Posts Tagged Fresh
So Delicious: Fresh Brown Sugar Lip Polish
Posted by Latoya in Exfoliants, Fresh, Lip Care on January 12, 2012
There’s just something about having products that are somewhat of a luxury item – something you don’t need but have nonetheless, just because you want it. Fresh’s Brown Sugar Lip Polish is definitely one of those products, and I have to tell you – I am LOVING IT! 
I reviewed this briefly last month, and since I’ve been using it, I’m finding I’m becoming more and more infatuated with it. It’s true, I could probably just mix some olive oil and brown sugar and it would have a similar effect – or even easier, rub some Vaseline on my lips, then buff it away with a damp wash cloth. Both are tried and true methods of keeping my kisser soft and smooth – but oh how delicious this indulgence is! And looks infinitely prettier in my medicine cabinet 
A full-size of the Brown Sugar Lip Polish (this is a deluxe sample) is the same price as the Lip Treatments – $26CAD – and worth every penny. Even though this, like the lip treatments, are a ridiculous indulgence, it’s one I take great pleasure in every single time. I’ve been using it every few days, and it’s really helped keep my lips soft and smooth – this time of year especially, they take a beating from the cold weather, and tend to get flaky on the regular. Since using this product, I have yet to have that issue, which is a real bonus in my books as I hate the feeling of rough and chapped lips!
Woo, look at that meaty fist! I wasn’t going to post this shot because it makes my hand look like a man hand or something – but I kind of liked the visual with my bathroom sink in the background, so I left it. Never let it be said that I’m too vain! 
You can see all the little granules of real brown sugar in the close-up. The benefit of the sugar as well, is that it slowly dissolves as you buff, so that it works itself down to next to nothing and then rinses away – leaving lips soft, and hydrated through the jojoba, grape, and meadowfoam seed oils, and shea butter.
This is a product I normally wouldn’t shell out before, because as I said, it IS an indulgence, and I can find items in my kitchen that could probably produce similar effects. But I just feel special using this, I’m sorry. I love the cute little container; I love the smell of it; and the effects are indisputable. Will I buy it again when I run out? Maybe not right away – but as soon as I feel like treating myself, I know exactly where I’ll be headed!
Do you have any guilty pleasures that you stand by, regardless of how unnecessary?
Nothing Beats a Good Deal: Review of Fresh’s Sugar Lust Set
Ok, enough of my whining about having no control over myself sometimes! I’ve made my plan, I’m working on my Beauty Resolutions, so that’s that. You’re here to read about products, and so that’s what I’ll give you
One of the items I picked up last night in my haul was Fresh’s Sugar Lust set, which contains a 3.4oz tube of the Brown Sugar Body Cream (full-size is 6.8oz); a full-size Sugar Lip Treatment SPF15 (0.28oz), and a 0.15oz Limited Edition Sugar Lip Polish (full-size is 0.6oz) - all of which smell like lemon cookie (yum!). I’ve already tried both the Plum and Honey Lip Treatments, so it was nice to try the original version. 
The real reason I picked up this set is because I desperately wanted to try the Lip Polish, as my lips tend to get flaky every few weeks and I’ve never tried a lip exfoliant to keep them soft and smooth. I hemmed and hawed, but once I realized that the Lip Treatment SPF that was in the set was full-size, I couldn’t NOT get it – as the Lip Treatment itself is $26CAD, for $32CAD, you’re getting the half-size body cream and mini lip polish for $6!! That constitutes as a pretty good deal in my books.
I have tried the Brown Sugar Body Cream on various occasions, devouring the scent (I’m really into sweet lemon/verbena smells) but never taking the plunge to buy. With my eczema, it doesn’t make scents (hehe) to spend $40CAD of something I would only wear on special occasions and in certain areas (my chest seems to have less sensitivity than everywhere else). But to have a smaller scale version of it for cheap, well that I can justify. It’s supposed to leave skin “super soft and supple” due to ingredients like apricot kernel, sweet almond, evening primrose, and jojoba oils, as well as shea butter. Paraben-free, it also contains Vitamins E & C and brown sugar (for its antiseptic properties). Unfortunately, the scent doesn’t linger very long (which sort of defeats the purpose), and I can’t comment on it’s hydration abilities because I’m too scared to use it anywhere dry. I did try it just on the palms of my hands, it soaked in well without being greasy, and seemed to keep them soft and moisturized for several hours.
As for the Lip Polish, I eagerly tried it out last night and it was a relative success. It is composed of real brown sugar crystals which are supposed to help slough off dry flakes, and contains oils of meadowfoam seed, jojoba seed, and grapeseed, along with shea butter, to nourish the lips with long-lasting moisture. I found it gently buffed my lips to smoothness, with a delicious scent and sweet taste, and kept them feeling hydrated even after I preceded to wash my face. Only time will tell if it’s truly effective at keeping flakiness as bay, and whether or not I’ll have a reaction, but I’ll keep you posted!
Despite my skincare/eczema fears, overall this is a great set that is well worth it’s price (also, the red bag that everything comes in is pretty much the only cosmetics bag I’ve ever gotten that I totally want to keep!!). If you’re buying this mainly for the body cream and it’s scent, you might be disappointed with its swift dissipation – but if you’re grabbing this for either of the other two products, I think its a sound investment. I do recommend figuring out just how much you love the Lip Polish however; seeing as it’s supposed to be limited edition, you’ll be sorry if you wait only to find that it’s since disappeared on you!
What do you think of the set? Are you a fan of the Sugar Lip Treatments? Which sets have you found this season to be a great value?
Product of the Month: Fresh Sugar Honey/Plum Lip Treatment SPF15
Presenting the grand poobah of lip balms!
First, an overall review. Fresh’s Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 feel smooth, non-sticky, with a slight waxy feel that doesn’t linger uncomfortably. It keeps my lips hydrated but does wear after eating/drinking, and over time (about 2-3 hours). You only need to apply a touch to the lips to get them covered so a tube could last you probably 4 months if you were using it a few times every day. The price point is steep for a balm ($26CDN) but is worth it if you’re using it as your primary lip look (as I am). Also, I’m a sucker for the sugary lemon scent (no taste) and the beautiful, substantial packaging. One thing to note is the balm does NOT hold up to hot weather – I unwittingly tried to apply it once after being outside for a couple hours, and it smushed over to one side in the tube. I righted it, and left it alone and it’s fine now, so I think if you just don’t leave it out in the heat/don’t try to apply if after being out in the heat, it won’t be an issue. Kind of a pain, but it doesn’t deter me in the least from purchasing it again!
I picked up the Plum version of Fresh’s lip treatment back in March and have been enjoying it quite a bit. It looks quite plummy on my lips so I usually use it when I’m doing a no-makeup look so I don’t feel overdone. I felt it was on par with Jack Black’s lip balms in terms of personal preference – I reach for one or the other depending on my look for the day, with neither being used more than the other.
This will NOT be the case for the Honey version of this Lip Treatment. Oh my goodness, how I love this balm!! Its a pinky-peachy brownish-leaning shade that is very neutral and very wearable. For me, the color is MLBB (my lips but better), a look which I find infinitely hard to create in almost all lip products. This plus the combination of the great formulation, and I can see myself shelling out the big bucks for this balm over and over and over again. Am I happy about it? Umm…well, kinda 
I don’t love spending that kind of cash on a balm, but I haven’t found anything comparable in my travels, so spend I shall. It’s definitely the beginning of a LONG, rewarding obsession friendship! (The pics below you’ve already seen here but I’ll show ‘em again so you can see the comparison easier).
Fresh Lip Treatments also come in original (no tint), Sugar Rosé (rose tint), and a brand spanking new shade called Sugar Passion – a ‘vibrant rouge’ tint. All have SPF15 and can be purchased at Sephora (in-store and online) and at Fresh boutiques in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, as well as all across the U.S., and in London (UK) and South Korea.
Have you tried any of the Fresh Lip Treatments, or does the price point scare you away? For a ‘basic’ product, do you feel that the cost is ridiculous, or are your lured in by the packaging/luxury feel, as I am (what a sucker!)?
Sephora Opening This Friday!!
Well, the day has almost arrived. As promised, Sephora is opening in Halifax, and right on time – this Friday, August 12th, at 9:30am! I cannot wait!! Caroline, the Sephora Rep that contacted me earlier this year about the lunch event they had back in May, got in touch with me a few weeks ago to remind me about the opening and extend the invite to attend the official event. Myself, along with the several other Halifax bloggers, will be among the first people to enter the store, and are able to tweet/blog/take photos of the whole shebang that day. Oooohweeee! Its sort of a strange feeling that we’re finally going to have our own store. I’m excited but it’s almost delayed excitement, or suspended….like when you’re going on a trip abroad and you know its going to be amazing, but you don’t get those OMG-jitters of happy anticipation until you’re packing, or about to board the plane. Same deal here. That sounds infinitely lame when I write that – how obsessed can a person be? – but that’s just how it is, folks
In honor of the Grand opening, I have, of course, made a list of a few items I will be picking up on Friday. I can’t possibly leave the store without buying anything on it’s first day open! Sacrilege. So, here I share with you what I’ve got on my mind:
Bare Escentuals Prime Time Primer Shadow in Urban Nature $19CDN
Swatches of this online showed this ‘delicate moss’ liquid-like shadow (which doubles as a primer) to have a dual-nature, flashing a green-plum duochrome which looked super interesting. I don’t have any shades like it, which is what I try to stick to now when I buy new products, and the fact that it wears all day without creasing is a big bonus, especially during these warmer months. Plus, I’ve never tried BE’s eyeshadows before and I always try to round out my stash, brand-wise.
Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment $24CDN
I have this already in the Plum shade, and I really like the subtle hint of color it gives my lips – often I’ll wear it instead of wearing gloss or lipstick, as I often do more dramatic eyes than lips. However, I really need the more nude/golden counterpart, as the Plum is quite a berry hue. Plus, I dig the smell of these and the feel of them are quite nice. I’m not loving the high price tag, but I’ve sort of informally decided to stop (or significantly decrease) buying lipgloss and especially lipstick, as I just don’t like the look it gives lately – so I feel more comfortable spending more on these. I am casually keeping an eye out for a nice natural long-wearing lipstick, but for now I’m just into the way a balm looks, with some color and a touch of shine.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF15 (travel size) $18CDN
I’ve heard great things about this primer, and while I do currently have one in my stash (Hard Candy’s Sheer Envy Primer), I’m not bowled over by its efficacy. For $18, I’ll definitely give this a go. If it helps my blush wear better throughout the day – which is the challenge I’m facing lately – then I’m all for it. My face has no natural flush whatsoever, so blush is an absolute must. I’ve been layering powder and cream blushes which has improved the staying powder quite a bit, but by the end of the day I’m still looking pretty pale and wan. Additionally, this primer is supposed to help minimize shine, and it has an SPF, so in the cooler months when I’m not using my Murad Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15, this will be really helpful.
I’m sure I could come up with a ton of other product I’d love to try, but since I’m still holding out / anxiously awaiting the Chanel Fall 2011 release, I’m going to keep myself in check (speaking of which, I had to make an emergency visit to Mills yesterday to remind them to call me when this collection is released – we’re leaving Friday for Gros Morne and I have a bad feeling it’ll come out while I’m gone and I’ll miss it all, and that cannot happen. I plan on buying a few items site unseen over the phone because I know they’ll be sold out when I get back!!).
If there are any ladies reading this in or around Halifax, are you dying for Sephora to open or what?? Do you have any items in particularly you’re waiting to buy? And for those ladies who’ve had Sephora for a while, are there any products/lines that absolutely should not be missed? What are your suggestions?
Happy Tuesday everyone! Tomorrow’s Hump Day, almost halfway there!
Back in Action
Posted by Latoya in Make-up, Skincare, The Lent Experiment on March 7, 2011
And a lovely Monday to you! As predicted, my blogging efforts were reduced to nil the past few weeks, due to the Canada Games (in which I watched NO GAMES but attended five free concerts, all kick-ass – Joel Plaskett, Hey Rosetta!, Hawksley Workman, Buck 65, and City & Color), and then one week to recover In that recovery week, I made a HUGE decision – I am giving up cosmetics cold turkey for Lent. Now, I’m not religious in the least. But every year, my Grandmother and I used to give something up for Lent as a tradition – typically I choose food-based things (cheese *so hard!!*, ketchup *my one true love*), although last year I gave up making lists, which is a complusion of mine. So, generally I choose things that make my life less pleasurable; I don’t know if this is the real goal of Lent but it suits my purposes of creating a challenge for myself and building character (I hope).
So, this year, I decided to do the ultimate challenge. I am giving up buying any cosmetics, no exceptions, as well as giving up reading beauty blogs (which is sort of a cheat because if I don’t read them, my obsession with buying them is significantly reduced), for the duration of Lent – including Sundays, which some people don’t count. This is going to be one hell of a task!!
In order to prepare myself for this insanity, I just bought $180 worth of product off of Sephora, I’m going to stock up on a couple staple items like deodorant and cotton pads, and I plan on going on another mini shopping spree today….LOL that’s also sort of cheating but seriously? This is going to be HARD. I’ve also started planning things to do in order to fill the void that will be left when I can’t read all my beloved blogs. I’m thinking voice lessons, pottery classes, running clinics…I’ll be so productive I won’t know what to do with myself! *Or so I hope!*
One thing I am allowing is to continue this blog. I think it will be interesting to track my progress (re: breakdown) as the days slowly tick by one-by-one. I have a ton of nail polish I still need to post photos of (just received 6 polishes from a swap last week!), so that’ll keep me busy as well. And my new products from Sephora (Lavanila Vanilla Coconut The Healthy Body Wash, Hourglass Visionaire Eyeshadow Duo in Exhibition, Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Gogi Berry Facial Mask, Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15, and Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in #2 Steel).
So, please wish me luck! The ordeal starts this Wednesday…lets hope I don’t fill the void with something unconstructive like food LOL!!
Top Posts
-
SERIES
I WANT!!
