We spent our family vacation on the island of Maui earlier this summer and while shopping for souvenirs I gasped when I saw a LUSH store on Front Street. I bolted through the doors because there is something about vacation and feeling like you have carte blanche to buy whatever your heart desires even though I can pick up the same exact bath products less than five miles from home. Must be that island sun and those three mai tais at lunch. But here’s the real question: How to travel with a LUSH bath bomb so it makes it home in one piece (and I don’t get flagged by TSA)?
I totally blame Megan for this impulsive shopping spree. She is a LUSH superfan and has shared a LUSH haul on this blog before. I’ve purchased stuff at LUSH before but mostly gifts, never anything for me personally. Too many scents that my senses become overloaded and I’m out. I relied heavily on the salesperson to tell me what I needed during this visit.
READ: Is LUSH worth the hype?
Now remember, we were in Hawaii and I knew I hadn’t planned on using any of the bath bombs during the trip. Would these $8 bath bombs make it home intact stuffed in my suitcase? Should I carry them on instead? What if I’m asked what I’m carrying? I can’t call it a bomb and expect to get on a flight back to the mainland.
Good news, every single LUSH bath bomb made it home and I wasn’t stripped search by the TSA.
First things first: What’s a Bath Bomb?
Bath bombs are basically essential oils in a pretty, fizzy package. They do not produce bubbles, although LUSH has you covered there as well. They carry lots of bubble bars if that’s your particular jam. The staff at LUSH will tell you that bath bombs are single use, and bubble Bars can be broken up and used over several baths. I disagree! I cut my bath bombs into halves or even quarters because a $7 bath seems like a bit much for this particular stay at home mom. Although LUSH sells the majority of their products on their website, I would get into a store if you have one locally as I can’t really discern what something is going to smell like simply from the online description. The staff in every LUSH store is happy to help you navigate to what you might be looking for, so don’t be afraid to ask!
How to travel with a LUSH Bath Bomb?
For checked luggage, keeping your bath bombs enclosed is your best bet. If it does get crushed you won’t end up with powder all over your other stuff. A plastic Ziplock bag is ideal but hard to come by when you’re vacationing. I kept my bath bombs in the paper sleeves the store wrapped them in. I made sure to tightly fold over the top of the sleeves just in case they were broken in transit. Keep them packed inside the bag the store gives you and tuck between something soft in your luggage. I nestled my bag in between a couple piles of clothing.
The same idea applies for carry-on luggage, too. As long as your bath bombs are wrapped and nestled, they should make it home intact.
They are Bath Bubbles Not a Bath Bomb
You will be asked by TSA what is in your bag when it goes through the X-Ray machine. DO NOT CALL THEM BATH BOMBS. LUSH suggested that you tell them you are carrying “bath bubbles.” Also, leaving Hawaii to the Mainland, passengers are required to put their baggage through an agriculture scan. I was asked what they were because they looked like fruit. When I told them they were bath bubbles they sent my bag on through.
Curious what I bought?
Pink Bath Bomb (4.95/3.1 oz.) – smells like vanilla and sweet candy.
Butterball (4.95/3.1 oz) – another vanilla scented bomb with cocoa butter, perfect for dry skin.
Frozen (8.95/6.3 oz) – uplifting neroli and rose oils.
Avobath – (6.45/6.3 oz) – zesty lemongrass, avocado and olive oil to lift mood.
Bubblegum Lip Scrub (9.95/0.8 oz) – sweet, sugary scrub for dry lips.
Whether you’re headed on vacation or coming home from one, bring a LUSH bath bomb. At the very least it will make your luggage smell wonderful. Happy travels!
