If you're a skincare fanatic, you've probably heard of a store called Lush, which is known for its fresh handmade cosmetics. And if you haven't, you've been missing out. The Lush store on Oxford Street in London is the largest one in the world, spanning three floors. It has all the same things every other Lush store has, but features much more, from a spa to a space for parties and events. The Oxford Street location also sells exclusive products you can't get anywhere else. Here's what to expect from the world's largest and loveliest Lush.
Lush employees assist customers choosing between products.
STAFF
If you expect to walk into any Lush store to quickly browse through products and maybe buy a gift for someone, you will be mistaken. Lush employees are known for their helpfulness, which you may or may not enjoy. Many almost come off as if they are an old friend who wants to help you shop. Each staff member is trained to know the product range like the back of their hand, so they are the ones to ask for advice from. Don't be intimidated, though. If you really don't want their assistance, you can tell them you're just looking - but you will have to repeat that same encounter with nearly every employee you speak to in the store. There is a blurred line between whether they really are trying to help you find something you like, or if they are just trying to make a sale. However, Lush's friendly and welcoming atmosphere is one of the elements that will make you want to come back for more.
Lush Oxford Street employee Ris from Bulgaria applies a face mask on UF student Taylor Cavaliere's hand.
STORE VALUES
What sets Lush apart from any other cosmetic store are its company values. You can read signs on the walls, policies on their website, or even ask any employee what their ethical beliefs are. Some of the bags they provide at checkout have the words, "Fighting Animal Testing" written alongside a graphic of bunnies, just to give you an idea of how proud they are of their sustainable practices. Lush's most advertised policies include being 100% vegetarian, practicing ethical buying, fighting animal testing, having the freshest cosmetics online and having handmade products.
If the store's values aren't what matter most to you, or even if you don't share Lush's values, it's still possible to shop there without feeling attacked for your beliefs. In fact, the employees rarely even mention the company's environmental concerns. The products were made sustainably and there are symbols and signs about it, but what matters most to the staff is that you have an enjoyable experience in the store.
The core beliefs and values that Lush exhibits are demonstrated in their products and on their walls.
PRODUCTS
Take your pick: Lush offers handmade products for hair, body, face, perfume, makeup and even gift sets of commonly paired items. You can get a glimpse of their product selection on their website, but you won't know how the smells and colors of each distinct product seamlessly blend together until you go into a Lush shop.
Face masks are displayed in a tub of ice with fresh ingredients mixed into each one.
Some of their most famous items include:
An array of bath bombs of different shapes and sizes are offered. Bath bombs are available at all Lush stores, but you'll find the biggest selection at the Oxford Street store!
LUSH SPA
If you're in the mood to be pampered after Lush's staff have already treated you like royalty, you may want to make an appointment at Lush Spa. You can be treated right away, or may even have to plan a few days in advance - it just depends on the day. Lush Spa also caters to a variety of budgets, with treatments ranging from £50 to nearly £300.
The Lush Spa is not in every Lush store, but its menu is consistent throughout many of its locations.
Even if you walk into Lush on Oxford Street not planning to buy anything, you may walk out with a brown paper bag anyway. However, you can still pat yourself on the back for making a sustainable purchase. No matter what you buy, you will be impressed by the quality and luxury exhibited by Lush's handmade cosmetics.
