lucky bandit | RVA based lifestyle blog: beauty
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Sunday, January 21, 2024

mini ulta haul

Little mini Ulta haul! I don't buy as many products as I used to since I only wear powder and mascara at work, but I love skincare. I've been trying to cut down on how many items I buy as I still have so many to use up, but I couldn't help finding some items on sale and using up some rewards points.
My skin is horribly dry in the winter, so I'm looking forward to trying out this sleep mask! I also haven't tried anything from wldkat before, so I'm excited to try a new brand, too.
I sleep pretty badly so I have some bad undereye bags, so I like to try different eye creams. Pacifica is usually my go-to, but I saw this balm from J. Cat and wanted to give it a go.
While I don't wear colored balm often, I love a good neutral! I plan to use this as an everyday color.

I didn't photograph the primer because I didn't want to shorten it's life while I'm still using up a sample tube from Too Faced, but I love a good primer and can't wait to try it.


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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Sunday, April 03, 2022

empties #24

I've used up a lot more products in my attempt to declutter. As usual, things that aren't cruelty free are marked, but I'm only human so please check if you think otherwise!
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub in Pear & Chia Seed // I love these scrubs and pick them up when they're on sale. They last a while and don't tend to leave a residue.

Philosophy Holiday Pajamas Shower Gel // not cruelty free // This was a Christmas gift. It lasted a long time and I enjoyed it, but it's sadly not cruelty free.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream // not cruelty free // I loved this cream for my eczema, but unfortunately FAB isn't cruelty free anymore. I'm trying Pipette's Eczema Cream now.

Ulta Rosewater Facial Mist // Initially I wasn't super happy with this, but it definitely grew on me. I'd pick this up and keep it in my bag for the summer.

The Body Shop Body Butter in Coconut // I kept this in my desk drawer. I think it works way better as originally intended, as a body butter, instead of a hand cream as it was slightly greasy.

Pixi H2O Skindrink // This was just not great. I finished it because I spent money on it, but I felt like it just sat on my face instead of absorbing. Sometimes I'd find a little drop of it still on my face later in the day. I wouldn't get it again.
Simply Soothing Body Butter // I was sent samples for being a Bug Soother Ambassador of their body butter. I think the pandemic put the kibosh on that line, but if they revive it, it's great! Check out their bug spray, which is the only one I'll use! (Get 15% off with code KATELYNCARTER using this link*.)

Lacoste perfume sample // not cruelty free // I was sent this in an order. Not cruelty free, so I wouldn't buy it.

Hanhoo Watermelon Illuminator // This came in a ipsy bag. I liked it, and I saw a difference in my skin even with out sporadically I used it. I'd pick up a full size!

The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion // This worked well and I need to pick up another tube of it. It doesn't work overnight, but I definitely saw a difference fairly quickly.

Pacifica Hardcore Happy Rollerball Perfume // This smelled nice, but it left what appeared to be a greasy mark wherever it was rolled?? Not attractive. I was happy to use this one up.

J. R. Watkins Lotion // A hotel sample I used up. It was mediocre lotion. I wouldn't buy it.

Sephora Banana Hand Balm // not cruelty free // I think this was a cheap buy to get my birthday gift. Sephora is behind the times and needs to stop testing on animals.
I decluttered any lip balm that didn't work for me anymore. I had gone through so many on my search to find a balm that would help my chronic dry lips. None of these helped, unfortunately.
Nubian Heritage Lemongrass & Tea Tree Lotion // This was a great, hydrating lotion, but I've had it too long and it's gone off. I'd get it again.

Sun Bum Sunscreen // My favorite, favorite sunscreen. It's formulated well and smells like bananas. I pick this up every year. This bottle was almost full, but it was expired so out it goes. I'll definitely buy this again.

Jason Fresh Cucumber Dry Spray Deoderant // This was not good. I wouldn't buy this again. It was just weird.

Pacifica Mineral SPF Body Butter // I picked this up on clearance and while it was over half full, it was expired, too. I don't mess around with expired sunscreen. I'd buy this again, though!

Julep palette // I've had this so long that I couldn't tell you which palette this is, or when I got it. I depotted it into my magnetic palette. Julep's makeup isn't phenomenal, so I doubt I'd replace it.
Milk Kush Mascara // I loved this mascara. The brush is amazing and it's buildable without being super clumpy. I'd definitely get this again.

Wet N Wild Megawear Mascara // not cruelty free // Wet n Wild is no longer cruelty free (a shame!) and this mascara wasn't that great, anyway. It was thin and just not buildable.

Another collection of trash off to recycling!

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Monday, January 13, 2020

three flowers bath co // lip balm haul

While out visiting my mom for Christmas, we went out to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I had never been and honestly it was waaaay too crowded for my taste. I'd give it a shot in the offseason, though. We stopped by Three Flowers Bath Co. and I snagged some lip balm! I have approximately 25,000 lip balms, but I picked these up because the first ingredient is shea butter. I have perpetually chapped lips it seems like, but shea butter helps tremendously. I snagged the Cupcake Frosting, Banana, and Vanilla Mint flavors.

I'm excited to start using these!


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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

review // e.l.f. gentle peeling exfoliant

I recently used up all of my Skinfood Pineapple Peeling Gel and I was looking for something I could pick up locally. I had a 20% off Ulta coupon so I stopped in one day while running errands. I came across the Gentle Peeling Exfoliant from e.l.f. and thought I'd give it a try. At a $10 pricepoint with 20% off I snagged this for a song.

It has a nice creamy texture and it works great! I don't particularly like the residue and bits that seem to always be left behind with scrubs so this works perfectly for me. It takes almost no time at all. I just use it in the shower after I clean my face and it sloughs off dead skin almost instantly. I haven't encountered any redness or irritation and was quite surprised at how much dead skin it removed!

If you're looking for a cheap, easy to find chemical exfoliant, this one is a good bet.


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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Thursday, May 30, 2019

unboxing // ipsy march 2019

Woooo, this post is late. I've been so busy I just got around to photographing March's Ipsy box. Here we go!
The bag this month is cute, but not something I'd use. It says 'and she went off to change the world', which was fitting for National Women's History Month.
Trissola Intense Hydrating Mask // link // This mask claims to hydrate and improve manageability. I don't really have a moisture issue with my hair, but if I did this looks promising! I'll likely gift this. I can't really confirm if it's cruelty free or not, either.
First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer // link // Y'all. If this does what it claims, I will be a loyal patron for life. I love products that eliminate other products, and this is supposed to moisturize while minimizing fine lines and pores as a primer. I love First Aid Beauty! They're cruelty free and their Ultra Repair Cream does wonders for my eczema.
PÃœR Afterglow Mini Highlighting Skin Perfecting Powder // link // I was excited about this until I realized that it won't stick to my palette*. If you're going to send something like this, put it in real packaging or put it in a pan that sticks to magnetic palettes! I do like powder products like this, so hopefully I can get past the packaging.
IBY Beauty Eyeshadow in Headliner // link // I was delighted to get this little eyeshadow! IBY is cruelty free and I had just finished up my office go to single shadow. The shade is right up my alley and it blended nicely when I swatched it.
tarte Maneater Voluptuous Mascara // link // At one point I was down to half a tube of mascara and now it seems like I have fifty. I haven't tried this, though, but I've wanted to. I like the brush and that tarte is cruelty free.

Overall I'm pretty happy with this bag (with the exception of that bad packaging by Pur). I still have April's to photograph, but I have decided to drop to receiving them every other month so I can continue to use up some older products.

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Thursday, February 21, 2019

unboxing // ipsy february 2019

I recently signed up for Ipsy, a monthly beauty subscription service. You fill out a beauty quiz, let them know what you'd like to receive, and they send you five products for you to try out and review. I'm always late to everything and wasn't really a fan of subs, but I've realized I tend to buy the same things over and over, so I thought it would be a great way to branch out. Ipsy is not an exclusively cruelty free service, so I'm going to do my best to research and try to see what is cruelty free. It seems like this month's was entirely cruelty free (with the exception of my free gift of the Clinique). As always, check for yourself as I'm human. :)

Here's what I received in February's bag!

Ipsy Pink Pouch with Lip Print // I don't really need any more makeup bags, so this will likely be gifted to someone.

Meech N Mia Pressed Eyeshadow in Taupe // cruelty free // I was hoping for the taupe shade, but now that I have it I'm not sure how well it'll fit into my collection. It swatched a little purple, but that may just be me. I'm going to give it a shot, though!

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment // cruelty free // I'm all about some skin care and I've heard good things about this.

Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic // cruelty free // I've been wanting to try this so badly and I'm so glad I got a sample! I'm going to use this up in place of my normal toner and see how it works.

Kokie Cosmetics Be Bright Illuminating Concealer in Light // cruelty free // I really like the striped top and doe foot applicator. Hopefully it doesn't come out too light for me.

Belle En Argent Auteur Creme Lip Color in I'll Bring Dessert // cruelty free // This color is great! The formula seemed to apply smoothly when I swatched it.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey // not cruelty free // This was a free gift for signing up. It's not cruelty free so I'm not going to replace it once I use it up, but it's a nice color for the office.


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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Friday, February 01, 2019

marshall's mini cruelty free haul

I stopped at Marshall's one day after work to pick up another dog bed for Tucker and perused the cosmetics aisle for a bit. Stores like Marshall's can have some really awesome finds, but you have to be careful and make sure the beauty products haven't been opened or swatched (because ew). I lucked out and picked up this Too Faced Melted Latex liquid lipstick in Hopeless Romantic for $5.99 and a Pacifica Cactus Revive Milk to Foam Face Wash for $4.99.
This lipstick is a gorgeous color and from how it performed on my arm, it has staying power. I had to use a lip color remover* to get it off completely after smearing it all over the place. It'll be a nice muted color for the office. I think the Latex line might be phasing out and the cleanser is discontinued, so snag the lipstick while you can!

Found anything good lately? ♥


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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Friday, January 11, 2019

target clearance haul // cruelty free beauty

 Who doesn't love clearance scores?? While waiting for the pharmacy to open one Sunday I wandered around the cosmetics aisles of Target. I typically avoid these because I have so many products and I'm supposed to be on a no buy. Well...I broke it a little. Here's what I scored!
 I love Pacifica's products and picked up their Mineral SPF Body Butter in Blood Orange for only $4.18! It's regularly $14. This will come in handy for the baseball season. I snap up cheap sunscreen whenever I can! The Wet n Wild ColorIcon Blush in Mellow Wine was the first item I found in a bin on an endcap for only $2.08, which isn't a far cry from it's original price but I take what I can get. I snagged the little Soap & Glory Peach Pout Completely Balmy Lipstick in Peach Ball for only $4.98 with an additional 25% off via Cartwheel. The last item is Profusion Cosmetics Smoky Eyes Palette for a mere $3.48! 
 The colors in this are right up my alley. I've been trying to get away from just brown looks, so I'm hoping to incorporate the grays and blues and blacks of this palette.
I love anything peach related and this lipstick doesn't disappoint! It's a pretty peachy color that isn't too overpowering and perfect for the office.

What have you scored lately? ♥


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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Friday, June 01, 2018

pacifica // crystal punk holographic mineral lip gloss

I found one! It's Pacifica's Crystal Punk Holographic Mineral Lip Gloss*. The one I ordered is called Cosmos and it's a sheer silver/blue top coat like gloss. Cosmos isn't the only color available, there's also the pinkish Spaced Out and a peachy Halo. Of course it's Pacifica brand, so it's cruelty free and 100% vegan. The great thing about this gloss is that is has a couple oils as ingredients; safflower, rose seed, and jojoba!

I'm excited to work this into my regular makeup routine!

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Thursday, April 26, 2018

pacifica haul


During the 21 Days of Beauty at Ulta, I stocked up on some new Pacifica products when there was a gift with purchase.

I'd really wanted their banana lip balm but it was sold out online, so I picked up a tube of Lips Like Sugar* in Candied Lemon, which is a sugar lip scrub in tube form. The Indian Coconut Nectar Hair and Body Mist* is something new I wanted to try since I love that scent. Along with those I picked up two masks: the Energized Glow Turmeric Spice* and the Stress Rehab Coconut and Caffeine*. They were buy one get one half off, so I got them fairly cheap.

The free gift with purchase was a a sample sizing of the Crystal Melon Makeup Remover Wipes* and a mini body butter in the Hawaiian Ruby Guava* scent. I love the mini body butters for my desk drawer at work.

My favorite thing about Pacifica is how the whole brand is cruelty free and every single item is vegan. It's so easy to shop with them!

What did you score during Ulta's big sale? Drop links in the comments! ♥

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

depotting & decluttering

I recently decided to try to broaden my horizons and start using eyeshadow that isn't brown, taupe, or gold. I know, how daring. I just get stuck in a rut because I believe that's what looks best on my eyes. (shrug) However, as I was testing some other shadows that I've had for absolute years, I realized that a lot of them were past their prime or just flat out weren't good shadows. I recently purchased Tarte's Tarteist PRO Custom Magnetic Palette* (I couldn't resist that leopard print) and I was excited to try it out, so I got to depotting!
Here's the pile of eyeshadows that I depotted and decluttered. Depotting is the act of removing the shadow in it's metal tray from the clunky plastic packaging. If your shadow has a plastic tray, you can get little adhesive pieces of metal that stick to the backs so they'll stay put in your palette. Here's a good tutorial on depotting if you're new. This was my first time! If the shadow was crap or I couldn't get it out, to the recycling it went.
How nice is that leopard print??? I love it. And here are the shadows in their new home. I broke a few and threw out a lot, but these are the ones that made the cut. The three at the top are on top of a bit of scrap brown paper bag because their glue was super tacky and I didn't want it damaging the palette.

I didn't label any of these because none of them are cruelty free, so I won't be repurchasing. I just didn't want to waste what could be used.

I have SO much more room in my makeup organizers now! Sadly I can't replenish them because we're saving money right now, but soon enough! I'll be using these and my other shadows up in the meantime.



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Wednesday, February 07, 2018

pacifica // kale detox face wash

I've tried a lot of face washes and cleansers and  I can say that I love Pacifica's Kale Detox. I've gotten two travel sizes in sets from my mom, which is where this one came from, and I've got a full size waiting in the wings (also from my mom...she keeps me stocked with Pacifica products).

Kale Detox is a smooth gel face wash that is a cheery green but has some great cleansing power. It smells very earthy and, well, kale like. I'm one of those people that scrubs their eye makeup off with cleanser, which this does nicely, without drying out my skin or irritating around my eyes.

At ten dollars for five ounces, the price isn't bad at all. I've found this in person at Target and Ulta, so it's pretty readily available, along with being available at several online retailers.

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Monday, January 08, 2018

pacifica // rollerball fragrance trio

My mom is an amazing deal finder and an amazing stocking stuffer. I opened this trio of Pacifica rollerball fragrances* and was ecstatic! The Indian Coconut Nectar scent is one of my favorites. Tahitian Gardenia and Sugared Amber Dreams are both going to be perfect for the office.

I especially love Pacifica because their entire line is cruelty free and vegan, so there's no label reading to be had! Pacifica is also sold at a wide variety of stores including Target, so it's easily found and has a great price point.

Definitely check them out!

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Saturday, January 06, 2018

beauty products i want to try in 2018

2018 beauty to try


In 2017 I was insanely busy. I worked a lot, I hardly wore makeup, and my poor skin suffered. This year, though, I significantly scaled back my work hours and wear makeup to the office, so I put together a list of things I'd like to try this year. I didn't keep up to date on all the new releases for last year, so most of these have been around for a while.

Eye of Horus Bio Lash Lift Mascara // This is way more pricey than my typical under $5 mascara, but I want to start trying some new brands.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream* // Everyone rants about how great this stuff is and I'd really like to try it for my eczema.

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Oil-Free Mattifying Gel* // I love anything that creates a matte look.

The Ordinary Foundation // My friend Jess recommended this one to me and The Ordinary is all over the FB groups I've joined. Once I use up the unholy amount of foundation I already have, I'm definitely ordering this!

Sigma Beauty E25 Blending Brush* // This is the year I master my hooded eyes!

Wet N Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick in Behind the Bleachers // Again with the matte, and since NYX can't verify the vegan status of their Lingerie lip line, I'm going with Wet n Wild.

Derma E Scar Gel* // I've heard good things about this and I have the remnants of a scar above my eyebrown and another on my knee that I'd like to see if this works on.

Mr. Dandy's Hair Candy // I don't ever do anything with my hair. I wash and condition it once a week, so maybe this will be the year I style my hair, too.

Pacifica Hawaiian Banana Lip Balm* // Give me all the banana things.

Urban Decay Liquid Moondust Eyeshadow* in Spacetime // Liquid eyeshadow has just started appealing to me, so why not start out with a shiny space themed shadow??

What are you wanting to try this year? ♥

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Tuesday, December 26, 2017

empties #15

This is a big one, guys. I feel like I've been hoarding this trash way too long. Since I've been working so much, I've been lacking the natural light to take photos but my lighting kit finally came in so I was able to knock this one out.

As always, I can make mistakes on my cruelty free and vegan labels, so always check for yourself! ♥
Village Naturals Mineral Bath Soak // I don't take baths often at all, so I just used this in the bottom of the shower. Obviously not what it's meant for, so it didn't work super well. I have another of these, both coming from a subscription box, but I wouldn't purchase this on my own.

Crest Toothpaste Sample // I don't know where this came from but I went ahead and used it up. I like my natural toothpastes more.

L.A. Colors Eye Makeup Remover Pads // cruelty free & vegan // These were decent little pads I picked up in a gift set. They were really best for light eye makeup days.

Lush Superbalm Scalp Treatment // cruelty free & vegan // This worked really well on my eczema on my scalp. Like, gone overnight well, BUT it made my hair so greasy. I had to wash my hair multiple times after using it. I actually ended up using the rest of this on some spots on my skin away from my scalp.

Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair Conditioner // Another sub-box sample. The bottle made this hard to use up completely. I felt it was just a run of the mill conditioner.

Avalon Organics CoQ10 Facial Cleansing Milk // cruelty free & vegan // This was a decent cleanser. It was great for eye makeup residue. However, I've decided that creamy cleansers and milks just aren't for me.

e.l.f. Nail Polish* // cruelty free & vegan // This is a blue polish that I got in a gift set. I never even opened it as blue isn't my color for nail polish. It's separated and can't be saved, so it's going.

100% Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo Sample* // cruelty free & vegan // I received a few of these in an order. I like it and I think I'd order a full size.

e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator in Clear* // cruelty free & vegan // I'll never buy one of these again. It's hard to use, gets all over your face, and doesn't do an amazing exfoliating job.

Pacifica Pore Refine Deep Detox Mask* // cruelty free & vegan // I love this product. It goes on clear and rinses off well and I feel like it really helps my skin. It cuts redness really quickly and my pores always look better the next day.

Jason Powersmile Gel Toothpaste in Powerful Peppermint* // cruelty free & vegan // This was my first Jason product and I really liked it. I'd definitely buy it again.

Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion // Standard unscented lotion from a sub-box. I wouldn't buy it.

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Lotion in Eucalyptus Spearmint // Do they even make these anymore? The lotion isn't bad, but the scent was cloying and very artificial.

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron Cleansing Shampoo in Honey & Coriander // I think I finished up this sample at my mom's house? I don't remember putting it in my bag, either, and I didn't acquire it. I didn't see how it was an amazing shampoo.

Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day & Night Face Cream* // cruelty free & vegan // I liked this moisturizer a lot. I'd buy a full size.

Frizz Ease Moisturizing Conditioner // Another sub-box sample. This did cut the frizz a little, but Frizz Ease isn't cruelty free.


Wet n Wild Makeup Remover Towelettes* // cruelty free & vegan // These worked pretty well. I'd pick them up again.

Wet n Wild Mattifying Powder* // cruelty free & vegan // Am I the only one that has the worst luck with keeping powders solid? Ugh. This was a decent powder and I'd buy it again.

L'Oreal Ever Pure Conditioner in Lotus // vegan // I'll note that the Ever Pure line is vegan and is even stated on the bottle, but L'Oreal isn't cruelty free. I got this and the shampoo in a VoxBox and it's really a shame that they still test on animals because this was a decent conditioner.

Colgate Radiant Optic White Sample // Where do these samples come from?? I don't buy them?? I'll stick to my natural toothpastes.

Kleancolor Nail Polish // cruelty free & vegan // Again, blue isn't my color for polish. I've had this forever and it needs to go.

Rimmel 60 Second Nail Polish in Silver // Apparently silver isn't my color for polish either, as I never used this and it separated.

Curel Hydra-therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer // Okay. In-shower lotions are the bane of my existence. I hate, hate, hate them. I only used this one because I'd been putting it off after getting it in a sub-box and I was tired of looking at it. I refuse to purchase an in shower lotion.
Soapbox Coconut Oil Conditioner* // cruelty free & vegan // I finally used this up. It's been sitting in my shower so long that they've changed packaging. I loved this conditioner. It helped with frizz and I felt it really nourished my hair.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Facial Oil* // cruelty free & vegan // So oils are not for me and my face. I don't like the way they feel.

Charcoalogy Facial Clay Cleanser // I thought this was a different brand when I bought it. I can't seem to find a definitive answer on if the brand is cruelty free or not.

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant  // I didn't think I'd ever use this up. Not a fan.

Suave Deoderant in Powder // Still have a ton of these. They're good deoderants.

Natrol Melatonin 3mg // This worked alright. It's not vegan and I need to order some more that is.


Green Tea Candle // I think this one was from Target? A decent little candle.

Bath & Body Works Mini Candle in Twisted Peppermint // I got this in my stocking and I loved it.

Yankee Candle in Guava Coconut Fusion* // This smelled really good.

DW Home Candle in Peppered Citrus // I stared at this scent every time I went in Marshall's and finally bought it. I loved it.

That wraps up another month of my trash. As you can tell, I'm still working my way through a lot of non-cruelty free items, but I'm replacing them with products that aren't tested on animals.

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Monday, October 23, 2017

jason // sea fresh strengthening toothpaste

I started using more natural toothpastes a few years ago and except for the occasional sample I somehow still receive, I've stuck with them. A while back I picked up Jason's Power Smile Gel Toothpaste and liked it, so when I started running low I went back to Marshall's and found this little tube of Sea Fresh Strengthening Toothpaste.

The great thing about Jason toothpastes? They promise no sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, no preservatives, no artificial colors, no artificial sweeteners, no saccharin, no propylene glycol, no gluten. Holy moly. Not only do they not have all of those nasties, they're cruelty free and vegan!

Now onto the actual review:

I've been enjoying this toothpaste. Not like brouhaha partying enjoy, but I like the consistency and taste. It's got a tiny smidge of stickiness, but I think it helps it feels like it's working, and as a paste compared to a gel it foams and cleans a little better.

A problem I've had with more natural toothpastes in the past is that I don't feel my mouth is fresh enough. This one though? Minty fresh!

I think I'm going to keep this as my go to toothpaste. You can try it yourself on Amazon, iHerb*, and VeganEssentials.



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Friday, October 20, 2017

mini e.l.f. haul

Last week I took advantage of e.l.f.'s one day offering of free shipping and picked up the Moisturizing Foundation Stick in Ivory and the All Over Cover Stick in Apricot Beige. I've been growing more bored with my cream foundations, so I thought I'd try something new.
This was my first time trying a stick foundation and I have to say I expected it to be a lot drier. This foundation spread well, is buildable, and clearly has moisturizing tendencies. The cover stick was creamy and I think it'll work well on my undereyes.

Have you tried anything from e.l.f. lately? If not, join the Beauty Squad and use this  $5 coupon*!

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Friday, September 29, 2017

maple holistics // tea tree shampoo

**I was compensated for this post by receiving a free product to review from Maple Holistics. This review is my own honest opinion.

Recently I was contacted by Maple Holistics to see if I was interested in trying their Tea Tree Shampoo. Not only is Maple Holistics cruelty free, this product is vegan, paraben free, GMO free, and gluten free. The ingredients list for the Tea Tree Shampoo was short and to the point. I've been wanting to try a tea tree line as I have eczema and an itchy scalp, so I jumped at the chance.

The Tea Tree Shampoo combines jojoba, tea tree, rosemary, and lavender to combat dandruff, regulate oil secretions, and clear away blemishes on the scalp. You simply wet your hair with warm water, apply the shampoo and let it sit for a few minutes after massaging it into your scalp, then rinse with cool water.

I don't wash my hair every day, so I've used this shampoo twice since receiving it. I'm impressed already - I've noticed my scalp being significantly less itchy and my eczema spots are less red and noticeable! My hair felt softer and smoother after one shampoo, unlike many shampoos that leave my hair with that straw like feeling. I've definitely found my scalp to be responding well to this and I believe I may have found a new go to shampoo.

Try it for yourself here or try a sample of their other products here!

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Wednesday, August 16, 2017

empties #14

Since it's been summer, I haven't been using many products up. I hardly wear makeup unless it's planned, so my makeup has just been sitting there. Sorry, pretty things.


Dove Advanced Care Deodorant  // I didn't care for this. It didn't work for me.

Theraneem Naturals Skin Lotion in Neem Therape* // cruelty free & vegan // This lotion helped with my eczema and was pretty rich. I'm going to add a full size to my next iHerb order.

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera* // cruelty free & vegan // It's aloe vera. I don't know why I even had this bottle, but I'd buy this brand again if I needed it.

Alba Botanica Body in the Buff Firming Scrub in Espresso* // cruelty free & vegan // This scrub was great and the coffee was a great plus. It wasn't oily like some sugar scrubs, and it rinsed out of the tub fairly well. My skin felt a lot softer after using it.

Simple Pleasures Hand Soap in Summer Peach // I didn't think I'd ever finish this. This was a $1 purchase at Joann Fabrics when I thought I was out, but I'll be replacing this with something cruelty free.

Good Things Fresh Start Creamy Cleanser // cruelty free & vegan // I grabbed this on a whim at Marshall's one day because the ingredients looked decent. It was an alright cleanser. I'm beginning to think that cream cleansers aren't my thing, though, but if I found this at a cheap enough price I'd pick it up as a backup.

e.l.f. Volumizing Mascara* // cruelty free & vegan // This is the cheapest mascara e.l.f. offers. I pick them up religiously to use as a base coat for my other mascaras. It's a decent product, doesn't get all over my eyelids and doesn't flake.

Madre Labs Rose Petal Witch Hazel // cruelty free & vegan // I used this as a toner and really liked it. Sadly, it's been discontinued.

e.l.f. Pressed Powder in Buff* (similar) // cruelty free & vegan // I didn't like this and it broke all to pieces, as e.l.f. powders seem to do when I have them. I wouldn't repurchase.

Avalon Organics Bath & Shower Gel* in Grapefruit and Geranium // cruelty free & vegan // This bottle lasted forever and I really liked it. I got a few compliments on the smell, too! They've since changed their packaging and this scent has been discontinued, but I'd try some of their others.

Vegan True Melatonin* // vegan // This is my go to melatonin. Definitely already in my iHerb cart.

Not Pictured:
Gilette Fusion Hydra Gel Shaving Gel // I'm still using up shaving cream from my years of couponing. I won't buy it again, but it's been nice having a supply of shave gel.

Up & Up Biotin plus Keratin // I suppose these worked, but I picked up a different brand.

Dial NutriSkin Lotion // A decent lotion from the coupon stash, I won't pick it up again.

Jergens Ultra Healing Hand Moisturizer // Meh. I still have like six of these that I'm using up. I'll be glad when they're gone.

And there's another month of digging through my trash. Hurrah!

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Tuesday, July 25, 2017

summer wishlist

summer 2017 wishlist



I loathe summer, so I try to pretend it doesn't exist. I don't get excited about warm weather (Ice Queens, unite!) and I don't start covering everything with pineapples. I sit inside in the air conditioning and stare at my beloved sweaters, longing for the day when I can wear them again.

But anyway, that doesn't mean I can't have a summer wishlist!

Bee-Q-Box's F*ckboy Repellent Primer & Setting Spray // Uh, yes. Enough said.

Korres Vanilla Guava Showergel* // I just found out that Korres is cruelty free (where have I been??) and I'm lusting after the vanilla guava shower gel, which is vegan friendly.

Killstar Full Moon Cold Brew Cup // I have to have a drink with my constantly, it's some kind of sickness. Well, I need more drink containers like I need a hole in the head, but I love this one from Killstar.

ban.do Whatcha Thinkin' Bout? Journal* // Normally I just use small wire bound notebooks for my purse, but I'd like to get a nice journal to jot things down in.

OCC's Black Dahlia Lip Tar* // I swatched Urban Decay's Blackmail lipstick and fell in love, but sadly it's not vegan. No worries! I found Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics' Black Dahlia Lip Tar which is a close dupe and I think that's going to be on my next order.

I'm trying pretty hard to minimize the items I bring home, not to mention I'm trying to save money, but it never hurts to treat yoself every once in a while. ♥ ♥



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