Bubbling Under Bubble Bar

Big Blue is one of those bath bombs, much like Phoenix Rising, that I forget about for months, sometimes years at a time. Then for no reason at all I'll add one to my basket and fall in love with it all over again - scolding myself for its prolonged absence in my baths. Luckily, I had used the ballistic only a week before Bubbling Under came out in the kitchen so it was fresh enough in my mind to know that I had to make multiple purchases and stock up while it was available. 

This bubble bar is stunning to look at - a rich, almost fluorescent-blue rectangular chunk of goodness with strips of crispy seaweed and salt crystals serving as a garnish. This unique and very rare product is perfect for this time of year - a light, refreshing but equally warming bath companion that is sure to win over the hearts of any who try this out. 

While the scent is normally the key aspect that attracts most people to Lush's bath products, with Bubbling Under (as with its bath bomb relative) this bar's main appeal is the skin conditioning properties that it possesses, and it is for this very reason that I have given the bubble bar such a high rating. 

Containing both arame seaweed and seaweed absolute, not to mention the addition of salt, this product is rich in minerals that help to nourish and improve the condition of skin. Rich in vitamin A, C and E, this natural healer helps to calm irritated or sensitive skin and cleanse pores without striping your body of its natural oils. After bathing with one of these, you'll be left feeling refreshed and uplifted, while your skin will feel light and clean. This bubble bar is a skin-softening powerhouse and will leave you feeling incredible after only one use - perfect for those summer evenings when too much exposure to the sun might leave your skin looking and feeling parched and weathered. 

Not only does the addition of the seaweed make this one of the most nourishing bubble bars I have used, but it also gives it a very distinctive fragrance unlike any other. While some consumers may find this off-putting, this ocean plant offers a unique herbaceous odour - one that as Lush explains 'distinctly recalls the smell of seaweed drying on a salt-water beach after a heavy storm.'

Initially, the smell did have a slightly 'fishy' element to it - one that I was worried would ruin the experience for me. However, once the bubble bar had been crumbled under the tap, the smell was much more pleasant and far more complimentary of the other notes than it was in the wrapper.

Alongside the seaweed, this bubble bar also features lime and lavender oil - the former of which is the strongest element in the overall smell. The lime gives Bubbling Under a strong, zesty and very fruity element, while the lavender compliments both this and the seaweed and offers a subtle but noticeable floral element underneath.

Altogether, these ingredients create a light but very strong-smelling bubble bar - one that impressed me even further when I began to use it in the bath. After crumbling half of the bar under the tap, I noted two factors: firstly, the bubble bar is wonderfully soft and is a breeze to use - replicating the smells that you would normally associate with the beach; secondly, the product creates a bath that is unbelievably moisturising - you really feel as if you're bathing in silk.

Both of these key features - not to mention the wonderful translucent shade of blue that the water becomes, and the layer of light, frothy bubbles that perch on the surface of the water, Bubbling Under is a really gorgeous bubble bar that should be made a regular in the shops and online. It leaves you feeling clean, refreshed and invigorated - with just a hint of lime left to linger on the skin for a good many hours after you've exited the tub.

Although it may be controversial to say, I actually prefer this to Big Blue. I find that the combination of less seaweed in the bubble bar and the addition of the various oils, makes this a much better experience and one that works out better value for money. Bubbling Under could easily offer you 2-3 good quality baths, and you're able to enjoy these without having to clear out a blocked drain afterwards. 

While I have enough of these bubble bars to see me through the summer, I would definitely pick up another handful if they were to be released through the Lush Kitchen again. This is definitely going to be one of my staple baths in the hotter months. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Cream of Tartar (Tartaric acid), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sea Salt Crystals (Sodium chloride), Lauryl Betaine, Lime Oil (Citrus aurantifolia), Cocamide DEA, Arame Seaweed (Eisenia arborea), Lavender Oil (Lavendula hybrida), Seaweed Absolute (Fucus vesiculosus), Perfume, Gardenia Extract (Gardenia jasminoides), Colour 42045.

Vegan?: Yes.

2015 Price: £3.75 each.

2016 Price: £3.95 each.

2017 Price: £3.95 each.

Year Of Original Release: ?

Scent Family:
Big Blue Ballistic
Big Blue Body Conditioner
Big Blue Egg Bath Bomb
Bubbling Under Bubble Bar
Enchanted Island Bath Melt
Flotsam Soap
Mermaid Ballistic

Sea Vegetable Soap