PetitVour Vegan & Cruelty-Free Beauty-Box || Beauty and the Box | September 2014

Hey guys! I'm so excited to share my first PetitVour Box with you. It's called Beauty and the Box this month!

I really wanted to jump on the beauty-subscription train since BirchBox became popular. I just think the idea of having beauty products to try each month for $10-15 bucks is amazing! If you're a beauty junkie you know what I mean!

Around the time BirchBox became popular I decide to go vegetarian and then I decided to explore cruelty-free makeup, so BirchBox wasn't an option. Then I discovered the lovely Tashina from LogicalHarmony and when she partnered with Petit Vour, I knew Petit Vour would be the one.

So this is the September Petit Vour Box, co-created by Logical Harmony! It's $15 a month (free shipping in the US) or you can get a 3-month subscription for $45.00, 6-months for $ 90.00, etc. 

 Don't get me started on how awesome I think it is that a fellow blogger is part of this! It just makes me ooze with happiness! Also, I'm really itching to try another box, I'm thinking VeganCuts!  

(Upper Left: LVX 5 Free Nail Lacquer in "Lolli", Upper Right: Ellovi Tinted Lip Butter, Lower Left: Yarok Leave-In Conditioner, Lower Right: Roots Science Skincare ) 

My box came with four goodies! Remember that not all boxes are the same, you might get different products than me. 

1. LVX Nail Lacquer in "Lolli" : Value: $16.00

I was so beyond excited when I opened the box and saw that I got a nail polish! I've been on a big nail polish kick as of late. 

I've had a chance to try this guy (I got the box three days ago) and I have mixed feelings.

I love that fact that it's a VEGAN nail polish! It's a gorgeous "cotton-candy" pink. A color I normally wouldn't pick out for myself but I really love it on. It makes my hands look feminine. It needs at least two (I prefer three) coats for an opaque application. The main reason I'm not 100% in love is because it chips pretty quickly. The picture above was taken 12ish hours after I applied it. I've been having bad luck with nail polish lately. 

2. YAROK Leave-In Conditioner: Value: $13.20

This is really good for your hair because it has vitamins, minerals and essential oils. I've only sprayed this twice so I can't give a lot of opinions about it. I will say that it made my hair feel super smooth right away. I also like that it's a very nice sized sample! I'm super excited to continue using this one!

3. Roots Science SkinCare: Value: (Full-Size) $49.00-59.00

This guy is the most intriguing of the bunch. It's a type of face wash/mask. It's made with organic cold pressed minerals which are supposed to detoxify your skin. I have not tried this and so I'm telling you what I know about it if from the little card that lists all the products I received in my box. It has its own card with instructions. I'm really excited to try this! 

4. ellovi Tinted Lip Butter: Value: $5.00

I have had a chance to try this one and I'm really liking it. What can I say I adore lip products. It has a slight, slight tint which comes from " the red root of a Mediterranean flower called askant". It smells a bit chocolately to me. It's nice! I'm really enjoying it! It's only made with 6-ingredients. 

The entire box's value is ~ $83.20 !

I'm so happy I decide to try this & overall I'm quite in love.

I hope you enjoyed reading this! Leave me feedback if you'd like!

Lots of Love,

Camila

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**I bought this with my own money! 

Milani Color Statement Polishes || Review

Hey friends! I wanted to share my thoughts on some Milani Color Statement polishes I picked up exactly a week ago. Each retailed for $3.45 at WalMart.

I picked up (left to right): Blue Print, Quick Dry Top Coat, & Tattle Teal. 

As you can tell, the colors are beautiful! I mean your nails will certainly grab people's attention. I know this because I got a lot of compliments.

Also, the formula is super opaque and will go on perfectly in two coats. Both polishes dry super quickly. They are so glossy and so a top coat isn't really necessary. ( Said no girl ever). However, I went over them with the Quick Dry Top Coat and I really really loved the finished look. The top coat does what it claims, it drys in a few minutes.

You might be surprised to find, after all the praise I'm giving these polishes, that I do not recommend them. Why?

They do not last at all! I mean within minutes of them drying they were chipping! Come on?! That's beyond ridiculous, it's infuriating.

It's not just me, I read MakeupGuineaPig's (aka Christine's) post A Dozen Ways to Nail It and she mentioned a shade, "sugar plum", from this line. It seemed the chip on her quickly so I'm certain the formula is the issue here. Which is very maddening!

Have you tried any of nail polish from this new range? If you have what do you think? Also, is there a trick to make nail polish last longer? I really want to work with them! I'm hoping I can make them last longer! Maybe a different top coat?

I'm not sure if you can see it, but the the polish is already chipping! I had only just applied this polish a few hours ago. So disappointing.

They're so pretty! Why?

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Silver Glitz || Nail of the Day ||

Hey guys!

So I wanted to share this gorgeous combination! 

I'm wearing Milani's Nail Lacquer in "Silver Dazzle" as the base color. Which I found in Dollar Tree for $1.00! What a steal! 

As a top coat I have this pretty multi-color nail polish. Which, is from a non-CF company. I must of had it for a long time because I found it hidden inside this pencil bin. I'm sure you can find something similar, if not the same glitter top-coat. I've noticed almost all brands have one. 

Here's Milani's "Silver Dazzle". 

As  can see it's really glittery but has a matte and textured look. I'm not a huge fan of that look so I needed to use a glossy top-coat. 

I really don't like using flash for my blog pictures, but I felt like only the flash picked up the beautifulness of this polish. (Yes, beautifulness)! The glitter is super fine! 

I hope you liked this! 

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Woot Woot, Hoot Hoot |:||:| A Makeup Haul

Hey guys! This is a collective haul from the past month! Hope you enjoy! 

1)Physicians Formula : Happy Booster in "Bronze/Natural"

 I got this guy almost a month or so ago. I got it on sale at Burlington, so if you are at a Burlington check out their beauty-section! I'm not overly impressed. I think this is great if you want to apply something really quickly without thinking about it much -- say you have two minutes to get your foundation, mascara, and blush/bronzer on. It's not very pigments, but I think those of you who don't like overly pigmented blushes might like it. As for me, I won't be picking up another PF blush from the Happy Booster Line because I think my elf and wet n' wild blushes are way better and cheaper. 

2) elf Translucent Matifying Powder

I really like this powder. I have oily skin and this really mattifies! I will say that if you over apply it, it will make your skin look a bit dry. So use it sparingly. You will need to reapply at least once a day. I have 19-21 hour days and spend about 10 hours at school and I find reapplying once a day does the trick. 

BTW: Sorry for the blurry picture! & FYI: It did come slightly cracked, but I have a feeling I just got a bad one because I've never had issues with elf blushes cracking. 

I got it at Target for $3.00! 

3) Physicians Formula : Organic Wear Mascara in "Ultra Black"

I've used this mascara before and I liked it. I'm glad I decided to repurchase it because, I REALLY enjoy it. It's not super dry or wet, it's in-between. Also, it doesn't dry super fast which lets me add more coats without it getting clumpy. It's truly super or ultra black. It seems to do it all volumize, lengthen, and darkens. As far as holding a curl, my lashes are naturally curled and so I can't really say. It doesn't seem to weigh them down. 

It retails for $9.99ish dollars at CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens. 

4) elf 3-in-1 Mascara: Lengthens, Define, & Volumize

I don't like this mascara. It gets clumpy really quickly. It makes me look like I have two eyelashes, it does not separate well.  It is also weirdly difficult to remove. I use my favorite makeup remover, and it does a great job, but still have to use a little more product than I usually use. I wish I liked it more. 

I got it at Target for $3.00. 

5) wet n' wild: megalast  690A "blackest black"

I have a lot of NYX liners and have started looking for alternatives. I tested this guy a lot and came to the conclusion that I do like it if I use it on my upper lash line and/or to smoke out the lower lash line.  BTW: it's a roller pencil that you don't have to sharpen. I like using to define my lash line, to make my lashes look thicker. It would make a great base for a smokey look. However, I did use it in the water line and didn't like it there as much. It didn't last was much. Give it a try! 

I got it from Target for $2.99. 

6) wet n' wild: Mega Liner :: Liquid Liner

I have repurchased this guy multiple times and have never been disappointed. I think it's a great liquid liner and dries matte. It lasts great and if you use primer, it will last even longer. I think the brush is really easy to use. If you have not, give it a try! 

I also got it from Target, think it was $3.99. 

7) Jordana's : sweet n' smooth :: nourishing lip balm

I LOVE LOVE these. They have the an awesome color selection and the pigmentation is amazing, I wasn't expecting them to be was vibrant. They really moisturize your lips without feeling heavy or greasy -- which I can't stand! I want to get them all!! Hahah! Give them a try. I wish I had discovered them earlier this summer! Also, they smell like watermelon. One con, they don't have the greatest taste.

Each were $1.99. I got them at an Asian/dollar store. 

Top: 06 "succulent cherry"

Bottom: 03 "Tasty Watermelon"

Top: 03 "Tasty Watermelon"

Bottom: 06 "succulent cherry"

"Tasty Watermelon"

Succulent Cherry

Tasty Watermelon

Succulent Cherry 

 I hope you enjoyed this post! Have you tried anything I've mentioned, do you agree or disagree with my reviews! I'd like to hear (read?) your feedback!

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Stuff I Bought : Getting ready for Fall ♥︎

Hey guys! Long time no see! Sorry that I've been MIA, but honestly I've been really busy with school. Also, I didn't really have anything new to share with you all. Until today that is haha. I went shopping! YAY! 

I'm the type of shopper that will try a million things on and leave with one thing, or in this case two. I bought everything at Marshalls. I got a $10 certificate and decided to use it. 

Now before it crosses your mind, no I am not sponsored by Marshalls. I just really love shopping there!  

1) I got an American Apparel flannel shirt. I really love plaid for Fall anyway, but when I saw the pattern of this shirt I fell in love! I don't exactly know why. I plan to pair this with some nice dark wash jeans, maybe even a black skirt. I can't wait to wear my red combat boots with this. Ooh, and a vampy lip! Love it! 

It's so soft! 

2) Can you tell I'm loving red? This shirt is from a brand called "Monteau". It's a sheer, polyester, and more of a maroon color. (Sorry, the camera made it look really washed out!) I love how it fits and the detail at the bottom! I really love florals all year long and love that I can have my florals during the Fall. 

Isn't it pretty!? 

 3) These oxford-styled flats are from a brand called "Restricted". The moment I saw them, they were mine. (Not to be dramatic or anything, haha!) Also, the moment I saw them I knew my mom would HATE them. Haha, we have such different styles. So, I'm sure some of you might not like them, but I think they are great. I love wearing these types of shoes in the Fall! I really embrace my neutrals when it gets cooler. BTW, it's still really HOT here in SoCal. 

4) Argan Magic :: Split Ends Repair Cream by The Moroccan Beauty Secret! I really needed something for my frizzy hair! It's been so dry and now that I wake up at 5:30ish each morning, it seems to get even more frizzy! As far as this company's CF status, I've never heard of them before. They have a "not tested on animals" on the back; however just keep that in mind! 

5) Aroma Naturals Bio Activity Omega: Natural Mango Butter Creme

I've been noticing that my skin is getting a little bit dry. Especially, when I wake up in the mornings!  (The heat helps with that no doubt). SO I wanted something lightweight to try. Aroma Naturals is on Leaping Bunny's list! YAY! 

6) Ciate polish in "starlet". I love vampy-dark nail polish colors! However, I prefer wearing them during the Fall/Winter. It looks more greenish here, but it's more of a gray with a green and purple duo-chrome effect. It's super pretty! (In fact, I just applied it and I only needed two-coats. Goes on a little more sheer than expected, but gets opaque quick!)  I'll post a picture to instagram so you can see! 

7) Two Moms in the RAW: Raisin Granola

Every single time I go to Marshalls I put these in my cart and change my mind when I go to pay. Finally, I decided to give them a chance. I have not tried them, I think they'll be good snacks to carry in my backpack. I'll let you know if I like them on instagram! 

I'm sorry if you've missed me! I love you all and always hate having large gaps between my posts. However, I don't want to write any old thing! I will try to get on a better schedule though! Love you all! Hope you enjoyed this! 

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Boots and Companies || Animal Testing Inquiry

Hey guys. So I started spotting a lot of interesting Boots products at Target and so I decide to shoot them an email and inquire about their animal testing policy. Boots actually manufactures brands like: No7, No7 Men, Botanics, Indeed Laboratories, Boots Expert, Champneys, Poppy King, Boots Extracts, and Mark Hill.

Before I emailed them I did some research but I couldn’t find clear answers. I did see them on NotTested under the ‘ambiguous’ categorization. I did find some forums that mentioned No7 specifically as not cruelty-free. Just a disclaimer, you can’t trust forums to be 100% accurate. Anyways, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I emailed using the template I always use. Click here to check it out.

I received a reply, here it is:

Dear Camila

Thanks for contacting us about animal testing and I apologise for the delay in responding to you.

Boots and its subsidiary businesses do not test any products or ingredients on animals, and do not commission others to do so on our behalf. In fact in March 2013 it became illegal for any company to test cosmetic products or ingredients on animals in Europe. 

The issue of animal testing on products and raw materials is one we take very seriously at Boots UK. For over 20 years our policy for cosmetics and toiletries has been that we do not carry out, or ask our suppliers to carry out on our behalf, animal testing on either ingredients or finished products and you can rest assured that we apply our policy rigorously.

Boots would like to see an end to all animal testing, and we fully supported the development of the ban on animal testing on ingredients that came into force in the European Union in 2013. The ban applies to all cosmetics products purchased from any store across the EU and completes the ban that started with  finished products in 2004 and was extended to cover most types of ingredient testing in 2009.  The 2013 law has completed the ban for all forms of animal testing for both products and ingredients and now ensures that all companies in our industry in Europe are now aligned with the same policy that Boots has had in place for over 20 years.

We would definitely like to see an end to all animal tests. We fully support the intentions of the BUAV and take a keen interest in the development and introduction of alternative forms of safety testing.

I hope you find this helpful and reassuring.

If you need to know if any of our products contain a certain ingredient like Carnuba wax please send the product identity code to me and I can request a list of ingredients from our Product Team. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide this information on a whole range and do need to seach on products individually.

Kind regards

I liked the reply. I'm always for companies that support banning animal testing.  It makes me want to support them. I had no idea Boots helped with the 2013 European animal testing ban.

As you can tell they didn't address whether or not they sell in the Chinese market, so I emailed them again!

I said:

Thank you so much for emailing me back, I truly appreciate it. I am very happy with everything that was mentioned. However, one very important question wasn't addressed. I was wondering if Boots sells any of it's products of any of its' company's in the Chinese market? 
Thank you again! 

This was their reply:

Dear Ms Alvarez

Thank you for contacting us. I am sorry that we did not answer you enquiry completely and I hope I can help you further.

I can confirm that Boots do not sell our products to the Chinese Market as this would contradict our Animal Testing Policy.

Thank you again for contacting us. If we can help in any further way, please let us know
Kind regards 

What do you guys think? I really think everything they mentioned is very strong and specific; they didn't seem ambiguous to me at all. Also, like I mentioned before NotTested has them under the ambiguous category; however this list hasn't been updated in a long while. So keep that mind. I really feel comfortable support Boots!

Leave me your feedback.

Lots of Love,

Camila

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LA Girl Animal Testing Inquiry || Are They CF?

***UPDATE: I pasted the wrong part of the email where they answered whether or not they sell in the Chinese market. Sorry about that!!! Ahhh! So frustrating!! 

Hey guys! So as promised --finally-- here is my correspondence with LA Girl.

I have a correspondence with LA Colors and they are cruelty-free and accredited by PETA. I did not realize that LA Girl and LA Colors are essentially the same company. They are both under Beauty 21. Anyways I still wanted to share my correspondence with them! 

I emailed them using the template I always use. 

This was their reply:

Thank you for contacting L.A. Girl Cosmetics.
In regards to Animal Testing, please be certain that our products are NOT tested on animals. None of the raw materials or manufacturing process through finished goods are tested on animals. Our parent company, Beauty 21 Cosmetics Inc. is also part of the cruelty-free PETA program. Hope this helps! Thank you for writing to us.
Sincerely,

As you can tell they did not address whether they sell in the Chinese market. So I emailed them back:

Thank you very much! I really appreciate you writing back to me. I have another Question you didn't address. Does LA girl and or Beauty 21 sell in the Chinese market? 

-Camila 

They replied very promptly I think the next day; which was so awesome of them. I truly appreciated it.

Thank you for your response.

Our products are not sold in China and we want to assure you that none of the raw materials or manufacturing process through finished goods are tested on animals. Our parent company, Beauty 21 Cosmetics Inc. is also part of the cruelty-free PETA program. 

Hope this helps. Thank you for writing to us!

Sincerely,

 As you can see they meet the three criteria I look at for determining cruelty-free status. I was also really happy with their customer service!


I hope you found this helpful in your cruelty-free journey.

Lots of Love,

Camila

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