Korres Lip Butter Plum

Price: $10 for .21oz

What they say:
"Ultimate lip treatment with intensely hydrating formulas, packed with a juicy pop of color
• Shea Butter’s anti-inflammatory and potent moisturising benefits cushion the skin and help to restructure it
• Rice Wax helps to seal in hydration, leaving the lips smooth all day "

What I say:
This is nice, but I think the best part about it is the smell (yum!).  It smells like plums, but a little more fake than that.  Maybe more like plum candy.  I like the smell, but I can see how others might think it is a little strong.  Anyway...

Let's start with the packaging.  This comes in a tub, as you can see in the picture, and I happen to fall in the "prefer tube" category.  This isn't a deal breaker for me, but I don't like sticking un-clean fingers into my makeup, so this product becomes an "only if my hands are clean" item.  I don't like those for travel, since I can't guarantee when I will be able to reapply.  That said, the tub is well made, lightweight, and doesn't open accidentally.  There is a plastic cover over the product, like what comes with many face products in tubs, which I think is a nice touch, since it makes it harder for the product to dry out.

The texture is lightweight, and feels moisturizing.  This butter is not moisturizing like a lip treatment, but it is moisturizing enough to keep your lips comfortable during the day.  I would have liked it being more moisturizing, but it wasn't drying, so that's good.  It feels kinda soft when you put your fingers into it, like a facial mask, or maybe more like room temperature butter, or body butter.  When placed on my lips, it is more creamy, and spreads easily.  It layers without problems, and doesn't settle into fine lines, or creep out onto the outside and corners of my mouth.

A little goes a long way with this particular color.  It is sheer when a thin layer is applied, but it can look a bit much if I apply a lot of it, since I am more pale, and this contrasts with that.  Still, the color is nice, and I would say it might lean more towards the cool side than warm, but not too much that anyone can't pull this color off.

According to Korres, lip butters can also double as cheek colors, making this a multi-use product like Stila's Convertibles.  Personally, I think the texture of this, while great for spreading and blending, is a little too greasy for my combination skin.  I haven't noticed breakouts, but without a powder, it looks a little... fake?  I guess that's the right word.  On more dry skin, this might sink in more, looking a little less dewy.

Overall, this is a good product, especially considering the price.  For $10 you get a respectable amount of balm (compare to MAC tendertones, that were $14.50 for .2oz back in 2008).  Korres also has sets, where you can get 3 of their lip butters for $19.50 (or $6.50 each).  Like I said before, I would like to see these in a tube instead of a tub, and would like to have them be more moisturizing, but these are little things, overall, for a product that does deliver.

4/5

Korres Sunscreen Stick Face Watermelon

image from sephora.com

Price: $24.50 for 20ml (.68 fl oz)

What they say:
"What it is:
An innovative sun protection solution that doubles as a highlighter.

What it is formulated to do:
Korres Watermelon Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 shields sensitive areas of the face like the lips, cheeks, and nose. Designed for easy application, this double-duty essential adds a natural, iridescent touch to accentuate features and smoothes to silky perfection.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
This nutrient-infused formula bolsters the skin's immune system and prevents photoaging. It is dermatologically and opthamologically tested, noncomedogenic, a full spectrum UV protectant, and water and sweat resistant. It is free of PPGs, MEA, DEA, TEAs, and formaldehyde donors. "

What I say:
First off, I think this product is being discontinued, since the Korres website doesn't list it anymore.  Still, I thought it would be worth reviewing for those people who can still find it online or in person.

This is an interesting product.  The smell is like watermelon candy, which I love, but many people might not like.  The smell does go away pretty quickly, but it is pretty strong in the tube.  The stick itself has a kinda whitish-pink color to it, which is what gives the slight highlighting effect when it is used on your skin.

The highlighting effect is there, but it isn't very noticeable, especially when the product finally dries.  Speaking of drying, though, this product takes forever to dry down.  When I first put it on, I looked a little greasy, which did not make me happy.  It does go away in about 20-30 minutes, and since 30 minutes is how long they say to wait before going out into the sun, at least you don't look shiny in direct sunlight.

Texture-wise, this product feel like a chapstick, but a little thicker, maybe a little creamier.  I would want to say how butter feels when it's cold, without the melting into liquid part.  You can definitely feel this on your skin, which I don't like at all.  I did one swipe on part of my face, like my nose, and then used my fingers to spread it out more, since I felt I was layering too much on when I just put it straight on my face.  Even when spread out like this, I felt like I had a mask on, and when I touched my face I could feel it on my skin, like a thin greasy layer.  The feeling goes down when it is dried, but it's still there.

This product does have some good points, though.  Portability is really high, which is good for people who travel a lot.  Since it's not a liquid, you can take this on airplanes with no problem, or at least in my area.  It has SPF 30 (it claims it is UVA and B), which isn't the highest, but it is much higher than a lot of products on the market.  The smell doesn't smell chemically to me, which is a plus, since I often dislike the smell of sunscreen.

Overall, I think this product is kinda bad for everyday usage, but would work well for certain people,in certain conditions, including:
Children - easy to use, easy to carry around, and they don't care about being greasy for a little bit while it dries.
Hiker - safe for body, face, eye area, and lips, it is an all in one product to carry, and it's lightweight
Travelers - I don't know about you, but I can care less what I look like when traveling, as long as I'm comfortable.  Being able to carry this onto an airplane with no problem is a plus.

A side note, I actually returned this product after a few uses (and lost the pictures I took, of course... bah).  I just can't get past the feeling of this, and for the price, it just isn't worth it for me.

2/5 - it has its uses, but it really could be a much better product.

Korres Ginger and Vitamins Foundation

Price: $28 for 1.35 fl oz

What they say:
"Lightweight, water-based tinted moisturizer leaves skin perfectly hydrated while minimizing imperfections, boosting antioxidant protection and leaving skin with a healthy glow.
• Formulated for all skin types, Ginger and vitamins formula gives sheer to medium build-able coverage with a creamy finish and built-in sun protection
• Ginger extract improves skin tone and clarity while calming and soothing redness and irritation
• Vitamin C significantly diminishes fine lines, hyperpigmentation and resurfaces skin, revealing a soft and radiant complexion • Vitamin E, a potent anti-oxidant, defends skin against free radical damaging while also providing moisture "

What I say:
I really like this stuff!  I had been interested in buying this product for a while, but could not justify the price of $28 for only 1.35 fl oz.  While 1.35 fl oz is more than MUFE HD foundation, for instance, and the price is also less, at least MUFE I can test out in person, while I was flying solo with this foundation.  After reading many reviews online, and finding a nice coupon for a percentage off retail, I decided to bite the bullet and purchase this in color LF1, which sounded the closest to my skin tone (MUFE 115, MAC NW20).

First off, this foundation is more like a tinted moisturizer than a foundation, which is hilarious, because their Watermelon Tinted Moisturizer (which I also purchased, but am waiting for summer to use) is more like a foundation than a tinted moisturizer.  Basically, if you want something light, go with the foundation, if you want something more medium, go with the tinted moisturizer.

The color selection could be worse for this product, but I goes look like it runs more on the light side, and more neutral to yellow than a lot of brands.  This does make sense, though, if you look at the history of the company, and the fact that it runs more Mediterranean in its colors than other brands.  The foundation is so blendable, though, that a little color mistake should not be that much of a problem.

Ginger and Vitamin's texture is kinda runny, wet, blend-able, and smooth.  Applying this with your fingers is incredibly easy, and unlike Revlon's PhotoReady foundation, this did not accentuate my dry spots like a neon sign.  It does cover redness decently well, but areas that have a lot of red, like around the nose, and acne scars, will need a concealer to cover.  This takes a moment to sink in, but when it does, it stays put, and is hard to notice.


The finish is like skin, and I did not notice needing a powder to prevent fading, though it has been rather cold here, so I haven't been sweating.  This foundation stayed on all day with no problem, and also removed very easily.  The smell is not that pleasant, but it isn't horrible, and fades away really quickly.

The container for this is wonderful.  It doesn't look like you get that much, but remember, unlike many foundations, this doesn't have a large lid, pump, or a thick outer container.  This is a wonderful container for travel, since it takes so little room, so you can easily bring it with you for touch-ups.


I think the best thing about this foundation is how nice my skin felt after I took it off.  My skin was soft, the redness I have on my cheeks actually looked diminished, and my skin felt more... nourished?  Hard to describe.  I had heard other people say something along these lines, but I had not believed them.  I really should have, because I would have bought this a long time ago.  The fact that this also has SPF in it, though not a lot, is a nice touch.  I already use SPF in my moisturizer, so this is not a replacement, but every little bit helps.

Overall, I really like this, and wish I had listened to others and bought it before now.  The price is kinda high, but compared to other brands, I guess it's a mid-high end, and on par.  The container is nice, the foundation is great, but the color selection could have more pink and dark selections.  Still, with how sheer this is, the color selection could be worse.  I highly suggest getting a sample if you can.

4/5

Korres Guava Lipstick in Wine Red

 

 Top picture is without flash, bottom with flash.

Price: $22 for .06oz

What they say:
"What it is:
Longwearing, creamy, antioxidant lip color with antiaging benefits.

What it is formulated to do:
Korres Guava Lipstick lavishes your lips with highly pigmented formulas that deliver intense, enduring color. Fall in love with the pure, vivid shades that pamper your pout with an infusion antioxidant and vitamin C-rich guava extract.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Petro-Chemicals
- GMO"

What I say:
Color: 58 Wine Red (burgundy wine)
Swatch:

it rotated it again.. bah!

I got this in the Sephora Favorites Lip Service Box.  This was a full size product.

Pros: This is a lovely beginners red; it's not too pink, not too brown, layerable, and not over the top.  The formula is moist, without being a grease bomb, and did not feather/bleed on me, or show lip lines.  It was easy to layer, faded gracefully, and didn't stain.  Also, it looks lovely on pale skin (I didn't try this on other skin tones, sorry).

Cons:  It was very easy to take off, meaning it didn't last very long.  The size is minuscule (this is .06oz, a normal lipstick is .1-.14oz).  The price is very steep for so little product.

Overall, it is decent, but I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this.  The color looked good and applied well, which is good for how often you would have to apply it during the day.  The small size is a big deterrent, and I would not suggest getting one of these unless a) you get it in the Lip Service box (a really good deal if you are interested in trying new things, and it comes with 3 full sized items), or b) get it on sale either through Sephora or Korres.  Even then, I would only suggest b if you really like the formula and color.

I know I keep bringing up the price for the product, but let's do a little math:

Guerlain - Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel Lipstick Compact

   $45 for .12oz, $375 per oz

Korres - Guava Lipstick

   $22 for .06oz, $366.67 per oz

NARS Lipstick

   $24 for .12oz, $200 for oz

Yes, that's right, it costs nearly as much as a Guerlain Rouge G, without the lovely packaging, and the getting to feel like a snob (in a good way) factor.  (Come on, you never bought anything expensive to supplement your cheaper stuff with glam?)

3.5/5  Liked it, but too steep a price.

Korres Body Butter

image from korresusa.com

So let's start this little story with a few months ago. I had heard Korres was releasing a USA website, where one could purchase their products (without the Sephora middle man), and be able to purchase more items. I, being the intrigued one, promptly signed up, and forgot all about it. Now, fast forward to early last month, and the arrival of an email stating that the Korres site is up and running, and since I was such a good little girl, and signed up to their newsletter, I was entitled to 20% off and free stuff!

Woot!

So, that's how the story began, and that's basically how it ended. I bought crap, I received my crap, and I was happy. Actually, surprisingly, very happy.

Now, some of you out there might know what it's like to get really dry wrists/hands. Top this with eczema. Top that with sensitivities to scents and petrolium products... yeah, that's my skin. This doesn't aggrivate it. At all. Not only that, but it also sinks in, and leaves my hands sufficiently grease free to be able to actually type (read:play games and websurf).

Now, down to the smells. So far, so good. I was surprised to find out that the scent I thought I would like the most (Lemon Basil) was downright nasty. I mean, come on. /Lemon/ /Basil/ That, to me, is chocolate with chocolate sauce on top. How can you mess up something that basically just makes you want to drool non-stop? Well, somehow, they did, but not to worry! Guava is actually a good scent! *gasp* While being fruity and vanilla-y, it still remains just light enough that I don't get a scent headache, and still strong enough that I can actually tell what I'm wearing.

Now, the bad stuff. The price. I bought the small tubes to carry around in my bags, since I'm often not at home where my mammoth sized lotions live, but I still would like to have one of these large tubes at home. Sadly, that is not to be. With how high the unit price is on this, I cannot justify a large tube when the lotions that I use are almost as good, and much, much cheaper.

Still, if you have the excess cash around, I suggest giving these a go. Better yet, go to Sephora and try these out in person. You know what, just do that in general. Given how much scent is a personal thing, you really should know what you are getting yourself into before you purchase something like this.

4/5