Lush's Super Mario Galaxy Collection: A Nostalgic Dive into Gaming Toiletries
When The Super Mario Bros Movie debuted in 2023, it sparked an unexpected collaboration with cosmetics chain Lush, known for its natural ingredients and social justice advocacy. This unlikely partnership led to a range of skincare and bathing products, which I initially assumed would be a brief foray into beauty journalism. However, the success of that collection prompted Lush to release a Minecraft line and now a Super Mario Galaxy range, tying into the new movie. Somehow, I have become entrenched as a Lush correspondent, caught in a cycle of sweet-smelling, video game-branded toiletries—a fate I am embracing with curiosity.
Exploring the Cosmic Product Line
As a dedicated reviewer, I sampled most of the tie-in items, including body sprays, shower gels, and lip balms. The new movie features Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Peach embarking on a cosmic adventure to aid Rosalina against Bowser, inspiring space-themed products. The Princess Rosalina lip scrub contains edible stars, the Protect the Galaxy shower gel boasts a sparkly lustre, and the shower jelly has Lumas suspended as if in zero gravity.
I started with the shower jelly, which has a gloopy texture reminiscent of scented ectoplasm but emits a strong sweet aroma that evokes memories of Woolworths pick 'n' mix counters—a nostalgic reference that may be lost on younger audiences. Similarly, the Princess Rosalina body spray, marketed as blueberry-scented, brought to mind Parma Violets and 1980s fruity bubble gum bars, highlighting the collection's unexpected nostalgic depth.
Family Favorites and Quirky Discoveries
My wife appreciated the Princess Peach lip jelly for its subtle pink hue and non-sticky texture, unlike many other lip balms. However, the Princess Rosalina lip scrub puzzled us with its wet sherbet-like consistency, leading us to consume it rather than use it as intended. The clear family favorite was the Luma bubble bath star, which produced ample bubbles despite our hard water and featured tiny stars, though it tinted the water an unsettling yellow.
The Mario and Luigi shower gels, with cola and apple scents respectively, are identical to the 2023 versions, offering consistency for fans who have exhausted their supplies. One product we have yet to try is the Yoshi Egg bath bomb, which contains a shower gummy in one of four colors. This item has gained viral attention due to the red version leaking a bloody trail in baths, frightening some children—a feature Lush might consider for Halloween or a potential tie-in with horror games like Return to Silent Hill.
Final Thoughts and Future Hopes
Overall, this collection matches the quality of the original set. For those unfamiliar with Lush, some products, like the blueberry-scented balm bar requiring hand-warming and body massage, might seem esoteric. Yet, the shower and bath items are user-friendly and emit delightful sweet, fruity fragrances while playfully nodding to the Super Mario Galaxy universe. I eagerly await my next Lush assignment, secretly hoping for a Sonic the Hedgehog 4 or Elden Ring collaboration—imagine a Starscourge Radahn shower gel!
