Frostbite Toothy Tabs

Lush amaze me at just how many times they can take a simple ingredient and make a brand new smell out of it. Without needing to count, I already know that the company have produced far more mint-scented products than I could ever have imagined possible, and still they continue to bring out new variations on a regular basis.

This time the company have created a brand new combination using both peppermint and Turkish rose oils, and called this creation Frostbite. While I was initially taken back by the prospect of these two strong-minded ingredients working together, I soon realised that the concept didn't actually sound all the strange. In fact, there's a part of me that almost questioned why it hadn't happened already. 

From the bottle, the smell of the peppermint and rose oils twist and turn around each other: working in perfect unison to create a smell like nothing I'd ever smelt before. The peppermint is cool and sweet-smelling and reminds me of a Christmas candy cane, while the rose threads itself beneath the mint and brings about a rich, sweet floral note that really gives Frostbite Toothy Tabs a gorgeously, mouth-watering fragrance.

There is also the inclusion of lemon oil in these tabs, which you can both taste and smell rather delicately during your experience. This ingredient not only elevates the scent a lot and gives it a crisp, refreshing touch, but it also works with the rose to sweeten the ingredient a little and make it a little more syrup-like overall.

To use them you simply pop a tab into your mouth, crunch down using your front teeth, wet your toothbrush and begin to brush your teeth as normal. The powdery mixture reacts with the water and the cream of tartar creates a foam that freshens your mouth and cleans away any stubborn pieces of food that may be lingering around. Unlike some of Lush's other tabs I have tried, this one melts almost immediately upon contact with moisture and you won't need to crunch these at all.

When it came to Frostbite, I was really impressed to discover that while the toothy tabs were definitely minty, there was nothing too potent about the mint at all. In fact, these tabs offer perhaps the perfect balance of being refreshing, cool but not too strong and overwhelming.

Whilst you're brushing your teeth, you can feel how clean and shiny your teeth and gums are becoming and I found that the impact of these tabs lasted for several hours afterwards. Furthermore, these beauties eradicated any bad smells or tastes that I had in my mouth after dinner and my breath remained fresh and clean for the rest of the evening.  

As with all of Lush's new toothy tabs, these particular tabs feature a number of ingredients that I was unsure about and had to research before trying them out for myself - not only to understand how and why Frostbite work but also to educate others about the benefits they possess. Firstly, these tabs feature  dicalcium phosphate anhydrous - the main component used to help supplement the body's calcium intake, not to mention preventing the build up of tartar in the mouth. Sorbitol is also used - a natural alternative to sugar which allows Lush to add flavour to this product without adding anything that'll rot your teeth; Lauroyl Sarcosine not only helps the product to foam up in the mouth, but is also used to remove unwanted bacteria that may cause problems in the future.

With so many variations of toothy tabs now available from Lush, it can sometimes be rather overwhelming to choose which ones you want to invest in. While not my favourite flavour, I actually happen to really appreciate Frostbite for its fragrance and taste, and I would recommend these ones above many of the others.

If you're looking for something that isn't too strikingly different from your original toothpaste, but perhaps you're interested in enjoying a little twist, these beautiful blue tabs might well be the ones that you want to try first. Frostbite Toothy Tabs are definitely one of the flavours I would buy again.

Quantitative Ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cream Of Tartar (Potassium bitartrate), Sorbitol, Lauroyl Sarcosine,  Kaolin, Xylitol, Sicilian Lemon Oil, Rose Oil, Peppermint Oil, Menthol Crystals, Stevia, Titanium Dioxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Colour 42090.

Vegan?: Yes. 

2019 Price: £5.95 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2019.

Supherb Toothy Tabs

Since I was about seven years old, my favourite colour has always been green, and more specifically a forest shade of green. While my initial preference was linked to my obsession with a Power Rangers character, it has since grown on me as the colour that I associate with life and vibrancy and the environment. I seek solace and find comfort in these shades of green and unconsciously gravitate towards them on most occasions. 

When I first read the description of Supherb Toothy Tabs, I assumed that I would love them because of their green design and shoutout to nature. Described as being a wintergreen, pine and parsley concoction, these herbaceous tabs sounded like something so natural and exciting and fresh. And they are. It's just that my tastebuds have yet to forgive me for using these solidly for almost a week. 

I'll start by saying that these are not toothy tabs for the faint-hearted. If you're looking for something sweet and gentle to clean your teeth with, you'll want to avoid these at all costs. Supherb packs a punch that'll leave your teeth shiny; your breath as fresh as a coastal breeze; and your tongue hanging out somewhere near the floor while it tries to escape your mouth. They are STRONG.

Containing more ingredients than any other toothy tab, these Liverpool exclusives are a handful (and a mouthful) of smells and tastes. From the bottle, the smell of wintergreen, peppermint and pine chase up your nose like a rabid dog, clearing your airways immediately with how fresh it smells. There is something so crisp and green about the smell that reminds me of a vibrant, leafy forest that's been doused in mint. The fragrance is dripping with potency and only continues to offer more, the longer you continue to sniff. 

Underneath these three key components, you can make out the herbal element of the parsley, coriander and marjoram, and these tend to come out even more when you begin to brush your teeth. With a slight reference to the lemon and clove bud oils, there is an awful lot going on here, and some consumers might find themselves very overwhelmed by how thick and complex the fragrance is.  

When it comes to how they taste, you probably won't be surprised to learn that Supherb Toothy Tabs are definitely for those who prefer a stronger tasting toothpaste. All of the above elements come together in full force as soon as the tab begins to get to work and you can taste every single component in all of its strength. It's really herbal and minty and pine-like all at the same time, and any smells or germs that may be present in your mouth before brushing certainly don't stand a chance at being there when you have finished.

These toothy tabs will leave you with the freshest breath and a mouth that feels like the cleanest it's ever been. Your tongue will also feel slightly tingly after you've rinsed your mouth out, although this strangely didn't happen every time for me.

As with all of Lush's new toothy tabs, these particular tabs feature a number of ingredients that I was unsure about and had to research before trying them out for myself - not only to understand how and why Supherb work but also to educate others about the benefits they possess. Firstly, these tabs feature  dicalcium phosphate anhydrous - the main component used to help supplement the body's calcium intake, not to mention preventing the build up of tartar in the mouth. Sorbitol is also used - a natural alternative to sugar which allows Lush to add flavour to this product without adding anything that'll rot your teeth; Lauroyl Sarcosine not only helps the product to foam up in the mouth, but is also used to remove unwanted bacteria that may cause problems in the future.

If I'm honest, I couldn't really tell you if I actually liked Supherb Toothy Tabs or not. I am not for one second faulting the product by any means, as they left my teeth and mouth cleaner than most of the other toothy tabs I have been trying as of late. However, I don't think I would describe the smell or taste of these as being anywhere near pleasant. 

Ultimately, oral health care is about looking after your teeth and gums which these toothy tabs will help you to do. And if you're looking for a toothpaste that'll give you fresh breath alongside this, perhaps these are the tabs you've been looking for. However, I do think that I can achieve all of that without feeling as if I've just stuffed my nose and mouth in a vegetable garden so I probably wouldn't use these again.

Quantitative Ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cream Of Tartar (Potassium bitartrate), Sorbitol, Lauroyl Sarcosine,  Kaolin, Xylitol, Wintergreen Oil, Pine Needles Absolute, Pine Oil, Parsley Seed Oil, Aniseed Oil, Clove Bud Oil, Coriander Seed Oil, Geranium Oil, Sicilian Lemon Oil, Marjoram Oil, Peppermint Oil, Angelica Oil, Nettle Powder, Horsetail Herb Powder, Menthol Crystals, Water, Gardenia Extract, Stevia, Chlorophylin, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.

Vegan?: Yes. 

2019 Price: £5.95 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2019.

Supermineral Toothy Tabs

There are those products that draw you in with their vibrant design, and then there are those that remain reserved until you try them out for size. With the large selection of toothy tabs that were residing in my bathroom at the time - all waiting to be tried and reviewed - I found myself knowing very little about many of them, which set me up for some pretty big surprises when I began to use them.

Supermineral was actually one of a few bottles that I felt like leaving until the end, if only because of their rather plain demeanour and less than interesting write up. However, I vouched to myself that I would choose each of my bottles without any prior judgement in the hope that I may discover a favourite within one of the less than colourful variations.

Containing both eucalyptus and peppermint oils, these toothy tabs are definitely one that you may need a little while to adjust to at first. These tabs pack a real punch from the start and the smell of eucalyptus springs out at you the second you remove the lid.

Eucalyptus is known for being a very refreshing, herbal aroma and Supermineral showcases the ingredient perfectly. It's crisp and refreshing, with the cool note of menthol crystals underneath giving these toothy tabs a strong kick that is sure to remove any unwanted smells from the breath. Just as you would expect, these Liverpool exclusives taste just as herbal and minty in the mouth: offering a sharp but equally very clinical taste that will leave you with the cleanest feeling mouth in the world.

Interestingly, I was also able to detect the most subtlest taste of lime on my tongue afterwards. Having said that, this was only because I had been looking for the ingredient specifically, knowing that there was lime oil included in the ingredients list. What I will say is that these toothy tabs are for those who want a flavour that is going to replicate the 'blast' that a regular mint tooth paste offers.

As with all of Lush's new toothy tabs, these particular tabs feature a number of ingredients that I was unsure about and had to research before trying them out for myself - not only to understand how and why Supermineral work, but also to educate others about the benefits they possess. Firstly, these tabs feature  dicalcium phosphate anhydrous - the main component used to help supplement the body's calcium intake, not to mention preventing the build up of tartar in the mouth. Sorbitol is also used - a natural alternative to sugar which allows Lush to add flavour to this product without adding anything that'll rot your teeth; Lauroyl Sarcosine not only helps the product to foam up in the mouth, but is also used to remove unwanted bacteria that may cause problems in the future.

What I liked about Supermineral was that my mouth felt really clean after using one of these and my teeth felt smooth and shiny to the touch. In fact, I couldn't stop running my tongue along my teeth for quite a while after I had finished brushing, which is not something I have done for every toothy tab I have used.

As an alternative to toothpaste, these tabs are great, with Supermineral being a good choice of flavours to introduce somebody new to the naked concept of brushing teeth. However, I wouldn't say that they're a personal favourite of mine by any means so I shall continue to work my way through all of the variations find my match.

Quantitative Ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cream Of Tartar (Potassium bitartrate), Sorbitol, Lauroyl Sarcosine, Xylitol, Calcium Lactate, Eucalyptus Blue Oil, Lime Oil, Peppermint Oil, Stevia, Menthol Crystals, Fine Sea Salt, Blue Spirulina Extract, Citral, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Flavour.

Vegan?: Yes. 

2019 Price: £5.95 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2019.

Intergalactic Shower Gel

Out of all of the bath bombs I have ever tried from Lush, Intergalactic would definitely make my top ten. Not only does it produce some of the most stunning bath art around, but it also has an aroma that simply gets beneath my skin and elevates my mood in a way that I find hard to explain. If I'm feeling at all stressed or worried, this bath bomb can completely change my mindset, and this is the reason why I simply cannot live without having a regular dose of this classic.

You can imagine then that my expectations for the recently released Intergalactic Shower Gel was going to be pretty high, and I'll be honest when I say that I truly believe Lush have created the best version that they possibly could of this concept. It is not a perfect match between formats, hence the five bottle rating. However, this is due more to the fact of how much more of an experience a bath bomb can offer as opposed to a gel in a bottle.

What I will say is that fans of this bath bomb will no doubt agree with me when I say that this shower gel is spot on when it comes to its fragrance. Upon opening the bottle for the first time, I was initially a little underwhelmed by the smell, only because I associated it with the Dirty Springwash Shower Gel, which doesn't float my boat in quite the same manner. However, I truly believe that this is a product that grows on you over time and becomes far more interesting over the space of a few uses.

From the bottle, Intergalactic offers a strong and very woody combination of peppermint and vetivert. There is something very rich about this collaboration that sits well with my tastebuds. It is almost as if there is a dark cloud hovering over a minty sea and the two components have come together with a huge explosion. To begin with, this scent was very similar to the one I experienced when I began using this shower gel across my skin.

After a few days of using this daily, I began to notice the subtle note of grapefruit in the mix, which served to elevate the fragrance and give it a little more of a 'bite.' It was also during these initial days that I began to detect the woodiness of the cedarwood a little more. By the end of day three, I felt as if I could smell all of the components that featured in the bath bomb, and I honestly couldn't tell much of a difference - aside from the usual format variations.

Out of the bottle, Intergalactic offered a beautifully deep shade of blue that wasn't quite as alluring as the bath bomb but definitely suited the fragrance well. Alongside this, there was the addition of the lustre within the gel, which gave the shower gel a beautiful glimmer whilst it was on your skin. And glitter phobes will be happy to hear that this addition doesn't leave any trace of itself on or across your skin after using it.

What impressed me was that this shower gel was fairly on the thin side and I needed a bare minimum amount to wash my whole body with. Not only this but Intergalactic lathered up really easily and was super fragrant, which meant I was able to wash my body with the smallest amounts whilst still appreciating the wonderful scent. 

Furthermore, the fragrance is power enough that it lingers on your skin and hair for a good couple of hours after towelling yourself dry. And even more impressive was the fact that my body felt soft, smooth and hydrated after using this, which makes it an all-round great product to invest in.

More than just mint, Intergalactic Shower Gel is a must have for fans of the bath bomb and should be tried by anyone who enjoys stronger scents as well. With the delicate herbal and woody notes that are present in this product, there is something very powerful about the fragrance of this that stays with you way longer than many of Lush's shower gels do. I can only hope that they make this a permanent member of the family because I cannot imagine my life without a bottle of this to alter my mindset and my mood.

Quantitative Ingredients: Fresh Mint Infusion, Glycerine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Betaine, Perfume, Lactic Acid, Peppermint Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Vetivert Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Carrageenan Extract, Xanthan Gum, Water (Aqua), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, *Limonene, *Linalool, Colour 77491, Colour 42090, Colour 42053.

Vegan?: Yes.

2019 Price: £12 for 250g.

Year Of Original Release: 2019.

Blue Tooth Toothpaste Jelly

Sometimes there isn't a particular reason why you love a product so much; you cannot explain what it is about something that makes you so drawn to its fragrance or its taste. Perhaps because it was the first toothpaste jelly I ever tried, or maybe there's another subconscious reason that I am currently unable to fathom, but this brand new invention ticks every box that needs to be ticked.

While the pun-tastic Blue Tooth Toothpaste Jelly could perhaps be seen as a little odd to outside consumers, Lush fans have always been inundated with lemongrass scented cosmetics, so smelling this for the first time was nothing untoward. In fact, as someone who loves lemongrass tea, this jelly spoke to me like no other.    

With it's blue demeanour, you may be initially fooled into thinking that this jelly is going to offer a simplistic minty taste and aroma. However, the lemongrass is very prevalent in this product and you can smell it as soon as you remove the lid. Although fruity by nature, this ingredient also has a very distinctive grassy layer (hence the name) that sits alongside the slightly citrusy smell. However, that is not the only layer on offer here...

Underneath the lemongrass, you can smell one of two things: a gentle and rather clinical herbal note of eucalyptus, and the refreshing note of peppermint oil for good measure. These three ingredients work in unison to produce something that surprisingly isn't overly powerful, but a fragrance and taste that does exactly what you would want it to do.

Whilst brushing my teeth with Blue Tooth, I found that I could taste all three of the key components in the flavour. In fact, although the lemongrass is perhaps slightly more dominant overall, both the eucalyptus and the peppermint do a good job of thickening the flavour and threading themselves throughout the taste.

As with all of Lush's new toothpaste jellies, the idea is that you simply scoop your toothbrush across the top of the surface of the product and a small amount (or however much you wish to use) will rub off onto the bristles, and this is what you use to brush your teeth with. With all ten of these new jellies, I found that it was very easy to apply only the smallest of amount to my brush: I barely dented the surface at all to begin with, so these little 60g pots will last you a very long time. In fact, I would even say that they may outlast that of a regular-sized 200g tube of toothpaste.

Once I began brushing, I found that it 'lathered up' exactly like a regular toothpaste and at no point did I feel or experience any jelly pieces still in my mouth. The product dissolved very quickly and then worked exactly as you would hope a tooth paste would do so. Furthermore, I was able to spit the paste out multiple times and never once ran out of foam on my toothbrush. These jellies are super generous when it comes to how much foam they produce in your mouth, despite how little product you need to use. Whereas I would normally use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, I was able to use a piece the size of a grain of rice and yet heed the same results.

What I would say is that as the product is self preserving, it's important to keep your toothbrush fairly dry when you run it across the product. Adding moisture of any kind to these naked cosmetics could reduce the shelf life of the jelly and may open up the possibility of bacteria multiplying over time. For this reason, it's also essential that the lid is left on so as not to attract any unwanted germs. Given that I can imagine one of these pots lasting me a good 3-4 months as a minimum, I certainly wouldn't want the paste exposed to any bacteria, if I can help it.

After using Blue Tooth Toothpaste Jelly, I was really impressed how clean my whole mouth felt, not to mention the rather lovely refreshingly fruity taste I could detect afterwards. The lemongrass works wonders at offering a deliciously fruity taste in your mouth afterwards; the peppermint leaves your teeth and gums feeling refreshed and clean; and the eucalyptus brings about the slightest of tingles on your tongue. 

I found that Blue Tooth was a great toothpaste jelly to use if you wanted moderate coverage after brushing your teeth. What I mean by this is that it left my mouth feeling sparkling clean, without any smells from the food I had eaten previously. However, the aftertaste wasn't so strong that it took away from anything I ate immediately afterwards.

As I will say in all of my toothpaste jelly reviews, it was nice not to have to worry about any annoying lumps that some of Lush's toothy tabs can leave in your mouth during brushing. This little gem simply dissolved as soon as I started brushing and there wasn't any wastage from bits getting stuck in my teeth or falling out when I spat into the sink.

As with most of Lush's new toothpaste jellies, this one contains many key ingredients to actually help this product to act like a toothpaste. Hydrated silica works well as a whitening and teeth cleaning agent: helping to remove the stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging the enamel. Then there is xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that doesn't contain any fructose, so will help to protect your teeth from damage, and will hopefully help to reduce your risk of cavities over time.

The flavour and aroma of Blue Tooth Toothpaste Jelly is by no means original when compared to many of the Lush products that have come before. You only need to look at one of their biggest selling bath bombs: Avobath, to know that lemongrass is a popular ingredient within their ranges. However, this combination is a great alternative to regular toothpaste, and at the same time isn't as strange as the description might initially suggest.

Out of all of the brand new toothpaste jellies, this is the one that I have been using the most...and to be honest I don't really know why. Although it is a highly rated product from me, I have other oral care that has received the same praise as this one. However, my mood compels me to reach for Blue Tooth far more often than some of my other favourites and that suggests to me that this limited edition jelly might actually be pretty damn good.

Quantitative Ingredients: Fresh Lemongrass Infusion (Cymbopogon citratus), Sorbitol, Glycerine, Silica, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Xylitol, Eucalyptus Oil (Eucalyptus globulus), Lemongrass Oil (Cymbopogon citratus), Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita), Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana), Agar Agar (Gelidium cartilagineum), Carrageenan Extract (Chondrus crispus), Titanium Dioxide, Water (Aqua), Benzyl Alcohol, *Citral, *Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, *Limonene, *Linalool, Flavour, Colour 42090.

Vegan?: Yes. 

2019 Price: £ each.

Year Of Original Release: 2019.

White Fang Toothpaste Jelly

There are those of us who like to dip our toes in the water and then there are those who will simply throw themselves in; consumers who reach for what they know and appreciate, and those that are a little more willing to try something new. This toothpaste jelly is definitely designed for those who like to err on the side of caution.

Sporting a white design not unlike regular toothpastes, and a fragrance to match, White Fang is like the safety net for those unsure about Lush's new creative oral range. Out of the ten brand new toothpaste jellies that Lush are currently showcasing in both the Shinjuku store in Japan, and indeed the Liverpool Spa Superstore in England, this is the one that many consumers may wish to try first - just to ease themselves into the notion of a wobbly toothpaste to begin with. 

Featuring peppermint, spearmint and wild mint oils, not to mention a mint infusion as the main ingredient, it's no surprise to learn that this toothpaste replicates the typical minty taste that most alternative brands offer in high street stores. Whilst not as potent as the original Colgate paste, this is probably the closest comparison I can offer you in regards to what this toothpaste jelly tastes like.

Both super minty and refreshing in taste, White Fang will completely wipe your palette after you have used this to brush you teeth. As to be expected, you will not only be left with clean and shiny white teeth, but you'll also have the freshest breath to carry you through the rest of the day.

What I really enjoyed about using this toothpaste, over that of an alternative brand, was that the jelly offered the same powerful taste in the mouth, just without the sting that I sometimes find myself up against when putting too much toothpaste on my brush. Ultimately, this will probably be the best and easiest toothpaste jelly to use if you want to ensure that no staining or unwanted food smells remain in your mouth after brushing. 

As with all of Lush's new toothpaste jellies, the idea is that you simply scoop your toothbrush across the top of the surface of the product and a small amount (or however much you wish to use) will rub off onto the bristles, and this is what you use to brush your teeth with. With all ten of these new jellies, I found that it was very easy to apply only the smallest of amount to my brush: I barely dented the surface at all to begin with, so these little 60g pots will last you a very long time. In fact, I would even say that they may outlast that of a regular-sized 200g tube of toothpaste.

Once I began brushing, I found that it 'lathered up' exactly like a regular toothpaste and at no point did I feel or experience any jelly pieces still in my mouth. The product dissolved very quickly and then worked exactly as you would hope a tooth paste would do so. Furthermore, I was able to spit the paste out multiple times and never once ran out of foam on my toothbrush. These jellies are super generous when it comes to how much foam they produce in your mouth, despite how little product you need to use. Whereas I would normally use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, I was able to use a piece the size of a grain of rice and yet heed the same results.

What I would say is that as the product is self preserving, it's important to keep your toothbrush fairly dry when you run it across the product. Adding moisture of any kind to these naked cosmetics could reduce the shelf life of the jelly and may open up the possibility of bacteria multiplying over time. For this reason, it's also essential that the lid is left on so as not to attract any unwanted germs. Given that I can imagine one of these pots lasting me a good 3-4 months as a minimum, I certainly wouldn't want the paste exposed to any bacteria, if I can help it.

After using White Fang Toothpaste Jelly, I was really impressed how clean my whole mouth felt, and how long the minty taste remained on my tongue and teeth afterwards. I could still detect a hint of mint some two hours later, whilst I was on my way to work, and this reassured me that my oral health was in the best possible condition at that time. 

As I will say in all of my toothpaste jelly reviews, it was nice not to have to worry about any annoying lumps that some of Lush's toothy tabs can leave in your mouth during brushing. This little gem simply dissolved as soon as I started brushing and there wasn't any wastage from bits getting stuck in my teeth or falling out when I spat into the sink.

As with most of Lush's new toothpaste jellies, this one contains many key ingredients to actually help this product to act like a toothpaste. Hydrated silica works well as a whitening and teeth cleaning agent: helping to remove the stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging the enamel. Then there is xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that doesn't contain any fructose, so will help to protect your teeth from damage, and will hopefully help to reduce your risk of cavities over time.

Whilst boring to look at and not a toothpaste jelly that's going to win any awards for original fragrance and taste, White Fang is a great way to introduce the new concept to your routine, without feeling unsure if you're going to enjoy the taste. If you're still using regular toothpaste and want to switch to something a little more ethical and environmentally friendly, this jelly is a great introduction and I shall continue to enjoy using my little tub for the many months to follow.

Quantitative Ingredients: Fresh Mint Infusion (Mentha piperita), Sorbitol, Glycerine, Silica, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Xylitol, Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita), Spearmint Oil (Mentha spicata), Wild Mint Oil (Mentha arvensis), Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana), Agar Agar (Gelidium cartilagineum), Carrageenan Extract (Chondrus crispus), Titanium Dioxide, Menthol crystals (Menthol).

Vegan?: Yes. 

2019 Price: £ each.

Year Of Original Release: 2019.

Before Eight Toothy Tabs

When my rather intimidating order of toothy and mouthwash tabs first arrived, I was surprised to find a number of different mint flavoured variations. While I completely understand that for some consumers, the transition between paste and tab may be too much to deal with if the flavour goes completely off the scale as well. However, there was a part of me that was genuinely intrigued to see how each release was different enough to be given its own identity. 

Before Eight was actually one of the first bottles I gravitated towards, simply because at the time I had a large hankering for chocolate, and my mind quickly gravitated towards the idea of After Eight mints, which is obviously what these Liverpool exclusives are inspired by.

Containing both peppermint oil and cocoa absolute, the idea behind these limited editions is that they replicate a refreshing yet mildly foody minty smell, with a rich and delicate chocolate aftertaste to seal the deal. However, what I found was that the chocolate element of these are nowhere to be tasted. There is definitely something about these tabs that make them very reminiscent of the famous confectionary but I personally couldn't detect anything that even mildly resembled chocolate: it was straight forward peppermint to my tastebuds.

While some people may suggest that toothy tabs are supposed to be an alternative to mint tooth paste, I happen to think that these are another great starting point for those unsure whether or not to make that leap, and try something more adventurous. Furthermore, they're also far more natural than a lot of the tubed varieties currently available in other shops and are much easier to take with you when travelling: two aspects that make these more appealing than another brand. 

As with all of Lush's new toothy tabs, these particular tabs feature a number of ingredients that I was unsure about and had to research before trying them out for myself - not only to understand how and why Before Eight work, but also to educate others about the benefits they possess. Firstly, these tabs feature  dicalcium phosphate anhydrous - the main component used to help supplement the body's calcium intake, not to mention preventing the build up of tartar in the mouth. Sorbitol is also used - a natural alternative to sugar which allows Lush to add flavour to this product without adding anything that'll rot your teeth; Lauroyl Sarcosine not only helps the product to foam up in the mouth, but is also used to remove unwanted bacteria that may cause problems in the future.

When I popped one of these in my mouth for the first time, there was a part of me that wondered just how potent the peppermint was going to be. However, I found out very quickly that the mint is nowhere near as potent as you would expect it to be, and I do think it is the inclusion of the cocoa absolute that makes it so. However, the latter ingredient works more at blending and smoothing out the minty aroma as opposed to offering anything particularly chocolately to the experience. While some peppermint toothpastes can burn your tongue if you put too much on your brush, you won't get this with these tabs. 

What is great about Before Eight is that the peppermint does clean out your mouth very effectively, leaving you with fresh breath and a set of teeth that feel really squeaky-clean. However, the mint isn't overly strong that it rips the tastebuds right out of your mouth: a positive attribute that makes these little tablets stand above most of the toothpastes that I've tried over the years.

If you're looking for something to replace your late night snacking, you're probably going to be sorely disappointed...and I would also find it a little strange that you'd try to look for it in a toothpaste anyway. However, as an alternative to brush your teeth with, these Liverpool exclusives are definitely a good variation to try out for size.

Quantitative Ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cream Of Tartar (Potassium bitartrate), Sorbitol, Lauroyl Sarcosine, Xylitol, Flavour, Peppermint Oil, Cocoa Absolute, Stevia, Titanium Dioxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Limonene, Colour 77491, Colour 19140:1, Colour 42090:2.

Vegan?: Yes. 

2015 Price: £5.95 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2015. 

Beats Shower Jelly

Oh my word! I think the only aspect of this product that would have made it even more appealing to begin with would have been if this shower jelly had been called Beat It as opposed to just Beats. In all fairness, the idea of a Michael Jackson inspired shower jelly would have perhaps been a little too much for my heart to take, but it would have matched the sparky black attire perfectly.

Released as a limited edition in the Lush Labs last month, this Liverpool exclusive is an absolute gem and easily one of my favourite releases from Lush in a long while. Sharing its scent with Maypole Soap, this shower jelly may not offer a fragrance you would initially expect from a product so dark and alluring. However, once you begin using this in the shower, you understand how well all of its components work together so well.

Containing both a mint infusion and peppermint oil, you wouldn't be surprised to hear that the main note of Beats Shower Jelly is a minty one. However, what makes this jelly so delicious is that there is a strong, warming and very sweet layer of maple syrup alongside these minty notes. This means that the scent is very thick and syrupy, and definitely reminds me of Candy Canes, albeit even richer and more mouthwatering for sure. This shower jelly just smells like a buttery mint humbug and you'd be hard-pressed not to want to give it a lick.

Unlike a lot of the shower jellies that have made an appearance over the last few months, this one is slightly more robust and therefore needs a little more encouraging to produce a lather to clean your skin with. Having said that, a little water between the palms and Beats Shower Jelly will produce a thick, creamy foam to massage across your body.

As the summer weather is starting to take effect, this Liverpool exclusive is perfect for cooling you down either at the start or end of your day, and I have really enjoyed how refreshing my showers have been since I have begun to use Beats on a daily basis.

What is even more impressive is that the beautiful creamy mint aroma lingers around on your skin for a short while after you have exited the shower. This only serves to make me realise how much fans would benefit from having the Maypole Body Lotion brought back again to use alongside this, and I only hope it's a matter of time before it makes a reappearance.

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 as well at times, as I can get 4-5 amazing baths out of one 100g tub, which I consider to be great value for money.

The silver lustre that gives this jelly its sparkle is harmless when the product's in use, so you don't need to worry about being covered in glitter during or after your shower. Instead, it just provides you with a little bonus to enjoy along with the wonder scent and excellent moisturising properties. This is definitely one I will want to buy again once my tub has been used up: I only hope by this time that Beats Shower Jelly will be permanently available in more than one store.  

Quantitative Ingredients: Glycerine, Fresh Mint Infusion, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Carrageenan Extract, Perfume, Activated Charcoal, Peppermint Oil, Menthol Crystals, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite.

Vegan?: Yes.

2019 Price: £5 for 100g, £9.95 for 240g.

Year Of Original Release: 2019.