***Karma***

The universal law of karma focuses on peace and inner harmony. In the modern Western World, we tend to think of karma in the terms of "what goes around comes around". So, if you do something good, that has a positive effect on the world, then this will come back to you and something good will happen. Naturally, the same is said to happen with negative actions, but I don't think Lush is focusing on that aspect in the naming of this soap.


***Why choose Lush?***

If you've ever been past a Lush store, you will recognise it primarily by the strong, sweet mix of aromas begging you to come in!

I was very impressed to learn that all of Lush's products are handmade by their staff and rather sweetly have a sticker on it with a picture of the relevant team member!

The products which turn out not good enough to be sold are sent to charities such as 'Save the children,' rather than chucked out with the waste bins.

It is rare to hear of a company that cares so much for our planet, the people in it and the quality of the buyer's experience.

*** Aroma***

Karma is such a distinctive scent from Lush. It is created with a combination of the happy hippy scent patchouli, orange, lavender and lemongrass oil...and the mysterious 'perfume' - Lush's way of keeping a small part of the recipe secret!

I find the aroma very soothing and in some way it encourages me to de-stress and relax. And believe me, I am someone that needs constantly reminding!

The smell is pretty strong, so if someone in your house wasn't keen they may find it offensive, lingering around the bathroom. But I think Karma is quite a soft, pleasing smell that can be enjoyed by men and women.

I bought my Lush Karma soap from their website (www.lush.co.uk) but it will also be available from the 88 shops they own nationwide.

***Design***

When I think of Lush products I picture products of strange shapes, or magnificent colours. Sometimes with glitter, coconut flakes or bits of ribbon, but not this soap.

With Karma soap they have stuck with simplicity and I am glad they have. There's no mess and it doesn't crumble off after use. This solid baby is a burnt orange in colour, which I think was again chosen well by our friends at Lush. It is almost like a wedge of cheese in shape, but has a raised area on the top.

***Application***

This solid soap is very simple to apply:

1. Rinse hands or bar of soap with water
2. Rub gently into hands until a light lather is created
3. Rinse again with water

I suppose many of us nowadays are used to antibacterial hand washes and therefore the popularity of the hard stuff has gone downhill. In fact, I've heard that health and safety inspectors are trying to ban solid soap altogether, which I think would be a real shame.

The only disadvantage I found was that it really stung when I stupidly managed to get a bit in my eye. But as your kids probably aren't as clumsy as me I suspect this to be a soap suitable for the whole family with a lovely clean finish.


***The Lush Karma Range***

There is a whole selection of products with this lovely karma fragrance. None of them are particularly cheap, but I will briefly list them here anyway:

* Karma Atomiser (perfume)
* Karma Bubble Bar
* Karma Dusting Powder
* Karma Komba (solid shampoo bar)
* Karma Kream (moisturiser)
* Karma Solid Perfume


***Overall***

Compared to other soaps Karma is expensive at £3.70 for 100g, but I definitely think it's worth it, what with the smell being so comforting and all!

The soap's other highlights include being handmade, producing a clean finish and a beautiful aroma which lasts and lasts.

This soap is also vegan and none of the ingredients or the soap itself have been tested on animals! How good is that!? So really, I end up with no resentment for the price which I have paid.