Monday 31 October 2016

Organic Lipstick Love | Lippy Girl Schmoopy

Lippy Girl Vegan Lipstick Schmoopy Review

Introducing my latest lipstick love, Schmoopy* from Lippy Girl. The red-orange shade Boss Lady has been a regular in my make-up bag for a year now so it was really high time I added another. Schmoopy is a gorgeous light pink, with some purple undertones and has the same wonderfully creamy texture. The shade feels very feminine but also fun and playful thanks to the almost lavender hints.

Lippy Girl's lipsticks are made with organic oils and waxes and even the packaging is eco-friendly, the tubes being made from recyclable aluminium. I'm also really hoping that the name Schmoopy is a homage to this Seinfeld episode!

The natural formula is quite sheer but also easy to layer up, so I really like that I can wear it as a subtle or more obvious colour depending on how I'm feeling that day. Pinks really suit me as although I love bold berries and dark shades, I get a lot more wear out of lipsticks that don't require a lot of confidence to pull offThis pink is quite similar to an old Barry M shade I have, but is much more wearable and less effort to maintain so I'm pleased to have an update.

I've found the wear time is longer for this one than Boss Lady at around four hours, so I'll usually reapply once in the day and be done. These lipsticks are just perfect for the colder months as they're so moisturising I don't have to worry about my lips drying out, even though this is a dusty matte shade. The colour goes really nicely with a warm gold and brown smokey eye to keep it up to date for Autumn and recently I've been wearing it at every opportunity.

What are your current make-up favourites?


Gemima

Wednesday 5 October 2016

Cruelty-Free & Vegan Resources | September


It's never been easier to be cruelty-free and vegan - it's so exciting to see veganism in the mainstream consciousness on a regular basis and have major supermarkets bringing out more and more vegan products. Caring about animal rights has gone from being viewed as solely for hippies and angry protestors to a viable lifestyle choice. So for my second monthly round up I've put together some news, posts and resources to help with choosing cruelty-free, as well as a little vegan inspiration if you're already there.

Cruelty-Free News

In good news, the EU ban on animal testing for cosmetics remains after an industry move to undermine it.

California have banned shelter animals from being used in experiments.

Sadly, Burt's Bees are no longer cruelty-free and have begun selling in China where animal testing is required by law.

Cruelty-Free Beauty & Resources

I loved seeing all the photos from the Lush Creative Showcase, especially the new Halloween and Christmas products!

Phyrra's video explains the difference between the many cruelty-free lists out there and what you need to ask to know if a brand is testing on animals.

If you're just getting started with cruelty-free beauty, Yasmina's Cruelty-Free Essentials post has some great recommendations.

Vegan Food

This month Sainsbury's launched their own range of vegan cheese (otherwise known as Gary). There's even a Wensleydale with cranberries and it's all made from coconut!

More vegan 'What I Eat In A Day' inspiration from Steph and Sarah.

Alpro have three brand new dairy free ice cream flavours - I'll be nabbing some as soon as they're on offer.

I love reading about people's vegan stories and how it's had a positive impact on their lives, like Nicole's post about being vegan for six months so far.

And if you're looking for an extra drool worthy dessert, take a peek at Natalie's Vegan Millionaire's Shortbread Pie recipe.

Gemima

Saturday 1 October 2016

LoveLula September Beauty Box


I'm always excited to discover new cruelty-free brands and my interest in natural and organic products as only grown since starting this blog. Recently I was asked to try out LoveLula's monthly beauty box, and wanted to share my first impressions. The products in the box are all natural and cruelty-free but not always vegan, so LoveLula very kindly switched out one non-vegan product from this month's box for me. Instead of a FOM London Serum which contains silk, I was sent an Ermana face oil and PHB Ethical Beauty eyeliner to review instead.

First up I trialled the two sample cleansers. The Kimberley Sayer Gentle Face Cleanser was thick and creamy, with a botanical fragrance that I really liked. I got quite a few uses out of the small sachet and would happily have a full bottle of it as it left my skin looking clean and fresh.

Unfortunately I didn't get on well with the Madara Micellar Water - I've never tried a product with hyaluronic acid before and my skin didn't react well to it, but I'm sure this is just an individual reaction. I had no negative reactions to the Madara Brightening Peel Mask - it's very gentle and I can leave it on for a full 10 minutes if I want to. It's quick to apply and wash off and nice for a mid week treat to keep my skin looking bright and clear. 

Ermana Renew Face Oil is a welcome addition to my routine, as I haven't used a facial oil for a long time and now I don't know why! This oil sinks into my skin so easily, and has a lovely smell like sandalwood. I can use it morning and night, and it even helps to reduce the look of my pores.


Ooh! Rejuvenating Face Oil is a little heavier and doesn't suit my skin as well as the Ermana oil. I'm happy to use it at night to let it fully absorb and it would probably suit those with dry skin. To hydrate even more I've been keeping Balm Balm Rose Floral Water on my desk as it's a really refreshing spray to add moisture to your skin. I like it as a nice afternoon pick me up to freshen up my face and it's had me eyeing up a few of their other products too.

I was really happy to receive a PHB Ethical Beauty Eyeliner as I've recently been told my sensitive eyes are caused by blepharitis, so I'm looking for more natural eye make-up that won't irritate them further. This is a soft black kohl, easy to blend to a smoky eye and quick to take off too. Out of all my beauty products my make-up is the least natural so I'm hoping I can add in a few more new things like this from future boxes.

Skincare is so individual, and as my skin often swings between dry and oily I sometimes have different results from the same products when I use them at different times. This line-up has really benefited my skin and my complexion is so much more balanced after only using them for a short time. 

The Ermana face oil is my favourite of the bunch and I know will be a regular now in my skincare routine. At £12.50 a month I'd say this subscription is well worth the money as the products add up to over £45 separately - I'm really pleased with my first box and already looking forward to my next one.

Do you subscribe to any beauty boxes? Let me know your favourites.


Gemima

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