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Sunday, January 24, 2021

2021 Beauty Resolutions


I don't remember acquiring makeup in 2020, except for three beauty subscription boxes and Lisa Eldridge lipsticks. I wore makeup (only lipstick and mascara, if at all these count) to work till first half of March. I have been in two minds about purchasing Pat McGrath palettes; god knows how many times I've added them to cart and logged out; I no longer have the heart to purchase non-cruelty-free makeup. To sum up, no non-cruelty-free purchases were made in 2020.


I am assuming I don't have any non-cruelty-free products anymore (few lipsticks excluded). Also for all the skincare purchases I made this year, I selected brands that have adopted sustainable approach from manufacturing to packaging. So in terms of adhering to sustainable life choices, it was a good year.


I don't have any favourites, pan projects for 2020. Getting eight hours of sleep and working in PJs: What more can I ask for? The year 2020 was insipid if I may describe it in one word. Everything came to pass like clockwork: wakeup, work, nap, study, sleep. Creativity and I broke up; I am wondering if it is mutual 😂. I cannot recall doing anything exceptional this year; I had nothing happening to fill in my journal, absolutely nothing. My bullet journal for 2020 is blank. Down the line, I don't think I'll even have any good memory from 2020.


I'm trying to pull it together in 2021. Already started planning and setting goals for first half of 2021; I might as well just think of resolutions for the sake of "it".


A blogpost a month: I often run out of ideas for blogging, so I kept it that way for the year 2020; I have thesis to complete ("just done with one chapter"—I have been rattling off this statement throughout 2020), and it takes up all my time. I am planning to post anything, just about anything, as a blogpost here.


More skincare? I don't feel like posting things I dislike anymore; just not my thing. I will never take anybody's word before purchasing skincare. My skin has a mind of its own—lets not talk about abrupt seasonal and sleep changes. 😐 I am just going to try adding a little more discipline to my routine.


More makeup? I did little tidying up of my stuff last week, and I had no idea I had this new, unopened Tarte face primer. I need better ideas to store my stash, or I may need to better my eyesight. Such times make me feel I need to have better control over my definitions of "need" and "want", and that I am overdoing things all.the.time. 


Swatches: Someday I am going to take everything out and swatch all my favourites and put up. I just don't know when that will be.


Writing it down: This is something I am just going to do it. I remember imagining eyemakeup inspired by "Ten of Cups", but when I tried attempting it few days later, I had forgotten all about it. I feel the need to jot down my ideas. I keep forgetting things.


I foresee myself focussing on skincare more than makeup (I really wonder if I will be wearing any). Also, I don't see any pan projects happening in 2021 either, but I do have my wishlist ready.😏

I will submit my thesis this year, and I will pretend I don't have stardust in my eyes! 😎 I hope 2021 turns out great for everyone!



Thursday, September 03, 2020

Beauty Recycling Programmes in India


beauty recycling programmes in India

I haven't worn or have bought makeup since March 2020; it has been six months—not once—although I had planned to experiment during the lockdown. However, I've been actively exploring ways to recycle waste. I've been trying to do my bit, sometimes even going out of my way, and I believe all of us do. I only knew MAC's recycling programme, but I am delighted to state that there are many brands introducing recycling programs.

This—recycling criterion—is worth considering before purchasing any product, for me personally. This doesn't leave me with many choices, rather...I like to think...its only fair! You get some, you lose some...

I am listing down all the brands, both cruelty free and non-cruelty free, available in India that offer recycling programmes. I am not categorising them as green, clean, ethically sourced or anything else, but I am solely looking at them as brands that encourage recycling by offering rewards in exchange.


Back to MAC**

You get a free full-size lipstick from MAC's permanent collection in exchange of six primary packaging (except wooden pencils). This also includes empty pack of face wipes and empty pigment tubes. Primary packaging here refers to the component without the product, i.e., MAC eyeshadow/blush component with its pan intact; components with missing pan are not acceptable under this programme. You can avail the offered product, depending on your location, at any MAC counters. This programme is available online in Canada.

You can check the detailed terms and conditions for MAC's Back to MAC programme in India here.


Kiehl's**

Kiehl's has a recycling programmed named as "Recycle and Be Rewarded". Under this programme, consumers are rewarded with a "stamp" in exchange of one empty container. With certain number of stamps, one can avail deluxe samples, #1 lip balm and a full-size product (up to INR1200).

You can check the detailed terms and conditions for Kiehl's Recycle and Be Rewarded programme in India here.


The Body Shop*

The Body Shop has two different programmes for rewards and recycling. For recycling, The Body Shop accepts empty containers under "In Store Recycling Scheme". Basically, The Body Shop accepts empty containers and passes them onto (a third party) their recycling partner. No reward system or point system is followed under this scheme. This scheme is limited only in select stores (all stand-alone stores) across India. You can draw "X" on the containers with a permanent marker and return them at select stores. I have returned two empty containers so far. Honestly, it feels nice to know that my empty containers won't end up being marine debris.

You can check the detailed terms and conditions and select stores for The Body Shop's In Store Recycling Scheme in India here.


Innisfree**

Innisfree offers points as rewards on valid product purchases under "My Innisfree Rewards" programme and points in exchange of empty containers under their "Empty Bottle Recycling campaign". They offer membership "Welcome" on their first purchase which can be upgraded to "Premium" and "VIP" with purchase of Innisfree products worth INR 5000 and 10000, respectively. One can give back up to five empty containers per month in exchange of 1250 points per container.

You can check the detailed terms and conditions for Innisfrees's "My Innisfree Rewards" programme in India here.


Plum*

Plum accepts empty containers under their "Empties4Good" programme. Their packaging is made using recyclable materials. One can either send empties (only Plum containers) on their address or request a pick up by filling a form given on their website. For every empty container, Plum credits INR 50 in the sender's account.

You can check the detailed terms and conditions for Plum's "Empties4Good" programme in India here.


The Nature's Co.*

The Nature's Co. accepts empty containers under their "#PlasticFreeWorld" programme. Empty bottles and containers, completely rinsed and packed in a cardboard box, are to be sent to their Plastic Collection Centre. An e-coupon card will be sent to the sender for their next purchase.

You can check the detailed terms and conditions for The Nature's Co.'s"#PlasticFreeWorld" programme in India here.


Needless to say but its really important to rinse your empty containers to avoid contamination during the recycling process. Rejected containers end up at landfill sites. Apart from these brands, various brands such as L'Occitane, Garnier and Love Beauty and Planet have begun contributing to reduce their carbon footprint by using containers made from post-consumer recycled waste. This post is limited to the availability of brands in India. There are many brands across globe contributing in various ways; some brands may take inspiration. *wink*

*cruelty-free brand

**non-cruelty-free brand

Saturday, January 04, 2020

Love of my life

My beauty resolution for 2020 is to pan makeup; I'm not on a makeup ban, but this girl's beauty space is expanding.... and I forgot to swatch the lipstick.

lisa eldridge lipstick


lisa eldridge lipstick


I wanted this post to go live in 2019 but I didn't feel like blogging even though I wanted to...so 2020.


Makeup Artist Lisa Eldridge launched her first True Velvet Collection with Velvet RibbonVelvet Jazz and Velvet Morning back in November 2018. I added Velvet Ribbon to cart and procrastinated for about sometime, and bam! I lost interest thinking I don't wear red everyday. I wanted it because it is similar to Ruby Woo–a blue-based red.

Then I forgot about it, about everything. I was too busy to even look at the swatches of her next launch, but I had a glimpse of Go Lightly. How I overcame my impulsiveness, I do not know. Rainbow spill was my choice but I could hardly make use of it everyday. Then...

I chose Love of My Life because I wanted a colour I could wear everyday and finish it off within few months. I knew it I'd love the texture, and I want to experience what hitting a pan or finishing off a lipstick feels like. I still want Velvet Beauty and Velvet Muse and maybe even Velvet Fawn. I thought these would turn out pale on me but looking at the swatches on medium-olive skin tones, I regret! I don't know if Lisa will restock them.

This shade is truly universal. I am sure this will look good even on all skin tones. A soft rose pink with a neutral undertone in lucent finish. Love of My Life is cruelty-free and 100% vegan. To put down in one line: This formula is quite unique. I know of lipsticks that form tides because of their balmy textures; this does not and that makes me reach out for this even more, even though I have worn this only twice because I was waiting for the moment. :D

Here is how Love of My Life looks on medium-olive skin tone:

lipstick swatches








The finish, Luxuriously Lucent, in Lisa's words, indeed feels luxurious and lasts for about 4 hours and leaves a soft rosy tint. I love love love the pale gold and magnetic lipstick case. I have not yet gone lip liner hunting for this one, but I want to find a cruelty-free lip liner to go with this colour. Lisa's suggestions are Lancôme - Le Lip Liner - Pourquoi Pas 317 and Barry M - Lip Liner - Dark Pink 2.

What is the best thing I like about this lipstick? The colour.
The camera fails do justice to the colour and lip swatches here. So I tried clicking under both lighting conditions with all sort of settings. The colour looks deeper in the pictures. In person, this colour is more soft and not as deep and vibrant as in the pictures. Probably a kind of pink that'll flatter all looks from soft to smokey.

To conclude, I love Lisa Eldridge's Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour in Love of My Life, and I also want the aforementioned shades. I am resisting to get the True Velvet Collection because I cannot wear reds everyday. I am really hoping to finish this one off soon, so I am wearing it everyday, even though I don't wear face makeup everyday and it still flatters my bare face. This alone got me excited enough to spend a fortune to get hold of this.
No affiliate; you can check her lipsticks here: https://www.lisaeldridge.com/shop/beauty/

I paid the shipping, and I had to pay custom duty, and I wasn't happy about it.

But Love of My Life sounds so cheesy! 😏



Sunday, July 21, 2019

Current night-time skincare routine

After drafting four blogposts since December 2018, I am hitting publish for this one. There is only one reason—I am pretty serious about it. No matter how tired I am, or even sick, I have to go to bed with a clean face or it's the end of the world.




Step one

I still use the good old extra virgin olive oil, but for light makeup or sunscreen, I'm quite liking Josie Maran's Argan cleansing oil. It is vegan and cruelty-free, but repurchase? Probably not.


Step two

The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution. I cannot see any other toner, if my shelves hold this. For first few uses, I woke up with breakouts and stopped using it, but if I dab this onto wet skin, it doesn't irritate my skin. This one's a keeper!


Step three

Either Kiko Milano Smart Glow Drops or The Ordinary's Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA. If I am using spot treatment, I skip this step and move onto moisturising. Occassionally, I make my own Vitamin C serum.




Step four

This is the most crucial step, and the one that is unpredictable—I have so many options to choose from—moisturisers, facial oils or sleeping masks. Coming to sleeping masks, I'm trying to love the Freeman Honeydew & Chamomile Sleeping Mask for neck and décolletage, but I'm going back to my absolute favourite. For my current skin conditions, BrownBoi's Saffron oil has been working just fine.

Step five

This one is optional—exclusively for weeknights, when I want to reflect upon things or even watch a movie. I treat my skin to a mask or five-minute massage. The Ordinary's AHA and BHA Peeling Solution for under-the-skin bumps, Himalaya Neem pack for detoxification and massage for the nights when my tiredness is visible through my skin. sigh.


This post is restricted to the current weather. I am also trying to incorporate new products and few additional steps, which are not necessary for the current weather. For nights when I want to sleep as soon as I get home—step one, two and four, it is. I think I've filtered so many in-between steps that make a world of difference. I think I'll post an in-depth routine before 2019 ends.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

2018 Makeup Favourites

Makeup wasn't on my mind for these eleven months. More or so, it has been a combination of "stuck in a rut" and "whatever" situation. A pretty colourless year for someone who loves the bling. I've discovered some gems; somethings worth repurchasing.

2018 Makeup Favourites, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Diffused, The ordinary serum foundation, Kryolan lip n cheek tint in dahlia

Face

The Ordinary Serum Foundation

I was way too sceptical to get these (I am using the demonstrative pronoun "these" because I bought three shades). Most of them said it separates on them and does not provide much coverage. But boy! there is nothing I dislike about the formulation. When I added these to my cart, I shrugged assuming £18 won't hurt. One pump and it evens out the skin without looking like I'm wearing any makeup. It does not separate on me, irrespective of using primer or setting it with powder. What makes me consider this a great foundation? It does not settle in my laugh lines.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light

At first, I didn't like it with all that dusty, fine powder particles on the mirror and rim. I believe that is the peculiar thing about baked powders. Considering it is so expensive, a little goes a long way. I barely touch the surface of the pan with a large fluffy brush and buff and sweep all over the face. I use this as finishing powder and swoon inside every time. And yes, I have been asked why I'm glowing. This is basically Instagram filter in a compact. There were days when I used this over the tinted sunscreen and that's that. I have used this almost every single day of 2018 and the dome has barely any dent on it. I am going to repurchase this all my life would be an understatement.

Bioderma Sebium Global

I have used this as a primer for redness. Though it soothed the redness, I could not figure out its texture. I have used this exclusively through summer and on most days on the cheeks and nose. Somedays it would work great but some it would make the skin dry leading to more sebum secretion. And the worst possible it did was draw an appearance of texture as if layers of foundation lived on the surface of my skin. Not flattering.

This controlled sebum but also dehydrated those areas.

LA Girl Pro conceal Green Corrector

Red pesky acne and the ever-deepening redness on my nose and cheeks are more troublesome than ever in winter. The redness is an unwanted side effect of adding acids to my skin care. This has been my rescue agent in all those red distress signal situations.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Golden 

My go-to mineral foundation for 2018. I like this even more than I like Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation. The formulation is light, buildable and meshes with the skin. It does not transfer unless you use too much, and the best part is skin looks like skin. This has a sheen to it, which accentuates the natural high-points. Though it evens out the skin, it cannot conceal nor it accentuates the dry flaky areas. I prefer using tea tree oil-based skincare under mineral foundations.
This is the kind of foundation you wear to the gym. *wink*

Wet n Wild Photofocus Pressed Powder in Neutral Beige

This one is almost invisible on the skin. It sets and does not leave a cast. It works great for flash photography! Though it does not have any coverage, it looks and turns out exactly like Mac Mineralize Skinfinish. If only it had coverage! But I think this is the best cruelty-free dupe for MAC Mineralize Skinfinish.

Wet n Wild Photofocus Concealer in Light/Medium Beige

The best undereye concealer ever! I bought the most loved Mac Prolongwear Concealer, and I did not like it, even a bit. For gloopy thick texture it had, it was impossible to spend time blending every day. And the texture thickened with time. MAC is a better choice to hide acne scars, but I prefer something light for under eyes, so this does the job. I like this better than Maybelline Fit Me.


Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight swatches review is Kevyn Aucoin cruelty free?

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight

If I believed in love at first sight, this would ascend the list. I love everything about it: the colour, texture and longevity. This is a no-nonsense highlighter. It has warm reflect that is subtle and not sparkly or blinding. For lit from within look, this is so far the best highlighter. I like this even better than the Balm's Mary-Lou Manizer.

Natio Loose Crystals in Beige

Another mineral foundation. This is drier than the other ones I have tried and takes a lot of buffing and blending to look natural. The undertone is a lot more beige for neutral undertone, but the difference is not noticeable. And this one at times does oxidise after a while, especially on the T-zone.
Funnily, it looks patchy at times. I mix a drop of jojoba oil and tea tree oil in the moisturiser. I am not sure, if this is worth a repurchase.

Kryolan Lip n cheek tint in Petunia swatches, The body shop cheek and lip tint hibiscus

Cheeks

The Body Shop Lip Cheek Stain in Pink Hibiscus

My love for cheek tint dates back to 2008. I prefer tint and creme finish to powder finish. The formula could have been better, I think. Three dots give the same blushed cheeks with 3 km run. Bad math, you got my point. I see this is going into "will always repurchase" list until I find something better.

Kryolan Cheek Tint in Petunia

This is already a repurchase. I called the store to check if they had the shade Rose in stock, it was. Two days later, I visited the store to pick it up; It was gone. Someone just took away my dream blush. Rose, a subtle mauve pink, flattering for Indian skin tones. I love how natural this looks with dewy no makeup makeup. I always end up purchasing orange coloured stuff from Kryolan. I don't know why.
Probably, I will repurchase this again in a different shade?

Eyebrows

Benefit Gimme Brow Tint (sample sized) and NYX Micro Brow Pencil: these two products sorted my life. I have almost finished the NYX brow pencil. Is it Anastasia Beverly Hill's dupe?
Not exactly, the texture is quite dry compared to Anastasia's. Even in terms of pigmentation, NYX is nowhere near. I have been going low on the brows. Nothing too striking. Most days, it is just setting them in place with a brow gel.

Mascara

Essence I love Extreme Volume Mascara, Maybelline Falsies Push up Drama Mascara

Essence I love Extreme has to be my favourite. I used the combination of volumising and lengthening mascaras.and lots of curling! Other mascaras that I used were Essence Multi-action and Tarte Tarteist Mascara. Tarte is better and I have one more tube to really form an opinion.

Lips

NYX Soft matte lip cream in Cannes swatches, Tarte Tarteist Lip paint in TBT, NYX Suede Matte lip liner in whipped caviar review, The body shop lip and cheek tint in pink hibiscus, forest essential rose lip balm
The Body Shop Lip Cheek Stain in Pink Hibiscus, Kryolan Cheek Tint in Dahlia, NYX suede liner in Whipped Caviar, Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint Tbt, NYX SMLC Cannes
Natural light
From L <-> R: The Body Shop Lip Cheek Stain in Pink Hibiscus, Kryolan Cheek Tint in Petunia, NYX suede liner in Whipped Caviar, Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint Tbt, NYX SMLC Cannes
The Body Shop Lip Cheek Stain in Pink Hibiscus, Kryolan Cheek Tint in Dahlia, NYX suede liner in Whipped Caviar, Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint Tbt, NYX SMLC Cannes swatches
With Flash
From L <->R: The Body Shop Lip Cheek Stain in Pink Hibiscus, Kryolan Cheek Tint in Petunia, NYX suede liner in Whipped Caviar, Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint Tbt, NYX SMLC Cannes

Neutral Pink-Brown/Mauve dominated my 2018. These are the ones that I have used throughout with a little variation, of course. A little mixing, experimenting and creating new colours. In the first half of 2018, rose pinks dominated, and the rest half, a subdued brown with a hint of pink. I have fallen in love with TBT's colour, texture and finish. I like Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint Tbt better than NYX Lip cream. I love that mint kick too!
These appear exactly the same with a slight undertone difference. Tarte's TBT has cool undertone while NYX's Cannes is warm.


NYX suede liner in whipped caviar is definitely a MLLB. Everything that goes on it looks good.
Forest essential sugared rose petals lip balm is a repurchase. I have been kind of missing it lately; I thought it was not worth repurchasing, but I changed my mind. Shelling out money for a lip balm that costs as an average lipstick was something I didnot reconsider. I loved it and will repurchase, because I cannot have too many lip balms, can I? 😏

I have a makeup/skincare hate hitlist that my contemplative state of mind would not approve.


Saturday, February 03, 2018

Red Lipsticks for Valentine's Day



There is something about the colour red...

and a red lipstick.

How instantly it brightens up the face!

I am in love!

The only way I can make red lipstick work for me is by bronzing and using a corrector to out the pink in my skin. Red is never an effortless colour for me. I love clean, minimal base, lots of mascara and red lipstick. Red lipsticks with blue undertone bring out the golden-brown hues in my eyes.



Here are three hues I have pulled out from my collection. All drugstore pricing; cruelty-free as well.



L.A.Colors Pout Lipgloss Matte in Lusty

I am in love with the texture and everything about this, and the fact that this is for $1. The staying power is amazing, and it does not come off in patches (unless you eat something fried). I bought all 11 shades from ShopMissA, boy! I'm glad. Lusty is true red with neutral undertone. I am wearing this in the GIF. Also, I was testing The Ordinary Coverage Foundation and all the new makeup I received. This one is my favourite of these three.


NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam

I adore the texture of soft matte lip creams. Amsterdam was a part of a set; the undertone is yellow, and the red leans more on the red-orange spectrum. I don't know how exactly I feel about this kind (warm undertone) of red. I wear reds with reds or whites exclusively. Nothing more nothing less sort of thing for me. This does bring out yellow in my skin tone.

Essence XXXL Longlasting Lipgloss Matt Effect in Silky Red

This is a warm red with orange undertone. The undertones of my face and body are different and hence the colour shows up differently on both. Check out the difference in swatches here, but I definitely don't like this one, for it just slips away. The only way to make this work is to blot and reapply!



This gif is made out of an accidental video. I accidentally turned on video mode and got occupied in clicking pictures on phone. Cropped out from whole seven minutes. I have more reds with more or less with orange undertones. I need a red with blue undertone. Ruby Woo is all I think of, but I need a cruelty-free option, Milani maybe. Ooooh! And that purchase will be celebrated. ;-)



Thursday, December 07, 2017

Cruelty-free Makeup Brands available in India online

Crueltyfree brands available in India online


I had a phase while transitioning into using cruelty-free products, where I wanted to quit. Because there were not many certified cruelty-free brands available in India. There were a lot of cruelty-free and vegan skincare and haircare options available but makeup wasn't easy. But now they can be accessed on various ecommerce websites. Though the prices are not exactly "drugstore",  you can always get them on discount.

I have compiled few certified cruelty-free brands that are available online in India. Sephora NNNow holds high-end brands such as Smashbox and Becca, while all drugstore brands are available on Amazon, Nykaa, Jabong and Purplle. I will be also listing down the availability of these brands on various websites. I have narrowed down all the cruelty-free, vegan makeup brands that are available online. I will be compiling different brand lists categorising  them into skincare, haircare, makeup and skincare tools and offline brands available in India.

Ardell

Ardell is well known for their lashes. Though they've led off with their makeup line recently. The brand offers various styles of lashes for every ocassion. Demi Wispies are cult favourite!
Ardell is certified cruelty-free by PETA.
Available on Amazon, Nykaa, Jabong, Snapdeal, Flipkart.

Australis

When Australis was launched online in India, the first thing I wanted to do was purchase face and body tint. But upon reading, I concluded that it is nowhere near being similar to MAC Face and Body Foundation.
Australis is certified by Choose Crueltyfree.
Available on Amazon, Nykaa, Jabong, Flipkart, Snapdeal and HOKMakeup.

Beauty Blender

I cannot imagine my makeup life without an orginal beauty blender! Set aside all those dupes and similar sponges, nothing compares this little squishy tool. Shopmissa's Wonder blender is by far the closest dupe. Beauty Blender is sold in China and is categorised as makeup tool and hence does not require animal testing.
Beauty Blender is 100% vegan.
Available online in India though there is no authenticity guarantee (unless stated). You can get it on Camera Ready Cosmetics, Beauty Bay and Cultbeauty; these websites offer worldwide shipping.

Becca

Becca is available online on sephora.nnnow.com exclusively in India. Becca is acquired by Estee Lauder, but the brand remains cruelty-free.

Ciate London

I heaved a sigh of relief when Ciate London was launched in India. I was distraught with unavailability of cruelty-free nail polishes in India. But then I already have the Ciate Advent Calender 2016. Their makeup line looks amazing and fun. Some of their products are 100% vegan.
Ciate London is PETA certified.
Available online on Amazon and Nykaa.

Catrice

I am fancying some good drugstore makeup and Catrice is on the list. Few select products are available online in India, but I believe it was launched in India? I don't know.
The brand belongs to Cosnova and most of their products are vegan.
Available online on Amazon.


Essence

I vividly remember concluding Essence cosmetics as non-cruelty-free. But upon in-depth reading, the parent company, Cosnova, although not certified by any organisation, is considered cruelty-free.
Some products are 100% vegan.
Available online on Amazon, Nykaa, Purplle.

IsaDora

A Swedish makeup brand that is affordable, but it is not quite cheap and cheerful in India.
IsaDora is certified cruelty-free by PETA.
Available on Amazon, Nykaa and Shoppersstop.

Lottie London

The packaging is bomb.com! I am in love with their packaging, and I am hoping to see their makeup line launching soon. Their duo chrome lip glosses and nail polishes are minimalistic and chic.
Lottie London is PETA certified.
Lottie London brushes are available online on Amazon, Nykaa, Habbana.


LA Colors and LA Girl

Both these brands belong to Beauty 21 Cosmetics Inc. Take my word, LA girl Pro HD Foundation is incredible and so are their concealers. Both these brands are certified cruelty-free by PETA.
Almost all the products are available online on Amazon, Nykaa, HOK Makeup, Habbana and Purplle.

LA Splash

LA Splash belongs to Jon Davler Inc. or IONI Cosmetics. The products are glutenfree and some of them are 100% vegan.
LA Splash holds PETA certification.


Iba Halal

Iba Care is certified cruelty-free by PETA. The brand offers halal lipsticks and other makeup products. The lipsticks are inexpensive for 195 INR!
Not all vegan products are halal, there is a difference between both. Halal products donot contain any animal by-product and forbidden ingredients such as alcohol.

Milani

Milani is PETA and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free! The matte lipsticks, the blushes and amore matte lipsticks are hit. Some of their products are vegan.
Available on Amazon and Nykaa.

Natio

Natio is certified cruelty-free by Choose Crueltyfree. Natio is sold in China exclusively online which does not require animal testing. You can read an indepth post on the brands statement here.
Natio offers both skincare and colour cosmetics.
Available on Amazon, Nykaa and Sephora NNNow.

Inglot

Inglot is the brand that goes unnoticed in competition to MAC. But I believe the quality is quite similar to MAC. If only their foundations and shades weren't so confusing. Inglot is available in select cities, but it can be purchased on Nykaa and Majorbrands.

The Body Shop

I am a fan of neither their skincare nor makeup, but I am just glad they are cruelty-free. The Body Shop holds cruelty-free certification by PETA.
Available on all leading websites, Nykaa and thebodyshop.in

Smashbox

Smashbox is PETA certified cruelty-free. Estee Lauder is the parent company and conducts animal testings. Smashbox entered the Chinese market but pulled out immediately.  As of now, the brand is not sold in Mainland China, which requires animal testing.
Smashbox is available on Nykaa and Sephora NNNow.

the Balm

I always thought the Balm is certified cruelty-free but I was wrong. It is not sold in Mainland China, and most of their products are vegan. phew!
Available on Nykaa.

Zuii Organics

An Australian brand I came across when I was looking at organic brands. What caught my attention was that their products are made from flower extracts and plants. Imagine a lipstick made from flowers extracts! Though I am yet to try their line, the pricing is holding me back. The products are certified vegan by The Vegan Society, and the cruelty-free certification  is provided by Choose Crueltyfree.
Available on Nykaa and Amazon.

Wet n Wild

The brand was launched on Nykaa on 1 December 2017. I jumped at the chance and placed two orders. Currently,  I am testing them and am so glad the brand is now available in India.
Wet n Wild is certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny (read their status update here).

NYX

NYX has been a cult favourite with their soft matte lip creams. NYX is owned by L'oreal, but the brands is cruelty-free and certified by PETA.
NYX is available on Amazon and Nykaa.



Most of these brands are certified cruelty-free by PETA. Other brands that claim to be cruelty-free, such as MUA, Freedom London, Makeup Obsession and I  Makeup, and are owned by Tam Beauty are not certified.
Indian brands such as Lotus Herbals, Sugar Cosmetics, Seasoul and LYN are not certified cruelty-free, but they claim that their products are not tested on animals. I am awaiting replies from Lotus Herbals and Seasoul.
I am drafting an in-depth post on cruelty-free standards by the organisations such as PETA, CCF and Leaping Bunny. 

Sunday, December 30, 2012

From Craving to Shaving...

This post is a part of the 'Shave or Crave' movement in association with BlogAdda.com

I have learned: Stubble is the way to win a woman’s heart. Don't believe me? Read it here.

But...

How to Ignite the Craving for a Stubble-Free Transformation in Men?

Source: Pixabay


Join the "Shave or Crave" movement and let's tackle the hairy-beary epidemic together!

I've cracked the code on making men ditch the caveman chic and embrace the smooth look. Here's my foolproof guide:


1. Mock Him!
Give him a taste of his own stubble rebellion! I casually inquired if he was treating his beard to a luxurious shampoo experience along with his hair. The 'look' he shot back was a mix of disbelief and victory. Lo and behold, the next day, I was greeted by a dazzling clean-shaven masterpiece. Victory smells as sweet as his aftershave!


2. Gift him Shaving Essentials.

For the lazy guys with unruly stubble, gift them shaving essentials. Remind them so often that it becomes a background score to their life. Annoying? Absolutely. Effective? You bet. He'll be shaving daily just to shut you up.


3. Drag him to Spas and Salons.
Book those couple spa packages and, if needed, employ some gentle persuasion tactics - literally drag him along. Keep a watchful eye on him, not to be a snoopy spy, but to play pretend. Because nothing says "shave it off" like a pampering session that makes him appreciate the value of a smooth, clean-shaven face. It's spa day, not stubble day!


4. Ban the Stubble.
Set the ground rules - "No stubble days" are non-negotiable. If he protests, take him shopping with you. It's the perfect revenge strategy. Trust me; he won't risk skipping a shave again.


5. Be a Drama Queen.
Channel your inner soap opera star. Hype it up! Show off your acting skills. Throw in some dramatic sighs and gasps. Make a fuss about the stubble like it's the ultimate apocalypse of facial hair. Kiss and make up later, and he'll be running for the razor.
Stubble be gone, the curtain has fallen!


And for those days when he forgets to shave, here are five one-liners to drive the point home:

1) "Did you forget to look in the mirror today? Seriously."
2) "You might need a mask today, babe."
3) "I'm tempted to scratch that scoundrel stubble from your cheeks, eh."
4) "Did you drink that or your stubble did?"
5) "Believe me, baby, it'd take just a day for you to look like Tom Hanks in Cast Away."


P.S. Don't forget to *roll your eyes* while delivering these gems. Happy shaving adventures!
P.S.S. All the one-liners and guidelines are tried and tested. *wink*


No beards were harmed while writing this post. No harm intended - this post is all in good humor and is written for Blogadda.