It's Raining Men (hallelujah?) (A LUSH body product review)

OK, ladies and gents, it's no secret that I loves me some LUSH products. It's also no secret that many of you don't. For some of you, it's the overwhelming scent of the store itself that drives you mad. Them's the perils of a highly-evolved nose, I suppose. Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works,  LUSH - they're all a swirling assault on ye olde nasal passages, no? But once you break down the products and assess them on an individual basis, there are definitely a few gems to be found. I think this is one of them.

It's Raining Men is one of LUSH's awesome combo products that can be used as a bath gel or as a shampoo (some work well in the bathtub, too). I've tried almost all of them and found a few favorites and a few that I really didn't care for. I will note: if you have colored hair, these aren't a great shampoo unless you're trying to strip the color (but then again, I only use "color-protective" shampoos). Another note: if you have kids, these go over really well when you find a scent your little doodlebugs enjoy!

I assume the name comes from the title to The Weather Girls' well-known one hit wonder, "It's Raining Men". I hope. Otherwise, it's really odd that two groups came up with the same very unusual concept. Am I right? I really can't for the life of me figure out what the song has to do with the scent, and I've given up trying. If you have any ideas on that, please share them in the comments!

This low-lather cleanser smells like caramel, in my opinion. It's lightly floral and fairly sweet. Yummy, really. LUSH says "toffee fudge" but I don't get any chocolatey nuances here - your mileage may vary. The scent is based on the popular LUSH soap Honey I Washed the Kids. The fragrance is, frankly, unimpressive -and maybe off-putting- when huffed from the top of the bottle, but when water comes into play I think it really sings. If you're trying it in the store, take it to the sink and suds up! They don't mind!

It's Raining Men does leave a light, lingering scent on the skin (unlike many bath gels/washes). I have done two otherwise unscented days and enjoyed light wafts of It's Raining Men into the afternoon on both days. I found the scent of this wash works well with some gourmand perfumes and some of my orientals (it's really fun with Shalimar PI). It even plays well with a few florals (I like it with Tauer's Zeta).

Did I forget to mention these tidbits? It's Raining Men is gently moisturizing. It's honey-colored and there's honey in it (so unlike many LUSH items, it's not vegan-friendly in case you're checking). It's also got lotus blossom in it, which LUSH claims is soothing. I have to agree.

Beware, though, my smelly friends: this pretty product is a limited edition goodie. Once it's gone, it's gone. (Boo!)  Hopefully, like my favorite soap, Snowcake, it will be a seasonal product that we see each year. Or better yet, maybe it will become a permanent part of the line-up.<--- It IS permanent now. YAY!

LUSH It's Raining Men: 3.3oz - $9.95, 8.4oz - $17.95; 16.9oz - $27.95

Lyrics to It's Raining Men are after the jump in case you have a pressing need...



The Weather Girls
"It's Raining Men"

Hi - Hi! We're your Weather Girls - Ah-huh -
And have we got news for you - You better listen!
Get ready, all you lonely girls
and leave those umbrellas at home. - Alright! -

Humidity is rising - Barometer's getting low
According to all sources, the street's the place to go
Cause tonight for the first time
Just about half-past ten
For the first time in history
It's gonna start raining men.

It's Raining Men! Hallelujah! - It's Raining Men! Amen!
I'm gonna go out to run and let myself get
Absolutely soaking wet!
It's Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It's Raining Men! Every Specimen!
Tall, blonde, dark and lean
Rough and tough and strong and mean

God bless Mother Nature, she's a single woman too
She took off to heaven and she did what she had to do
She taught every angel to rearrange the sky
So that each and every woman could find her perfect guy
It's Raining Men! Hallelujah! - It's Raining Men! Amen!
It's Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It's Raining Men! Ame---------nnnn!

I feel stormy weather / Moving in about to begin
Hear the thunder / Don't you lose your head
Rip off the roof and stay in bed

God bless Mother Nature, she's a single woman too
She took off to heaven and she did what she had to do
She taught every angel to rearrange the sky
So that each and every woman could find her perfect guy
It's Raining Men! Yeah!

Humidity is rising - Barometer's getting low
According to all sources, the street's the place to go
Cause tonight for the first time
Just about half-past ten
For the first time in history
It's gonna start raining men.

It's Raining Men! Hallelujah! - It's Raining Men! Amen!
It's Raining Men! Hallelujah! - It's Raining Men!