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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Recent Cruelty-Free Beauty Empties, Vol. 12

Recent Cruelty-Free Beauty Empties

It’s been some time since I shared my recent cruelty-free beauty empties! I’ve been compiling most of my empties in order to share my thoughts about the products and whether I would repurchase them. Not all of the products are pictured in this post because I may have been traveling when I used them up, or I might have accidentally recycled them by them.

My most recent empties:

  • Mama Bee Belly Butter: I used this throughout my entire pregnancy, but now that I’m not pregnant I don’t think I’ll repurchase. I have other lotions I can use. If you’re expecting you might want to give this a shot. It doesn’t claim to prevent stretch marks but it does keep skin nice and soft.
  • Bio-Oil: It smells great and during pregnancy I felt like it was working, but now my skin on my stomach is wrinkly and has a bunch of stretch marks. I don’t know if they’ll ever go away, but I hope they will become a little less visible. I have already repurchased this. The package suggests using for at least three months during pregnancy.
  • Kenra Volume Super Hold hairspray: I searched online for a cruelty-free hairspray and this came up as an option (though I am not 100 percent sure if it is). I bought a travel size to use in my hospital bag and to try out before committing. It did the job.
  • Yes To Triple Masking Kit: I enjoyed these clay masks more than the Yes To sheet masks. I would buy these again but wish there was a way to be less wasteful about using these masks. I would love it if they came in little containers similar to Lush masks. You can use the three masks at once or one at a time. The Grapefruit/Vitamin C Glow Boosting is my favorite of the three. It’s super affordable, as are all of Yes To masks.
  • Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Chamomile And Lavender: I have used this 4 ounce spray as a sort of setting mist lately. I love the smell but I think the Rose is the best option. It’s not a necessity but it was nice to have.
  • Colourpop Brow pencil: I liked this pencil and that it has a spoolie on the other side. It allows you to make natural looking strokes and the formula is creamy and easy to use. I also use the Colourpop brow pomade.
  • Thayers Natural Remedies Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Toner Cucumber: I wouldn’t recommend this scent, but I love the gentle toner. Get the lavender or rose scent instead. The bottle lasts for months too!
  • Milk & Honey Vanilla/Coconut deodorant: I used this for months and enjoyed it. It is a different experience putting it on because it’s a cream and not a deodorant stick. I found that it worked well and has a nice scent.
  • Lush Mint Julips lip scrub: I loved the taste, though mine started to dry out after a while.
  • Pacifica Pineapple Wipeout Oil Cleansing Face Wipes: I bought these for travel and my hospital bag and they did the trick. I got tired of the pineapple scent after a while though. They were gentle and overall worked well for me.

What products have you been using up and loving lately? Share them with me in the comments! Have you tried any of these products?

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** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise!

Related posts:

Recent Empties, Vol. 11
Recent Empties, Vol. 10

Cruelty-Free Beauty Wish List | Gift Ideas

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for clicks and purchases through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise!

 

If you’ve been following this blog for the past couple of years, you know that I have slowly transitioned to cruelty-free makeup and skincare. When I think of gifts for makeup-loving friends and family, I tend to stick to cruelty-free as well. Today I’m sharing the products that are on my radar/wish list this year in hopes of inspiring some holiday gift ideas! Some of these are popular items that I STILL haven’t tried.

  • TATCHA 4-Piece Discover Set: I would love to try out this brand. I have heard rave reviews and the packaging speaks to me. I also found a $27 bestsellers mini set with different products, including the dewy skin mist, at J.C. Penney online, but it’s currently sold out.
  • Tarte Shape Tape: Can you believe I still haven’t tried this? I have been trying drugstore concealers and haven’t allowed myself to buy more than one concealing product at a time. I’m hoping I get a gift card to use toward buying this. *hint, hint*
  • Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick: I used to use only high-end foundation, but for the past two years I’ve only used drugstore. Every single person I have seen use this looks flawless, and I really want to try it!
  • Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip Set: I had my eye on a Bite Beauty set last year but never took the plunge. Perhaps I shall treat myself to this set over the holidays.
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Trio: A favorite Youtuber I watch loves this set, and every time I see it I think about how pretty it looks. I am almost out of the blushes I am trying to use up, and I would love to replace them with a blush palette. I’d be set for a long time! I think the coral in this ABH set is gorgeous!
  • Tarte Limited Edited Blush Bazaar Amazonian Clay Blush Palette: With this set I would good for a looong time. I would have every blush color I could ever want or need and it might be good for travel. Also, the packaging is so pretty!

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Note: When it comes to cruelty-free brands, it’s best to do your own research regarding animal testing and decide for yourself which brands you want to support. Some cruelty-free brands are owned by larger companies that might not be cruelty-free. 

Everything I Own: Nail Polish, Perfume and Makeup

** This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Floradise!

I’ve recently been hooked on minimalism vlogs and blogs. One YouTube channel in particular, Femme Life, inspired me to share what I have in an Everything I Own series. Taking a good luck at what’s in my home has helped me declutter even further, rediscover items I want to use more and make future purchasing decisions. It’s also helped me avoid the temptation to shop for unnecessary items.

I’m starting with items in my bathroom because that’s the easiest. I keep my makeup in a three-drawer storage container. Everything fits except my Carli Bybel palette, which sits on top. Everything listed is cruelty-free except one perfume at the bottom of the post.

Eyes and Brows:

  • NYX Tinted Brow Mascara: I just bought this and I am not sure how I feel about it yet. I previously used a Milani brow gel I wasn’t crazy about. I don’t currently have a brow pencil because I just used up my ABH Brow Wiz.
  • Ciaté London Wonderwand Intensely Volumizing Mascara: I received this for free from Influenster. I haven’t made up my mind about it yet. 
  • Wet N Wild Mega Volume mascara: I don’t like this. It’s too wet. At this point I’m just using it up.
  • Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara: I love it!
  • Ciaté London Fierce Flicks eyeliner: I have been loving this as well. It’s been my go-to lately. It was also sent to me from Influenster for free.
  • NYX Matte Liquid Liner: I only used this a few times before I received the Ciaté liner, so I need to use this more to know how I feel about it.
  • Essence Gel Eye Pencil: I think this is too thick and not smudge proof, which it claims to be. I just want to use this up if I can.

Eyeshadows:

  • BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition 21 Color Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette: This also contains highlighters. I use it for everyday looks. I haven’t used the purples in the palette as much as I thought I would.
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette: My most used shades are Burnt Orange, Raw Sienna, Primavera, Golden Ochre, Antique Bronze and Cyprus Umber. I have not touched Realgar, which is an orange color. I also have only used Venetian Red a couple of times but I find this purchase to be worth it for all the other shades I listed.
  • Makeup Geek single eyeshadows: I use these the most for everyday makeup. I own Burlesque, Cocoa Bear, Peach Smoothie, Cosmopolitan, Creme Brulee, Shimma Shimma and Glamorous. The biggest dents are in Peach Smoothie and Creme Brulee.
Foundation/Concealer:

Blushes and Highlighters:

Lip Products:

  • Random lipstick from my grandma. I’m not even sure what brand it is, but it’s a nice nude.
  • Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in November and Alyssa: I don’t need both of these, but November is almost out. They are so similar.
  • Wet N Wild lipsticks in Dark Wine and Bare It All: One is great for fall and the other for everyday wear. I had Spotlight Red but my toddler somehow got her hands on it and destroyed it. I liked that one for the holidays.
  • e.l.f. Matte Lip Color in Wine: I never use this but I need to this fall. This was sent to me last year by Influenster.
Powders:
  • Wet N Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette in Dulce de Leche: I like the contour more than the highlight, but it’s decent for the price. This was actually free with a Wet N Wild purchase this year.
  • Milani Even Touch Powder Foundation: I don’t need this. I bought it because I needed foundation during vacation and I couldn’t find the Milani liquid foundation anywhere. I’m just trying to use this up. There’s nothing wrong with it; I just don’t prefer powders.
Primer/Setting Spray:


Nail Polish:
Snickerdoodle, Miss Honey, Olive, Prince Cornelius, Das Esspensive XXV and Gumption

I store my nail polish and perfume in the packaging that the Tory Burch perfume came in. It was an easy way to reuse the box without creating more waste. I also keep my nail clippers in there.
  • KL Polish in Snickerdoodle, Miss Honey, Olive, Prince Cornelius, Das Esspensive XXV and Gumption. I love all of these colors. I haven’t worn Prince Cornelius yet. It’s a new addition along with Olive. I like her polishes because they last longer on me than other polishes.
  • Wet N Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel in It’s Sher-bert Day.
  • L.A. Colors Color Craze Nail Polish, Shade 207. I found this at a dollar store. I rarely wear it but I want to use it up. 
Perfume:

  • Flora by Gucci in Generous Violet: I wore this on my wedding day. I still have some left and I want it to last as long as possible.
  • Tory Burch rollerball perfume: I got this as a Valentine’s Day gift from Graham. I am not sure if this perfume is cruelty-free, though, or if that is something to consider with perfume. They came in a trio but I’m giving one that hasn’t been used to my mom.
What does your collection look like? Do you have a bronzer or brow product you recommend? Let me know in the comments!

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September Updates and Favorites

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I just can’t seem to catch up with life. Again.
September has been a huge month for us. Graham and I celebrated our third anniversary, we made plans for the winter and next year (and then life forced us to rework those plans), and we cheered on the Chicago Cubs as they made their way into the postseason again. I can’t wait to see what October and the rest of the year have in store for us, and I’m excited to share it all!
A few updates:

  • We received our family photos from Abigail Joyce Photography and I love them! We chose Montrose Harbor in Chicago for our location because we could get different types of shots there, and I was happy with how they turned out. Family sessions are a blur and it seemed like V was moving constantly, but somehow Abigail was able to capture beautiful photos. 
Abigail Joyce Photography

  • Graham and I took advantage of another warm weekend in Chicago to go on a stand-up paddleboarding date. We had purchased rentals from Chicago Paddle Co. in July but never used them. The rentals had since expired, but when we saw the company would be open one more weekend we simply walked up and asked if we could use our passes. It was a much-needed day date. We plan to keep up with our date nights/days as much as possible after going months without ever really making time for dates without Victoria. We’ve been reminded recently that we need time to ourselves as a couple. Need date ideas? Check out my list.
  • I teamed up with four bloggers to give away a $50 Lush gift certificate over on Instagram. I’ve been all about self-care recently, so I wanted to help others focus on the same. All you need to do is follow us and tag two friends in the comments. Head over to my profile to enter. 

Favorites:

While I’m sharing updates, I also wanted to talk about some recent cruelty-free favorites. I don’t have that many new items because I’ve been focusing on using up what I already have before trying more products.

  • Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara: I’ve been using and loving this for almost two months. I was previously using Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara, but I find this to be better and much less expensive! 
  • Ciaté London Fierce Flicks eyeliner. I received this complimentary product from Influenster recently and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. I had been using NYX matte eyeliner, but I find this much easier to use because it’s a felt tip. I feel like I have much more control. (The Fierce Flicks is currently sold out at Sephora but I linked to another Ciaté eyeliner.)
  • Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Sea Salt Texture Spray: I recently cut my hair, so I wanted to go back to using a texture spray to style my layered, short locks. I loved the way my hair looked when I have used this lately. I feel like my hair held the curls (using flat iron) until the next day, which is rare with my straight hair. It’s an affordable product, too.

What’s going on in your life lately? Share something fun with me in the comments!

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Decluttering Process/Update & Items I Regret Buying

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I recently had the urge to reexamine my entire wardrobe as part of my end-of-summer cleaning and decluttering list, which I shared in July.  I began with about 50 items hanging in my closet, not counting my winter jackets and exercise clothes. While that number is not astronomical, I still felt like I was holding onto items that were no longer working for me. I wanted to see if I cut that down even more.
Steps I took to declutter my closet:
  • I first looked at the clothing my closet and took note of the items I am definitely not decluttering. These are the clothes I absolutely love.
  • I grabbed everything I was on the fence about or haven’t worn this season or year (since January) and put them on my bed.
  • I tried on every single piece I was unsure about. I examined how I looked and felt (aka the spark Joy method) but mostly checked that it fit and flattered my body.
  • If I decided I wanted to keep the item, I asked myself what other items I would pair it with for a complete outfit. I found that this gave me ideas for outfits for the fall and winter, which made me excited to wear the items again.
  • I threw the items I felt frumpy in or that no longer fit in the donation pile or listed them online. I had kept some clothes in hopes of fitting into them again at some point after gaining weight in the past year. But I realized that holding onto them was weighing me down and making me feel disappointed in myself when I saw them. They were daily reminders that I am not at my ideal stage. I’m instead choosing to accept where I am and not pressure myself to look a certain way.
  • Purses: I held them and asked myself how often I use them. I didn’t have many to start with, just four. But I realized I could get rid of at least one. I also realized I need a black small to midsize crossbody bag because it would go with most of my outfits and sometimes I don’t want to carry a large purse.
  • I don’t have much space in our closet, so I hang my scarves on a hanger. I went through and touched each one. I asked myself how many outfits each scarf matched and how many times I wore it last winter. If none, I donated it. I moved my scarves next to my long-sleeve tees so that I will see them when I grab a top this fall and so I will hopefully be inspired to wear one.
  • I went through my race shirts and workout tops and asked myself what I wear most often and why. I typically wear the same tops: tanks or comfortable, soft tees. I had been hanging onto tees from my training groups because I felt like I had to, but I decided to let them go because I simply don’t like them and never wear them. No one seems to mind that I don’t run in our training shirts when I do group training anyway. I arranged my shirts by color so I can easily find them. (The purple fabric in the corner is the packaging for sheets I bought a long time ago. I use it to store my extra hair ties, running gels, reflective vest, headlamp and lip balm.)
  • I don’t own many shoes, but I took a look at them anyway. I decided I didn’t need an extra pair of running shoes. I am donating these because they are still in good shape.

 

  • I can fit my makeup collection into a three-drawer storage organizer**, but I still went through it. I decided to give a few items to family who I know would use them, and my goal is to only have one of each makeup item, except blushes, eyeshadow palettes and lip products. I also set a goal to use up some products this fall, including one I was particularly disappointed with. (More on that below.)
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Three-drawer organizer**

The outcome:

My winter and fall jackets, a couple pairs of shorts, a work blazer, my nightgowns/lingerie (which I hang) and a vest are not pictured. I kept the perfect amount for me: A casual winter jacket, a peacoat, a lighter coat for fall special occasions (weddings), a casual rain jacket, a more formal rain jacket, and a poncho that I pretty much live in during the summer. Also not shown is an army green jacket and a mustard top I recently purchased for the fall. On my shopping list: One or two long-sleeve tops.

Products I wish I didn’t buy:

As I’ve gone through my decluttering list, I’ve come items I have changed my mind about and wish I didn’t buy in the first place. I will admit that at times I’ve been influenced to purchase items because of hype on blogs and YouTube. I now realize that I need to get back to being more mindful about my purchases and only buying items I really need. Not all of these items have been disappointing; one was simply something I did not need and don’t use.

  • Jaclyn Hill/Becca Face Palette: This was one of the first purchases I made when I wanted to get into highlighters. I was influenced to buy this palette by all the hype around it. I had heard so much about Champagne Pop, and Prosecco Pop swatches looked beautiful online. I also liked that the palette came with three blushes, so I figured I would get a lot of use out of it. So what happened? I featured this in my favorites when I first purchased it, but soon after that it broke. I was able to repress Prosecco Pop, but Champagne Pop was mixed with one of the blush colors. After owning this for more than a year, I can say that I only really reach for this for the Amaretto blush color. I use the little bit of Prosecco Pop that didn’t shatter, but I was not able to really use Champagne Pop. I don’t really think the other two blush colors look good on me, so this palette overall has not been worth the money I paid. My goal is to use the rest of the blush and highlighter this fall.
  • Nikki Blackketter x Gymshark top and leggings: This purchase was another instance of hype getting the best of me. I love Nikki’s YouTube channel and I credit it for motivating me when I had lost interest in fitness this year. When she posted about her collection, I loved everything. At least, everything looked great on her. It did not look so great on me, however. I had not purchased much from Gymshark so I was unfamiliar with its sizing. I ended up ordering the wrong size in leggings. I sold them on eBay to get my money back, but I kept the top. I featured it in my favorites a couple of months ago, too. But then I washed it and the logos came off. Call me crazy, but a $60 top workout top should not lose its labeling/logo that quickly. I still plan to wear it, but I was disappointed about that.
  • Milani Even Touch Powder Foundation: I am not saying this is a bad product; I just don’t ever use powder foundation, so I am not sure what I was thinking when I purchased this. To be fair, I was on vacation and ran out of foundation. I could not find the Milani liquid foundation at any drugstore I went to, so I gave this a shot in a pinch. The shade matched me perfectly, but I just never use this. I have loved most other Milani products I’ve tried, though.
Checking in on my cleaning and decluttering list:
I’ve crossed off many of the to-dos on the list I shared this summer, but I still have some pending. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever accomplish a couple of these, especially the one about decluttering DVDs.
  • Dust above cabinets and shelves.
  • Donate DVDs.
  • Get rid of old stroller and other baby items.
  • Store air-conditioning units (when weather eventually changes) and clean off heaters.
  • Donate extra umbrellas.
I have donated about two bags of items, including clothes and toys.
Is there a category that you find difficult to declutter? Share it with me in the comments! 
 
 

Cruelty-Free Empties, Vol. 10

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While switching to cruelty-free products has been a challenge, it’s been fun to try different products and brands. It’s also been satisfying to try to use up entire products rather than buy too many of the same product at once. I am trying to be minimalist in my makeup and skin care while still experimenting with new products. My latest round of empties features all fairly affordable products, a couple of which were sent to me to try. The rest are favorites I’ve recently discovered. This latest roundup shares my thoughts on the products I’ve used up and whether I would repurchase them.

  • Physicans Formula Butter Bronzer ($14.99): I love the way this smells, but sadly it’s too light for me. I would highly recommend this if it works with your skin tone! It lasted me a year! I would repurchase if Physicians Formula made a slightly darker version. Please leave your favorite bronzer recommendations in the comments below!
Cruelty-Free Beauty Empties
  • Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm ($3.99): My favorite lip balm ever. I already have backups in my purse.
  • Madam C.J. Walker Brassica Seed Oil (sample size; $26 for full size): I loved the scent of this oil, which I received for free from Influenster for testing purposes months ago. It left my hair silky and smooth. I already have another oil to use up, so I won’t be buying this anytime soon, but if you’re in the market for oil for your hair, this one was great.
  • e.l.f. Mint Maniac Lip Exfoliator ($3.90): I used this every night before bed. I haven’t had dry, cracking lips in a long time, and this could be why. It has a minty flavor and it’s affordable. I would buy the brown sugar one instead because I might like the flavor/scent more. I also heard Lush has a good lip scrub, but I haven’t tried it yet.
  • L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation ($8.99): I loved how good my skin looked in this, but if you’re oily it could definitely be too much. I would buy this again, especially in the winter when I want a faux luminous look to my skin. (Update: After using the Milani foundation I bought after this I definitely want to go back to this one sooner.)
  • Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($12 for mini): I didn’t find this to be as life-changing as people say. I like the bristles, but it wasn’t as volumizing as I thought it would be. I plan to buy the full size if I don’t like the new one I have. (I am now trying the Essence Lash Princess mascara and I like it so far.)
Note: These prices were accurate at the time this post was written, but they may change and they depend on the retailer you buy from!

What products have you used up recently? Would you buy them again?

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Cruelty-Free Beauty Empties, Vol. 9 (Plus Makeup Decluttering)

 

** This post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission for purchases made through these links.

Cruelty-Free Beauty Empties

 

I recently went through my (small) makeup collection and decluttered some items, which I plan to give to someone who would like them. This reminded me that I also have five empties to share! These makeup and skin-care items are all cruelty-free and fairly affordable, and most of them are winners.

My most recent cruelty-free beauty empties:

Mario Badescu Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream ($18): I liked this a lot. It kept my eye area moisturized and soft. I noticed my concealer looked great over it as well. I haven’t repurchased this yet but I plan to buy it soon. It doesn’t do anything for dark circles or under-eye bags, in case you’re wondering.

Mask of Magnaminty ($15): I have written about this many times before, so I won’t say much about it. In the past my skin was becoming too sensitive to it, but this time I didn’t feel anything out of the ordinary. I plan to trade in my five empties from Lush to get a new mask. I like to switch off between this one and Cup ‘O Coffee.

Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day and Night Face Cream ($15): At first I thought this was making my skin greasy and break out, but I was wrong. I started using it as my daily moisturizer after a mini break and I liked it. I wish the packaging were a bit better, though; it could be more efficient and less wasteful. I already purchased this again. After that I may use the Confidence in a Cream by It Cosmetics, which I also liked.

Milani Supreme Kohl eye liner: I liked the pigmentation and packaging, but this eyeliner smudged on me every single time, and it didn’t take long. I would not buy this again. I plan to try the Lottie London felt tip liner, which I have heard positive reviews about.

Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer ($5.89): I have written about this primer before, which I compared to one by Wet ‘n Wild. I liked the scent and the feel of the primer. I have gotten many compliments on my makeup lately, and I believe it’s the combination of this primer and the LA Girl foundation I’ve been using. I plan to repurchase this primer.

Makeup decluttering:

I am giving these makeup items to a family member I know will like them. Most of these were only used once or twice, and one of them is not open.

Cruelty-Free Beauty Empties


Colourpop Ulta Satin Lip in Panda: I just don’t wear it often at all. There’s nothing wrong with the shade.

Too Faced mini blush in Love Hangover: Again, I don’t use this.

e.l.f. Bronzer and highlight duo: It was sent to me to try and I just don’t wear it that much. When I did wear them, it was on my eyes.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer in Medium/Deep: It smells amazing, but I don’t use it.

Tarteist Lip Paint mini in Birthday Suit: This was free. I don’t have an issue with the formula; the color makes me look washed out.

Burt’s Bees Mango lip balm: This isn’t opened. I just prefer the original.

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Hammered: I thought this was going to be more green when I ordered it. I don’t have a use for this and only wore it once.

Wet ‘n Wild Come Correct Celebrity Concealer ($3): This was terrible, too tacky and not the right shade. I wouldn’t call this an empty because I couldn’t even use it. Good thing it wasn’t expensive! This one is being discarded.

Cruelty-Free Beauty Empties

What products have you been using up? Did you enjoy them?

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May Favorites & a Miss

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Milani Prime Perfection primer; Thayers Witch Hazel toner; Busy Beauty Showerless Shave Gel

I hope your May was full of fun, food and favorites! I have five recent beauty favorites to share that I’ve been using and loving this month. Bonus: They are all cruelty-free and affordable. Also, I am almost completely cruelty-free with my makeup! I only have one non-cruelty-free mascara, brow product and lipstick to use up before my (small) makeup collection is entirely composed of products not tested on animals. I have been working toward this goal for more than a year now, and I am excited to finally get there.


And now, May’s favorites:

Busy Beauty Showerless Shave Gel ($21.97 for two pack): This shave gel doesn’t require water, so you can shave wherever! This is especially handy when you’re in a hurry, hence the name Busy Beauty. You simply rub in the excess gel as you would a moisturizer. It’s also cruelty-free and vegan. It has eucalyptus, tea tree, clove, ginger and oat essential oils in it, and it’s also paraben- and alcohol-free. (This was sent to me by Busy Beauty to try out.)

Busy Beauty Showerless Shave Gel and Preserve Shave 5 razor.

Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Toner Rose Petal ($10.95): I’ve tried and loved the Lavender toner, so I wanted to try the rose-scented one. I love it just as much and it’s a regular staple in my skin-care routine. I like that it’s gentle and never harsh. Also, one bottle lasts me several months.

Not Your Mother’s Way to Grow Long & Strong Shampoo (about $5): I was looking for a new shampoo after trying several cruelty-free products that had scents I didn’t enjoy. I knew after the first use that I would like this. Scent is super important to me along with cleaning my hair.

Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Conditioner (about $5): I like the scent of this NYM product as well. It does the job it claims to do. Also, it doesn’t weigh down my long hair.

Milani Prime Perfection Primer ($9.99): This primer is both hydrating and slightly pore minimizing, in my experience. It feels like a moisturizer in that it hydrates as you rub it in. I have compared this to the Wet ‘n Wild Coverall primer in my past; they are extremely similar, except this Milani primer has a better scent.

A miss:

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Detox Cleanser: I wanted to like this. It was an affordable Marshalls find that drew me in with the Hawaiian reference. It does the job of cleansing and it is gentle, but I simply hate the scent. It reminds me of the mildew smell of clothes left in the washer for too long. I’m using it up because I hate wasting products, but I’ll be repurchasing my trusted Pacifica face wash soon.


What products are you using and loving? Share them with me in the comments!

Recent Cruelty-Free Empties, Vol. 8

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It’s been a hot minute since I shared what cruelty-free products I’ve been using up and whether I would buy them again. Even though I have certain products I love, I am always trying new beauty products to see if there’s something out there I’d love even more. Sometimes I go back to the tried-and-true favorites, but other times I find something awesome to recommend.

Here’s how recent empties fared:

  • Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash. I keep trying other cruelty-free cleansers but I come back to this one. It is gentle, has a lovely fragrance and gets the job done. Also, it’s relatively affordable. I will continue to buy this.
  • Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser. I tried this in February and March. While I had no major complaints, I didn’t love it as much as my Pacifica face wash. The scent is not my favorite, either. I would not repurchase this.
  • e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer. I received this in an Influenster Vox Box. While I also had no complaints besides the packaging that makes it seems as though you get more product than you actually do, I don’t think this is anything that impressive. It’s a nice base for your foundation but I love other drugstore cruelty-free primers more. I would not repurchase this.
  • Burt’s Bees Lip Balm. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I can’t live without this stuff. Maybe someday I will stop losing or washing these in my laundry. I have already repurchased this.
  • Wet ‘n Wild Coverall Primer. This is a great primer. It’s been my go-to along with the Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer; they are basically the same thing, except the Wet ‘n Wild one costs less. I actually received this as a free gift with a purchase a few months ago. The Milani one has a slightly better scent, but they are nearly identical. They both look great with my go-to foundations lately (Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus and LA Girl Pro Coverage Illuminating Foundation). I would most definitely repurchase this.
  • Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation cream. My skin was looking clear and healthy during the month or so that I used this along with my other products, but I can’t say I attribute it to this cream. It’s lightweight, but I didn’t enjoy the packaging that much and I did not find this to be a must-have item. I have not repurchased. 
Of course, we are all different and what I like may not work for you. I wouldn’t say any of these is terrible, but some didn’t perform as I expected. 
What products have you used up recently? Did you love them?

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What’s in My Bag?

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I love reading about what people carry in their bags and the items that people consider to be essentials. I was inspired by reading videos and posts to share the contents of my own purse. Into that sort of thing?

What’s in my bag:

  • Phone power bank: I previously used a more expensive portable phone charger, but it didn’t last long. I am now trying this Techlink Recharge power bank, which comes in four colors: black, white, blue and pink. I like to have this in my purse just in case I am traveling or at a baseball game.  
  • Faux-leather wallet: Confession: I have had this exact wallet for at least 8 years. Shopping for accessories is one area of my life in which I am a minimalist. I don’t see the need for me to buy a new wallet until I need to replace this. 
  • Beats Bluetooth wireless headphones with case: I carry my headphones in my purse so I can listen to Audible on the L (train) or watch Youtube videos. These are also a necessity for travel.
  • Oakley aviator sunglasses: These were a gift from Graham, who wanted me to have higher-quality sunglasses. I have had these for about three years and have replaced the lenses once. Oakley had excellent service: They replaced my lenses for me in store. Sometimes I wear inexpensive  rose-gold sunglasses like these from H&M.
  • Pepper spray and whistle with light and compass: I have carried pepper spray in my purse since my days at the newspaper in Arizona. I worked nights (from 2 to 11 p.m. or later, depending on breaking news), so I wanted to have it on hand as I walked to my car in a nearby parking garage. While I never felt unsafe in downtown Phoenix, I liked to have it just in case. The whistle was given to me by a Chicago police officer last year. There had been a recent report of a woman being attacked during a jog.
  • Burt’s Bees lip balm: I have written this before, but I can’t live without this stuff. It feels like heaven on my lips.
  • Liquid lipstick: I have recently been wearing the Wet n Wild Liquid Catsuit Lipstick in Give Me Mocha every time I wear makeup. It goes with so many makeup looks.
  • Pen.
  • Flint Lint roller: This was sent to me in my September Popsugar Must-Have box, which I received for free. I love this because it is resuable and great for travel.
Bonus:

  • Baby wipes: Because I have a toddler.
  • Snacks: Usually an apple or an orange.
  • Hand sanitizer: Because the train.
  • GoPro Hero 5: I have recently been working on uploading more videos to YouTube. (Please subscribe!)
  • Perfume rollerball.
What’s in your bag?

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