I have not discarded a single empty container since November 2016. I was knee-deep in work. My vanity is cluttered, so much so that it irks me to a point where I want to throw away everything I no longer find useful. I am determined to discard or giveaway non-cruelty free products. To top it all, I went ahead and selected few products to finish by 30th June.
Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel SPF 50 Price: INR 395
Bath and Body Works Cherry Blossom Fine Fragrance Mist Price is $14.00 for 8 fl oz / 236 mL.
Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel SPF 50
I purchased this believing this could be used as a gel-based primer. I'm mistaken. This gel would just consume my moisturiser and within an hour, I would end up with a stretchy feeling. My powder foundation would turn blotchy with this underneath. It would peel and flake and come off easily on with sweat.
The only good thing, it does not cause sweating.
The Body Shop Drops Of Light Brightening Cleansing Foam
I loved using this in the mornings mostly. But I don't think so it is worth 1500! There are so many affordable alternatives. And how long does a cleanser stay on, a minute? Read my thoughts here
Bath and Body Works Cherry Blossom Fine Fragrance Mist
Too sweet for my liking. On me, it bloomed sweet than floral. On my mom, it would bloom sweet floral. Does not remind me of spring at all. The staying power can be prolonged by using a fragrance-free moisturizer underneath.
Colorbar Single Eyeshadow in 10 Black Tie
This is from the year I acknowledged makeup as my interest. This is one of the few eyeshadows I bought while building my makeup collection. I could not use this much, black eyeshadow with silver glitter flecks; god! What was I thinking?!
Oh! Another good reason, to toss this out, I am kissing goodbye to all my non-cruelty-free makeup products.
This eyeshadow, by the way, is discontinued.
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Audacious Asphalt and Painted Purple
The fixation of buying newly launched products didn't quite develop in me or so I think. I didn't find any much use for these colourful shadows for my everyday makeup. I barely wore full-faced makeup anyway. I used them only in Spring. You can check out my spring makeup tutorial to see Painted Purple looks on brown eyes.
I wish they'd launched matte, neutral dark brown colour which could also be used as eyebrow pomade and eyeliner and eyeshadow, of course.
Maybelline Color Tattoo is discontinued in India.
Suncote Gel SPF 30
This one is prescribed by my dermatologist for hyperpigmentation. In 2014, I noticed shadowy darkness on the outer parts of my face. On consultation, it was darkening due to the sun. I was using Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3-in-1 Matte Look Daily Sunblock SPF 40. It was my holy grail only until I discovered that it lacks the sun protection I need.
Suncote Gel is a bit sticky but works great as a makeup primer. Sadly, it does not sit well with my powder foundations and mineral foundations. It does not flake or peel and is sweat proof, if wore without makeup. I conclude this is the best sunscreen for oily skin.
I'd repurchase if I could get high SPF, so I don't have to reapply every hour.
Suncote Gel SPF 30 Price INR 355 for 100 grams
VLCC Sun Defense Matte Look Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 | PA+++*
I was quite excited to try this since it has a slight tint to it. It smells like pineapples dipped in cherry-flavoured expectorant. Can you imagine? I cannot tolerate the fragrance to be honest. When I tested this for the first time, I slathered it all on exposed parts. As soon as I stepped out in sun, I started sweating profusely. To my horror, it melted down in sun. That was one embarrassing situation for me until I cleaned all of it and ended up with sunburn (I was out in the afternoon).
I don't recommend this bummer in a bottle.
Victoria's Secret Lost in Fantasy Body Mist
I loved it even though it was quite fruity on me. For once, I enjoyed the sweet notes of passionfruit.
But boy! I was a failure in panning this, it took me two years to finish this off. I'd use this on and off.
I love the refreshing fragrance, reminds me of beaches and pineapples. The colour blue reminds me of Andamans. This could be weird, but this blooms with sweat that makes it perfect for the humid climate.
NYX Retractable Eyeliner in White
I purchased this to create neon wing eyeliner using my Sleek Acid palette. I could not find this on any of Indian e-commerce websites. NYX is cruelty-free. This is unusable and has passed its PAO date.
Dermalogica Total Eyecare SPF 15
This was a part of the kit. I did not review this then was because I wanted to give it some time to consider if I like it. It fails to sink in and moves my concealer. I tried incorporating it in my evening skincare routine, and it did nothing. No noticeable difference in hydration. I hope there is a better eye cream from Dermalogica.
Dermalogica is cruelty-free!
NYX Eyeshadow Base in White
I don't remember where I bought this from, but there is barely any dent on the surface. I also have NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk which performs much better as an eyeshadow base. NYX Eyeshadow Base in White blends easily but goes on extremely sheer, and the white pigment settles in the fine lines on my eyelids. It did not at all enhance my eyeshadow. I never prefered it except few times when I couldn't find my other eyshadow bases. Concealer works much better as a matter of fact.
NYX Eyshadow Base in White is available on Nykaa and Amazon for INR 725.
Large Stippling Brush from Coastal Scents 22 Piece Brush Kit
Coastal Scents brush kits are probably good for starting out. Some of them are unusable, but face brushes are better in my honest opinion. This was one of my favourite brushes, and I used it almost daily to buff my foundation. Using this as a stippling brush was my way to achieve sheerest coverage ever: just the way I like it. I am looking for a better option, a cruelty-free one; I think I found one but I need to dig deep for the brand's cruelty-free stance.Lip balms: Maybelline Baby Lips and Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15
Baby lips is 50% used, and Neutrogena is all scraped out. I quite like the Norwegian formula!
The best sun protection for lips ever. I seem to repurchase it in spite of the ban, thats how much I like it. I used this up in merely three months! And I did not repurchase, instead, I purchased Sebamed Lip Defense, but that is not cruelty-free either. I am lost here; I need a lip balm that is cruelty-free, has SPF 30 and is not tinted!
*Sent by brand for consideration
Friday, June 02, 2017
Cruelty free Vegan shampoo | Organic Harvest Daily Shampoo Review and Ingredients Analysis
In
Cruelty-free,
Hair
I purchased this with a curiosity. What surfactant must be used in the formulation? Will this be my Holy Grail Shampoo which is not tested on animals and does not contain animal derived ingredients?
Here is my in-depth analysis on the ingredients. I was excited when I bought this to add to my List of Cruelty free and vegan shampoos.
Organic Harvest claims to use organic and chemical free ingredients. The products made without Parabens, Artifical colourants and animal derived ingredients. The packaging is minimal, almost ordinary.
So the first thing I did was looked up the ingredients and researched on them.
I have wasted, a lot of it by using it in exceeding amount. For three weeks I could not decipher the amount that should be used, a lot of it was wasted and lost a lot of hair every time I shampooed. In the hope of that squeaky clean feeling!
But one fine day, I used just a pump and voila there was zero hair fall while shampooing. It is as mild as Baby shampoo. All you need is just one pump for normal-oily hair and two if you have oiled them. My essential oil hair rinses work well with the shampoo. I love the volume I achieve when I use this.
To put the whole review in one sentence, OH Daily Shampoo is the best vegan and cruelty free alternative to SLS based shampoos.
My mother who colours and touch ups her hair every 45 days and thinks that her colour lasts longer.
Mostly, her curly hair is more manageable and frizz free.
I miss the slip while massaging this onto my scalp. That is the only thing I dislike about this shampoo. And missing Ingredients list too!
When I could not get the sugarcane juice out of my head, I looked up at the key ingredients mentioned on the bottle. Certified Organic Decyl Glucoside, Glucoside was all I needed.
Organic Harvest does not forget to mention that the Shampoo is Paraben free, Phthalates free, Mineral Oil free, PABAfree, Petrolatum free, Paraffin-free and free of animal ingredients.
And not to forget not tested on animals, not even the raw materials used. The ingredients used in the formulation are USDA-certified organic ingredients as well as Eco-certified ingredients.
Organic Harvest is not tested on animals and does not contain animal derived ingredients.
Here is my in-depth analysis on the ingredients. I was excited when I bought this to add to my List of Cruelty free and vegan shampoos.
Organic Harvest claims to use organic and chemical free ingredients. The products made without Parabens, Artifical colourants and animal derived ingredients. The packaging is minimal, almost ordinary.
 |
| Add caption |
How I use Organic Harvest Daily Shampoo?
When I first opened the bottle, the liquid with its colour and fragrance reminded me of sugarcane juice. Every time I used it, I wanted to glug down a tall glass of sugarcane juice. The image of sugarcane juice would not leave me alone.So the first thing I did was looked up the ingredients and researched on them.
I have wasted, a lot of it by using it in exceeding amount. For three weeks I could not decipher the amount that should be used, a lot of it was wasted and lost a lot of hair every time I shampooed. In the hope of that squeaky clean feeling!
But one fine day, I used just a pump and voila there was zero hair fall while shampooing. It is as mild as Baby shampoo. All you need is just one pump for normal-oily hair and two if you have oiled them. My essential oil hair rinses work well with the shampoo. I love the volume I achieve when I use this.
To put the whole review in one sentence, OH Daily Shampoo is the best vegan and cruelty free alternative to SLS based shampoos.
My mother who colours and touch ups her hair every 45 days and thinks that her colour lasts longer.
Mostly, her curly hair is more manageable and frizz free.
I miss the slip while massaging this onto my scalp. That is the only thing I dislike about this shampoo. And missing Ingredients list too!
Organic Harvest Ingredients Analysis
When I could not get the sugarcane juice out of my head, I looked up at the key ingredients mentioned on the bottle. Certified Organic Decyl Glucoside, Glucoside was all I needed.- Aqua
- Decyl Glucoside is plant derived and biodegradable, derived from corn and cane sugar.
- Sodium PCA is a humectant; Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (hydrating agent) additionally functions as skin replenishing agent.
Organic Harvest does not forget to mention that the Shampoo is Paraben free, Phthalates free, Mineral Oil free, PABAfree, Petrolatum free, Paraffin-free and free of animal ingredients.
And not to forget not tested on animals, not even the raw materials used. The ingredients used in the formulation are USDA-certified organic ingredients as well as Eco-certified ingredients.
Efficacy
- Chemical free shampoo? Sulfate free shampoo?
- I love the body my fine hair has achieved.
- My scalp does not turn oily until 3rd or 4th day.
- I can get away with diluting the shampoo for the mildest scalp cleansing.
- I have used 450 ml in 7 months. I am left with few more washes.
- If you dislike the fragrance, you can add essential oils to improve its efficacy.
Price: 795 INR for 500ml
Friday, May 12, 2017
Colourpop Peachy Keen Super Shock Eyeshadow Quad Review, Swatches and Photos
In
Cruelty-free,
Makeup
In my mind, I have glorified the gold. I want to stockpile all the gold eye shadows that I fancy at sight. The hues of gold, champagne, golden bronze, soft gold, dusty gold, golden beige...
And corals, as much as I love the combination I always end up pairing. Coral eye shadows are tricky and I am picky and certain.
Yes, I want the Too Faced Sweet Peach in spite of its mediocrity and the Too Faced fall collection 2017 Just Peachy tops my wishlist. Enough said.
While browsing, I came across this Foursome super shock eye shadows and all I could do was daydream of the makeup looks I could create. Reality check, I wore these only twice this spring/summer: two different looks. I am planning to recreate both. Currently, Colourpop Cosmetics is offering free worldwide shipping.
Colourpop Peachy Keen Foursome includes 4 warm-toned neutrals. Colour wise, they are well contrasted and undertone wise quite well coordinated. These colours are best suited for light to medium skin tones. Kennedy is quite a pastel on Olive/Tan skin tones, I am assuming it would be a bit more whitish on deeper skin tones.
Texture & Longevity
The tactile texture, to me, feels like moss. (Imagine the cleaner, greener, please.) If you've ever studied moss as a course or curiosity, you'll understand. How plush and cushiony it is to touch and at the same time not much, if you exert a little pressure to the touch, it'll lay bare its soothing dampness.
The staying power is unrealistic, stays on until I am ready to wash off my makeup- say 8-9 hours. That's how long I've let it stay on my lids, but you need a heavy duty oil balm or cleanser to take it off. The metallic and the ultra metallic shades crease on my eyelids. But if I am indoors and wearing Urban Decay original eyeshadow primer underneath, it doesn't budge at all, forget creasing. 9 of 10 times I skip primer since I am always short of time while doing the whole glam face.
Did I even mention NO FALLOUT?!
Colours, Undertones and Blendability
Crimper: A soft warm gold with multi-dimensional reflect, a bit gritty due to the glitter in it. Metallic Love!
Kennedy: A matte mid-tone Peach, slightly more cushiony and plush than the others.
Cornelius: A matte soft brown leans caramel, mid-tone to be precise.
Bandit: A warm reddish brown with sparse soft flecks of pink, silver and violet.
Cornelius works as a transition shade and blends effortlessly with any synthetic blending brush. But you would need to blend & build the depth of colour at once because once it sets it turns patchy upon layering. Crimper can be worn as a lid colour as well as a topper and works well both the ways.
Kennedy leans pastel on dark/olive/tan skin tones if worn with an eyeshadow primer performs much better. Bandit can be used to smoke out the edges and add more depth, the combination of Peach from Kennedy and the Reddish brown tint of Bandit creates quite a magical colour combination. All these colours are unique and co-ordinated at once, so many eye makeup looks can be created with just these foursomes.
With Kennedy being more plush and cushiony or mousse-like than the others; it gets difficult to either blend or layer the pigment. At once, Kennedy is both my favourite and least favourite.
Final Thoughts
Anybody who'd like to add some warm-toned neutral shades from Colourpop to their collection, can go ahead and pick this right away. I like these colours, even if I fail to wear them all at once; I use Cornelius as my transition shade whenever I use all Colourpop for eyemakeup. I have to come up with using different ways to use them before they dry and die!
Price in US & India for Colourpop Peachy Keen: $18 and INR 1206
Availability: Colourpop Cosmetics Peachy Keen*
Is Colourpop Cruelty-free? Yes
Vegan? Yes
* No affiliate link
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons