Right now I’m testing the new NatureLuxe line of cosmetics from CoverGirl.

You might remember me testing CoverGirl products last summer and not being very impressed.

This time, though, I have been pleasantly surprised to find that the products are easy to use and very comfortable for me to wear.

Because I am a BzzAgent, I received full-size samples of NatureLuxe foundation and lip balm to try and review. I really wasn’t very excited about the samples, but I thought I would give them a try.

I was especially nervous about the foundation — I’m a mineral powder girl. Foundation is usually too time-consuming to apply and too goopy for me, not to mention the trouble I have matching my pasty white porcelain skin tones. However, the NatureLuxe foundation manages to be lightweight and easy-to-apply. I don’t have to worry about uneven coverage, because it just blends right into my skin. However, the foundation provides enough coverage that most days I can skip concealer — and with my sleepless-mommy under-eye circles, that’s saying something. The SPF is an added bonus; I love having a product that protects my skin in addition to the vanity benefits!

The NatureLuxe Gloss Balm also is a joy to use. Yes, seriously, a joy. What an odd thing to say about lip gloss. But seriously, it has this cotton candy scent and flavor that makes me feel like a care-free little girl. The balm provides just enough color to brighten my face, but not so much that I leave lip prints all over my kids. Best of all, the lip balm leaves my lips feeling silky smooth, not sticky — and it doesn’t dry my lips out with repeated applications.

I must admit, I originally viewed the NatureLuxe line as a form of “green-washing” by CoverGirl. But really, the line doesn’t claim to be particularly environmentally friendly. The NatureLuxe brand just refers to “natural” ingredients like jojoba and cucumber extract that are used to make the products.

I’ve already incorporated the NatureLuxe products into my daily routine. I’ve found the foundation and lip balm, plus a little mascara, creates a natural look that is exactly what I want for this summer.

P.S. – If you know me “in real life,” you can hit me up for some coupons to try the foundation.

UPDATED 5/11/10 — It’s worth adding that the NatureLuxe line is paraben free, and the packaging is made in part with bioresin, a renewable and biodegradable form of packaging. I still wouldn’t hail these products as truly “green,” but I do appreciate the effort on CoverGirl’s part. It’s a step in the right direction. 

I was given free CoverGirl NatureLuxe products to review as well as coupons as part of a BzzCampaign for these products. My opinions are my own.