Oh, Lush. How I love you so. And it looks like the feeling is mutual ‘cos they sent me the sweetest-smelling li’l gift pakkie to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It’s definitely helped take the edge off the fact that I’m almost 36 and probably going to die alone. But at least I’ll smell great! No rancid cat litter and half empty vodka bottles for me. (Okay, maybe a few vodka bottles…)

Now, let’s break this pakkie down, shall we?

First up, Prince Charming shower cream (R175 for the 250ml bottle, a 100ml is pictured), my favourite item of the lot, is an ultra luxe, hydrating creamilicious body wash imbued with a host of natural loveliness like pomegranate juice and marshmallow root and vanilla pod infusion. To me, it smells just like a sugared marshmallow but isn’t sickeningly sweet in the least and I love how it leaves my skin feeling wondrously clean but supple. I’m generally more of a bath person but now stepping into the shower is a treat.

As for the heart-shaped bath bomb, that’s Cupid (R49,50), a ‘berry romantic’ li’l dude with an addictive citrusy rose and berry scent thanks to lime oil, rose petal powder and fresh raspberry juice. I haven’t used this guy yet. I’m saving him for a special occasion and can’t wait to unleash his yummy smell in full bloom in my tub.

Lush also make great massage bars that essentially a blend of natural butters that melt when they come into contact with the warmth of your skin. To use, simply rub it on your bod! While cinnamon-scented Wiccy Magic Muscles is still my favourite bar by far, new Love Spell (R130) is a nice addition to their line up and will go down well with anyone who likes soft floral scents, in this case, carnation, rose and neroli.

Lastly, The Kiss lip gloss (price TBA) is a cute li’l vegan, self-preserving lip balm that really is good enough to eat. It promises to soften up your lips with a mix of natural butters and oils (jojoba, Kalahari melon and coconut), give them a subtle pink shimmery tint and a hint of sweet-tasting flavour thanks to tangerine oil and agave syrup.

If you’re looking to spoil someone – or even just yourself – this V-Day, think about stepping into Lush. All their products are 100% vegetarian and nothing is ever tested on animals.

Love, love

Leigh

P.S. Have you seen Lush’s Valentine’s Day campaign ads? You have no idea how much I love, love, LOVE that they feature same-sex couples!

Can we please see more ad material from more brands celebrating the fact that we all should be free to love and adore and whoever the hell we choose? It’s long past about bloody time and I’d really like to applaud Lush on making such a brave move. And it really is brave. There are few brands willing to do it because – well, money. Boldly including a market in a way that’s sure to ruffle the feathers of smaller-minded individuals still shackled by intolerance is a fast way to lose their buying power. It seemingly makes more sense to ‘play it safe’ so it’s going to be a while before a slew of mass appeal brands follow suite. But ja. Here’s hoping my children one day live in a world where spotting a same-sex couple or two gay dads and their mixed race baby in an ad isn’t a rarity and something to salute, but merely a true reflection of our society.

P.S.S. If you go into your day with anything, maybe make it one of my favourite quotes in the world: ‘If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.’
Archbishop Desmond Tutu