LUSH the International Cosmetics Phenomenon

Most people who've lived abroad for some time will tell you that after a while it's the familiar things that jump out at you rather than the unusual. When I first saw the black and white LUSH sign amongst all the Spanish shop fronts along Calle Fuencarral I was immediately tempted to step inside. It's a similar feeling to when you're in a foreign supermarket and spot a brand from back home; you often pick it up even if you don't end up buying it.

For years I had walked straight past the LUSH shop in my home town. I have a particularly sensitive sense of smell and the tidal wave of sweet fragrance billowing out onto the street was enough to keep me moving. The windows were also always piled high with bath bombs; a product I've never really been all that interested in.

 

That morning in Madrid, however, was different. In the mood for a bit of "England" I pushed open the shop door and discovered a brand that has kept me thinking ever since. The first thing I noticed was how unbelievably popular the shop was; you could hardly move for customers weaving between the display stands and lining up alongside the tills. A shop assistant sprang out of nowhere and asked if I needed any help. 10 minutes later I'd had at least 3 different lotions and potions smoothed into the backs of my hands to demonstrate their scents and moisturising powers. LUSH's product range is varied and includes a vast array of skin care, hair care and shower products. Far from just a pile of bath bombs...

As a brand LUSH is unique, with a set of values that have become almost a way of life for some: the products it sells and the personality it promotes is unlike anything else on the high street. LUSH differentiates itself from its competitors by offering an alternative to the synthetic, chemical-laden products that can be found in Boots or Superdrug. Perhaps its closest competitor, the Body Shop, though also promoting the use of natural ingredients, is left behind by LUSH's "fresh" promise. LUSH products are handmade, free from preservatives and are all labelled with an expiry date. They also experiment with innovative product formulations; shampoo and shower gel is available in liquid, solid, jelly or paper form. Price range is wide allowing everyone to take home a bit of LUSH.

The most important aspect of LUSH as a brand is what it stands for. A philosophy of ethical buying, reduced packaging, cruelty free products, organic ingredients, vegetarian formulations, recycling and contributing to charity initiatives makes this the most feel-good store on the high street. LUSH does not advertise. Instead a host of self titled "lushies" or "lush addicts" fill online platforms with a never ending stream of LUSH related content. The brand's gorgeous visuals, bright colours and sleek, black, oh-so-collectable packaging, could have been made for Instagram.

The Madrid store is just one of 11 others in business in Spain. In 2014 LUSH had 102 stores open in the UK while Japan houses an astonishing 153. This brand seems to be truly transferable to other markets. Protecting the environment, fighting animal testing and the use of fresh, natural products are concepts that consumers in most European countries are fully behind. In Asia however, the fashion is for the beauty industry to focus on cutting edge science and complex formulas. It seems that LUSH has found a way around this by highlighting the novelty of its products. In the land of Hello Kitty and Pikachu, sweet smelling, brightly coloured bath bombs in the shape of Easter bunnies and glittery hearts are sure to strike a chord.

LUSH has recently expanded into perfume, spa-treatments and make up. Now with over 900 international stores, great transferability to other markets and an enviable relationship with its customers I'm excited to see what they come up with next.
 

Valentines Day in Madrid

2016 is now well underway and it's that time of year again when thoughts turn to dinner reservations, frantic card choosing and date ideas. That's right Valentines day is just around the corner! Whatever your usual feelings about this celebration of all things lovey-dovey, while on a year abroad it can be something to really make the most of and look forward to if your partner is able to visit you.

As of today you have just under a week to get planning and, for those of you in Madrid, I thought I'd put together a roundup of suggestions for fun/romantic things to do in the city. So in no particular order here we go:

1. Templo de Debod

This is number one on everyone else's list of things to do on valentines day so I thought I'd get it out of the way quickly. It is certainly pretty romantic; an ancient egyptian temple transplanted to the heart of Madrid, surrounded by a still reflecting pool and green park area. Visit at sunset to enjoy the sky turning gold over great views of the city and the temple itself all lit up and glowing.

2. El Circulo de Bellas Artes

Continuing with the sunset theme one of the best places to be at nightfall in Madrid is the rooftop bar on top of the Circulo de Bellas Artes. There are luxe sun loungers for relaxing and sipping your mojito while gazing out over the skyline. This is a very popular place so be prepared to arrive before sunset to guarantee a space; then settle in to watch the sun sink and the city come to life.

3. Platea Madrid

If you're looking for somewhere different to eat why not try Platea Madrid? This gourmet food hall is housed in an old converted cinema complete with red velvet and gold brocade. The food is delicious with many different stalls offering a variety of tasty options and there's often a jazz band playing live on the stage. Even better it's accessed from the street through a fruit and veg shop; I remember my mouth fell open as we passed the punnets of strawberries to find the enormous and very glamorous cinema hidden behind.

4. El Club Allard vs Calle Cava Baja

If you've got a bit (or a lot) of spare cash and are in the mood for top notch nosh then head to El Club Allard. Chris and I paid this place a visit to treat ourselves as it was the last time we'd be in Madrid together. This truly is one of the best restaurants in Madrid, with a price to match, but the food is beautiful and if you're looking to impress then this is the place to do it.

On the other hand if, like the majority of us, this place is more than a little over budget then pay Calle Cava Baja a visit. This is one of the most famous streets for tapas in Madrid and the food is delicious, cheap and plentiful. The atmosphere is great with everyone flocking to their favourite bar to sip drinks and enjoy great company and great food. If you're looking to really show your partner what life in Madrid is like with some authentic Spanish tapas and waiters that you'll need to practice your Spanish skills on then this is the place to be!

5. ParaPark

Thinking of innovative date ideas can be trickier than expected. If you're stuck then why not give ParaPark a try? This place is based on an idea first developed in Budapest and has now been rolled out to the rest of the world. You and your partner (or some friends; teams of up to 5 are allowed) are locked into a room full of interactive puzzles, clues and brainteasers and have to escape as quickly as you can. This is great fun and really requires good teamwork and quick thinking. If you're interested check online as you'll have to book a slot and then get ready to put your thinking caps on!

6. Parque de Retiro / El Palacio

For those whose idea of a good time doesn't involve a mad scramble against the clock to escape from a room full of clues then there are plenty of more relaxed options. El Parque de Retiro is one of my favourite places in the city; a huge green park full of gorgeous scenery, a picturesque lake and people relaxing in the sunshine. It's become a tradition for couples to hire rowboats and drift about on the water watching the world go by.

If you're both fans of history or art then why not use this as an excuse to pay the Palacio a visit? I was truly impressed with the interior of this building; it was the most luxurious place I've ever seen! Plus with tickets at only 11 euro each it won't break the bank. (Make sure to get an audio guide!)

7. The Zoo

I've always thought the zoo is a great place for a date; it's essentially a walk in the park with lots of interesting animals plus excellent areas for picnics and plenty of places to grab a drink. The zoo in Madrid is a little further out of the city but easily accessible by metro and is well worth a visit. I would much rather the animals were in the wild but this place manages to alleviate most concerns pretty well. The animals look healthy and cared for and their enclosures are well designed and full of things to keep them interested. Our favourites were the tigers and the monkeys who could keep you entertained for hours with their antics. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

This is only a taster list of the things that Madrid has to offer for couples on valentines day. There is so much more to see and do! Why not take a segway tour through the city and really show your other half what it's like in your new home? Book an appointment in a spa and spend the day being pampered. Spend the morning in one of the many fantastic museums, take the foodie in your life to the Mercado de San Miguel or go for a romantic ramble along the river. The choice is yours!

If you feel you've seen and done everything in Madrid then go on a daytrip. Toledo and Segovia are only about an hour away by train and are lovely places to explore (see links in side bar for posts on these cities and more).

Whatever you end up doing I'm sure you'll have a lovely valentines day. If you have any other ideas for things to do then please leave them as a comment below or tweet me - I'd love to hear them!