I went into the Lush store in Wellington, specifically to get a cleanser. I was after Angels on Bare Skin, as I'd read good reviews on it, but while I was in the store, I was approached by one of the Lush Ladies, and she asked what I was looking for, and what my skin type was. I told her I was looking for the Angels on Bare Skin cleanser and that I have very oily skin, as was immediately told to forget Angels on Bare Skin and to try Herbalism instead.
And this is where I made a huge mistake. I knew nothing about Lush Herbalism. I hadn't read any reviews, but was informed that it was great for oily skin and that it would suit my skin so much better than Angels on Bare Skin. So, I bought it, without even thinking about asking if there was a tester in store that I could see or smell.
I got home, climbed into the shower (with a shower dome), and opened the pot of Herbalism. Gag! This cleanser stank! And, it was a ball of paste, totally not what I had been expecting. I closed the tub and opened the shower door (for some fresh air to circulate) while reading the label to see how I was supposed to use it, and what on earth was in it.
Lush Herbalism contains nettle, rosemary, rice bran vinegar, chamomile blue oil and rose absolute, and ground almonds. This combination of ingredients helps to cleanse and balance the skin, while gently exfoliating it. To use this very thick paste, I had to pinch off a pea-sized amount, place it in the palm of my hand, add a little water, and then mash the water and paste together with my thumb, to create a thin paste before applying the gritty, smelly, green mush to my face. It was so difficult not to gag. This stuff smelled awful, although now that I knew it was just nettle and a few other ingredients, it was a little more tolerable, but only barely.
Yes, it cleansed nicely, and left my face feeling smooth, clean and soft, without being completely stripped of all natural moisture. It was a little bit of a pain to use in-shower because of the screw top tub and having to pinch out a small amount each time I needed to use it, but it exfoliated gently and was fine to use every day. My skin even started to look a lot better after two weeks use, but that smell, I really didn't like it. It was very pungent.
Sadly, I won't be purchasing another tub of Lush Herbalism, purely because of the smell. It was really quite unpleasant, and I didn't look forward to cleansing my face each night. I couldn't wait until the tub was finished and I no longer had to hold my breath while cleansing my face each night.
This was one of the first Lush face cleansers I tried. Firstly the smell is quite strong - earthy, herbal (funnily enough in accordance with the name!). I found that using this did a little benefit for my skin but wasn't what I was expecting after hearing the hype of it all. It did help with some blemishes but as have other products.
Tips: Mix with water to make a paste. Then apply to the skin!!