Saturday, November 23, 2013

Julep | Animal Testing Policy



Hey guys!
I contacted Julep a week or so ago. I'm happy with the speed of their reply. As promised I will be sharing that correspondence.

I emailed them using the format I always use. Since that time, I have changed it up a bit. I made it more personal.

This was what I received the first time I emailed them:



Hi Camila,
Thank you for your inquiry about Julep products. We absolutely DO NOT test on animals! Never have, never will! We only “test” on humans. One of the great things about Julep is we have 4 Nail Parlors and amazing customers that let us test and try products on them all the time!
Some of our products do contain animal-derived ingredients (milk, beeswax, etc). Here are some products that are completely VEGAN: Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub, Julep Essential Cuticle Oil, and any non-red nail polish.
Another great thing about our products is that they are “4 Free”. We use NO paraben, NO sulphate phthalate, NO DBP, and they are tolene and formaldehyde FREE. We like to say, we took out all of the nasty carcinogens that are found in so many other products.
If you are interested in the Ingredients of each item we invite you to check out our site. We are proud to say we list ingredients for each and every item in the item details section.
I hope this convinces you even more how Julep can be a brand you can be proud to wear. We are always interested in how new Julep customers hear about us, since we use many different outlets. If you have time just drop us a line. Also, please let us know if you have any more questions. Until next time, have a wonderful weekend!
As you can see the representative is a sweetheart! However, all the questions I originally asked weren't addressed so I emailed them back seeking details.

This is the second email I received:
*I added questions so you don't have to open 1000x tabs.


Hi Camilia,
Thank you for following up with us. I sincerely apologize for the delay. Of course, we we are happy to answer any questions you may have
[1. Does your company test ingredients or/and finished products on animals?]
  1. No we do not test on animals at all. We preview or test new items in our Salons.
[2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party? If your answer is no, how do you ensure that your manufacturers do not test? ]
  2. We do not have a third party that tests on animals

[3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals?]
  3.No we have products that are not tested on animals by us or 3rd parties. We check up on the sites regularly.
[4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals?]
  4. We are a privately owned. Julep does not test on animals.
[5. Do you have a parent company? If so who are they? ]
  5. We do not have a parent company we are privately owned
[6. Do you/your parent company currently or have plans to market and sell your products in the Chinese market, which requires animal testing by law to sell in that country? ]
  6. We are currently in US and Canada and are unable to ship and market outside of the US. We have no plans to expand in the near future.
[7. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source? ]
  7.We invite you to view all of our ingredients for each item on our site.
[8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase?] 
  8 Our Vegan friendly items include Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub, Julep Essential Cuticle Oil, and any non-red nail polish. 
If you have any other questions we are always happy to help.
Until then, have a wonderful weekend!
 They meet my three criteria & I would feel safe purchasing from them!!! I also quite enjoyed contacting them. Sometimes, companies seem hostile in their emails.

Lots of Love,
Camila

If you have questions please feel free to ask me.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Sugarpill

I have received an email from a representative from Sugarpill. He wanted me to correct my information about their cruelty-free status. I do not have an official post about Sugarpill. He was referring to my post on MakeUp Geek.
Please click this link to see their PETA certification. I was surprised to learn that most of their products are vegan. They also have won a Libby award.

I have emailed said representative back, asking the questions I always ask.

Lots of Love,
Camila

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Save your Beagle & Mousy friends from breeding for animal testing!!


I received an email with a link to this petition from BUAV or British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection. If you've never heard of them they are an animals rights organization in Britain, which -among other things-want to end all animal testing. 

This petition is to reject a proposal to from Bantin and Kingman Universal Limited (B&K) to construct a beagle and rodent breeding farm. No doubt these animal would be used for animal testing purposes. 
To read more about the situation please click on the link & also SIGN the petition.

I know I'm always hesitant to sign petitions because I wonder if my signature will make any difference. Change happens gradually & your signature is very important though it might not always seems like it. Also share this with your fb friends, your real friends, your mom and your mom's friends! Spreading the news is the first step to making a change. 

Lots of Love,
Camila



Saturday, November 9, 2013

7-Day Shadow Challenge | How It was a Fail & Another look


Yes! I know, I know! My outfit is not the most fashionable, but yeah it's late & I get cold really REALLY easily!



Not sure what the 7-Day Challenge is? Click here to find out!


Hey guys!
So, I'm not sure if anyone has noticed, but my whole "7-Day Shadow Challenge" was a fail. "Camila, what do you mean?", you might be wondering? My original plan was to create a different look each day of the week. Starting with last Saturday. Well, it's been a week & Including today's post I've only uploaded four times! I will humbly admit I took on way more than I could manage. Well, what can you do? 

Meanwhile, I very much like the heart behind this idea. It made me not only us my makeup more, but it also gave me a push to be creative and daring with my looks. I'm feel very much inspired to try different things!
Though, I am ending this challenge, I will continue to post quick pictures of my most interesting eye looks! Most of you seemed to like it & it's fun.





What I used:
#3 all over the lid
#4 on the outer corner in a cat-eye shape.
#4 also, on the lower-outer lid.
#3 also, on the inner, lower lid. It's the bronzy shade you see there.
#2, a tiny bit on the crease
#1 on the inner corner!







Wednesday, November 6, 2013

7-Day Shadow Challenge Smokey! 'Cranberry Smoke' | Day 4


Hey guys!
I'm so proud of this look! It's a bit smokey, yet appropriate for the day & depending on where you work, for work!
It's also, in my humble opinion, so so pretty!

What I used:
 # 2 all over the lid
#3 on the inner corner, just a tiny bit for definition
  #4 for the outer part of eye, I packed it over my black pencil liner and using soft motions, I smoked it out. 
I tried to do a slight cat-eye shape.
& A tiny but on my outer-lower lash line.

 A little about # 4. It's a beautiful cranberry color! I don't know why, maybe it's because the Christmas season is creeping up on me, I'm just noticing how pretty this shade is!
I have two exams this week. One tomorrow & one on friday! Ah! Wish me luck!
Hope your week is less stressful than mine!

Lots of Love,
Camila









Tuesday, November 5, 2013

7-Day Shadow Challenge | Day 3


Not sure what the 7-Day Challenge is? Click here to find out!

Hey guys! I must admit, while this challenge is fun it's no joke! It's not necessarily hard coming up with different looks,finding the time is the hard part. 
Also, it's just like me to start this challenge on a finals week. LOL :D 

What I used:
 #2 all over the lid
 #3 in the crease
 #7 to on the lower outer part of the eye.
 #1 on the inner corner!

While this is a fun look, it's not one of my most creative! 
Lots of Love,
Camila 
P.S. What is your go to look?





Sunday, November 3, 2013

7-Day Challenge | Day # 2

Not sure what the 7-Day Challenge is? Click here to find out!

I used:
 # 2 all over the lid
 # 3 to define my crease
 # 7 over my pencil-liner for definition

I'm really happy with how it turned out! 
#5 has a slight warm tone, which is really brought out in combination with # 3. 
I'm excited to see what I come up with tomorrow!! <3
Lots of Love,
Camila :P
P.S. Feel free to live me suggestions! 



Saturday, November 2, 2013

Comfort Zone Palette w/ SWATCHES + 7-Day Shadow Challenge | All Cruelty-Free

These shadows don't have names so I've gone ahead and given each a number. 

Hey guys! ;)
So, this past Friday I was franticly looking through my makeup cabinet! I was late for school (story of my life) and I was planning to apply my foundation, etc... at school.
I ended up grabbing this palette. I've had it for at least 6 months now & have barely touched it. I re-discovered it & I wanted to share it's beauty with you all. Also, it gave me the inspiration for what I'm calling "The 7-Day Shadow Challenge".
It's the wet n' wild palette Comfort Zone.
It retails for $4.99!





from Left: 1  , 2  ,3  , 4  

These shadows are ridiculous pigmented and super "buttery".
They live up to their hype
 If you like prefer nude shadows you'll love these four! 
♥ My favorite is # 2.
  # 3 is the PERFECT bronze color!
from Left: 1  , 2  ,3  , 4






from Left: # 5  ,6  , 7  , 8

#5 looks really silver, though it definitely has silver tones it's very much a toupe color. 
♥ # 6 is such a pretty green color. It gives this mostly nude palette a splash of soul.
 #7 is soooo pigmented. Tred lightly friends. Also, the gold is gorgeous.
 # 8 is was so hard to photograph. It's a very warm brown color with blue shimmers. <3

 P.S. # 8 is my favorite! 






So, what is this "7-Day Shadow Challenge"?
I am basically going to only use the Comfort Zone palette this week! 
Why am I doing this you might be wondering?
Well, here's a beauty confession for you: 
I usually don't wear eyeshadow at all!
Yes, I know shame on me! SHOCKING!
I frankly have little to no time in the mornings! (excuses, excuses....)

But really, I need to stop being so lazy; although, hitting the snooze button is such a nice feeling...
I also thought it'd be fun to share with you guys what I come up with! 
I'm feeling really REALLY excited for this challenge! 
Feel free to join me! Use any palette you'd life. Preferably, one you often ignore!

Rules:
Post a picture everyday for a week, with the look you come up with for that day.
You can use any mascara and/or eyeliner combo you'd like.
CANNOT use any other palette 
You cannot repeat a look but you CAN use the same color combination as long as the looks are DIFFERENT



This is LOOK #1. 
Colors used:
#1 inner color, both top & bottom
#2 on lid
#3 on crease for definition
#8 on top of black pencil liner & on lower lash line!





Thanks for reading this! It was quite a photo-filled post! I hope you found it interesting & will follow me on this challenge! If you decide to join me PLEASE let me know! I would love to see the pictures of your looks!

Lots of Love,
Camila




P.S. You can find Wet N' Wild products easily on amazon. I know they're hard to come by if you live in the UK. 

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

What's in My Makeup Bag? | Mini Review


Hey guys. This post is purely, spur of the moment. I was sitting here, thinking up ideas for this blog and decided to talk about the things I carry in my tiny makeup bag. It's a mixture of new products I'm testing out and my "must haves".

I will be featuring just 4 of the products in my bag. If I was to talk about all of them, this post would be more like an essay. I will just go ahead & list of what I have here:

1. wet n wild Coverall Pressed Powder 
2.Real Techniques: i. contour brush, ii.base shadow brush, iii. brow brush
3. Physicians Formula: Organic wear Tinted Moisturizer in Natural to Tan
4. wet n wild's Take on the Day Eyeshadow primer (from Fergie's line)
5. wet n wild's Mega Liner in Black
6.  Milani Color Statement Lipliner: True Instant Color in 02 TRUE RED
* I have a review on this product, click link if you're interested! 

I do carry a lip-balm. I have the lemon EOS one but because my makeup bag is small I keep it in another pocket of my backpack and forgot to include it. :P

1. wet n wild" coverall Pressed Powder 
I usually use tinted moisturizers and it gives me just enough extra coverage. It claims to be an "all day wear" product, however, I do find myself having to reapply it at least once, through out the day. It also claims to "reduce the appearance of wrinkles...", I'm sure about that, but I will say it makes my skin look soft. I find it a very close dupe for the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, it gives me that same look and feel. (Which I'd used in the past).



2. Physicians Formula: Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer in Natural to Tan
This one is new and so far I really like it. My skin is far from perfect and I find this provides me with enough coverage to even out my skin tone. Does it erase my spots and/or does it conceal my under-eye circles? No, I would still use a concealer for that. It will only give you a light coverage, so if you're looking for a product like that, I recommend you give it a try. It also has SPF 15. Also, it only comes in two color selections. I find this color a tiny bit light for my complexion. However, that might be because of the SPF. 

3. Wet N' Wild: Take on the Day Eyeshadow Primer:
I am so pleased with this product. I've seen a couple of reviews on Fergie's line for WNW and so I thought about picking up this very carefully. I figured, since I don't have many eyeshadow primers I'd give this one a go & I'm so glad I did. I can't speak about the rest of Fergie's line but I'm super impressed with this primer. You need just the smallest dot amount to get your shadow to last. I literally mean, tiny amount. This has helped my liner (the one featured here) maintain its crisp-line and it DOES NOT flake or smudge on me at all! 



4. Milani Color Statement Lip liner: True Instant Color in 02 TRUE RED
It's beyond smooth! I didn't know what to expect. When I think of other liners available in the drug-store I think: "drying, hard to apply, sheer... "First this is a beautiful red, it's not overly orangey (which don't get me wrong, I like) or too fuchsia it's, imagine that, a true red color. It glides on like butter and will not move! I want to pick up more Milani products. 

I hope this post wasn't too long & fun to read! I'm trying new content here & I really hope you guys like it! 
Lots of Love,
Camila









Friday, October 11, 2013

Emani Vegan Cosmetics | Mineral Eyeshadow, Mascara, Brow-Trio and Brush Review


 ****These were sent to me to review. This review is 100% based on my experience and I will not be receiving compensation for reviewing these products. I love you guys! 



I was really confused about the name of this shadow. Champagne? Sure it's shimmer but it reminds me more of a rose gold color. 
On Eyes: The shadow itself is beautiful. It was frustrating taking these pictures because I don't think my camera did it justice. I will have to so a 'face of the day' for you guys using this shadow so you can see how it looks on.
Primer?:  Like most mineral products, you will find there is lots of fallout. If you don't usually use eye-shadow primer, I recommend you pick one or use a base. If you use a primer you should be good for most of the day. 
Price: $10.50
Repurchase?: This was send to me. I would absolutely purchase this shade again and am already eying others from this collection. Like roller-queen! OMgosh it's beautiful!!! 





So intriguing! A soy mascara?! Whose ever heard of such a thing.
Wand: It allowed me to catch my most inner lashes. It has a cool and effective shape. I really liked it!
Packaging: It's sleek, which I enjoyed as well. 
Formulation: It's a dry mascara. It doesn't really let you build up the product, or at least that was my experience. I enjoy wet mascara because I like the slightly"clumpy' look they give. Also, because it's more on the dry side it does not clump your lashes. 
Price: It retails on Emani's website for $20.00. 
Repurchase?: This was send to me but I would not purchase. It's a bit pricey and if I was to spend that cash on a mascara I would choose a mascara that met my needs. 






The sun washes out these closers. The picture below is true color. 
Colors: The women of my family (meaning my sister and my mother) have different complexions and hair color. My mom is very fair and her hair is a strawberry blonde color. My sister is also fair, she recently dyed her hair an auburn color, but her natural hair color is a medium-tone brown. I have a tan complexion and my hair is black/dark brown. Why am I telling you all this you might be asking. Well, the three of us have used this trio and found it fitting for diverse brow needs. 
Also, if you have very sparse brows, it gives a very natural look! I LOVE this trio!
Eyeliner: I like the idea of this being used as a liner. I personally like a dark and thick line. The darkest shade of this trio, in my personal opinion, is not dark enough to be used as a liner. I do not use this for that purpose. 
Price: $20.00
Repurchase: It was send to me. I WILL be buying this when I hit pan on it. It's also going to become my signature gift for the women of my family. It's AMAZING! 






 I didn't find this specific brush on Emani's site. All these products came in a little kit so this brush might not be available for individual sale. I hope that makes sense.
All their products are vegan so this brush is synthetic. I would not imagine using the brow & liner trio without it! It's sooooo soft on your skin. When most people think of synthetic brushes they picture coarse and tense tools that irritate the skin. I think that is one reason brushes made of animal hair are still so common. I can't speak for their entire brush collection, but if this brush is an indicator of the rest of their brushes I am really impressed. I hope to add more to my collection.
Be sure to check out their vegan brush collection. Their prices range from $24.00 to $11.50!




Lots of Love,
Camila

P.S. What product mentioned about intrigued you most? 



LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Main-nav-Menu (Do Not Edit Here!)