Luxury Bath Oils From Oxford St.

LUSH Oxford St. Bath Melts Are Heaven On Earth!

Immediately upon walking in LUSH Oxford St. located on the busy streets of London, I spotted the table filled with mini-bath melts. These melts dive into the tub creating a bath of deep colors, intoxicating aromas, and layers of sparkle. Interestingly, LUSH calls these “Luxury Bath Oils” and I can see why – the oils from the melt are so strong, it soaks into your skin within seconds. I picked up 6 mini-melts for only about two pounds each (not a bad deal)!

1. Furze – the famous Gorilla perfume (Retro) in a bath oil – hints of natural and sweet aromas from this melt will cure any case of the blues! A beautiful product to look at, Furze has a green outer layer with a fuchsia flower bud to top it off without creating any mess.
2. Sun – a bath oil after the Sun perfume – the bronze (or should I say rose-gold) hue of this melt is enticing. It bleeds orange in the tub to assemble sun-like rays! The scent will remind you of summer days: going to the beach, hanging out at the lake, and soaking up the SUN!
3. Shark Infested Custard – a sweet melt that is good enough to eat! I adore the aroma of this product since it reminds me of the anticipation of getting a vanilla custard covered with rainbow sprinkles (I can picture it in my head right now) – candy vanilla layered with rich cream. Unfortunately, the melt is hideous upon melting. It just turns into a yellow blob that does not emit enough oil for a filled tub, nor has any unique characteristics.
4. I Am A Radiant Being – a pink star with a sparkly nucleus. This melt’s twin is Rose Jam since it creates a rosy bath with citrus hints. I enjoyed this product, but like Shark Infested Custard, was a bit disappointed in the overall “bath experience” – the glitter was none existent, while the product failed to melt into the warm water.
5. Razzle Dazzle  – a hot pink fireball. This melt transforms your bath – the water turns various shades of pink with a glittery sheen. Meanwhile, notes of berries, citrus, and bergamot fill the bathroom, creating an environment filled with positive energy.
6. Monsieur Gustav – a deep purple mixture of lavender and tobacco. Hands down, this was the most phenomenal Luxury Bath Oil. The smell was super relaxing, yet exotic with the generic lavender and rare tobacco. Even more impressive was the way it transformed plain bath water into a rich escape from the day – violet purple, fuchsia, and silver ribbons of oil swirl throughout the tub. Definitely recommend this product!

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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?! 

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?!

The Citrus Duo

Citrus shower gels are awesome. They are refreshing with a twist. They get you ready for the day. They are the perfect product to use when searching for a pick me up. My two favorite citrus shower gels from LUSH are Happy Hippy and Back for Breakfast.

Happy Hippy is packed with grapefruit. It reminds me of elementary school. Every morning my mom would cut me up a grapefruit and serve it with scrambled eggs. Grapefruit was my childhood coffee. The aroma of Happy Hippy makes you smile and think positive. You begin your day with reassuring thoughts. It truly changes your tiredness into happiness. I recommend this shower gel for anyone who loves an awakening morning shower!

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Back For Breakfast is a retired LUSH shower gel (a.k.a – only available in the Retro Collection). Like Happy Hippy, this product is ideal for morning showers since it contains an enormous amount of citrus that wakes you up. The difference is the ingredients. Back For Breakfast is a citrus cocktail with lime juice, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice. The lemon juice and oil is especially strong. Surprisingly, Back For Breakfast is available now in the Retro LUSH USA Collection.

Overall, go for Happy Hippy if it is the only option available. If you have access to Back For Breakfast, I would get that one because of the citrus cocktail. Happy Hippy can get overwhelming. Back For Breakfast will never disappoint.

Lovely Jubblies Breast Cream

This has been a long awaited post… but I had to find an appropriate time to talk about breast cream! Yes, Lovely Jubblies Body Lotion from LUSH is a floral breast cream.

This cream is packed with meadowsweet infusion and tiger lily petals. These ingredients acts like an anti-agent by tightening and firming skin (perfect for areas prone to dropping). Lovely Jubblies also softens the skin.

I adore this lotion. I use it on by décolletage, under my eyes, and on the back of my arms. It works quite well. Plus, it smells wonderfully! This lotion has one of the best floral smells from LUSH. It contains orange blossom, jasmine, and rose.

This is my second (yes, this product is good enough for a repurchase) pot of this cream. I use it a few times of week. I suggest Lovely Jubblies for anyone who loves lotions, floral smells, and soft skin!

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Who is excited for Shark Week? I think I am more excited for the Shark Fin Soap! I hope this is not a hoax… I need some of this pronto! This campaign supports the Fin Free organization that addresses the reoccurring manslaughter of sharks. Pick one up in your local LUSH store starting July 30!

LUSH Kitchen – UK Style

The LUSH Kitchen in UK is a few months old now. They make small batches of exclusive LUSH products – retired and new inventions. The list ranges from Lemon Melt to Baby Face Cleanser. Any LUSHie would die to get their hands on these unique, rare goodies!

I collect all social media that revolves around the Kitchen. Some of the above posts are directly from the LUSH Kitchen while others are from bloggers or regional LUSH Cosmetic stores.

PROS – You get to discover LUSH products you never, ever heard of. A guilty pleasure of mine is to check the Kitchen menu. I need to see what they are making and then research the products! Some of the inventions are very innovative, creative, magical, rare, and much more!

CONS – The LUSH Kitchen is only operating in the UK at this moment. All North American LUSHies are out of the loop! Fortunately, you can still order from UK but it is difficult to get exclusive items when they only make a limited quality (and they always seem to be “Currently Unavailable”). Rumors are spreading like wild fire though… apparently LUSH Kitchen will be coming to Canada SOON, hopefully!

I have not yet splurged on any of the LUSH Kitchen items. It has been hard… but the exchange rate between USD and Pounds is ridiculous. Have you ordered from the LUSH Kitchen yet? Share below!

P.S. – I will not be posting for a while… I am going to Kauai! Feel free to email me if you have any questions about my posts!