Needles and Pines shower jelly

This is a product I had overlooked on many of my recent trips to Lush stores as I didn't think the earthy,pine smell would appeal to me. But, on my last visit something compelled me to pick up the sample jelly and give it a sniff. I'm so glad I gave it a chance because I was pleasantly surprised and I just knew a pot had to find its way into my basket. Especially, as I have been indulging in Lush's shower range more and more over recent months, as I have found it hard to find time to fit baths into my hectic life.
I don't know about anyone else, but when I am smelling products in the Lush stores I find it difficult to fully appreciate the complex layers of scent until I get the product home and smell it in my "neutral-scented" bedroom. Once I got this jelly home I feel in love with the smell even more, as I was able to detect the background notes of the scent. I feel this jelly has quite a masculine scent which in some, strange, way reminds of Lynx deodorant which I think comes from the cypress leaf infusion. That being said, I can see both genders enjoying this product and I certainly wasn't put off by this.

In the shower I feel the scent of this product intensifies when it comes in contact with the hot water and the steam fills the bathroom with the refreshing pine scent. I found this jelly to be incredibly versatile in the sense it is perfect for both morning and evening showers. I like to use a really invigorating shower gel or jelly for my morning shower, to wake me up, and this jelly does have a really refreshing note which comes from the inclusion of grapefruit oil, which gives it a citrusy undertone. However, there is something about the scent which is relaxing at the same time so it is equally suited to evening showers.
This jelly does lather fairly well, although I find the lather from Lush's jellies is never on par with that of a shower gel. Nevertheless, it provides enough lather for me to feel I am thoroughly cleansing my skin. My skin feels soft and clean when I exit the shower and I don't get the horrible dry feeling I get on my skin when I use one of Lush's soaps to wash with. The moisturising qualities of this jelly come from the inclusion of a type of seaweed called Carrageenan extract. Thankfully the smell of the seaweed is not detectable! I can't say that I noticed this shower jelly leaving a lingering scent on my skin however I don't mind this as I don't want it to interfere with the perfume I am wearing.
There are a numbers of ways Lush's shower jellies can be used. I have tried putting a piece of the jelly onto a loofa/shower puff however I find the jelly just ends up on the shower floor. So I generally just cup the piece of jelly, I have ripped off, in my hand and rub it directly onto my skin. I feel this produces a lovely thick lather and although I do end up dropping it on a number of occasions, it is the easiest way to use it.
People have recommended I put the jelly into the freezer for a few hours before use for a super refreshing experience, however I am yet to try this but I will give it a go if, and when, the British summer decides to make an appearance!