All Things Lush UK: Sexxx Bomb Bath Bomb

Lush are known for their novel ideas - from the wash cards, shower jellies and solid mouthwash tabs, to the weirdly-shaped bubble bars and bath bombs that adorn their shelves in any given store. In almost all of the above cases, the purpose of the product far outweighs any alluring factor that an item may possess, and even when it's not a favourite you can still appreciate its worth.

However, if there is one product that seems to serve no extra purpose aside from being a novelty factor, it is their ever-growing collection of enlarged bath bombs. Magnified in size as well as price, these limited editions often appeal to both collectors and avid lovers of a particular ballistic - holding no extra merits aside from a physical difference, and the fact that it warrants you having an incredible expensive session in the tub.

The Sexxx Bomb Bomb is one of two extra large bath bombs to have come out in the Lush Kitchen recently, and the first to make its debut this year. As the name and design suggest, this enormous bath bomb is modelled on one of Lush's biggest selling products, the Sex Bomb. Coming in at nearly four times the size and weight of the regular ballistic, this is good value for money in that sense. However, using it as a one-off will definitely make it one of the biggest investments you might make this year, on a bath bomb alone.

Containing a collaboration of jasmine and ylang ylang, this limited edition is as sweet as it is floral. This is definitely one for the jasmine fans as the flower's naturally uplifting and rather euphoric aroma makes itself known immediately - creating an intoxicating blend of fresh but fruity floral notes. The ylang ylang extends the floral smell further by adding in a little muskiness to dampen and ground the resinous properties of the jasmine.

Finally, the clary sage oil deepens the smell with its musty, earthy undertones. It is this element that makes it such a sensual-smelling bath bomb, and the ingredient that I think prevents the jasmine from being as narcotic and as heady as it normally is by itself. Sexxx Bomb is definitely as sexy and as sensual as it's older sister.

Surprisingly, before this bath bomb was added to water, it didn't appear to be any stronger in scent than the smaller version. In order to prevent any users from developing a reaction to the surplus ingredients in the tub, Lush have to dilute the ingredients in all of their bigger bath bombs. This is to ensure that they're not too heavy in the way of smell, and also to prevent any irritation on the skin that could be caused from the prolonged contact with an excess amount of oils.

On the positive side, once this bath bomb had dissolved in the tub, I found that the aroma was the perfect level; not too strong that it stifled your senses in any way, yet not as weak as the original Sex Bomb, which underwhelmed me quite a bit when I tried it out for myself.

While the colour of the water remained a pastel pink colour, I did notice that the effect was far more prominent: the colour was more opaque and appeared to be thicker in consistency, and this helped me to appreciate the experience a little more. Furthermore, while I wouldn't say the effect of the bath bomb was anywhere near as nourishing as a bubble bar, it was definitely more softening and more moisturising than a regular bath bomb. My legs and arms developed a glean within minutes of submerging myself in the water, and I could feel the effects of this long after I had exited the tub.

Despite the fact that all of the magnified bath bombs that I have tried so far have been fast-fizzers, I really appreciated the effect that Sexxx Bomb created while it was dissolving. As it projected waves of gorgeous pink across the surface, the bath bomb also generated thousands of little air pockets, which floated across the water and created a stunning array of miniature patterned bubbles. I've never seen this happen with any of Lush's other bath bombs before, and this was a welcome sight to observe.

After exiting the bath nearly two hours later, I appreciated the fact that I could still smell the bath bomb on my skin, and I found that was able to detect it on my hair the following day as well. Furthermore, the fragrance lingered around for a good couple of hours in the bathroom, which was a welcome bonus for my flatmates and I.

Although I enjoyed using this bath bomb, and I am happy that I made the decision to purchase a couple of these when they were available, this wouldn't be one that I would be interested in buying again. As a novelty gift for a loved one, a special treat for an avid fan of the regular-sized Sex Bomb, or a one-off purchase for collectors who need to try everything once, this bath bomb works well, and offers users something a little different from the norm. However, its price tag does not justify this being used very often, and for that reason, I'll reserve my one remaining bomb for when a very special occasion arises.

Quantitative Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Sesquicarbonate, Jasmine Absolute, Clary Sage Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, Soya Milk, Titanium Dioxide, Synthetic Musk, Propylene Glycol, *Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alpha-Isomethyl ionone, Perfume, Colour 17200, Colour 42090, Colour 14700, Colour 45410, Rice Paper Flower.

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £10.50 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2017.

Scent Family: