January Wish List |

Hey guys!

I love reading Wish List posts, so I thought I'd be fun to share what I'm been wanting this month.

♥ 1. Too-Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

It looks wonderful! I've seen a couple of reviews & it's being raved about. I love my neutral shadows & this would be a great addition to my collection. Those of you who've picked it up, does it smell like chocolate?

♥ 2. NYX Butter Lipsticks

Specifically these three: (L to R) 'Deep Burgendy', 'Blue Violet', & 'Coral-Red'!

I swatched them at Ulta & I was throughly impressed.

♥ 3. Emani Brow & Liner Trio

I actually lost the one I had! I'm so sad! :( I love this, I actually did a review of a bunch of Emani stuff a while ago. My sister and mom always ask to borrow it, so they miss it too. 

♥ 4. New Real Technique Brushes & 'miracle complexion sponge'

Left to Right: 'Blush Brush', "Miracle Complexion Sponge' & 'Stippling Brush'

I have the 'starter kit' and the 'core collection'. These brushes are vegan and cruelty-free & AMAZING!!! I use them everyday & I really want to expand my collection.

♥ 5. Floral Skater Dress:

I have this same dress, so I'm not sure it exactly counts as a wish item, but I do LOVE it. I want to pick up the same one in navy. It's only $8.80! 

♥ 6.Buckled Cutout Booties:

Ahhh boots! I'm definitely a boot kind of girl. I saw these and fell in love. I think it's a fun pair of shoes, because you can then play around with your socks and make them part of your outfit. 

♥ 7. Daisy Floral Tights

I love wearing tights with my dresses! Especially during the cooler months. (I'd still wear this during summer though, shhh!) I thought these were super fun! 

♥ 8. Disney's Tangled!

I remember watching this movie a few months after it came out. I didn't really think much of it at the time. This past December it was on on DisneyChannel and I watched it again and BECAME OBSESSED! I watched it everyday during finals week & It got me through. I love it & need to own it :D

Well, that's pretty much it! I've been really wanting all of these things for months now. Maybe next month I'll own a few of them ;) Let me know what you've been wishing for this month!

Lots of Love,

                                                                   Camila

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BECCA Cosmetics | Animal Testing Inquiry

UPDATE: Thank you guys for helping me figure this puzzle out. A wonderful reader (see comments) gave me this link where it states BECCA's parent company(Cosmetic Developments Limited). I will be emailing them! Also, I'm not 100% how the regulations go for Hong Kong (i've heard repeatedly that they aren't the same as those for mainland China). I'm not expert on this & will have to contact LeapingBunny to ask them about this. I will keep you guys posed! I valve you're input tremendously!



Hey guys.
I emailed BECCA and received a reply. They answered all my questions and I find that the information provided is useful. However, I was left with more questions! Ok, enough teasing, this is what I received:

Hi Camila,
Happy Wednesday and thank you for writing in with your BECCA inquiry!
1. Does your company test ingredients or/and finished products on animals? No2. 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?  No. We have documentation that states such under EU Law.3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals? No4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals? No5. Do you have a parent company? If so who are they? Yes we do have a parent company6. 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? We don’t have a distributor that specifically covers Mainland China. However, our international Distributors cover Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan that service many tourists from China.7. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source? We have Carnauba Wax in mascara, compact concealer, pressed bronzer (duende), nude lip liner .8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase?
Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Opal, Moonstone and TopazBronzing Skin PerfectorUltimate Color GlossRadiant Skin Creamy ConcealerMatte Skin Shine Proof FDTResurfacing Primer 

Thoughts:
1. Why didn't they state their parent company? I actually googled it but haven't found a name. If you know let me know!!
2. Their answer to the China question. WHAT?! I am typing this rather late at night, maybe I'm reading it wrong, but I don't understand their answer. I will email them back and ask for clarification.

Let me know what you think!! If you know something, share with us!

Lots of Love,
Camila

BH Cosmetics

Benefit Cosmetics | Animal Testing Inquiry

UPDATE: A lot of you are letting me know (in the comments) that benefit sells in China. Which in itself tells us that animal testing has occurred. I will not be supporting them! Check out their site. 

Hey guys!

I contacted Benefit some time in December. I got a reply from them. I stalled in sharing it because I found it rather vague. However, I thought you'd like to read it and I would also share my thoughts. 

I emailed them using the same format I always use. 

This was their reply:

Hi Camila,
Benefit does not test our cosmetic products on animals. When selecting the ingredients to be used in our cosmetic products, Benefit requires raw material suppliers to provide safety information based on scientifically accepted alternative testing methods that meet international safety standards and regulations. Benefit products must meet both consumers’ needs and consumer safety, while respecting animal life. Benefit continues to strongly support & favor alternative testing and is committed to following all animal testing laws and regulations in order to ensure our products’ safety for the end consumer. 

First of all, they did not address all of my questions. Secondly, as you can tell (I'm sure), the part I've bolded is the definition of vague. They claim to use alternatives to animal testing, but also follow "animal testing laws and regulations". I don't want to speculate too much, but I have a bad feeling about this. I certainly would not purchase from them at this time. I will try to contact them again, asking them to be more specific. I will keep you guys updated. 

Lots of Love,

Camila

Awesome Bloggers!

Hey guys! I thought I'd share some of my favorite beauty vloggers & bloggers & just awesome people you need to check out. I've been blessed with this platform and I wanted to share the loved. I'm sure you might have heard of most of them, but just in case...

1. TheBumbleGumPrincess
One of the first CF Youtube ladies I started watching. She's amazing! She has awesome recommendations and such well-spoken reviews.

2.BeautySavvy
She is hilarious! Her videos always make me laugh! She always recommends products I've never heard of, which is an awesome way to learn about new indie companies!

2. natiatheart
She makes youtube videos and has a wonderful blog. Did I mention she is gorgeous!? I have loved all her tutorials! I also love her blog and hope gets to that level!

3.Makeup Guinea Pig:
Her blog posts are awesome!! I always look forward to reading them and I get so much out of them.

5. WildFox

small NYX Haul | Cruelty Free

I went to Ulta a couple of days ago. I thought I'd share what I picked up. I will have a more indepth review later, once I'd had more time to form an opinion. 

♡1. NYX stay matte but not flat:

Heard awesome things about this one. I've used it once so far & I'm impressed with the coverage.

♡2. NYX slide on, glide, stay on & definitely a turn on water proof, extreme shine eye liner

WOAH! A mouth full of a name! I got the color in 'jet black'. I have the one in 'golden olive' & absoultey LOVE that one. I have high hopes of this one! I like it so far (keep in mind, I've only used it once, well this color.)

♡ 3. NYX badunkadunk lush lashes mascara:

I think the packaging is : SEXY! I love it & will admit it was partly the reason I picked it up. Again, I barely got this stuff a few days ago and have only used it twice. I really like it so far ;) 

I wanted to keep this short & quick. I hope you enjoyed it & tell me if you've used any of these products :D

Lots of Love,

Camila 

Sigma Beauty | Animal Testing Correspondence

Hey guys! I got a reply from Sigma. I wanted to share it right away because the correspondence I had with them was smooth! I didn't have to email them more than once, which is nice. 

I emailed them using the format I always use.

This was their reply:

Hello Camila,

Thank you for your email. I am happy to help you with these questions. I have provided the questions and answers below.

1. Does your company test ingredients or/and finished products on animals? NO
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? NO
3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals? NO
4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals? NO
5. Do you have a parent company? If so who are they? NO, Sigma does not have a parent company.
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? NO
7. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source?

 Yes, extracted from the leaves of Carnauba palm. Yes the Carnauba wax is sustainable and organic.
8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase? All of our Synthetic brushes are Vegan and can be found here http://www.sigmabeauty.com/category_s/50.htm

Please let me know if you have any other questions I can help you with.

Best Regards,

I'm excited share this with you all. You can imagine I was quite happy when I received this reply. 

As for what I look for when determining cruelty-free status, Sigma Beauty meets my criteria. I look for three major factors when determining the animal testing status of a company: parent company , suppliers of raw ingredients, and if products are sold in China. To read more about why I look for these criteria, click here. 

Share your feedback! 

Lots of Love,

Camila 

Skin Care Tool Kit | Cruelty-Free

Hey guys! I wanted to share these products because I've seen a wonderful change in my skin since I started using them! I wish I had a before and after picture. They are all cruelty-free, as far as I am aware. 

1. derma e: Evenly Radiant Makeup Remover

I'd never used a makeup remover before I started using this one. (I know, I know!) I think it's alright. It does a nice job of dissolving the makeup and removing it; however for eyeliner you have to either use more product or rub more. I heard the Sonia Shuck is a good one, any recommendations?

It retails for $8.93 on Derma E on Amazon. 

 2. Dessert Essence: Thoroughly Clean Face Wash:

I've repurchased this product dozens of times! I switched over to this brand for skin care after I discovered that Burt's Bees is not cruelty-free. (I used to use the Burt's Bees Acne Solutions Purifying gel Cleanser). Desert Essence is an amazing brand. This cleanser has tea tree oil which is a magical oil, magical! If you have dry skin, look for the 'normal skin' wash. I've used both and this one is definitely best for oily skin. It will leave your skin feeling dry so make sure to use a good face moisturizer. 

It retails for $9.29 on the desert essence website. 

3. alba botanica: natural VERY emollient sunscreen 

A week ago I was stung by a bee on my left index finger. Just my luck! I went to the doctor because it was very swollen. I turns out I had an infection, called cellulitis. I was prescribed antibiotics to fight it off. This medication makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.  I'd purchased this sunscreen a few weeks back. I didn't really wear sunscreen regularly and so I wanted to find something that would protect my skin without making it oily; it does claim that it won't clog your pores. This sunscreen by alba is wonderful. I've noticed that the dark marks on my face have diminished. It doesn't claim to do anything of the sort, but I've certainly seen a transformations just in the softness of my skin. I am converted & wear my sunscreen everyday!

Retails for $10.99 on alba botanica's site. 

 4. Dr. Bronner's Magic "All-One" Fair Trade & Organic Coconut Oil

 Oh coconut oil! How I love thee! I could write 100s of poems about my love-affair with this product. I've used it in the past; however only for my hair. I decided to start applying a little before bed. It will leave your skin looking extremely shinny but it's wonderful!! I'm not a doctor but I am not aware about all the benefits of using coconut oil such as: hydrating for skin, killing off bacteria, etc. (To read more about it click here). I am certain introducing coconut oil to my skin care routine has been greatly responsible for my skin's change. If you've never tried coconut oil for your face & skin please do.!! Make sure you buy as pure & natural as you can! 

It's on sale right now for $9.71 on abesmarket!

Hope you got some good recommendations & will try some of these products! 

 Lots of Love,
Camila

Finals Week Fall 2013 & I got stung by a bee...

instgram name : imalwaysmused 

Hey guys.
I just thought I throw this short little post up to catch up. This week has been so hectic. I've had two finals so far and have one more "final" this Thursday. I say "final" (or type?) because all I have to do is show up and turn in a 8ish page paper! I posted on Monday or was it Tuesday (it's been a longgg week) that I haven't replied to emails or fb messages because I've been really busy. You know it's bad when you consider the amount of time showering will eat up. (Don't worry I still showered this week). Thanks for wishing me good luck! & if any of you had finals this week, keep on pushing guys!

A little about my week. It's been crazy and as luck would have it, on Wednesday my sleep deprived self was stung by a honey bee! Yes! You would think I was climbing a tree or rolling in the grass but no, where did I get stung?!? In an elevator.

I think the bee hitch-hiked in my hair. I was running my hands through it and felt that horrible burning sensation. If you've ever been stung by a bee you know what I mean. This is the second time (in my life) that I've been stung so I knew that the redness & swelling (don't forget the pain) would probably be the worst of it. There's a clinic on campus and seeing as the visits are very low cost/free I decided to go. I definitely felt silly going in, but I'm SO thankful I did. They patched me up & told me to take an over the counter painkiller for the pain & gave me an ice pack. They told me to come in if it stayed swollen.

Today, I went back in. My left index finger is the size of a sausage & it hurts a lot. Apparently I have cellulitis. Sounds scary, it's not walk in the park, but it's a treatable skin infection. I have antibiotics to fix me up. Which I'm not too trilled about. I detest taking medication. I refuse to take anything! I only time I take painmeds is for the 'time of the month'; I get horrible cramping pains.

Anyways ways. That has been my week so far. Really random & bee filled. Hope you are doing well. Also, stay away from them bees. ;)

I'm exciting to post after the madness, MADNESS of finals week is over.

Lots of Love,
Camila

Laura Geller | Animal Testing Info.

Hey guys! I contacted Laura Geller!
I know a couple of you really wanted to know what they had to say. I promised to have this up by tomorrow, or Friday! I'm not crazy busy & have a few hours to kill and decided to post it early!! :D

That reminds me!! "Like" me on facebook, thats where I let you know which companies have gotten back to me!

Anyways!! I emailed them using my newly tweaked format! It still has all the questions, I just made it more personal.

This was their reply:

Hello:
Thank you for your email.  Laura Geller Beauty, LLC and our Manufacturers do not test our products on animals.  The outside sources, however used by our Manufacturers may test raw ingredients on animals. We do not have a distributor in China.  We do not have a list readily available of all vegan products.  If you provide a specific list of products you are interested in (including shade) we can provide a more immediate answer.
If we can be of any further assistance please feel free to contact us.  Thanks again for your email and for your interest in Laura Geller Beauty.
Kind Regards,
Customer SupportLaura Geller Beauty, LLCinfo@lauragellerbeauty.com

They did not answer all of my questions. Usually, I would email them again asking for all my questions to be address, but in this case I feel it is unnecessary. They admit to being ignorant of whether their raw ingredients manufactures test on animals. This is always a BIG no-no for me!(check out my cruelty-free criteria).

I like to support companies that are ethical about everything (ingredients, production, animal testing, packaging) and are knowledgeable about their product. I can see Laura Geller is not one of those companies (this is my opinion).

Hope this answers your questions! If not, don't be shy & leave a comment. I will try to help answer your question to the best of my knowledge.

Lots of Love,
Camila