Jamie's Thoughts: This is a perfectly lovely body wash - it lathers up nicely, and has a soft, cocoa butter scent with just a hint of avocado. The scent lasts just about as long as your shower does, and it doesn't linger (which in my book, is a good thing). The moisture level is perfect for summer - my normal skin gets just enough moisture, but not so much that I'm left feeling greasy or slick.

I didn't notice any really obvious improvement to my skin...maybe this is because I typically expect results like that when I use oatmeal or clay products on my face? I think I'll pass the rest of my sample product along to a friend who gets irritated, broken out skin in hot weather. Perhaps the clay and oatmeal components will help to calm her stressed out skin.

As for me, I found the wash satisfactory but nothing special.

Retail Price: $3.99 (available at drugstores everywhere)

Delush Rating:

Melissa Says: This is perhaps my favorite offering from LUSH so far. I absolutely am in love with the velvety, fresh scent. It's actually quite a bit more complex than the description sounds, and the orange isn't necessarily predominant at all (which I was happy about). It lingers on the skin beautifully, and even though personally I'd be more than happy to smell like this each day, I imagine for some of you this will be more well-suited as a hand soap (guests will probably love it, and so will you). In that capacity, it still gives you a kiss of scent but also lasts a bit longer. It's not overly-moisturizing, but not drying.

Retail Price: $7.60 (at LUSH online or go here to find a retail store near you)

DeLush Rating:

This energizing scrub uses thick natural sugar crystals for soft yet intense exfoliation. Because sugar crystals are natural, they gradually dissolve to avoid over-exfoliation. Its botanical oil conditions skin, leaving it soft and silky-smooth, and the fresh citrus scent awakens your sleepy senses."

Jen's Experience: I love citrus-y scents, so this product practically had me at "hello", but there's more to love besides the scent. A lot of body exfoliators are rough and grainy, but this one feels soft enough to use even on my face. The sugar grains are suspended in a nice oil that leaves my skin feeling super soft hours after I leave the shower. While the price may seem high for a drugstore product, there's a lot in the little tub, and what's there is so fantastic, this product is a big winner in my book.

Retail Price: $9.99 (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Give your skin a rich, buttery treat. Decadent Nutts massage bar is full of highly moisturizing natural ingredients like organic coconut butter and tahini paste to keep your skin super soft. The sweetly intoxicating scent of chocolate comes from cocoa butter which we get straight from the producers, still with its natural scent. This is a really sexy bar so go ahead, indulge!"

Jamie's Thoughts:
Holy Cow. Despite being a huge fan (i.e. ridiculous overconsumer) of Lush product, this was my first experience with their massage bars. The intent is for the bar to be rubbed DRY onto skin, at which point it's massaged onto/into the skin. The product melts at body temperature, so it's important to realize this when storing, using, etc. Right off the bat, it felt very strange.

After the third application, I got the hang of it, and I have to say it did work wonders on my disgusting, wintery, old-lady elbows and heels. I also tried it in the shower (which is not the design of the product) and true to form, it resulted in the water just beading right off of me. Despite this, I still think it would work wet/dry in the bathtub if you need to massage sore muscles, or work on a dry area of your body. The absorbency was excellent, and it lasted about 6-8 hours - must be all those natural ingredients.

That being said, I have to address the smell. I would describe it as intensely nutty in an oily way - like being held captive in that bag of cashews my grandmother brings out every holiday season. My boyfriend's description was far less imaginative, and yet, somehow accurate when he said it smelled like, "motorcycle chain wax." Hmm. I guess beauty is in the eye (or nose) of the beholder.

Overall, it does the job, but don't go nuts (pun intended) if you end up hating the smell.

Retail Price: $9.35 USD for one bar - comes in a great steel tin (Available at Lush.com and LUSH retailers)

Delush Rating: (one star off for the scent)

• Helps you shave less often
• Helps prevent nicks and cuts
• With natural soy
• Dermatologist recommend

Apply directly onto hand, wash cloth or pouf. Work into lather and apply to wet skin. Gently cleanse or shave where needed and rinse clean.

What Lisa Says: I found this to be a great addition to my shower. The creamy feel and fresh clean fragrance (with a hint of citrus) was very refreshing. The lather is rich but not super sudsy which I like. While I didn't really find that I shaved any less often or that the hair on my legs was any softer, I did find that my skin was not only smooth and silky as promised, but that it stayed so longer than usual. I also experienced fewer nicks and ingrown hairs. Add all this to the fact that I'm in favor of anything that helps to eliminate an extra bottle or two in the shower and this 2-in-1 product is a great inexpensive way to feel super smooth. For the price and performance I couldn't be happier.

Retail Price: 10.0oz./$6.99 (at major food & drugstores or, online at Drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating:

Crush On You is like nothing you've ever felt (unless you've run your hands through a bowl of extra moist sugar cookie batter). It's loaded with sugar that not only scrubs you clean but sloughs off dead dry skin cells. The macadamia nut oil and fresh shea butter we whip in moisturize your skin, leaving it soft and supple. Finally, the incredibly gentle body wash that holds it all together rinses you off as clean as a whistle, leaving your skin soft, clean and fresh feeling.

Scent offerings change from day to day or week to week, depending upon what our freshest batches of product are. If your favorite isn't here now, try something new, or check back from time to time. You can always email us to ask about your faves."

Melissa Says: I tested this in an absolutely scrumptious scent, Pecan Praline. It's exactly as they describe - a wonderful whipped consistency, full of skin-scrubbing sugar, that leaves you soft, ever-so-lightly moisturized (not oily!) and smelling yummy. In my bath-junkie opinion, this is a no-brainer. In terms of scrubs of this quality, this one is worth every penny.

Shopping Tip: The 4.75 oz. "try me" container is MORE than ample to last more than a few baths or showers, and get you to fall in love. If you aren't sure, go ahead and order that size. If you know you'll love it, you'll be super-happy to get your larger 9 oz. jar.

Retail Price: $22.00, 9 oz. / $9.00, 4.75 oz. (at Product Body's Shop online)

DeLush Rating:

Alissa's Opinion: I love how fun Lush products are to use, but I'm not always a fan of the strong fragrances. This butter is quite light compared to their other products because it contains a nice amount of citrus in addition to the lavender.

As an exfoliator it is quite abrasive, so don't use it on any sensitive parts. The ground almonds and rice are too rough. It is, however, a great in-shower moisturizer. My favorite areas to use it on are my legs after washing and shaving. They stay soft and moisturized long after getting out of the water. The Lush website suggests using it in the bath then air drying, which I definitely recommend, unless you want your towel coated in oil. A word of caution: be wary of using this on your feet unless you want to end up on your back. Tubs are slippery enough without the layer of grease!

Retail Price: $10.75/3.3 oz. (Lush)

DeLush Rating:

As a body wash, this fresh, marine-scented gel is enriched with ingredients that clean and moisturize your skin without leaving behind a heavy residue. As a shave gel, the silky lubrication helps your razor glide smoothly over your skin while soothing aloe helps prevent dryness and irritation. This clean-rinsing formula won't build up on your razor--or your skin."

Melissa Says: I can't believe I hadn't tried this before. It leaves skin wonderfully soft with a subtle fresh, clean scent. The fact that it doesn't create an oily feeling on your skin is the plus side to it not being super-moisturizing, and yet it manages to leave your skin very comfortable. It's an easy, light body cleanser.

As a shave gel, only two good pumps is plenty to provide lather on each leg. The result is a close shave that doesn't leave any redness or itchy irritation at all on my legs, which are very sensitive to shaving products.

I absolutely love this do-it-all product, and so does my skin!

Retail Price: $7.99 (at drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

Melissa Says: While this created soft bubbles, this particular scent gave off an intensely bitter floral vibe. I suppose it's not exactly the fresh, fruity scent I imagine when I hear "pomegranate", which is really too bad. I do think some of their other scents (Kiwi Coconut, Honey Papaya) may be much more enjoyable (especially because the scent lingers a long time). It was was just too much for my nose to handle, and I didn't find this to be significantly moisturizing, either.

Retail Price: $20.00 (at aromafloria.com)

DeLush Rating:

"Our natural bath salts smooth skin and lift your spirits. Natural sea salts soothe and help release tension. Vitamin and protein-rich almond oil nourishes skin and locks in moisture." ($14.50)

Jen's Experience: I have tried a lot of bath salts in the past, and some have had a nice moisturizing effect in the water, and some have had a pleasant scent when I pull out the cork. I have never tried any bath salts as dreamy as these. The scent I tried was Peace Train, a lightly perfumed scent that makes my water smell fabulous throughout my marathon baths, and leave my skin so soft I barely need to apply any moisturizer. I think they're a little pricey for the tiny container, sure, but seriously? If I go to the GAP store and these are on sale, I think I am going to have to buy a case. This is my favorite product in the whole line.

Jen's Experience: I loved the scent I tried in the handcream, NightFall. There was a time when I wasn't so much into musky scents. The scent in this handcream had some musky undertones, but wasn't so overpowering that it conflicted with the perfume I was wearing. The hand cream itself is more luxurious than the body lotion and really keeps my hands feeling moisturized without being too greasy. This is another product in the GAP Body line that I highly recommend.

 

Jen's Experience: This body scrub from GAP Body is in close contention with the bath salt for my favorite product in the line. The scent I tried, Sugar Snap, is a bright, happy, little scent that helps me to wake up in the morning. I also love the texture of the scrub. The salt isn't overly abrasive, and mixed with the oils in the blend, it leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and smelling great. This is yet another winner from GAP Body that is worth checking out.

DeLush Ratings:
Bath Salt
Body Lotion
Hand Cream
Body Scrub

What They Say: “Von Natur’s Exquisite Bath Line is vegan-certified, phthalate, gluten, paraben, and sulfate free, and naturally derived.”

About the Blue Green Algae Body Polish: “All the ingredients in this amazing Body Polish help to: repair, tone, firm, reduce photo and free radical damage, improve skin hydration and elasticity, smooth and soften with great penetrating ability, help inflamed or acne skin, cleanse, refresh, absorb moisture, increase local blood circulation, and aid in healing minor wounds and irritated skin. Need we say more?”

Alissa’s Opinion: The color of this body polish makes a gorgeous first impression, as does the thick consistency and fresh, minty fragrance. Scrubbing down with this blend of olive oil and sea salt is definitely a good way to start the day. I can’t say whether or not this scrub has repaired or firmed my skin, but I always feel smooth and soft after using it. It also works great as a foot scrub for home pedicures.

About the Headthrob Bath Soak: “The natural cleansing, toning, refreshing, astringent, antiseptic and moisture absorption properties of Real Salt along with MSM’s ability to detoxify the body, increase blood circulation, reduce muscle cramps, help muscles heal and relieve stress, arthritis, inflammation, and back pain, and a beautiful blend of specialized essential oils for head and body aches, make your bath experience relaxing while it benefits your entire body.”

Alissa’s Opinion: Personally, I prefer bubble baths to salt soaks. But this salt is intended for a specific kind of bath (i.e. the stress and pain relieving kind) and it accomplishes its objective quite well. After a long day on your feet, a strenuous workout or an emotionally taxing occasion, immersing yourself in a richly fragranced Von Natur Headthrob bath is so therapeutic. The scent is a little on the medicinal side, but I like how it clears the mind (along with the nasal passages).

Retail Prices:
Body Polish $25.99
Bath Soak $21.99
(both available at vonnatur.com or go here to find a retail location that sells Von Natur near you)

DeLush Ratings:
Body Polish

Bath Soak

What They Say: "Yogurt. Nourishing. Dermatologically Tested. Dermatological tests show that yoghurt helps to improve the skin's appearance day after day and keep it looking young and healthy. The Cleo formula is enriched with corn oil which has an anti-oxidant effect and makes the skin softer."

Toya’s Take: I am intrigued by these Cleo soaps. I’d never heard of them before receiving them for review and I really like them! Both soaps lather nicely, rinse away cleanly and don’t leave your skin dried out, like many soaps I’ve used in the past. Even my husband has fallen in love and deigns to use them, though he thinks they smell just a bit “girly”. Girly or no, the soaps are great. The only drawback is that I expected my skin to feel a bit softer and moisturized, and that didn’t really happen. However, from what I can tell, they didn’t add to any dryness and flakiness and that’s good enough for me.

Retail Price: $1.95 for bar/$2.95 for liquid (on sale for $1.56 for bar/$2.36 for liquid now at drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Leave skin deeply hydrated without the greasy feel. Unique formula, with a touch of natural oil, absorbs quickly as it cleans for deep hydration. Dermatologist-tested, soap-free. Available in two nutrient enriched formulas:
* Almond Oil & Shea Butter
* Olive Oil & Aloe Vera"

Melissa Says: Okay, I'm torn. On one hand, this makes my skin incredibly soft. Honestly, it is pretty remarkable. On the other, I think I'm really used to "moisturized" being associated with a little bit of that greasy feeling. That's why I think I initially didn't know what to say about this body wash. My skin doesn't feel tight or itchy afterward, but is quite soft. It's still a unique experience to feel this sort of 'dry-touch hydration'. If you want a very skin-softening body wash but can't stand feeling slick afterward, this is something you should try.

The bottle even says that this is gentle enough to use as a shaving lotion. I gave it a try, and it worked pretty well. Maybe not as perfect a shave as with my favorite lotion, but it gave plenty of glide and I had very soft, knick-free results.

Retail Price: $5.69 (at drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Tranquil bubble bath contains pure essential oils from Lemon, Rosemary and Orange to pamper the body leaving your skin refreshed and fragrant. This beautiful bubble bath is formulated with herbal extracts and natural skin conditioners and is hypo-allergenic, alkaline free and pH balanced. "

Jen's Experience: While the size of this bubble bath is small, the contents inside really pack a surprising punch. The smell is absolutely fantastic. I'm always a fan of citrus scents, but the rosemary gives just enough of an earthy tone to keep it from being too fruity. A small amount, about a capful, gives a nice bathtub full of long-lasting bubbles that lend softness to my skin for hours after I leave the water. Overall, a fantastic product that makes bathtime a pleasure.

Retail Price: $17.00 (Spalook.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Dermatological tests show that yogurt helps to improve the skin's appearance day after day and keep it looking young and healthy. The Cleo formula is enriched with cocoa extract which, thanks to it's nourishing, emollient and anti-oxidant properties, nourishes and protects the skin ...Infused yogurt properties have an espeically calming effect on dry or irritated skin."

About Cléo:
"Introducing Cléo, from Paglieri Profumi - a leader in Italian perfume and body care since 1876. This Italian bath and body line is infused with natural moisturizing extracts from yogurt to continually improve the texture and elasticity of the skin. Combinations of yogurt and vanilla, yogurt and berries, and yogurt and cereal make sweet scents for everyday shower cream, bath cream, body cream, liquid soap, and bar soap."

Melissa Says: I tried this in Chocolate, and this chocolate-creamy combo...it is GOOD. The formula lathers luxuriously and you don't need much on your bath pouf to last the entire shower. It really is so soft that I found myself always regretting having to rinse it off. The good news is that my skin still felt gently soft afterward. It wasn't an intense moisturization, which some of you may crave more of, but it was enough to make my skin continue to feel soft after the shower. The scent is there afterward as well, but is quite faint. That would be my only unfulfilled wish with this shower cream. For this price and the scrumptious feeling, I would still recommend trying this out.

Retail Price: $4.95 (newly available at drugstore.com!)

DeLush Rating:

Occasionally, I find a new product that redefines the concept of "Totally DeLush", the designation given to our highest rated products. With Tocca's Bath and Body products, I've found a whole line that is so fabulous it should have a category all it's own. Note that Stella, a blood orange scent, is also available in perfume. I will definitely be getting some of the fragrance to round out this line of products!

--Jen

Tocca Body Wash in Stella
"An ultra-luxurious foaming bath gel that contains natural cleansing agents from olive oil, calendula flower extracts and honey. In the shower or in the tub, Bagno Profumato gently washes and thoroughly hydrates all skin types. Also available in Cleopatra and Florence."

Jen's Experience: I can't wait to use this product every day in the shower. The absolutely delicious citrus scent wakes me up and brightens my morning. The cleanser has a great lather that makes my skin feel clean. The hydrating ingredients feel like they really moisturize my skin, but they wash away nicely. And did I mention the fantastic scent?

Retail Price: $19.00 (Tocca.com)

Tocca Rich Body Cream
"A sumptuously rich body cream combining the benefits of natural ingredients such as cocoa butter and shea butter with our signature fragrances. Absorbs easily and leaves the skin soft and supple with a dewy glow. Also available in Cleopatra and Florence."

Jen's Experience: As with the body wash, the scent is a major selling point for this product. But that's not the only reason this product is fantastic. When I use it right out of the shower, the moisturizer melts right into my skin. It doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy at all -- I can put my clothes on moments after I apply it -- yet it works throughout the day. The scent lasts throughout the day as well. And the beautiful glass jar just tops off the whole package. This is handsdown my favorite body moisturizer. I feel like I should save it for special occasions or something, but I just can't resist using it every day.

Retail Price: $45.00 (Tocca.com)

Tocca Soap
"A gentle, moisture-rich bar soap that uses key ingredients like Kukui Nut oil, blue-green algae extract and vitamin E to hydrate, firm and repair skin, leaving it soft and glowing. Available in Cleopatra, Stella and Florence."

Jen's Experience: The first thing I noticed about this soap is that the bar is gigantic! And unlike other specialty soaps I've tried, it really lasts a long time and doesn't fall apart. The scent, as with the other products, is still heavenly, although not as noticable as with the body wash. The hydrating effects are just as good as that of the body wash, though. Had I tried this product alone, I would probably be raving about it, but I think I prefer the body wash if given a choice between the two.

Retail Price: $12.00 (Tocca.com)

Ratings:
Body Wash
Body Cream
Soap

What They Say: Unravel the strains of the day with this dedicated muscle therapy created to restore a tense, weary body. Enriched with dynamic thermal salts and active extracts of linden and birch. Helps to flush toxins, soothe the muscles and boost skin condition, while a fresh woody aroma lifts the spirit.

Our thermal salts originate from 250 million year old seawater deposits in the German Leine Valley and are an extremely rich and concentrated source of active minerals.

What Lisa Says: Being the time of year that I tend to get outside and weed, plant and hack away at the garden, I saved this product for when I knew I’d be needing a soothing soak for aching muscles. This product was just what I had hoped it would be! A blend of linden and birch, the fragrance alone was strong but relaxing leaving a fresh forest-like scent that stayed on the skin long past my evening bath and into the next morning. My muscles did feel less sore and I noticed that it also reduced some swelling in my feet & ankles. It also seemed that small cuts and bruises that I’d received were immediately less sore and bothersome and I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the work of the extract and mineral-rich formula of these small turquoise crystals.

I definitely recommend this product for those wanting a stress-busting, muscle-easing soak. Would be a lovely gift item as well.

Retail Price: $29.00/10 oz. (Spalook.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "This intensely moisturizing bathing therapy harnesses the potency of yuan zhi extract to combat stress and promote inner peace. Mango oil ensures the skin is soothed and conditioned, while essential oils of vanilla, ylang ylang, and rose help relax the body and senses. Perfect at the end of the day to calm restlessness and encourage sleep.

Yuan Zhi is a unique, wild plant from Southern China, used traditionally in Chinese medicine to balance energies and soothe the spirit."

Jamie’s Thoughts: This is my first experience with the Molton Brown product line. The scent of this gel, which I would characterize as warm and romantic, is light and lovely. It makes my bathroom smell like a high-end spa, but sadly doesn’t linger on my skin at all. The product lathers better on a shower puff than with a simple hand to body application – and when used in a bath, there are almost no bubbles. Not necessarily a bad thing, but would be a rude awakening indeed for anyone expecting inches of soft bubbles.

For a company that considers itself a luxury line, I simply didn’t see the “wow” in this product. For the price, I would have rather gotten a scented candle from the same family and used another shower gel altogether. Average at best.

Retail Price: $25 for 10 fl. oz. (at spalook.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Moisturize & exfoliate with our whipped kiwi sugar scrub. Filled with kiwi seeds, sugar, cocoa butter, and coconut oil your skin will never be the same!

To Use: Gently massage over skin while showering, and rinse. This one is a house favorite"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I tried this scrub in the Isla Dulce scent, which I have to tell you is fantastic. It's described as a "sweet island blend of lemon candy, a touch of green and creamy vanilla", which really doesn't even do it justice. It's actually lighter than it sounds, but is mood-lifting with the hint of sweet lemon and delicious vanilla. (You can check out the rest of the fragrances Scuba Bath Shop come in here).

The texture is light and the exfoliation is gentle yet effective, and it leaves just enough moisture on your skin after drying to keep it amazingly soft without a slick residue (in the bath or shower you might wonder about that, but the formula actually sinks into your skin quickly and leaves an incredible silky-to-the-touch feeling after you dry off). This scrub definitely delivers on the two most important scrub duties: incredibly soft and healthy-feeling skin and a lingering scent that will leave you happy for hours afterward.

*Since I tried samples, I'm not sure what the current size is of the regular containers. The website says they are "now larger". However, I'll be getting that information in the next day or two and post it here.
UPDATE: They're a very respectable 8 ounces - definitely worth the splurge!

Retail Price: $20.00 (at scubabathshop.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Active Sport Hair & Body Wash is perfect after intensive activity or workout. Advanced technology quenches the skin with electrolytes and minerals naturally lost in perspiration while leaving skin and hair feeling hydrated and conditioned. Formulated to cleanse and condition the skin while gently washing away impurities.

• Contains Essential Oils & Organic Ingredients
• Instant Luxurious Lather
• Environmentally Friendly (refillable)
• No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or other Harsh Surfactants
• Paraben Free
• No Animal Ingredients or Testing

Jamie’s Thoughts: While it’s not the sole reason I purchase spa products, I always love to find out that a company has a conscience – these Desert Essence products fall into the friendly category of organic, non-animal tested, etc. That alone should give them 5 smooches in anyone’s beauty notebooks. However, I found these body washes to be average, at best.

Scent-wise, both the Awapuhi and Citrus were lovely. Neither clung for very long on my hair or my skin (which can be a positive and a negative, depending on whom you ask). They did a passable job at cleaning, but I didn’t find them overly conditioning. Two pumps of product was plenty for a head of short hair, but I needed 5-6 for my skin – maybe I’m a lather hog? Either way, I went through a lot of body wash with each application, even when I used a shower poof. After multiple uses, I found that I needed lotion on my body and conditioner on my hair – perhaps this would simply be better for me in the summer when my body requires less hydration in general.

Long story short, I’m nonplussed, but that doesn’t mean I’ve given up on Desert Essence. I like the message behind the product, and when summer hits, I think I’ll give this body wash another go, just in case.

Retail Price: $6.99 (go to desertessence.com to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

About the Hair Cleanser: "A mild hair cleanser wth Neem and Chinese rose (Japa) extracts which naturally nourish the hair while cleansing."

About the Conditioner: "Cypress Orange Hair Conditioner blends Indian Gooseberry (Amla), Almond, and Soy with Almond Oil to create a wonderful moisturizer that revitalizes and strengthens damaged hair."

Jen's Experience: I was in love with the bottles at first sight. The plastic bottles look like they're made out of glass, and the gold caps and beautiful labeling make me want to just put them on the shelf for decoration. I was a little hesitant to try them on my hair after it was recently colored. Then I read the labels, and was incredibly impressed with the list of natural ingredients. There are no harsh detergents at all, not even any chemicals. I decided to give it a shot and was very pleased with the results. The orange scent is pleasant but not overpowering and my hair didn't seem to retain any of the scent. The cleanser didn't lather a whole lot (probably owing to the lack of detergents), but it did the job -- my hair was clean but well moisturized, thanks to the conditioner. Used with volumizing products, my hair gets excellent body, but even without, it's soft, bouncy, and extraordinarily glossy.

Retail Price: $18.00 each (Alcanz.com)

About the Body Cleanser: "A perfect hydrating shower gel with Honey, Rice, Wheat and Sugar extracts to nourish the skin while cleansing."

Jen's Experience: The scent of this is the same as the hair cleanser, but I found the scent to be more noticable as I used it in the shower. It doesn't foam or lather a lot, but it does a good job of cleaning and a great job of restoring moisture to my skin. The product is so gentle it seems like it could even be used on the face. I definitely enjoy using this in the shower!

Retail Price: $18.00 each (Alcanz.com)

About the Body Moisturizer: "A perfect moisturizer with Rice and Wheat extracts and Sunflower and Olive Oil which nourish and hydrate the skin."

Jen's Experience: Much like the other products, I was impressed with the low-key, pleasant scent and the natural ingredient list. This is one of the only scented moisturizers I've used where the scent wasn't overpowering and didn't really linger (although with this product, I certainly wouldn't have minded). The moisturizer soaked into my skin quickly, making it a great product for blue jean days or use before bed. When I do use it right before going to sleep, I can't even tell I had it on by morning. My legs aren't dry, but they don't feel the slightest bit slick.

Overall, I'm incredibly impressed with this line, and I think it would make for an excellent indulgence for yourself or an impressive gift for others.

Ratings:
Hair Cleanser and Conditioner
Body Cleanser
Body Moisturizer

What They Say: (about the Soap) "Our cream handmade soaps are made with the highest quality olive oil, shea butter, monoi de tahiti oil, fresh cream, goat milk, essential oil, and fragrances. The combination of fresh cream and extra shea butter gives this handmade soap a wonderful thick, silky, and creamy lather.

Unscented soap is always available to those who do not prefer any fragrance.

Designs may vary from batch to batch as our soaps are handmade and handcut.
Cream Handmade Soaps are sometimes referred to as Designer Soaps, due to the design and patterns of the Handmade Soap. 6 oz."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: What I like about these lovely soaps are the pretty blocks of color and soft lather. Though they don't provide incredible moisture once you're out of the bath, they're still gentle and provide a nice clean feeling without residue. I also want to note that some of the scents in this line can be a bit strong and perfume-y, but others are pleasant. (I tried the Peaches and Cream, Dutch Apple Pie and Creamy Peppermint Sea.) I would recommend that you carefully look for something that sounds like what you'd enjoy. However, I believe many of the scents will appeal more to those who prefer the florals that predominate many of the options. Another option, of course, is to get the products unscented, as they offer.

What They Say: (about the Body Butter) "A little body butter makes everything better!

Especially this luxurious and natural formula of shea butter, monoi de tahiti oil, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, goat milk, vitamin E, and silk fibers.

Handmade with the finest quality of healing oils, butters, essential oils, and fragrance, our body butter is ideal for post-shower or bathing to seal in moisture, leaving you with healthy skin that immediately feels smooth and protected.

Once you start using Whipped Shea Monoi Body Butter you will wonder how you ever did without it."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: That definitely sounded promising, but I must say I was disappointed with this product. The scent that I had (Gardenia Peach, described as "sweet and feminine tropical floral gardenia, paired with sweet juicy peaches") didn't strike me as sweet at ALL. In fact, I felt a bit bombarded with the floral part, and it wasn't very pleasant. I actually decided to try to wash it off after wearing it for a short amount of time because I felt like it was giving me a headache. Also, it appeared that there were tiny bits of sparkle on my arms after I applied it, which I can only assume were in the formula, though they were hard to see in the jar. Compared to some other body butters I've tried, this one didn't feel nearly as nice on the skin, either. Unfortunately, I think this is a product that needs to be completely re-formulated or simply eliminated.

Retail Prices:
(the Soap) $5.00
(the Body Butter) $15.00 (8oz) $25.00 (16oz)
(available at Maryam's Soap Nook online - which I also want to note is a bit cumbersome to navigate and could have a much cleaner look)

DeLush Ratings:
(the Soap)
(the Body Butter)

What They Say: "Treat yourself to a unique blend of different sized grains from natural bamboo, olive seed and walnut that scrub away rough, dry skin. Natural cleansing agents wash and lift away impurities, leaving the body feeling smooth, supple and hydrated. Contains bamboo, walnut & olive seed."

Jen's Experience: I was so surprised to open up this tub of scrub and see a brown sugary scrub -- with no liquid. My worries were put to ease when I mixed it with my bath water. Used on my knees, elbows and feet, this product did an excellent job of removing the rough spots and left the rest of my skin silky soft. I also really liked the scent, which to me was less bamboo, olive seed and walnut and more dark brown sugar. The skin on my body is less sensitive than that on my face, but even still, this isn't a product I would probably use on my chest or other more delicate areas. For the spots that really do need to be thoroughly exfoliated, this product really worked wonders, though.

Retail Price: $10.49 (Willner Chemists)

Rating:

What They Say: "Red wine has long been the nectar of youth and long life. A fresh approach to exfoliation can now become your weapon against the aging effects of the enviroment. To achieve a stunning impact our red wine scrub contains powerful anti-oxidants of red wine, green tea, cranberry, grape seed oil and vitamin E which leaves your skin luminous and radiant. Menthol and peppermint are added for the enjoyment and to help assist in stimulating circulation. A centuries old secret is now yours.

Directions: Apply dime size quantity to a wet buff puff or facial cloth, massage with circular motion, rinse in cool water."

Jen's Experience: I am a big fan of baths, and I love having something new to try out in the tub. This product certainly did not disappoint. I used a whole lot more than a dime sized quantity (more like a fist full for each limb!) but the end result was excellent: super-soft skin all over and a definite improvement in the drier areas.

It didn't smell like red wine exactly and the scent wasn't great, but it also clearly wasn't trying to mask the aroma of the effective ingredients. I was pleasantly surprised that it worked so well yet didn't stain the tub or leave it slippery. (I find that it's much less relaxing to use a product when you know the clean-up is a major pain.) In short, if you've got dry, winter skin and want to emerge from your bath with softer, more moisturized skin, this is a product that's worth a try.

Retail Price: $44.00 (VBCosmetics.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Biggs & Featherbelle soaps are handmade with unique recipes to meet the needs of different skin types, using the properties of natural resources to heal and nourish. Every ingredient is purposeful and free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and additives."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: These not only come cleverly and cutely packaged, but the soap bars themselves are attractive with each formula featuring swirls, exfoliating bits, or other special additions along with lovely soap colors. There are several unique formulas and scents for different skin types and with different benefits. I tried the Chai Latte, which is a holiday version with a spicy, peppery fragrance and super soft suds.

Many Biggs & Featherbelle soaps are vegan and all are vegetarian.

Whether you want a unique hand soap for the bathroom or want to indulge in the special feeling of gentle, natural handmade bar soap in the bath or shower, this is a line you might want to check out.

Retail Price: $4.49 each (at biggsandfeather.com or go here for retail locations)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "How would you like vanilla and musk scented, softer skin for Christmas? Ask Santa Claus to pop a few of these down you chimney and deliver them to the bathroom. The epitome of relaxing bath. Just what you need during the hectic festive season."

Jen's Experience: I had been planning to review this one on the week of Thanksgiving because I figured with a name like Mr. Butterball, they had to be referring to the brand of turkey, right? Well, actually, this is more like a snowman, so I'm not entirely sure where the same came from, but I will say that the creamy texture of this bath bar sure did make my skin feel soft, like butter. My soft skin after leaving the tub was the best part of this bath bomb, though. When I put it in the water, the texture and color looked oily and, well (how to put this nicely?) a little like vomit. I settled in anyway, and after about 15 minutes of soaking in warm water, the bar disintegrated further and was much more pleasant to look at. The fragrance, while not offensive, was very understated but certainly nothing to write home about. Overall, I'd like to see LUSH make every bath product leave me with such soft skin, but it didn't give me that general feeling of luxury that most of their products provide for me.

Retail Price: $4.35 (LUSH.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Twinkle Ballistic is scented with our borderline addictive American Cream fragrance. Real vanilla absolute, a drop or two of calming lavender and soothing benzoin plus enlightening clary sage to clear your mind as you bask in the sweet warm water. Perfect for Boxing Day and Sunday mornings."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I was a little confused by the current reviews on the LUSH website by some users saying that this bomb's scent wasn't long-lasting. Perhaps this is a matter of inconsistency in production, but mine was perhaps one of my favorite products from LUSH to date. The smooth, subtly minty, slightly sweet scent was not only long-lasting and wonderful IN the tub, but it also lasted on my skin LONG afterward. I absolutely fell in love with the scent and was extremely happy with the way it lingered, lifting my mood throughout the day as I smelled it on my skin. Also, though the ball had a very small amount of tiny sparkles on the outside of it, there was none left visibly in the bathtub OR on my skin, which was another plus. True, it isn't their largest bath bomb, but in my opinion it's one of the higher-quality ones.

This was one of those scents from LUSH that I would love to add to my Christmas list!

Retail Price: $3.75 (at lushusa.com, or go here for a retai location near you - international readers go here)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: “Traditional old greeting cards are fine, but everybody exchanges them, same old thing year after year … sigh … Why be ordinary? Say – you’re the greatest, best, coolest, most wonderful … mom, dad, sister, friend, dog … with a message on a bottle. Introducing Not Soap, Radio’s new greeting card bubble bath/shower gels (it’s formulated as both!), SAY IT WITH SUDS! With its ALL-NATURAL, SHEA NUT OIL-ENRICHED, VEGAN formula, SAY IT WITH SUDS is sure to please everyone on your holiday gift list – your grandmother, your college roommate, your old sixth grade teacher, even Alicia Silverstone.”

Toya’s Take: I like the idea of a new take on the old standard greeting cards and I think it’s really cute to be able to hand a bottle of shower gel/bubble bath to a friend or loved one as a small token of your appreciation. I sampled “You’re the Best Hostess”, which is pearberry scented … supposedly. The bottle, quite cutely, has lots of wording all over it, which says, “Completely welcoming … With the Mostest … Makes us comfy … Always a holiday … Loves when we drop in … Throws the best parties … “, and, on the back, “Thanks for your great hospitality. Now go and RELAX!” It smelled very yummy when I opened the bottle and I was very excited to use it. Unfortunately, the yummy scent dissolved in the tub … it didn’t make the bathroom smell all good, like I’d expected and, even when used as a shower gel, the scent didn’t really cling to my skin. It did create good lather, but it wasn’t particularly moisturizing. I was disappointed.

Retail: $12 (Not Soap, Radio)

Rating:

What They Say: "This soothing body wash helps to calm and relax you in the shower while cleansing and moisturizing, so your skin feels soft and smooth all day long. This unique formula combines natural colloidal oatmeal — long known for its skin-soothing benefits — with lavender and essential chamomile and ylang-ylang oils, which are known for their calming benefits. The creamy body wash gently lathers to cleanse, hydrate and soothe dry skin, leaving skin softer and smoother all day long. And, it's even gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Additional Product Benefits Include: lightly fragranced, soap free, dye free."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This is, simply put, a fabulous body wash. Add in the bonus of the low price and availability, and you really can't go wrong. The formula suds up incredibly soft, smells SO nice (not a "perfumey" lavender scent, but instead very subtle and soothing) and leaves skin softly conditioned.

Retail Price: $5.99 (at drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Sit down in a comfy chair and we'll tell you a story. A long time ago when Lush had only four shops, we had a calming, patchouli scented bath foam called Blue Skies and Fluffy White Clouds. Fairy Godmother Helen turned it into a beautiful white and blue swirly cloud cake which made mounds of bubbles. Nevertherless, some of us longed to be able to use it as a shampoo and shower gel again. So we closed our eyes and wished very hard, and here it is."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Well first of all, if even the hint of the idea of patchouli or other scents you might find in an incense shop turns you off, you definitely won't like this. It's pretty true to its description (except the cinnamon is definitely not as strong as the other two). Now I'm one who typically is a fan of these scents, so I wasn't afraid. I actually like it. However, it IS pretty strong (during use). After the showers, the scent would waft into the hallway and the entire upstairs, and I felt compelled to apologize to my husband (NOT a huge lover of those smells).

The bubbles are nice, but the formula isn't all that moisturizing for skin or hair. I really think the pull of course is for those who like that earthy fragrance. I find it uplifting and relaxing (and personally think I love it), but some of you who are already wary don't need to push yourselves.

Retail Price: $7.95 - 19.95, with three sizes (at lushusa.com or go here for retail locations near you - international readers go here)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: (about the Body Lotion) "As you use it daily, the result will be more supple, healthy skin while eliminating dryness and flakiness. Extra beeswax provides thicker, more long lasting coverage."
(about the Body Butter) "The soy creme is paraben free. All ingredients are derived from botanical products. It contains Vitamin E as an antioxidant, emollient, and moisturizer for the skin. The Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant that also maintains PH."
(about the Bubble Bath & Shower Gel) "All you need is a few capfuls under running water to create a relaxing experience.Or a few dops on a sponge will give you lots of luxurious lather.custom&handmade. Fragrant bubble bath/shower Gel relax, refresh and rejuvenate while promoting skin health, and help alleviate the stress of the day. Made without any mineral oils and no artificial coloring."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I have to start by saying that I admit I caught myself judging the products a little before I actually tried them based on their packaging. Not low-quality by any means, but it didn't really catch my eye aesthetically and seemed a bit too "homemade" for me to be completely sure about. However, once I opened the containers and smelled the very scrumptious scents, I immediately let go of that hangup. (Scents options include: Chocolate Strawberry, Chocolate Cherry, Cherry Vanilla, Tropical Vacation, and more.)
(Body Lotion) While I didn't find these to be heavily-moisturizing, I do think that if you like to use lotion for the fragrance benefits it is very nice. If you really need heavy skin moisturization, that isn't why you should reach for this. But as a scent layer, this light moisturizer works great.
(Body Butter) This also didn't provide as heavy of a moisturization as many typical body butters, but was more airy and non-tacky. It soaks into the skin right away and has a dry-touch feel.
(Bubble Bath & Shower Gel) Smelling equally fabulous, this combo product produced a nice amount of bubbles with only about 3 tablespoons-worth poured under running water, even though they began to slowly disappear before the end of the bath, and as a shower gel it provides a great sensory experience with nice suds.

Retail Prices:
(Body Lotion) 2oz. $4.00, 8oz. $11.00
(Body Butter) 2oz. $4.00, 8oz. $11.00
(Bubble Bath & Shower Gel) 2oz. $7.00, 8oz. $25.00
(all available at tesoras.com)

DeLush Ratings:
(Body Lotion)
(Whipped Body Butter)
(Bubble Bath & Shower Gel)

What They Say: "The comforter bubble bar is a swirl of pink and white like Blue Skies and looks like a rolled up scarf or 'comforter' as it's known in some countries. This is exactly what it does; wrap you up in a cozy pink blanket of bubbles. It has the beautiful You Snap the Whip fragrance."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Yet another product out of LUSH's arsenal of bath goodies, this bubble bar smells a bit bubblegum-like, but once you crumble some into the bath the over-sweetness subsides and there's a very subtle pleasant scent. I think this one is actually a little moisturizing which is a plus, and although it will tint your bath water a deep dark pink, I didn't find that it stained the tub. The amount of bubbles is decent but not huge, yet they do seem to slowly disappear. However, having used only one-third of the bar at a time, I was satisfied with the result. This isn't my most-loved bath addition, but it is a nice occasional treat.

Retail Price: $7.95 (at lushusa.com or go here for retail locations - international readers go here for locations)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: “Nature’s soothing chamomile flowers, lavender buds and melissa leaves packaged in a large tea bag create a perfect combination for relaxation. Fragranced with lavender, chamomile and citrusy essential oils, this bath time treat will provide a tubful of aromatic enjoyment! After it’s lent its fragrant infusion, use the tea bag as a bath sponge for cleansing your skin.”

How To Use: Place in a tub under running water and “steep” to extract the flower fragrances and skin softening benefits. The warmth of the water releases the flower oils and their aromas.

Toya’s Take: I was really excited about this, as I am a lover of all things bath-related. I am also a lover of all things lavender-scented, so, after a particularly long day, I dropped one of these huge tea bags into the tub and let it “steep” for a few minutes before getting in.

Thud. Yeah, no matter how long I let it steep – I didn’t smell anything. No relaxing lavender. No soothing chamomile. No lovely floral aroma of any kind. And, when I attempted to use the tea bag as a bath sponge, as recommended, the bag split and I wound up with leaves in the water. Gross. I had to clean the tub out after and pick all the little leaves off my wet skin. Not happy.

Retail Price: $3.50 for 1 bag, $10 for 3 (at essenciaonline.com)

DeLush Rating: – it didn’t live up to its advertising and it made me have to clean! Argggh!!!

What They Say: "Blending Shea butter with gently exfoliating cane sugar, rich Brazil nut and grapeseed oils, plus humectant honey, this rich and velvety smooth body polisher offers perfect pampering to renew and stimulate."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This scrub, with its tropical fresh scent, is different from many sugar scrubs I've tried in the past. I guess you could say its density is different. Basically, there is more cream cleanser in it instead of more sugar. (The closest thing I can come up with is that it's similar in consistency to tapioca, but with lots of sugar crystals in it - that may not be a very good description, so don't let that turn you off.) I think this helps it to be more gentle, as it claims to be, than some sugar scrubs. It definitely leaves skin softer (much!), though not intensely hydrated. A little goes a long way, and as an everyday scrub this generous 7 oz. jar with its uplifting scent could really start your day off right.

Retail Price: $16.00 (at ebubbles.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "The Temple of Truth bubble bar is designed to help you review your situation, discard problems in your life and move on happily. Simon Constantine made this fragrance before he left to travel the world."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I only used half of this (it was very soft and easy to crumble) and got a vast sea of bubbles that lasted throughout the bath. The scent, when I unpackaged it, was subtle and nice, kind of a hard-to-describe mix of powder, light floral, and...mint? Like I said, hard-to-describe. Unfortunately, the fragrance dissipated in the bath into basically nothing and that was a bit disappointing.

While the scent doesn't make for atmosphere, the bubbles from this bar are impressive. Of course, if you don't have a lot to spend on bath luxuries this isn't really going to be a must-have for you.

Retail Price: $5.45 (at lushusa.com, or go here to find retail locations near you - international readers go here to find out where to purchase)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: (about the Shower Gel) "This sumptuous gel produces a light foam with water, to gently wash the skin while carefully maintaining its pH. It leaves the skin soft, fresh and delicately perfumed." (about the Body Lotion) This silky fluid with a more concentrated trail, smoothes, moisturizes and softens the skin divinely. It is absorbed instantly allowing one to get dressed right away." (about the general fragrance) "A seductive new fragrance for women, Armani Code Pour Femme is a fresh, sexy, feminine blend of zesty blood orange, ginger, and pear sorbet softened with hints of sambac jasmine, orange blossom, and lavender honey, warmed with precious woods and vanilla."

Toya’s Take: The shower gel lathers nicely and rinses well, leaving my skin feeling clean and fresh. However, the scent of the products is so overwhelming that I immediately wanted to take another shower. From the description, I would expect the products to smell soft and feminine, but it doesn’t at all. In fact, when I first opened it, I thought I was sent the male version of the fragrance by mistake. It is very, very strong. The lotion has the same heavy scent and really only works as another layer of fragrance – it’s too thin to do much moisturizing at all.

Retail Price: (the Shower Gel) - $35.00, (the Body Lotion) - $39.50 (at
giorgioarmaniparfums.com and select department stores)

DeLush Rating: for each – the scent is cloying

What They Say: "70% certified organic. Luscious Tahitian vanilla, moisturizing organic soy milk and coconut oil, plus purifying ylang ylang blossoms and bergamot, enrich this creamy cleanser for a luxurious bath or shower ritual."

Jen's Experience: I'm going to keep this one short. I found the scent of this bath product to be pleasant, although I thought the bergamot came through a lot more than the vanilla in the scent. If you're buying this product because you love vanilla, you may be disappointed, but I thought it was clean smelling and refreshing (although not so heavenly smelling that it made me crave using it in the shower).

I liked it better as a shower gel than as a bath cream. In the shower, it moisturizes while it cleans, but in my bath it produced a few bubbles but was otherwise not particularly noticable.

I really like that it is mostly organic with vegetarian ingredients and isn't tested on animals. You'll also notice if you look at the ingredients the lack of parabens, lauryl/laureth sulfates and synthetic fragrances. Overall, it's a quality product that works as advertised, but it's not as amazing as I had hoped.

Retail Price: $15.96 (UncommonScents.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Freeze Them, Chill Them, Jiggle Them. In The Shower No One Can Hear You Scream."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I used these mostly at room temperature. Chilling them did make them more solid, but I didn't prefer them that way. I liked the squishiness. These things are a little weird, to say the least. I wasn't quite sure what to do with them in order to get full use out of them, so I mostly used chunks to squish around and use as body wash. I kind of wondered while using them what the point was, but they do smell absolutely delicious during your bath or shower (don't use in the shower at room temperature or I can't imagine you'll be able to hold onto it long enough to use it). I can see kids really liking these, and you can give them a chunk at a time to play with.

Like I said, I didn't really get the whole point, though they were kind of fun. The yummy scents didn't seem to last much out of the bath, which was disappointing. But they do lather well and the aromatherapy effects in the water are really pleasant.

Retail Price: $4.95 for 3.5oz, $9.90 for 7oz (available at lushusa.com in The Joy of Jelly, Deep Sleep Jelly, and my favorite, Big Calm Jelly or go here for retail locations in the U.S. and worldwide)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "The fragrance of chocolate subtly permeates our White Chocolate with Almonds soap bar. This creamy bar, rich in cocoa butter, also includes crushed almonds for natural exfoliation. A delicious bathing treat for the chocoholics among us!

Best for skin types: Normal, dry, combination and mature

All of our bar soaps are hand crafted from the purist botanical ingredients to provide mild, gentle cleansing. The three week curing time produces a hard, long lasting bar.

Packaging: Available in a 5.0 oz. and a 1.0 oz. bar, beautifully wrapped and tied with ribbon."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Try as I might, I can not smell anything chocolate-like about this bar. Granted, it's got a pleasant and fresh scent (if anything the almonds dominate), but it's not chocolate. That was disappointing.

Scent aside, the bar itself is really soft and conditioning. I have a large one (5 oz) and I can see that it will last enough time to make the special purchase feel worthwhile. It's also got very gentle exfoliating properties because of the small flecks of almond inside.

You might like this as an everyday bath bar or pretty soap for the sink (the smaller size) that would last a while and feel a little more indulgent than regular soap. I think of it as a nice treat for the upcoming dry skin of winter. It's very good in quality, but a chocolate-lovers treat, it is not.

Retail Price: $3.00 (1oz) or $8.00 (5oz) at essenciaonline.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "SUGAR=GOOD. SUGAR+BUTTER=GREAT.
Ah, the new math - what's not to love? Take minimally processed cane sugar, add pure cocoa butter, stir in some fresh macadamia nut and almond oils then blend to perfection. Voila! The most luxurious scrub in the known universe.

Butter Scrub™ has the incredible texture of buttery wet sugar, which in fact it is. Scoop some out and rub it on for an exfoliation and moisturizing experience like none other. But beware: your life will never be the same once you're a Product Junkie.

No added scents of any kind but Butter Scrub™ still smells incredible because it's made from pure cocoa butter and sugar. Yum. Net weight 19 ounces."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: There's not much to add to Product Body's description of this scrub. It's got a subtle pleasing scent and leaves your skin moiturized. The grains are perhaps a little bit more rough than some sugar scrubs can be (it's got more of the graininess of a salt scrub), but that may or may not even be something you notice depending on your preferences.

Retail Price: $38.00 for a LARGE (19 oz.) container (on Amazon only - buy it in the DeLush Delights store!)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "The best bar to use for people who run many miles a day as it relieves any aches and pains in the muscles. A great substitute for those people who used to use Fizzy O'Therapy bath bomb."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Okay, I'm going to be honest. I thought about trying to work out hard enough to be really sore when I tried this. I did. I thought about it. Then I decided against it. *ahem* But this is what I CAN tell you about this bubble bar - it is relaxing and produces great bubbles. There is a slight hint of orange spice but it's also got a very subtle cool mint fragrance as well (it's got peppermint oil in it). I think that's what helps to make it so very relaxing.

I can't tell you for sure that this will relieve your sore muscles after a long day of hiking, but it sure did its job making my body feel relaxed. And when you get out of the bath that lovely warming feeling becomes a cool, refreshed sensation as the mint cools.

I only used half of this bar and got a very nice bath full of bubbles, so I think I could have broken it into an even smaller piece to get good results. The bubbles are abundant and very soft. It does turn your water a pale orange, but that didn't bother me. I rather liked it.

Retail Price: $4.95 (lushusa.com or go here for retail locations and here for international orders)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "This exotic body treatment blends natural exfoliants rice bran and prized bamboo powder with pure honey suspended by a patented form of rice bran extract to effectively buff, smooth, and revive dull skin, royally. Health-promoting ginger energizes the senses and kukui nut oil, antioxidant rich rice bran oil, and Vitamin E nourish and regenerate tired and environmentally exposed skin."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: First of all, expect this to be thick and a tad sticky out of the container. Expect it, and you won't be surprised by it, as I was a little. Once you get over that though, and moisten it in your hands with some water from the tub or shower, it's easier to smooth onto your skin. The very thick texture makes it a bit of a different experience than most scrubs you may have tried, but it actually makes your skin feel quite soft and it's not sticky on your skin like you may think. I'm not sure how I feel about the scent...I wouldn't call it my favorite, but it isn't truly bad.

Overall, an effective scrub that's very softening and provides some lasting moisture, but some of its properties may keep it from becoming your favorite.

Retail Price: $33.00 (available at asianaspa.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: (about the Road Wash)"Wash me here, wash me there! You are no longer at the mercy of public (or hotel or restaurant) soap! Road Wash™ pH- balanced body wash goes everywhere you do. Who says you can't take it with you? Road Wash™ is the Mini-Me version of our incredible soft- solid, frothy & mild body wash."

(about the Cream)"Product Cream is an incredibly rich emollient body cream infused with shea butter that sinks quickly into the skin to nurture and revive without feeling greasy. Completely cold-processed so there's no unpleasant waxiness, Cream is infused with sweet almond oil as well as the shea for the ultimate Cream dream. Use it as a hand cream, use after shaving, rub it on your elbows, knees, legs, arms, neck...get the picture? Wherever the need for some extra loving for skin exists, our wonderful and lightly scented Cream is ready to answer the call! Available in Sweet Vanilla Mango, Chocolate Dipped Orange, Pink Grapefruit and unscented. Net weight 6 ounces."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Oh my goodness. I'm going to cut to the chase and tell you that I am really glad to have discovered Product Body. (About the Road Wash) Imagine a very softened bar soap that you could easily scoop out of a jar and lather into softnes onto your skin. Oh, and add a luscious scent that you wish you could eat. That's the Road Wash (and the regular-sized Wash, which comes in a much bigger container and lasts a long time). How often do you skip packing soap and take the risk of using what you find at a hotel or your host's home because you don't like those flimsy travel plastic soap containers and are afraid body wash will leak all over your clothes? Now just toss this jar (which takes up as much room as a small jar of face cream) into your bag and you will always have fabulous-smelling, gentle soap with you.

(About the Cream) This is a light, whipped-feeling skin nourisher that also smells as fabulous as the Wash. It soaks quickly into the skin and adds softness without greasiness. This is a good option for daily use when you just want to add a little moisture but are in need of a mood-boost.

Retail Prices:Product Body Road Wash - $14.00 (1.5 oz)
Product Body Cream - $22.00 (available at Amazon here)

DeLush Ratings: Product Body Road Wash
Product Body Cream

What They Say: "The exfoliating action of this sea salt scrub — enhanced with the Awaken Essential Oil Blend — sloughs away dead surface cells revealing brighter, healthier-looking skin.
Key Ingredients: Avocado and sweet almond extract"

Jen's Experience: Last week, I told you about my great experience with the Awaken Body Lotion. Here's another item in the Aromassentials Awaken line that I absolutely love. I often use scrubs in the shower to brighten my skin (and to prepare for applying sunless tanning products). The sea salt is mixed with an oil to saturate your skin with moisture as you exfoliate. When I get out, I don't feel coated with baby oil, just nicely moisturized. This is a great product for my dry skin, but since it doesn't leave a trace of oil on my skin, I would recommend this product for any skin type.

The scrub seems to have a stronger scent than the body lotion, but I don't mind. It's clean smelling and a little citrus-y, and really does wake me up in the morning.

Retail Price: $26.00 (Shelley Belin, Arbonne International rep)

Rating:

What They Say: "Pop in the Bath bubble bar slices turn up in a variety of colors and are all scented with a refreshingly, revitalizing bergamot, lemon and mandarin scent to dust you down, pick you up and make you as glad to be alive. (Well, perhaps that would be asking a bit too much of a mere bath, but that's the general idea.) **This bubble bar comes in 4 different colors, selection during shipping is Random**"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This bubble bar came double-wrapped, and I can see why. The bar itself is highly-scented. But once you put it under the running water of your bath, the pleasant sweet florals mixed with a just a bit of citrus don't overwhelm. I think this fragrance is perfect for warm weather or any sunny day, more suited to revitalize, not put you to sleep. This bar gives you a great positive vibe and leaves a subtle lasting bit of that fragrance on your skin for hours. You'll find yourself smelling your arm - you WILL!

The only negative is that it may have been nice for the bubbles to be a bit thicker and more moisturizing. But overall a very happy bath experience.

Retail Price: $5.50 (lushusa.com or go here for retail locations - international shoppers look here)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Happy Soap is a translucent orange soap decorated with smileys. Happy soap is toning for your skin and cheering for your mind. When your happy friends are around let them use it too. The world can do with a good dose of happiness."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I was a little hesitant when I removed it from the packaging because it seems a little slick. But when I used it it just felt clean and fresh. The scent could have been a little more prominent, it's pleasant but not quite as "there" as it could be. But it does give a nice clean feeling and would be a nice everyday soap or something cheery to set out for guests.

Retail Price: $4.95 (lushusa.com or find retail stores here)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Booth's for over three decades. ...Is it a bath oil? Or a body oil? Because Booth's Original Bath and Body Oil is blended with lightweight sunflower and sesame seed oils, you can enjoy it as both. In warm bathwater, it soaks into thirsty pores. Massaged into dry skin, it quickly vanishes to leave a gorgeous, all-over glow. (Unless you're a guy, in which case it lease you with a healthy, all-over glow.)
Made in Canada.

Directions:
Pour 3 or 4 capfuls into a warm bath and soak for 10-15 minutes. Or massage directly into dry or damp skin, a few fragrant drops at a time."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: If you use this in the bath, you only need a quick squeeze or two into your running water. Trust me. It's true, this stuff is kind of slick and all, so if it makes you uneasy to think of wiping the tub down afterward, then maybe you don't want to use it as a bath oil. But hey, I really liked the incredibly smooth softness enveloping my skin, and the aromatic effect is incredible. This stuff smells so comforting and soothing. And the way it lingers on your skin? Yum. I was really pleased with how soft my skin felt even the next day.

If you want a less messy and more direct way of using the oil, just get a cotton ball, place it over the bottle and squeeze a little bit onto the ball, and rub that over your arms, legs, applying more to it as needed and then rubbing in the oil with your hand to spread it evenly. It's incredibly softening and soaks nicely into the skin.

I really love this stuff, especially for the price. I might stock up!

Retail Price: $5.99 (at drugstores and superstores, and drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: (about the Body Cleanser) "Discover how radiant your body can be with Maine Shave Natural Daily Body Cleanser. It contains all-natural extracts of cucumber, rose, linden and witch hazel to gently exfoliate away impurities, and refreshes your skin leaving it with a brisk clean feeling. Clay and wheat protein help improve skin's elasticity." (about the Body Splash) "All natural Maine Shave Daily Body Splash astringent refreshes skin as it tightens pores, controls shine, and restores normal skin pH. Linden petals anti-inflammatory properties leave skin feeling fresh and calm. Birch extract soothes shaving irritation while increasing skin elasticity. Rose petal extract is the finish note for that smooth, soft, cool touch." (about the Moisturizer) "Maine Shave Natural Daily Body Moisturizer uses nothing but all-natural ingredients. It contains allantoin to heal and soften skin by rejuvenating skin cells. Sweet almond oil, olive oil and shea butter, preserve skin from moisture loss. Lemon and orange extract is quickly absorbed leaving your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and hydrated. Chamomile soothes skin leaving it soft and silky smooth."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: When we got these products from Maine Shave, we had never heard of them before. So I really had no idea what to expect. It seems this company offering high-quality shaving products for men also have something for us women to try. Off I toted the three handsomely-packaged products to the bathroom later to test them.

The cleanser comes out creamy and the scent is comforting like oatmeal and lavendar (even though those aren't the components, but hey, that's what I got out of it) with a bit of yummy yet clean freshness that made me happy with it right away. It lathers up only a bit (but that's not a bad thing) and leaves skin clean-feeling but not tight and dry.

I've never really understood the concept of body splashes and their significance. But hey, if you dig it then this one will probably make you happy. It also has a wonderful subtle scent that isn't at all perfume-y and doesn't have the bite-like twinge of alcohol in your nostrils like some of these products do. It is refreshing and cool.

Finally, the moisturizer is substantial but not too thick to easily rub into the skin. It's one of those things that I think I'd pull out any time after bath or shower when I'm craving a feeling of comfort and relaxation. It also has the same high-quality pump that's on the cleanser bottle, which makes it easy to use and control the amount dispensed.

Overall, I've been very happy with my introduction to Maine Shave for Women, and I think you will, too. With soothing scents that don't overpower and well-made packaging that makes you feel truly pampered, these products are something I'd definitely recommend to a friend or as nice gifts for the Bath Product Fanatic you know.

Retail Prices:
Natural Daily Body Cleanser $20.00
Natural Daily Body Splash $20.00
Natural Daily Body Moisturizer $28.00
(at maineshave.com)

DeLush Rating: (for all three products)

What They Say: "Kiss My Face, a pioneer and leader in natural and organic personal care products, brings consumers a joyful, creamy, preservative-free latger at the sink or in the tub with Sudz by Kiss My Face, and organic line of essential bath products. FOAM-ulated with organic botanicals and essential oils, the Sudz line includes a bar soap, shower gel and self-foaming soap in four tempting scents. Each yummy formulation, "in the pink", "sports complex", "c-weed", and "rough seas", takes care of more than just cleaning up your act. The different scents and ingredients have unique benefits to address a variety of skin care needs."

Jen's Experience: I've been trying out two of Kiss My Face's new organic shower gels, "in the pink" and "sports complex", over the past month, and I would have to say I have some mixed emotions about these.

First off, the scent. It's very strong, and I guess that's good when I am trying to wake up in the morning, but...well, they're really just not my style. On the other hand, they do smell very clean, and the scent washes clean away, so there's no lingering aroma once the shower is complete. I don't think the scents are bad necessarily, but I do think that you should smell them before purchasing.

Secondly, I didn't find them to lather easily, even when I used a bath sponge. But, that said, I did feel clean when I showered with them. (Especially the "in the pink" flavor. The alpha hydroxy acids in that one give a nice tingle.) Plus, they didn't irritate my skin a bit, and instead left it feeling moisturized even after my shower as complete.

Can you see why I'm conflicted? I think I'd be thrilled with them if I loved the scents. If you see them in your local market, take a whiff. If you're into the scent, then you may be their newest fan.

Retail Price: $7.95 (Amazon, Whole Foods, and Wild Oats)

Rating:

What They Say: "Still Life bath bomb is so uplifting you'll feel as if you're being carried along on a flying carpet. The citrus oils are marvelous things; they do wake you up but they don't set you buzzing; they help to clarify your thoughts so you feel as though life is no longer rushing by out of control. Bathe in a Still Life bath bomb and observe the pattern which the sunflower petals make in your bath."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: In my experience, bath bombs are usually hit or miss. While the scent is kind of nice and lemony as the bomb effervesces in the tub, once that's done there isn't much lingering scent to enjoy. And while I usually like LUSH's incorporation of flowers in their bombs (small rosebud's, etc.) the dried marigold head in this one falls apart in so many tiny pieces in the water that it leaves for kind of a mess to clean up afterward. Typically I can use the bath strainer I bought a long while ago for about a dollar to take care of remnants from bath products like this, but these pieces tend to cling on the sides of the tub. While this is a sunny, uplifting blend it didn't provide the lasting benefits that would have made it a really great bath accessory.

Retail Price: $4.95 (at lushusa.comi= or go here to find retail locations near you or here for international online and retail locations)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Pamper yourself with ME! Bath Ice Cream, a flavorful and moisturizing scoop of luxury for your tub. As ME! Bath Ice Cream melts in the tub, minerals and aromatic oils begin to fizz, transforming your ME time into a spa-like experience. While you soak and relax, your skin absorbs this decadent treat."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Talk about fizz! These bath ice cream balls definitely add some oomph to your bath. As soon as they are dropped into the water, they bubble and fizz for about a full minute or so, releasing aroma to set the mood and oils to condition skin. I'm not kidding, I was able to get a very close shave in this bath with no shaving lotion...that's how conditioned my skin was in the water. They do color your water, but don't stain (but that part was fun!). Of course, you'll probably want to wipe the bath down afterward because of the slickness, but it's really not a huge hassle - especially if you love adding things to your bathtime ritual. My skin felt soft and comfortable afterward. With scent names like Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Coconut Cove, Cosmopolitan, Land of Milk and Honey, Peaches 'n Cream, Pink Lemonade and more (oh dear I'm getting hungry), there's something for every taste. Also, so you know what you're getting for your money, these are about the size of small peaches.

Retail Price: $7.40 (available in Ritz Carlton, Canyon Ranch Spa locations, and online at ebubbles.com and 3 for $21.00 at uncommonscents.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Cleanse, clear, soak out all the toxins that bombarded you during the day. Let the organic and wild-crafted essential oils of Ginger Root, Juniper Berry, Grapefruit, Fennel Seed, Cypress, Lemon and Rose Geranium release what is weighing you down, and return you to a place of clarity. These oils are blended into a carefully selected combination of salts that include Dead Sea Salts imported from Israel and Si Salts from Baja California."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Unlike some (and in my opinion far too many) bath salts, this actually smells PLEASANT. I was really glad, because believe me this makes the testing a lot more enjoyable. It's a little citrusy (but not too much) and in the bath the scent diffuses in a subtle, non-overpowering way. I found the aroma really relaxing, and the oils in the formula actually conditioned my skin a little bit without any slickness afterward.

If you're a bath nut, and like the idea of trying salts, this will be a very nice introduction to them. If you're already into salts, I think you'll find this one to be worth it.

Retail Price: $20.00 (buddhanose.com or go here for LOTS of retail options, international sellers, and other online stores where Buddha Nose is available.)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Packaged in a 16 oz. ice cream pint, this lathering sugar scrub is packed with Vitamin E, exfoliating beads, jojoba oil and fragrances to cleanse and exfoliate. ME! Bath Shower Sherbet leaves your skin smooth and soft, ready to take on another day."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: These wonderfully generous containers will remind you of tubs of yogurt. And when you open up the lid, you'll be even more convinced that you've got something edible instead of a bath treat. With luscious smells (Choco-holic, Cucumber Melon, Hawaiian Lei, Land of Milk and Honey, and Peaches and Cream are just a few of the available formulas) and thick texture, Me! Bath's Shower Sorbet creates a unique bathing experience.

The exfoliating beads are a bit rougher than I usually go for in a scrub, but they're not necessarily uncomfortable. If you're looking for a more vigorous clean with a nice lingering and yummy scent, Me! Bath works well.

Retail Price: $24.00/16 oz. pint (available in Ritz Carlton, Canyon Ranch Spa locations, and online at ebubbles.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Relax and enjoy the tranquil and soothing aromas of Lavender and Lavandin, while hydrating and moisturizing the skin. With Avocado Oil softening the skin, Jurlique's pure bath oils are water soluble and a unique and beautiful experience."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Well, if you don't know by now how proven the relaxing and calming effects lavender are, you must be living in a cave. Bathtime can be even more of a beneficial way to end the day with this pure oil as an addition. Not a sweetened form of the fragrance, this oil adds a not-too-strong scent to your water and while the skin-softening results aren't intense, they're also not oily or greasy in any way. I had to remove the plastic dropper-cap and pour directly out of the bottle to get anything to come out, but once I did, it was time to RELAX.

Retail Price: $23.00 (jurlique.com or find a retailer worldwide here - UK readers can shop online here)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Dead Sea salts contain magnesium, bromides, potasium, calcium chloride and soldium chloride. They help strengthen the immune system, detoxify, improve circulation, relieve aches and pains, soften and heal the skin, reduce fatigue, release tension, rejuvinate and revitalize. The bath salts also aid in opening the skin's pores to allow the essential oils to penetrate the skin."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I tried this in Happy Hippie and Orange Sunshine. While the fragrance dissipates in the bath a bit, it is still fairly strong. I personally preferred Orange Sunshine, but didn't find either incredibly appealing. I imagine I would have preferred Cranberry Mint or Northern Lights possibly. But it takes a specific taste to be pleased with the scents I tried. They did linger on the skin a while afterward, which was another reason I wished they had smelled a little better. I did feel the uplifting qualities of the salts while in the bath, which was the most pleasant part, but afterward felt the urge to put lotion on to dilute the scent. If you're REALLY into natural and herbal products, this may better suit you. Otherwise, you should probably opt for something else at bathtime.

Retail Price: $13.50 (at teabodys.com)

DeLush Rating: (two instead of one because the scent could be a matter of taste)

What They Say: "If you like the feel of a creamy moisturizer, use Olay body wash plus creme ribbons--the first body wash to add an actual ribbon of creme. Olay body wash plus creme ribbons wraps your skin in a fragrant, luxurious lather that moisturizes skin in just one use, and visibly improves skin in just 5 days!

In the shower, squeeze a small amount of product onto a wet puff. Lather and rinse. You can also enjoy a soft, smooth shave by using Olay body wash plus creme ribbons as a shaving lotion."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I had high hopes for this stuff, simply because what they say sounds so promising. However, I wasn't incredibly impressed. Yes, the product feels nice and smooth in the shower, but after the shower for the most part my skin didn't feel significantly softer. Even after several days, I didn't notice the improvements that they promised in skin condition. At least, no more than your typical moisturizing body wash. The scent is pleasant enough, faintly floral and fresh. But for the most part, this didn't stand out for me.

Retail Price: app. $4.99 (at drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Warning - these scrubs are highly addictive and moisturizing, your shower will never be the same again!

We use only the finest ingredients and whip them together to create the ultimate sugar scrub! Fluffy and easy to apply, our Sugar Soufflés are made with coconut oil, which absorbs quickly and easily, leaving your skin moisturized and protected, without feeling greasy. Pure cane sugar crystals exfoliate dead skin cells while coconut oil, sweet almond and vitamin-e oils condition, moisturize and smooth you to perfection!

This is a highly moisturizing product that can be used in the bath or shower. The oils will literally melt into your skin as you exfoliate. We recommend this being the last thing you do, after you wash your body and hair, to get the full benefits.

We guarantee that if you use our scrubs you will never need to put lotion on after you get out of the shower! Enjoy!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I am not going to beat around the bush here. This scrub is simply incredible. The super-soft consistency makes it feel truly decadent. Well, that and the luscious scent, which left me saying "No seriously - I smell SO good!" the entire day, testing my husband's limited tolerance levels. But he agreed - and was as pleased as I was with the incredibly soft skin that resulted. I didn't feel that this scrub left me feeling as "oily" as some moisturizing scrubs do afterward, either.

Retail Price: $32.00 (at lalicious.com or beautyintuition.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "We like making Valentines gifts because we always come up with things we'd like to be given ourselves. We all want a big stack of Love Stacks. First you have an extra large heart shaped Rock Star soap, then a heart shaped Tisty Tosty and to top it off a Soft Coeur honey and chocolate massage bar. Say I love you three times and keep your fingers crossed for a massage."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: The top layer, the Soft Coeur honey and chocolate massage bar was something I already knew I liked, and you can read my previous review of it here. It's chocolate-scented and indulgent. The Tisty Tosty in the middle layer is a heart-shaped long-lasting bath fizz with little tiny dried rosebuds on top. It produces a very light rose scent in your bath, with not much moisturizing properties but it does make bathtime fun. The little rosebuds float to the surface and unlike some of LUSH's more decorated bath fizzes, these are really easy to skim off the top of the water at the end so you don't have any mess afterward in the tub. The bottom and largest heart layer, the Rock Star Soap, is soft and creamy. But the scent at first to me was a little Pepto-ish - not so much so on the skin, but it IS highly fragrant and sweet, so be aware of that. It could be a bit much for some of you, and isn't too moisturizing.

Retail Price: $23.50 (usa.lush.com or go HERE to visit LUSH's international sites.)

Overall Review for the Love Stack:

What They Say: "Smooth over wet skin and feel the heat — this deep-cleansing spa treatment automatically warms when it comes in contact with water. Natural sugar crystals exfoliate, kaolin clay detoxifies, and coconut extract moisturizes."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Okay, let's start at the beginning: a)I LOVES me some warming ANYTHING, period. b)I am also so much in love with the True Blue Spa line from Bath & Body Works and its fabulous, island-girl scents. This scrub is no exception. It warms immediately when you rub it between your hands and leaves your skin soft and smooth. Oh, and it smells like a sweet, coconut-y, tropical treat. I'm definitely a fan of this, and think you will be too.

Retail Price: $12.00 (bathandbodyworks.com and in Bath & Body Works stores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: ""When four girls grow up in the same house, there are bound to be a whirlwind of emotions," says Emily Singer, President of Mixed Emotions. "My three sisters, parents and I have developed a unique line of bath and body products that celebrate the complexity of being a woman. Women and girls have such a wonderful, wide range of emotions. Why not make the best of them?"

After almost one year of research and development, the Mixed Emotions' bath and body products were created. Mixed Emotions' eight unique blends of natural extracts and fragrances are formulated to work with the female body chemistry to enhance the emotions all women feel. kiss me-creme brulee offers a mix of Passion Flower and Ginseng that evokes a mood of sensuality and romance. motivate me-tutti frutti combines Guarana and Echinacea to stimulate the body and its' senses. Camomile and Sage in relax me-vanilla cloud promote a sense of calm and well-being. Gingko Biloba and Gotu Kola are blended together to create focus me-sweet tea which offers women the mental edge they need in this fast-paced world. Change your mood from "semi-sweet" to "sweet as candy" by treating yourself to bite me-chocolate comfort which combines Sandalwood and Clary Sage and smells like yummy chocolate!

Mixed Emotions has now added 4 new, exciting collections…celebrate me-peach champagne, mellow me-marsh “mellow” mousse, wake me-café au lait, and bee me-honey nut!

Mixed Emotions uses a fun, mix-and-match approach by offering three bath and body products with a variety of natural extracts and fragrances. The products include an exfoliating body scrub, a hydrating body cream and a refreshing body cleanser. Both the body cream and body cleanser are enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamins A, C and E.

Mixed Emotions is a family-run business. The four, twenty-something, Singer sisters have teamed with their parents to develop state-of-the-art products for women. Only the highest quality ingredients are used to create the Mixed Emotions bath and body line.

Mixed Emotions - Let ME take care of you!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I've tried each product (cleanser, body lotion, and body scrub) in three scents - Bite Me, Wake Me, and Bee Me. And can I just say, that as a product junkie I am completely thrilled with the Mixed Emotions line! The cleanser is luxuriously sudsy and a bit moisturizing; the lotion is rich but not too thick and smells great; and the body scrub is like using sumptuous big sugar crystals that leave your skin smooth and soft! My favorite of the three scents is Bite Me (chocolate, that's a surprise, right?) but all three I've used are delectable. And you get a fair amount of product in all three for the price.

If you like to indulge during bathtime, say hello to Mixed Emotions!

Retail Price: ranging from $20.00 to $30.00 each (www.shopmixedemotions.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Mouth-watering honey soap for washing you, the kids, the dog and the granny. Real honey hand and body soap to soothe and sweetly scent your skin."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I purchased this during my recent trip to NYC. The salesgirl told me she had just recently washed her dog with it, though I'm not sure if she really had or if she was just trying to give me another reason to purchase this. Either way, I got some, because the smell is just mouth-watering. And in the bath or shower, it's a real treat for the senses. It actually leaves your skin feeling very squeaky-clean, so it's not necessarily super-moisturizing. However, if you're looking for a great scent that leaves you feeling fresh and awake, this is certainly a fun and indulgent option.

Retail Price: $5.95 for 3.5 oz (usa.lush.com), but if you're near a Lush store, it's cut into various sizes, like cheese, and priced accordingly

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Discover how all the beautiful ladies of Florence keep their bodies so smooth and appealing! This naturally rich cream and granular sugar formulation gently exfoliates the skin leaving it noticeably soft, smooth and with a sensual glow. Tuscan olive oil, jojoba, avocado, borage and wheat germ oils sensually soothe the skin and provide plentiful moisture.
Apply generously using hands, sponge or cloth and gently massage into skin. Rinse with warm water. For best results, use 2-3 times per week or as needed.
Available in four fragrance bouquets: Lavender & Vanilla, Mimosa Fig, Ginger & White Pepper and Mediterranean Mist."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This truly is the softest and finest body scrub I've ever used. I couldn't believe how creamy it is! It's a bit perfume-y in the bath (but not obnoxiously - it's pretty pleasant) and leaves a lighter lingering scent afterward that my husband noticed and complimented me on. He also noticed how soft and smooth my skin was. For me, all those things add up to something worth a try.

User Tips: I recommend reading the scent descriptions carefully to make sure you will enjoy your pick. I remember trying something else from this line in the Mediterranean Mist scent and I did not find that appealing at all. This one, however, is really nice for me.

Retail Price: $24.00 (RagazzaFirenze.com)

DeLush Rating:

They Say: "The Ma Bar is our solution to the chocolate cravings which seem to possess us when the weather gets warmer. It has been scientifically proven that smelling sweets can satisfy your appetite for them. Crumble the chocolate and toffee coloured (and scented) Ma Bar under your running bathwater for a cocoa, orange, sugar and honey scented bath (let's not forget the scrumptious smell of Honey I Washed the Kids) which tones your skin and cures your need for sweetness (until next time). The Ma Bar has been extended because you love it so much, you've made it a best seller."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I thought this was really too hard to crumble, (something I saw on their message board as well), so I let it run under the water and it bubbled up just fine. I probably could have used half of it and had a really nice bath with that. The bubbles were very soft and the scent was nice though not as strong as I'm used to Lush's products being in the bath. Also, when I was done I felt like my skin was a little dry (maybe that was just my water?) and the scent didn't linger at all. All in all, a decent bubble-maker with a nice scent but not much to fuss over for lasting effect. At least this particular bar.

Retail Price: $5.95 (Lush's USA website)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "This massage bar is not for people who have to wash their hands as soon as they get sticky; it's for people who love a bit of messiness in their lives. The heart shaped, shea and cocoa butter bar is filled with a gooey blend of honey and cocoa powder which melts all over your body. If at this point you are wondering why bother, please ignore this, you'll hate it. If you are thinking, Mmmm, chocolate and honey all over! then this is for you. Don't use it on the best Egyptian cotton sheets without slinging a beach towel or similar over them first. It's good for your skin, it's excellent fun, but by golly it's wickedly sticky.

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Okay, I know you're possibly thinking NO WAY. Especially after that description. Here's my unique take on this product experience, though. When I got this product, I wasn't so sure how to use it. I looked in their newsletter, which says "Rub the bar between your palms to melt the oils and scented butters until they are coated liberally, then apply them gently but firmly all over the body." Hmmm...and upon reading reviews of LUSH's massage bars on their website, I began to question if I'd be really happy with it. But, it smelled SOOOO good before I even used it, I knew I had to try. So here's what I did: I used it in the bath. I got it a little wet, massaged between my hands, and applied it like a soap. It felt really smooth and slick, and smelled absolutely amazing. I just found it easier to use it this way. It really soaked into my skin well. And after the bath, I got my husband to give me a back rub and he was amazed by how the oils from the bar made it so easy to massage. And it really did feel great. I would even recommend this if you decided to have a *dual bath* on a romantic evening and give massages in the bathtub! Unlike some of the reviews from their site, I didn't find the scent to be overpowering at all, and it left my skin soft and smooth forEVER. It also wasn't sticky and when the chocolate started melting, I almost died. I most likely had good results with these things because of using it in the water. If you're careful and don't get it too wet, you won't waste it all so quickly and it should last several times.

My recommendation? Look at it as more of a super-sweet and lasting moisturizer than a massage bar except for *special* occasions.

Retail Price: $6.55

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Our refreshing body polisher combines naturally exfoliating sugar with an exotic oil blend to leave skin radiantly smooth and luxuriously soft."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I am not kidding, my mouth literally watered with this one. You would swear this was a nice cool margarita with salt that you were rubbing onto your body. It's amazingly refreshing, and put me in a good mood all day. Obviously very citrus-y, I would buy this for my friends just so they could try it - it's that indulgent and invigorating. Leaves your skin smooth and refreshed.

Retail Price: $12.00

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A mild effective liquid cleanser enriched with Sodium PCA. Mildly lathering and gentle, each formulation easily rinses off and leaves your skin silky smooth. Available in an array of scented formulations."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I thought this scent didn't really live up to my expectations, certainly not as good as some other body washes I've used. Although, the formula did lather up very nicely and was conditioning for my skin. I'm not sure this necessarily stood out to me, though, with all of the other options out there that a.) have more lasting scents and b.) condition just as well for the same price or less. Still, if you're a fan of Kiehl's and their mild formulas, this product may work just fine for you.

Retail Price: $13.00 (Kiehl's)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "You will recognize the scent of the Honey Bee Bath Bomb from the ultra mouth watering Honey I Washed The Kids soap and Ma Bar Bubble Bar Slice. So if you like to smell of honey mixed with caramelized sugar mixed with a drop or two of sweet orange and bergamot essential oils, then you will want these for your bath. The scent is only one of its attractions. Honey is beautifully calming for your skin, so we took this as a sign and added soothing Aloe Vera and Moroccan Rhassoul mud to help troubled skin feel better. This is one Honey Bee you must actively encourage to get closer to your body."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: If you're a bath girl, like me, anything fun you can put in there to make it feel more luxurious is a hot item. This bath bomb does just that. If you've tried LUSH products before, you'll know what I mean when I say the scent is absolutely amazing. Not perfume-y, just fresh and yummy. The conditioning oils made my skin super soft, in spite of my nasty hard water, and I even was able to shave my legs without any lotion! (I know, perish the thought. But it felt good!) The only downside? A bit of oil residue in the bathtub, but not enough of a hassle for me to not use it again or give it our best rating.

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Invigorating aroma-with certified organic rosemary and peppermint-awakens the senses. Gentle but thorough cleansing lets you wash frequently without overdrying. "

Jen's Experience: I love all of the Rosemary Mint products from Aveda, but this one may be my favorite.  The combination of rosemary and mint may seem like an unlikely medley of scents, but it really has an energizing effect on me in the morning.  This is a regular part of my morning shower.  The liquid gel consistency is easy to apply without feeling wasteful, and the peppermint feels like it penetrates my pores to make me feel extra clean.

DeLush Rating:

Sample Courtesy Of: Spa Japonika, Birmingham, AL

What They Say: "Monoi oil, a centuries-old island beauty secret, blends moisturizing coconut oil with the fragrant Tiare flower. In our soothing bath milk, it hydrates dry skin and indulges your senses."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Whoa, baby. This stuff smells seriously amazing and, as nearly as is possible, takes you on a tropically glorious mini-vacation. I've typcially preferred bubbles in the past, but this bath milk is your basic luxury-in-a-bottle, and I am completely hooked. You'll want to soak until you wrinkle or the water gets cold, whichever comes first.

Retail Price: $15.00 (bathandbodyworks.com and in stores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "An all-over exfoliating and hydrating scrub, this scrumptious recipe of avocado, almond, rosehip, pistachio and other delectables combine to gently remove surface debris. Massage onto wet skin in the shower to reveal brighter skin underneath. The avocado oil and others penetrate skin to soften and smooth."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This is certainly a rich combination of ingredients, and leaves your skin feeling soft and conditioned. The scent is more earthy than sweet, but pleasant. I love the nice big container.

User Tips: Because of the graininess that is also a part of this scrub, I recommend using it when showering instead of in the bath. It was easier to rinse away from the tub that way, and as I was using it I felt that it may be kind of difficult to get completely rinsed off the skin in a bath.

DeLush Rating:

I discovered Archipelago Botanicals a while back.  I got it for someone and we never exchanged presents, so I decided to keep it for myself.  I don't think I've ever seen it at a department store or at a salon.  You will find it in little bath boutiques, or online, but for the most part, I see it so rarely that I buy a lot of it whenever I see it.  And it's not cheap.

But it's soooooooo worth it.  It smells absolutely heavenly and will make your skin soft for days.  It is a terrific way to unwind.  I like to take a long soak with it before I dress up to go out for a special occasion.  The aroma is clean and, although it will stick with you, it mixes well with my perfumes.

There is one drawback: it will make a mess of your tub.  It's a good thing that after a relaxing soak in this stuff, you'll be able to shrug your shoulders, walk away and enjoy your evening, stress-free and smelling great.

Rating:

Reviewed By: Jen

Christmas Party Bath Bomb
"Christmas Party is good for before, after (or even during) a party. It's got lime and sweet orange to perk you up a bit and soothing cognac essential oil to keep yopu feeling mellow. This year it's orange and fizzy again, a bit like Buck's Fizz."
Jen's Experience: Of all the LUSH Christmas products, I think this one might be my favorite in terms of fragrance. It's got a very orange-y aroma, almost like mixing up a batch of Tang in your bathtub, with a very similar color. Points off, though, for the messiness factor. The confetti inside mostly will disappear down the drain, but I've found it in my bath mat and sheets for weeks after I used it. ($5.55)

Christingly Bubble Bar
"Soften your bath water and lounge in a lake of brilliant pink bath water, topped with spearmint scented bubbles. It's really relaxing and refreshingly tingly all at the same time. Don't be surprised by the surprise inside."
Jen's Experience: I'm not much of a spearmint fan, so I wasn't so excited initially about the scent of this bubble bar, but I was incredibly impressed when I saw the sheer quantity of bubbles generated by it. I am quite sure you could easily cut this one in half and enjoy it twice as much. The pink color was also very fun, and even the scent was pleasant when I was soaking in that many bubbles. ($5.95)

Green Wing Bath Bomb
"Our brand new Green Wing is infused with Avobath's revitalising essential oils to bring you back to life on mornings when you'd really rather have an extra couple of hours in bed. 'Ave a bath with the refreshing green angel, flown in specially with lemongrass and bergamot, and by the time she's dissolved, you'll already be feeling better."
Jen's Experience: I am a big fan on lemongrass and bergamot in fragrances, and the scent of this bath bom definitely did not disappoint. The fragrance is perhaps one of the stronger ones, but since it wasn't overly perfume-y, I definitely didn't mind a bit. It left both my bathroom and me smelling great for hours. This is one of my top picks from the holiday collection. ($4.95)

Puddy Holly Bath Bomb
"Looks like pudding. Smells like pudding. Fizzes like a spicy bath ballistic. The ballistic formerly known as Lush Pud makes a welcome return for everyone who has come to rely on its soothing rose and benzoin essential oils to make them feel like rejoining the human race after staying out too late. It's our longest serving yuletide special. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without it."
Jen's Experience: This is one of the cutest bath bombs I saw in the holiday collection, and the ball itself smells GREAT. However, I was a little disappointed once it was dissolved in my tub. The scent was much less potent than the others (and since it was so wonderful outside of the tub, I had such high hopes) and it didn't have any real extra moisturizing benefits to make up for it. It's not bad at all, but it definitely wasn't the best of the ones I tried.

If you're looking for a great gift for the bath lover, you might want to consider getting one or more of these items as stocking stuffers or even a gift set. Visit LUSH.com for more details on their holiday products.

Christmas Party Bath Bomb:
Christingly Bubble Bar:
Green Wing Bath Bomb:
Puddy Holly Bath Bomb:

What They Say: "Exotic and mysterious, the scent of white jasmine infuses itself into pampering gift-bag items: 8 fl oz body lotion, 8 fl oz bath-and-shower gel and a peach netted sponge. Packed inside a zippered tote, the Luxe White Jasmine products can be seen through a clear vinyl window. Red, orange and white patterns crisscross the ivory tote, which also features 2 carrying handles."

Jen's Experience: For our budget-minded readers out there, here's a gift idea that won't make you look like Scrooge. Target's Luxe branded gift set contains a body lotion and shower gel in white jasmine scent that, well, doesn't smell like something from the Jo Malone product line, but certainly works well and smells great for the price. The shower gel is okay in the shower but makes an unbelievable bubble bath with some of the longest lasting bubbles I've used recently (of course I did throw in about a third of the bottle). The lotion doesn't have a really overpowering scent, which is nice, and is great to wear to bed. My legs still felt hydrated in the morning. This would make an excellent gift for a teenage girl, or something good to keep on hand for gift ambushes.

Retail Price: $8.49 (on sale this week at Target)

(From ME! Bath press release:)

Love your ME! Bath Body Icing? Now you can take your favorite fragrance on the go! With the arrival of our latest pint-sized product, the Mini ME! Body Icing set travels where you travel.

The Mini ME! Body Icing set includes three 2 oz. individual tubes, packaged in an adorable gift box. Perfect for everyone on your holiday gift list or a day on the road, the Mini ME! Body Icing is the ultimate travel companion to fit in your purse, glove compartment or cosmetic case. The featured flavors include our three best sellers: Hawaiian Lei (floral), Land of Milk and Honey (sweet almond) and Strawberry Kiwi (fruity).

Mini ME! Body Icings are enriched with a unique shea and cocoa butter blend that contain Vitamin A, C and E. Creamier than a body lotion but not as thick as body butter, this soothing icing will leave people around you asking, “What scent are you wearing today?”

The Mini ME! Body Icing set retails for $22 and is available for purchase beginning September 15, 2006 at fine spas and boutiques nationwide, as well as on ME! Bath’s newly launched retail website, www.mebath.com.

What’s The Scoop?

Los Angeles-based ME! Bath made its debut in 2002. Since its launch, ME! Bath has become one of the fastest growing bath and body companies on the market. The products are the brainchild of Lisa and Benjamin Nissanoff, who wanted to provide consumers with a luxury spa experience in their own home. Starting with the renowned ME! Bath Ice Cream, the line has expanded to include 38 tantalizing flavors available in Bath Ice Cream, Shower Sherbet and Body Icing.

www.mebath.com