If you‘re a beauty fanatic, chances are you‘ve heard of Lush Cosmetics. This eco-conscious brand has developed a cult following thanks to its extensive range of "naked" package-free bath bombs, shower gels, shampoo bars, and skincare solutions. With bright colors, whimsical shapes, and intoxicating scents, Lush makes the process of getting clean feel like a magical experience.
But with premium prices and a dizzying array of products to choose from, you may be wondering – is Lush really worth it? As a long-time Lushie myself, I‘m here to give you the scoop on this popular brand. I‘ll share my honest take on Lush‘s top sellers, suss out what real customers are saying, and help you decide if their products deserve a spot in your bathroom cabinet. Let‘s dive in!
Behind the Brand: Lush‘s Mission and Values
Before we get to the good stuff (AKA the products), I want to touch on Lush‘s backstory. Founded in 1995 by a group of friends and seasoned cosmetics pros, Lush has always been on a mission to shake up the beauty industry.
How? By creating products using fresh, natural, and ethically-sourced ingredients. By pioneering "naked packaging" – solid versions of traditional liquid products that eliminate the need for bottles and tubs. By taking a stand against animal testing and supporting organizations that do the same. And by giving back to the community through charitable initiatives and sustainable sourcing.
You could say Lush was eco-chic before it was cool. While other cosmetic brands are just now hopping on the green bandwagon, Lush has been leading the charge for decades. This commitment to ethics is one of the key reasons Lush has amassed a dedicated following and continues to grow.
Highlights of Lush‘s Bestsellers
Okay, now for the moment you‘ve been waiting for – let‘s talk products. Lush has a massive, ever-evolving collection that spans bath and body, haircare, skincare, makeup, fragrances, and more. To keep things simple, I‘m going to focus on a handful of their perennial best-sellers:
Bath Bombs
No Lush review would be complete without a nod to their iconic bath bombs. These fizzy, fragrant spheres are practically synonymous with the brand. With dozens of unique colors and scents to choose from, they make bathtime feel like a special occasion. Best-sellers include Intergalactic (a glittery, mood-boosting blend of peppermint, grapefruit, and vetivert), Twilight (a soothing, sleep-inducing mix of lavender and tonka), and Honey I Washed the Kids (a sweet, nourishing treat spiked with honey and orange oil).
Shower Gels & Jellies
Lush‘s shower gels are another fan favorite, and for good reason – they‘re packed with good-for-you ingredients, lather like a dream, and leave your skin feeling silky soft. I‘m particularly fond of Sleepy, a luxurious, calming blend of lavender and tonka that I use to wind down before bed. Other crowd-pleasers include Rose Jam (a decadent mix of rose, vanilla, and turkish delight) and Happy Hippy (an energizing gel infused with grapefruit and lemon).
Face Masks
If you‘re battling breakouts, dullness, or dryness, Lush‘s fresh face masks are a must-try. Stored in the fridge and made with nourishing ingredients like kaolin, fresh fruits, and butters, they‘re like a weekly reset for your complexion. Two of the most popular options? Mask of Magnaminty, an invigorating blend of honey, kaolin, peppermint, and aduki beans that deep cleans and revitalizes. And Don‘t Look At Me, a bright blue mask starring murumuru butter, lemon juice, and silken tofu to hydrate and brighten.
Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
As a trailblazer in "naked" hair care, Lush‘s solid shampoos and conditioners have earned a devoted following from the low-waste crowd. Not only are they free of packaging and preservatives, but they‘re also highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. I swear by Honey I Washed my Hair, a sweet, nourishing shampoo bar that leaves my strands shiny and soft. New is another popular pick enriched with cinnamon, clove, and peppermint to stimulate the scalp.
Putting Lush to the Test: What Customers Really Think
Of course, you don‘t have to take my word for it. To gauge how well Lush delivers on its promises, I combed through thousands of online reviews. Spoiler alert – the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
On Lush‘s website, their bestselling products consistently earn ratings of 4.5 stars or higher. The Scrubee body butter bar, for example, has an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 1,400 reviews. Customers rave about its exfoliating powers and heavenly honey-chocolate scent. "The best scrub and moisturizer in one," one fan gushes. "It buffs away rough, dry patches and leaves my skin insanely soft and glowing."
The Sleepy body lotion is another highly rated standout with 4.6 stars from over 800 reviews. Users praise its ability to soothe irritated skin and quiet racing minds before bed. "This lotion is pure magic," one reviewer rhapsodizes. "It smells divine, absorbs quickly, and actually helps me relax and fall asleep faster."
Over on Influenster, Lush maintains a similarly stellar track record. The brand as a whole has a 4.5 star average from a whopping 264k ratings. The Ocean Salt face and body scrub is a particular favorite, with reviewers claiming it‘s a godsend for treating body acne, keratosis pilaris, and flaky skin.
While the majority of feedback on Lush is glowing (pun intended), no brand is immune to criticism. The most common complaints? Sticker shock over the prices, allergic reactions to certain ingredients (like fragrance or essential oils), and products going bad faster than expected due to the lack of preservatives.
However, most customers agree that you get what you pay for with Lush. "Yes, their products are pricey," writes one Redditor in the SkincareAddiction subreddit. "But the combination of quality ingredients, ethical sourcing, and amazing sensory experience makes them totally worthwhile to me. They‘re a treat I‘m happy to splurge on."
Battle of the Brands: How Lush Stacks Up to The Competition
To get a sense of how Lush compares to other natural beauty brands, I did a deep dive on one of their biggest competitors: The Body Shop. Like Lush, The Body Shop positions itself as an ethical, eco-conscious alternative to mainstream cosmetics. They‘ve been around since 1976 and offer a wide range of skincare, bath, and body products.
In terms of variety, Lush definitely has The Body Shop beat. While you‘ll find standard offerings like body wash, lotion, and face masks at both retailers, Lush goes the extra mile with its innovative "naked" product formulations. Their bath bombs, bubble bars, massage bars, and solid shampoos and conditioners are totally unique and add an element of surprise and delight that‘s missing from The Body Shop‘s more traditional lineup.
Lush also gets the edge when it comes to ingredients. Though both brands use natural components, Lush is more transparent about their sourcing and offers a broader range of vegan options. Around 85% of Lush‘s products are vegan (compared to 56% of The Body Shop‘s offerings as of 2021).
However, The Body Shop outperforms Lush in the affordability department. Their products are generally priced lower, and they run more frequent sales and promotions. That being said, Lush loyalists argue that the potency, purity, and sensory appeal of their products justifies the premium.
The Bottom Line: Is Lush Worth It?
So, is Lush worth the hype? Based on my research and personal experience, my answer is a resounding yes. While no brand is perfect, Lush gets a whole lot right. From their strong ethical ethos to their innovative product range to their commitment to customer satisfaction, they consistently over-deliver.
Sure, their prices may be higher than what you‘d pay at the drugstore. But Lush products bridge the gap between basic bath supplies and high-end spa treatments, transforming everyday rituals into immersive sensory experiences. They‘re formulated with care and intention, using high-quality, responsibly-sourced ingredients. And a little goes a long way, so you can ration out the magic.
If you‘re new to Lush, I recommend starting with a few of their greatest hits (bath bombs, Sleepy lotion, and Honey I Washed My Hair shampoo get my vote) to see what the fuss is about. Poke around their website to get a sense of their ethics and ingredient standards. Read reviews to find products that align with your skin type and concerns.
Most importantly, have fun! With their cheeky product names, vibrant colors, and whimsical packaging, Lush is all about bringing joy and playfulness to your daily routine. So go ahead, treat yourself to a bath bomb or massage bar and get ready to fall head over heels for this one-of-a-kind beauty brand.
