vegan

Review: Aeveka Naturally Pure Skincare

August 26, 2014

I recently tried several products from the Aeveka Naturally Pure Skincare line including the Refreshing Citrus Cleanser, Regenerating Night Crème and Replenishing Co-Q10 Eye Crème. This is an all natural skin care line which means that it’s made with non-toxic and organic ingredients found in nature. It’s also cruelty free and vegan which is a major plus for me!

If you’ve read some of my past posts you already know that I prefer natural beauty products because I believe that they are safer for our health. Our skin absorbs everything that we put on it so it just makes sense to use the healthiest products made with non-toxic ingredients. Makes sense, right?!

I’ve been using the Refreshing Citrus Cleanser for over six weeks now and it’s very gentle. It’s made with a fruit base and turbinado sugar as well as organic jojoba oil, which has natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The cleanser did a great job of gently removing the excess facial oil without leaving my skin dry. After cleansing my face, my skin felt balanced enough to go without a moisturizer -but I would never do that!

The Regenerating Night Crème contains Co-Q10 to help reduce the signs of aging along with a superfruit blend and an antioxidant tea blend. The creme has a lightweight consistency and was more like a lotion. It felt very luxurious on the skin and I used it during the day as well (just sparingly). The night creme should be used sparingly because a little goes a long way.

The Replenishing Co-Q10 Eye Crème is quite refreshing. I put my jar in the refrigerator to keep it chilled for a morning pick-me-up and it certainly did the trick. This creme has lots of beneficial ingredients like micro algae which produces oxygen and promotes full skin rejuvenation. The eye creme is great if you have fine lines because after using it they seem to fade away and the skin appears much more plump and fuller. I loved how the creme absorbed so quickly and how it felt great under my eyes.

Overall I was impressed with all of the products, they were gentle and felt great on my skin. This brand is a great option if you have sensitive skin because it’s non-irritating. and lightweight.

Have you tried any of the products from Aeveka?

Connect with Aeveka online:

Www.Aeveka.com
Twitter and Instagram @aeveka
Hashtag #FoodforYourSkin

Getting Lippy: Lipstick & Luxury LOVES Zen Society Peppermint Lip Balm!

February 5, 2013

Lip Balm is one of those beauty products that I simply cannot have enough of especially in the winter. My lips get SUPER DRY and lip balm helps tremendously with that. Even when I wear lipstick I always apply lip balm before hand for a flawless lipstick application. In a pinch you can even use lip balm to tame wild brows, they’re just so handy!

But I don’t want just any old lip balm, my lips balms need to be nourished, hydrated and feel like silk when silk when the deed is done. Enter Zen Society Peppermint Lip Balm, I received a sample of this lippy at my Green Beauty event. This cruelty-free lip balm is natural and USDA Certified organic (99%) -I love that I can pronounce and recognize every single ingredient in this lip balm is. So no petroleum and synthetic fragrances!

Ingredients: Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, Vitamin E, Organic Rosemary Extract, and Organic Calendula.

All ingredients are Non-GMO, Petrolatum Free, Gluten Free,100% Vegan and 99% Organic.

This lip balm has such a nice subtle peppermint fragrance and tingles on my lips. Within minutes of application my dry lips feel cared for and, hydrated and nourished. Even though I hog this lip balm it’s suitable for everyone, my boys love it. Have you tried this peppermint goodness?

Zen Society Peppermint Lip Balm, $5

Review: Earth Science Aloe Vera Toner

January 5, 2013

Before I proceed with this review, I feel the need to clarify the purpose of a toner. In order to do that, I am going to distinguish between toners and astringents. Toners tend to consist of ingredients that will clear excess impurities that is left behind by cleansers and as well gently nourishes the skin with a slight moisture. Astringents tend to tighten the skin and pores and to remove oil. Toners are best for those who have normal to dry skin while astringents are best for those who have oily skin. Just make sure you check your ingredients because some toners have alcohol in them.

I must admit, I absolutely love Earth Science Aloe Vera Toner. Despite a floral smell, this alcohol free toner was a great intermission to my moisturizing regime. I felt my skin soaked it up and it managed to revitalized and moisturize my skin, leaving my face smooth and ready for my night cream. The smell a bit too floral for my taste, and it only slightly overwhelmed the smell of my night cream. Otherwise, my face felt amazing after using this product. An added bonus is it’s cheap, vegan and cruelty free!

Ingredients
Aloe Juice, Sea Kelp Extract, Chamomile Extract, Calendula Extract, Panthenol, Licorice Root Extract, Glycerine, Zinc Sulfate, Lactic Acid, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Allantoin, Lavender Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Annatto Extract, Fragrance.

Earth Science Aloe Vera Complexion Toner & Freshener, Dry/Sensitive Skin, 8 fl oz, $5.39

Review: Jonathan Silky Dirt Shine & Define Crème

August 2, 2012

Growing out natural hair is no easy task. I should know, this is my second time doing this. There’s always that awkward in between stage when your hair is not really short but not really long either. So hair styling options are often limited to a short ponytail or letting it all hang loose.

One hair problem in this transformation is the frizz factor. Having curly coils, especially on a rainy day, can have us curly-haired ladies ducking for cover. I try to tame the frizz, while managing to keep a somewhat tame corporate hairstyle, with gels and natural moisturizers. I usually use shea butter or coconut oil, and while they moisturize they certainly do not hold any style. So this is where I reach for my gels to tame the frizzy fly aways but I’m not a fan of stiff hair. Oh the beauty dilemmas!

Well recently I received a sample of Jonathan’s Silky Dirt Shine & Define Crème. The formula is 100% vegan and cruelty-free and said to “texturize, define and shine with a smooth, lasting finish.” So of course I put it to the test!

Perfect for dull or damaged hair, this grooming creme helps me create amazing supermodel shine plus sexy, natural hair definition. The best part is I can use it on damp hair for extra control or on dry hair for a smooth, lasting finish. ~Jonathan

This creme was great around my hairline where I tend to notice stray, frizzy pieces. And it was also great to use while smoothing my hair down in a neat ponytail. The creme is quite thick, almost like a rich hand cream with a slight hint of vanilla (?). I love how it instantly gave stray hair enough weight to lay down gently and the formula left my hair soft, not crunchy of stiff. While I’ll say that the creme did give my hair a more polished look, I can’t say that it looked any shinier. My hair looked pretty much the same to me, flat. The creme does provide fine hair with a bit more control and definition without leaving it stiff like most gels or hairspray. But I just wish that it delivered the total package.

Have your tried Jonathan’s Silky Dirt Shine & Define Creme?

Disclosure: The product featured in this post was provided for editorial consideration. Receipt of this product did not guarantee review and all opinions are my own.

Getting Lippy: Obsessive Compulsive Cometics Lip Tar in Butch and Pretty Boy

May 23, 2012

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics in Pretty Boy and Butch — Butch (L), Pretty Boy (R)

When you find a great lipstick or lip gloss, you stick with it. For me Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar is the perfect combination of a fully pigmented lipstick and the shine and moisture of a lip gloss. In fact OCC Lip Tar makes one of my favorite bold red lip colors, NSFW!

OCC is known for their bold and highly pigmented makeup and all of their collections reflect that. The Fall/Winter 2011 season OCC released their “Pretty Boy” collection inspired by glam rock stars and designed “to empower all genders to express themselves with color.”

With a lip collection featuring colors like Femme, Banjee and Queen, how can a gay girl resist such options? Personally I love a hot butch; and honestly its nice to see a brand embracing queer culture.

Well today we are featuring two colors from the Fall 2011 collection, Butch and Pretty Boy. Butch is a Periwinkle blue which is great if you’re a club kid from the 90s but since its 2012 I’d suggest mixing it with another lip tar. Pretty Boy is a vibrant ultra-pigmented fuchsia, definitely not for the faint of heart.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar swatch in Butch a true periwinkle blue — Butch, a true Periwinkle Blue

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar swatch in Pretty Boy a pigmented fuchsia — Pretty Boy, a rich fuchsia

And when you combine the two together you get this amazingly wearable berry hue that I am madly in love with. The two colors combined make Butch and Pretty Boy a bit more wearable for your every day makeup.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar swatch in Pretty Boy mixed with Butch — Butch + Pretty Boy

Have you tried OCC lip tars? Which is your favorite color?

Disclosure: The products featured in this review was provided for editorial consideration. Receipt of these products did not guarantee review and all opinions are my own. For further information, please see my disclosure policy.