Cool Off with Lush This Summer!

I've always been a fan of Lush Cosmetics - the stores have always been fun places to go to, and I love the luxury of bath bombs during cold winters. (The Avobomb is my favorite!) To my surprise, Lush emailed me a few weeks ago and I was SO beyond excited to sample more of the product line. This email from Lush also introduced me to the novel idea of putting Lush's shower jelly and toner into the fridge! I suppose I could have thought of this myself... but I totally didn't, and it sounded like just the PERFECT thing for summer.

(I have to admit, I spent that whole day at work wanting to tell everyone to put their Lush toners and shower jelly in the fridge, which would not have been relevant to a bunch of guys and girls who wear little to no makeup. I must've told my boyfriend at least 10 times via text - and more in person - how cool of an idea I thought that was! Boy, am I glad he finds my obsessions funny.) 

Fortunately for me, my work trip here in California was extended... but unfortunately for me, that also meant that I had to wait for my package, and I bugged my mother repeatedly to check my mail and forward the package to me. The package arrived last night - thank goodness, since I was just beginning to think the package got lost!

Anyways, here's a preview of what I received. I promise that reviews are coming soon! Have you tried these Lush products, or better yet, PUT THEM IN THE FRIDGE???

Products in this post were provided for review.

Lip Care Review: Korres Lip Butter in Plum

In May, I randomly tried this Korres Lip Butter. I had always read great reviews of this product, and finally decided to give it a try. I chose the color Plum because it seemed like it could provide a berry-ish natural hue to my lips. I don't love lip products in jars, especially if they are too awkward to put your finger in. However, it does look quite nice applied with a brush... I just happen to be really lazy. I do like the more pigmented color that I get with a brush, but the sheer wash of color I get with fingers is quite nice too.

On me, this product consistently wears for nearly three hours. I eat every 2-3 hours, and most recently, I could still feel the emollient texture of the lip butter partway through eating a very large dinner (and an afternoon of snacking). I like that the color doesn't transfer onto my glass too. (Somehow, that is a major pet peeve of mine, which is probably why I never wear lip products!) Who knows, for someone who doesn't eat or drink as frequently as I  do, this may last even longer! With proper application,  I can even see how this could leave a light stain that would be pretty!

I would say this is a an above average lip balm - it has great moisturizing properties but probably wouldn't cut it for someone with severely dry or chapped lips. I am pretty obsessed with my La Mer Lip Balm at the moment, and do have quite troublesome lips. This Korres Lip Butter can keep my lips moisturized throughout the day, but since I'm lazy, I do not tend to reapply this.

I'm wearing a very light application in this shot from a few months back - what do you think?

Review: Guerlain by Emilio Pucci Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder & Blush

I know this bronzer has been out for some time now, and that some of you may have a difficult time finding it, but I went through some lengthy debates over whether or not I should purchase it. I figured it'd be worth sharing, in case you guys are debating too! It is still available at Sephora and I've seen it at some department store counters. Look, see how pretty it is?

I just have to say that I love the packaging. The dark, engraved wood and the magnetic closure just feels good to me, and the mirror inside the lid is handy. I even like the pouch, though I know many of you don't care for pouches that come with your makeup.

My initial hesitation (besides price) was that it seemed much too orange-y and warm in color. Even all the swatches i saw online seemed like it would be much too dark for me. I was also not sure about the shimmer, which you can see a bit in this photo.

I tried this on at a counter, and thought it was quite pretty! It warms up my face quite nicely, and as I've discovered, it wears all day! Even the shimmer doesn't show up on my skin - my face just looks nice and glowy!

What I didn't remember was that Guerlain's bronzers are often very hard packed in the pan, lending to softened application. I have quite a light hand, and I would have to press quite hard to overdo the color.

These swatches are pretty light handed - see not scary/orange at all! I know I have some photos of me wearing this somewhere, but I can't seem to find them at the moment. I did find an ok phone snapshot I can share with you though! (sorry! Will update with a better photo ASAP!)

I'm loving this for summer right now. What do you think? Did you take a look at the Guerlain Pucci collection?

Summer Resolutions

I can't believe we are halfway through 2012 already! I wanted to do a recap of my 2012 beauty resolutions and see how I did... and I think at this point I may need to make a few more!

1. ALWAYS wash my face before falling asleep! Or at least use a makeup wipe! --> Still being lazy many nights. ICK! 
2. Drink more water! --> Doing great with this nearly everyday! 
3. Accomplish at least one beauty challenge or no buy in the year. --> Managed a few no-buys for 3 week long periods... not bad!
4. Keep makeup station clean and organized --> Been doing great for the most part! 
5. Use as much of my collection as possible! --> Definitely using more products, but could do more! 
6. Try some new brands (even though this won’t help with using up what I have!)Edward Bess, Jouer, and Hourglass are top brands on my list. Burberry and Le Metier de Beaute too! --> Definitely tried on more products from a number of brands that were new to me!
7. Continue giving drugstore brands a chance!  --> this is going well, especially considering the number of standout drugstore products released this year. 

And now I'd like to add a few more to complete by year's end:

1. Stick to a monthly beauty budget or limited buy. (Will determine this ASAP!)
2. Finish 5 products.
3. Successfully complete another no buy, this time for at least 3 weeks but preferably a month.
4. Wear SPF everyday.

How did you do on your New Year's Resolutions? Are you making anymore to end the year with a bang? I'd love to hear!