Tag: makeup

SALE ALERT | Tarte Cosmetics Custom Kit: 7 Full Size Products for $63.00 + FREE Shipping

Happy Tuesday! Today Tarte Cosmetics is offering an amazing deal, and I wanted to share it with you. I made a purchase for myself, and am really excited to receive my order. This sale happens about twice per year, and it is the Tarte Cosmetics Custom Kit where you choose 7 full size items for just $63.00 with free shipping included. This post will share with you the sale information, and how to score added savings. This is a limited time deal for today only, June 15, 2021, so make sure to shop now if you’re interested in scoring some cruelty free beauty products at a huge discount!

Image courtesy of tartecosmetics.com

This post includes affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

Before you head over to the Tarte Cosmetics website, make sure to shop though Rakuten to earn cash back on your purchase! Today Rakuten is offering 5% cash back on Tarte’s website. That means you will get $3.15 back if you purchase a Custom Kit at $63.00 today. If you have not signed up for Rakuten yet, use my referral link HERE and we will both get a $30.00 cash back bonus with your first qualifying purchase.

Next, visit Tarte’s website HERE to build your Custom Kit. Tarte allows you to pick 7 full size items from a selection of products on their website. Tarte is a cruelty free company, and many of their products are vegan. I built a vegan kit for myself containing products from Tarte that I’ve wanted to try for quite some time. Here’s what I added to my kit:

  • babassu foundcealer™ skincare foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 – Retail: $39.00 [BUY]
  • hydrocealer™ concealer – Retail: $25.00 [BUY]
  • busy gal BROWS tinted brow gel – Retail: $18.00 [BUY]
  • big ego™ vegan mascara – Retail: $23.00 [BUY]
  • maracuja juicy lip in Orchid – Retail: $19.00 [BUY]
  • shape tape™ quickie blending sponge – Retail: $16.00 [BUY]
  • back to basics bag – Retail: $22.00 [BUY]

As you can see, the retail value of my Custom Kit is $162.00, so at the $63.00 price point I saved over 60%! I’ve had the Babassu Foundcealer and Busy Gal Brows Brow Gel on my wish list for over a year now, so I’m really excited to try them out at a discounted price. I can’t wait to get my kit in the mail and refresh my makeup collection!

Interested in buildng a Tarte Cosmetics Custom Kit? Shop today only, June 15, 2021 for just $63.00 HERE!

I Tried 8 Vegan Mascaras So You Don’t Have To | Vegan Mascara Mini Reviews

Happy Wednesday! Since going vegan in the summer of 2016, I’ve been on the hunt for my new Holy Grail mascara. While it’s been quite easy to find a vegan substitute for the majority of my makeup products, finding a vegan mascara has been a bit more challenging. Today I am going to share mini reviews of the eight different mascaras I’ve tried in the past couple of years. These mascaras range widely in both price and quality, and I will share my thoughts on them in the chronological order in which I tested them. Let’s go on a journey through all of the vegan mascaras I’ve tried!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Wet ‘n Wild MegaVolume Mascara – $2.99 [BUY]

The first vegan mascara I tried is the Wet ‘n Wild MegaVolume. I decided to start out with a very affordable option, as I always hope to find a product that is extremely budget friendly. I posted a full review of this mascara on my blog HEREOverall, I thought this mascara was okay, but it didn’t provide me with too much volume or length. If you are looking for a natural-looking mascara that will give you just a little definition, the MegaVolume is a good option.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Volumizing & Defining Mascara – $2.90 [BUY]

I then decided to try another drugstore brand to see how that mascara would compare. I bought the e.l.f. Cosmetics Volumizing & Defining Mascara because I really enjoy this type of plastic wand as opposed to natural bristle wands. Unfortunately, this mascara was a huge disappointment! As I outlined in THIS blog post, the formula was extremely thick and heavy. Worst of all, it gave me the dreaded uni-lash, meaning all of my lashes stuck together in one clump. This was strike one for e.l.f., a brand I usually love!

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara – $23.00 [BUY]

After two frustrating rounds with drugstore mascaras, I tried my hand at a high end option from Tarte. I am happy to report that I really enjoyed the Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara. It provided me with longer and fuller lashes, and was definitely the best option I tried thus far. However, I prefer a drier mascara formula, and this one is a bit on the wet side. That being said, I do recommend this mascara, and I can see myself going back to it at some point in the future. I don’t like spending a lot on high end mascaras, but this one is worth it if you like a wetter formula.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – $23.00 [BUY]

I next decided to try a cult favorite mascara in the beauty community – the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. Unfortunately, this mascara did not work out for me at all! I found the formula to be extremely heavy, and it made a huge mess every time I tried to apply it. I think the natural bristle brush combined with the wet formula was just a big no for my lashes. Despite so many people loving this mascara, I would not recommend it! It was back to drugstore formulas (and prices!) at this point.

e.l.f. Cosmetics 3-in-1 Mascara – $3.00 [BUY]

I decided to give e.l.f. a second chance, and purchased the 3-in-1 Mascara. Again, I went with a plastic mascara wand, and chose a formula advertised to define, lengthen, and volumize. This time, it wasn’t the mascara formula that went wrong – it was the packaging! The opening of the mascara was so narrow that the brush could barely fit through it. That meant that almost zero product made it onto the wand and onto my lashes. I consistently felt like I was putting absolutely nothing on my lashes with this mascara. I do want to mention that this product has since been reformulated, but I have no desire to try it again. We’ll call this strike two for e.l.f.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Volume Plumping Mascara – $3.00 [BUY]

I gave e.l.f. its third and final chance with the Volume Pluming Mascara. I grabbed this at Target, hoping that the promised “New Formula” would be good. Well, this was strike three for e.l.f. mascaras for me. Once again, the formula did almost nothing for my lashes. Remember how I said the Wet ‘n Wild MegaVolume looked very natural? This Volume Plumping Mascara did even less than that. I’ve now come to the conclusion that e.l.f. mascaras are not for me. I absolutely love e.l.f. Cosmetics as a brand, but I do not plan on ever trying another mascara from the company.

Wet ‘n Wild MegaLength Mascara – $2.99 [BUY]

At this point in the game, I did some thinking. I wanted to stick with a drugstore mascara to save money, but I also needed to stay away from e.l.f. I decided to go back to Wet ‘n Wild and try a different mascara formula. This time I got the MegaLength, and I was pleasantly surprised! This is by far the best vegan mascara I’ve tested, and it’s only $2.99 regular price! I like this mascara because it does a great job at lengthening my lashes. It doesn’t provide much volume, but I would rather have long lashes than clumpy ones. While still not a Holy Grail product for me, this is a mascara I’ve repurchased a few times already.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Gifted Mascara – $23.00 [BUY]

Last but not least, I got a mini size of the Tarte Gifted Mascara as a point perk  from Sephora. I really liked this mascara, too. It can be a bit messy, but I like how my lashes looked really full and long after application. That being said, I wouldn’t buy this mascara at the full price. If it went on sale, I would consider getting this again, and I do recommend it if you’re looking for a weightless yet effective mascara.

Final Thoughts: I’ve learned a few important things during these past 18 months of testing vegan mascaras. First, e.l.f. Cosmetics mascaras are to be avoided (at least, for me). Second, spending a lot of money on a mascara isn’t worth it for me. I like to change out my mascaras every three to four months, so keeping the cost down is important. In the same way, more money doesn’t necessarily mean a better formula. In the end, I’m going to continue testing out vegan drugstore mascaras to see if I can find my new Holy Grail. Until then, I highly recommend the Wet ‘n Wild MegaLength!

What’s your favorite vegan mascara? Let me know in the comments!

 

All the Vegan Options During the Ulta Beauty Spring Haul Event | April 2018 Sale Event

Happy Tuesday! Today I am excited to share with you all of the vegan options during the Ulta Beauty Spring Haul Event. This event is taking place now through April 21, 2018. The event is split up into two weeks, with different promotions occurring each week. I apologize for not having this post up sooner, but there is still time to take advantage of all the current deals. As always, I hope this post is helpful in making your shopping experience at Ulta easier. Finding fabulous and affordable vegan beauty products is not as complicated as one may think!

This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

You can find complete information about the Ulta Spring Haul event on the retailer’s website HERE.

Week 1 Deals – April 8 – 14, 2018:

  • Ulta Beauty Collection Implements – $1.25-$8.00 [BUY]
  • Eyelure and Ardell False Lashes – $3.59-$8.39 [BUY]
  • Makeup Revolution Select Eyeshadow Palettes (Vegan Option: Fortune Favors the Brave Ultra 30 Eyeshadow Palette) – $9.00 [BUY]
  • Bh Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition 21 Color Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette – $16.88 [BUY]
  • Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Line – $2.99 [BUY]
  • Pacifica Skincare Mists – $5.00-$6.00 [BUY]
  • Hempz Haircare (Vegan Options: Vanilla Plum Herbal Moisturizing & Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner, Original Herbal Shampoo for Damaged & Color Treated Hair, Herbal Dry Shampoo & Style Extender, Triple Moisture Rich Daily Herbal Replenishing Shampoo and Conditioner & Hair Mask,  Pomegranate Daily Herbal Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, Herbal Workable Hairspray, and Pure Hemp Ultra-Hydrating Healthy Herbal Hair Mask & Deep Conditioner) – $5.00-$13.50 [BUY]

Week 2 – April 15 – 21, 2018:

  • Yes To Towelettes – $1.50-$4.25 [BUY]
  • Real Techniques Sponges and Kits – $3.59-$11.99 [BUY]
  • EcoTools Sponges and Kits – $2.99-$8.99 [BUY]
  • Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer, Highlighter, and Blush (Vegan Options: All Butter Bronzer shades are vegan. All Butter Highlighter shades are vegan except for Pink. I cannot confirm if any Butter Blush shades are vegan) – $6.59-$8.99 [BUY]
  • Models Own Eyeshadow Palettes (Vegan Options: Barely There, Rockstar, Vintage Rose, Wonderland, Supernatural, and Colour Chrome) – $7.50 [BUY]
  • Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Foundation – $3.59 [BUY]
  • Winky Lux Glimmer Balms – $7.00-$8.00 [BUY]

*Please Note: I have done my best to provide an accurate and complete list of all the vegan products available during the sale. If I could not confirm that a product is vegan, I did not put it on this list. If you have any questions or further information, kindly leave me a comment.

Will you be purchasing any products from the Spring Haul Sale? Let me know in the comments!

Follow me on Instagram HERE for daily vegan content!

What’s on My Sephora Loves List?! | My Current Beauty Wish List (Vegan and Cruelty Free)

Happy Monday! I recently saw a YouTube video from JAMBeauty89 in which she discussed the products on her Sephora Loves List. I thought this was a really fun idea, and wanted to share what is currently on my own Beauty Wish List with all of you! I love perusing the Sephora website, but it is rare that I actually make a purchase. Instead, I add products I’m interested in to my Loves List on the website so that I can easily find them again at a later date. I have ten products on my Loves List right now, some I may purchase in the future, and others that I may take off the list at some point. Let me show you the vegan and cruelty free beauty products on my wish list right now!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

You can use the widget below to view all of the products I’m mentioning today. Simply click on a product to purchase it online!


Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Trio in Berry Adore | $30.00 [BUY]

I’ve been on the hunt for a purple, berry-toned blush for a while now. I think this trio from Anastasia contains the perfect shade, but I’m hesitant to buy it because of the price, and because I only want one of the blushes in the trio. I might pick this up once the fall months roll around, but I’m currently still looking for a more affordable option of this purple shade.

Cover FX Power Play Foundation | $44.00 [BUY]

Cover FX just released this new line of vegan foundations, and I’m definitely curious to try it. In addition to buying vegan cosmetics, I’m also trying to be aware of supporting brands that cater to a wide variety of skin tones. I love that this line offers 40 different shades, including a variety of shades for those with deep skin tones. Of course, I love that this foundation is formulated to be matte and long-wearing, too.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick | $46.00 [BUY]

I was really disappointed when e.l.f. discontinued its foundation stick, and I’ve been looking for another option these past few months. This one from Hourglass has amazing reviews, but I cannot get over the price tag! I don’t think I could ever spend so much on a stick foundation, but I keep it on my list just in case it ever goes on sale.

IGK Low Key Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub | $36.00 [BUY]

I recently used up a deluxe sample of this scalp scrub from IGK, and I really enjoyed it. Because I have a flaky scalp, using a scrub helps to remove dry skin and excess product while providing a soothing cooling sensation. I use the IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm every time I wash my hair, so I’m a huge believer in this brand’s effectiveness. I am looking for a more affordable scalp scrub, but I do see myself grabbing this one in the future.

Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer | $49.00 [BUY]

Sephora now has a section on its website for Value Size products (shop HERE), and I saw one of my all-time favorite primers listed there from Smashbox. While $49.00 is a lot to spend at once, this jumbo size is a great value, and it’s also better for the environment to buy larger sizes and use less plastic. I currently have a few primers in my beauty stash, but I will probably purchase this one during a Sephora coupon event to get even more savings.

Smashbox Super Fan Mascara | $19.00 [BUY]

I typically do not buy high end mascaras, but Smashbox just released the Super Fan Mascara, and it looks amazing! I really like rubber mascara wands, and this mascara is designed to give long lashes without any clumps. I’m hoping Sephora will offer a mini size as a Point Perk sometime soon, because I would really like to try this mascara without spending nearly $20.00!

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask | $48.00 [BUY]

This face mask is taking over Instagram, and it has definitely piqued my interest. The Jet Lag Mask is a hydrating mask, inspired by how airplane travel dries out the skin. What’s really cool about this mask is that it can be worn in a variety of ways. I’m definitely hesitant to buy this mask because of the price tag, but the hype surrounding this product is so strong that I want to keep it on my wish list!

The Ordinary High -Adherence Silicone Primer | $4.90 [BUY]

I’m very curious to try out some products from the ultra-affordable brand The Ordinary. I’m not sure where to start with a lot of the skincare products, but this primer sounds amazing to me. Whenever Sephora restocks The Ordinary, the products seem to sell out instantly. That leads me to believe it is worth the hype! Plus, who can resist trying a mattifying and blurring primer that is under $5.00?

Too Faced Peach Perfect Comfort Matte Foundation | $36.00 [BUY]

I had no intention of picking up anything from the Too Faced Peaches and Cream Collection, but I keep hearing glowing reviews of this foundation from YouTubers I trust (namely Kelly Gooch and Love Heatherette). This foundation is supposed to provide medium coverage that stays matte all day. While it is on the expensive side, you do get 1.6 fl. oz. of product, as opposed to the standard 1 fl. oz. that comes with most foundations. I hope to pick this up once I’ve used the other foundations in my collection!

Verb Hydrating Mask | $16.00 [BUY]

My hair is very dry, and I want to start using more hydrating products on it. This mask sounds great, as it is formulated to be weightless and suitable for all hair types. I haven’t heard anyone talk about this product yet, but the price seems very fair, so I might pick it up soon.

That wraps up all of the current products on my Sephora Loves List! I would love to hear from you in the comments – have you tried these products? Do you recommend them? Please let me know! I think sharing our wish lists is not only a lot of fun, but it can be very helpful as well. If you would like to know what is on my Ulta Favorites list, let me know in a comment! I would be happy to share those products as well.

What is on your Sephora Loves List? Let me know in the comments!

Shop this blog post with ShopStyle! Click the photo below to see all of the products.

5 Beauty Brands I Wish Would Go Vegan!

Happy Monday! Today I thought it would be fun to share with you my top five beauty brands that I wish would go vegan. Of course, in a perfect world, all brands would stop testing on animals and using animal ingredients and byproducts. That being said, there are a handful of brands that I really miss using now that I’m vegan. While I can almost always find vegan replacements for products I used to enjoy, there are a few things that I would love to be able to repurchase with a vegan formula. Here are the five beauty brands that I wish would go vegan!

1. Sally Hansen

Adventures in Polishland began purely as a nail polish blog, and my favorite brand was always Sally Hansen. Not only does Sally Hansen have extremely budget friendly options, but the quality of the polishes is excellent as well. From the ultra-affordable Xtreme Wear line, to the stunning Miracle Gel formulas, I could always find a polish I loved from this drugstore brand. I would love to see Sally Hansen go vegan, as it can be difficult to find affordable vegan nail polishes at the drugstore.

2. CoverGirl 

Another drugstore brand I miss using is CoverGirl. My favorite product was the TruBlend Liquid Makeup foundation. I went through several bottles of this product, and it was my go to foundation. I also really liked the Clump Crusher mascara. While I have been able to find a drugstore foundation from Wet ‘n Wild that I like, it still doesn’t compare to my old faithful TruBlend. Plus, it would be great if this classic makeup brand would take a stance against animal cruelty, and provide customers with affordable and vegan products.

3. Benefit

The one high end brand on this list is Benefit. I liked testing and trying a lot of Benefit’s products, but the ones I miss the most are the blushes. My go to shade for years was Hervana, and I even had a Benefit blush palette that I used all the time. I currently love the blushes I use from Tarte, but the vegan shades I own are all limited edition. I would love for Benefit to stop testing on animals and begin creating product formulas that do not contain any animal derived ingredients.

4. L’Oreal

When it comes to hair care, I really miss the L’Oreal shampoos, conditioners, and styling products I used to use. Not only are L’Oreal hair products really affordable, but they were also very effective in caring for my hair. Since going vegan, I’ve struggled to find products that work as well at the same price point. I don’t mind spending more if it means getting a vegan product, but it would be awesome if L’Oreal would commit to going vegan. I also need to mention that the L’Oreal mascaras were some of my absolute favorites. Wouldn’t it be awesome if I could buy the Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara again?!

5. Rimmel

Last but not least is Rimmel, another budget friendly brand from the drugstore. The main reason I miss Rimmel is because the brand makes my Holy Grail setting powder in the Stay Matte Pressed Powder. I went through several of these powders, and am having a hard time finding a vegan dupe. Of course, I also loved the Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation and the Keep Calm Lip Balms. I hope that Rimmel will take a stance against animal cruelty, and go vegan very soon!

Some Final Thoughts

It’s important to note that many of the brands I mentioned today either claim to be cruelty free, or write misleading animal testing policies on their websites. I highly recommend checking out sources like Ethical Elephant, Logical Harmony, and Cruelty Free Kitty if you are ever unsure about a brand’s cruelty free or vegan status. Please click HERE to learn more about why Benefit, L’Oreal, and Rimmel are not cruelty free.

Moreover, while I do miss using some non-vegan products, particularly the ones mentioned today, going cruelty free and vegan is overall quite easy and always worth the extra effort. There are so many brands that are either 100% vegan, or offer a lot of vegan products. I can still go to the drugstore or Target and pick up many of the products I need, or I can place an online order with Ulta, Vitacost, or Sephora if I have trouble finding things in the store. I highly encourage you to transition to a cruelty free and vegan lifestyle, and I think you will find it is much easier than you expect!

Follow me on Instagram HERE for daily vegan beauty and lifestyle tips!

If All My Makeup Disappeared | Rebuilding a Vegan and Cruelty Free Makeup Collection for $100

Happy Saturday! I recently saw a YouTube video from Jacks Lorraine where she built a makeup collection from scratch for $100. I really liked this idea, and wanted to share which products I would pick if all of my makeup disappeared, too. Some of the products I’m mentioning today are ones I’ve already tried and loved, and others are brand new to me. The idea is that if I only had $100 to spend, I could go out and purchase everything I needed to create the makeup looks I like. Of course, all of the products I am choosing are vegan. I hope this goes to show that being vegan can actually be extremely affordable!

This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

You can use the widget below to view all of the products I’m mentioning today. Simply click on a product to purchase it online!

Primer | Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer | $4.99 [BUY]

While I haven’t yet tried this primer, I have a feeling it is very similar to the one I am currently enjoying from Milani, but at a smaller price point. I have large pores in my T-zone, and my skin gets oily throughout the day. I think this matte primer will tackle both of those concerns well!

Foundation | Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Foundation | $5.99 [BUY]

I currently use this foundation from Wet ‘n Wild, and really enjoy it. I find this is a medium and buildable coverage, and I believe it will work well any time of year. I do find that it can enhance dry skin, but it should work well when paired with the primer I chose.

Concealer | Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Concealer | $3.99 [BUY]

I decided to complete my face base routine with the Wet ‘n Wild Concealer. I currently use this concealer, and I really enjoy the formula. The lightest shade matches my skin tone exactly, so while I can’t use this for highlighting, I want this in my makeup collection for covering blemishes. I also use this alone on days where I don’t want to use foundation, but have some redness to cover.

Brows | Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo | $23.00 [BUY]

My one high end product in this list is my Holy Grail eyebrow product – the Brow Powder Duo from Anastasia. This is the only product I’ve used for my brows since I purchased it over a year ago. I find it is very natural looking, and does a great job at filling in my sparse but wide brows. While expensive, this product lasts forever! I’ve used the same one for nearly a year and a half now, and it still works beautifully with a lot of product remaining.

Brow Gel | e.l.f. Cosmetics Clear Brow and Lash Mascara | $2.00 [BUY]

The other half of my beloved eyebrow routine is the ultra-affordable brow gel from e.l.f. I use this clear mascara to set my powder in place, and it does a great job. I use each side of this product for about three months, which means this $2.00 eyebrow gel lasts me half a year!

Eyeshadow | ColourPop Double Entendre Pressed Powder Shadow Palette | $16.00 [BUY]

Believe it or not, but I have not tried any products from the cult favorite brand ColourPop! Now that it is  available at Ulta, that will probably change very soon. That being said, I would be very excited to add the Double Entendre Palette to my stash. This neutral eyeshadow palette contains twelve shades – cool tones, warm tones, mattes, metallics, and a satin, too! While I don’t wear eyeshadow all that often, this will be perfect for the days I wish to do so. Plus, I can easily use my concealer as an eyeshadow primer and save myself a few dollars.

Mascara | Wet ‘n Wild MegaLength Mascara | $2.99 [BUY]

I’ve tried seven different mascaras since I’ve gone vegan, and the best by far is the MegaLength from Wet ‘n Wild. This mascara lives up to its name, and makes my lashes very long. I find that I get fuller-looking lashes without any clumps. Even though this doesn’t add too much volume, it is my go-to mascara and I would absolutely buy it again (and again!).

Blush | e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette in Light | $6.00 [BUY]

I owned this blush palette a few years ago, and absolutely loved it. I ended up decluttering it because it was very old, but I would definitely recommend this product. The blushes from e.l.f. are extremely pigmented, and they blend really well. Plus, having a blush palette means I can wear a variety of shades, and also get a custom shade by mixing them.

Highlighter | bh Cosmetics Nude Rose Highlighter Palette | $11.99 [BUY]

I decided to go the same route with highlighters, and chose this palette from bh Cosmetics. I’ve never tried highlighters from this brand before, but the shades look absolutely gorgeous! The palette also has good reviews online, so I think this would make a great addition to my makeup stash. I’m especially loving the rosy pink shade!

Setting Powder | Pacifica Neutralizing Mattifer Soft Focus Translucent Powder | $12.00 [BUY]

To set my face I am grabbing a new favorite product from Pacifica. This powder applies easily and looks beautiful on the skin. I use a fluffy blush to set my face, and so far I think it does a great job at keeping my oil in check. I also love that this comes in a cardboard compact that can be recycled better than plastic.

Lips | Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint in Guava Berry | $5.00 [BUY]

When it comes to lip color, I typically wear a tinted lip balm or some other subtle product. I used to own a Color Quench Lip Tint from Pacifica, and used it until it expired. I would love to try another shade from this line and have it be my daily color. It’s an added bonus that this lip tint moisturizes the lips, too!

Setting Spray | The Body Shop Make-Up Setting Spray | $7.00 [BUY]

Last but not least, I will lock everything in place with this setting spray from The Body Shop. I recently started testing this, and I’m really loving it! Not only does it help keep my makeup in place, but it helps to soothe the skin with aloe vera. The mister also works very well when applying the product.

What’s not included? You may notice I don’t have an eyeliner, bronzer, or contour on this list. That’s because those are products I don’t use regularly, and could easily leave out of my daily makeup routine. I’ve made sure to pick out everything I need with my budget!

THE GRAND TOTAL: $100.95

If you’ve done the math with me, you’ll know I’m technically over my budget by $0.95. I am totally fine with that, though, because some of these products can almost always be purchased on sale or with a coupon.

Here is an example of how my prices would fall today, March 10, 2018:

  • Purchase Wet ‘n Wild Mascara in-store at Target – $2.99
  • Purchase bh Cosmetics Palette in-store at Urban Outfitters – $12.00
  • Purchase The Body Shop Setting Spray in-store – $7.00
  • Purchase everything else at Ulta online – $75.47 (using $3.50 off $15.00 coupon; free shipping at $50.00)

TOTAL: $97.46

Ta da! I’m now under budget! Today’s sales are not even that great either! Nonetheless, if all my makeup disappeared, I would be happy purchasing everything on this list for under $100.

I would love to know how you would rebuild your makeup collection!
Leave me a comment sharing your picks!

 

Support other Vegan and Cruelty Free YouTubers/Bloggers Who Have Done This Tag:

  • Jacks Lorraine: LINK
  • Unnatural Vegan: LINK
  • Too Much Tash: LINK

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Join Me on Instagram for Beauty Hauls, Favorites, and Savings Tips!

Happy Friday! Today I have a quick and informational post to share with you. This year I am focusing on making Instagram my primary social media platform. I am still keeping my blog active, and hope to post a few times per month, but I am sharing new photos on Instagram almost every single day! Instagram is a great platform for me to share a lot of information in a summarized way. Not only do I really enjoy sharing my own content on Instagram, but I love that I can keep up with my friends and favorite bloggers all in one place. Of course, the Instagram Story feature also provides a new method for sharing, too. I hope that by focusing my efforts on this one social media platform, I can regularly share my content with all of you!

Here are a few examples of the content you are missing if you are not following me on Instagram:

Monthly Beauty Favorites

? FEBRUARY BEAUTY FAVORITES ? . @thebalm_cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer | I finally tried this cult classic highlighter! I’m absolutely loving the smooth formula, and the shade is great for my fair skin tone. . @thebodyshop Fan Brush | To apply the highlighter, I use this brush. It does a great job at blending out a more intense highlight. I’m so glad I finally added a fan brush to my collection! . LipSense Glossy Gloss | Lip gloss is coming back into the limelight this year as liquid lipsticks fade away (or so it seems!). I’m not a big glossy lips person, but I have been reaching for my Glossy Gloss more lately, and even like wearing it alone on days where I don’t want to put on lipstick. . @dermae Microdermabrasion Scrub | I’ve gone back to an old favorite with my skincare! I see a big difference in my skin’s texture and appearance when I use this scrub on a regular basis. Plus, it has a fresh lemony scent! . @thebodyshop Drops of Youth Youth Concentrate | I finally tried this beloved serum! I’ve only used it for a few weeks so far, but I’m loving how plush my skin appears. I can also feel the firming action! . What products are you loving this month?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #februaryfavorites #favorites #beautyfavorites #monthlyfavorites #beauty #bbloggers #bblogger #thebalm #thebalmcosmetics #maryloumanizer #thebodyshop #fanbrush #makeupbrush #lipsense #glossygloss #lipsensegloss #dermae #dermaesocial #microdermabrasionscrub #microdermabrasion #skincare #dropsofyouth #serum #antiaging #vegan #veganbeauty #veganskincare #veganmakeup

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Hauls and Savings Tips

? ULTA HAUL ? . I’m so excited to add these new products to my stash! . @urbandecaycosmetics Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Fair Neutral | I’ve wanted to try this concealer for years (!!!), and had to snag it when it was on sale for 50% off! I was lacking a highlighting concealer in my collection, so I will be using this right away. . @pacificabeauty Neutralizing Mattifier | I got this powder because I’ve been looking for a more environmentally friendly setting powder. I love that this compact is made primarily with cardboard, so it is much better than the heavy plastic compacts I’ve been using. . @drbronner Tea Tree Pure-Castile Bar Soap | This soap was also purchased with waste in mind! I’ve heard this is great to wash makeup brushes, and so I will no longer be buying brush shampoo in a plastic bottle. This soap is wrapped in paper that is biodegradable and made from post-consumer recycled paper! . SAVINGS: I used a $3.50 off $15.00 coupon, and shopped with @ebatesshopping to earn 3% cash back. The retail value of my order is $45.69, but I only paid $33.64 (shipping included!). Plus, there is $0.84 back in my pocket with Ebates. . Sign up to Ebates using the referral link in my profile! You get a $10 bonus for signing up! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #ultahaul #ulta #haul #unboxing #ultaunboxing #beautyhaul #urbandecay #nakedconcealer #urbandecayconcealer #pacifica #mattifyingpowder #settingpowder #drbronners #teatree #castilesoap #soap #barsoap #zerowaste #zerowasteliving #lesswaste #betterchoices #vegan #veganbeauty #veganmakeup #couponing #saleing

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Nail Polish and Makeup Swatches

 

Recipes and Lifestyle Content

? Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Oat Balls Recipe ? . INGREDIENTS: . 1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats . 1/2 Cup Natural Peanut Butter . 1/3 Cup Pure Maple Syrup . 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract . RECIPE: . Mix all ingredients together using a blender or food processor until combined. . Form into small balls and store in an airtight container! . I made about 15 Oat Balls with this recipe. They are so delicious and taste like peanut butter cookies! Two Oat Balls have about 6g protein, too. Talk about a delicious and nutritious snack! . This recipe was inspired by @mom4real and adapted to be vegan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #vegan #veganrecipes #bestofvegan #whatveganseat #nobake #peanutbutter #peanutbutteroatballs #oatballs #nobakeballs #energyballs #proteinballs #plantbased #plantbasedfood #plantbaseddiet #food #instafood #foodstagram #foodie #easyrecipe #easyveganrecipe

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Thank you all, as always, for following my Adventures in Polishland! As mentioned, I will continue to post here on the blog and my other social media profiles, but Instagram is where I post on a more consistent basis. I hope to see you there!

Follow me on Instagram @adventuresinpolishland.

My Minimal + Vegan Makeup Collection | 2018 Makeup Inventory

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to share my current makeup collection with all of you. I consider my makeup collection to be quite minimal considering I have been blogging about beauty products for nearly six years now. My collection is also now 100% vegan and cruelty free. I filmed a collection video on my YouTube channel that I will include in this blog post for you. I will also create a master list of all the products I currently own, and include links and coupon codes when I have those available. I hope you enjoy getting a look at my 2018 makeup inventory!

Some of the products in this video were provided for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

MAKEUP COLLECTION VIDEO

MASTER LIST

Primer:

– Milani Prime Shield [BUY]

– Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer in Light [BUY]

Foundation:

– The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream [BUY]

– Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Foundation [BUY]

– Kat von D Lock-It Foundation [BUY]

Concealer: 

– Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Concealer [BUY]

Brow Products:

– e.l.f. Clear Brow Gel [BUY]

– Anastasia Brow Powder Duo [BUY] *I currently have one in use and one as a backup

Mascara:

– Tarte Gifted Mascara [BUY]

– Wet ‘n Wild Mega Length Mascara [BUY] *I currently have one in use and one as a backup

Eyeshadow Primer:

 e.l.f. Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer [BUY]

Eyeshadow:

– e.l.f. Mad for Matte 2 Eyeshadow Palette (Also known as the Summer Breeze Palette) [BUY]

– e.l.f. Prism Palette in Naked [BUY]

Blush: 

– Tarte 2016 Holiday Blush Collection: Genius, Royal, Pop, and Vibrant [Not Available]

– Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Insightful [BUY]

Highlighter:

– e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in Blush Gems [BUY]

– e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls [BUY]

– theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer [BUY]

Bronzer:

– e.l.f. Mineral Pressed Bronzer in Tan Toffee [BUY]

Face Powder:

– e.l.f. HD Setting Powder in Translucent [BUY]

– Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder [BUY]

– e.l.f. Translucent Mattifying Powder [BUY] *I currently have one in use and one as a backup

Setting Spray:

– Urban Decay De-Slick [BUY]

– The Body Shop Makeup Setting Spray [BUY]

Lipstick:

– Zoya Perfect Lipstick (I have 18) [BUY]

– e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Satin Lipstick in Touch of Pink [BUY]

– LipSense Glossy Gloss – all LipSense products can be purchased through my distributer HEREGet 10% off when you mention CHRISTINA10

– LipSense Matte Gloss

– LipSense Caramel Apple

– LipSense First Love

– e.l.f. Kiss it Goodbye Lip Product Remover [BUY]

– e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator [BUY]

TOTAL PRODUCTS: 55

MENTIONED LINKS:

– e.l.f. Mad for Matte 2 Swatches [LINK]

– Blush Collection Swatches [LINK]

– How I got theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer for FREE [LINK]

– 2018 Product Pan Info [LINK]

– 2014 Makeup Collection [LINK]

– InterDesign Clear Acrylic Drawers [LINK]

– Is LipSense Worth the Price? Review of LipSense [LINK]

 

The Best Vegan Gifts at Kat Von D Beauty | 2017 Gift Guide

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to bring you a gift guide featuring the brand Kat Von D Beauty. I’ve loved every single product I’ve tried from Kat Von D, and appreciate that her beauty brand includes many vegan products. If you are looking to give a beauty gift this season, I highly recommend choosing an item from Kat Von D. Not only are her products unique and edgy, but they are extremely high quality. Let’s take a look at the best vegan gifts at Kat Von D Beauty this 2017 holiday season!

This post includes affiliate links. All images are courtesy of Kat Von D Beauty. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Please note that while I have not tried all of the products mentioned in this blog post, I do use Kat Von D Beauty products on a regular basis and am comfortable sharing gift ideas from this brand.

1. Farm Sanctuary Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – $20.00 [BUY]

The most exciting item on this list for me personally is the Farm Sanctuary line of lipsticks. Kat Von D released four new shades of its Everlasting Liquid Lipstick to benefit Farm Sanctuary, an organization committed to ending farm animal cruelty. My favorite is Julia, a peachy pink shade named for a sweet pig who was rescued from abuse at a factory farm. Not only are these lipsticks gorgeous, but 20% of the retail price goes to support Farm Sanctuary. Talk about an amazing gift that gives back!

 

 

2. Lock-It Mini Baking Duo – $23.00 [BUY]

If you have a friend who loves staying on top of beauty trends, this Baking Duo is the perfect gift! Baking is a makeup technique that became well known in the drag queen community and quickly made its way to everyday glam. This little set includes the Lock-It Concealer Cream and Lock-It Setting Powder – everything one needs to begin baking! Plus, I love that it comes in a box perfect for gifting.

 

 

3. Sinner Lipstick + Fragrance Travel Duo – $27.00 [BUY]

Kat Von D recently released the Saint and Sinner line, which includes the return of her beloved fragrances. My pick is the Sinner set, as the perfume has notes of patchouli, wood, and cinnamon. This kit also comes with a gorgeous Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in the deep purple shade, Sinner. If you are looking to try the perfume at a discounted price, this kit is the way to go!

 

 

4. Everlasting Mini Liquid Lipstick Set – $49.00 [BUY]

If you’re having trouble picking out a shade of lipstick for a friend, grab this amazing gift set featuring eight different shades of Everlasting Liquid Lipstick. The shades included are all neutrals that can be worn alone or mixed together to create even more colors. You can also break apart this gift set and give a few lipsticks to each of your friends!

 

 

 

5. Shade + Light Crème Contour Refillable Palette – $49.00 [BUY]

Kat Von D recently released a crème version of its famous Shade + Light Contour Palette. It contains three highlighter shades and three contour shades that can be mixed together to match any skin tone. I love that this palette is refillable, so you can stock up on the individual shades you use the most without having to purchase a brand new palette. This also makes an excellent gift for someone just getting into makeup, as it has everything you need to start contouring!

 

 

6. Saint + Sinner Eyeshadow Palette – $62.00 [BUY]

If you are looking to go big this holiday season, look no further than the Saint + Sinner Eyeshadow Palette! This limited edition palette contains 12 Saint shades and 12 Sinner shades that are inspired by the stained glass windows of gothic cathedrals. The palette even looks like a window! I think this is such a unique eyeshadow palette, and it will wow any recipient.

 

 

 

That wraps up my 2017 Gift Guide for Kat Von D Beauty! I hope this post helped inspire your holiday shopping, especially if you have a vegan beauty lover on your list. Kat Von D products can be purchased directly from the brand’s website or from Sephora. Make sure to use Ebates HERE when shopping to earn cash back on all of your purchases!

What is your favorite Kat Von D product? Let me know in the comments!

Zoya Summer 2017 Lipsticks | Wanderlust Collection

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you swatches and my review of the Zoya Lipsticks for summer 2017. Zoya released three lipstick shades to go along with the Wanderlust Collection, which celebrates summer adventures. If you would like to see my swatches of all twelve nail polishes in this line, visit THIS blog post. The three lipsticks are all in shades of pink, but the formulas are all different so there is most likely an option for you! Let me show you the vegan lipsticks from Zoya for summer 2017!

First up is Kitty, a shimmering pink lipstick with a frost formula. When I first saw Kitty, I was a bit disappointed, because I really do not like lipsticks with shimmer. I was completely surprised when I applied this shade and found that it looks great! Not only does Kitty’s pink shade look great with my skin tone, but the metallic effect doesn’t show up much on the lips. I’m really excited to add Kitty to my lipstick collection!

Next up is Kirby, a bright watermelon pink lipstick with a cream formula. Zoya describes Kirby as sheer, but I find it to be quite pigmented. This lipstick is brighter than I would choose to wear, but the formula is really nice, so if you like bold lipsticks Kirby is for you. It is so much fun for spring and summer!

Last but not least is Kay, a reddish pink lipstick with a sheer cream formula. Kay’s swatch looks quite bright, but when the lipstick is applied to the lips is balances out to a more wearable shade for me. I like that the sheer formula is a bit on the glossy side, which makes the lips look really hydrated. Of course, Zoya lipsticks have a very comfortable feel and wear nicely.

All in all, I think the three lipsticks Zoya released for the summer 2017 include a nice variety of pink shades. If you are looking for a fun shade for the warm weather, there is a Wanderlust Collection lipstick for you! Each Zoya lipstick retails for $12, and can be purchased on the brand’s website HERE. Be sure to let me know in the comments which Wanderlust lipstick is your favorite!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.