I was recently sent a couple Lush products to sample, and I was so excited! I went to college in Vancouver, BC – and that’s the only time I’ve been to a Lush store. I could hang out all day in that shop! Love the smells! These products below are so great, you’re gonna die! They smell so amazing, and so fragrant. I could smell them on my skin all day. LOVE THEM! I know you will too!

The Comforter $8.75

This pink and white swirly bar resembles a rolled up scarf, ready to wrap you in warmth and comfort. The fruity blackcurrant fragrance comes from cassis absolute; we love this delicious scent so much we put it in You Snap the Whip (our scrubby Body Butter), Sweetie Pie shower jelly and of course the Comforter solid perfume. Inhale it and it feels like you’re getting a big, yummy hug. This one is big enough to be broken in half for two baths

Natural Therapy Massage Bar $8.75

If you’ve never tried our massage bars before, we recommend you start with this one. It’s completely organic, from the shea and cocoa butter that warm up with the heat of massage and melt into your skin (to make for a smooth, moisturizing but not slippery massage) to the lavender, sweet orange and neroli oils meant to relax and uplift you. We recommend this one for rubbing onto pregnant bellies to soothe and moisturize. Try it out; you’ll never go back to those slippery massage oils again.

Up You Gets $3.95

If work forces you to wake up at uncivilized hours and you’re stumbling to the basin with your eyes closed, Up you Gets is exactly what you need. Lime, grapefruit and lemon slap your brain awake and uplift your spirits to make mornings more bearable (dare we say – enjoyable!?). Toss one of these into the shower and before you know it, your eyes will open wide and you’ll be showing up to work feeling bright and cheerful.

Popularity: 3% [?]

This is probably – hands down – the scariest thing I’ve run across in the two years I’ve been writing for MHU. This little gem landed in my inbox today, and it was too disturbing to keep to myself. If I put these pictures on my fridge – I may never eat again!

I can’t believe this woman posed for these pictures! How gross!!! (Course, I also think it’s gross when people pose for acne pictures… ew)

Bryce Gruber of The Luxury Spot, www.theluxuryspot.com a widely read online lifestyle site, became the first member of the media to experience the latest in personal grooming, Vajazzling.

She was sent by Spa Week Daily, www.spaweekdaily.com, to cover one of the treatments that’ll be offered during Spa Week Spring 2010, April 12-18, when spa treatments are just $50 a piece at participating spas across the country. Gruber headed to Completely Bare on Bond Street (www.completelybare.com) to try their newest service, Vajazzling, which is the bedazzling of the area which gets waxed when getting a bikini wax (or more) by adding crystals and beads to the nether regions.

A play on bedazzling and a part of the female body, Vajazzling is the adornment of crystals and beads to the bikini area after waxing. According to the Completely Bare website, “Accessorizing your privates is the hottest rage. From crystal flowers to customized favorites, you too can now decorate your own jewels. Whether it’s a special occasion or you just want to sparkle everywhere, you can choose from an assortment of real Swarovski crystal designs so you can shimmer and shine.”

Gruber stated:

“I’m here to cover up my C section scar. I’m here to give the women of America options.”

Am I the only one grossed out by this?

Popularity: 12% [?]

I don’t have this gift set…but I want it! Any of you know my husband, you should tell him. How cute is this Valentine’s Day Kit? I want it!!

If you’re in the mood to seduce your sweetie, try LUSH’s True Love Gift. This no fail temptation kit is filled with our aphrodisiac-infused Sex Bomb Bath Bomb, our equally appetizing red glitter Love Soap and moisturizing Yummy Yummy Yummy Shower Gel. Outside the shower, lather up with our light and luxurious Vanilla Dee-Lite Lotion or show your partner heavenly bliss with a little Heavanilli Massage using our sexy vanilla bar.

LUSH True Love Gift SRP $44.95 14.5 Oz

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics can be found in over 656 locations worldwide with 45 LUSH locations across Canada and 104 in the U.S, online at www.lushusa.com or by calling 1.888.733.LUSH

Popularity: 5% [?]

Crabtree & Evelyn launches NEW CITRON, HONEY & CORIANDER HAND THERAPY COLLECTION of naturally based hand creams, washes and treatments specifically formulated to help hands preserve their youthful appearance. Drawing on a rich botanical heritage, the range features extracts of lemon, coriander and honey – known to soothe dry, irritated skin – as well as myrrh, which has been shown to help condition nails and cuticles. In addition, a unique blend, including thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, tea tree, golden seal, and willow bark, works together in the rich formulations to leave hands feeling softer and looking younger. The range is free of parabens, lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, and propylene glycol.

My hands and my face suffer the most when the weather changes. My hands seem like they’re always dry! When I received these new products I about did a back flip. I was so excited to try these products, and they totally exceeded my expectations! They are amazing! They have completely transformed my hands! They are so soft, and the results are visible! My hands will never be the same! I’m totally addicted!

I loved these products so much – I bought some to give out this Christmas! They’re awesome!!!

NEW CITRON HONEY & CORIANDER HAND REMEDY helps reduce the visible signs of aging and leaves hands feeling soft and smooth with a more youthful appearance. In consumer tests, 92% of women who tried the product felt that Hand Remedy left their hands feeling more supple.

Blending the best of nature and science, NEW REJUVENATING HAND REMEDY absorbs into the skin with naturally derived sugar and pea extracts to help even out skin tone and a peptide blend that has been shown to visually plump and improve skin suppleness. Our age defying formula contains a unique time released capsule, including known antioxidants (vitamins C, E, and Tocotrienol) which have been found to minimize the damaging effects caused by free radicals. In addition, botanical extracts of lemon, honey, and coriander as well as a custom blend of natural butter and oils – shea butter, soy, sweet almond and jojoba oils – have been added to moisturise. Free of parabens, lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, and propylene glycol.

Ritual: Apply liberally to hands each night or when additional care is needed to help reveal softer, younger-looking hands. (3.4 FL OZ/$24.00)

NEW CITRON HONEY & CORIANDER HAND RECOVERY differs from other products on the market because it leaves hands feeling noticeably softer and smoother immediately! Awarded a British patent, the revolutionary formulation contains three sizes of natural exfoliators – fine pumice and two sizes of salt crystals – which polish and retexturise the surface of hands. In addition, botanical extracts of lemon, honey, and coriander, along with a blend of nine emollients, including over 35% Macadamia Nut Oil, Palm and Shea Butters, help condition even the driest of hands. Free of parabens, lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, and propylene glycol.

Ritual: Use 2-3 times a week. Apply while hands are dry. Massage into hands, front and back, to distribute evenly. Rinse with water. (3.5 OZ/$20.00)

More awesome products after the jump! Keep Reading More »

Popularity: 6% [?]

I was listening to Howard Stern last week, and he was raving about this new deodorant he had tried, from Nature’s Gate. Howard is all about natural, organic products, and swore that this was his favorite deodorant.  I contacted the company and asked them to send me some product, which I was so excited to try out! I hate the thought of using deodorants that are filled with aluminum, so I was excited to try this aluminum-free product! 

I love the scent, it was strong – and smelled great. It has an earthy-fresh smell, and I loved that! It went on well, and dried nicely.  My only complaint, is that it definitely doesn’t last nearly as long as the deodorants I’ve tried in the past. This product is only really good for 2-4 hours.  Which for me – doesn’t cut it. I don’t want to have to reapply deodorant throughout the day.  So I probably wouldn’t use this product again.  I was definitely not convinced.

Available in roll-on and stick formulations, Nature’s Gate deodorants are named after the four seasons with great matching scents! Each deodorant contains a unique and powerful odor-blocker Deoderm® and a combination of odor-preventing natural extracts. Phthalate free. Contain no animal derived ingredients and never tested on animals.

Nature’s Gate Certified Organic essences are fresh from the field, locally grown in California on land dedicated to growing Nature’s Gate botanical essences. At the family owned Organic farm, each plant receives individual care, ensuring the highest purity and quality. The farm’s water source is derived from the winter rains and snow pack of the Sierra Nevadas.

-Paraben Free

-No Propylene Glycol

-No Aluminum

-With Baking Soda to help neutralize odor

$5.99 – BUY IT HERE!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Just in time for the Holidays, Mr. Billy Jealousy has launched a little something special with his friends over at ULTA. Now you can finally give you man that subtle hint of what to use before date night or a day at the gym.

• 2oz White Knight Facial Cleanser
White Knight contains essential moisturizing agents to provide necessary hydration while cleansing skin. The white, foaming formula cleanses without stripping the skin of essential oils. SLS-free, Paraben free, no fragrance added.

• 2oz LiquidSand Facial Exfoliator
Less penetrating than a scrub and more powerful than a face wash, this gentle cleanser removes dead skin cells, dirt and all round grime. Colorant –free, SLS-free

• 2oz Hydroplane Shave Cream
A rich, technologically advanced cream that keeps you looking sharp and feeling cool. This shaving cream cools, heals and conditions the skin with its micro-silicon beads, while natural citrus oils condition, moisturize and purify skin.

• 2oz Fuzzy Logic Shampoo
This shampoo contains two DHT blockers (DHT causes hair loss) Menthyl Lactate and Peppermint Oil creating strong, healthy and thick hair. The powerful shampoo also contains Cocamide MEA, which is a coconut-derived cleanser and moisturizer as well as Panthenol, a provitamin conditioner.

• 2oz Cashmere Coat Conditioner
This hair strengthening conditioner is infused with peppermint as well as DHT blockers to restore strength, volume and hydration to keep your hair lookin’ healthy

• 2oz Illicit Body Wash
Created after the huge success of the ILLICIT Eau de Parfum, this body wash is infused with citrus bergamot, tea, ivy, ginger and sandalwood. The hemp seed oil softens and sooths the skin while Cocamide MEA, a natural derivative of coconut oil cleans and moisturizes and Vitamin E conditions.

Retail: $24.00 ($36.00 value) BUY IT HERE!

Popularity: 7% [?]

I’ve tried a few Kings & Queens products in the past, and I was really impressed with each one! Recently I was sent 2 of their new Showergel’s – and I’m in love! They come in these big 10 oz. bottles, and each have a great design on the label.  What I love most about these showergels is the scent. It stays with you long after you get out of the shower.  I tried Chinese Princess Jasmine  – and Sultan of Granada Lemon Flower, and they are amazing! I couldn’t tell you which one I like more.  They are awesome!

Get ready like a royal, start the day like a sovereign, make like a monarch. Kings & Queens is a royal new body care range developed around the herbs and spices favored by the aristocracy of a bygone age.

Kings & Queens introduces Body Milks, Showergels, Body Butters, and Shimmering Body Milks, each with a story to tell. From Nefertiti Honey, inspired by the Egyptian Queen who used the Nectar as an indulgent beauty treatment, to Cinnamon, the spice beloved by Queen Isabella of Spain that prompted Columbus’s trip to discover the new world, the creators of Kings & Queens took inspiration from the beloved ingredients of yesteryear.

The line reflects the true decadence of royals past with an imaginative, modern twist. This fun, irreverent range of beauty products is for fashion, style and design conscious urbanites who are always on the lookout for an affordable statement choice.

All Kings & Queens products are mineral oil-and paraben-free and enriched with “The Royal Mix,” a blend of Pomegranate, Blue Egyptian Lotus and Malachite extracts containing Hazelnut, Grape, Sunflower and Avocado Oils. The purple fruit of Pomegranate, with benefits of Polyphenolic compounds and Vitamin C, has a crown-like top, which is why it is displayed on the coat of arms of many Royal Houses. The flower of the Blue Lotus was the most popular ancient Egyptian symbol of glory and eternal life for gods and mortals alike containing bioflavonoids, such as quercetin and rutin and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Malachite was used by Russian Tsars to decorate their palaces to lend extra energy and bring harmony by detoxification the body and healing skin tissue.

The Line for the throne: Debuting for Kings & Queens are eighteen royals, originating from four royal families:

The Royal Family of Showergels is an aristocratic way to get clean. Introducing Caspar Myrrh, George III Lime, Nefertiti Honey, Chinese Princess Jasmine, King Solomon Cedar, Queen Isabella Cinnamon Orange, Sultan of Granada Lemon Flower, Aztec King Vanilla Pear, and King of Sumatra Pepper & Bergamot. Retail Price: $9.00

The Royal Family of Body Milks conquers dry skin with Hazel Seed, Grape Seed, Sunflower Seed and Avocado Oils. Introducing George III Lime, Aztec King Vanilla Pear, and King of Sumatra Pepper & Bergamot. Retail Price: $11.00

The Royal Family of Body Butters regally moisturizes and smoothes skin with Shea Butter, Beeswax, and Coconut Oil. Introducing Nefertiti Honey, Sultan of Granada Lemon Flower, and Caspar Myrrh. Retail Price: $15.00

The Royal Family of Shimmering Body Milks gives you a noble glow with Hazel Seed, Grape Seed, Sunflower Seed and Avocado Oils. Introducing Queen Isabella Cinnamon Orange, Caspar Myrrh, and Chinese Princess Jasmine.

Retail Price: $11.00

WHERE TO FIND IT: Select Nordstrom locations

Popularity: 5% [?]