Face Mask Review: Cup O’ Coffee

Of course I was eager to try the latest face mask from LUSH Cosmetics called Cup O’ Coffee infused with ground coffee beans and cocoa. The strong coffee aroma relaxes, yet stimulates, your senses, which allows you to have a fresh start during the day. Surprisingly, I never put two and two together – coffee beans are used regularly in perfume stores to reestablish your sense of smell. Similarly, this masks reinvigorates your skin, while also acting as a light exfoliant.

I highly recommend this product for anyone who wants a mask that not only transforms your skin, but also your mindset. What do you think about this product?

P.S. – Sorry for not posting last week – it has been absolutely crazy at school and my internship! I plan on posting again this week to catch up!

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Frog Prince + Mario Badescu

I cannot resist a much needed Ulta visit between my classes (there is one about 5 minutes from Marist)… My most recent purchases include Frog Prince from Lipstick Queen and the Mario Badescu Hydro Moisturizer with Vitamin C, along with an it’s a 10 sample.

After seeing much social media about Frog Prince, I was ready to jump in head first to get my hands on the magical GREEN lipstick! Five stars for this product – super hydrating, lasts a few hours, adorable packaging, and turns my lips a natural, berry shade! In fact, I am pretty sure my sister just stole it for her 18-day Europe adventure!

With only trying the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, I did not know what to expect for this moisturizer… One reason I bought it was for the travel friendly size and hydration claims. I do not notice anything significant after using this product. Just a simple moisturizer for dry skin! I prefer the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer (review coming very soon)!!

Five Baths To Warm Your Heart

Happy Valentine’s month! First, I want to apologize for not posting last week – crazy time crunch with homework, work, and of course, Valentine’s Day! How did you celebrate?

• Unicorn Horn – the Bubble Bar of the year! This lavender infused, rainbow, sparkly cone invokes all things LUSH! It makes you smile and think happy thoughts in the bath! This product also created a mountain of bubbles! Were you lucky enough to give Unicorn Horn a try?! You might still have a chance with my next giveaway… comment below to enter by telling me what makes you happy!  
• Heart Throb Bubbleroon – This bubbler turns your bath a rose-y red while creating a strong floral scent in your bathroom (similar to African Paradise Body Conditioner). The best part? All the gold glitter you have to clean out of your tub!
• Love Locket – The classic 3-in-1 bath bomb! Nothing changed with this all time favorite since my last review. Although, it sure does create a beautiful light pink water with tiny red hearts floating around. Did you see this bath on my Instagram (@andreapuskar)?
• Lonely Heart – I love this simple bubble bar! It turns your bath water a scarlet red with a tangy, jasmine vibe. LUSH needs to have a red bubble bar available all year long! What product do you think is the closest to Lonely Heart?
• Floating Flower – The newest Bath Bomb innovation, one that twirls! I really enjoyed this bath with the pastel colors and a bright center – what a surprise! Plus, the scent is one of my all time LUSH favorites – sensual jasmine! Hope Floating Flower will make appear again next February!

P.S. – Can you find a hint in this post for my next giveaway?! 

LUSH Valentine’s Day 2015

Shades of pink and reds with scents that make you blush... Introducing select items from the LUSH Cosmetics Valentine’s Day Collection of 2015.

• Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar – I have been waiting to try this bubble bar since it was released in Japan. This bar matches the Twilight bath bomb scent revealing hints of lavender and ylang ylang once crumpled under the faucet. The bath water bleeds glitter and bubbles while turning into a baby blue. A must for all!!
• Love Locket Bath Bomb – An $11 bath bomb is ridiculous, but at least Love Locket can be used for three baths – both sides of the heart and the mini heart in the middle. This bubblegum pink bath bomb has not changed since last year (review here).
• Lonely Heart Bubble Bar – Out of this group, I was least excited to try this product. It is a simple bubble bar that turns your bath a scarlet liquid with glitter. The unique scent of this not-so-bubbly product comes from the Love perfume – bergamot, jasmine, ylang ylang, and lemongrass.
• Heart Throb Bubbleroon – Being the first exclusive Bubbleroon, Heart Throb has a lot on its plate. The scent is sexy and exhilarating while easily broken in half for two baths. This shea butter product turns your tub a cherry red with hints of gold flakes.
• The Kiss Lip Scrub – Sugar + Salt + Sprinkles + Hot Pink + Glitter = Valentine’s Bliss. I love the sweet and salty taste. I love the coarse texture. My lips love it even more! Do your lips get cracked, dry, and flaky in the winter? Lip scrubs are the perfect treatment before applying lip balm since it scrubs away all dead skin and leaves healthy, smooth lips behind. (By far my favorite LUSH Lip Scrub – minus the hot pink mess it leaves)
• Floating Flower Bath Bomb – Oh jasmine, how I love you and this bath bomb. Not only is the aroma enticing, the bomb actually twirls in the tub creating beautiful swirls of orange, green, and pink. This will definitely be a repurchase before the collection disappears.

2015 Foundation Routine – Combat Dryness

My skin has always been red, especially my cheeks. The redness comes in various blotches when dryness hits. Winter months are a killer in the Northeast since everything from your pinky finger to your lips become suddenly chapped. To combat this dryness, I decided to try a new foundation routine that would eliminate redness while adding medium coverage.

On a frigid day in NYC, I went to a Sephora in Union Square. Here I met a lovely sales associate (can I just say – her skin was BEAUTIFUL). She tested my skin using the Skincare IQ system. This device takes pictures and measurements from your skin in three places – neck, cheek, and forehead. The recommendations were on point ranging from Benefit’s Hello Flawless to Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer. I tried on these foundations but did not enjoy the coloring and coverage. Here were my final picks after looking at countless medium coverage routines:

• Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation – I am Beige 3 in this product – it matches my skin perfectly! I am worried about wearing medium coverage foundations due to the threat of a “cake face.” This foundation actually looks like skin while covering all blemishes!
• smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer – One thing I learned from the Sephora sales associate – primer is a necessity. I went for the Color Correcting Adjust Primer from smashbox because the green pigment reduces all redness while smoothing the skin. I really like the feel of this product … it acts like a skin drink by immediately reducing redness and hydrating skin before the foundation. This primer is also great on its own.
• Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner – How often do you clean makeup brushes? If you are like me, probably once a month (bad habit)! A brush should be cleaned after every use and then deep cleaned every two weeks. Since purchasing this brush cleaner, I have been cleaning my brushes daily with a paper towel. Unlike a dirty brush, a clean one allows for a smooth application without any loose pigments floating around.
• Sephora Brush #55 – Before this purchase, I normally applied all foundation with a sponge. I decided to go for a brush that created a true airbrush finish. Brush #55 from the Sephora collection is perfect. The size is just right because it can reach areas of all sizes on the face while creating a flawless look through the buffing motion – take the brush and apply the foundation to your hand to warm it up, then buff gently on the face in circular motions.

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P.S. – here is a sneak peak at my skin using this routine! I was not using this picture for the blog… but thought my skin looked great! What is your foundation routine? Share below!

Birchbox Review – January 2015

I am not one to review my Birchbox. But with a new year, a new blog style, and a new batch of products… I decided it was now or next year.

Birchbox is a monthly subscription service where five personalized beauty and lifestyle samples are delivered to your door. I have been receiving Birchbox since August of last year and enjoy each month’s goodies. It is a nice pick me up in the middle of the week to have samples of latest brand names and most talked about products. How do they personalize boxes when they send out millions? You answer specific questions about your hair color, beauty preferences, skin type, and so on. Do you think your Birchbox samples fit your beauty preferences?

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This month’s theme was about starting fresh in 2015 with the tagline “Let’s Do This” printed across the box.

I was a bit disappointed in my samples this month. Each month I got a lotion (a bit tired of having lotion pile up) and even got a sample  for curly hair (which my hair is pretty straight). Do not let this steer you away from Birchbox though, normally I love my samples and use them up before the next box comes.

1. Balance Me – Wonder Eye Cream – light formula with no scent, but a bit difficult to rub in. I would give this product 3 out of 5 stars… Nothing big to rave about.
2. Curly Hair Solutions – Curl Keeper Gel – water based formula that fends frizz and leaves curls intact. I do not have curly hair… So, 1 out of 5 stars for this product.
3. Cynthia Rowley Beauty – Creamy Lip Stain – long-wear stain in shade Heartthrob. Eager to try out this red gloss… 4 out of 5 on the excitement level.
4. Essential Elements – Wake Up Rosemary Body Lotion – light weight hydrator with a strong rosemary scent. The packaging is cute and unique… 3 out of 5 stars.
5. Sumbody – Body Soap – this product smells so fresh since it is full of botanical oils and herbs. Pretty interested in trying out this soap so I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

LUSH Haul – Nanuet, NY

I am back! From blogging daily to not blogging at all, my goal for this year is to blog once a week. The end of 2014 consisted of internships, school, and of course, lots of LUSH and new cosmetics! I am behind on many reviews, hauls, and social media tips that will soon be posted. This blog marks my first of 2015 with many more to come!

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LUSH Cosmetics – Nanuet, NY

This summer I met my friend in Nanuet, NY for a shopping excursion halfway between my house and hers. We ate a tasty lunch at Bonefish Grill and then enjoyed the sunny, cloudless day walking from store to store. The shopping excursion included Victoria Secret, Paper Source, Lululemon, Sephora, and LUSH! This LUSH is an oasis in a concrete jungle with a friendly, knowledgable staff and spacious environment. My friend stocked up on skin care while I purchased these products:

• Dirty Shaving Cream – Even though this product is recommended for the face, I love using it on my legs with the fresh smell and close shave.
• It’s Raining Men Shower Gel – This classic, sweet, toffee LUSH scent is a favorite among many. Use this product to give your body a sweet treat!
• Silky Underwear Dusting Powder – Dusting Powder is a must after using a Massage Bar. This jasmine formula keeps your skin silky smooth!
• Pink Fun – Each Fun color from LUSH has a different smell. The Pink Fun has a similar scent to Snow Fairy (LUSH holiday scent). Fun can be used for bath time fun, a bubble bar, or even soap!
• Pop in the Bath Bubble Bar – The happy Bubble Bar – A classic Bubble Bar used to invoke happy thoughts in a tub full of bubbles and bergamot!
• Shark Fin Soap – Check out my #finfree blog.
• Nanuet LUSH Bag – Every time a new LUSH location opens, the store has a special bag and exclusive product. The Nanuet store opened a month before I visited. My goal is to pick up a LUSH bag from each store I visit.

The LUSH Employee pictured below was great to talk too! He had LUSH Kitchen purchases behind the register he shared with guests. I was lucky enough to smell and wear the 29 High St. Perfume! Make sure you stop by this location! What LUSH location is your favorite?

LUSH DIY – Knot Wrap Display

My latest obsession are the Knot Wraps from LUSH Cosmetics. These 100% recycled, colorful scarves catch my attention! I love the floral designs, the versatility, and the price (only $6, heck yes!). My collection has grown quite rapidly this summer. I have gone from one scarf to 6 overnight. I used to keep them on top of my LUSH DIY box (post here) until I realized these beautiful designs needed to be displayed!

I started doing some research. First Pinterest, second LUSH stores, and third my own photo collection. Where I found these:

I love the simplicity and colors of these felt garlands. They inspired me to create this LUSH DIY post (along with my other research tools).

STEP 1: Find  two ribbons & clothes pins that inspire you. I opted for my usual: pink, flowers, and sparkles.

STEP 2: String the ribbon through the clothes pins. This part can be tricky since the clothes pin hole is super small.

STEP 3: Tie mini bows with your second ribbon and glue them onto the back of the clothes pin (the space where it opens and closes). This adds an adorable touch!

STEP 4: Tie a bow at both ends of the ribbons and nail to the wall. I tried tape for the first few days but it kept falling from the weight of the Knot Wraps.

STEP 5: Put up your Knot Wraps or other LUSH Cosmetic goodies and enjoy!

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Do you like my Knot Wrap display? How many Knot Wraps do you have? The ones displayed in mine are:

• Miranda – red with fruit
• Flirty Floral – purple and pink watercolor flowers
• Wild Flower – black with colorful flowers
• Psychedelic Summer – blue neon (no longer available)
• Mr. Bumble – green and yellow (no longer available)
• LUSH words – black with LUSH type (no longer available – part of gift set)

Heres is my latest DIY favorite I found on Instagram. Who doesn’t want a LUSH basket?!

Phoenix Rising & Fizzbanger

I have barley posted this summer… what a bummer on my part & I am sorry! It has been a hectic few months with a new job, traveling, and getting ready for school! My goal is to blog a few times each week during the semester… let’s pray this happens!

Today I wanted to discuss two baths I recently took – Phoenix Rising and Fizzbanger! Both of these Bath Bombs are available year round at any LUSH Cosmetics location. They are very unique!

Fizzbanger: I was never attracted to this product, until my mother used it! She swore by the smell and color of the bath. I had to give it a try. Fizzbanger is composed of apples and cinnamon hints with pop rocks that explode in the bath. If you put your head under water, you can hear the fireworks going off (hint, Fizzbanger)! There is even a secret note inside the bath bomb. Can you feel the fizz already? I enjoy this bath a lot and would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique bath time!

Phoenix Rising: This was the first ever Bath Bomb I tried. I fell for the purple and gold outer layer with cinnamon hints. Yet did I know, the inside was a beautiful emerald green. This luxurious bath bomb is composed of cinnamon, cocoa butter, and shea butter. It moisturizes the skin to a new level. Even though I love LOVE this bath, I was disappointed with my last one. The bath bomb sunk, barley fizzed out, and lacked overall scent. Hopefully, that was just a fluke because Phoenix Rising is one of my all time favorite LUSH products!

LUSH Kitchen Haul

The LUSH Kitchen is the holy grail for LUSHies. They make exclusive, retro, and sometimes pre-release LUSH goodies. It is hard to not purchase each week. I am proud of myself for holding back…. but, I did splurge for my birthday! Here is what I got:

• Million Dollar Moisturizer – The new LUSH sun care line is available in parts of Europe. Unfortunately, North America is behind! I wanted to give this range a try before the summer disappeared! Million Dollar Moisturizer is a sweet, dewey product that makes your skin radiant!
• Sesame Suntan Lotion – This is another product from the sun care line. I was eager to try a simple suntan lotion that had low protection. I rub Sesame Suntan all over for a delicious aroma and light protection!
• Lemon Melt Shower Jelly – This is one of the first products LUSH Kitchen created. I read tons of reviews about this lemon-y wonderland! I had to give it a try since Back for Breakfast is my favorite shower gel ( a Retro, lemon-citrus combo).
• Violet Nights Bath Oil – After reading Danger: Cosmetics-To-Go! I had to go for the Violet Nights. This is a lovely oil that creates a luxurious bath – originally from Cosmetics-To-Go. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying yourself! Plus, it makes your skin super super soft!

LUSH Kitchen boxes are filled with unique samples, a LUSH Kitchen goodie bag (filled with your order), and polaroids of the #LUSHKitchen staff! You can only order products from the Kitchen in the UK. Therefore, everything is sent Royal Post and in pounds. But let me tell ya… it is worth the conversion rate and splurge!

P.S. – Did you enter my giveaway yet?! Check out the instructions in my last blog post.