Easter At Lush

Lush have a lovely range of gifts for this Easter that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for sweet things.

Carrot Re-usable Bubble Bar (€6.75) Something that all Easter bunnies will enjoy, hold the top of these reusable bubble bar carrots and swish them around the bathtub to create masses of skin softening bubbles. You can then leave them on the side of the tub to dry and re-use another time. The fragrance smells nothing like carrots, as we’ve used lots of fruity oils like buchu, lemon and bergamot to really make your mouth water. There is a little bit of nutritious carrot oil in there though, which is rich in vitamins and an extraordinary skin soother and rejuvenator.

Chick Knot Wrap (€4.75) Introducing a new friend for the Bunny Knot Wrap this year, use this scarf to wrap some seasonal Lush goodies to create the adorable little chick character. Perfect for wrapping the larger Bath Ballistic Eggs, it makes for a lovely alternative gift this Easter.

The Immaculate Eggception (€8.75) … one of Lush’s innovative double-layered bath ballistics, this one is a hollow egg that you can shake and hear a surprise rattling inside. Crack open the bubble bar and ballistic mix eggshell to reveal either a mini chick or bunny ballistic inside! You can then either throw it all into the bathtub (or use for 3 separate baths) and enjoy a vanilla absolute, ylang ylang and grapefruit scented soak. There are two colours to choose from, the yellow egg with green decoration contains the bunny; while the pink egg with yellow or blue decoration contains the chick. They both make for a cracking great bath!

Hoppy Easter (€14.50) a hopping success last year, he’s back but bigger and full of gorgeous Easter goodies. We’ve wrapped up our brand new invention, The Carrot re-usable bubble bar, as everyone knows that bunnies love carrots; along with the old favourite, Fluffy Egg bath ballistic, for a sweetie scented bath-time treat. By choosing the Lush Knot Wrap gift ideas, instead of traditional gift-wrap, you are helping us save 11.6 tonnes of waste per year. Especially relevant at times like Easter when excess packaging is so prevalent.

xxx I would love all of these as an Easter gift insteadof chocolate. What do youlike the look of? xxx

Lush Facial Treats

A few weeks ago the lovely Lush Cosmetics sent me two of their wonderful products to try out.

First up was 9 to 5 Cleansing Milk. This was a welcome addition as I’d run out of my regular cleanser and wanted something I could use quick sticks in the morning and evenings.

What Lush Say About It: “

We make this by steeping fresh dove orchids in almond oil overnight – then strain the petals out and use the infused oil as the base for this cleanser. Contains a lovely light fragrance of honeysuckle and ylang ylang.

9 to 5 will gently remove all traces of dirt, grease and make up without dragging the skin. You will be left feeling fresh, clean and ready to start the day. Although you might also want to pour yourself a cup of ambition.“

How I Found It: I liked it,especially how it any residue didnt hang around on my face. My skin was noticeably cleaner and had a lovely glow. It definitely made me look more awake, which when you are getting by on a few hours sleep a night is a godsend.

I was also sent Brazened Honey Face Mask to try out.

What Lush Say:

Sage, Juniper and rosemary infusions, ground cardamon and clove bud oil for their antiseptic qualities. Eggs, honey and almond oil to soothe, soften and moisturise the skin.Fresh fennel, fresh ginger root, fresh parsley and fresh coriander to detox, and stimulate – and their enzymes will help break down dead skin cells.Fresh lime juice cleans and degreases.  Ground almond shells act as a stimulating scrub to lift away dead grey skin. Finally kaolin and talc absorb grease and give a lovely texture to hold all those ingredients onto the skin.Together they make a mask that will wake up tired, neglected skin.

How I Found It: On first opening I was immediately hit with the smell of honey. Yum! I was also a little shocked with the colour as was little man when I applied it. Cue a sad face from him and calling Mama. So cute! The face mask has ground almond shells so the mask is textured. I applied it and left it on for ten minutes. The result? Lovely glowing skin. This mask is a great little detox for your skin.

xxx Have you tried these lovelies? xxx

Some Goodies for the Mammies

Mother’s Day is fast approaching (March 18th). This is my first Mother’s Day as a Mammy and My Mam’s first as a Granny. I’ll definitely be treating her to some lovelies from both me and the little man.

Like every year,there is heaps of goodies on offer. Here are some of my personal favourites.

Suddenly Madame Glamour €3.49 from Lidl. Myself and the mammy smelt this the other day and fell in love. So much so that I bought 4 bottles. One for me,one for her, one for my best friend and one for my aunty.

Some lovelies from Catrice, Intensif-eye Wet & Dry Shadow €4.29/£3.69,Unbeleaf’able Blush €4.99/£4.25 and Nymphelia Lip Creams €4.29/£3.69

The Washing Up Fairy - so cute! A solid washing up wand so you can be the washing up fairy, while mum puts her feet up this Mother’s Day. Follow the instructions on the stick – ‘Put your feet up, I’ll wash up tonight mum’ – and simply fill the sink with water, swirl this lemon scented, hand softening washing up fairy wand around and she’ll create lots of bubbles. Then leave her on the side to dry and re-use again and again.

Poppy Canvas €10 from Dunnes Stores.

Glass Butterfly Frame €12 from Heatons.

The Chocomania Chicks, €17.95 - Cute chicks from the Oxfam Unwrapped range together with luxurious Chocomania shower cream and a relaxing pamper package voucher from The Body Shop. These chirpy chicks help families in Zimbabwe generate much-needed income.

The Earth Mother, €20.95 - 5 Bags of Seeds from Oxfam Unwrapped and freshly scented Earth Lovers Lemon & Thyme Shower Gel from The Body Shop. Seeds are regularly distributed as part of Oxfam’s livelihoods programmes to help recipients to generate their own food, diversify their crops and establish a source of income.

Mums the Word, €33.95 – a much needed gift of school books from the Oxfam Unwrapped range together with a bottle of beautifully scented White Musk Eau de Toilette. This gift will open a new chapter in a child’s life. A set of school books will do a world of good, helping children in Tanzania to learn and teachers to teach. For families living in poverty, who can’t afford to pay for school materials, this gift ensures children get the education they need.

Honey Mummy, €52.95 – The gift of Bee’s from the Oxfam Unwrapped range and beautiful Honey Bronze Shimmering Oil from the Body Shop. Bee-keeping gives poor people the opportunity to generate an income as they can sell their honey at market. Oxfam Ireland supports bee-keeping projects in Malawi with a particular focus on helping women and those living with HIV and AIDS. The sweetest part about bee-keeping is that, unlike crops, it doesn't require much land to thrive.

A gift for busy mums who don’t have the time to take a relaxing bath, but would appreciate an indulgent selection of treats nonetheless.Contents: Tiny Hands Hand Serum, Lemony Flutter cuticle butter (trial size), Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner (45g), Sultana of Soap, Washing Up Fairy reusable solid washing up liquid. Available from all Lush stores.

xxx What will I be getting my Mum? I’m going to get the Butterfly frame from Heatons and put a pic in of the little man for her. And from me, I’ve bought her Suddenly Madame Glamour from Lidl (one smell of it the other day and we both fell in love) and trip to her favourite cafe is in order .

Love Is In The Air

Ah Valentines Day! How do I love you? Let Me count the ways…. but seriously I’m one of those soppy people who love Valentines Day. I don’t even mind if I don’t get a present (a card is a must though!) Don’t get me wrong, I love getting a present but to me, I’m just happy spending the day with my hubby.

Now hubby! If you are reading this and thinking score! I don’t need to buy her anything!- The above statement is not a get out of jail card, like any girl I love a Valentines Surprise

The following goodies are a must for you to share with you other half or to treat yourself with.

Lush

Magic Mushroom Bubble Bar: A fun-guy to share Valentine’s Day with, this charming toadstool is a frothy strawberries and vanilla scented wonder for your bath.

Give him a quick peck on his bright red lips, pop him in the bathtub and watch him fizz away, perhaps revealing a proposal to your beau in the bath!

Love Potion Massage Bar: Cast a spell over someone this Valentine’s Day with a sensual massage using this solid bar that’s full of carefully chosen ingredients to bring love into your life.

Sweet Heart Soap: Scented with an assortment of seductive, exquisite essential oils to help set the mood, there’s jasmine, sandalwood and ylang ylang – all reputed aphrodisiacs. There’s also a touch of benzoin and bergamot to help lift the spirits and rejuvenate the skin.

Catch the love bug this Valentine’s Day with this cute little Knot Wrap scarf.

Do Knot Disturb: this gift contains everything you would need for a romantic weekend away together, all wrapped up in a pretty Knot Wrap scarf and fastened with a ‘Do Knot Disturb’ sign for your door

Lots of Love: Contents: Sex Bomb bath ballistic, Leap Frog bath ballistic, Magic Mushroom bubble bar, Sweetheart soap (100g mini heart shape), Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner (45g), Sweet Lips lip scrub.

Chou Chou I Love You Toothy Tabs: Get your mouth ready for some serious smooching this Valentine’s Day with this new Toothy Tab, flavoured like roses.

A Million Kisses Lip Tint: The perfect accompaniment to the Chou Chou I Love You toothy tab, this lip tint is rosy red and scented with the same rose fragrance.

 

The Body Shop: Chocomania (perfect for Chocolate lovers)

Chocomania Range (Mmmmm Chocolate!)

SHOWER CREAM (250ml RRP: €8.95 / 60ml RRP: €3.85) Delicately fragranced body wash to leave skin cleansed and moisturised. Apply liberally to damp skin and lather. Contains Community Fair Trade cocoa butter and honey.

BODY BUTTER (200ml RRP: €18.95 / 50 ml RRP: €7.95) Delicately fragranced intensive body moisturiser which leaves skin hydrated, soft and smooth. Apply liberally to body. Contains Community Fair Trade beeswax and honey, cocoa and shea butter, Brazil and babassu nut oil, sesame and soya oil, marula and aloe oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, olive oil and organic sugar cane.

SOAP (100g RRP: €3.95) Delicately fragranced heart-shaped soap bars which leave hands cleansed and soft. Rub to apply to damp hands and lather. Contains Community Fair Trade cocoa butter and soya oil.

LIP BUTTER (10ml RRP: €7.50) Delicately fragranced intensive lip balm which leaves lips hydrated and soft. Apply to lips with fingertips. Contains Community Fair Trade beeswax, cocoa butter and shea butter.

BODY SCRUB (200ml RRP: €18.95 / 50ml RRP: €7.95) Delicately fragranced. Leaves skin exfoliated and smooth. Massage into skin using a circular motion. Contains Community Fair Trade cocoa butter, Brazil nut oil, soya oil and sugar.

BODY LOTION (250ml RRP: €13.50 / 60ml RRP: €3.85) Delicately fragranced light cream body moisturiser which leaves skin soft and smooth. Apply liberally and rub into skin. Contains Community Fair Trade shea butter, cocoa butter, sesame oil, Brazil nut oil and organic babassu oil.

xxx Which of these are going on your wishlist? xxx

More Lovely Gifts From Lush

Lush have added more loveliness to their Christmas gifts by introducing a limited edition of star thmed beauty treats and gifts.

 NEW! Magic Wand reusable bubble bar (100g) … a magical pink star-shaped bubble bar on a wand to swish around the bath for Snow Fairy scented bubbles! It’s made with the multi-use bubble bar mixture, so lasts for many baths making it great value for money. Simply swish it around in the water for a skin softening, vanilla scented soak and a mound of candy bubbles. Then pop it on the side for use another time. It will add some star power to any bath!

Vegan Superstars bubble bar (£2.25 for 100g) … Lush have reformulated their  bubble bar mixture to enable this star to be embedded all the way through the bar … just like a stick of rock! This one comes in two colour combinations – a red bar with a gold star or visa versa. Fragranced with a sweet and delicious strawberry scent, there’s also some angelica root to help aid relaxation. Crumble under running water for masses and masses of super bubbles!

Christmas Star … a star shaped box for a stellar selection of festive goodies, including the new Melting Snowman bath melt, that softens the skin with cocoa butter and almond oil and the warming Cinders bath ballistic, that contains popping candy to emulate the crackling of an open fire. Follow this Christmas star and shoot into your nearest Lush! Contents: Superstars bubble bar, Lil Lush Pud bath ballistic, Cinders bath ballistic, So White bath ballistic, Candy Mountain bubble bar, Melting Snowman bath melt.

Stardust  … pink and delightfully girly, this gift contains all the sparkly, sweet and pink products we could find, including the new star-shaped Magic Wand reusable bubble bar. Wrapped in bright pink paper emblazoned with shooting stars and tied with a silver lamé ribbon – it’s the perfect gift to sprinkle someone’s Christmas with a little stardust! Contents: Angel’s Delight soap (star shaped), Candy Mountain bubble bar, Snow Fairy shower gel, Space Girl bath ballistic, Shimmy Shimmy glitter bar, Magic Wand reusable bubble bar, Bubble Gum lip scrub.

All I Want For Christmas  … everyone will want one of these for Christmas ( I know I do) with most of the limited edition festive products and new inventions in one bumper hatbox. Golden stars adorn the box, with a gold ribbon tying it all together beautifully. Contents: Cinders, Satsumo Santa, So White, Lil’ Lush Pud, Golden Wonder, Abombinaball and Rocketeer bath ballistics; Candy Mountain, Christmas Eve, Gingerbread House, 3 Gold Rings, Superstars and Magic Wand bubble bars; Snowcake, Angel’s Delight, Candy Cane, Northern Lights and Snow Globe soaps; Melting Snowman self dissolving bath melt; Glogg and Snow Fairy shower gels; Jilted Elf shower jelly; Australian Igloo sugar scrub; Pow Wow lip scrub; Chili Tingle lip tint.

xxx All these gifts look amazing! I would love if some of these were under my Christmas tree this year. Are there any you would like to see under your tree? xxx

For The Man In Your Life

I always struggle when it comes to buying my hubby a Christmas present. But this year there is sooo much out there for men. Here is just a small selection of what I found.

• Prince Shaving Cream from Lush Cosmetics €6.00
• Dirty Shaving Cream from Lush Cosmetics €6.00
• Organic Homme Christmas Crackers €17.50 from LoveLula.com *
• Neals Yard Men Grooming Collection €34.90 from LoveLula.com *
• Jack Black Performance Ready Giftset €34.99 fromCloud10Beauty.com *

• Cowshed Bullocks for Men Giftset €39.95 from BeautyFeatures.ie
• Clarins Men Grooming Essentials Collection €49.50 from BeautyFeatures.ie
• Giorgio Armani Code Sport Giftset €52.00 (available nationwide)
• Giorgio Armani Code for Men Giftset €55.00 (available nationwide)
• YSL L’Homme Libre Giftset €59.00 (available nationwide)