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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Solid Shampoo Heaven

I am that girl… the one who buys every new Solid Shampoo Bar from LUSH Cosmetics. These are the perfect travel companion, last forever (I do not know how I am going to use all of these), and lather like no other. Plus – they smell heavenly… although, I am not a big fan of the campfire one, Soak and Float. The new collection is lovely and unexpected with hints of citrus, jasmine, rose, and even a mimic of the famous Honey I Washed The Kids scent. Continue reading for an in-depth look into the world of eco-friendly shampoo:

• Brazilliant (bottom bar) – I love this vibrant, tangerine shade! It smells even better, hints of orange with sweet ylang ylang. Do you ever wonder what ylang ylang even is? It is a tree commonly found in the Philippines known for its perfume aroma. Brazilliant works best with thick and curly hair types. If this shampoo does not remind you of summer days, I do not know what will!
• Jason and The Argan Oil (next bar) – Oh my LANTA… this bar is a replica of the Rose Jam Bubbleroon. With hints of rose and lemon, Jason and The Argan Oil will leave your locks shiny and tamed! In fact, the argan oil creates a natural glycerin base, which lavishly moisturizes. This bar was completely sold out online in the first few weeks of its debut – I can see why!
• Honey I Washed My Hair (next bar) – Heaven in the shower! This sweet, fresh honey scent is phenomenal and makes you crave a warm cup of tea – or should I say a double-double from Tim Hortons? A perfect formula to soften and volumize hair.
• Lullaby (next bar) – Do you know why this Shampoo Bar is called Lullaby? It is stuffed with lavender! This formula is just the right fit for sensitive scalp and locks.. I suggest using this at night for a head filled with sweet dreams.
•  Copperhead (next bar) – Unlike the others, this bar has a unique stamp and is covered with henna beads to up the shine! My mom is super excited for this one since her fading brown hair can use an extra boost! Mild and moisturizing, this bar can take on any hair type!
• Montalbano (top bar) – Do not let the look-a-like of Godiva Shampoo Bar fool you! This scent is packed with citrus tones and olive goodness (kind of reminds me of the Italian country side). For anyone who loves the fresh lemon Kitchen scent, this is for you! A pick me up for dull hair that can use some TLC!

New Favorite LUSHie + City!

I went to Washington D.C. for the first time! I’ve been to almost every major city in the U.S. except for D.C. and fell in LOVE! The cherry blossoms were starting to bloom, the monuments were gorgeous, and the tourists were definitely coming out from hibernation! I even got to see Bill Belichick, the Patriots coach, and Obama’s barricade. Even though it was a very short trip, it completely changed my life for the better! As a college student, I appreciated the monuments, museums, and historical architecture.

My friends and I went to Georgetown on our last day for a bite to eat and shop! We went to Vineyard Vines for the Kentucky Derby party, Madewell to look at the latest collection, and Alex and Ani for some positive motivation! We were walking to get cupcakes from Baked and Wired (which was absolutely AMAZING) and I smelled LUSH… I did not see the store, but I definitely smelled it! We then looked back and saw it hidden in the alleyway of 8^th Street.

The sales lady, Leslie, was an absolute sweetheart – very welcoming and super bubbly! She was the first LUSH employee to help me pick out products for my irritated skin on my arms (there is some medical name for it). I ended up going with the Buffy, Aqua Mirabilis, and an Oatfix mask! Plus, she was actually headed to London for the first time in May, like me! We want to meet up and experience the new LUSH Oxford St. store together!

Have you been to the Georgetown LUSH and have met Leslie? What products do you use for irritated, dry skin???

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.

#finfree GIVEAWAY!

In honor of the #finfree movement and Shark Week, I decided to do my very first giveaway! The lucky winner will receive a fresh Shark Fin Soap from LUSH Cosmetics and samples from the LUSH Kitchen and products that are not available in LUSH North America.

This is all you have to do to qualify:

1. Answer the question “Can you sell smell?” in the comments
2. Tweet me your favorite LUSH Cosmetics Soap at @AndreaPuskar
3. Sign the petition for the #finfree movement 

The giveaway is international.

Snake Oil – The Gold Mine for Dry Scalp

It is no secret that my scalp is super dry. I seasonally suffer from dandruff and the urge to itch. I was on the hunt for a product that alleviates scalp issues and of course, Snake Oil Massage Bar from LUSH Cosmetics is my lifesaver.

AROMA – Snake Oil has a musky scent that is similar to the LUSH Solid Shampoo Bars in Soak in Float and NEW! Do not worry about the scent since it does not linger.

USE – I use this product after shower time by rubbing it between my hands and spreading the oils throughout my roots. It is easy since the consistency is not sticky or hard. You cannot use this before showers because the healing oils will wash out. The BEST part about Snake Oil is the day after use. Your hair is silky, soft, and itch free!

RETRO – I remember looking up this product online a few years back debating whether or not to purchase. At the time, I said no but regretted that choice. A year ago I discovered Snake Oil again in the LUSH USA RETRO Collection (it is not there now, but makes an appearance here and there). Unfortunately, yes, this product is Retro and hard to come by. LUSH offers another scalp treatment called Superbalm that is no match for Snake Oil. You can check out my review here for Superbalm. 

LUSH Cosmetics Summer Events

LUSH Cosmetics advertised 2 events so far this summer. The first was the #LUSH200 store opening in North America. The second is the #finfree movement. Here are some highlights from each:

The #LUSH200 details: The 200th LUSH Cosmetics store has officially opened in North America! LUSH Cosmetics in Yorkdale Shopping Centre located in Toronto, Canada is the lucky store! LUSH celebrated this event with giving out $200 gift cards across North America, creating fresh batches of products in store, having a dance party with a well renowned DJ, and even some beauty bloggers made an appearance. Did you win a gift card or participate in any of the #LUSH200 events?!

The #finfree movement has officially begun. LUSH partnered with Shark Week on Discover Channel and the finfree movement to help stop shark killings. Shark fin soup is a popular dish in many Asian countries that requires fins from sharks. The #finfree movement is here to stop these killings and protect sharks all around the world. You can sign the petition today here and buy the Shark Fin Soap (limited edition) from LUSH to stand with the #finfree movement!