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[FCE] ‘I am trapped in a sweet-smelling cycle of video game-branded toiletries’: Lush’s Mario Galaxy range, reviewed

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In an increasingly competitive market, brand collaborations have become a popular strategy, often bringing together seemingly disparate companies to create innovative products. One notable instance is the successful partnership between Lush, a cosmetics company renowned for its natural ingredients and ethical commitment, and the globally recognised video game franchise, Super Mario. While initially an unexpected pairing, this collaboration has resulted in several popular product lines, including a new range inspired by the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie.

The latest Super Mario Galaxy collection, which features a variety of skincare and bathing items, is currently under review by a Guardian correspondent. This journalist has established a unique role as the newspaper’s dedicated ‘Lush correspondent’, having previously reviewed a Super Mario Bros. movie tie-in collection in 2023 and a subsequent Minecraft range.

Reflecting the movie’s cosmic theme, where characters like Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Peach embark on a space adventure, the new line offers products with celestial touches. Examples include a Princess Rosalina lip scrub, adorned with small edible stars, and a sparkly ‘Protect the Galaxy’ shower gel. A particularly imaginative item is the shower jelly, containing miniature Lumas that appear to float in zero gravity.

The correspondent’s experience with the products often evoked a sense of nostalgia. The shower jelly, despite its rather “gloopy” texture, released a sweet scent that reminded the reviewer of childhood sweets. Similarly, a body spray, although described with a “ripe blueberry” fragrance, unexpectedly brought to mind Parma Violets.

Among the family’s top picks was the Luma bubble bath star, praised for producing abundant bubbles even in hard water. This product, filled with tiny stars, did, however, turn the bath water a surprising yellow. Perhaps the most talked-about item was the Yoshi Egg bath bomb. Each egg contains a shower gummy, and the red version caused a stir by releasing a “bloody trail” in the bath. This striking visual, which reportedly startled some children, quickly gained viral attention online.

Overall, the reviewer concluded that the new collection was as enjoyable as its predecessors. While some of Lush’s more unconventional products might pose a challenge for first-time users, the bath and shower items are generally user-friendly. They offer pleasant, fruity aromas and clever visual nods to the imaginative Super Mario Galaxy universe. This collaboration effectively demonstrates how elements of popular culture can merge with everyday consumer goods, creating engaging and memorable experiences.

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1. What is the main topic of the article?

  • A. The challenges of marketing video game merchandise.
  • B. A review of Lush’s new Super Mario Galaxy cosmetics collection.
  • C. The history of brand collaborations in the beauty industry.
  • D. How a Guardian journalist became a ‘Lush correspondent’.

2. According to the article, what made the Yoshi Egg bath bomb particularly noteworthy?

  • A. Its unusual square shape that contrasted with other Lush products.
  • B. Its ability to change the colour of the bath water to a dark red.
  • C. The surprising visual effect created by its “bloody trail” in the bath.
  • D. The fact that it was the only product in the collection to contain a shower gummy.

3. When the reviewer mentioned “unexpected nostalgic connections” while trying the products, what does this suggest?

  • A. The products were inspired by old, classic video games.
  • B. The scents and textures reminded the reviewer of past personal experiences.
  • C. The reviewer was surprised by how much they disliked the products.
  • D. The products’ designs were based on retro Super Mario characters.

4. In the article, the word “disparate” (paragraph 1) is used to describe companies that collaborate. What does “disparate” mean in this context?

  • A. Companies that are very well-known and successful.
  • B. Companies that belong to the same industry.
  • C. Companies that are distinctly different from each other.
  • D. Companies that have previously struggled financially.

5. What is the reviewer’s general opinion of the new Super Mario Galaxy collection?

  • A. It is only suitable for experienced Lush users due to its complexity.
  • B. It is an enjoyable collection with appealing features, especially the bath and shower items.
  • C. It primarily focuses on innovative skincare rather than bath products.
  • D. It is less successful than previous Super Mario collaborations due to its themes.