Lush

Normally I’m not a fan of walking into places where the staff are overly pushy and ask repeatedly if you need help. But at Lush, despite the fact that the staff is like that, the experience is different, because they are actually able to help you, by giving you useful information about products based on your skin type, rather than trying to sell you things you don’t need.
Today I had to go in to see if I could exchange a hair conditioner (Retread), which just didn’t work for me, but I had lost my receipt. I was surprised to see that their returns policy was so laid back, because they let me have an exchange with no difficulties (granted, the pot I returned was full)! In fact, the girl I spoke to really helped me out. She asked me why I didn’t like it, and when I told her it made my hair greasy, she offered me a sample of the American Cream conditioner, which is lightweight compared to the Retread. As it turns out American Cream works really well and smells amazing at the same time. I will be returning to purchase it!
For the exchange, she helped me select a facial cleanser and moisturizer based on my skin type. She applied three different facial cleansers to my hand and rinsed them over a basin of warm water so I could test which one feels the best. It felt like getting a spa treatment on my hands. When I asked her about a few other products, which had caught my eye, she told me they wouldn’t be suitable for my skin, rather than trying to make a profit and sell them to me anyway. In the end I walked out with Angels on Bare Skin and Imperialis face cream which I would never have thought to buy had it not been for her recommendation. Because Lush’s products are on the pricey side, I highly recommend taking advantage of the staff’s friendliness and asking them to help you try products like cleansers, which you need their assistance for, and asking if they would be willing to give you samples of things you can’t try.
Another thing to note is that the individual products at the store don’t smell like the overpowering smell of the store itself. In the past, the smell of the store, which I could smell from a block away, used to repel me. So if you’re the same way with smells, don’t let that stop you from checking it Lush! Most of the products themselves smell subtle and natural.
And if you’re interested, I’d recommend checking out the following products, which I’ve tried and absolutely loved: Hottie and Wicca Magic massage bars, Full of Grace face serum, Mask of Magnaminty, Karma Kream, Ocean Salt scrub (smells SO amazing), Eu Roma Water + my newest favorites, Angels on Bare Skin, Imperialis Cream, and American Cream conditioner!

What do I love about Lush? Their liberal return policy.
In truth, I’ve not put this policy to the test, as I’ve also been loving their products with quality, natural ingredients and special smell-​good magic. But for a commitment phobic, it’s reassuring to know that I can try out a new product without worrying about wasting a lot of money if my skin hates it. The sales staff can also pack-​up little samples of the products for you to try out at home too.
The Swanston Street store is narrow and crowded, so shopping there is not exactly a relaxing experience. But the sales associate I spoke with was nice and helpful — when I asked bijillion questions about various products for my problem skin, she responded with, «that’s what I’m here for.»
And for a random product shout-​out: Toothy Tabs! (Little tabs you chew up and brush your teeth with instead of toothpaste) Tried these out on a whim and they are freakin awesome. Thanks to the ‘atomic’ flavour with coffee and clove my pearly whites feel squeaky clean.

I am surprised that Lush hasn’t taken Melbourne by storm like its Sydney’s sister.
Candice H has got it spot on, you don’t find just soap here, moisturiser, shampoo, bath bombs, lip balm, body scrubs, even perfume.
It’s easy to find Lush because you can always smell it before you see it.
The smell is so fresh that it lingers so long on your skin
Their products are mostly vegan, and made with fresh ingredients. So fresh you can see the fruit in your soap, rubbing all its goodness on to your skin, (but the blueberries can get a bit sharp, ouch). And when you think about how sensitive skin can be, why would you put anything else that’s not fresh and natural on it, really?
They use minimal packaging, hence why their products are sold mostly in solid form (ever tried shampoo bar?) and when they come in packaging, you can exchange new products when you hand in 5 empty containers.
Try the BIG shampoo (not solid) for volume, with active ingredient. BEER!
Oh yeah!

I’m a girl who was caught unawares by an innocent present from my boyfriend’s sister this xmas past. (Who does know me fairly well, I might add, but is on a bit of a budget.) When I say caught unawares, I mean, oh boy did I not realise how addicted I would get to these products.
Reasons to buy Lush:
1. You’re doing right by our furry friends — down to the fact that 90% of the products seem to be Vegan
2. Your body will freaking love you — your face, skin-​all-​over, hair, ect. It’s simply just kind to you, in a natural way
3. Smells insanely good
4. Customer service is pretty impeccable — in a very carefree, down-​to-​earth way. These guys and girls know their stuff, and they live and love their products.
5. No more expensive than the stuff you’re buying from anywhere else…
6. They sell more than soap. I promise. ;)
Trust me, just try it.

Lush… is where you go when you’re seventeen and have no idea how to view girls as actual people, and need to get someone a birthday present.
They sell soap. Lots and lots of different kinds of soap. Maybe a few other things as well, but mainly soap. Soap in big hulking uneven chunks, like it’s been hewn from the hills in Tuscanny and carted down for tiny sculptors to recreate Michelangelo’s David. And it’s good (albeit expensive) soap, with a range of smells. But still, unless you absolutely love soap, I don’t really see much point.