Review: Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner

It's been quite some time since I've written a review on a Lush product and even longer since I've made a Lush purchase. Although I'm itching to buy some new products to test, my local Lush store in Soho has shut down, making the nearest one to me their Union Square location. In reality, Union Square is roughly 15-20 minutes away by train but I'm hardly ever in that area so I haven't had the chance to make a trip there yet.
This Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner ($9.95) was recommended to me by one of the sales associates. At the time of purchase I had combination-oily skin and had already tried the Lush Tea Tree Water Toner ($9.95) and didn't like it. Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner is catered toward all skin types with fresh seawater to cleanse, seaweed extract to soften and rose absolute and aloe vera to soothe.
I apply the toner directly to my face using the built-in spray immediately after cleansing. The scent is very pleasant in my opinion, smelling vaguely of a sea breeze. I typically let the product soak into my skin and then continue on with the rest of my skin care routine.
When my skin type was combination-oily I noticed that the toner did very little for me in terms of oil-control but it left the more normal areas of my face feeling soft and supple. However, since I've come back from London my skin has become combination-dry (probably due to the harsh weather in NYC) and I find that the toner causes my face to feel tight.
I'd have to admit that I am not a huge fan of this product and would not actively recommend this toner to anyone. I feel that it doesn't do enough to justify the price tag and the Lush Tea Tree Water Toner is much more effective, so if you must try a Lush toner I'd say go for the Tea Tree Water. At this moment I am only using this toner on my T-zone and I've almost used the product up so look out for it in my next empties video!
♥
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Review: Lush Celestial Facial Moisturizer

I've always been a sucker for Lush. There's something about the simplistic packaging and company values that draw me in to their products. If you saw my Lush, Sephora & Barneys Beauty Haul, you'll know that I stopped off at Lush before I came to London to stock up. Which in hindsight was pretty silly since Lush was founded here in England, so the prices on some of their items is actually lower.

One of the products that I picked up during my visit was this Lush Celestial Facial Moisturizer ($24.95). If you read my Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser review that I posted up two weeks ago on my blog, you'll know that I was looking for a skincare routine to help treat my acne-prone and oily skin. The wonderful sales associate at Lush in Soho recommended I use the Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser with this Lush Celestial Facial Moisturizer in order to "reset" my skin.

I had been using Lush's Imperialis Facial Moisturizer ($24.95) before this and noticed that it wasn't hydrating my skin enough, so I asked for something more moisturizing this time around. The sales associate at Lush recommended I try the Lush Celestial Facial Moisturizer because it's formulated for dry and sensitive skin so it's moisturizing while at the same time it's not too thick that it'll irritate or clog my pores. It sounded like good enough logic to me so I picked it up and have been using it for a little over a month now.

The product is made of almond milk and cocoa butter so it pretty much smells like a milkshake for your face. Beware though for it is heavily scented, so if you don't think you can stand the smell of almond milk then I'd suggest you opt for a different moisturizer. If you can get past the scent, or actually enjoy it like I do, you'll notice that the product has a very light and milky consistency. It's not a thick cream but it's not watery like some light facial moisturizers are. It's in that in between state so it feels decadent when applying it and your skin drinks it up quickly since it's still quite light.
Since I've started using the Lush Celestial Facial Moisturizer I've noticed that my skin hasn't been as dry. When I was using the Lush Imperialis Facial Moisturizer, the area of my forehead in between my brows would always be dry and flaky no matter how much moisturizer I applied. Now the flakiness is gone and the rest of my skin isn't too overly hydrated. I've been really enjoying this product since I've bought it and if it weren't for my need to try every possible facial moisturizer I can that piques my interest, I'd definitely buy this again. ♥
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Review: Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser

If you've been following me for some time now, you'll know that I've been struggling a lot with my skin as of late. I've been breaking out around my T-zone, especially in the area between my brows and around my hairline. I tried numerous different products, tools and regimens hoping that I'd find a cure. However, all I was doing was using harsher and harsher products that were causing me to break out even more.

I decided to make a trip to Lush because I know that their staff is generally very knowledgable and their products are all natural with no harsh chemicals that could irritate my skin any further. The sales associate at the Lush store in Soho was brilliant and turned me on to what is known as the Ultrabland ($16.95 for 1.5 oz.) diet.

Lush, Sephora & Barneys Haul

Did some last minute shopping at Lush, Sephora and Barneys before I made my journey to London! Check out the products I got!

September Empties (Products I've Used Up)

Greetings from London! My sincerest apologies for not posting in over a week, I haven't had the chance to sit down in my room since I got here. I filmed this video back at home before I left and had meant to post it the Wednesday before my flight but per usual, life got in the way. Please keep watching to see what products I used up in the month of September and whether I'd repurchase them or not.

January Wish List 2013

I've been so busy with working this Winter break that I've hardly had time to blog. I sincerely apologize for the lack of posts but I'm trying to make the time to blog. Today I finally have my January Wishlist! I only have a few items this go around because I'm trying to cut back on buying beauty products until I use up some of the products I already have.

1. Lush Aqua Mirabilis ($10.95) - I'm going to Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World next week and the hotels' lotion leaves much to be desired. I figured since I've always been wanting to give Lush's body butters a try and due to flight regulations I can't bring liquids over 1.7 fl oz., I'm planning to buy and bring this with me. Lush's body butters are solid lotion bars that are meant to be used in the shower and this specific one exfoliates as well. After you rinse off, the body butter is supposed to sink into your skin and there is no need for lotion when you get out!

2. BeautyBlender Set ($34.95) - I've never owned a beautyblender before and everybody's been raving about it lately so I kind of want to see what all the hype is about. I currently use a brush to apply my foundation but I've heard the beautyblender gives a more natural look. It's also a plus that it'll be easier to take with me on vacation.

3. Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Red Velvet ($6.49) - I'm totally obsessed with Revlon Lip Butters ever since Raspberry Pie rekindled my love for them. I've heard the shade Red Velvet is a really nice sheer red, which would be nice for the Winter.

4. Jemma Kidd Make-Up Secrets ($14.88) - I love books and I love beauty so what's better than a beauty book?! I got my first beauty book, Bobbi Brown's Beauty Rules, at a Bobbi Brown x J.Crew x Bumble & Bumble event and I got my next beauty book, Bobbi Brown's Makeup Manual, shortly after. I really love Bobbi Brown for her natural beauty looks but I've been dying to branch into more iconic and daring looks and I've heard this book by Jemma Kidd delves into iconic looks of stars like Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot.

Also, keep your eyes open because I'm hoping to put up a post on what's in my travel makeup bag for my trip to Orlando soon!

December Favorites

Even though I just concluded my Elle Awards of 2012 earlier this week, awarding my favorite products for eyes, lips and face, I still wanted to do a monthly favorites because they may not be reflected in my top products of the year. I also wanted to let everyone know that I'm interning full time for a family friend during January and then on the 16th I'll be leaving for Orlando where I'll be staying for the remainder of the month until I start classes again, which means I won't be posting as often this month. I'm going to try to get as many posts up as I can in the beginning of the month to make up for a lack of posts towards the end. But, I'll definitely be tweeting and posting pics of my trip on Instagram so be sure to follow me there for updates!

1. Pixi Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach ($15) - I mentioned that I hoped this product would be a dupe for my Bobbi Brown Corrector ($23) in my Target & Lush haul back in November and much to my pleasure it practically is. Now, the reason I say practically is because while the shade, texture and correcting effect is all the same, I've noticed the Pixi corrector is a tad bit sheerer than the Bobbi Brown. While this may seem like a bummer, it works almost just as well and is $8 cheaper. For now this product is under my favorites, but I may switch back to the Bobbi Brown depending on how I feel once I use up this entire product.

2. Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara ($19) - This product won an award for Best Mascara in my Elle Awards of 2012, and for good reason. It lengthens your lashes like crazy and it doesn't smudge. I have a terrible problem with mascara smudging underneath my eyes but this one stays put by the end of the day. I also wrote an in depth review of it here if you'd like to know more.

3. Aussie Aussome Volume Mousse ($2.50) - This volumizer was on my December Wish List and the first chance I got I raced to Target and picked it up. I've been using this product every day I go out ever since I purchased it last month and I love it. It definitely gives my hair some volume and body, which my stick straight and thin Asian hair seriously needs.

4. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($29) - I've had this product for quite a while now and since I've gotten a lot busier and have been out longer these days, I've started to use it almost daily. It's great for setting my makeup and making it last throughout the day.

5. Lush Sweet Lips Lip Scrub ($9.95) - I've always loved this product but I've started appreciating it more since the cold weather has been taking a serious toll on my lips. I use this product every morning and night in the shower to scrub away any dead skin and my lips have been looking soft and full all Winter!

December Wish List!

Alright, so my wish list is late too but in my defense I've been working my butt off for finals week. My first final is this coming Friday and I'll try to keep posting as much as I can but if you don't hear much from me in the next two weeks don't be alarmed! Now without further ado, let's get on to my December Wish List!

December Wish List by lipstickndlace

1. Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish ($18) - I've been meaning to get a body scrub for like...ever! Yet somehow this has always managed to escape making it onto my monthly wish lists. This body polish from Soap & Glory is supposed to smell deliciously beautiful and I'm dying to try it.

2. Aussie Aussome Volume Mousse ($2.50) - Another thing I've been meaning to get since forever: volumizer. My hair is very straight and limp and I've been on the hunt for a good volumizer, or just one in general! I've never used one before and I'm hoping it'll give me good results. Any recommendations?

3. Lush Hottie Massage Bar ($9.95) - My muscles have been so sore lately and I think it's because I
haven't stretched in months. Once this semester is over I'm determined to start stretching again and maybe signing up for a gym membership. But until then, I think this massage bar and my wonderful loving boyfriend will have to tackle my sore muscle problems.

4. Sigma Performance Eyes Kit ($61) - My eyes are tiny and I have monolids so most eye brushes don't work for me. I will admit that the ones I've been using for the past year are somewhat too big and I think that's why I'm not as daring with my eye looks. This brush set is made for precision, which is just what I need for my Asian eyes.

5. Lush Sunny Side Bubble Bar ($7.25) - I'm Lush obsessed and you probably already knew that, but I've never tried any of their bubble bars/bath bombs! I want to buy some and bring them along with me to Florida in January during my vacation with my boyfriend so I can relax and indulge in them in our hotel bathroom. This bubble bar supposedly sparkles as well as making bubbles when you drop it in. Any other bubble bar/bath bomb suggestions?

6. Mac Cosmetics Making Pretty Lipstick in 3N ($28) - I haven't bought anything from MAC in a seriously long time and I think it's because their latest collections haven't been too appealing, until now. I'm not too sure about the shade of this lipstick, but I am quite the sucker for what looks to me to be a rose gold + textured packaging. I'll have to see it in person at a MAC store before I buy it, but if I like, I will buy!

What's on your wish lists this month? Leave a link below if you have a wish list post, I'm always looking for new wish list ideas!

November Favorites!

I'm a few days late but here are my favorite beauty products for the month of November. I decided to go with a different approach on sharing my favorites by creating a set on Polyvore. If you don't know already, Polyvore is a website where you can create and share collages of beauty products, fashion items, and much more. If you're already a Polyvore member, you can follow me here and I'll follow back. Now onto my favorites!

November Favorites 2012 by lipstickndlace

1. Too Faced Shadow Bon Bons Set ($42) - This set by Too Faced comes with 12 beautiful shadows, a travel-sized version of the Candlelight Shadow Insurance and a full-sized version of the Lash'GASM Mascara. I purchased this product about three weeks ago and I've been using it nonstop ever since. I think it would make a great gift for the holidays to friends, family or even yourself! If you're interested in knowing more, I wrote an in-depth review including swatches of all the shadows and reviews on the primer and mascara as well.

2. Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in Exposed ($24) - I got this Tarte LipSurgence as part of a 5 piece LipSurgence Collector's Edition set that I had included in my Sephora VIB 20% Off Haul. My favorite LipSurgence out of the set at the moment is the Matte Lip Tint in Exposed. It gives this great pinky nude color to your lips and lasts for a really long time.

3. bareMinerals READY SPF 15 Touch Up Veil in Translucent ($22) - I also purchased this using my Sephora VIB 20% Off and while I was skeptical at first at it being any different from the loose powder version I already own, it turns out that I like this one much more. It sets my makeup perfectly without any "cakeiness."

4. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Sassy Mauve ($4.99) - I hauled this in my recent Target & Lush Haul and even though I only got it a little over a week ago I already know this will be my go-to lipstick for the Winter. It's the perfect mauve shade that works great with any outfit or look.

5. NYX Cosmetics Powder Blush in Mocha ($6.00) - I purchased this as part of a set on Hautelook a little over a month ago and it has quickly become my favorite Fall/Winter blush. It's a matte mid-tone pink shade that gives you a nice warm glow. Also, the color payoff is amazing!

6. LUSH Ocean Salt Scrub ($21.95) - I cannot explain how much I am in love with this product. I got a few samples of it back in September during one of my LUSH hauls  and I've been using it once a week ever since. I've almost run out of the two samples I got and I just had to purchase the full-sized version. I've started using this product twice a week to slough off any dead or dry skin cells and it leaves my face looking radiant and refreshed. I also love how it smells like the beach!

I hope you enjoyed this haul and let me know if you like this new way of presenting my favorites. I find it much more organized and aesthetically pleasing than the typically messy and dark photos I usually take.

Haul: Target & Lush

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I unfortunately caught a very bad cold over the weekend but I still managed to get in some Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping. I was planning on doing a Black Friday haul but not everything I ordered has come in yet but as soon as it does I'll have one up. So I recently went to two of my favorite stores, Target and Lush, and of course I had to walk out with something.

1. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Sassy Mauve ($4.99) - I've been looking for more Fall lipstick shades and when Tracy and Stephanie of Eleventh Gorgeous mentioned this one in their Fall Drugstore Lipsticks video I knew I had to have it. I don't have any mauve shades in my collection and this lipstick makes a great new addition! 2. Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie ($6.16) - Another wonderful Fall lipstick recommendation from Tracy and Stephanie's Fall Drugstore Lipsticks video, this lip butter is a very wearable berry color. I also don't have any deep berry colors in my collection so this makes a great new addition as well. 3. LUSH Ocean Salt Scrub ($21.95) - I got two samples of this wonderful Lush product in my last Lush haul and I've been using a little bit of it every week since. I'm totally in love with it now and I purchased a 4.2 oz size, since it does expire in a little over a year and I only use about a dime sized every week. 4. LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner ($21.95) - I bought the 3.3 fl oz size in my last Lush haul and I've almost used it all up. I love to use this after I take a shower to tone my face. I like to spritz it onto a cotton pad and pat it all over my T-Zone to soak up any excess oils. 5. Pixi Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach ($15) - This corrector was at the top of my November Wish List because I was hoping it would be a dupe for my much loved Bobbi Brown Corrector ($23). I've only been able to use it once so far but it seems to be like a good dupe, I'll need a little bit more time with it before I reach a decision though but when I do you all will be the first to find out!

September Favorites!

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been a week since I last posted but I've been extremely busy with school and performing so I just haven't had the time. I spent this whole weekend performing for the Travel & Leisure Global Bazaar at the Lexington Armory. I got to sample food and drinks from various countries, famous chefs and even got to go zip lining. The highlight of my weekend was meeting Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto!

Pretty cool right? Well anyways, I warn you all that my posts will be rather sparse this month since I have all my midterms these next three weeks. I also have to plan and book my vacation with my boyfriend in January, we're planning to go to Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World Orlando. So I'm going to try my best to post as much as I can but I probably won't be posting as much as I usually do.

Now on to the real topic of this post, my September Favorites. September flew by and I believe it, between school and performances I haven't had much time for anything else. My favorite products this month are all mainly skincare products because as I mentioned in previous posts, my skin has been misbehaving lately so I've been on the hunt for a new skincare routine. A majority of these products are from my Lush haul at the beginning of this month, so check that out if you want to know more.

1. Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me ($2.99) - This has been my go-to lip product this entire month. It's one of those your lip color but better shades of red and I love how it smells like a jolly rancher. It's a very low-maintenance product, which is great for me now because I've been so busy, and it does double duty by also being a lip balm. I'll probably be doing a review on this product soon so keep your eyes out.

2. LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner ($8.95) - I've never used a toner before now but this product has got me hooked. It feels really refreshing when sprayed all over the face and I have noticed that I've had significantly less breakouts since I've started using it. Tea tree water helps to draw out any impurities such as blackhead and excess oil. I'll also be doing a review on this product soon, so keep your eyes out once again!

3. LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter ($14.95) - Wow, do I love this stuff. I use it on my heels every time I get out of the shower and I've noticed my heels have become a million times softer. I used to have extremely dry and cracked heels but ever since I've started using this my heels have become very smooth. If you want to know more I have a review on this product here.

4. EOS Organic Lip Balm Sphere in Strawberry Sorbet ($2.99) - I was extremely late on the EOS lip balm train but it's better later than never. I had my doubts about this product because the idea of carrying around a giant egg shaped lip balm was not appealing to me, but I'm glad I gave it a try. The product feels great on the lips, it moisturizes without feeling sticky or greasy and I love the way it smells. I really wanted to get the limited edition Alice in Wonderland pack but I can't find it anywhere!

5. LUSH Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub Sample (Free) - I got this sample with the rest of the Lush products and I'm so glad I did. I use it once a week and it really scrubs deep down into my pores getting out all the blackheads and getting rid of any dead skin. It's pretty harsh, I'm not going to lie, but using it once a week is good enough. I love this product so much that the next time I'm at a Lush, I'm definitely picking a full size up.

I hope you enjoyed this post and once again my apologies for not posting as much. I'm going to try to post as much as I can these following weeks but I can't guarantee anything since my midterms are looking to be really tough this semester. Wish me luck!