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Even standing in front of the riotously colourful wall of Bath Bombs at the newly renovated Lush Cosmetics’ store in downtown Vancouver, Rowena Bird stands out.

Dressed in a pink corduroy dress, with matching pink tights, boots and even pink-tinted hair, Bird is like a human embodiment of the British brand’s playful product assortment.

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“We’re colourful!” Bird says of the self-care company, which she co-founded in 1995 alongside Mo Constantine, Mark Constantine, Helen Ambrosen, Liz Bennett and Paul Greeves.

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But the brand has a serious side too.

Lush has been at the forefront of calls for bans on animal testing, has ambitious environmental targets for its product packaging and sourcing, and spearheads several environmental initiatives, including two yearly prizes in support of research in the fields of cruelty-free cosmetic testing and permaculture.

The Dorsett, U.K.-based company has a strong connection to Canada. Its two North American manufacturing locations are in Toronto and Vancouver, with Vancouver also being home to the headquarters.

Featuring a full selection of the company’s products, including a few first-to-market exclusives such as a wall of beloved products that were brought back by popular demand, the longtime Lush location at 1020 Robson St. is now also home to the company’s second North American Lush Spa.

Dubbed a “sensory oasis,” the spa features four treatment rooms and a curated menu of treatments ranging from facials and foot rubs to a soak in a serene private space complete with moss wall and oversized bathtub. The first Lush Spa opened in 2008 in the U.K.

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“What we wanted to do was encourage people to come in and have an experience where we can show you what our products can do for you,” Bird says. “It’s all about self-care, really.

“We are just a whole bunch of people who love self-care. And chocolate,” Bird adds with a riotous laugh.

With names like the Validation Facial and the Good Hour massage, the treatments are designed to be mood-boosters, fostering a sense of rest and relaxation for the mind and body. Treatments are priced from $70 to $240.

“Each treatment has its own light effect, and each treatment has its own soundtrack that has been made especially for it,” Bird says, adding that the soundtracks for each treatment session were made by the company’s in-house band, Fresh Handmade Sound Collective, comprised of musicians from “all-around the world.”

“We hit all five senses while you’re here. And you go out feeling complete,” Bird says.

A treatment room in the new Lush Spa at 1020 Robson St.

Treatments start with an in-depth consultation with a treatment practitioner to pick each product that will be used during the session. The company also teamed up with a behavioural therapist to help incorporate sounds, movements and intentional words into the treatment experience.

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“There’s a treatment called Tales of Bath, where you have a bath and then you have a message,” Bird says of the 75 minute, three-part treatment. A story plays while a guest soaks in the tub. The themes of the bath soak experience will be swapped out seasonally.

With the new Vancouver location up-and-running, Birds says there are plans to expand the spa offering in the coming year. The company has set its sights on expanding with a second Canadian Lush Spa location in Toronto, along with a few more cities throughout North America.

“We’ll see how well it’s received,” Bird says of the immersive experience. “Do Canadians actually like this type of treatment? Who knows? Hopefully they will.”

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