In college, I studied abroad in London. And I spent too much money I didn’t have. Too much of this money was spent on soap. Yes, soap. You see, in London, there is a wonderful boutique chain called Lush. Lush specializes in fresh, hand-made, all natural, super-good smelling soap and beauty products. Their products are ridiculously expensive, yet addictive.
Thanks to Lush, I returned to Pittsburgh a soap addict. But Bath and Body Works did not fulfill my needs. The Body Shop was too far away. I wanted my soap and beauty products with expiration dates. I wanted to see my bath scrubs made and packaged right in front my eyes, made with fresh ingredients.
So imagine my surprise when I entered LOOVA, located in Station Square in the South Side. Could I believe my eyes? It was exactly like Lush – but (slightly more) affordable! And more importantly, local!
Soap by the slice? Check!
Soap kebabs? Check!
Home-made bath cup cakes? Check!
Creatively packaged bath fizzies? CHECK!
You can also buy Loova products online (orders of $50 get a 15% discount.) And … if you can’t afford the soap, I highly recommend visiting the store. The smells are free. (But don’t be surprised if you walk out wondering why you just bought a dozen bath fizzies.)
I am surprised Loova hasn't gotten sued yet, actually. It's pretty much a direct rip off of Lush stores, down to the instore displays.
haha. well, i hadn't seen the cup cakes before. and the soaps are a teensy bit different. 😉 i wonder who owns the joint. and why pittsburgh?!
Don't forget about Jay Design in Lawrenceville on Butler St. I believe that he used to be a supplier to Restoration Hardware.
I love Loova!The sugar scrub is awesome!It is not harsh on your skin like some of the sea salt scrubs you find in other stores. The Store in Station Square is wonderful the displays are eye cathching.The sales associates are knowledgable,extremely helpful and friendly.
Just want to say I LOVE LOOVA!
I love LOOVA! and hope it stays opened a long time – their products are excellent and worth every penny. LOOVA! is an asset to Station Square & I hope the store remains there for years to come!
I know the owners – they're great people, they also have a location in Pgh Mills now too! Thanks for writing this – I'm sure they will appreciate it!
LOOVA IS WONDERFUL!!!!!! The products are awesome.I am completely addicted to them. AND, they make all their soaps right inside the store at the Pgh Mills. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!
I love LOOVA! They have a great selection of bath & body products that leave you looking, feeling & smelling great! My favorite soap scent is Honey Bear, it smells good enough to eat!
I finally discovered Loova and I think that they're fabulous! SOOOO much more affordable than Lush, I love the fact that they sell mini-bath bombs (at $1.75 each!) so you don't waste a huge bomb like the $8 ones they sell at lush for one bath… and the scrubs are amazing. I don't think they're a ripoff of Lush at all. And their salespeople were so sweet and helpful, not at all pushy like some of the Lush stores (although the South Hills Village Lush employees are excellent)
Oh, and they're making the products at their store in Castle Shannon, now, btw.