makeup

My Favorite Cruelty Free Beauty Products

October 10, 2015April 7, 2018 Jess6 Comments

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Believe it or not, when I went vegan 1.5 years ago, changing my diet was the easiest part.

The other part that I didn’t think about until a few months in, is how to avoid products you don’t expect to be associated with animal cruelty.

I believe in doing your best to cause no harm, so I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I’ve learned to choose products that I believe in and don’t have to stress about where they are coming from.

There’s a whole other argument about whether you should buy from companies OWNED by non-cruelty-free companies, but I usually buy with consideration of the first level of the company, although everyone has their own views.

# 1 Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant
This deodorant is awesome! I tried a couple others, but this is the only one that is lightly scented, contains no aluminum, and stays dry all day. I definitely recommend! I even wore this while we were traveling on our camper van trip, and was not smelly, as far as I know, although maybe my husband chose not to complain.

#2 Alba Hawaiian Shampoo – Colorific Plumeria
If you color your hair, it’s best to use a shampoo without sulfates and salts. I was a big fan of Lush’s Big Shampoo, but sea salt is not good for keeping color in and can strip it away. This one smells LOVELY (I love a light Hawaiian scent), and does the job of keeping my hair clean.

#3 Jason Calming Lavender Body Wash
I like lavender scented things. I’m not a big fan of strong scents; they kind of give me a headache, so I don’t want a scent lingering around all day. This one smells fresh and soapy, and it comes in a large bottle, so it will last in your shower forever, unless you’re like me and squirt a bunch of pumps out at once.

#4 NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
Finding a good foundation is also tricky, because I have sensitive skin and some foundations make me break out. This one goes on SO smooth and is matte. You can also build up more or less coverage; I like a medium amount.

It also doesn’t make me break out. I do not have naturally clear skin, so when the Sephora employee tried this out on my skin, she was surprised it went on so well. It is great at evening out skin tone.

#5 Pixi Lash Line Ink Eyeliner
I was always a big fan of Stila Stay All Day liquid eyeliner, and when I found out they test on animals, I was a little heartbroken. I finally found a replacement, and it’s also much cheaper, so I actually win! You can find Pixi brand at Target, and they have lots of adorable products. I also use their smudgy brown pencil for a softer eye.

#6 Better Than Sex Mascara
If I could wear just one makeup product, other than foundation, it would probably be mascara. I prefer my mascara dramatic, and for me this one adds tons of volume without clumping too much. I have repurchased it a few times now, and haven’t found anything else that I am as happy with.

Do you have any cruelty free suggestions? I would love to hear them.

Not A Creature Was Stirring – Friday Favorites

December 5, 2014April 7, 2018 Jess14 Comments

Despite yesterday starting out totally poopy at work, I’m happy it’s Friday! Some people at work drive me crazy by making everything a big deal, when it’s just a small thing. I try not to let them bother me. Too bad I have to work this weekend (at my once a month job), but I’m still hoping to get in some good food and relaxing.

Favorite Makeup:

I heard about Too Faced Melted on MakeupAddiction on Reddit, and tried them. I can say, wow.. if you want bright, these are definitely them.

They have great staying power, even when some comes off when I drink/eat. The color is usually still bright afterward. Not saying it won’t come off on food and everything else when you eat – that shit will get on all your napkins! But it will still be on your lips when you’re done.

I’ve also never had anything with such amazing color, before, with no weird texture.

I bought the set of four minis at Sephora, which seems to be sold out, now. You can still buy individual lipsticks in the full size, with lots of color options. I like all the ones that came in the set, especially the nude and fuschia.

Most days, I just use my favorite lip balm I tried out, because I am too lazy to put on lipstick before leaving the house. This one feels awesome on my lips and has lots of color, too.

Favorite Food:

I made vegan zucchini brownies all for myself this week, because Greg doesn’t eat any baked good with a vegetable in it. I thought about tricking him, but that would just be cruel… Not saying I wouldn’t do it. But at least I get to have more later. I stuck a ton in the freezer to eat next week.

I took out a good chunk of the sugar and replaced it with a banana, because the recipe is pretty sugar-heavy. They turned out nice and soft, though, and you can always taste the batter to see if it needs more sugar.

Favorite Purchase:

I just ordered these boots today. Last year’s winter made me realize I need a pair of snow boots. We had temperatures of -10 F, and my feet were always freezing, especially when we went to an outdoor concert. This year, I want to keep my feet warm and dry.

I really hope these work – they are the Kamik Seattle boot. I liked that they can fold down into the shorter boot, or you can wear them as a tall boot for more coverage. It is hard to find vegan snow boots!

Favorite Outfit:

I’d like one of everything from Spool 72. Everything is cute and cozy and I could wear their oversize knit sweaters everyday.

That’s it! Enjoy your December weekend, and may the merrymaking begin. This cracks me up so much, I can’t even explain why.

Linking up with Amanda at Meet @ the Barre today for Friday Favorites.

favorites · makeup

Friday Favorites: Dog Torpedo

August 29, 2014April 7, 2018 Jess7 Comments

This week has gone by really fast, because I have felt a little off schedule lately. I guess a fast week is good when it leads to a three day weekend! Greg started class back this week, and I’m still trying to adjust to his new college schedule.

Favorite Beauty Item:
I am sure I am the last one to know about this, but Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner rocks. I love how liquidy it is and it feels nice going on my eyes. As long as a cat doesn’t attack my legs while I’m doing it, it usually goes on smooth.

It lasts alllll day, and doesn’t smudge.

Favorite Video:
Jimmy Fallon’s lip sync battles are my favorite. I don’t even watch his show, but his games are the best. I’ve watched all of the lip sync battles, and this one gave me new appreciation for Paul Rudd.

Favorite Nail Polish:I decided to give Wet n Wild nail polish a shot, since this bottle was only two dollars at Target. I love it – so glossy, and it comes with this huge brush that fits perfectly the shape of my fingers. I bought it in Wet n Wild Sugar Coat.

Favorite Workout Gear:Found this workout tank at Dick’s Sporting Goods AND it was on sale, sweet. It’s soft and long, so it will be great for over capri leggings, when it gets cooler outside. It’s still on sale here, and they also have it in black.