Lush Hosts Skincare Workshop

By June Ramli

Perth, March 25: Lush Cosmetics is bringing its “fresh and handmade” ethos to life by turning its stores into spaces for skincare education, practical tips and hands-on product-making workshops.
At a recent “Meet Your Microbiome” workshop held at Lush’s Carousel store in Western Australia, Anna Heavens, the brand’s Learning and Development Manager, explained how the company blends science, ethics and a tactile, in-person experience of beauty, with a special focus on making skincare feel achievable even for busy or self-confessed “lazy” people.
“I started working in a store, and this is still my local store,” Heavens said, adding that she loves coming back to support events and connect with customers.

A British Brand with a Local Heart

Founded in the UK in 1995, Lush recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. What began as a small family business has grown into a global name, but Heavens noted that the original founders are still heavily involved.
“The founders who started the company back in the 90s… they actually still do a lot of the inventing and formulating of our products,” she said.
Lush has been present in Australia since the late 1990s, with its manufacturing hub and “fresh kitchens” in Sydney. Every product sold in its Australian stores is handmade locally.
“All of our products are handmade within Australia,” she said. “We use fresh local ingredients as well, which is pretty cool.”

Fresh, Handmade – and Sometimes Made by You

While all Lush products sold in-store are produced in the Sydney facility, the brand wants customers to experience that same “fresh and handmade” philosophy firsthand.
In Sydney, customers can see bath bombs being pressed by hand, and many contain multiple hand-made inserts that are assembled together. Across Australia, the brand runs a series of in-store workshops and events that mirror this behind-the-scenes process.
“Quite often, like when we do parties, people can come in and make their own bath bombs,” Heavens explained.
“Tonight, we’re going to make a fresh cleanser that people can take home.”
Workshops are themed and seasonal—bath bomb workshops, for example, are popular during school holidays—but the goal remains the same: to let customers feel part of the creation process.

A Growing Footprint in Australia and New Zealand

Lush continues to expand across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, though the company remains selective about where it opens stores.
Heavens estimated there are around 28 stores across Australia, with three in Western Australia: Carousel, Joondalup and Karrinyup.
There are also around seven or eight stores in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“We are in most states, except for Northern Territory, because it’s very hot and a lot of our products would melt,” she said with a laugh.

Viral Favourites, Cult Classics – and Everyday Essentials

When it comes to bestsellers, Lush has no shortage of cult favourites.
“We definitely have, like, viral faves,” Heavens said.
Among them is Sticky Dates, a gourmand-style scent that has become a staple in the brand’s shower gel range and a hit with fragrance lovers.
Another seasonal superstar is Snow Fairy, a Christmas product with what she described as “die-hard fans.”
Each year, the limited-edition pink, sugary-scented range sparks anticipation among its loyal following.
But beyond the social media hits and holiday hype, it is the fresh face mask range that keeps regulars coming back.
“These are products that are made fresh each week, delivered to the store on ice,” she explained.
“They have a really strong following… being able to come in, get a product that’s just been made full of fresh fruit, pop it on their face, and then come back and get another one in like two weeks’ time.”

Meet Your Microbiome: Skincare Education for Everyone

The “Meet Your Microbiome” workshop, which Heavens hosted at the Carousel store, goes beyond product demos. It is designed to help customers understand their skin, not just shop for skincare.
“This workshop is really about helping people understand and connect with their skin,” she said.
“So, actually understanding a little bit about the science of the skin and our skincare philosophy as well.”
The workshop is free for customers and aims to demystify some of the jargon that often clutters the skincare industry.
“We talk about, you know, what do particular words within the skincare industry actually mean,” Heavens said.
“When we’re talking about, you know, strengthening the skin barrier, what does that actually mean for you, and how can that impact the way that you shop for skincare?”

Alongside the science, there is a strong emphasis on personalised consultations.

“We love to offer and spend time with people—sit down, do tailored consultations around people’s skin and finding the right skincare,” she said.
“That isn’t something that just happens in a workshop. That’s my favourite part of being on the shop floor.”

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Working With the Skin, Not Against It

Heavens stressed that Lush’s skincare philosophy is rooted in working with the skin’s natural functions rather than trying to overpower or aggressively alter it. That translates into minimal interference, maximum effectiveness and a focus on fresh ingredients, self-preserving formulations, products that use lower levels of preservatives where possible, and thoughtful routines tailored to each customer.
“These workshops talk a bit about the science,” she noted, “and then we show people a routine that is tailored to them.”

Beauty as an Experience

What emerges from the workshop is a picture of Lush as more than a retailer of colourful bath bombs and fragrant soaps. The brand positions itself as a partner in skincare education, inviting customers to ask questions, experiment with products and even take part in making them.
From its family-run roots in 1990s Britain to its fresh kitchens in Sydney and educational workshops in suburban malls, Lush is turning everyday beauty shopping into an immersive experience—one handmade cleanser, fresh face mask and low-effort skincare tip at a time.
For busy people, here are some simple skincare tips shared in-store that anyone can follow.

Never skip sun protection
Living in a sunny place like Australia makes sunscreen or sun protection non-negotiable. Thinking of SPF as an everyday essential, not an optional extra, is one of the easiest ways to protect the skin long term.

Prioritise simple hydration
Drinking enough water remains one of the most important, and cheapest, skincare steps. It supports overall skin health from the inside out and complements whatever you put on your face.

Use a 2‑in‑1 cleanser for less effort
A multi-tasking product like Lush’s “9 to 5” cleanser with almond oil can cleanse and lightly moisturise at the same time. It is ideal for use in the shower or when travelling, so you do not need to pack or remember multiple products.

Choose one moisturiser for day and night
If you are busy, pick one good moisturiser that works for both day and night instead of separate creams. Products like Vanishing Cream, mentioned as a simple, gentle and effective option, can suit many people without complicating the routine.

Give your eye area extra love
For tired eyes or dark circles, whether from genetics or lack of sleep, an eye product such as Enchanted Eye Cream can help the under-eye area look more refreshed. Use it wherever you feel you “look tired,” not just directly under the eye.

Keep men’s skincare simple and familiar
Men can feel intimidated by skincare, so multi-tasking products can make it easier to start. A cleanser like Kalamazoo can wash the face and care for the beard at once, thanks to ingredients like cupuaçu kernel oil and pineapple juice. The straightforward, non-frilly packaging can also make it feel more approachable.

Test with free samples before committing
Especially for sensitive skin, trying multiple free samples—face masks, cleansers, moisturisers—lets you see what your skin actually likes. Stores that are generous with samples make it easier to experiment without wasting money on full-sized products that might not suit.

Disclaimer: DailyStraits.com was invited to attend a skincare workshop organised by Lush at Westfield Carousel on March 24.