Smugglers Soul Solid Shampoo Bar

While I usually opt to use the limited edition perfumes that I own, there are a few regular-line ones that I always revert back to on occasions. Smuggler's Soul Liquid Perfume in my number one choice from Lush's extensive fragrance collection, and there has never been a time when I've used the perfume and not felt better afterwards. 

Initially, it was rather disappointing when Lush brought out their exclusive Father's Day range for the first time last year, and I discovered that the solid shampoo bar was labelled as vegetarian only. However, with a slight change of ingredients and an improved formula, 2017 has seen the seasonal product turn vegan, and we are all the better for it.

Described as being both poignant and smoky, Smugglers Soul Solid Shampoo Bar is a royal treat for the hair: a product that not only showcases one of the best smells in this format, but also works far better than a number of the regular bars in store.

Containing a combination of sandalwood, vetivert and tagetes, this limited edition is both sweet and sultry. The lemongrass not only offers the hair a shine that helps to bring out any natural highlights that your locks may possess, but it is also one of the key notes in the overall smell. In fact, it is the lemongrass that compliments the smoky elements of the sandalwood, and what also intertwines with the vetivert to give off a delicately sweet smell.

While I was a little confused at first by the inclusion of the watercress infusion, I have since learned that this ingredient is great for stimulating hair growth, and also helps to give this solid shampoo bar a very moisturising lather that softens, strengthens and repairs hair at the same time. 

You only need to stimulate this for a couple seconds for it to create an abundance of silky-soft lather to massage into your hair. In fact, I found that I only had to wet the product briefly for it to produce enough 'foam' to coat my whole head with. Once applied, I would leave it on for around five minutes before rinsing it out and using conditioner. 

Although I tend to use Avocado Cowash to add in moisture and keep my hair in tip-top condition, there were a few times when I opted to use Smugglers Soul Solid Shampoo by itself, and I found that my hair was just as smooth and manageable as it would have been after using conditioner. Despite there being nothing in the ingredients list that hinted at why this seasonal special was so effective in that manner, it was not something I was going to question.

What I loved about this shampoo was that I was firstly able to enjoy the wonderful smell of Smugglers Soul in the shower, albeit briefly. Although this scent unfortunately didn't seem to last once a conditioner had been applied, nor when used by itself, it was a fleeting luxury that made me wish that Lush would bring out a shower gel or jelly with the same fragrance.

My only qualm with this solid shampoo bar was the fact I felt as if it seemed to shrink a little quicker than other bars of its kind. If left to dry naturally, I noticed that the bar would be smaller the next time I went to wash my hair. For this reason, I would highly recommend that you pat it dry after use, to ensure you get the most out of it. 

Unfortunately, this bar does not stick around to become a regular member of my hair care routine. However, I have bought a few bars to see me through a good many months. For fans of Smugglers Soul, and indeed those who appreciate a good-quality shampoo, I would highly recommend that you give this one a go. I hope, for my hair's sake, that this makes a reappearance next Father's Day.     

Quantitative Ingredients: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Perfume, Watercress Infusion, Rosewood Oil, Sandalwood Oil,  Vetivert Oil, Tagetes Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Polyquaternium-88, *Benzyl Benzoate, *Citral, *Coumarin, *Limonene, *Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Colour 15510, Colour 17200, Colour 42090.

Vegan?: Yes.

2017 Price: £7.50 each.

Year Of Original Release: 2017.

Scent Family:
Smuggler's Soul Body Lotion
Smuggler's Soul Body Spray
Smuggler's Soul Facial Scrub
Smuggler's Soul Liquid Perfume
Smuggler's Soul Solid Perfume
Smugglers Soul Solid Shampoo Bar

Veerappen Moustache Wax

Smuggler's Soul Body Lotion

Let's be honest - the world went into a flurry of excitement when Lush first released the Smuggler's Soul perfume back in June 2014. Or perhaps I was the only one completely and utterly intoxicated by the unique and very alluring addition to their Gorilla Perfume range. Either way, the fragrance was part of Lush's third official collection of perfumes, and was one of those captivating scents that you cannot imagine life without once you have it in your grasp.

When I heard a whisper that Lush were bringing out a range of products in this scent, I couldn't imagine a better choice from Volume 3, and I was also unable to fathom how these items could or would be anything less than amazing. In  simple terms, Smuggler's Soul Body Lotion is as wonderful as it sounds on paper, and I highly recommend it right off the bat.

For those who have yet to experience this scent, I would say that this fragrance is definitely a very strong and defining smell - one that resonates on the skin and leaves an impression that stays with you all day. The body lotion is no exception in this way, although it definitely has a far subtler approach about its being.

Made from a combination of lemongrass and sandalwood, the aroma has a strong but dry citrus aroma, with a thread of smoky, woody sandalwood intertwined around this. It's a scent that may seem rather masculine to some at first, but one that is robust and diverse enough to suit any wearer. In the bottle, it makes its impression on the senses very quickly, and I can see why fans of sweeter, gentler perfumes may find this a little off-putting.

What works in its favour for me then, although I can see why some users may see this as a negative trait, is that the body lotion is a lot less 'in your face' from the start. In fact, when I first opened the tub and gave the product a sniff, I was taken back by how absent the fragrance was. You really don't pick up much more than the basic smell of the lotion - how you'd imagine it would smell if they made the product but just forgot to add the perfume. However, there is a slight hint of both the key ingredients if you strain your nose enough.

Surprisingly, it is when you begin applying the lotion to your skin, and the product is able to react to the heat of your body, that the Smuggler's Soul elements begin to come through. It is then that you can appreciate the straight forward and slightly sweet lemongrass note; the dry but tenacious woody element of the sandalwood. And unlike the perfume, you also get to enjoy the creamy element of the Madagascan vanilla and the aromatic sentiments of the vetivert. 

What is great about this lotion is that it feels really light and fairly thin, much like Karma Kream does. And when you massage it across your body, it dissolves into the skin in a matter of seconds - you're not left with any sticky residue and you could put clothes on thirty seconds later without smearing the product in the slightest. 

Normally for me, this symbolises that the lotion is great at surface level but not so impressive if you're looking for a deep moisturise. However, I was impressed to discover that within a matter of minutes, my skin felt smooth and soft and there was a noticeable improvement almost immediately in the condition. I actually couldn't believe how quick this body lotion had managed to penetrate and nourish my skin, and to such a noticeable level! 

To give you an example of just how effective Smuggler's Soul Body Lotion is, I will state that I decided to use it on my hands one day as a hand cream. During the colder months, I often suffer from dry areas in-between my fingers, and need to moisturise daily to clear the problem. Upon realising that I had left my hand cream at home, I used a little of this lotion instead, and couldn't believe how much of a miracle worker it turned out to be. The dry, scaly areas completely disappeared, my hands looked softer and far softer, the scent remained for a few hours so I could enjoy the fragrance wherever I went, and the condition of my hands remained as impressive throughout the day.

While the tub seems like an expensive investment at roughly £15 for a 100g tub, I cannot recommend it enough. You don't need to use large handfuls of the stuff for it to work its magic, and I now carry one of these around with me everywhere. I will definitely be stocking up on these when they come over to the UK, and if you're a fan of the scent, I can guarantee that you'll fall in love with this very quickly. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Infusion of Lemon Balm, Water, Almond Oil, Stearic Acid, Argan Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Glycerine, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Camellia, Fresh Cucumber, Fresh Watercress, Rosewood Oil, Sandalwood Oil,   Vetivert Oil, Tagetes Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Triethanolamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, * Benzyl Benzoate, * Citral, * Coumarin, * Geraniol, * Limonene, * Linalool, Alpha - Isomethyl Ionone, Perfume, Propylparaben, Methylparaben.

Vegan?: Yes.

2016 Price: ?

Year Of Original Release: 2016.

Scent Family:
Smuggler's Soul Body Lotion
Smuggler's Soul Body Spray
Smuggler's Soul Facial Scrub
Smuggler's Soul Liquid Perfume
Smuggler's Soul Solid Perfume
Smugglers Soul Solid Shampoo Bar
Veerappen Moustache Wax