The Forecast for Lush Summer 2014 Calls for Yummy Mango and Marshmallow Showers

Two of the many reasons I like to run…

1. Because it means I get to eat more candy. Copious, vast, galactic quantities of candy, like OMG! — milk chocolate butterscotch squares from See’s, which are and always will be my caloric downfall.
2. Because of the post-run shower. Sure, I can shower anytime — not just after a run (obvs), but there’s something extremely satisfying about rinsing away all of that sweat after a good run, ya know? And in the summer when it’s hot, it’s even more satisfying because there’s more sweat. Sorry, truth! 🙂

This morning after my run I showered with a few new products from Lush. They released six new things this summer, all of them cruelty-free and handmade. Lush calls them “self-preserving,” because they contain high levels of oil, butter and glycerine and a reduced amount of water, which altogether are supposed to stop bacteria from coming around and messing with yo’ groove.

1. Mangnificent Soap

“Mangnificent,” as in mango-nificent, especially if you’re into mangos, which I am.

When I was a kid, dried mangoes were some of my favorite treats in the whole wide world.

Still are, actually. But back in the day they were kind of hard to get here in the U.S., so I’d have to wait for relatives to bring them over when they visited from the Philippines.

There’s nothing quite like dried mango… Sweet, a little tangy and chewy… YUM!

Yes, I’m starved right now.

Anyway, this bar smells just like that! It actually contains both dry and fresh mango (for antioxidants). There’s dried mango on the outside and fresh pureed mango throughout.

The bar also contains Sicilian Lemon Oil and Tunisan Neroli Oil, with the former supposedly increasing seratonin levels in the brain.

Hmm… I am feeling pretty good right now, but that could be ’cause it’s Friday. 😉

2. D’Fluff Shaving Cream

I guess you really do learn something new every day, because this stuff was inspired by strawberry marshmallow fluff, which I did not even know existed.

But it does.

Because I Googled it.

And OMG it looks good!

D’Fluff feels fluffy and light directly from the tub, but once you get it on your skin and work it in a little bit, it thickens into a lotion (like this Shave Cream by EOS).

I definitely feel like I get a closer shave with my razor when I use it.

Surprisingly, it’s not as sweet-smelling as I expected. Rather, it’s more tart, like real life fresh strawberries.

In additional to the strawberries, which are supposed to help cleanse the skin, it also contains egg whites to tighten skin and cocoa butter to moisturize.

Both guys and gals can use it, too.

Hint, hint, El Hub. It’s time you parted with that stubble you’ve been rocking all week. #justsayin

3. African Paradise Body Conditioner

This stuff works as an in-shower moisturizer for your body and leaves a light moisturizing film behind. After you’re washed and shaved, grab a little of this fragrant frangipani-scented stuff from the tub, and rub it all over your body, then rinse and gently towel dry.

The neat thing? It doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. If you’re in a rush and don’t need uber-intense moisturizing, I think this stuff’s great.

Many of the moisturizing ingredients also come from Africa, which is cool, like shea butter and skin-brightening moringa oil from Ghana, and aloe vera from Kenya.

I used it this morning and I’m wearing a dress right now, and I don’t feel like the backs of my knees are sticky at all.

Ugh! I can’t stand it when the backs of my knees are sticky…

4-6. Zeste Hair Gelly, Granny Takes a Dip Bath Bomb, and Parsley Porridge Soap

Lush summer also includes a new Zeste Hair Gelly (medium strongish hold), Granny Takes a Dip Bath Bomb (with lemon oil, black pepper and ginger oils) and Parsley Porridge Soap (it has an antibacterial tea tree infusion and antioxidant fresh parsley; for hands and body).

When/where can you find them?

All six are bound for the permanent line. Magnificent Soap, Parsley Porridge Soap, Granny Takes a Dip Bath Bomb, D’Fluff Shaving Cream and African Paradise Body Conditioner launch in Lush stores nationwide and online July 3, while Zeste Hair Gelly shows up later this summer.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen