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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think Lush isn't actually lush at all...

147 replies

Brain73 · 06/04/2015 22:18

I really cannot see what the fascination with this shop is. DD age 12 begged to go there today to spend some of her birthday money. The place made me itch as soon as I stepped inside with the sickly overpowering scent.

DD wanted some bath bombs, some of which were over £6! Each! I tried explaining that they were probably no good for her skin with all that artificial colouring and scent added but she really wanted them and as it was her money she bought two.

My shopping bag and her bedroom now reeks of the smell of these things. What are they made of and are the products really as natural as they are made out to be? I was astounded at the price of most of the products and equally astounded that the shop was full with the tills ringing a brisk trade the whole time we were in there. Are the products any good?

OP posts:
thatduck · 06/04/2015 23:07

It's just a shame they actively support the hunt saboteurs association! I won't use a company who support an such an association

Ceasre · 06/04/2015 23:08

They take staff training very seriously. I know someone who works there. Always on training courses. I have never found the staff pushy in the store I visit. They greet you immediately but when I say I am just looking they happily leave me to it but point out they are around if I need them.

OllyBJolly · 06/04/2015 23:10

I quite like Lush and think most of their stuff is effective. The Big Hair shampoo is fab, and the bath bombs are a rare treat.

I think Lush is lush because:

  • everything is made in the UK thus sustaining our economy
  • they pay the living wage - one of the first retailers to do so
  • nothing is tested on animals
  • excellent customer service
Dognado · 06/04/2015 23:12

I like some of their products (but not overall overpowering smell) but don't shop there now as don't like the pushy staff.

Original poster
Brain73 · 06/04/2015 23:16

www.lush.co.uk/products/bath-bombs/immaculate-eggception-pink

This was the one she bought, it was 6.95 but I didn't realise there's anither one inside.

OP posts:
Discopanda · 06/04/2015 23:19

I love Lush products, I tend to get the bubble bar baths as they go further than the bath bombs. It's all a matter of personal taste. I have a dad friend who tried everything to get rid of his little girl's cradle cap and the only thing that did the trick was dream cream.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 06/04/2015 23:27

I love Lush (I'm late 40s, not a teenager), their skincare has worked miracles on my sensitive skin, their hair products are amazing and I love the bath bubble bars too. I have found one or two products to be overpoweringly scented (hair products that you leave on) but nearly everything I've bought there I've gone back for repeatedly over the years. I also like the minimal packaging and vegetarian ingredients, also that it's made in the UK and that the staff are so helpful and knowledgeable.

TelephoneIgnoringMachine · 06/04/2015 23:30

I used to love Lush. Loved the majority of the products. Loved that they don't test on animals. Then I read a blog (which I can't find now) about their support of the National Kissing Campaign. There was a fairly telling photo of a female employee in a t-shirt, covered in lipstick kisses. AFAI can remember, Lush employees were required to wear the t-shirts that day, and customers were asked if they wanted to give the employee a kiss, for £1 or something. Guess where most of the kisses were. And the blog (written by an employee) said that they were under enormous pressure from their managers, to just put up with it, some were threatened with losing their jobs if they didn't.

I haven't set foot in there since.

gallicgirl · 06/04/2015 23:32

Dream cream is awesome.

I only wish DD would let me apply it to her skin.

CaptainTripps · 06/04/2015 23:41

They are ethically en pointe.

They donated a shedload of soap for charitable means for me. I will never forget that.

For that reason they deserve some loving.

ChiefClerkDrumknott · 06/04/2015 23:46

They support the Hunt Saboteur Association so they can get t'fuck afaic

JeanneDeMontbaston · 06/04/2015 23:47

Donated, or couldn't get rid of? Wink

No, I'm being mean. But, goodness, you could make a good collection asking MN for unwanted gifts after Christmas, judging by this thread!

evelynj · 06/04/2015 23:50

Telephone-that sounds awful,but surely there was a duty for employers to say 'only what you're comfortable with' or similar?

Sounds a bit 18-30s for my liking, however, some of their skincare is great & developers used to work for Jo Malone so a few v similar concoctions. Men's shabing cream is great & lovely moisturisers.

Ifyourawizardwhydouwearglasses · 06/04/2015 23:55

Used to like their products but now won't go near because of their active support of the Hunt Sabs.

Anyone who supports thugs in balaclavas attacking horses, hounds and children who are trail hunting won't be getting a penny from me.

TelephoneIgnoringMachine · 06/04/2015 23:56

evelynj - you woukd think so. I can't find the website it was on, it was something I saw linked from MN but I can't find the thread, assume it was in Chat & has gone poof. Will try & look again tomorrow.

caroldecker · 07/04/2015 00:14

No finished products sold in the EU have been tested on animals since 2004. Since 2009, all new ingredients cannot have been tested on animals. It is almost certain that some ingredients in thier products have been tested on animals.

nickelbarapasaurus · 07/04/2015 00:17

The co-op's are since 1981

Much better bet if you want animal friendly

GrimDamnFanjo · 07/04/2015 00:22

Really like the products but not the company.
If you google something like morning side+lush you'll find a blog which is a real eye opener.
Union membership is discouraged and the hr side very poor.
They also donate to some causes I don't support so I've stopped shopping there.

PoppyField · 07/04/2015 00:25

For Thrush get Lush.

Bath bombs - euww no!

TelephoneIgnoringMachine · 07/04/2015 00:31

GrimDamnFanjo & evelynj - this is it. I seem to remember seeing other photos as well, maybe they were linked off this site below, I can't remember.

mitheringsfrommorningside.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/the-smell-of-bullshit-part-22-sexual-harassment-is-part-of-the-job/

forago · 07/04/2015 00:39

I have never, ever shopped in Lush. This is because even standing outside it for awhile gives me a terrible headache. I find the smell overpowering. I once met a friend for lunch in a shopping centre cafe near one and I had a migraine for 3 days after. Those smells can't be all natural!

augustusglupe · 07/04/2015 00:49

Lush 'Dream cream' has worked wonders on my dry skin and I love their 'Love Lettuce' face mask. I like the ultra enthusiastic staff too.
Honestly, I walked past for years, slightly recoiling at the strong scented smell, always thinking it was just a gimmicky shop selling Bath bombs.
Then my daughter bought me a few things one Christmas and I was surprised how much I liked them.
I like the Bath melts too and I find their a bit more moisturising than the Bombs.

DianeLockhart · 07/04/2015 01:01

I'm not keen personally, dont like the smell and it gives me a headache and leaves the bath full of glitter and leaves. Think it's harmless for teens though if they're into it.

kavv0809 · 07/04/2015 01:07

Stinks. I have bad associations since being given a Lush gift in early pregnancy. Stashed it at the back of the remotest cupboard in the house and it still made me heave, I had to pass it on in the end and the smell still makes me sick

MrsCakesPrecognitionisSwitched · 07/04/2015 01:09

It just stinks. I can barely walk past the shops without heaving.

I have distracted DD by taking her to Blott for overpriced but very adorable (and mostly, but not entirely) unscented stationery.