On Walnut Street in Philadelphia, there is a spa called Lush that looks like your run of the mill outdoor store that is wedged between other buildings. I have to admit, going inside I was a little claustrophobic and overwhelmed. The harsh fluorescent lights, shiny wooden floors, the tightly packed products that were stacked on shelves, and the faraway sound of trickling water was a lot to take in. Also, the super friendly associates will definitely talk to you in their professional black smocks and aprons. Moreover, the prices are a tad on the expensive side.
Overall, I went there during the middle of last summer because I heard that they had bath bombs, of which I still have to try. I recommend them If you like giant balls of a natural bath product that dissolve in water as you relax in the shower. They come in different shapes, including stars and the planet Saturn. Even more exciting: the bath bombs have the vibrancy and color range of crayons!
When I went there for the first or second time last summer, I picked a shower gel called "Hippy Happy" that was appropriate for the season. It was a gooey honey yellow hue that reminded me of the sun. I picked a palm-sized bottle that weighed 3.3 ounces because it was only $9.95, whereas the larger ounces were $18.95 and $29.95 respectively.
When I tried the scent, I was overwhelmed with the aroma of tangy grapefruit. However, the longer I sniffed the shower gel the more I noticed a mystical, intoxicating scent. Upon looking at the shower gel's ingredient list, I saw that it had frankincense in it, which was once burned in my house to ward off evil spirits. This happy scent also proved its mysterious nature because below the fruity scent was the deeper, rich scent of bergamot oil, which is extracted from the bergamot orange. Bergamot oil is a common ingredient in perfumes so this shower gel will linger on you for a long time.
Altogether, the scent "Hippy Happy" describes my persona in a few notes; it's seemingly happy but it proves to be more mysterious and multi-layered the longer one is acquainted with it.
Ironically, looking at the back of the package to "Hippy Happy" one sees a tan, blond guy with a chill smile and gauges in his ears. How unexpected, people who create these nature-friendly products are regular people whom we see on the street. The company does not use or rely on unfairly treated factory workers to create their products. So, in addition to leaving with great skin treats, one leaves with a feeling of ethical responsibility, since as a shopper you're funding a place that highlights the creations of regular people.
Next, because I have an ongoing problem with oily skin, I decided to pick a face mask from Lush Spa to cure the problem. I told the associate that I had combination skin that was drier as it moved from my nose and my cheeks. She suggested a face mask that was called "Cupcake" that would cleanse my face and soften my rough pores.
When I went home and applied this in the shower after leaving it refrigerated(it must be promptly refrigerated to maintain its consistency) it was cold and sticky like mud but It smelled like chocolate. This is not surprising because after I looked at the ingredient list, it is mostly made of rhassoul mud but it also contains cocoa powder, cocoa butter and a few mints. This explains why the face mask has a cool, revitalizing feel. Although, my face shine wasn't controlled after two uses (my laziness meant I only used it twice) my skin was velvety to the touch. I would advise stocking up on more of these because for about two ounces of product you pay $6.95 for silky skin.
Altogether, in one shopping trip I got to sample natural beauty products for under twenty dollars. When I get more accustomed to the spa, I'll try the larger ounces.
