Lush Products Review: Ocean Salt and Shine So Bright

On a recent shopping spree I stopped in at Lush and picked up a couple things that I’m really excited to review for you today! 

Lush Ocean Salt

Who doesn’t love a trip to the beach? I think if you’re unable to hit the beach, using Lush’s Ocean Salt is the next best thing. Ocean Salt is an exfoliating face and body scrub that contains natural ingredients like avocado, coconut, grapefruit, lime, vodka (yup!) and sea salt. Seriously—it’s like a cocktail! The avocado and coconut work to moisturize and soften while the other ingredients help to clear dirt and remove dead skin.

Ocean Salt is a wonderful exfoliator and probably the best face scrub I’ve ever used. It does a great job of cleansing and removing dirt from the skin while getting rid of dry/dead skin cells. I was surprised at how soft my skin felt after my first use. It’s really helped clear up a few breakouts I had as well as improve the overall look and feel of my skin. I usually use exfoliators at night so that I can apply my thicker cream as opposed to lighter day facial lotion. I think that’s a must with this product.

A word of caution with this scrub—it contains very fine and larger pieces of salt. Be careful using it if you have sensitive skin. It could be a little abrasive. Lush’s website says this product is best for those with oily/combination skin, but I’ve had a lot of success with it even though my skin is on the drier side. 

Tip: If you purchase the product, make sure you mix it before the first time you use it. Most of the salt lies on the top of the pot and needs to be blended with the other ingredients.

The scrub is intended to be used for face and body, but because the product is a little pricey I’ve decided I’m reserving it for use on my face and neck. Ocean Salt is available for $21.95 for 4.2 ounces or $35.95 for 8.8 ounces. 

Lush Shine So Bright

If you’ve ever struggled with split ends, Shine So Bright is a balm that can help repair split ends and make hair shine according to the Lush website. Shine So Bright is made with coconut and olive oils, free range eggs and shea butter. The balm is also scented with grapefruit, orange flower, neroli and rosewood perfume. As with a lot of products from Lush, this one is vegetarian.

I bought this product on a whim. I try to take really good care of my hair, but have a few split ends. I deal more with a little bit of breakage from washing, combing, blowdrying and brushing my hair. If you’re expecting a balm like this to completely rid your hair of split ends, your expectations are too high. But, what this product is GREAT at is masking split ends, taming fly-aways and managing frizz. Though the balm won’t magically fix, it certainly will condition and nourish your hair while controlling some common issues.

The balm is a solid product that feels a little waxy. When you run your fingers across the balm, the heat from your skin will soften the product and make it easy to apply to your hair. I’ve found that the best use of this product is use it judiciously to tame frizzy or unruly hair during the day. The product can make hair a little greasy, so really go easy on it if you’ve just styled your hair and are on your way out for the day. If you want to use the product as more of a treatment, apply it to your hair before you go to bed. Make sure to either sleep with your hair in a bun or use something to protect your pillow from any residue.

One added bonus of this product is the scent. Some reviews on the Lush website say the scent is strange or overpowering, but I found it to be the right amount of sweet and floral. For me, it’s not too potent and I couldn’t stop smelling my hair the first time I applied it!

Shine So Bright is available for $9.95 for a 0.3 ounce tin. 

Have you tried anything from Lush? What are your favorite products?

Review: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer

I'm always searching for a great under eye concealer to camouflage my dark circles. No amount of sleep or coffee can help me in this area. I spent some time at Sephora to search for a new brand to try. The consultant listened to my concerns and had a few brands for me to try. She raved about the Make Up For Ever High Definition Concealer and told me it was worth the price. After sampling a few different shades I picked it up in color 315.

The concealer has a silicone applicator, making application easy and mess free. I really liked how soft and flexible the applicator was and didn't feel like I was wasting product on a brush tip. I am not sure how I will feel about it once the product runs low, but so far I really like the applicator.

This concealer works great! It goes on smooth, is easy to blend and doesn't settle into my fine lines that are beginning to form under my eyes. I really like the finish and it stays on all day after I set it with some translucent powder. I have really dry skin (especially in the winter) and this product does not dry my skin out at all. It doesn't look like I've put a ton of makeup on under my eyes like other brands sometimes do. Another major bonus? The HD effect really works! I really love the way it photographs. 

So far I'm very happy with this purchase. If you're looking for a new under eye concealer I suggest giving this one a try! 

What is your favorite under eye concealer? Do you have trouble with dark circles too?

Amanda's January Birchbox

I can't believe I'm already reviewing my first Birchbox of 2013! I was happy with the range of samples I received this month. However, I was a little sad because most of the sample sizes were very tiny! I know some months are better than others in terms of sample items and the sizes of the products so I'm not too worried about it! I did get some great stuff this month.

1. Ojon damage reverse™ Instant Restorative Hair Serum

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: Our hair behaves in strange and mysterious ways—one day it’s limp and lackluster, and the next it’s a poofy ball of frizz. Fortunately, this golden serum is capable of fixing all our temperamental hair woes. Rich in exotic Ojon oil from Central American rain forests, it instantly neutralizes flyaways, boosts shine, and adds softness while repairing years’ worth of self-inflicted hair damage. We use it on damp hair as a pre-blow dry treatment and heat protectant and on dry hair as a leave-in styling aide to keep hair shiny and frizz-free for up to eight hours. 

My review: I thought this hair serum worked pretty well. I'm very happy with my current brand, but it was nice to see what else is out there. I HATED the packaging though -- the lid on the top of the sample didn't stay tight and it got everywhere. Luckily my smooth hair made up for the mess it created :)

 2. alessandro Nail Polish in Blue Lagoon

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve given ourselves a mani—we always end up with stray polish all over our cuticles. Luckily, this German brand is out to make the whole affair easier. Considered one of the premier professional lacquer brands in Europe, alessandro crossed the ocean to bring us its rock-solid formula and specially designed bottle. With both bright, flashy colors and universally flattering neutrals, you’re bound to find a shade you love.

My Review: I wanted to love this because the bottle was super cute and I loved the color. I don't own anything like it and haven't rocked blue nail polish since middle school. This color was awesome though and great for the winter. However, only hours after I polished my nails (with a base and top coat too) they chipped -- bad! Two days later they look terrible and I will have to remove it tonight. Sigh, I wish this wasn't the case.

3. theBalm® cosmetics Put a Lid On It™

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: This eyelid primer is the Thelma to your eye shadow’s Louise. The velvety formula guarantees that colorful shadows stay bright and smudge-free for hours. Suitable for all skin types and tones, the sheer formula blends in seamlessly and doesn’t leave any kind of residue on your lids.

My Review: This is my third theBalm product that I've received from Birchbox and I was very happy once again with this eyeshadow primer. It goes on silky smooth, doesn't crease or cake at all and helped my eyeshadow to blend perfectly. I love this stuff! I wish the sample was larger because I will be so sad when it runs out.

4. Harvey Prince Skinny Chic

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: Despite our best efforts to stay healthy and eat right, every day we experience an inevitable afternoon slump a few hours after lunch. In lieu of downing yet another cup of coffee or reaching for a sugary treat, we’ve been spritzing on this chic new scent from Harvey Prince. The fresh and fruity blend of apple, mint, and grapefruit is specially formulated to keep us energized—and curb cravings to boot. (Which is not to say we don’t condone the occasional cookie. Or two. )

My Review: I unfortunately didn't feel the energizing and curbed craving effects that this product claims after I used it. The scent itself was okay but not something I typically go for. I won't be purchasing this scent.

5. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: Life can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster, so it’s no wonder that we laugh, frown, look confused, and express surprise more times than we can count on any given day. While there’s nothing wrong with letting our feelings show, we’re not so crazy about the expression lines (ahem…wrinkles) that develop as a result. This brand-new moisturizer from Fresh is made with a proprietary blend of seven actives to prevent and treat all the signs of skin aging while keeping skin moisturized day and night.

My Review: I really liked this moisturizer a lot. It smelled exactly like fresh cut cucumbers (my favorite) and really hydrated my dry skin without making me feel greasy. I love the Fresh line and can't wait to continue to use this moisturizer. I wish the sample was a little bigger though!

Want to receive for your own Birchbox? Click here to sign up!

Clinique Product Review: Part One

I recently got my hands on a few Clinique products that I’ve been really anxious to try. Since I bought five different products, I’ll be breaking my review up into two parts. I got a good assortment of products that I’m very excited to share!

Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel

My skin has been going through a rough patch lately. It’s been extremely dry and parched, but it’s completely broken out. Very frustrating. So even though I haven’t been looking for a product to help me get rid of breakouts, the way my skin has been looking prompted this buy.

The product is a thin clear gel that dries on the skin very quickly. All you need to do is apply the gel to your blemishes in the morning and at night. I’ve been following my normal skincare routine and applying the gel when I’m finished. One of the best parts about the gel is that you can use it underneath makeup without any problems. I’ve tried various spot treatments in the past and they tend to flake when makeup is applied over them or even after a while of wearing the treatment.

So far I’ve been loving this product. In just two days, it’s reduced the size of all of my breakouts and cleared up a lot of the redness. Though I don’t think it’s a miracle product, it’s certainly been helping clear up my breakouts more quickly. My skin isn’t so bad that I need to switch to a full acne clearing regimen, so this spot healing gel is the perfect addition to my current skincare routine.

Another great thing about the gel is that I’ve felt no irritation when applying or wearing it. Most acne spot treatments caution that they may dry or irritate the skin because of the salicylic acid content. I’ve experienced this before, but not with Clinique’s gel. 

The price tag isn’t too shabby: 0.5 ounces for $16.00. From what I can tell so far, it’s going to last quite a while. 

Clinique All About Eyes Rich 

Oh, the joys of getting older. I’ve been noticing more fine lines around my eyes. In addition to that, I’ve got dark circles that never seem to go away no matter how much sleep I get or water I drink. I’ve been looking for an undereye cream to help with all of these problems and I have definitely found something promising.

Clinique’s All About Eyes Rich is a moisturizing undereye treatment intended to help with dark circles, shadows and fine lines. If that isn’t enough, it calms the skin and helps de-puff the eye area.

I LOVE this cream!

The product can be used morning and night. I’m always a little skeptical to use an eye treatment in the morning before applying my makeup, but this cream won’t affect the way your makeup looks or feels—aside from making your eye area appear more moisturized. It’s not like many other creams that make your makeup slide or run. 

As soon as I apply the cream, I notice that my skin looks extremely hydrated. My fine lines are less noticeable and it’s helped calm some puffiness I’ve been experiencing. My skin feels soft and smooth after using. I’ve only been using it a few days, so I haven’t been able to tell whether it’s helping my dark circles yet.  

The biggest downside of this product is the price: $30 for 0.5 ounces and $50 for 1.0 ounce. But, it’s definitely worth it if you’re looking for a solid eye treatment. If you’re going to spend money, I think skincare is the area to do it. 

Stay tuned for part two of my Clinique review… have a great weekend!

Amanda's December Birchbox

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday festivities! I'm in full detox mode from all the fun I had over the past few days. 

When I received my December Birchbox I was happy to see bigger samples and another theBalm product. I loved the last product I received from the brand and was very happy to get another sample. What I got this month: 

1. theBalm cosmetics Hot Mama Shadow and Blush All-in-One

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: We’ve never been satisfied with basic blushes. Too often, they look amazing in the compact but leave behind flat streaks of color. Not so with this peachy pink powder, which has a subtle infusion of golden shimmer to give off a 3-D effect. It also works as a shadow and highlighter, letting you achieve pinup-worthy results with just one product. And did we mention that the cute mirror compact will look right at home in your purse?

My Review: I love this blush. I've been using it every day since I received it and am thrilled with the product. The color is perfect -- a light peach color that's perfect for my skin tone. It stays on all day and I never have to reapply. I've once again been impressed by this brand.

2. 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment 

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: The hair experts over at 12 Benefits™ tell us that healthy hair gets its strength and shine from a combination of natural proteins and lipids (who knew?). When you subject your hair to too much chemical processing or heat styling, it tends to lose these precious compounds. Thankfully, this leave-in conditioning mist delivers a host of benefits to dry, parched hair—from boosting the vibrancy of your existing color to preventing future damage.

My Review: I liked this hair treatment but wasn't totally blown away. I was really impressed with the size of the sample. My hair felt smooth and silky after using it. I do like that the product uses natural proteins and lipids instead of tons of chemicals. However, I've used better hair treatments so I will not be purchasing it once my sample runs out. 

3. Emily's Chocolates Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookies 

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: Everyone knows that the best part of Chinese takeout is the fortune cookies, so it’s about time these treats received the royal treatment. Seasonal flavors (think peppermint and gingerbread) as well as classic vanilla get a coating of milk, white, and dark chocolate for a sinfully good update to the original.

My Review: I think this is a cute twist to the original. I unfortunately couldn't try the product out but the packaging was very cute. 6 cookies come in the full size container (which is a cute Chinese food takeout box). This would be a cute gift to give to a neighbor or friend. 

4. Sampar Ultra Hydrating Fluid 

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: Unless you’re still in high school, it’s never too soon to start an anti-aging regimen. Already on top of it? Kudos. If not, well, let’s start with the basics: a fantastic moisturizer that goes beyond hydration. Sampar’s Ultra Hydrating Fluid keeps skin supple with marathon moisture, while also replenishing skin with protective antioxidants and fatty acids. We love the formula’s lightweight, fast-absorbing feel.

My Review: This was another larger sample that I was excited to try. I've been really noticing the fine lines in my skin as I've been getting older. I haven't noticed a big difference in my skin since beginning using it but usually these products take time. 

5. Fresh Citron de Vigne Rollerball 

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: Every time we walk by fresh’s chic Soho outpost a bit south of our offices, we can’t help stepping inside. Beyond the adorable window displays, the subtle scent of bright lemons and irresistible champagne draws us in without fail. Inspired by France’s Champagne vineyards, the bubbly mix comes courtesy of fresh’s own Citron de Vigne fragrance. Thankfully, the experts at fresh wised up and bottled the scent for their happy customers to take home (otherwise, we were considering moving in).

My Review: I really liked the light fresh scent of this product. It wasn't overpowering at all and was just the right amount of scent. It would be a great everyday product to wear if you're looking for a more natural smell. I really was impressed with the size of the sample and am happy I have a lot left to wear.

What do you think of what I got in this Birchbox? We hope you all are enjoying your holidays! 

Review: Philosophy: Always be Your Best Kit

I've always been a fan of Philosophy products. They are high quality and you get what you pay for. I found this Always Be Your Best kit at TJMaxx and couldn't pass it up. It included the Purity Made Simple cleanser, Eye Hope, Hope in a Jar mosturizer and the Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel.

The Purity cleanser is amazing. My face feels so clean and soft and it removes all of my makeup. My skin is on the dry side (especially in the winter) and this cleanser does not dry me out at all. The scent is light and not overpowering. 

I've been noticing more and more under eye wrinkles lately and really wanted a good product to help fix this issue. So far Eye Hope has been a great product. I haven't seen any dramatic results yet, but I can tell my eye area is much more hydrated and I haven't noticed the wrinkles quite as much. I will report back after some continued use.

The Hope in a Jar moisturizer is my favorite product from this collection. It smells great and REALLY hydrates my dry skin without making my face feel greasy. I've seen an overall improvement in the look and feel of my skin since using this product. 

I haven't tried the Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peels yet due to how dry my skin currently is. I don't want to risk drying it out even more so I'm going to hold off reviewing these until the spring. I will do a full review once I've given them a try though.

Have you tried any of these products? Are there any other skin products you swear by?

Beauty: LUSH Ultra Bland Review

If you don't know what LUSH is yet you've got to go check them out. Fresh, handmade, organic cosmetics -- yes please! My mom introduced me to LUSH back in the day and I love so many of their products. I've tried several and have yet to be disappointed. I feel great knowing that I'm using fresh organic ingredients on my face and body.  

One of my newest favorite items is Ultra Bland. Sounds pretty boring right? Wrong! This magic potion removes all makeup and leaves your skin silky smooth (even in the winter months).

I've used this product after going through my extensive bedtime routine and I was shocked at how much extra makeup was still left on my face!

When I opened the jar I was intrigued. It looked like a thick paste and I was a little terrified to put that all over my face. I took a quarter sized amount and in upward circular motions  I covered my entire face (including the eye area) and let sit for about 5 minutes. Then I used a warm damp washcloth to remove the product as well as a ton of extra makeup that was hiding on my "clean" face. It left my skin super soft and smooth and not greasy at all (make sure to remove it all completely or you will still have that slick feeling on your face).  

Since I began to use the product my face is much more hydrated and has a glow. I can't rave about this product enough! Thank you, LUSH!

Bonus Tip: Save your black LUSH pots. When you have 5 empty clean ones bring them back to a LUSH store and you'll get a free face mask of your choice!

Have you tried any LUSH products before? What ones are your favorites?