Receiving Products for Free | Why I Appreciate it

Yes, I realize this picture has NOTHING to do with this post. Didn't know what picture to use, and decided I liked this one. :)

Hey guys!
 I asked your opinion on Facebook about bloggers that get products sent to them for reviews. I honestly want to know your opinions.

Do you care? If no, why? If yes, why?

 I have been a part of the YT Beauty community long before I started this blog. When well known gurus started getting 100,000s of views, sponsored videos became a big topic of discussion. To be honest it never bothered me. My opinion is that if someone is making videos solely for the money, it will be easy to spot and vice-versa for those who make videos (or write blog posts) because they have a passion for makeup.

I'm asking because I very much appreciate having products sent to me. Why? To be transparent & blunt because I can't afford to buy new products every other week. You guys know how crazy companies are about putting out new products, I cannot keep up with it, nor do I want to. I love makeup but I have other priorities. I am a full-time student and I work part time for minimum wage. Don't get me wrong, I'm not starving, I am blessed in so many ways! That's just the truth. I'm not trying to get you guys to feel bad for me, I'm just being real.

Anyways, that is why I appreciate having products sent to me, to either recommend or tell you to save your time and money. I'm very transparent & I'm sure it's evident. I understand the fear of dishonesty that comes with having products sent to bloggers, but dishonesty is also so easily detectable. I'm sure you guys know what I mean. When you feel like you're watching (or reading) a commercial rather than a review.

I am so strict about who I'm willing to work with. (I have two reviews of products I received for free). Both companies had to answer all the questions I use to ask every company about their CF status and of course their answers to those questions had to meet my criteria. Then I considered working with them.

I just wanted to let you know my reasons for accepting products (after I have determined their CF status). Also, I don't get products sent very often, as with my strict criteria. LOL.

Lots of Love,
Camila

Bubble T Cosmetics | Animal Testing Inquiry

I've become paranoid about using companies logos. I don't want to get in trouble, so for now I'll either not post a picture to accompany an article or will s a pic of their site & link them. If you are a lawyer, let me know what the legal wrought to take. :) 

Hey guys! THis is going to be a fun & different post. I have wonderful readers that email with the information they have found about companies. Which I appreciate a lot, seeing as if more of us email a company the more that company is pressured into answering our questions.

Well, a beautiful reader named Adele (not sure if you want your last name displayed) sent me her correspondence with Bubble T Cosmetics. It is very thorough & awesome so I asked her if I could share it with you all. I had never heard of this company until she messaged me about it.

She used the template posed on this blog. (click here & feel free to use it)!

Here was their reply:

Dear Adele,
I hope you are well.
I am happy to answer your questions.
1. Does your company test ingredients or/and finished products on animals?Our company does not and will not test on animals in terms of ingredients or finished product 

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?We don't use a 3rd part at all - we use a small manufacturer in the south of England where all our products are hand made - we have quality control employees who will assess the production line once our products are being made in bulk.

3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals?Our manufacturers don't test on animals for us or for any other brands that they provide for - we take pride in the fact that we are against animal testing and were BUAV approved until it was compulsory in the UK to not test on animals 

4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals?We are affiliated with our sister brand 'Nougat London' who also have the same morals and ethical view on animal testing - using the same manufacturer and supplier. 

5. Do you have a parent company? If so who are they? 'Nougat London' 

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? 
Bubble T and Nougat both do not sell products in China currently - prior to selling in the market each and every formulation needs to be registered with a fee which is why we are not considering this for the moment. 

7. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source? 
We do not use either of those ingredients 

8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase? We cannot verify if any of our products are vegan -
I hope i have answered your questions and if any further questions come to mind please do not hesitate to ask.
If you planning on ordering from our site we would be happy to send you a free gift on top of your order to thank you for your interest in our beautiful range.

Kind Regards,

What awesome research! Adele sent me this a while back, but I haven't had time to post anything until today. So, sorry about that. 

I would definitely feel safe purchasing from them. I will email their company: Nougat London,;just to make sure there are no contractions with what is listed above. (I'm a perfectionist what can I say?) 

Other than not testing their raw ingredients on animals, having a compliant parent company with the same views on animal testing, and not selling in China; I think it's awesome that they are accreddited by BUAV. 

What do you think about their reply to these questions? Let me know your thoughts! & Thank you Adele if you are reading this :)

Lots of Love,

Camila

ELF's Moisturizing Lipsticks Swatches and Review ||

Hey guys! I wanted to share some pics and my thoughts on ELF's Moisturizing Lipsticks. 

They retail for $3 on the ELF site! 

I've had them for about a month. 

I picked up: 'Red Carpet', 'Velvet Rope', 'Ravishing Rose', and 'Coral Cutie' ! 

On the packaging they originally come in, it says:

"The velvet, satin texture glides on lips with vibrant color and luminous shine." 

I would agree with this. They are creamy and really opaque, and leave your lips with a nice shine. However, I noticed that 'Ravishing Rose' is more matte and less shiny. Compared to the others, it does not leave my lips feeling as moisturized. I say 'as moistuized' because these lipsticks do leave your lips feeling nice and plump. They feel nice and comfortable! I was really surprised and pleased because my lips seem to always be dry, especially during these cooler days.  

They are so nice and creamy!  I can't stress that enough. They apply nicely and consistently, not patchy at all. 

They are also supposed to be 'long-lasting'. I agree completely. However, if you plan to spend 12-hours out (like me on the weekdays at school) you will need to reapply. If you don't, you'll have a nice stain! It's lovely! 

Going back to 'Ravishing Rose', I love this color. It's my favorite of the bunch and I find myself wearing it the most. It's such a beautiful color and if you like berry-rosey lipies you won't be disappointed. Having said that, this one is more like a regular lipstick. It's not as moisturizing. It's definitely not uncomfortable to wear but I just thought I'd mention it.

SCENT: They have a subtle vanilla aroma. I like it a lot! 

Overall I am very very please, and wish my Target sold more ELF products so I didn't have to order them online. Also, ELF when are you planning of setting up a store in California? Please make my wish come true! 

Definitely small enough to fit in your bag for travel. They come in a square tub, rather than your traditional round one. I think it's really different and nice. It also looks very chic and expensive! 

With FLASH 

Without FLASH in natural lighting. 

SURPRISE Product. 

ELF's $1 Lipstick in 'sociable'.

HAHA! *Insert evil genius laugh!*

I also picked this guy up along with the other lipies! I honestly haven't worn it yet, but I thought it'd be fun to share some swatches!

So far I can tell it's very opaque, but unlike the Moisturizing range this lipstick has tiny speaks of silver!

Usually I stay away from glittery or frosty lipsticks but I couldn't tell on the site. Also, it's really not as annoying as other lipsticks that have glitter. It's very minimal. (As far as I can tell). 

It's nice and sturdy packaging. Not as chic-looking but for a $1 lipstick, it's fine!

no flash

flash

Hope this was helpful or fun to read. I don't like making my reviews too long! I like to get right to the point, hope that's ok! Leave me feedback or just say Hi, if you'd like!

Lots of Love,

Camila

***Diclaimer: I bought these with my own money. However, if ELF sent me some stuff I wouldn't complain. 

Lorac Cosmetics | Animal Testing Info

Hey guys! I received a reply from Lorac. I emailed them using the format I always use.

I'm not going to say much about this, I'm typing this in a hurry. (I've got class in a couple of minutes). I will say that I'm not 100% happy with it, but it does answer a vast of my questions. Be sure to leave your comments, tell me what you think.

Dear Camila,
Thank you for contacting LORAC Cosmetics. LORAC does not support the testing of products on animals and we ask all suppliers to support this point of view and all suppliers state that they do so. LORAC does not use a third party to test on animals. LORAC does not sell in countries requiring animal testing. Please note, LORAC cannot warrant or certify that all suppliers who say they do not test on animals in fact do not test on animals. Additionally, notwithstanding the statements of suppliers to LORAC, LORAC has no way of knowing what the “suppliers of the suppliers” are doing. In regards to the vegan ingredients there is no way to know for sure due to the lack of control over raw ingredients.

Please let us know if LORAC can further assist you!
Sincerely,
LORAC Customer Care

Lots of Love,
Camila

URGENT Animal Testing Law Info in USA | MUST READ

Hey guys!

Please, PLEASE read this article by Leaping Bunny I will link, here. I would publish it here, but I just heard about it and don't have permission to post it. It's about a new law (not yet passed, but under consideration) that would make animal testing required by law in the US. Costing millions of animals lives and millions of dollars. It's crucial we unite to make sure this does NOT pass! We have tremendous say and must ask quickly. I will try to find out how we can make this law disappear.

Lots of Love,

Camila

Love and Toast lip balm in "Lemon Mint" | Review

Hey guys! I wanted to review the Love & Toast Lip Balm in 'Lemon Mint'.

It retails for $8.99 in Ulta. 

I'd been itching to get my paws on something, anything, whatever-it-may-be from this brand. Why? The packaging is absolutely lovely! 

Their stuff is definitely more on the pricey side of the spectrum (at least in my opinion). If you've never heard of Love & Toast, I've only ever seen them in Ulta stores. But I hear you can find them on Vitacost & of course on their site.

♥Overall:

I actually held off on reviewing this product because I did not know how I felt about it.

In the Ulta store they have testers & when I tried it, I felt a slight tinging from the mint. It felt so nice and I was intrigued! 

When I first started wearing this; however, I did not feel that same minty-ting I felt when I tested it in the store. 

I was quite disappointed because that feature of this product originally sold me.

I've had it for a little over a week now and after using it practically every night, I finally started to feel that 'ting'! YAY!

So maybe it just took a few uses to 'break-it-in'. So keep that in mind.

♥Scent:

It does not have a strong scent whatsoever. It's quite subtle and fresh. Smells like lemon. 

As far as its moisturizing properities, I'm pleased. 

 If your lips are severely dry, like the kind where they are burning, I don't feel this is the right product for that specific use. 

However, if you are looking for something that will do more for your lips than your standard lip balm, than I think you should give this a try. 

It's become my favorite night time lip balm! It's quite lovely! 

♥Is it worth it?:

In my opinion and for what I'm using it for, yes. (I'm using it as part of my night time routine, to keep my lips nice and plump). In addition, most lip stuff whether you want to or not you end-up consuming. This guy has awesome ingredients. It's also cruelty-free! In addition to being free from parabens it has these ingredients: 

Organic extra virgin olive oil, Beeswax, Organic jojoba oil, Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Delicious love&toast flavor, Organic hemp seed oil, Aloe vera oil, Vitamin E, Stevia.

Which are amazing! Come on? 

Lots of Love,

Camila 

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** disclaimer: This was not sent to me. Wish it was! Love & Toast, I'm you're girl. ;) 

♥ derma e : Evenly Radiant Makeup Remover | Review

Hey guys! Today I wanted to review the derma e : Evenly Radiant Makeup Remover. I gave you a peak of my opinion of this product in my Skin Care Tool Kit post. 

However, I received a comment from the beautiful Shawna Del Real  (BTW she makes YT videos & they are soo amazing, so check her out) explaining to me a more effective method of using this product.

I took her advice & sure enough she was 100% right! 

♥ My Routine:

I prep my eye with luke warm water, just to get the makeup moving. Then I go ahead with my cotton pad and apply makeup a teaspoon amount of this product. I hold it against my eye for 10-seconds (maybe less). I gently scrub and BAM! it's gone. I repeat this with my other eye. Finally, I apply a pea sized amount to remove my foundation & face makeup. 

I'm so shocked at how this technique has changed how I feel about this product! I use less of it and it removes more of the gunk. 

I've also used it on the delicate lower lash line of my eyes and it does not irritate them at all. 

It does not cause me to break out; however I do not have sensitive skin. 

Meanwhile, they do use some of the best ingredients out there (as you can see from the picture below). For a list of the ingredients click here. 

I'm so glad I gave this product a second chance & will continue to purchase it! It is kinda on the more pricey side of the spectrum, retailing at $12.75 for 4 oz. I was lucky to pick it up (Ulta was having a sale ) for $6.00ish dollars. If you know where to find this product for a more budget-college-student-with-a-minimum-wage job-friendly price PLEASE let us (me) know. Haha. ;) 

If you have recommendations of other derma e products please let me know. 

I am currently using their Vitamin E Severely Dry Skin Creme & am liking :) 

Lots of Love,

Camila 

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*disclaimer: This product was not sent to me. I bought it with my own money. If derma e wants to sent me products to review, I'd be more than happy to accept them. I pride myself in giving an honest opinion. :) 

Ulta Haul | Vlog

Something very different. Hope you like it :D
I've had this channel for a few months now. I didn't know what to film and also I don't have an editing system. Which makes it more difficult. It's not the best quality. But it's a start. Check it out if you'd like & subscribe!

Too-Faced Chocolate Bar Palette | Swatches and First Impression

Hey guys! So this happened yesterday! I've been eyeing (stalking really) this palette on the TooFaced site, Ulta site, Sephora Site, and on Youtube. I really really wanted it. I went shopping in Ulta with my sister and she basically forced me to buy it, jk. She is an enabler though. 

Disclaimer: I bought this palette with my own $$$. I wanted to make that clear. Even if it was sent to me my options would be 100% mine :D 

I wanted to put this up rather quickly, so you can see if this is something you'd like in your collection.

It's not going to be a review post, seeing as I literally got it 24-hrs ago. It's more of an opportunity for you guys to see swatches and read a few of my first impressions. 

It retails for $49 at Ulta. 

There's a plastic cover when you open the palette that has each name of the shadow. The back of the box also has the names. Reading and watching a few reviews, some people where bothered by the names not being on the palette. I really could care less. It mean it would be nice, but I find it unnecessary.

I know there is a burning question in your minds right now:

Does it actually smell like chocolate?

the Answer: YES! It's a beautiful cocoa, warm chocolate feeling to sniff it.

Another critic I read while researching this palette, was the reasoning behind it smelling like chocolate; lots of people thought it unnecessary or weird. Well, if you read the box it says "Made with 100% Natural Cocoa Powder". It's kind of expected for it to naturally have a chocolatey-aroma. I think it's one of the funnest features of this palette and makes it quite unique.( yes, I know 'funnest' isn't a real word).  It's soooo FUN for me. If you hate chocolate then you'd probably avoid this palette. (But who hates chocolate?) 

This is the first half of the palette. This was taken in natural light, from a window. No flash. I used 'Marzipan' today and it's beautiful <3. I have Wet N Wild palettes and feel the pigmentation is very comparable (do if you're looking for cheaper shadows to try start there). However, there is very much less fall out (that I can tell) and the staying power is much longer. (I used an eyeshadow primer).

This is the second half. Again taken in natural light coming in from a window. No flash. This is the more colorful side of the palette. The 'Candied Violet' shade is gorgeous. It's not as pigmented as I would expect, but I haven't used it on my eye so I can't say how it will look there.

 Top Row: (L to R) 'Gilded Ganache', 'White Chocolate', 'Milk Chocolate', 'Black Forest Truffle', & 'Triple Fudge'

 Middle Row (L to R): 'Salted Caramel', 'Marzipan', 'Semi-Sweet', 'Strawberry Bon-Bon', 'Candied Violet' & 'Amaretto'

The 'Candied Violet' shade is gorgeous. It's not as pigmented as I would expect, but I haven't used it on my eye so I can't say how it will look there. On the other hand, the 'Strawberry Bon-Bon' surprised me on the smoothness of the texture and the pigmentation. 

Bottom Row (L to R): 'Hazelnut', 'Crème Brulee', 'Haute Chocolate', 'Cherry Cordial' & Champagne Truffle' 

I will do a more in-depth review later. So far I'm so in love! I think it's a beauty and you might want to grab it before they're gone!

Lots of Love,

Camila 

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