Daddy-O Shampoo

Daddy-O is a product that I paid little attention to at first because I had been told it was created for people with problematic blonde hair. Given that the only time I've been a blonde is when I bleached my hair for a year straight back in 2006 (and I don't think any shampoo, designer or not, would have been able to rectify the damage I caused), it was not a shampoo that immediately jumped out at me to use. 

However, like many of my Lush experiences have taught me, it is nearly always the quiet ones that I have no preconceptions about, that end up being the most brilliant. Daddy-O is one such product. 

Daddy-O is a richly coloured violet shampoo, which almost resembles the consistency of oil, and if we're judging on looks alone, would be more suited as a conditioner than a shampoo. It's thick in consistency and only requires the smallest amount to create a creamy lather across your whole head; a characteristic that works to it's own advantage as it's one of Lush's more dearer hair products. At a pricey £17.95 for a 500g bottle, this is a product that has to prove it's worth the price tag attached.

The fragrance is both unique to Lush and very pleasant indeed, and reminded me of the Parma Violet sweets I used to eat as a child. Daddy-O contains lemons and limes, which combined, gives it it's unique smell as well as helping to soften and condition the hair. It also contains coconut oil, which is great for its smoothing and shining properties. Finally, it contains violet leaf absolute, a thick, dark green solvent with a strong, leafy and floral aroma, which helps to add fresh, grassy notes it's fragrance.

The scent tends to stay in your hair, even after you've conditioned it, which could be slightly problematic as it's not really a scent that goes well with other smells. It would be nice if Lush could create a conditioner that complimented Daddy-O's fragrance as it sticks out like a sore thumb and may not sell as well because of this factor.

What is great about this shampoo is that it leaves the hair looking shiny and feeling tangle free every time. It also gave my hair added volume, without making it frizzy or brassy. Finally, I found that it didn't strip my hair of it's dyed colour after multiple uses, and if anything, even helped to replenish the colour and make it seem darker and richer.

It's by far one of my favourite Lush shampoos and now a staple product to use when my hair needs that little extra attention.

Quantitative Ingredients: Fresh Organic Lemon and Toothed Wrack Seaweed Infusion, Sodium Alkyl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Fresh Sea Water, Perfume, Cocamide MEA, Propylene Glycol, Glycol Cetearate, Fresh Organic Lime Juice, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Violet Leaf Absolute, Rose Absolute, Bergamot Oil, Cananga Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Coumarin, Isoeugenol, Methyl Ionone, Benzyl Alcohol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Colour 42090, Colour 17200.

Vegan?: Yes

2014 Price: £5.50 for 100g, £10.95 for 250g, £17.95 for 500g.

2015 Price: £5.75 for 100g, £11.25 for 250g, £18.50 for 500g, £31.50 for 1kg.

Scent Family: 

Blue Floral Milk Bombshell

Daddy-O Liquid Shampoo

Sugar Daddy-O Solid Conditioner

Purple Loosestrife Soap

Stairway To Heaven

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Golden Wonder Ballistic

The Golden Wonder Bath Ballistic is one of those products that immediately makes an impression on you; it's unique design, with it's golden lustre finish and cream ribbon on top - making it a bath bomb that begs to be noticed. And notice it, you do. 

Lush describe it as 'a pass the parcel gift – each layer has something different to offer. This is not for a quick bath because it takes its time, this bath bomb. Its layers of golden lustre, dazzling colours and soluble gold stars are a wonder to behold.' It really is a feast for the senses!

For starters, it's huge - one of Lush's biggest bath bombs to date. This means that for the small price of £3.75, you're guaranteed to have one epic bathing experience, or two equally beautiful and exciting ones if you're less greedy with your ballistics. 

Designed to smell like an old Lush favourite, Snow Showers Shower Jelly, this ballistic contains a mixture of sweet orange oil, cognac oil and lime oil – a delicious citrusy concoction guaranteed to perk up anyone suffering from the winter blues. 

What's even more impressive is what happens when you pop this sexy bath bomb in the water: Immediately, the ballistic starts to fizz on the surface, spewing out creamy white and yellow froth that dissipates slowly throughout the water. As you watch with excitement, the ballistic opens up and begins to produce swirls of beautiful vivid blue (and a little purple) froth that spreads quickly across the tub. This ballistic also contains edible gold lustre and soluble paper stars, which gives the bath a magical sparkle whilst leaving no sparkly bits left to clean out of your bath afterwards.

The bath water felt silky-soft and gentle on your skin, and the scent, though slightly fainter than when the ballistic was unused, was still zesty and warming. This fragrance stayed throughout the entire bath and left a hint of citrus on the skin. As an added touch of sparkle, I noticed my skin was decorated with a subtle amount of golden lustre, which was a lovely finishing touch.  

To conclude, this is probably one of my favourite bath ballistics to date; it ticks every box I look for in a bath bomb, which includes: performance in the bath, design, scent and longevity. I'm glad I stocked up on these before the Christmas range finished and I would highly recommend that you do so to avoid disappointment when they're gone. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Perfume, Sweet Orange Oil, Cognac Oil, Lime Oil, Cream of Tartar, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Betaine, Dipropylene Glycol, Gardenia Extract, Benzyl Benzoate, *Limonene, Colour 15510, Colour 45350, Colour 45410, Colour 42090, Edible Golden Stars, Golden Lustre, Golden Lustre Spray.

Vegan?: Yes

2014 Price: £3.75 each.

2015 Price: £3.95 each.

2017 Price: £4.50 each.

Scent Family:
Bridal Bouquet Ballistic 
Bubbly Shower Gel
Buck's Fizz Body Conditioner
Buck's Fizz Naked Body Conditioner

Celebrate Body Lotion
Celebrate FUN Bar
Celebrate Lip Tint
Celebrate Liquid Perfume
Celebrate Shower Gel
Celebrate Solid Perfume

Snow Showers Shower Jelly
Christmas Morning Bubble Bar

Christmas Party Bomb
First Snow Dusting Powder

Golden Wonder Bath Ballistic
Snow Showers Liquid Perfume

Snow Showers Shower Gel
Snow Showers Solid Perfume
Supernova Bath Bomb

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Calacas/Day Of The Dead Liquid Perfume

As I mentioned in my review of Calacas Shower Jelly, it was purely by accident that I stumbled across the Day of the Dead/Calacas scent. However, once I had experienced my first sniff of it's sweet, zesty citrusy sexiness, I was hooked for life. 

For long time Lushies, love it or hate it, Calacas' notoriety cannot be ignored; for those new to the world of Lush, and perhaps have yet to smell it's unique aroma, it's a scent that must be experienced for you to recognise why it's so popular.

Being the meanies that they are, Lush don't have any products featured in their regular range that possess this amazing smell, which is why I had to spend months searching for a rare and expensive bottle of the scent to quench my thirst. I was lucky enough to find a brand new, unused bottle of Day of The Dead perfume a few months into my search, however, I found that I was hesitant to use it often for fear of running out altogether.

So when Lush announced they were releasing five limited scents for their annual December perfume sale, I immediately began praying that one of the scents was Calacas. Imagine my excitement when they confirmed my wishes and began selling these sexy new bottles a mere one week later. 

Priced at a measly £25 for a 30ml bottle, this perfume is cheap in price but not in scent. The perfume possesses the scent of lime and jelly bean; a blend of exotic Neroli essential oil and zingy Lime oil that creates a youthful scent reminiscent of fruit pastille sweets and orange jelly. The scent is mainly zesty with heavy floral notes and signs off with a fresh citrus twist, giving Calacas that sophisticated fragrance layer that is unexpected on first sniff.

This fruity little number smells delicious, and as Lush claim, 'puts a smile on the face of all who wear it.' Lime and neroli oils give Calacas its citrusy kick, while the added frankincense, or olibanum, gives a deeper richness to the perfume which you don't necessarily find with the jelly or shower gel varieties.

Although this perfume is rather one-dimensional, in that I don't find the scent matures or alters during use, it does have long lasting properties and I found I could still smell it on myself some eight hours after my initial appliance.

This is an outstanding perfume that is fresh, sweet and youthful, and should be grabbed before it sells out for good - you'll regret it if you don't.

Quantitative Ingredients: DRF Alcohol, Perfume, Lime Oil, Olibanum Oil, Neroli Oil, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Methyl Ionone, *Citral, *Citronellol, *Geraniol, *Farnesol, *Limonene, *Linalool.

Vegan?: Yes

Scent Family:

Agbogbloshie Bath Bomb

Calacas Body Lotion (2017)

Calacas Body Lotion (2018)

Calacas Shower Gel
Calacas Shower Jelly
Calacas/Day of The Dead Perfume

Calavera Ballistic

The Enchanter Bath Bomb

Lady Catrina Soap
Man In The Moon Bubble Bar
Monsters' Ball Bath Bomb
Skullduggery Ballistic

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Calacas Shower Jelly

Calacas shower jelly was one of the first Lush products I ever purchased, back when, for me,  Lush were just a novelty shop that I'd enter on occasion to ogle over the smells and prod a few strange looking concoctions. I didn't know at the time that I had been given a rare opportunity to purchase something that I'd later spend months trying to obtain; I was simply drawn to the vivid green colour and the beautiful, sweet fragrance. Simple as.

The jelly possesses the scent of lime and jelly bean; a blend of exotic Neroli essential oil and zingy Lime oil that creates a youthful scent that is reminiscent of fruit pastille sweets. The scent is mainly zesty with heavy floral notes and signs off with a fresh citrus twist. The addition of aloe vera gel, which is fantastic for cooling sore and irritated skin, gives Calacas that sophisticated fragrance layer that is unexpected on first sniff. 

There are several ways that you can use any of Lush's shower jellies, and I find that everyone has their own preference, which is completely understandable. Firstly, you can break a small piece of (or select a piece that's been segmented prior to your shower) and rub the block directly onto your skin. The amount of lather this creates differentiates vastly depending on the type of jelly, how old the product is and the size of the piece you're using. While some users find this way works for them, I find that this is fairly ineffective as it does not create much of a lather and the jelly becomes too wet, making it slippery and difficult to hold on to. 

Secondly, you can use a shower sponge, puff or exfoliating glove to create a lather before rubbing it all over your body. For me, I found this method far more successful as it helped to break down the jelly properly and create a nice foamy effect to wash your body with. Finally, you can break off slabs of the jelly and use them as you would a bubble bar, placing them underneath a running tap to stimulate bubbles. I tend to use mine for this reason, as I can get 4-5 baths out of one 100g tub, which I consider to be great value for money.

Inspired by the Mexican Day of The Dead Festival, Calacas is a unique fiesta of smells that'll appeal to those young and older lush fans. Those that enjoy the zesty kick of both Ponche and Happy Hippy, will probably appreciate the fresh citrus element here. The lime fragrance is perfect for waking you up in the morning and leaves your skin tingling; feeling thoroughly revitalised and awake.

The jelly glided over my skin and left it feeling super soft. After using this, my skin felt really refreshed, and the delicious scent lingered on my skin for the rest of the evening. Lush need to bring this back as soon as possible and make it a permanent feature in their regular range, as there is nothing quite like it on the market at this moment in time. 

Quantitative Ingredients: *Glycerine, Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Aloe Vera Gel, Propylene Glycol, *Carrageenan Extract, Perfume, Lime Oil, Olibanum Resinoid, Neroli Oil, *Citral, *Limonene, *Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Colour 45350, Colour 42090, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. 

Vegan?: Yes

2016 Price: £4.25 for 100g

Scent Family:

Agbogbloshie Bath Bomb

Calacas Body Lotion (2017)

Calacas Body Lotion (2018)

Calacas Shower Gel
Calacas Shower Jelly
Calacas/Day of The Dead Perfume

Calavera Ballistic

The Enchanter Bath Bomb

Lady Catrina Soap
Man In The Moon Bubble Bar
Monsters' Ball Bath Bomb
Skullduggery Ballistic

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Grass Shower Gel

I have a seriously sweet tooth when it comes to both what I consume as well as the sorts of cosmetics I usually reach for when I want to try something new. However, I am also a huge advocate for fresh, non-synthetic products and scents, which is why I chose to grab myself a bottle of Grass during a recent Lush splurge.

Grass Shower Gel doesn't beat about the bush: it does and smells exactly as you would expect. If you like the scent of freshly-mown lawns; that fragrant summer smell that reminds you of gentle rain on a warm day, then this is the product for you.

Packed full of wheatgrass, a plant that is known to be filled with enzymes, vitamins and minerals to condition and maintain healthy skin, this shower gel will leave you feeling and smelling amazing. It really is incredibly soft and gentle on your body and leaves it feeling clean and crisp: neither drying nor making your skin oily.

Grass possesses an uplifting smell that really makes you feel revitalised and reenergised: it makes your skin feel smooth whilst leaving a slight lingering scent that stays with you throughout the day. Whether it be the winter or the summer, this shower gel will provide a comforting and uplifting experience - one that is completely different to the citrus bursts I normally opt for, but one that is just as refreshing and crisp.

Grass is great all year round, despite it's scent being reminiscent of those warmer, more favourable months. In the winter, it works as a form of escapism from those unsavoury chills and frosty weather conditions; in the summer, it works with the heat to cool and cleanse your body and removes that clammy feeling you sometimes feel after a hot day. 

This shower gel, as with most other Lush gels, can be used as a shampoo as well as or instead of a gel. However, I have yet to use any of their shower gels in this way so I am unable to comment on it's performance in this area. However, I can imagine it working really well - proving a light, fluffy lather to wash your hair with and leaving a gentle 'green' smell that will follow you around all day. 

Some may find this shower gel expensive compared to other Lush alternatives. However, with it's unique and invigorating smell, it's definitely worth the £16.95 price tag for a 500g bottle, or a reduced £4.95 tag for a smaller, trial-sized bottle if you're just looking to dip your toes. 

I love to use it in the mornings as it's really lightly scented so it's not too overpowering, yet it perks me up and helps to make those 5am mornings slightly more tolerable. It's consistency is neither thin nor overly thick, which means that it lasts a lot longer than other Lush shower gels. I'll definitely be buying this one again, and I would recommend every Lush fan tries this at least once, to experience it's unique and magical properties.

Quantitative Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Fresh Wheatgrass Juice,Lauryl Betaine, Chlorophyllin Water, Perfume,Propylene Glycol, Sandalwood Oil, Bergamot Oil,Neroli Oil, Fine Sea Salt, Benzyl Alcohol,*Coumarin, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Methyl Ionone, Methylparaben.

Vegan?: Yes

2014 Price: £4.95 for 100g, £9.95 for 250g, £16.95 for 500g. 

2016 Price: £11.00 for 250g. 

2017 Price: £11.25 for 250g. 

Scent Family:
Against Animal Testing Soap
Autumn Leaf Bath Ballistic
Grass Body Lotion

Grass Bubble Bar

Grass Shower Gel

Grass Solid Perfume

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The Olive Branch Shower Gel

I can't say I was initially excited at the prospect of trying The Olive Branch shower gel for the first time. On first sniff, it reminded me of the many manufactured cosmetics that you're likely to find in a local supermarket - a unisex fragrance with slight citrus and floral elements. Nothing special. However, after using this for the first time in the shower, my opinion changed dramatically, and I now consider it to be one of my favourite shower gels from Lush.   

Made with Fairtrade olive oil, fresh mandarins, bergamot oil and vine leaves, this shower gel is a Mediterranean feast for the body and soul. Firstly, the addition of olive oil helps to give your skin a wonderful deep moisturise, which makes it stand apart from most other shower gels around. This oil also helps to give the product a beautiful woody scent, which intensifies under the heat of the shower and leaves you and your bathroom smelling divine. Secondly, the warm, savoury fragrance of the vine leaves alongside the citrus infusions from the lemon and mandarin oils, gives this shower gel a unique fragrance that is unlike anything else I have smelt. 

After a quick shake of the bottle, I squirted a small amount onto my shower puff and was surprised to see that the gel was quite watery. I would definitely recommend that you're careful when using this as I can imagine someone, with little or no experience of The Olive Branch, would lose a lot of shower gel down the plug hole as the bottle does disperse a great deal, very quickly.

Despite this initial issue, I was very surprised by the amount of bubbles it created, as I thought the consistency, alongside the surplus amount of olive oil in it, would make this more of heavy, oily product. The shower gel foamed up nicely and upon rinsing it off, my skin felt instantly cleaned and moisturised. 

What I love about The Olive Branch, is that the fragrance it gives off, is rather subtle. Sometimes Lush products can have a very overpowering smell, which deters a lot of people from buying from them. The Olive Branch is a shower gel that proves that cosmetics can still be both unique and captivating, whilst possessing only a mild scent. 

To conclude: The Olive Branch has a very earthy, woody smell to it, but with a touch of fruitiness which I love. It gives off a unique scent that I've never smelt before, but one that lingers on the skin for hours after use. It moisturises your skin and leaves it feeling repaired, which is especially good during those summer months when the sun threatens to dry your skin out and the heat strips your body of it's much needed moisture. 

Lush suggest that the gel can also be used as a shampoo. Although I cannot comment on its use as a shampoo as I have only used it as a body wash, I am definitely planning on testing it out on my hair over Christmas and detailing the results for those that are interested.

The Olive Branch is not a product that I would have immediately rushed to, but one that has cemented itself as one of my favourites. This is best used throughout the warmer part of the year, but will still be a great companion to your skin in the coming winter months. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Vine Leaf Infusion, Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Fresh Mandarin Juice, Fair Trade Olive Oil, Perfume, Propylene Glycol, Bergamot Oil, Lemon Oil, Orange Flower Absolute, Mandarin Oil, Fine Sea Salt, *Limonene, *Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Colour 14700, Methylparaben.

Vegan?: Yes

2015 Price: £4.75 for 100g, £9.50 for 250g, £15.95 for 500g. 

Scent Family:

The Christmas Penguin bubble Bar
Happy Pill Ballistic 
The Olive Branch Bath Bomb
The Olive Branch Body Lotion
The Olive Branch Body Spray
The Olive Branch Liquid Perfume
The Olive Branch Naked Shower Gel
The Olive Branch Shower Gel
Pop In The Bath Bubble Bar
Wash You Were Here Wash Card

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