Makeup Discourse

It all began on that September morning of 2013, when we (T and I) visited a beach polluted with plastic bags. We could not wait there for more than five minutes, so to speak. That was not alarming enough.

On a lighter note, I found a movie ticket from 2011 in my old bag, the one I saved with a purpose. All the printed letters have disappeared, it is blank. Trash.

I cannot exactly put my finger on the date it had begun, initially, it was a phase, or so I believed.
I had to sort out my academic stuff, after I finished college. My life needed spring cleaning in the midst of fall. The first step in action was to give up everything I was holding onto. Half-filled journals, pretty boxes saved to store things, newspaper-magazine cutouts and things that are nothing more than a graveyard of pleasant-unpleasant memories. In a way, clutter-free, minimalistic living was what I wanted. As I sat in front of all these things, it just hit me hard with a thought that I am not the only one, who gathers things. In that brief moment, my imagination multiplied it to 10, 1000, million times. It was like growing up in a second. But I see that all my struggles, efforts have failed. I shredded all of it from an analytical perspective before I could even sum up my courage to put this in writing. I wanted this to go live on the Earth's Day, which coincidentally happens to be my birthday but honestly what I was trying to put up? failure?

My initial action towards a minimal and ecological lifestyle included all these measures:

Beauty-wise

1) I gave up face scrubs way back, I almost forgot how they must feel against my skin. The beads can block gills and kill fishes.

2) Recycling jars and containers to store DIY stuff.

3) I stopped using cotton pads, and I bought few microfiber cloths for makeup removal to replace them. For toners, I am thinking of getting the reusable cotton pads. But for now, I am following the serum technique—pat, pat, pat.

4) I gave up Shampoo. I did the math: shampoo and body washes' empty bottles, 6 each for 12 months on an average. I imagined my disturbing lifetime bottle trash. Hence, I switched to shampoo bars, and I am even considering making them on my own. I havenot yet figured out the body washes' alternatives yet. I cannot imagine me and bar soap together. eek!

5) Am I the only one who hates paperboard and full plastic sealed packaging?

6) I do not like sheet face masks. I tried them twice. But logically, it is a serum infused sheet. Just spray-soak your face with a serum/ampoule, you'll save a sheet!

7) I wish every brand start out recycling programs. I would very much prefer glass packaging for everything. Let us just forget the glass packaging as a con for once.

8) No skincare wipes; no blotting papers. I had to be strict with myself for these two things. No sanitising wipes, either, which makes me feel incomplete (or germ-ridden) at times. I think I have one of each for extreme emergencies. I had given up using facial tissues back in 2011; I switched to using cotton kerchiefs.

9) As insignificant as it may sound, but I have started opting for bulkier versions of bottles. So that I do not end up cluttering and adding to the landfill with 3 bottles for 3 months, when I can minimise it to one.

Stationery-wise

I hoard stationery. If I see anything fancy, I pick it up. I collect pens, needless to say I have as many as I can store. Notebooks, journals and diaries too. Currently, I have six blank, sealed ones that I do not know what I would use them for. Hoarding can get crazy at times, my life is a living proof? *sigh*

1) I reflected on the past, only to see how I have misused the mighty pen. I would go through one Pilot Hi-tech for approximately 6 essay answers. For the amount that we had to write, it is disturbing, because I disliked refilling them, as they would leak. I refill them now, and I don't care even if they leak and colour my fingers. I have started liking them, ink-stained fingers! I like to assume that it makes me feel like an artist, writer, to be precise.

2) I stopped scribbling or writing ideas on paper. I stopped journaling or making daily diary entries. I use private blogging, Evernote and Microsoft Word now.

3) I cannot decide between wooden pencils and mechanical pencils. FAIL!   

4) I do not opt for ATM receipts.

5) I have stopped using post-its for trivial things. I use reminders on the phone instead.

6) For all things related to writing, I cannot find easy alternatives. I simply write using pencil and erase and reuse the paper.

7) Ebook is such a heavy-heart choice for printed word lovers. I try my best, to  avoid "that" fancy  limited cover page edition.

Lifestyle-wise

1) Sanitary napkins, No, thank you! There are eco-friendly alternatives to suit every woman.

2) Water bottles. FAIL. Glass bottles/metal bottles turn out too heavy to carry (I only use glass bottles now).

3) I have killed my desire to get those PVC neon bags for the monsoon. No PVC anything.

4) For all that is perishable, compost for the plants.

5) I plant my own herbs.

6) Vegan ways for ecological balance.

7) No more food-coffee takeaways. Major FAIL!

Why did I fail?

1) I cannot stop my lazy self from buying things online to save time and effort, which has its own ecological disadvantages: packaging, airbags and plastic packaging.

2) Some days, I consciously contribute to non-ecofriendly ways like an old habit.

3) Some days minimalistic approaches do not seem to work. And there is so much more than I think I should be doing.


On the brightest side, I have turned into this secretly unapologetic eco-spiritual woman on a mission.
There are days, I drift away and seriously fail to adhere to any one mentioned thing. Takeaway coffee. I think I should give it up.

Dusty Mauve: this colour has to be my current fixation!




I think, I accidentally ordered Rose Dawson instead of Holly Golightly. Holly is one of my favourite literary characters. I don't even remember who I had on my mind, Holly or Rose. I have had this crayon for quite sometime now, but the colour was not my preference then. It turned out brighter than I anticipated. I like the fact that the undertone makes my grey contacts look blue. As funny as it may seem, it is summer and I always turn towards my brights. *wink*



I contacted Sugar Cosmetics for their official statement with regards to being Cruelty-free. Here's what they replied.


Certified CF? I am unsure of how I feel about their stance.

captured in the afternoon light

Colour

Texture

This sets into powder-matte finish and is quite drying. Doubtlessly, this one goes well on well-prepped and hydrated lips. For desert dry lips, a heavy duty balm underneath will save them. For the kind of restless talker I am, this one moves quite a lot and then mysteriously disappears, where? I have no clue. Maybe, the heavy lip balm underneath eats it :D

Longevity

Quite average. I have been wearing this to work, and I believe in keeping myself hydrated. It does transfer a lot on drinking. No wonder, the mouth of my water bottles have lipstick stains/residue. Like all other lipsticks, I blot this too and layer to prolong the longevity. To add, it does settle into the lines, which is only thing I dislike about powder mattes.

Captured indoors. Blotted one million times!

I think I will stick to this combination till I have to switch back to clear contacts.

There is something about the colour red...

L.A.Colors Pout Lipgloss Matte in Lusty

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam

Essence XXXL Longlasting Lipgloss Matt Effect in Silky Red

I have been feeling a shift lately.

From metaphysics to astrophysics; I want to read non-fiction something that I never do, well except for theories.

Speaking of the shift, I don't feel like wearing makeup anymore. I received all my December makeup purchases from Cultbeauty in the first week of January. And ever since, I am working on finishing up all the half-filled skincare bottles. I want to keep what really works, and I am switching back to being a minimalist. I experimented with layering skincare in the second half of 2017, and I am concluding that it does not work for me. So I already switched back to my simple skincare routine this time although with acids.
I should be working on a current skincare routine post soon.

I am restricting buying makeup for now, but I deserve a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick for Valentine's! So many of my liquid lipsticks are still sealed, and none of my pan makeup even has a slight dent in it. To add to it,  I don't even feel like doing a full glam makeup anymore (this shifting lack of enthusiasm scares me).


Here are four things that I am resolute to work on:

Skincare: When I am focussing on the academics, I ignore everything else, I can't sleep nor eat. And this starts affecting the under eyes and hydration. I am hopefully going to adhere to a minimal skincare routine to keep dehydration and dryness at bay. Exfoliating with acids because scrubs break me out, sensitivity!

Long hair and bangs: I look at my pictures from college days and 2015; I want to ignore the consequences and get bangs. I am growing my hair long and I don't know.

Red lipstick: I can wear soft wing eyeliner and red lipstick all my life without being bored is an overstatement, but red lipstick washes me out, with *no amount of bronzer ever will paint the paleness* kind of paleness. And then my face, neck and chest turn out in three different colours. Well, I'll just admit I look like a clown. w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r.

Painting my nails: I always paint my nails either red or mint, and if I am in a mood for something bright, I settle down on neon pink. Changing nail colours every five days is what I have in my mind at the moment. I need to experiment with other colours! I mean.

I've never been a great blog post planner; I will let 2018 amaze me!

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

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.