Review: Von Natur Blue Green Algae Body Polish and Headthrob Bath Soak

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

Review: Cléo Bar and Liquid Soaps

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:

Review: Softsoap Nutra•Oil Moisturizing Body Wash

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:

Review: Jurlique Vibrance Bubble Bath

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:

Review: Cléo Shower Cream

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:

Review: Tocca Body Wash, Body Cream and Soap

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

Review: Molton Brown Thermal Salts Muscle Soak

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:

Review: Molton Brown “Relaxing Yuan Zhi” Bath & Shower Gel

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:

Review: Scuba Bath Shop Whipped Kiwi Sugar Scrub

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:

Review: Desert Essence Spa Series Relaxing Awapuhi & Refreshing Citrus Body Washes

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:

Kama Ayurveda Hair Cleanser, Conditioner, Body Wash and Lotion

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

Review: Maryam's Soap Nook Cream Handmade Soap and Body Butter

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)

Desert Essence Refining Bamboo Body Scrub

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:

Abrione Red Wine Body Scrub

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:

Review: Biggs & Featherbelle Soap

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:

Holiday Gift Guide Review: LUSH Holiday Selection

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:

Holiday Gift Guide Review: Luxe White Jasmine Gift Set

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)

Review: LUSH Mr. Butterball Bath Bomb

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:

Review: LUSH Twinkle Bath Bomb

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:

Review: Not Soap, Radio Say It With Suds in “You’re the Best Hostess

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:

Review: Aveeno Stress Relief Body Wash

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:

Review: LUSH Ol' Blue Skies is Back

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:

Review: Tesoras Body Lotion, Whipped Body Butter, and Bubble Bath & Shower Gel

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)

Review: LUSH The Comforter Bubble Bar

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: