Karma is one of the brand's more popular scents and comes in several different varieties. I have the perfume, in a solid, and I get the soap as often as I can! There's also a Bubble Bar, which got mad props from the girls, a liquid perfume, a bath melt, a body lotion (mental note: gotta try that one!), and a shampoo bar.
They all have the Karma scent in common:
Spicy patchouli is complemented with refreshing lemongrass, orange oil and pine to create a clean and lovely smell that lasts on the skin for ages after you've washed. If you've been mindful and brimming with loving kindness, this is the soap to reward you. One whiff and you'll be hooked - for this life and the next.And hooked I am. I find the scent really, really centering in the bath (is it the soothing Lavendin oil and pine oil?). It's as great a way to start a day as it is to end one. As an added bonus, the entire washroom smells great for the rest of the day!
I get mostly orange and pine and lemongrass from the Karma products, though there's definitely more patchouli coming off of the perfumes than there is off of the soaps. That citrus blast is one reason I like Karma best in the morning - it invigorates while it soothes you. Yes, that sounds like a paradox, and it probably is, but I don't mind. Seems fitting for something called "Karma", doesn't it?
Karma is minimally-lathery and soft on the skin. I wouldn't say it's particularly hydrating and moisturizing, but neither does it strip the skin or leave it dry. A nice, basic soap that does its job well. The scent lingers a bit, especially in the bathroom, as I mentioned. As for skin, I have found that after a half an hour or so I can put on almost any perfume and it won't clash with the Karma. Naturally, popping a citrus or patch scent will draw those last Karma molecules out just a little bit longer.
For the LUSH haters (I know there are some of you out there!), this probably not going to be the one to change your mind, but who knows? It's not quite as technicolor-herbal as many of the product from the line, but it is strong and it isn't subtle and it definitely doesn't smell like something you can get at a department store (except that you can because there are little LUSH kiosks at some of the departments stores, but you know what I mean, don't you? Please say yes...)
To celebrate the dawning of the Chinese Year of the Dragon, LUSH has transformed their Karma soap into a ferocious and hideous dragon* and given it a delightful and festive golden coat! The golden sparkles were not noticeable on my skin, in case you're worried. Then again, that is kind of disappointing. ;)
Pick yours up soon if you love the dragon idea! And check out the rest of the Karma line while you're there... let me know how that lotion is!
The Red Dragon Soap is Limited Edition. $7.95
*It's not ferocious, unless you loathe LUSH.
It is kind of hideous looking. It only mildly resembles a dragon, at least to me.
It is kind of hideous looking. It only mildly resembles a dragon, at least to me.
I loved the Lush Karma Bath Melt - a really decadent experience, bathing in Karma-scented golden bathwater, but it was a bit of a faff cleaning the bathtub of waxy gold residue afterwards! Probably why it got discontinued (although it's on the Retro bit of the website at present).
ReplyDeleteThe shampoo bar is pretty good too, as is the soap. I think the Soap Dragon looks very sweet as well. Surprisingly enough, I have never tried the body lotion so I can't comment on that.
Most of the little bottle of Lush "K" (for Karma) remains in my hoard of Preciousssssessss. You've prompted me to go and try some right now.
cheerio, Anna in Edinburgh
Anna, it's funny that you say that because that's why I don't get the bath melts! The Bubble Bars are trouble enough. I haven't used the shampoo bars yet since I have colored hair and am pretty careful what I use on it (I don't need any faster fading than already happens naturally). Enjoy your "K"!
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jen
I can't say that I'm a Lush hater, as I've only ever tried one fragrance ... but it was Lush Karma and I didn't care for it at all. That said, though, the photo you put up of the Dragon soap is rather awesome looking. I have a feeling I could appreciate Lush in a soap more than I could the perfume oil. (Also, am I remembering correctly? The sample someone sent me seemed thick, like an oil, and smelled like head-shop patchouli. Acck, maybe I need to try it again.)
ReplyDeleteI'm not such a fan of the Karma in perfume form and imagine the oil would be even more intense. The soap seems cheerful to me. I am a patch lover, but not a head-shop patchouli girl. That's too much of a college flash-back for me. ;)
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jen
I struggle with a lot of Lush stuff as it smells so strong to me. I have a bath set of Happy Hippy which I may rehome. Funny, I just typed "refoam"!
ReplyDeleteBut points for the dragon shape, no question.
Happy Hippy was my favorite for awhile, and then... I dunno. I outgrew it or something. There are some great LUSH things and some that just knock me out or smell too weird. The Karma soap and I are great friends, though. :)
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jen
I was a LUSHaholic for quite a few years, then drifted away. I still adore their shampoo bars, which I use with abandon since I quit coloring my hair years ago. The shave creams are delightful too. After samopling quite a few smaller retailers and etailers, I've decided there are other soaps I like better. That said, I put a bar of Karma in the shower two days ago and am loving the scent. I get more orange oil from it than anything. The patchouli just grounds it instead of being a prominent feature. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteYa, KARMA is intense as a perfume- BUT just what I needed in SF when I (gasp!) ran out of perfume. BANG I must say, for my buck at $11 Oooh Lala!!! My MAN hated it and went into an asthma fit but...I'll still be wearing it other then under his nose! LOVE KARMA by LUSH!!! yes, it's headshop.
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