbleroon (smells like grass and lime) and another Comforter Bubble Bar (smells like blackcurrants and bergamot).  I already use the coconut deodorant, but I decided to try the T'eo Deodorantbecause it smells like lemons, and the sales associate (Stephanie, hello if you are reading this) said it is the best deodorant for summer because it is very deodorizing.  I also bought the Aqua Mirabilis Body Butter because I am almost out of my Buffy and this one smells better.  I tried it in the store and my hand felt like how my skin feels after letting the oily residue sink in, but this one had no oily residue and was less abrasive.  On first impression, I recommend this over Buffy, especially for more sensitive skin and people who hate oily residues.  I got the Strawberry Feels Forever massage bar because I wanted a massage bar and this one smelled exceptionally good (like American Cream, which I crave the smell of) and it looked cute.  Just a note, it won't fit in the tins, so I will probably put half in the tin at a time.  I got my first toner tabs.  I asked Stephanie what tabs were the best for dry skin and I bought them.  I got the Dream Steam and Moon and Sun.  They didn't have any face masks, so I asked them to hold me an Oatifix that my mom will pick up for me next week with my 5 empty black pots.  My mom got two small slices of soap, (she really likes them) Sexy Peel (smells like lemon, lime and orange) and Sea Vegetable (smells like lavender and lime).  I also asked for a sample of H'Suan Wen Hua, so she gave me a sample that will last one or maybe two masks before I invest in a full, $20 pot.  I also got a sample of the Miranda soap, which smells like fruits.

Next, I went to the Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale and went insane.  First, I will talk about the sales I got.  $3 hand soaps, buy 3 get 3 free signature collection body care, 5 for $5 mini hand sanitizers.  I got some stuff for my sister in her favorite scent, Paris Amour.  I got her the Triple Moisture Body Cream, Shea Infused Shower Gel, Perfume and Hand Sanitizer.  My mom got the Jungle Camo hand sanitizer.  I got myself 3 hand sanitiizers, simply citrus (smells like Sexy Peel soap from LUSH), I <3 Watermelon Apple (smells like watermelon and apple) and Tropical Sorbet Float which smells like the Paradise Daiquiri from Slatkin & Co.  I also got myself another Araomatherapy Pillow Mist in Lavender Vanilla.  I also got myself 3 Signature Collection items.  I got Warm Vanilla Sugar (smells like caramel) bubble bath, Midnight Pomegranate (smells like pomegranate and blackberries) Shea enriched shower gel and Coconut Lime Breeze (smells like lime and coconut, perfect for summer) creamy body wash with triple moisture complex.  I also got the Eucalyptus Mint hand soap for $3 because it smells like the stress relief aromatherapy in Eucalyptus Spearmint.  It is the deep cleansing one because they didn't have the foam or moisturizing soap in that scent.

I also went to Teavan and didn't buy the Tupelo honey, but I bought similar honey at Trader Joe's.  I bought the Superfruit Unity Green Tea and my mom got the Sevenberry Sangria because they sales associate said it tastes like a real Sangria and I didn't like that alcohol smell it had.

That's my mall haul and have a nice fourth of July.

~Mr. Lushie