THIS ONE'S NO TURKEY (Lush Butterball Bath Ballistic)

Member Name: wardenblw431

Product:	Lush Butterball Bath Ballistic
Date:	20/12/04 (385 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Moisturising, Compact size, Gorgeous aromas

Disadvantages: Ugly tidemark left around the bath

A few months ago if anyone asked if I’d ever shopped in Lush before, I would have answered them in the form of a blank expression on my face. Today, however this has all changed and if the same question was to be asked, I would break out in a cold sweat and my mouth would start salivating in delight at the thought of getting to flex my credit card in our local store. I was first introduced to Lush just last year by a good friend of mine, I now blame her for my addiction to this shop as she dragged me in there kicking and screaming.

Since my first visit through the ever so inviting doors, I swear any time I try and walk past the shop the smell of all their yummy bath and beauty takes takes over all my senses, and propels me inside and Barry, my ever patient other half, says that I remind him of Scooby Doo being led away by the tempting smell of Scooby snacks.

My first experience in the Aberdeen Lush Store is one I’ll never forget. I was like a kid in a sweetshop, so much to see, so little time and far too little money to satisfy any addiction that would come as a result of shopping here. On display is a vast array of bath and beauty products like nothing I’ve seen before (I’m not often lost for words, but that day I couldn’t pick my jaw off the floor for ages). I didn’t have a clue where to start.

Luckily with my friend taking me under her wing, she led me over to her favourite spot; the heaving display of Bath Ballistics. Like a woman possessed, I picked up several bath bombs sticking each one under my nose and inhaling each aroma. After half an hour with my friend patiently tapping her toes on the floor and subtly coughing quietly to herself, I finally made my mind up and tossed 4 bath bombs into my basket and trudged sulkily over to the counter. I promptly paid for my wares, and almost died on the spot when the assistant casually told me how much the total cost was. I would need to re-mortgage pretty damn quick if I was to shop here often, but more about that later.

Bath Bombs or Ballistics for other Lush virgins are simply modern day bath cubes, but forget the smell of mothballs and lavender, these are waaay ,much better. Was it just me or did everyone else end up with an itchy bottom afterwards? Err, perhaps I shouldn't have shared that with you. I used to dread every Christmas as a child when Granny, bless her, would loving wrap up a box of my very own bath cubes. But if I were to receive a bath bomb ballistic for Christmas I would be a very happy lady. The Bath Bomb is shaped like a ball and is more exciting than the old-fashioned bath cubes. Instead of just chucking them in the water and waiting for it to dissolve, this waiting process is a whole new ball game. The purpose of these little darlings is to give a whole new twist to your bath time, making it more indulgent, leaving you feel pampered and moisturised on a whole new level.

Appearance wise the Butterball looks like other Lush bath bombs, but one difference that stands out is the size. It is slightly smaller than your average “ballistic” 90g as opposed to a whopping 200g, but I like this, as I tend to use just half the larger ones as I find I get more for my money that way, and I still get the same results as I would if using the whole thing.

When I first saw the Sex Bomb Ballistic, I instantly fell in love with it because it looked gorgeous with its pink and purple colours and the smell was heavenly. The same can’t be said for the Butterball; its colour scheme is pretty bland; pale creamy brown with dimples of brown dotted all over like a rash. It doesn’t smell particularly breathtaking either, despite its promise of vanilla and cocoa butter extracts. I admit it was the name that intrigued me, but at the same time it was slightly off-putting as the only thing I could associate with this was a Bernard Matthew’s turkey. Not quite the image I want to conjure up in my head just before I take a bath, but I had it on good authority from my friend that this one was worth a try.

After my first Lush bath experience, I couldn’t wait to relive this moment, so decided to wait until the kids were tucked up in the land of nod and hubby was at hand with a glass of my favourite alcoholic tipple. With candles lit in the bathroom to give a romantic, relaxing setting I proceeded to run the bath and popped the Butterball into the water.

Like all Ballistics, the Butterball hits the water like a missile and explodes on impact fizzing away around the bath. I told you it was more fun than those old bath cubes and it really is. As the Butterball breaks up the brown blobs that were all over it make their way up to the top of the water, and it all becomes apparent that these little blobs are in fact cocoa butter. My first thought was eurrggh! I’m not getting in that bath, it looks disgusting, but not wanting waste it I clambered in. The brown blobs eventually all burst leaving a thin layer of ‘grease’ on the surface. Now this is probably where the turkey would come in, it was very oily, but at least there was no doubt that my skin would be moisturised.

I decided against washing my hair this time, wanting to avoid the chip pan effect, and just laid back and relaxed for half and hour. The smell was quite pleasant actually, much better than when I first had a whiff out of the bath. It wasn’t as aromatic as other bath bombs, just very subtle. I could just about make out the smell of vanilla and cocoa butter and there was a subtle hint of ylang ylang in the background. All in all this fusion of scents was quite relaxing and not too overpowering.

Once my skin had taken on the appearance of a dried grape I decided to get out of the bath. Easier said than done as the bath was slightly slippery, but I managed to clamber out without losing too much dignity or teeth and began to dry myself. My skin felt incredibly soft and smooth and I wasn’t as greasy as I first thought I would be. I could smell the subtle fragrance on my skin and it wasn’t at all unpleasant. And I felt ultra-relaxed after my hectic day.

While drying off I noticed as the water was disappearing down the plughole, the oil seemed to want to stay behind. An unsightly brown tidemark waved at me from the bath as if to say, you ain't seen the last of me just yet. This was the only moan I have after using the Butterball, but a quick blast of bathroom spray, a little rub here and there and a rinse with clean water and it’s gone. Not the happiest ending of my bath time experience, but not the end of the world either.

I think using the Sex Bomb first spoiled me as the standards set were extremely high and this would take some beating, but the Butterball wasn’t that much of a disappointment. My skin felt incredibly smooth for the rest of the evening and the whole of the following day. The results were quite pleasing and I would definitely buy one of these again. If my skin was greasy however, I would probably steer clear as chances are it would make it worst, so if this is you, I wouldn’t recommend it.

The Butterball like all products in the Lush range, has not been tested on animals so they are fine for vegans and vegetarians to use. Although musk does appear on the list of ingredients, no need to panic animal lovers, as this is entirely synthetic and does not come from civet cats. The bath bombs contain only essential oils and herbs and spices so no harmful ingredients to be seen. However, if you are pregnant I would pay caution when choosing to buy these, as some essential oils can be potentially harmful. If not sure, seek the advice from a GP of which oils to avoid, but Lush claim that all of their products are safe to use. If in doubt, ask.

Lush products are available nationwide, and there are more stores opening all the time. If you do not have a Lush store local, fret no more as you can purchase their entire range from your home computer by visiting their online store. Log onto www.lush.co.uk and shop till your heart’s content. Buying online does come at a price though as you will normally have to pay £3.95 for delivery, but if you want to order in time for Christmas, then Lush are sending orders out Next-day delivery at the cost of £5.95. I guess this would be a cheaper way for me to shop as I live about an hour away from our nearest one and by the time I have driven and paid my parking ticket I’ve spent more than that. The one thing that stops me from shopping online is the fact that I am a touchy feely shopper. I like to try before I buy if you get my drift. Plus you can’t smell the produce from the PC, now if smelly vision existed, then this would change everything. But probably just as well it doesn’t as I would probably be there everyday spending a fortune.

Now, onto the most important factor, the price. You’d think that for a bath bomb half the size of the normal ones then you would pay just half the price, right? WRONG! The Butterball cost me £1.70 so not that cheap, but in all honesty it is worth it for an occasional treat.

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