Fresh, Handmade, Products With A Conscience

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to be invited to the ‘Lush Creative Showcase‘ in London. It would be the first showcase where media and special Lush clients were invited, as usually the showcase is a gathering exclusively of Lush staff from around the world. I didn’t know what to expect from this three-day event, but I can now safely say that it was one of the most inspiring, truly creative extravaganzas that I’ve ever had the pleasure to attend!

What actually is the LUSH Creative Showcase?

Every year, Lush hosts a Creative Showcase, bringing together staff and this year, media, from all over the world. For 2016, the showcase was held at the Tobacco Docks, a huge 16,000 sqm warehouse style space in London. Each and every part of the Tobacco Docks was filled with something magical from Lush – there were endless different rooms to discover, which were not only filled with the most inventive products but also took you on an interactive journey.

The showcase is a chance for the Lush community to try all the latest products that have been cookin’ up in the labs. Everyone had the chance to trial goodies that were not yet in stores, check out any exclusive products, experiment with different combos and experience a small snapshot of new treatments. Experts in specific products were on hand to give demos at the Lush Kitchen, artists and musicians performed throughout all three days, and what surprised me most was the line up of the Main Stage, which hosted political speakers and meaningful talks from the founders.

To get a sense of what this event was like, check the short video above.

More than bath bombs!

Lush started off as a small company that created handmade beauty products in Poole (a large coastal town in Dorset, England). The company is now international (with over 820 stores in 50 countries!) and has become famous for their sweet smelling range of products, catapulting the popularity of the simple yet oh-so fun bath bomb. But what I discovered at the Creative Showcase was that Lush goes far beyond just bath bombs. Apart from offering make-up, skincare, perfume and spa treatments, Lush also has a strong stance on various social and political issues, actively campaigning for causes that align with the values of the company.

Read more: Lush Spa SoHo Square – The Cutest Spa in HK?

Cruelty Free/Ethically Sourced

One of the main reasons why I’ve become such a fan of Lush is because they are so clearly against animal-testing. All products are vegetarian and you can read more about Lush’s policy on animal-testing here, which extends to all aspects of the companies they work with. This straight forward message and the effort to be transparent in how they work is admirable, and makes it easy as a consumer to know how the product is being made and exactly where the ingredients are coming from. Lush’s ‘cruelty-free‘ values go hand in hand with their ethical buying policy; ingredients are carefully sourced depending on their environmental and social impact. Workers rights, environment and sustainability, animal protection and transport are all considered!

Supporting Grassroots Charities

A stand out product at Lush is the Charity Pot. This self-preserving hand and body lotion is rich and moisturising, but the best part is that 100% of the profit (minus taxes) goes towards grassroots organisations in each country that ‘align with Lush’s ethics’. Here in Hong Kong, you can apply as a charity by emailing [email protected] with the subject “Application Form Request” to be eligible to $120,000 per project – find out more here. Lush actively campaigns on social and political issues that have the company values too, supporting human rights and environmental protection – read more about Lush campaigns here.

The Lush Creative Showcase was an incredible experience that totally captured all the senses, and took visitors on a journey behind the many products that Lush creates. However, it also had a significant impact on the way that I, as a consumer, think about what I’m buying and choosing to support. Being aware of what we are purchasing in terms of the actual product (what ingredients are used, where they are sourced and whether animal testing is involved) is so important, and to top it all off Lush products are genuinely effective. What’s more, thinking about what the values are of the companies you are buying from is definitely something to consider – your power as a consumer can and should help to change the beauty industry!

There were so many highlights of the Lush Creative Showcase 2016, so I’ve chosen just a few of the experiences and products that really stood out to me. Click on the button below to check them out!