Lush is a reputable cosmetic company that originated in the United Kingdom. The company was founded by Mark and Mo Constantine, individuals who possessed expertise in the field of cosmetology. Mark Constantine, a trained trichologist specializing in hair and scalp health, partnered with beauty therapist Liz Weir to establish the “Herbal Hair and Beauty Clinic” in 1977. At the clinic, Constantine and Weir created their own unique products by blending botanical-based ingredients. These handcrafted products stood out from the commercial offerings available at the time and caught the attention of Anita Roddick, a prominent British beauty entrepreneur and founder of The Body Shop.
As a result, Constantine and Weir PLC began manufacturing products for The Body Shop while simultaneously focusing on their own clinic and business endeavors. Eventually, Roddick acquired Constantine and Weir PLC in 1984. Undeterred by this change, Mark and Liz embarked on a new venture named Cosmetics to Go in 1987. This mail-order company exclusively marketed its products through catalogs. Jeff Brown, a former fragrance designer for the company, later acquired Cosmetics to Go.
The modern iteration of the company we now know as Lush was established in 1994 under the name “Cosmetic House.” However, it was renamed “Lush” in 1995 thanks to a contest-winning entry suggested by a customer. Lush set itself apart by producing soap and body care products using fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and safe synthetic ingredients. The company initially operated from a small store in Poole, where daily specials were showcased on a chalkboard outside. Former Cosmetics to Go customers were drawn to Lush products, and their positive reception attracted investors, facilitating the opening of additional stores in prominent locations such as Covent Garden and Kings Road.
Lush continued to expand globally, with its first overseas store opening in Canada. Today, Lush operates stores and factories in 40 countries, including the United States, Japan, and various European countries. The brand’s success can be attributed to its commitment to minimalist, eco-friendly packaging, its dedication to avoiding animal ingredients, and its strong stance against animal testing. Furthermore, Lush products are beloved for their enchanting aromas.
In 2003, Lush branched out into the realm of perfumes by launching a specialized fragrance brand called B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful. Father and son duo Mark and Simon Constantine developed fragrances for this venture. However, B Never To Busy To Be Beautiful could not achieve sustained profitability as an independent entity, leading to Lush absorbing the perfume line in 2009. These perfumes, now marketed under the name “Gorilla Perfumes,” are available in Lush stores and catalogs.
Lush’s perfume line offers an extensive range of 155 fragrances, with the earliest edition dating back to 1989 and the newest expected to be released in 2023. These fragrances are a result of collaborations between skilled perfumers, including Mark Constantine, Pia Long, Simon Constantine, Emma Dick, and Jeff Brown.
