Is This $10 Lotion the Secret to a Good Night’s Sleep? Sure, in Your Dreams.
NOTE FROM COLLIN: Similar to how we do our Try Me Tuesday posts with product recommendations, I thought it would be also fun to do basically the complete opposite. With that said, I introduce “Waste of Money Wednesday!” This post will be exactly that – the Hip2Save team will be sharing products that they aren’t happy with, products they feel are a waste of money – basically product UN-recommendations.
Hi There! It’s Cassandra – one of Collin’s Sidekicks!
I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m an insomniac, but falling asleep has never really come easily to me. Every night once my head hits the pillow, it’s like I’ve got 99 problems and the majority of them are to-do lists, worst-case scenarios, and irrational fears that I’m stressing over for no logical reason.
So when I was scrolling through Pinterest one afternoon, as I often do when I’m avoiding housework, I happened upon some pretty stellar reviews for Lush Sleepy Body Lotion. Almost every review I read (and I read a lot) sang the praises of this $10 miracle lotion that was simply to be applied to the body and in minutes, deep slumber would be achieved. What’s that you say, random internet people!? A lotion (of all things) was going to knock me out in minutes and all I had to do was put it on my body? Sold.
When my package arrived I immediately ripped into the box to find hundreds of packing peanuts! Since the lotion was nestled at the bottom of this box tightly packed with peanuts, there was no way to get it out without getting packing peanuts everywhere – even holding it over the garbage. 🙁
UPDATE: A few of our awesome readers have pointed out that these packing peanuts are actually biodegradable and even edible! I didn’t try eating any so I can’t vouch for that, but I also didn’t notice mine breaking down when they got wet. I’m fascinated by this fact now so next time, I’ll have to allow more time for that process to happen.
Getting back on track, you should first know that Lush Sleepy Body Lotion is pretty heavily scented and takes a while to mellow out. If you’re sensitive to smells, especially sweet, floral scents, you may want to steer clear. It’s not an easy scent to describe. It definitely smells like lavender but also a little like graham crackers and… cotton candy, maybe? Some will adore this scent but I found it to be a direct assault on my nasal passages.
It has a creamy, almost pudding-like texture which is extremely moisturizing, but takes a long time to absorb into the skin. So much so that you can’t just slather it on and close the jar, or jump into bed, or pick up your phone, or really anything else that involves any sort of touching.
Thanks, but no thanks!
Unfortunately, I’m sorry to report that this super-lotion, regardless of all the hype, did nothing to help me fall asleep. Honestly, I think the strong scent actually did more to keep me awake than to lull me off to dreamland – even when I applied it only to the pulse points of my wrists. It’s crazy strong, y’all!
I know Lush has a HUGE cult following and I’m aware that so many of you are going to think I’m nuts but I have to say, there are so many other lotions that smell much better and are just as moisturizing as this one while not leaving your hands greasy for an annoying amount of time, so for me, this one is a hard pass. 😳
Other Waste of Money posts:
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- I Won’t Buy Cra-Z-Art Crayons Again – Too Waxy, Clumpy & Soft
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Hi Cassandra! Thanks for your post. Sleep doesn’t always come easily for me either. Sometimes I use the roll on Ben-Gay on my temples, neck and shoulder blades. Yes it does smell, but the warmth helps me relax. I use simple breathing exercises too and boom….I’m asleep. The scent isn’t awful and it stops me from tossing and turning so I don’t keep DH up. Try it!
That’s an interesting idea, Bunny! I would have never thought of that.
I always have issues with strong scents too! And also have sleep problems, but I think I’ll steer clear of this lol
Thanks for the review! I honestly can’t even walk into their store without getting a slight headache- the scent is was too much! Same with bath and body works! After learning that skin is the body’s largest organ I try to be careful in what I apply on it. Too much fragrance is not needed, in my honest opinion.
You’re so welcome, Tina! I don’t have any Lush stores near me but I would imagine it’s probably pretty strongly-fragranced in there!
A drop of cedarwood essential oil rubbed on my wrists and my temples helps me “switch-off” my brain when it won’t quit. Try plant therapy brand, or if you’ve got a Young Living or DoTerra friend give them a shout for sample.
Oh, great idea! Thanks so much for the suggestion, Decorum.
I second this thought. My husband often has trouble sleeping and is not a believer in oils. However, one time I made a little roller with not just Cedarwood, but also Lavender, Vetiver, and Frankincense in it and he said IT WORKED! He slept like a champ and woke up energized 🙂
I’m sensitive to fragrances too. A little goes a loooonnnnggg way! Good luck finding something that helps you fall asleep!
Thanks so much, Cindy b! 🙂
Lush doesn’t use styrofoam peanuts, they use Biodegradable, Plant-based Packaging – https://www.lushusa.com/Stories-Article?cid=article_go-with-the-ecoflo
Please don’t rip into companies over your own ignorance
Sorry, but unless you’re a frequent shopper at Lush they sure look like typical packing peanuts to me!
Agreed Karen. That is probably part of the reason Lush explains just what they are on their own packaging they use to mail orders to customers.
I believe you could have relayed the informative side of your comment by simply informing. The last line of your comment serves no purpose and comes across as rude.
As a normal, sane, BUSY mom, who shops online a lot, I always take the time to research the packing material that comes with every online order I receive. I mean, what kind of momster doesn’t think about doing this?!?!
hahaha cracking up 😀
Warm milk mixed with a pinch of turmeric does wonders.
I agree this is over-hyped thanks for your honest review! I drink chamomile tea before bed seems to help.
Extra sleepy time tea knocks me out everytime.
You’re so welcome, Sandy! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
I love the lush sleepy lotion and shower gel. Not that it makes me sleepy but I love the scent. Also, lush doesn’t ship with styrofoam packing peanuts. They are edible/biodegradable peanuts. 🙂
Lush doesn’t use packing peanuts. These disolve in water and are also edible. https://www.google.com/amp/www.refinery29.com/amp/2017/04/151150/lush-edible-packing-peanuts
Yes, those are biodegradable plant based packinging, not styrofoam. A little more research would have prevented an unwarranted strike one on this environmentally friendly company. But you are right, it is 2018.
https://www.lushusa.com/Stories-Article?cid=article_go-with-the-ecoflo
Right! So it seems like we don’t need to circulate a memo. I would suggest updating this post to be factual.
Was just coming to the comments to say just this! Plant-based packaging!
Gosh all these Lush fanatics need to do a little more research on the company they are supporting before they start ranting away. Ignorance.
Hi Amanda! Thanks for your comment. I think it’s awesome that Lush uses biodegradable packing peanuts! However, I’m not sure that’s what was in my package as they didn’t seem to break down when they got wet. Maybe they needed a bit longer.
Yes, it is more likely they needed more time to dissolve than it is that Lush included styrofoam in just your packaging.
Magnesium lotion (I use Natural Calm because it is unscented) truly helps me fall asleep and stay asleep. I started using it to prevent leg cramps during pregnancy (which also worked!) and realized how much it helped me sleep! I even use it on my two year old who used to wake often through the night. Just a little on our legs and feet and we’re dreaming in no time. 😊
Thank you for mentioning this lotion… I have often thought to myself that it would be great if there were an Epson salt lotion. Don’t know why I never thought to check to see if a magnesium lotion even existed!
Just in case you do buy from Lush again, those packing peanuts are biodegradable and will dissolve in water. 🙂
I take melatonin every night & it has improved my insomnia SO much! Wish I had started taking it years ago!
Melatonin usually works great for me too, Cindy! Thanks for your comment.
My kids had a hard time going to sleep. I used to put their blankets in the dryer to get them warm.. they never got out of bed and they always fell asleep within minutes.
Taking a probiotic and omega 369 complex has me sleeping like a “husband”. 😉
LOL 😀
I have to disagree, respectfully, of course! Lush’s Sleepy lotion is one of my faves! The lavender scent is mellow and sweet compared to other lavender lotions, and while it doesn’t put me to sleep, it definitely helps me to relax. Also, those unpacking peanuts aren’t styrofoam, as others have pointed out. They are biodegradable and totally fun for kids to play with and dissolve in a sink full of water! (Or you can compost them 😉)
I love LUSH products! I received a gift set for
I love LUSH products! I received a gift set for Xmas and SLEEPY was included. ❤️
Have to agree to disagree on this one! Lush is a fabulous company for many reasons. Love the sleepy lotion as well as many other products. Too bad other companies aren’t as environmentally and socially conscious as they are. Well worth the extra money!
Not just you.
My Waste of Money Wednesday worst purchase ever were the Large LED Lights COLOR Light Up Pet Dog Night Safety Waterproof Nylon Neck Adjustable Collar sold by a 3rd party seller on Walmart.com for $3.99. These are terrible quality!!! I tried to write a review, but the system kept having issues every time I tried to submit it. Convenient, eh? So, here’s the problem with these collars. I have a medium sized 6 month old basset hound with adorable neck rolls. I bought the large so I could find it easier to attach to his leash. He pulled on the leash because he was excited, and the tab that held the ring came off. I will mention that I bought 2 at the same time and just chalked it up to being defective on the first one. Nope, 2nd one broke too. The LED light fell out, so I had to use duct tape to hold it in place. The “adjustable collar” kept getting loose and would not stay where I had properly adjusted it. Seriously, these are junk! Buyer beware! Hope this helps someone who was considering buying one. Have a great day! 🙂
I was just coming to comment on the peanuts. Lush is a pretty forward thinking animal and eco friendly company. They continue to surpass the other bath and body company’s with their bar shampoo, using natural ingredients, no packaging bath bombs and more. You may be correct on sleepy lotion, that’s something I haven’t used. I love their bath bombs, soaps, and massage bars. I do find it pretty expensive with almost no sales, and no coupons, but I do appreciate some of their products and the company.
Draw yourself a warm bath before bed, dump the biodegradable package peanuts into the water, when dissolved, bathe for ten minutes. You will sleep like a baby.
Sorry had to do this as a stress reliever, I’m having a bad day but the little giggle I gave myself felt good.
LOL :D! Now I’m wishing I hadn’t gotten rid of them!
Hahaha…thanks for the much needed laugh!
Hahaha!!😂😂😂
That’s what all those peanuts are for!!! Haha too funny!
Hilarious 🙂 🙂
I like the sleepy lotion. My flaky dry skin likes the slower absorbing lotions, and the lavender scent does make me tired (although a pillow mist does more than the lotion can).
I’ve never understood the hype with Lush even after purchasing a few things. Thanks for the honest review- I wouldn’t be able to sleep with a strong smelling lotion either.
I’m with you on this one, anything that smells like lavender makes me want to gag.
LOL, Billie! It’s not the best.
LOVE Melatonin!
I have worked 3rd shift for five years – five days a week 🌘🌗🌖🌕
I highly recommend Natrol – dissolvable and strawberry flavored – $7 at Walmart
Oh nice! I see the post was updated! Hey, Nothing wrong with being uneducated about something you were unaware of. I love when people can admit that they were wrong or uneducated on something when the facts are shown to them!! Shows TONS of class and very respectable!! Go H2S crew!!!👏👏👏
Just a shout-out to Jamie–totally agree with you about the magnesium. I have not seen the Calm in lotion form but just taking a magnesium supplement near bed time ( I currently have NatureMade liquigel 400 mg) relaxes me and any sore muscles. Not to be too graphic, but this is also a very good remedy for minor constipation issues–next AM, no problem!
helps with menstrual cramps too 🙂 When I go to the store they give you a mini massage up your arms and I LOVE them. It smells so good in there and I am so soft when I leave.
While I can appreciate your honest review, I do think it’s important doing the research on what Lush is all about before some of the things you spoke on. Like other comments have stated, it is biodegradable peanuts. I also want to comment that all lotions are not alike! These are handmade, fresh (along with dates on all their products) and they fight anima testing. I would personally rather spend a little more to get a product that I know and can trust the ingredients and process. That is Far different than the big box companies products and motto. I can totally understand not liking the smell, some smells I definitely don’t like at Lush! I love their makeup & it’s a hidden secret as most my friends don’t even know they sell it. It is my favorite thing to buy from them over anything bath & body even. I should also note I am a celiac, and love that I can put products on my skin that are gluten free. 😁
I mean, the idea of a lotion that helps you fall asleep sounds super gimmicky right off the bat. I am one of those very fortunate souls that can fall asleep very easily…waking me is virtually impossible, though. I have honestly slept through tornadoes, earthquakes, a hail storm that broke our windows, both of my kids crying at night during their first 2 years of life, and every alarm that I have ever owned going off right next to my ear. I sleep like the dead and it scares my family a lot…they have had to sprinkle me with ice cold water and slap me awake a few times. I love my sleep, what can I say?
I’m very similar! I love sleep an it’s hard for my family to wake me. Pass out easily an sleep like a bear Lol
I find that some simple stretching before bed works for me. Even in bed sometimes. Lol. And just no to tea before bed. I’ll be up to pee every two hours!
There are some great hypnosis/meditation apps that really help shut your mind off!! Hope this helps someone!:)
I bought this a few weeks ago, also one for my brother after reading an article from Allure. I think the scent is light and smells nice. I am VERY sensitive to scents and do not have a problem with this. Just a little on my hands and neck and it does help me fall asleep. I do like it.
I have sleeping issues when stress levels are high (I work full time and go to school part time). I’m all about a healthy, balanced lifestyle but it came to a point that my usual stretching before bed, supplement intake and meditation podcasts were no longer helping. So I opted to drink alcohol!!
I’ve always been against heavy or frequent alcohol use (and I’m totally against drugs!) but a beer a few hours before bed then water helped me sleep better!
Thank you for the post. I used to not like lavender, but now I really like it, especially when it is mixed with another fragrance like vanilla or even orange. I LOVE Bath and Body Works “Sleep” Lavender and Cedarwood Pillow mist with essential oils. You can try it in the store to see if it is a fragrance you like or light enough, etc. They have a lavender vanilla scent (online only). It is expensive at 12.50 a bottle, but it lasts a long time. You might also want to try ASMR videos on YouTube for relaxation and help falling asleep. Also, Josie Maran has a lovely lavender body butter and her fragrances are so barely there light, but also real, they never smell synthetic like some others do.
Thank you for the post. I used to not like lavender, but now I really like it, especially when it is mixed with another fragrance like vanilla or you even orange. I LOVE Bath and Body Works “Sleep” Lavender and Cedarwood Pillow mist with essential oils. You can try it in the store to see if it is a fragrance you like or light enough, etc. They have a lavender vanilla scent (online only). It is expensive at 12.50 a bottle, but it lasts a long time. You might also want to try ASMR videos on YouTube for relaxation and help falling asleep. Also, Josie Maran has a lovely lavender body butter and her fragrances are so barely there light, but also real, they never smell synthetic like some others do.
I was skeptical at first, it does not put me to sleep but relax me a bit. I find its fragrance to be just right. But it is so moisturizing!!