Shipping Sucks! How to Affordably Order From the Lush UK Site!

Hello! Welcome back to my blog! 

As a long time Lushie there are just things you learn that are better from the UK factory. Not only do they get some amazing exclusive products they also just seem to manufacturer in a way that makes everything just so much better. Plus, the UK does naked packaging, whereas Lush NA still plastic wraps all products when shipping. But, if you live in NA you know that ordering off the UK site can get expensive fast, especially with shipping involved. In this blog I'm going to tell you some little tips and tricks for getting the most out of you UK shopping experience and how to save that little bit of extra money.

1. Don't Space Out Orders

I always wait and save and then order everything I want all at once. Although it might seem tempting to split up orders to save money, if you are going to pay for tracked shipping anyway, just put it all in one order. That way you only pay 1 shipping charge. 

2. Make a List

Before you place your order go onto the website and look around. Look at the Kitchen products, the Oxford Street Exclusive, any holiday ranges that are out, and regular line products. Take your budget and make a list of what you have to have right now. I always put the items in my basket and then wait at least 24 hours before committing. Since the UK website can be full of new and interesting things I want to ensure I'm only buying things I will use and enjoy and not just buying them for the thrill. 

3. Stay Away From Your Trigger Items

some people have Lush Vices, for me it's shower jellies. For others it might be perfume, shower gel, bath bombs etc. If you're trying to stick to a budget or a list of products the worst thing you can do is browse around in the section of the website that holds your vices. If I only have $40 I will stay far away form the jelly/gel portion of the website because I'll overspend. I'll use the search bar to search for any of those items I have on my list. But, since bath bombs and bubble bars aren't a huge vice for me I can spend hours on that side of the site having fun without committing to any products and ruining my budget. 

4. Stay Away From "Exclusive" Hype

When it comes to the "exclusive" side of the Lush UK site, it's important not to buy into the hype. With the new re-launch of the Kitchen happening soon and the Oxford Street purchasing options, it can be hard to not say "Well, it's exclusive so i might as well buy it." Look at your stash. How many of these products do you have? Do you have room for 3 more bath bombs? How much do you have to use before it expires? Don't just put items in your basket and purchase because they're "exclusive." Instead, do your research, decide if it's something you'll use, or if it can even currently fit into your collection. The more you buy into the hype, the more money you'll spend. 

6. Don't buy Tracking

For me here in the US, small orders of about 3-5 products I can choose the $8ish (6 pound) shipping option. However, it does NOT include tracking. I have only ever made two purchase where I was forced to buy shipping that included tracking and have had no real problems. If an item didn't arrive Lush always refunded or sent a replacement. And now, since the kitchen has closed, there really isn't a worry that you won't be able to get those products again. So, if you're worried about shipping and you only have a few items in your basket, consider going without tracking. After about 3 weeks if the package hasn't arrived just contact Lush and they'll help you with next steps! 

Hope you enjoyed my little tips and secrets for shopping on the Lush UK site. While these may not work for everyone, they have helped me save money in the past and hopefully they continue to help others. 

Happy Reading! 

Tattoos and Lush: From Healing to Maintenance and Everything in Between

Hi!
Welcome back to my blog!
Today, I'm going to be touching on Lush products that are good for tattoos. From healing to maintenance I'm going to make this a comprehensive guide to which products Lush offers are best for what time in a tattoos life.


Disclaimer: So, a big question a lot of my friends ask me is... can I use Lush products to heal my fresh tattoos. As a general rule, you need to treat a tattoo like an open wound. It needs to be clean, dry, and moisturized with something that isn't going to inflame it. In general, I don't recommend most Lush products for the first 1-2 weeks of healing. Even their "unscented products" do have some kind of light scent and essential oils in them (e.g Dream Cream). Please note that in this post when I say healing I am talking about the 3rd week through about the second month and not the first two weeks. Always follow the aftercare instructions of your tattoo artist. Now, onto the products!


1. Dream Cream



This is probably the lightest body lotion that Lush makes and is formulate for use with sensitive skin. This product includes cocoa butter, oat milk, and olive oil for a calming and soothing experience. Now, I know that many people online suggest using this as a lotion for healing during the first two weeks of a tattoo. However, I do not recommend this. Dream Cream, although made for sensitive skin and to soothe it is NOT unscented. Dream Cream includes essential oils including chamomile and lavender which should not be used on a new tattoo. However, past the two week mark I have used this on my own tattoos. At the two week mark to about the second month I never like to use anything too heavy and Dream Cream is the perfect in-between!








2. Sleepy Body Lotion

This is a great cult classic product that is scented like the Twilight bath bomb and shower gel. Full of almond oil and jojoba oil this is not only moisturizing but also is the trick for those who can't fall asleep. It's a sweet lavender scent that includes Ylang Ylang oil and Tonka along with the lavender to help compliment sweet dreams. While this shouldn't be put ON your tattoo, I recommend this for those who are having trouble sleeping. With my first tattoo, I was in pain and it was very hard to get comfortable. When I got my thigh done, i couldn't sleep under the blanket and I was uncomfortable for the first whole week. This lotion did the trick to calm me down and help me fall asleep despite the pain and discomfort of that first week with a new tattoo.


3. Elbow Grease

A new product to North American stores, Lush has released their elbow grease moistruizing oil fianlly in black pot form! This was a balm they specifially relaesed in the UK for keeping tattos bright and was only pakcaged in a cling film esque material. However, now that it's in a black pot those of us in NA can get our hands on it withough it melting. Elbow Grease is a scented cream that is packed with super moisturizing ingrediants including Coconut Oil, Soya Oil, and Capuacu Oil. It is also a sweet citrust scent that is obtianed through an infusion of neroli oil and orange flower. It is complimented by sandalwood and ylang ylang oils. This is a balm that is meant to be hydratign to the skin and alos brightening for tattoos. Use this on healed tattoos to keep the colors from fading away and make your black anf grey pieces pop. The smell is gorgeous and it can also be used on any part of the body that is extremely dry due to the beneficial oils and butters.




4. Vegelene

This is an all-purpose balm that is exclusive to Lush Oxford Street. However, like SuperTramp, you can order this product online under "All Exclusives" on the Lush Kitchen website. This is a small, travel friendly tin of balm that is made of only three ingredients: jojoba oil, canililla wax, and rose oil. This balm is great for chapped lips and dry elbows, but also tattoos in winter. My ankle pieces dries out a lot during the cold months and Vegelene is a life saver. I find that balms like this stick to tattoos more effectively than lotion and act as a protective barrier while it moisturizes. Also with only 3 ingredients, this has to be one of the most natural products that Lush makes. Looking for one that's not an exclusive? Ultrabalm is available in all stores and is an all purpose balm, just with more ingredients (but still natural) and comes in a palm sized tin.



5. Butterball

Again, this is a product for after your tattoo has healed and you can submerge yourself in the water. Butterball is an affordable little bath bomb full of moisture. This is a lightly scented balm with musk and Ylang Ylang oil and provides a slightly cream color to the bath. While this may not give you luscious bath art, its moisturizing properties are incredible. Full of chunked cocoa butter, they dissolve into the bath to make it feel like you're bathing in body lotion. This is great for those with tattoos that need heavy moisture because they have chronic dry skin. The piece on my own ankle tends to dry out and look crusty by the time February rolls around, and this balm smooths and softens my skin and makes that piece in particular look so much better.








For those with tattoos looking for a new winter regimen or a newbie who wants to know how to keep tattoos fresh and vibrant, these 5 Lush products will do the trick. Remember, never use a scented lotion or balm to heal your tattoos and avoid bathing, pools, and oceans until the tattoo has healed. For more questions regarding tattoo healing always talk to your artist. To learn more about the product listed here visit: lush.com

Happy Reading!
-Kendra :)

*Picture belong to me or taken directly off of the Lush US website*

The Lush Kitchen is Closing?!?! My Thoughts!

Hello and welcome back to my blog!
Today is a sad day in the Lush world. If you haven't heard... the Lush Kitchen is officially closing its doors. The menu that ran from the 1st-6th of October 2017 was the last menu and the kitchen is ceasing production when these items are made and shipped. So, how did this happen? What happens now? and my opinions? Keep reading to find out! 

What Happened?
On Monday Oct. 2nd Lush released a text message style ad saying that a new "surprise" was coming on Friday. As expected, fans blew up Instagram and Facebook with questions and speculation about what was coming. At 8am (UK time) on Friday it was then announced that the kitchen would be closing its doors in exchange for a new exclusives program which they would release more details about later.


What Happens Now?
So, from the information we have now...
1. Exclusives are not going away completely. Oxford Street exclusives will still be available on the UK site. These products are things like Vegelene All Purpose Balm, Golden Slumbers Bath Bomb, and Supertramp Bubble Bar. Also, there will be a new exclusives system that has yet to be announced which is replacing the Kitchen

2. The kitchen has released a limited edition, special gold Polaroid for this occasion. It is available for purchase on the kitchen site and you can tack it on to any order. So, if you loved the Polaroids, this is for you!

3. No word yet on what will be replacing the kitchen. On Facebook and Instagram staff have hinted that exclusives will still be available "several times a year." This means although exclusives will not be available every week, fan favorites will be available in bigger batches throughout the year. It appears almost as if they're going back to something similar to the old and well-loved retro system.


My Opinions on the Decision
I understand WHY Lush has made the decision, and I'm excited to see what happens next. However, I do have some issues that Id' like to address.

1. This was done horribly. The announcement was done cryptically and even after the announcement no staff member has any clear information to give customers. Many of us have been loyal purchasers of kitchen products for the last 3 years. As a company who claims to care I find it frustrating that Lush is seemingly just playing things by ear. There's no real plan, no real answers and I find that very inconsiderate of the people who have spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on their products over the years.

2. This doesn't solve the "sell out" problem. Lush claims that by making bigger batches that products will stay around longer so most fans can get their hands on them, but they will still be exclusive. However, this doesn't make much sense. One of the many reasons the kitchen sold out so fast was "bulk buyers" who would sit and buy 10-20 of each product and turn around and flip those products for a profit on places like EBay, Mecari, and Poshmark along with other resale sites. Although this sounds good in theory, these exclusives products will STILL sell out more quickly than regular products (unless bulk buying is fixed) and there are less chances to pick up exclusives since we're going from roughly 520 exclusives a year to much less (some are speculating less than 100)


3. This is NOT a multi-order system. Lush claims this will save money as it will allow customer to make one order for several favorite products because they'll be able to wait to get their hands on a product. with the kitchen you couldn't "save" products and if you liked a complete menu, you had to make a separate order with separate shipping each day. They claim this eliminates that. However, this isn't' an ANSWER to that problem. They've simply eliminated the need for such a system instead of upgrading their system to fit with the needs of the consumer base.


In the end, Lush is a business and they will do what they feel is best for the company and consumers, However I do with there was more transparency from the brand. The Kitchen was an amazing idea and could have worked had Lush actually put time and energy into upgrading systems to make it more efficient or had listened to inquiries form customers.

I'm disappointing in the Kitchen closing and I'm frustrated with Lush overall and the way that this announcement was done and handled. However, i am excited to see what's coming next and we can only hope that everyone will be able to enjoy our exclusive with whatever the new system brings.

Leave a comment down below about what you think about what happened and if you're excited to hear what the new system will bring!

Hapy Reading!

The Lush Kitchen: What to Grab and What To Skip In This Weeks Menu (Oct. 1st-5th)

Hello!
Welcome back to my blog!
This week is going to be the beginning of a new series where every Sunday I explore the new Lush Kitchen menu and tell you what I love, what I dislike, and what you should grab and what you may want to skip. Obviously this is all my personal preference but hopefully it will help someone else out there!

This week the kitchen menu was decided by... US! We as Lushies went on social media and voted for some fan favorite products to make a return. The top 10 are being featured this week with two new releases every day. This is sure to be a menu that sells out quickly since some of these items haven't been seen in a while.

Monday Oct. 1st

1. Chameleon Bath Bomb
Last time this cutie was it the kitchen it sold out fast...like 15 minutes fast. This little guy is green bath bomb covered with luster in the shape of a Chameleon. I personally did not get my hands on one of these and I was super disappointed! However, online you can see tons of pictures of the show. As he dissolves in the warm bath water he emits different colors as if it was a real Chameleon blending in with the surroundings. I've seen pictures emitting a pink as well as a yellow color. The scent Lush describes as grapefruit and mandarin, making it a sweet, citrus fizzer. If you like a good show and sweet scent, try grabbing this on Monday!

2. Twilight Shower Jelly
For shower jelly lovers everywhere this product is for you! Scented with the cult classic Twilight scent... this jelly is a beautiful, deep, rich purple color swirled with silver luster. The jiggly treat shares its scent with the Twilight bath bomb and the coveted Twilight shower gel that is released every Christmas. It is a sweet lavender scent that I believe has hints of vanilla. It's a great bedtime treat that moisturizers the skin and helps to calm your mind and body. If shower jellies are you jam and you love twilight, try to pick this one up fast before it's gone!


Tuesday Oct. 2nd

1. Melomint Bubble Bar
This is another product that I have never gotten a chance to try. This bar looks like a Watermelon, with a bright green outside layer and pink inside. However, it's scented heavily with mint and Cypress oil. Peppermint and Spearmint oils are the main ingredients for a refreshing minty treat. I will however, be skipping this because it just doesn't sound as good as some of the other products this week.

2. Rose Jam Shower Jelly
Another wobbly treat for the week! This isn't a very beautiful product, just a simple red jelly. It does share its scent with the Rose Jam family which includes products like the Bubbleroon and the perfume. This is a classic Lush scent family. This is a sweet and floral scent that smells of rose and hints of vanilla. Another product I will be skipping. Although I love the shower jellies, this scent is in many other products and just isn't as rare as some of the other releases this week.

Wednesday Oct. 3rd

1. Autumn Leaf Bath Bomb
Originally a Halloween release product, the autumn leaf is a classic fall smell; scented with Neroli and Sandalwood. It's more earthy than some of the other products but has a lighter scent so it ca easily be paired in a cocktail. However, I will be skipping this product. I had a few during its first release and although the green, yellow, and orange color mix looked beautiful during the fizz.... the final bath color was just a dull yellow and the scent didn't stick to me as long as I would have liked.


2. Honey I Washed the Kids Shower Jelly
This is probably the product I'm most excited for this week! This is a bright white shower jelly that shares its scent with the Honey I Washed the Kids soap from the normal range. This is a light and sweet fragrance of honey with bergamont oil and Brazilian Orange. In my opinion one of the best scent families Lush has that doesn't get nearly enough love from the company. Pick one of these up if you can! They're sure to be a quick seller.
*Note: This product is NOT suitable for vegans because of the honey*


Thursday Oct. 4th

1. GeoPhyzz Bath Bomb
This is one of the most unique scents that Lush has EVER brought out. This slow green fizzer includes pine , cypress, and sandalwood oils. This makes it a very fresh yet deep kind of scent; perfect for a hot bath on a cold afternoon or evening. It's also packed with Red Hawaiian Sea Salt for a softening treat. It's one to get your hands on for sure!

2. Yoga Bomb
It's a bath bomb double day! This isn't one I'm going to write a long post about because it is a product that just left the normal range. Some of the NA shops even still have some in stock. This an orange bomb packed with colors with a very relaxing scent. If you loved this bomb, now is your time to stock up. It is on the discontinued list and this may be the last we see of this product for the near future. However this is not one I am going to pick up as I just finished the final 3 in my collection and want to make room for more exclusive scents.

Friday Oct. 5th

1. Karma Shower Gel
This is another classic Lush product and a well-loved scent family. Patchouli based, this gel has a scent that just reminds you of the 70s. The patchouli oil really transports you and envelops you in a scent that is very strong and woodsy. This is a fan favorite and sure to sell out fast! I will however, be skipping it. I personally have issues with the Karma scent as the very strong patchouli tends to give me a headache. It is one of Lushes stronger scents and since I can be very sensitive I've just come to know that Karma isn't one of those scent I really should be stocking up on.

2. Unicorn Horn BubbleBar
Another cult classic that is a limited edition release. Typically, you ca only come across this sweet scented blubber during the Valentines day release. It creates wonderfully stiff bubbles and gives the water a nice pastel color. The scent is sweet, with lavender and neroli. the bar is also full of silver luster which provides just a beautiful bathing experience. This is one I'm okay with skipping since Valentines day is less than 6 months away and I have other products that need to be used up.

Overall, the product this week are diverse both in scent and style. There's sure to be at least one product this week that every Lush fan can enjoy!

Welcome to My Blog!

Hello there!
Welcome to my new blog: Confessions of a Lushie!
For those of you who came form Instagram...Thank You for venturing over in support of this new venture. For those of you who are new...welcome! I also have a Lush dedicated instagram: @confessionsofalushie96

This blog is going to be a slightly more indepth version of what I do on Instagram. While on those posts I just say what I enjoyed about a product and post a few pictures... this will be deeper. This includes more pictures and more conversation about what I liked/disliked about a product.

I will also use this platform to talk more about Lush as their business grows and they take on new missions and new ideas. This will also give a better platform to discuss things like:
1. What the Kitchen Is
2. Ordering From the UK Site if You're in North America
3. The Japanese Kitchen
4. New Releases

So, I hope you'll join me on this fun adventure! A Youtube is also coming soon where you will be able to view my collection, demos, and hear me talk about some of my favorite products! Watch here and Instagram for that announcement!

Happy Reading!
-Kendra