Lush Creative Showcase London 2016

When Lush announced the Creative Showcase I have to admit that it sparked my curiosity but the idea of traveling to London (in which I've only been once before) lessened my excitement. However, after being kindly invited, whilst knowing I would be allowed a plus one, I couldn't let my anxiety win over. I was in the midst of the busiest season at work with this planned perfectly at the end of it. Providing the perfect therapy and reason to treat ourselves.

My haul. 

So what happens at a Showcase? I'm not sure if it's just my memory or not, but I don't recall this event happening last year but that may be because I was so focused on starting University that I didn't notice. Lush mentioned in their email, the Showcase will be releasing the 2016 Christmas and Halloween collection. As well as talks, workshops, and masterclasses. Carefully not revealing there would be also Kitchen items, Oxford Street Exclusives, and a few new reveals (not for purchase).

'Nebula bath bomb £12' (aka giant Intergalactic)

As the date got nearer it was revealed there would be Kitchen items to buy but with complete surprise being items of Twilight, Honey I washed the kids, Tramp, Rose Jam, and The Comforter Shower Jellies that were newly released in the previous kitchen week. Along with classics and popular Shower Gels of Grass, Yummy Yummy Yummy, Avoshower, and Sonic Death Monkey (I apologise if I miss anything out). They also had various Swag such as T-shirts, Totes, Aprons, and Patches.

When we arrived at nearly 2, an hour and a half after opening it was already overwhelming. I didn't know what to expect, how Lush would plan everything, or more importantly, how many people were attending. With Twilight shower jellies already snatched up (luckily we found a few misplaced around the shop), ques lining up outside, and a wave of 30 degree heat, I wondered what I stepped in to. There were also other shops, with a hair lab, makeup, a giant Christmas room that even Santa would approve of, another room for the solid Mouthwash tabs, and even one for books. Again, I feel like I've missed one.

 Whilst I love that Lush gave me the chance to get so many items I've never tried before, I do think they went over the top. To even navigate and see everything was a challenge. And sadly the items took all my attention. With atleast 2-3 hours spent in various ques, then time for eating, sitting down and cooling off (I've never sweat so much in my life). I managed to run out of time and miss all the talks, workshops, and everything else. Although I don't think I've ever been so social in my life too. Running into staff from my usual (Leicester and Manchester), and talking about the Oxford street makeup with a few others, and the greatest moment of that day is hearing a familiar voice... ERICA VEGA. The Lush USA Queen of Quick Tips on Youtube or AKA the love of my life and getting to smell her fingers. (New scented nail polish)

The Tobacco Dock was the perfect venue for Lush's shenanigans. Even though I don't think anyone anticipated it would be so hot that the bath melts would literally melt. Staff were calm and collected, with some handing out bottles of water and fanning everyone in ques. Toner water was spritzed around and it gave us a great excuse to test out the new itchy scalp hair toner (Dr Itch) with stimulating peppermint to keep our heads cool.

GIANT TWILIGHT JELLY

They also provided free food with an abundance of vegan and vegetarian selection. Whilst I'm most definitely not one of those (sorry), it was amazing to try something new that I would happily eat again.

Overall, I did love every minute of it. However, for next year I hope Lush works on solving the long que problem whilst I understand there were limited tills. There was no line in the Mouthwash area because their till wouldn't accept any other items which if did, would have balanced it all out. I didn't get to attend any of the other events but I've now been given the chance to test out and review new items. And it makes me look forward to next year, in which they have to do it again.

A very big thank you to Lush for inviting me, it definitely made my summer and I can't wait for all the items to be out in stores soon.

(All photos were took by Liliya, Follow her instagram (lill_sophia) for more gorgeous pictures!)

P.S. New items = Scented Nail Polish, Perfume, Bath Bombs, Shampoo (Ditch the itch) and hair toner (Dr Itch), more shades of the makeup supplement and powders.

Bottom floor in the Tobacco Dock, featuring the new perfumes...