Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Cruelty Free e.l.f Makeup Review
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Paul Mitchell- Cruelty Free Shampoo. A Review
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.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
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.
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.
Monday, August 17, 2015
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
This Business of Aging and My Quest for a Cruelty Free Hair Salon
 |
| After salon visit |
I sort of welcome the transition from the Spring years of life into my Summer season. By sort of I mean, I had a meltdown turning thirty, but now a ripe old turrteetree I'm excited to embrace societal norms and settle into married life, put roots down, get a mortgage and have children.. alright steady on.. not that excited... yet. Lets just pause at mortgage for the time being.
 |
| After salon visit |
I am horrified and I mean aghast at the physical changes I have to contend with on a daily basis. I saw a picture of my 23 year old self last week and as Cher so melodically put it "if I could turn back Tii - imme". Youth is wasted on the young for sure, staring at that photograph I appreciate now what I really didn't then. Don't get me wrong I am absolutely grateful every day for my health but I'd like this vessel that I travel around in daily to be just a Teeny. Bit. Shinier.
You know how it is when you stand in front of the looking glass and you don't recognise everything reflected back at you. You can't resist leaning in bit closer to further inspect every line, wrinkle and lumpy dimple. Poems and tomes have been written about the age old discussion on aging.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
A Meatless Six Weeks..... My Vegetarian Voyage
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.
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.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Grey, Gray Away- A rootless day
I'm getting to the root of the problem.... using....
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).
- 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).Thursday, July 23, 2015
Frizz off - OGX Kukui oil A Cruelty Free Hair Oil
This was the first ever purchase on my quest for cruelty free products.
OGX Kukai Oil $9.99 CVS / $5.99 Bed, Bath & Beyond
Tesco also sell OGX beauty pure and simple hair care products.The range includes shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and serums.
Standing in CVS in San Diego killing time, I began my search for not tested on
animals products. On first impression, I
am completely overwhelmed with this brand. They have what appears at this glance
to be a million products with different oils all claiming to do the
same or very similar thing. I simply want a de-frizz and something nice for the dry
ends of my hair. I really don't know which product to go with so in
the end I pick the promising "Anti Frizz, Hydrating Oil"
OGX Kukai Oil $9.99 CVS / $5.99 Bed, Bath & Beyond
Tesco also sell OGX beauty pure and simple hair care products.The range includes shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and serums.
Standing in CVS in San Diego killing time, I began my search for not tested on
"I'm washing my hair". Review of L'Oreal Ever Pure Cruelty Free Shampoo
Standing in Ralph's I was skeptical. I chose the option for coloured hair. I
To home with me, to test I shall.
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
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
Josie Maran Cosmetics is a cruelty free company and available from
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
All content (writing and photographs) is my own and original unless otherwise stated. Copyright © 2015. Ruth S
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