My Honest LUSH Review

LUSH is way out of my price range, but whenever I visit the mall, I have to stop by because their selection is the definition of "forbidden snacks." I love the scents, fragrances, bright colors and ability to test nearly everything in the store. What I didn't know until recently is that you can get a sample of most of their products and try them at home for free.

I saw a customer getting some samples at the register, so I asked the employee about LUSH's policy, and she said they're completely free--no purchase required. I never turn down a freebie, so I brought four testers up to the register, where an employee scooped sample-size portions into miniature tubs.

After all these years of wishing I could afford LUSH, it was time to see what the fuss was about. Better yet, on the way out, I had the idea to write a review. If you're like me, you want to know what you're getting into before you drop $20 on shampoo--and once you've read this article, you could stop by your nearest location and get a sample for yourself.

As always, this is NOT a paid promotion. These are my honest opinions about LUSH's shampoo and body lotion. I should also mention that I have fine, slightly wavy hair, so that might have influenced my experience with the shampoo products.

1. Banana Shampoo

As a banana lover, I knew I had to give LUSH's Banana Shampoo a shot. The recipe contains real fair-trade bananas, and when I unscrewed the lid, I immediately detected a strong, sweet banana fragrance. Molasses is another ingredient, which might account for the brown hue. Other ingredients include linseed oil, brazil nut oil and lemon balm infusion.

I'm used to washing my hair with creamy white shampoo, so this brown, gritty formula with hard salt granules offered a unique sensory experience. Combined with the sweet scent and dark coloration, this looked like a cup of pulpy, ground-up fruit. I scooped out a little and scrubbed my hair, noticing the shampoo's seedy texture.

I expected a thick, foamy lather, but the shampoo coated my hair in a thin layer, making it difficult to tell where I'd applied the formula. I was worried about the salt granules getting stuck in my hair, so I took extra time washing it out.

The next day, my hair was so matted and tangled that it was difficult to brush. Whoops! I should have used conditioner. That night, I started applying my regular conditioner after I used Banana Shampoo. I also started using more shampoo to create a thicker lather.

After that, my hair was easier to tame, and it developed a softer, feathery texture. I'm not a hair expert, but I think Banana Shampoo was a positive influence on the appearance and texture. Plus, the sweet banana fragrance made showering more fun.

Overall, if you're looking for a shampoo with natural ingredients, you'll probably enjoy this variety. Some people might dislike the grainy texture, but I thought it enhanced the "organic" vibe. Just make sure you use conditioner if your hair is prone to tangling.

2. Super Milk Protein Shampoo

Like Banana Shampoo, Super Milk Protein Shampoo was a delight to use. This product was a little more "traditional" in that it's a creamy white formula with a strong, refreshing fragrance that reminded me of bath bombs. After each shower, the shampoo hardened in the container to create a silky texture that softened under water--and I have to admit, scraping it out of the tub was pretty satisfying.

Despite the name, Super Milk Protein Shampoo doesn't contain milk. Instead, silken tofu makes up 18% of the formula, with rice vinegar, olive oil, grape juice, agave syrup and witch hazel extract rounding out the recipe. Building up a lather took some effort, making coverage difficult, but the shampoo was soft and easy to spread.

I learned my lesson after using the previous product, so I applied my regular conditioner immediately afterward. Still, when I used Super Milk Protein Shampoo, I noticed that my hair was more tangled than usual. This meant I had to spend more time brushing it out, but my hair did have a softer, feathery texture afterward--same as the Banana Shampoo.

If you're looking for a creamy shampoo with natural ingredients and a perfumey fragrance, Super Milk Protein Shampoo is worth a shot. Still, make sure you use a strong conditioner afterward. You might also want to invest in a quality hairbrush.

3. Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion

My hands are pretty dry, so Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion looked like a good way to refresh my skin. The creamy white formula contains cocoa butter, almond oil, sandalwood oil and chamomile blue oil--all ingredients that sound like they could relieve cracking and flaking.

When I unscrewed the lid, the product had a comfortingly familiar aroma that reminded me of cotton and fresh laundry with perfume undertones. Sure enough, the website touts the "nostalgic fragrance" that's apparently been around for a while.

Application was simple: just scoop out a dollop and spread it on your hands. The formula spread easily and quickly coated my skin, leaving a shiny residue that felt moist but not overly sticky, like wearing a satin glove. I enjoyed the sensory experience, and this lotion quickly became part of my evening routine.

Unfortunately, I only had a sample size, so I used this product for about a week before I ran out. I can't say I noticed any mindblowing changes, but my hands were a little softer by the end, so it's a decent addition to your dresser or nightstand.

4. Sweet Wild Orange Hand Balm

I love citrus fruits, so seeing "sweet wild orange" on the label grabbed my attention immediately. The name comes from the sweet wild orange oil in the formula, with coconut oil, shea butter, macadamia nut oil and aloe vera gel supposedly adding additional nourishment.

The name definitely doesn't oversell the product. Sweet Wild Orange Hand Balm has a pastel orange hue and a juicy citrus fragrance that smells just like a freshly peeled orange. When I ran out of the cocoa butter lotion, I couldn't wait to try this formula and see if the orange oil paid off.

Turns out, this was even more effective than the cocoa butter lotion. My hands felt less moist and sticky, and my skin was softer after a few days of use. I enjoyed this so much that I went back and requested another sample. If I could afford it, I'd buy the whole tub...but for now, I'll just keep sharing reviews and hope I eventually strike it rich.

Are you a LUSH fanatic? What do you think about their products? Let me know in the comments.