Cruelty Free Drugstore Starter Kit

     When I first decided to go cruelty free with my cosmetics and personal care items, I had to determine whether I was going to just throw away all of my non-cruelty free items and start from scratch or just use up the non-cruelty free items I had and refuse to purchase them anymore.  Due to financial reasons, I decided upon the second option.

   However, while beginning my cruelty free research I realized I could create a pretty great basic cruelty free starter kit from the drugstore for a very reasonable price!

  Here we goooooo…..

Face

Primer

*ELF Studio Blemish Control Primer*

I really love this Elf primer.  It has a bit of a silicone feel and glides on the skin very nicely.  It definitely helps to fill in my pores and provide a smooth surface.  I don't really notice it helping with staying power, but not a lot of primers do help with that for me.

Foundation

*Wet and Wild Coverall Foundation*

This foundation is absolutely amaze balls.  It's very thick, so I would work with it quickly and in small sections, but it provides a beautiful coverage and finish.  To get a near full coverage finish from the drugstore is beyond amazing to me.

Under eye Concealer

*Physician's Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Concealer*

Now this is not a full coverage under eye concealer and it's not what I reach for for special events or going out type of looks, but for day to day wear this stuff is perfect!  It conceals while highlighting and blends nicely.

Concealer

*Hard Candy Glamoflauge Light Duo*

This concealer has a yellow concealer (I use it under my eyes prior to applying the product above) and a regular concealer.  I love the convenience of this product and the precise application with the pencil like method.  It blends beautifully and provides amazing coverage without feeling as thick as cakey as the original.

Cheeks

*Bronzer/Blush*

Elf Contouring Blush and Bronzer

This is the only product you need to pack for bronzer and cheek color.  If you are very pale (as I am in the winter) this bronzer may be too dark for you, but for summer time this duo is perfection.  

Eyes

*Eyebrows*

Elf Studio Eyebrow Kit

I don't know how I went so long without using this kit again.  This makes sure my eyebrows are always on fleeeeeek.  It may take a bit longer than an eye pencil, but I think it gives a more defined look and really helps my sparse brows look fuller than they are.

*Eye Primer*

Wet and Wild Fergie Take on the Day Eyeshadow Primer*

I really think you won't feel the need to purchase anymore expensive eye shadow primers after purchasing this one.  It performs just as well as my Urban Decay Primer potion and is literally a fraction of the price.

*Eyeliner*

Milani Easy Eye Retractable Pencil Liner

I really like Milani's liners.  Although they don't always stay put on me (very little does) it actually looks beautiful a bit smudged and goes on so creamy.  If you are looking for a super precise lined look though, I am not sure if this is your best bet.

*Eyeshadow*

Wet and Wild Trios 

I LOVE Wet and Wild's eyeshadow trios.  I also like the quality of the shadows in their 8 pan shadows, but I don't find myself reaching for them as frequently as I do my trios.  This particular one, Sweet as Candy, is a great neutral favorite and creates such a soft and feminine look.

Unfortunately, I can't do a drugstore lip category as I'm just a gloss girl and I have yet to find a cruelty free, drugstore gloss I have gone bananas over.  

Any recommendations? 

As you can see, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to be cruelty free and look like your most gorgeous self! 

Co-Op Chronicles: Ladybug Repellent

      So I've changed the name of my little housewarming series of posts to Co-op Chronicles, simply because I like the name better.

   This post is about an incredibly boring topic: insect repellent.  When I moved in to my place I realized there seemed to be quite a collection of ladybugs on my living room and bedroom windows.  Ladybugs are not necessarily a pest or something for me to be scared of, but I hate bugs, any bugs so these ladybugs had to go.

  I started googling natural ways to repel ladybugs and came across Camphor Oil.  Camphor oil has a multitude of uses and benefits including:
-facilitating digestion and blood circulation
-relieving spasms/cramps
-curing gas trouble
-relieving congestion
-disinfectant
-germicide
-insecticide
-reduces nervous disorders
-boosts libido
-cures erectile dysfunction
……and repels ladybugs!

I saw several different ways to use Camphor Oil to get rid of ladybugs and I decided to soak a few cotton pads with about 20-25 drops of oil and stick them in the corners of my window frames.  I wore gloves to do this, just in case.  I'm just beginning to learn about essential oils and I'm not sure which need to be used with carrier oils or are dangerous to to the touch or whatever.

I have 4 windows where I have spotted a ladybug or 2, and to test this out I put the cotton pads in 3 of my 4 windows.  I knew this weekend would be a great weekend to test this out, as it was going to be very warm, and the warmth attracts ladybugs.

Since I have put my 2 Camphor Oil pads in each window, I have not seen a single ladybug.  In the window where I didn't put the pads, I saw 3 this weekend.  So far, this has been a great success.

Camphor oil is pretty cheap ($3-$6) for a hefty sized jar, so if you have a ladybug problem (or according to my research other pests as well) give Camphor Oil a try.

This oil has completely peaked my interest in essential oils.  I ended up ordering an introductory type kit from Young Living as my friend is always talking about all the different way she uses her oils.  I can't wait to get my kit and try them all out.

Dollar Shave Club Review

  Every now and then I get into a good roll with couponing, but more often than not I use a coupon or two to buy something I really need and then pay full price on everything else.  One item that I loathed spending so much money on was razors!  Razors and cartridges are so insanely over priced.

  I decided to look into some of the the online razor subscription services and heard really good things about Dollar Shave Club.  It was difficult to find a lot of reviews written by women, but considering I tend to prefer men's razors anyway I decided to give it a try.

  For my first month I decided to try "The Executive" which is their most expensive razor at $9.  $9 includes the razor handle, 4 cartridges, a sample of one of their shave products and shipping.  I find that to be an awesome deal!

  I received my first shipment 3 days after ordering it. The packaging was well done but considering my legs needed some TLC I quickly opened it.  It was packaged beautifully and the handle itself reminds me of a Shick Hydro 5.  The razor blades themselves have 6 blades, which if you look for 6 blade razor blades in the drugstore, the price tag can be well over $15.

  I personally use this razor for my legs, armpits and upper thighs.  It worked beautifully on all 3 of these areas, and I can also see it working well for the bikini area as well, but I get that area waxed.  This razor provides a nice smooth shave and I don't have to go over any area more than once, which is awesome.  Unfortunately, no matter what razor I use my hair grows back quite quickly, but this gave me smooth legs until my next shower/shave the following evening.

   Since I only use this on those few areas I am thinking of trying out the $6 razor, The 4X, which has 4 blades and a pivoting head.  If I was shaving my bikini area I may stick to The Executive, but for my legs and armpits I am going to try The 4X and then I will be able to compare the two.

   Another feature about The Dollar Shave Club that I love is their referral program.  For every person who uses your link to sign up, you get a $5 credit to apply towards your subscription or your purchase of one of their products.  My boyfriend signed up shortly after I did using my link so my April box will cost me only a $1!  If you are interested in giving this subscription service a try, please consider using my link!  Then after you sign up, use your link to get your loved ones to sign up.

Would you be willing to give a razor subscription service a try?

Cruelty Free Faves So Far- Lips Edition

   It's been a while since I've posted an installment into my "Cruelty Free Faves So Far".  So far I have done face makeup and eyes.  Today's post focuses on lips!  I found lips one of the easiest beauty categories to find cruelty free favorites in.

Chapstick

*The Honest Co. Organic Lip Balm in Lavender Mint*

I don't even remember when I received this balm, but it was quite a while ago.  It stayed in my collection unused until a few months ago and it's been LOVE ever since.  It's very emollient without being too greasy or sticky.  The scent is nice, yet not overwhelming.  If you are to try any Honest Co product, I would recommend this as the first one.

Lip Gloss

*Silk Naturals Kisser Slicker*

I have only one of these in the color Rare Berry.  It's not your typical lip gloss packaging, but when applied on the lips it does appear quite glossy and lightly pigmented.  I really want to try more of these lip colors from Silk Naturals

*ELF Essential Super Glossy Lip Shine*

I have quite a few of these $1 glosses, but this shade in Goddess is my absolute favorite.  These are a bit on the sticky side and not really pigmented, but they add a beautiful sheen and shimmer to the lips and act as a nice topper to nude or pinky lip looks.  For only $1 how can you resist?

*Younique Lucrative Lip Gloss*

This is the most opaque of my favorite glosses and acts more as an actual lip color than just a lip gloss.  However, this does provide a very glossy finish and is a bit on the sticky side.  This color in Loveable is the perfect milky pink and a great compliment to smokey eyes.

Lip Liner

*Younique Moodstruck Precision Pencil Lip Liner in Pouty*

I must disclose that this is the only lip liner I own, as I am not the biggest fan of liners.  However, with the massive popularity of the Kylie Jenner lip, I had to get my hand on a liner and THIS is the perfect Kylie lip liner.  It's a great 90's inspired color yet is still flattering.  I really love this color and actually want to experiment with more of their lip liners.

Traditional Lipsticks

*Milani Color Statement Lipstick*

I'm not a huge lipstick fan as I usually find them very drying, but this is a great exception.  Milani lipsticks are insanely affordable and also insanely pigmented.  This one in High Voltage is an amazing Marilyn Monroe inspired red.

*Too Faced Le Creme Lipstick in Naughty Nude*

This lipstick I bought after the makeup artist used it on me for my birthday party.  This is a beautiful nude lipstick that is a bit more brown than a typical nude.  It's very creamy, yet long lasting.  Plus, how beautiful is this packaging? 

 * Lipstick Balm/Pencils*

*Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil*

During the Sephora Friends and Family sale I purchased the little tin of Bite Beauty High Pigment Lip Pencils and I am ever glad I did!  This berry color, Rhubarb, is my favorite of the group.  These are super high pigmented and because it applies like a pencil you can get very precise application.

*ELF Matte Lip Color*

I got this when I saw a Youtube video where this was used to slightly overdraw the lips for a fuller look.  I haven't yet worked up the guts to exaggerate my lip size, but I do really like this is a base layer for a creamy nude gloss or lipstick.

*Liquid Lipstick*

*Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick*

I have a few of these and they are such an interesting texture.  They apply like a gloss and have the sheen of a gloss, but have the pigmentation and lasting power of a lipstick.  I heard these are available at Ulta now so I would go play with these ASAP!

Have you tried any of these lip products?  If so, which one is your favorite?? 

Cupcakes and Cashmere Book Review

    I love a good lifestyle book, as some of my previous book review posts may show (Mally review, The Every Girl's Guide to Life).  What I love even more is when a fellow blogger "hits it big" and gets a book of their own published.  This is the case with Emily Schuman's "Cupcakes and Cashmere".

   My local library just got this book and I had to snatch it up.  I didn't know much about it other than I love Emily's blog and it was an all in one life style book.

   When I got this book home I finished it one sitting and a few hours.  It's such a beautiful book with a lot of great information!  I am considering purchasing it for my first coffee table book at the new place!
 
   This book was broken into seasons and for each season there is a fashion section, beauty section, home section and entertaining section.  The information for each section is quite useful and the photography is just so beautiful!

Here are some of my favorite tips by season!

Spring

For each season Emily includes a closet checklist, a must have wardrobe list for each season!  I definitely took notes on this section!

One of my favorite sections from spring is tips and tricks on how to shop at flea markets.  Flea markets seems to be all the trend in Brooklyn lately, so I may have to head on down to shop with my new arsenal of shopping tips.

There's also a great article on organizing your closet.  I love watching closet organization videos on Youtube and this is another great resource.

Summer

My favorite idea from the summer section was this Summer Nostalgia Party.  Get some friends together and serve kool-aid and push pops and bring out the skip-its.  I don't have a lot of friends who have outdoor space, but you better believe I will find one and have this little party!

The summer section had a beautifully photographed article on organizing your bookshelf.  As a book nerd I love a beautifully style bookshelf and this article had some great tips to keep it from looking like a library.

Fall

I've always loved the look of tights or of patterned tights and the fall section had a beautiful article on how to pick the right pair of tights for the right outfit.

Fall also had a great article on how to take a good photograph.  I always hate the way that I photograph so I will be putting some of these tips into effect!

Finally, winter

With a foot of snow heading my way, this article on layering was of great help!  So often my layered outfits come out bulky instead of sleek.

There was a great article on how to find art on the cheap.  As I have to buy EVERYTHING for my new place, cheap art is definitely going to be helpful!

All in all, I LOVED this book!  If you have ever read Cupcakes and Cashmere or really just enjoy a beautifully photographed book, I highly recommend this!