I'm quite a fan of Lush. I don't shop there often because I agree, some of their range is overpriced. I buy their solid perfumes a lot, because they last a long time on me, have unique scents, and are made from an oil/wax base so they don't dry out my skin like sprays do. I also love some of their hand creams. I agree that the smell can sometimes be overwhelming, but that's really only because all their products are together in such a small space. I think they could do something like separating certain groups or putting the majority of the product in a cabinet or other visually pleasing storage space. They only need to display a small sample to let customers experience the product.

As far as "slacktivism", I like knowing that I can help a cause while doing my usual day to day things like shopping. I don't agree with people who say that you can't change the world unless you're out there physically helping a cause.

The publicity stunt was just that: a publicity stunt. It got the attention it was after. It was shocking, yes, because that's what it was designed to be. I think it was a wonderfully caustic way to draw attention to their principles and philosophies. The fact that women were used was a testament to the psychology behind the cause: animals are considered to be innocent, defenseless, etc, qualitites that are all emphasised by the use of young women. It was conducted safely, with permission from all involved people, so I don't see it as sexist, etc.

You could get all cynical and offended about any company that claims to be "progressive"; it doesn't mean others can't support the idea.

I dont believe you have to be physically there to help a cause either, I just think a company that thinks degrading women is fine for teh animals are a bunch of hypocritical jerks. I know the actress volunteered but that doesnt change the depiction of violence, if I wanted to see that I'd watch porn.

As a feminist I disagree with you, there many ways to spread their message without doing something like this.

Yeah total rip off it doesnt last though enough

lol good point pedrom! they market it with fervor like its something to be proud of but im sure its easier to F up that way and contaminate a batch.

Well to be more balanced some of their scents are very attractive (though the whole store of scents is rather an insulting behemoth to me) and the soaps with shea and have a rather enjoyable texture the thought did occur to me they would go through quality control but idk from my personal experience they go bad pretty fast, I do not doubt they do have standards but still I have read of ex workers saying they refuse to sanitize the foot baths do not clean between customers and they only clean the bowls with their shower gels/soaps or whatever which is kinda gross. I meant to agree with the low tech comment because for me I am more excited about new technological breakthroughs in personal care than the same old thing repackaged with no innovation when new chemicals are created they really are completely new and can often do things better than before or offer a better or different alternative. Of course I am "biased" as a feminist also I have had some DAMN NASTY allergic reaction to their products so that probably doesnt help. ;) I think the jellies are cool and the cute gift sets the title was just really to grab attention so people can share their own opinions on lush and especially how they choose for their messages to come across.

ps- I do get what you are saying I think the causes of feminism and animal rights are not so different that they should give this message of one vs the other... :/