The Sun has come out. Cruelty Free Sunscreen Update

The forecast for the weekend says we're in for a hot one so don't forget the sunscreen. 

Wearing sunscreen every day is a must. I'm paler than pale so it's a necessity not a luxury. Breathing in the toxic fumes from the aerosol  version is not what I want for me or you or any furry little friend. Apparently SPF Sunscreen creams are better for you than the sprays, (This statement needs further investigation) which is annoying for me straight off the bat because I must confess to loving the convenience of a spray all the while holding my breath.

Cruelty free mascara "Too Faced Better Than Sex", "Barry M Showgirl" and "Milani Grandissimo Lashes" review

 
My favourite cruelty free mascaras are
1.) Too Faced Better Than Sex (reviewed)
2.) Barry M Showgirl Extra Lengthening (reviewed)
3.) Catrice Lashes to Kill, Ultra black.
They are rated on look and feel, lengthening and long lasting effect.  There is one here for all budgets.  No excuses, come along the cruelty free road.

Cruelty Free e.l.f Makeup Review

elf cosmetics are a little god send. They have the PETA cruelty free seal of approval and as I am replenishing my beauty products one by one with alternatives that are not tested on animals, I need to have everyday items to reach for when beauty sleep escapes me.  E.l.f stands for eyes, lips and face and can be purchased online, at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, CVS and other retailers.  They are exceptionally cheap and affordable.  All 5 products listed cost me less than $20. My cheap side was dancing. 

My American life, the beginning. Emigration & Immigration

Quote -  Bono

I am a freckled ex-pat.  You could say my American life began properly this summer with my marriage and more recently with the approval of my green card. I feel lucky and know I am blessed. The anticipation and anxiety around this coloured card has been palpable.  Not only was there apprehension regarding it's approval and the interview process but now there's the exciting, wonderful, pinch me am I dreaming, I'm so grateful feeling paradoxically juxtaposed along side the realization that comes with all of that. "Permanent residency" and I am terrified.  It's bringing with it it's own kind of loneliness and nostalgia.  

Permanent Residency: but wait a minute, I'm Irish and more importantly I'm from "the Gar".  Now I'm the first one to call out Bono on being a self righteous knowitall so and so, I have a love /hate relationship with him, which I'm sure concerns him gravely. I'm proud that he's Irish, I'm a U2 fan, his wife's a stunner but he does go on a bit by times and I can't stand him holding court like he does but I love this quote from him (picture above) that's stenciled on the wall of the "The Little Museum of Dublin".  When I read it, I was instantly struck by how perfectly it synopsized my feelings about the beautiful island. Lately quotes like this one have been making me cry. 

Paul Mitchell- Cruelty Free Shampoo. A Review

I bought the color care shampoo and the strengthening conditioner. Paul Mitchell is an animal friendly brand and currently has the PETA and The Leaping Bunny cruelty free, does not test on our cuddly companions stamp of approval.

First the shampoo: I bought it on sale for $9 in Bed Bath & Beyond.   Participating in a normal shower routine, I reached for the Paul Mitchell Color Care Shampoo.  My first impression is that the smell isn't strong at all, it's pleasant but faint.  I pour a decent to average amount in my hand and go to work only to find my tools appear to be broken and my tools are not my hands.  

My Brain and Unemployment

This week has been a busy life week. A welcome change from the recent day to day norm. My limbo-land is finally drawing to a close. 

When you have ten to twelve hours alone with only your head and reruns of Grey's Anatomy for company you can discover a lot about yourself.  Meredith and Co. became my best friends.  I enjoyed my fantasies about Hunt and Sloan and which character I am most like on the show, but when the hour turns into three and four episodes this can quickly become old and unappealing.  I unearthed how both resilient and weak I can be at the same time.  A conflicting duality.  

A little tip on going cruelty free - It's as easy as 1-2-3 using cruelty free products

Going cruelty free really is as easy 1, 2, 3 and a-b-c and this I can promise.

For most people money at some point in their lives is a concern and a stressor.  None of us have wads of cash to throw away frivolously on the latest fads and trends.  Starting over and using only cruelty free brands can seem like a daunting step into the unknown where your wallet will be emptied of it's contents quicker than you can say "who's a pretty boy then?" Whilst being frugal and not wanting to spend your money willy nilly is a commendable trait, being animal friendly and cruelty free surely must be more so.  It will bring with it a feel good factor and an awakening of sorts. This uncomplicated endeavour to cruelty free 1,2,3, doesn't have to cost you arm and a leg.

Feminine Care - A review: whatever your preference … can you make it friendly?

This post may make the general population a little uncomfortable and the male reader a mixture of disgust and intrigue; but like a biology reproduction class or that unforgettable birds and bees conversation with your parents, it happens and needs to be addressed.  

I think there were two possible scenarios to your own birds and bees, his and hers conversation; either you totally knew more than you let on and were horrified, terrified and excited by the whole subject or you had no idea what this embarrassing and embarrassed adult was talking about and you were still horrified, terrified and excited. Awkward and as cramped as that may have been, "Menstruation", my period, flow, the painters, your friend, the visitors, me yolks, whatever you call your menses, is a bodily function and a monthly affair and I think it is an extremely important issue to talk about. 


The different choices of all the monthly feminine care products available was brought to my attention approximately one year ago.  I have to credit an old co-worker with  shining the light on this for me.  I shamefully admit that I was in ignorant bliss about the rag(e) pads.  I never really considered what happened to the used ones after I skillfully rolled them up like a thick cigar and strategically placed them in the bathroom bin so they couldn't be seen by other bathroom enjoyers and I blithely forgot about them and went about my day.  

Aspirations of no perspiration, an update. What I have found not wearing deodorant for 5 weeks

My aspiration of no perspiration began just over a month ago now, 5 weeks to be exact.  I took this leap to rid myself of my dependancy on antiperspirant and deodorant once and for all.  I must confess I did attempt this cold turkey in 2009 whilst working in Dublin and well, the results were an epic fail. Two days in I caved and grabbed a co-workers spray and doused myself. I couldn't cope with my own smell and that's saying something. I feared everyone could see this stench surround me like a decomposing discoloured aura. 

I know a few people, three in total that don't use an antiperspirant or deodorant and never have. All three claim that when they do use it they sweat more and smell worse than if didn't put it on.  My interest was triggered again  upon my first visit to Los Angeles.  I bought a cream antiperspirant stick and when I read a possible side effect being linked to kidney function and failure I thought that's a bit weird, what on earth is in this stick that would affect my kidneys? As a side note I did not think that I would be living in the beautiful La La land years later. Life is good that way.  Thinking no more about my kidneys I blindly went about my day.  I carried on as normal smelling powder fresh for the next 6 years.  

A Meatless Six Weeks..... My Vegetarian Voyage

Pescetarianism.  

I eat fish and so it is said I'm not a vegetarian.  Some serious googling was conducted to find out what the definitions are and what the etiquette and political correctness is around all of these labels.  I think vegetarians may take up arms with my self professed vegetarian-ness, so pescetarian it is. 
I am a peaceful person see but not ready to give up fish as well. A "green-eater" I have read is a person who avoids meat for environmental reasons.  That's me. 

If asked I say "I'm not eating meat, just trying it out, it's supposed to be good for the environment" to soften the side glances, roly eyes to heaven and the audible whispers "ah jaaayysus here we go, have ya seen yer one, gone all LA she has" followed by something else profoundly articulate referencing a meat injection, "Wha'?" says I, rolling me eyes to heaven.

As of this week I haven’t eaten beef, chicken or pork in 6 weeks and eating out has been fine in-spite of the vegetarian options in most restaurants being pretty poor. With that said I have had some delicious veggie burgers and fish dishes.  Used to it by now I can pick out the veggie alternatives straight away without having to scrutinize the menu. 

No Scream Sunscreen- cruelty free spf sunscreen review

Wearing sunscreen every day is a must. I'm paler than pale so it's a necessity not a luxury. Breathing in the toxic fumes from the aerosol  version is not what I want for me or you or any furry little friend. Apparently SPF Sunscreen creams are better for you than the sprays, (This statement needs further investigation) which is annoying for me straight off the bat because I must confess to loving the convenience of a spray all the while holding my breath.

With a cream it's harder to reach every place under the rolls and folds and much easier to miss spots and end up looking like I stuck part of my body to a grill turning me into the other, other white meat.

Today I'll review 3 brands of animal friendly SPF sunscreen creams, all with the The Leaping Bunny stamp or the PETA seal of approval.

• Kiss My Face Sensitive Side 3 in 1 SPF 30
• Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 30
• The Honest Company SPF 30

Kiss My Face Sensitive Side 3 in 1 SPF 30 for $12.99

Today (Friday) is a hot one! Providing me with the perfect opportunity to try out my new furry friendly sun screens. I prop myself up outside in the sun at Coffee Bean in Brentwood (come say Hi).  I watch the beautiful people walk by in their version of "The Real World" and I stare enviously at their dry, toned, sun caressed bodies.
All too quickly I look like the sun decided to take a leak on me. I'm not dry, not one bit and nor do I look it. I'm sitting here in the sun sweatin' bullets all in the name of this review (yeh, that and vanity, lets see if I actually tan) wondering how do the beautiful inhabitants of Los Angeles manage to carry off this dry look effortlessly. Unattractive & embarrassing beads of sweat travel from the crease in my elbow down the inside of my arm, to name just one place and I'm left thinking of the saying "horses sweat, men perspire, women merely glow". Well giddy up because I'm obviously a total ride and ready to race in the next Derby!

Grey, Gray Away- A rootless day

I'm getting to the root of the problem.... using....

• Mineral Fusion Gray Root Concealer

Yes I know I'm way too young and attractive to have to deal with the scourge of grey hairs... But we all have our cross to bear. Personally I think they could have been a little catchier with the name and called it something like "Away with Grey". I should consider copyrighting that if it's not gone already or "TM" as Phil Dunphy says; Trademark for those not au fait Modern Family, (TV show).

For all the vegetarians....wash yourself with cruelty free "Yes to Carrots"....A review

Be Cruelty Free (not tested on animals)

• Yes to Carrots body wash

• OGX beauty pure and simple -Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner
• OGX beauty pure and simple -Quenched Sea Mineral Conditioner

To say that this body wash was put to the test and had a lot of work to do is an understatement. My attempt at a greener lifestyle with particular respect to this new found no deodorant or antiperspirant way is leaving a lot to be desired in an olfactory scents. It is now Day 16 and I'm wondering if my body is ever going to regulate itself.  Day 15 was a stinker.   I left the room with people wondering was there onion soup being served up somewhere...  anywhere?!

In the Beginning: A New Mission... lighter footprints... softer footsteps

I am a clueless consumer, I have a new mission.  I wish to leave a lighter footprint. 

The objective: to replace my makeup, bathroom cleaner and kitchen detergents one by one with cruelty free, not tested on animals products. If someone else is considering the same and finding it difficult to find info I hope this is somewhat helpful... Here goes...  

*(I have also not eaten meat in four weeks but I can't with conviction swear to honour that forever, I am trying though)

In the beginning

This is a story and idea born out of a mixture of both concern and boredom. Paradoxical, yes.  
I am a Gemini, an unemployed day-dreamer and as I live in thirsty California the environment is on my mind.

Cruelty Free - Kinda Easy ( A Beginners Look at Brands and Products)

Updated on September 18th, 2015
The Shopping Guide

http://softerfootsteps.blogspot.com/p/the-list-animal-friendly-brands-products.html 

So far this is the list I have.  These brands are listed on the Peta and Leaping Bunny website certified cruelty free /do not test on animals.  They can be purchased in local retailers, large pharmacy chains or supermarkets, aka easy to find products.  The pics will of course be award winning and all my own.

Paint your face... cruelty free cosmetics using Ecotools and The Body Shop

The Body Shop
Eco Tools
Josie Maran Cosmetics
Physicians Formula   

The Body Shop brushes which I'm certain if you have used these before namely the Face and Body brush, the Kabuki and the Blusher brush know that they are excellent. I love them and have been using since a friend bought me a large bronzer brush for my 19th birthday. Thanks Nicola! They provide great coverage and are extremely soft.  They are easy to clean and dry as soft as when first purchased.  Prices are approximate at $28.00 / €26.00 respectively. A staple in my list and as they are cruelty free I think a must try if you haven't already. 

Ecotools Brushes, blusher, eye shadow etc. These are great and cheaper than The Body Shop.  They are 100% cruelty free and natural.  They are soft and absolutely worth buying. I love these brushes. Both the face and eyeshadow brushes are brilliant providing a good finish.  They are available almost everywhere, Boots Ireland, Tesco, CVS, Target and Ralph's.  Example: The blusher brush is €10.99 in Boots and prices start at $4.79 in Target. 

The Body Shop Shimmer Waves Highligher/Bronzer $22.00 / €23.00 approx. A

go to, I've bought this palette three times. I love the colour and I think it's similar to the Bobbi Brown block only half the price. The packaging is however useless. The plastic box even on my third one is as bad as the first. It's not durable for an on the move makeup bag within your handbag. I swore on the second one that that was it, I'm not buying this again because it breaks every time in the same place (the lid) but I'm known to be a little mouthy that way and I like the colour and the price and I may just be a cheapo!

Josie Maran Cosmetics is a cruelty free company and available from

Sephora. This was first given to me as a gift and I loved it.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil- $48.00. This is the BEST product to hydrate my skin.  I have dry skin in places and am prone to acne break outs on my chin. The argan oil helps moisturise my face and deal with any acne.  Contrary to what you would think, I know putting oil on acne feels wrong, this works wonders and is another staple in my bag.  I put it on before bed and sometimes under moisturiser.  It can be a little too oily if you use too much so a tiny few drops is enough to cover your face and neck. I have also used it on the dry ends of my hair.  A warning though, it can make your eyelashes oily if used under a day moisturiser and your mascara will make for a getaway.  Found out the hard way! I made the mistake of buying the light oil to try instead of the regular and hated it, but light is available for those who'd prefer.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturiser SPF 47 .  This has a lovely scent.  I use it every day. It provides good coverage and protection but it is hard-ish to rub in and I think it's a little expensive at $32.00 for a 2oz bottle. I haven't found another that I like enough to re-place this one yet and I'm on my second bottle. I will be on the look out for a cruelty free replacement but I may just be a loyal argan f-oillower. 

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation in fair /light.  I LOVE this! It goes on white and matches to your skin colour and tone.  It again is a little pricey at $42.00 but it gives a flawless finish and you don't need that much to cover your face, therefore the bottle lasts ages.  Be sure to try and match your skin tone to the right colour choice before purchase.  It comes in 3 different shades, fair/light, light/medium and medium/dark. One downside to this is it can get grainy near the end of the bottle. 

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free

Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30 in Creamy Natural.  $12.79 in Target.  This provides a flawless finish and good coverage without having to use a cream foundation. Especially good for the days you don't want to wear makeup but have somewhere to go or also used over a foundation for an airbrushed feel. I put it on with The Body Shop kabuki brush.  It's perfect if you are in a hurry. Nearing this end of it's life however the pressed powder breaks up (like most I think) and this can be extremely annoying. Definitely worth a try for its price point, SPF and cruelty free stamp from Peta.


All content (writing and photographs) is my own and original unless otherwise stated. Copyright © 2015. Ruth S