LUSH; Poole's ethical skincare brand loved the world over. PHOTOS COMING SOON!

The LUSH shop and LUSH SPA in Poole.

  This week I want to talk about the much-loved company, LUSH. Although no introduction is needed for this famous brand, I still want to give you some background information. As many of you will already know, it all started in the costal town of Poole in Dorset by founders Mark and Mo Constantine. This is where the first ever LUSH store was opened back in 1994, which now also houses the LUSH Spa (follow this link for treatments: https://www.lush.co.uk/products/treatments-0). Today, 20 years on, there are now LUSH stores in over 50 countries and the brand is loved worldwide. Every product on offer is handmade using vegetarian-friendly natural ingredients and safe synthetics. The LUSH team continue to fight their battle against animal-testing and do not deal with any companies who connect with animal-testing in any way to keep their products 100% cruelty-free. LUSH also

supports numerous charity projects and good causes around the world involved with animal welfare, human rights, and environmental conservation, and their heavenly Charity Pot hand and body lotion was created to help hard-working grassroots organisations in need of funding to continue their good work. All of the proceeds from Charity Pot sales go to projects supported by LUSH, and the idea has been so successful that it’s still going strong 7 years after being launched in 2007.

LUSH Charity Pot. Source: www.lush.com.au

The Sunblock.

   I’ve been a loyal LUSH customer for years, and I can’t help getting drawn into their high street shops when I smell the distinctive warming scent of their pungently fragranced array of natural produce, so I was rather thrilled when I was invited to an after-hours event at the LUSH shop at The Mall in Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, earlier this year. I got to try out loads of exciting ethical products from the ever-changing range, both new to the market and best-selling “golden oldies”. I indulged in something of a mini-pampering session when I got to try some of their recently-released range of five Sun Care products – who would have thought sun protection could be so relaxing? The first product I tried was The Sunblock, and it was something like I’d never seen before. “Shower on your sun care” by smoothing this block of skin-loving goodness all over damp skin while you wash, then give yourself a rinse and pat dry. It smells fantastic, nourishes the skin, and it’s SPF30 will keep you protected

Million Dollar Moisturiser.

from harmful rays for hours. It costs less than £10 and lasts for ages, so it’s cheaper than most sunscreen products and is likely to last much longer, too! Next I tried the divine Million Dollar Moisturiser. As the name suggests, no expense has been spared making this luxurious facial moisturiser. It has a high SPF of 30, and contains top ingredients including honey, jojoba, Evening Primrose oil, Shea Butter, lavender, Rosewood oil, Almond, Organic Sesame oil, and even a touch of LUSH’s radiant Feeling Younger skin tint to give a the skin a youthful dewy glow. Finally I tried Sesame Suntan Lotion, my favourite product in the range. I think it was the delicious, captivating, nutty scent of this incredible product that made me fall in love with it instantly. The main aim of this sunscreen lotion is to

Sesame Suntan Lotion.

help you tan naturally whilst protecting you from damaging rays. It’s clever blend of ingredients help you to tan by increasing the skin’s melanin production. You can read more about LUSH’s sun care range and watch a helpful video demonstrating the products here: https://www.lush.co.uk/article/our-sun-care.

   When I was at this intimate event, I also got to witness exactly how the popular Catastrophe Cosmetic fresh face mask is made and what goes into it, as well as take a pot of it home - a good move, as I became hooked and it’s now one of my favourite LUSH products. It’s packed with calming calamine, chamomile, and Irish Moss gel to sooth, soften and cleanse the skin. It also contains whole blueberries which have protective qualities and are full of antioxidants (and they smell fantastically fresh, too). My LUSH friend, Alys, is also a huge fan of this mask, and she told me she uses the blueberries dropping off as an indication that it’s time to wash off the product – a helpful tip! Another one of my favourite products is the sweet and scrubby Brazened Honey fresh face mask. I’m a lover of all things honey, and I enjoy the unique texture of exfoliating products, too, so this mask was made for people like me! It also contains stimulating ginger, which happens to be my favourite flavour and scent, and my hair colour, too. The blend of detoxifying ingredients awaken the senses and leave the skin feeling fresh, smooth, hydrated, and squeaky-clean. The exfoliating ground almonds will also buff away dry skin and the antiseptic blend of sage, rosemary, juniper berry, cardamom and clove will help banish imperfections and balance the skin leaving your face looking and feeling clear and healthy.

   I hadn't tried LUSH’s Bubbleroons before attending this event, but I’m a huge fan of their bath melts and bathbombs, so I decided to give one a whirl. The first thing I must mention is that you can either use it in one go, or simply pull the two sections apart to get two cheeky baths out of it like I did – double the fun! There are a number of bubbleroon “flavours” to choose from, and I went for the bright orange Yuzu and Cocoa Bubbleroon. Crumble it into the tub under running water to fill your bath with lots of sweetly-smelling skin-loving bubbles and fill the air with an uplifting citrusy scent, boosting your mood and making you feel energized and raring to go. It also contains coconut oil and that wonder-product Shea Butter to moisturise your skin while you soak all your negativity away.

   I also came home from the LUSH event with a big pot of African Paradise body condition. I just couldn’t resist it’s sweet chocolate-like scent! LUSH simply instruct you to use it “like you would a hair conditioner, but on your body”. Smooth it all over your body whilst showering, then rinse it off and gentle towel dry to leave you with deliciously-fragranced and highly-hydrated skin. The sweet smell comes from softening Shea Butter, a scent which I always link to chocolate for some reason. This product is not only great for your skin, but it also contains Moringa Oil produced by a SLush (Sustainable Lush) Fund project. Use this link to read more about the SLush Fund: https://www.lush.co.uk/tag/slush.

Happy Hippy.
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   Now for a product that I’ve loved for years, Happy Hippy! I couldn’t possible not mention this mood-lifting best-seller. I’m sure many of you will have used it, or at least given it a little sniff in the shops! This versatile shower gel can be used to cleanse the body and hair, and it’s luscious lather leaves behind the awakening scent of zesty pink grapefruit. Frankincense and bergamot also give this cleansing gel an extra-zingy fragrance boost. Use it in the morning to give you a real “get up and go” spirit, or indulge with it in a citrusy bath when you’re feeling a little down in the dumps and need a pick-me-up to brighten your mood.

BIG Shampoo.

Sea Spray.

   I’m a long-term lover of the LUSH shampoo bars, but I thought I’d try out something a little different this time and took home some Big Sea Salt Shampoo. As the name suggests, it contains sea salt - just reading those two words conjures up the smell of the British coastline for me. “Beach hair” is popular with lots of us, and the effect the seaside has on our hair is all to do with sea salt, which naturally makes our locks voluminous, bouncy, and full of life. This volumising shampoo also contains zingy lemon and lime to add healthy shine, protein-packed seaweed to nourish, and coconut oil to keep the hair soft and silky. It smells fresh, clean and slightly fruity, but not overly sweet. Just apply a touch to wet hair, work into a lather and rinse, just as you would with any other shampoo. Repeat the process for extra “oomph”! For the ultimate beachy hairstyle, finish your ‘do with one of my favourite products, Sea Spray Hair Mist. It too contains sea salt to add lift, and it also gives light hold for effortless natural style.

   Dry shampoos have become all the rage in recent years. They’re now something of an everyday staple for most of us, not just festival-goers and party animals! Keep it natural with LUSH’s No Drought.  Squeeze the bottle to puff the powder onto dry hair, and then work it in with your fingers to leave your locks looking clean and fresh with a zingy grapefruit fragrance. Any excess powder can be easily removed by giving your hair a quick brush through after use. Moisture-absorbing talc and cornflour soak up excess oils and banish signs of greasy hair to give a clean matte finish. It’s great for popping in your handbag to give your hair a quick pick-me-up when it’s looking a tad unclean, and an absolute must-have for when you’re off on your travels!

   I love LUSH’s range of hair styling products, but my favourite is probably Zest Hair Gelly (although it’s a close call between that and Sea Spray). This medium-strong hold gel has a fun unique texture, somewhat similar to their Shower Jellies. It contains uplifting organic orange juice and sweet wild orange oil which gives it a strong refreshing smell of oranges and a vibrant orange colour. Either dip your fingers in the pot, or, for a more fun application, tip the whole jelly into your hands and jiggle it about, then pop it back in the pot using the leftovers on your palms to style your hair. Apply the same way as you would with any other hair gel onto wet or dry hair to nourish, style, and give a wet-look high-shine finish with a long-lasting fresh orange scent. Less is more – a little of this stuff goes a long way making it excellent value for money.

   I could go on forever about the extensive range of LUSH products, but the collection is seemingly endless and I’d be here a lifetime, so why not pick up a free brochure next time you’re in store instead? Remember that everything you buy is handmade with love and care, ethical, and natural, and helps to support charities and hard-working organisations all over the world to care for both your skin and your planet.

Use this link to find your nearest UK store: www.lush.co.uk/shops
Use this link to shop online in the UK: www.lush.co.uk
Use this link to shop online in the States: www.lushusa.com

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By Tuesday T. Bryan.

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Useful links:

LUSH contact information:
Tel: 01202 688545
Web: www.lush.co.uk
Email: wecare@lush.co.uk
Address: -
Find a store (UK): www.lush.co.uk/shops
Facebook: www.facebook.com/freshlush
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lushltd
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lushltd
Google+: www.plus.google.com/+Lush
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/lushlimited
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/Lushcosmetics
Tumblr: www.lushlimited.tumblr.com/


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Herbal Harmony; Natural handmade skin products from the stunning Dorset coast.

© Tuesday T. Bryan
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   Herbal Harmony produces a wide range of natural skincare products and cosmetics, all of which are handmade in Dorset. The founder of this all-natural brand is Catherine Marshall (Medical Herbalist, MNIMH & BSc). Each of her products is free from nasty ingredients including parabens, synthetic fragrance, and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate), all of which can be damaging (but are still widely used by many big commercial brands). Omitting these potentially harmful substances from product recipes means they are kinder to the skin and so much less likely to cause reactions. With such a broad range of gentle beauty products on offer, you’re bound to find something to suit you!

© Tuesday T. Bryan
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   I happen to be mad about make up, and I love with the Herbal Harmony Natural Lipgloss. There are seven gorgeous shades currently available, and I have three of them, my current favourite being “Marshmallow” (a shimmering pale pink). They’re completely natural and suitable for vegans, and they contain skin-loving ingredients such as Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil to help keep the lips in tip-top condition. These highly-pigmented glosses not only look great, but they also smell fantastic!


   Here are my thoughts on the three shades I've tried and my photos:

© Tuesday T. Bryan
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   - Marshmallow: A soft, pale pink with delicate shimmer and a sheer finish. A sure winner for light Spring / Summer make up, and a great "go-to" lip colour for any occasion. A versatile shade suitable for almost any skin tone an also provides moisture an protection. A make up bag must-have.

© Tuesday T. Bryan
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- Hibiscus: Shimmering bronze with a sheer finish. If you have tanned or Olive skin this bronze lip colour will complete the sun-kissed look. A perfect match for golden summer skin. Light catches the shimmery light-reflecting particles making this shade even more eye-catching in the sun. Natural formula helps hydrate the lips.

© Tuesday T. Bryan
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- Cranberry: A rich berry shade with a metallic sheer finish. A great choice for adding a warm kiss of colour to Autumn / Winter make up. Ideal for the party season. Moisturising ingredients help prevent lips from drying out in the harsh English winter air. Suits most skin tones.

© Tuesday T. Bryan
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© Tuesday T. Bryan
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   There is also a collection of scented Herbal Harmony Lip Balms on offer, all of which have a unique fresh fragrance. These balms have a soft, buttery consistency which melts onto the lips and leaves them feeling wonderfully hydrated and healthy. I apply mine throughout the day to keep my lips in top condition. A little goes a long way, so you’ll only need a touch!  I’m the proud owner of the “Cinnamon & Orange” balm. The orange provides a sweet citrus scent and the spicy cinnamon gives warmth – a delicious winning combination.

   Herbal Harmony also produces a wide selection of caring creams and balms to help protect and restore the skin from head-to-toe, and I want to focus on the hands. Our hard-working hands are put through a lot of stress on a daily basis, so it’s no surprise that suffering from dry skin on the hands is so common. To help repair the skin and prevent dryness reoccurring it’s important to keep the hands hydrated with a moisturiser, but you shouldn't just slap any old product on your skin (especially when it’s damaged). Do a little research into products free from nasty chemicals, and many substances can cause side-effects, allergic reactions, and even make the problem worse. Herbal Harmony Rose Otto Hand Cream is an all-natural alternative to those chemical-packed commercial products. It has a luxuriously rich and creamy consistency that can be absorbed quickly and easily. It also has a lovely fresh fragrance and is presented in a stylish, understated glass jar which is fully recyclable.

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   I also had the pleasure of trying some Herbal Harmony Shower Gels. This range of natural, handmade shower gels is completely free from SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate), SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate), parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Each one also contains a unique blend of essential oils which provide different benefits and fragrances, as well as softening Marshmallow Infusion to care for the skin. The Lavender Shower Gel is infused with Lavender essential oil, a natural product well-known for the relaxing effect it can have on the mind and body (it also has an unmistakeable calming herbal fragrance). The Patchouli & Orange Shower Gel is my personal favourite. It contains a refreshing blend of oils which give of a warm and spicy fragrance, which I love! Ideal for awakening the senses, the Mint Shower Gel contains a blend of cool, fresh Spearmint and Peppermint essential oils.
   Aimed at gardeners, the Gardener’s Hand Wash contains lavender, sage, and rosemary essential oils, which are natural antiseptics, as well as softening Marshmallow Infusion. Why not team it with the Herbal Harmony Gardener’s Soap to make an ideal gift for your green-fingered friends and family?

© Tuesday T. Bryan
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© Tuesday T. Bryan
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   For a relaxing bath time treat, bath melts are a must! Those little extras make all the difference, and Herbal Harmony sell a tempting selection of handmade Bath Melts to transform boring baths into a soothing spa-like experience. The range includes relaxing Lavender, spicy Cinnamon & Orange, floral Geranium, warming Patchouli & Orange, and invigorating Eucalyptus & Mint. My cute heart-shaped Geranium Bath Melts are packaged in a pretty pastel pink organza bag – they’d make a lovely little gift for the ladies (especially on Valentine’s Day!). Can’t choose just one? Why not opt for the Bath Melt Selection of Fragrances? Simply tell Catherine which three you’d like to try and she’ll make you a personalised pack. Also available is an eye-catching collection of six Mini Lavender Bath Melts, each topped with delicate pressed flowers and perfectly packaged.

   I love the Herbal Harmony range, and trying Catherine’s products has been a delightful experience. There is so much more available from her website including “Make Your Own kits” and even teas! All of her products are available online, and a list of stockists can be found on her website (visit http://www.thedorsetherbalist.co.uk/page19.htm for stockists). She even runs workshops and consultations, and she often pops with her products up at events (see http://www.thedorsetherbalist.co.uk/page12.htm for a full list of her upcoming events).
   To find out more and shop Herbal Harmony products visit the website at www.thedorsetherbalist.co.uk. You can also find her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dorsetherbalist and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HerbalHarmony.

Connect with me on Facebook by liking my new page for regular updates, upcoming features, past columns and blogs, photos, and more!: www.facebook.com/tuesdaytbryan.

By Tuesday T. Bryan.

http://tuesdaytbryan.blogspot.com/

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Herbal Harmony contact information:

Web: http://www.thedorsetherbalist.co.uk/

Email: herbalharmony@hotmail.co.uk

Address: 19 Stanley Green Road, Poole, Dorset, BS15 3AA, UK.Tel: 07929 740815

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Twitter: www.twitter.com/dorsetherbalist

Image source: Tuesday T. Bryan Instagram / http://instagram.com/tuesdaytbryan

Here I am wearing Herbal Harmony Natural Lipgloss in "Marshmallow".
Image source: Tuesday T. Bryan Instagram / http://instagram.com/tuesdaytbryan