I was most surprised when Abi Herbert from Lush got in touch to ask if I would be interested in reviewing a copy of Cosmetics to Go: The Story of the Company that came before LUSH by Mira Manga. I was intrigued so gratefully accepted and it’s my pleasure to share my review today.

Imagine my further surprise when Cosmetics to Go: The Story of the Company that came before LUSH arrived with an array of gorgeous smelling products too. 

Cosmetics to Go: The Story of the Company that came before LUSH was published by Harper Collins on 12th September 2025 and is available for purchase through the publisher links here. 

Cosmetics to Go: The Story of the Company that came before LUSH

Here in lies the story of the meteoric rise, and devastating fall, of Cosmetics To Go, the dynamic cosmetics brand that revolutionised bathing and enchanted customers with their innovative offerings, all well ahead of their time.

This book is a journey of invention, following the fortunes of this young company as they create new, ground breaking products – set to revolutionise the cosmetics industry. Read all about the invention of the original bath bomb, shampoo bars and fresh facemasks that have since gone on to become some of LUSH’s most iconic and best-selling products.

Featuring artwork and photography from the original Cosmetics to Go catalogue, this new book is an essential read for Cosmetics to Go customers and fans and anyone who wants to know more about the origins of LUSH.

My review of Cosmetics to Go: The Story of the Company that came before LUSH

The rise (and demise) of Cosmetics to Go.

Now, anyone who knows me will understand that I am not a huge user of cosmetics, so I was amazed at how compelling, interesting and fascinating I found Cosmetics to Go: The Story of the Company that came before LUSH. 

I think the initial attraction was the physical format of the book, because it held such a nostalgic feel, reminding me of those much desired and anticipated Christmas annuals of my youth. The vibrant cover, the brilliant end papers, originating from the cover of the mail order catalogue of 1993, and the eclectic mix of images, including drawings, photographs, newspaper cuttings, and so on, truly draw in the reader.

I loved the size and quality of the hardback cover too as it felt like a real gift book. There’s a fabulous balance of text to image in the 140+ pages so that there’s plenty for avid Lush or Cosmetics to Go fans to delve into, whilst the more casual reader like me can dip in and out and discover all manner of things.

Cosmetics to Go covers so much besides the establishment, life and ending of Cosmetics to Go. Packed with a sense of creative chaos and a blend of considerable enthusiasm and not a little naivety, readers get a true sense of the people behind the brand. As a result, it made me consider those working in similar industries like LUSH today and I found I cared about the people involved in Cosmetics to Go every bit as much as I do fictional characters in novels. There’s a moment with Helen’s bath bomb that actually brough a lump to my throat. Cosmetics to Go is certainly a comprehensive insight into the cosmetic world, but it also contains social history, geography, economics, media, science, ethical considerations and an eclectic range of other topics. I most certainly didn’t expect a reference to Buddhism in a book about cosmetic products for example! 

As someone not a great user of cosmetics, I found Cosmetics to Go a really interesting and engaging book that has left me with the overwhelming desire for a Mistress Lipstick (and possibly a bowl of tomato soup, but you need to read the book to find out why)! It has also made me want to investigate LUSH products far more too.

As effervescent in style as the famous bath bombs, Cosmetics to Go would make a super gift for any lover of LUSH and Cosmetics to Go products, but I also think those interested in art, design, marketing and business would find it riveting reading. I was both surprised and entertained by the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. 

About Mira Manga

Mira Manga is a London-based writer, editor, and songwriter. She has worked at LUSH since 2000 and was formerly the editor and lead writer of The Lush Times, the brand’s much-loved customer newspaper. In her spare time, Mira has written and edited for a range of gaming publications and websites. She is also the author of the first edition of Cosmetics to Go, now refreshed, revitalised, and expanded with new content.

For further information, follow Mira on X @miramanga or find her on Instagram.