My Favorite Cruelty-Free Foundation || elf's Flawless Finish Foundation

Hey guys. I wanted to share with you the foundation I'm absolutely loving at the moment. It's ELF's Flawless Finish Foundation! It's so good! 

I ordered the foundation in 'buff' sometime in January. Sadly, it was way too dark for me especially then and now that I have more of a tan (a lot more) it's still a bit too dark. Therefore, I would mix it with a bit of a lighter foundation I have, so I didn't really care for it enough to review it. Also, I hadn't used it on it's own. 

I decided to pick it up in 'sand' the earlier this week in Target. This is a way better color match for me. It's only been a week, but man I have to recommend it now.

I am absolutely in LOVE with it. 

Pros: 

It comes in a pump! Makes things a whole lot easier. It's in a sleek container, doesn't look cheap. It's very very inexpensive. It retails for $6.00 on ELF's site and in Target. 

Aside form the packaging it's quite a thick foundation. It will not drip down the back of your hand (if you are me and first apply foundation on the back of your hand first). 

I have oily to combination skin (much more oily in the summer). It is an oil free foundation which I appreciate. On my skin it blends in so effortlessly. It gives me a beautiful finish, like flawless (not trying to be intentionally corny, but that's the best word to describe how it looks). It's a very build-able foundation. I used two good coats and it does not look cake-y what-so-ever.

 Though, it's oil free it is not drying. At least that's my experience. To my dry-skin friends (that sounds so weird to say) I would still recommend you give this foundation a chance. I'm no expert but how could it hurt?

Cons:

They only have six color selections. Which sucks tremendously. It's hard (at least for me) to tell what color I am. For instance, when I ordered from elf's site in January and got a shade wayy too dark. I've only ever seen them in Target. I know Walmart has elf stuff now (yay), but either my WalMart sucks at restocking or they don't have enough of elf's products. 

Overall:

I truly recommend you check out this foundation. I wasn't expecting too much, just thought I'd give it a go and it exceeded my expectations. I was applying my makeup sitting next to my mom this mooring (at the kitchen table) and she tells me how nice my skin looks. My mom usually doesn't comment on what I put on my face. 

I hope you got something out of this review. Leave me comments below. I love reading them

Lots of Love, 

Camila

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These were taken right in front of my balcony window in day light. 

** I was not sent or paid to review this product (though I wish I was lol ) . My opinions are my own and honest. 

Milani || Lipsticks Swatches and Review

Hey guys.

The other day I was in Walgreens and noticed they had a nice sale going for Milani products. I've always been intrigued by their lipsticks and decided to pick up two very opposite of the spectrum colors.

One is a beautiful pink cream nude and the other is a dark purple vampy matte.

Naturally Chic

Can you tell by I was very inclined to pick this shade up? I love the name. Also, I don't have have a nude color that is soft like this one. By soft I mean very subtle. I do have an NYX lippie in Cocoa but that one is very pigmented and if  I want to wear it like a nude I need to sheer it out. 

Meanwhile, If I wanted too I could build up the color to get a much richer pigment. As you can tell this is a cream finish lippie and I love it. It's not so creamy that it almost looks like it could double as a lip gloss. It does make my lips feel nice and moisturized. 

This particular day, my lips were really dry. In this picture you can't tell at all. 

It's a wonderful color and a lovely formulation.

It has a fruity-sweet scent. 

Sangria

Now this lipstick is almost a complete 180 of NaturallyChic. You can tell that it's a matte finish (as it gives off no shine). Which is fine, I love matte lipsticks.

 However, this lipstick is soo patchy. It make the dry parts of my lips stand out. Also, if I try to build up the color, some of the color I had already applied rubs off. Does that make sense? 

It's definitely not the most dry matte lipstick I've tried, but the application is so awful that it doesn't matter.

I mean it could be that I got the odd one out, maybe from a bad batch. Meanwhile, I'm not in love with this guy. I do love the color.

It also has a fruity-sweet scent.

Left: Sangria Right: Naturally Chic

I am 50 % and 50 % with this line of lipsticks. Granted, I have two of the dozens of shades that are out. I feel it would be unfair, especially as I LOVE NaturallyChic, to say I would not recommend these lipsticks. I will be purchasing more shades to get a real feel for them. 

If you have tried more of Milani's array of lippies let me know how you feel about them!! I would really love some shade suggestions! 

Lots of Love,

Camila

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You can kind of tell in this picture what I mean by it (Sangria) being patchy.

** I was not sent or paid to review these lipsticks. I bought them with my own money and this review is honest and only of my experience. 

Mineral FUSION Makeup Remover || Review with BEFORE and AFTER Pictures

Hey guys.
If you follow me on Facebook. You'll know that I promised you a review of the BEST makeup remover! Sorry that it took me a while to get this up. I've had technical difficulties! Anyways!!

I'm talking about Mineral Fusion's makeup remover. I was walking around Sprouts the other day and saw it on sale and couldn't help myself. If you've never heard of Sprout's it's a health-food store. They also have a vitamin and beauty section which has a lot of natural and cruelty-free brands. Granted, the brands are more expensive but I really do think they're worth it.

Online it retails for $10.99, for 3.4 oz. Some awesome facts about this product. It is hypo-allergenic and paraben free. I don't have sensitive skin but I am all for anything that is safer and more gentle on my skin, especially something that I will use daily on my face.

It's a clear gel. It has no particular scent, the only scent I detect is quite clean.

I've had it for about two weeks and I've used barely any of this product. You literally need the smallest amount. I used a small blob for each eye and a little more for the rest of my face.

I apply a small dot to a slightly damp cotton pad. If I happen to have use a lot of dark shadow I will hold it against my eye for a couple of seconds more, if not I don't really need to hold it against my eye too long. It's soo easy to get even that darkest eyeliner off! You don't have to rub your eye or pull at your skin. It's an awesome product.

I have a review of derma e's makeup remover (which I also love!) However, I have to say I prefer this one. For one, I don't have to use as much and I also don't have to hold the product against my eye to get the best results. They are both awesome makeup removers. However, if I was forced to choose, I would go with this one. You do get 3.4 fl oz with Mineral Fusion whereas you get 4 fl oz with derma e's. However, derma e's makeup remover retails for around $12.00.

I really love this makeup remover and will be repurchasing it a lot in the future. I have been using it everyday since I got it. I recommend all of you give it a chance. If you do please let me know how you like it.

** I was not sent this product. I bought it with my own money. This is an honest review. 

Here I have black eyeliner in my upper lid and lower lid.
I also have a thick (clumpy) mascara. I have five eye shadows. Under two primers. I also have eye shadow on my lower lash line. 

I did have a a lot of makeup to remove. I used two small blobs for each eye to get all the makeup off. I would go back and use a bit more. It was really easy to remove.

c. Booth Bath and Body Oil || Bubble Bath Time :: REVIEW

. 

Hello guys.

So, I have something to tell you. I'm a bath person. 

Meanwhile, most of the time I don't have the privilege of taking 45 minutes to soak in bubbly warm water.  I know that a lot of you like me, if you find that half an hour out of your day to soak in a bath, you want to do it right.  Though, now that I'm on Summer Vacation *yay* I have some much more time to relax and pamper myself. 

Doing it right. What does that mean to me?

Easy:

1. light candles  

2. Your Favorite Drink 

(seeing as I am under 21, I refer to a Starbucks Valencia Orange Refresher with Passion Tea rather than water. All my Starbucks obsessed readers either know what I'm talking about, or need to right away. Talk about a delish summer drink. And no I am not being paid to talk about SB. I work for them and genuinly love all the drinks. I have a couple of my favorites from the 'secret menu'! Let me know if you'd like me to share! :D )

3. A good book, or Netflix. We've all been there. Don't try to deny it.

4. A good body scrub, wash, and a good moisturizer. 

5. Sometimes, chocolate! 

I really value my bath products. I am quite picky and when I find something I like I want to share it.

I picked this c. Booth Bath & Body Oil at Rite Aid more than a month ago. I saw this and really wanted to try it. I wasn't sure about c. Booth (I've never heard of them before). However, I noticed that their parent company is Freeman Beauty. If you check on Leaping Bunny's list, you'll notice Freeman Beauty is cruelty-free. Therefore, I thought it safe to go ahead and buy it. 

According to the bottle, this is free of parabens, sulfate, mineral oil, and petrolatum. I'm not exactly an expert of the effect these ingredients have on the skin; I am sure they're not good. 

How to use:

I had never used a bath oil before and so I wasn't exactly sure what to do. The bottle says to add 3-4 cap fulls to your bath. I have a small tub and so I used 3. It works to give your skin extra moisture. Something, I really need and appreciate. My skin gets really dry!  

You can also use it directly on your skin. It's definitely oily, so I would only use it directly in the bath, that way it is easily rinsed off. 

Scent:

It's such a nice scent. It's very warm, like vanilla without being too artificial or sickly. It also has notes of amber. It does linger on the skin, but not so much that it will you nauseous.  

Overall: 

I really love this product. I got it on sale that day at Rite-Aid. I think it was like $4 bucks. It normally retails for $9.99. (According to the Ulta.com site). 

It's an 16 oz bottle and so I'm sure it will last me a while. Even for it's regular price I would re-purchase it. It makes your Bubble Bath Time a different very pleasant experience! 

Do I recommend it: YES! 

I hope you guys enjoyed this review. I decided to do it in a different more silly style of writing. I really enjoyed it! I hope it wasn't too random! Love you guys all!

Lots of Love,

Camila

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** I was not paid or sent this product to review. I bought it with my own money and my review is honest. 

Nature's Better Body || Age-Eluding :: Eye Cream REVIEW

Would you like 70% off Nature's Better Body's Age-Eluding Eye Cream? It retails for $140.00, so you would be getting it for $42.00 (if my math is correct)! 

Use the code: 

HCHIC2014

Thanks to the good people at Nature's Better body for offering it!!! 

Hey guys. So I was actually sent this cream by Nature's Better Body in March. It's taken me a while to review it because I wanted to use it for a good chunk of time in order to do the product justice and give a credible review. 

Some products like eyeshadow, mascara, lotions, even face masks are quick and easy to review because they give results right away. I find that face creams take longer to give results so that's why I waited three months.

As you will notice, this cream is specific to treat aging. If you've read my little bio (to the right of this page) you will notice I'm 19 going on 20. Whether you think I'm too young or in the perfect age to begin age-prevention treatments I realize my opinions will greatly differ from more mature women. Meanwhile, I gave my mom one of the creams (I was sent two) to try. Just keep that in mind. 

As for my mom, these are her thoughts on the cream. 

She says she did notice a difference, thought slight. She says it felt refreshing applying it at night. Her skin felt softer. Overall she liked the cream. 

If you go to Nature's Better Body site you will notice the description that goes with the cream.

Miraculously reverse the effects of aging and sun damage with our one-of-a-kind antioxidant and botanically-rich formulation.  Whether you are looking to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and deep lines, increase your skin’s elasticity, or make your skin measurably firmer, our unique eye cream provides clinically-proven results. 

I did notice remarkable change in the dark spots in my face (due to acne scars). It does not claim to deal with acne but it does calm to help with sun-damage and I would have to agree. 

Though it's just a eye cream I would have to admit I did use it all over my face. I really loved using it all over my face. It feels so good, not greasy at all rather cooling.

It's not a thick cream. It's very moisturizing nonetheless. It feels more like a serum. I loved using it right under my eyes after long nights! As most of you guys know, I'm in college and that irrevocably equals longggg all nighters. 

It does not have a strong scent, very neutral. So if you are one of those who hates herbal scents, don't fret.  It did not break me out in the least. 

Honestly, it's one of the best eye creams I've ever used. I really enjoy using it and look forward to using it at night.

Would I re-purchase?: No. Like I mentioned above, I really enjoy this cream but if you go to Nature's Better Body's site you will notice it retails for $140.00. Which, is wayyy out of my budget. 

Do I recommend it?: Yes. If you are able to purchase it give it a chance. They use organic ingredients that are much better for your skin than say an O-lay face cream. Meanwhile, their products are cruelty-free. (Check out my correspondence with them). 

 I hope this review is helpful. It's rather short seeing as I had three months to test it. I didn't want to ramble too much (like I'm doing now) and give you a concise review. 

Lots of Love,

Camila

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WaterMelon || Spring Nail Art Competition :: Julep

Hey guys. A week or so ago I got an email from Abbey a representative of Julep. They are having this cool Spring Nail Art Competition and she asked me to participate.  I thought it was a fun idea. For my job I can't wear nail polish and so it's been a looonnnggg time since I last did a proper manicure. I missed it.

I was inspired by my favorite Spring/Summer melon. The watermelon. Granted, I was told by my sister that the design also looked like strawberries. Either way, I think it's cute! You can tell I did them, lol, but i guess that add personality? 

GO ahead and check out all the beautiful designs on Julep's blog. I'm your you'll get great ideas!! 

Lots of Love,

Camila

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*I am not being paid to mention this contest. I simply love the idea! 

Alba Botanica :: natural hawaiian 3-in-1 clean towelettes || Review

Every time I take a look at the Alba-Botanica isle these "3-in-1-clean towelettes" have intrigued me. Seems like a good idea to have a makeup remover, cleansers and toner all in one. Sadly, I did not like these at all.

First, as a makeup remover these towels are terrible. On days I just wore mascara I could not fully remove all the residue. Instead I felt like the mascara was smeared all over the rest of my face. 

Then when I gave up on getting all the junk off, my face felt so sticky. Even using two towelettes was not enough. Definitely not a good towelette to use by itself as a cleanser. You are going to need to go back and wash your face with your favorite cleanser. Granted I would still go back-if the cleanser was good- and wash my face but on days I stay up too late and just want to crash, this product would be so annoying to use. 

Also, it burned my eyes. Which is terrible but expected. Think about it. If this towelette is going to function as a toner and you are using it to rub eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara off your eyes of course it's going to burn. If you've ever used toner you know it functions as a skin-tigthener. I found that most of the ones I've used make my skin (if I have a wound) burn. If the toner is alcohol-based it will absorb oil. It's just a mess! Meanwhile, it would be an ok toner by itself. It's just trying to use it in combination with a makeup remover that made this product very hard to use. 

I do not recommend this product and will not repurchase it.

I have been eyeing Yes to..'s line of towelettes. If you have a recommendation please let me know!

Hope you found this helpful. 

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Snatch-It-Up Sunday :: Flower Beauty || Extreme Measures: Lengthening Mascara

Hey guys. I wanted to share one of the greatest purchases I've made this month : 

Flower Beauty's Extreme Measures|| Lengthening Mascara. 

I honestly haven't found the best inexpensive, cruelty-free mascaras. Not that I haven't used some great ones. (Mainly from NYX). I just find that among non-cruelty-free brands there is a bigger array of "good" mascara to choose from (mainly from my drug-store). I've tried many of Wet N'Wild's mascaras and did not like them. Also, Milani and Jordana they were too wet. 

(Who wants a cruelty-free mascara post/video?)

This is the first Flower Beauty product I've purchased. I spend at least 10 minutes every time I go to Wal-Mart gawking at their stuff. I always pass them up (a) I have enough lip-stick (b) I have too many shadow palettes (c) don't know what foundation shade suits me best. I caved and am so glad I did. (It was about time). 

I really like the formula. With the first application I was scared it was too wet. Though, it is a "wetter" formula mascara, I find if I leave enough time between applications I got a beautiful length and separation. I don't recommend more than three applications, at least that was the limit on me.  (Meanwhile, the key is leaving enough time between applications! So keep that in mind! ) 

If you will notice by the picture below (sorry for the terrible quality, yikes!) the brush is shaped like an hourglass figure. I truly believe the shape of the mascara helps get the perfect application. My thin (almost invisible) inner corner lashes get coated with the rest of them. 

Flower Beauty claims to have high-end products for affordable prices and I really felt this mascara was very luxurious-feeling, from the tube, the picture doesn't do it justice. It's a grey-metallic-y, almost reflective tube. Also, it simply says "FLOWER Extreme Measures: Lengthening Mascara" on it. I love the minimalist packaging. 

Be sure to give this mascara a chance next time you're at Wal-Mart. I found it's the perfect lengthening mascara and gives you good volume. 

**I bought this with my own money. 

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Wild Fire Magazine Issue Five || I'm featured on page 39!

Cover of Wild Fire's 5th issue. All credit goes to Missy! 

This past December the beautiful Missy from Wild Fire Magazine asked me to write an article about animal testing on cosmetics for her magazine. 

If you've never heard of WildFireMagazine it's this AWESOME online 100% vegan magazine! You need to check them out, they are amazing. Check out all five issue here! ] Wild Fire has over 2,000 likes on Facebook! It's just an awesome resource and such a unique awesome magazine! Also, Missy has a blog! Be sure to subscribe to it!!! 

Well, I'm so happy to announce Issue Five is out! Please check it out! Read all the articles because they are all great! Be sure to check mine out, it's on page 39! So grateful & proud of Missy and all those who were part of this issue!!! Send them love!!   & thank you for reading my blog! I love you all!!    *cyber hug*

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Josie Maran Cruelty-Free Correspondence

Hey guys.
I wanted to share the emails a wonderful reader/friend of this blog sent me. Aurelie. She sent them to me a while back, but I honestly haven't had much time. I try to post at least once a week, and I usually post a Snatch-It-Up Sunday.

I am interested in buying from your company but would like to be assured that your products are cruelty-free. I have some questions I would appreciate you address.

1. Does your company test ingredients or/and finished products on animals?
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?
3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals?
4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals?
5. Do you have a parent company? If so who are they?
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?
7. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source?
8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase?

Thank you in advance for you cooperation!

They sent her this reply:

Thank you for taking the time to write in, my name is [name omitted]. We deeply apologize for the delayed response, as we're closed over the weekend and the past several days for a company-wide training. Josie Maran Cosmetics is a 100% cruelty-free brand and does not conduct animal testing—nor do we allow any other parties, including our suppliers, to conduct animal testing on our behalf. We're proud to be listed on PETA’s official website as a cruelty-free company.

http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/companies/365.aspx?SearchUrl=%2Fliving%2Fbeauty-and-personal-care%2Fcompanies%2Fsearch.aspx%3FTesting%3D0%26Range%3D4%26PageIndex%3D2

Please write again if I can help in any way!
Best,

As you can tell, this reply is very vague. Cool, they are part of PETA's list, but that doesn't answer questions like their parent company, etc.

Aurelie, emailed them back:

Hi [name omitted],

You omitted to answer to those questions,

I will really appreciate if you answer to those questions below.

Thank you so much!

4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals?
5. Do you have a parent company? If so who are they?
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?
7. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source?
8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase?

 This was their second respond:

Hi [name omitted],

Thank you for following up with us. Josie Maran Cosmetics is a 100% cruelty-free brand and does not conduct animal testing—nor do we allow any other parties, including our suppliers, to conduct animal testing on our behalf. We do partner with our suppliers and manufacturers to ensure our high standards, values, and visions are aligned with being a cruelty free brand. In regards to vegan products, each of our products has a list of icons on the product page. There will be a vegan free icon associated with products that are gluten free. I hope this helps and have a great day.

Please write again if I can help in any way.
Best,

Again, they did not address question #6. Which, in my opinion, needs to be answered!!

She emailed them for the third time.

Hi [name omitted],

Thank you so much for your patience.

You omitted to answer to one last question - the one about Chinese market.


I will really appreciate if you answer to this question below.


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?



Thank you,

 You go Aurelie! I love this correspondence! I'm such a nerd, I get so excited!

Hi Aurelie,

Thank you for your response. Our products are not sold in the Chinese market though Josie Maran Cosmetics to our knowledge and consent. Josie Maran Cosmetics is a 100% cruelty-free brand and does not conduct animal testing—nor do we allow any other parties, including our suppliers, to conduct animal testing on our behalf. We're proud to be listed on PETA’s official website as a cruelty-free company. We stand by our values and vision, especially when it comes to animal testing. I hope this helps and have a great day!

Best,

Aurelie and I agree that based on Josie Maran's answers to the questions, we would want to support them. They meet the three critieria I look for when determining a company's cruelty-free status.

 Aurelie emailed them back, thanking them for their time. I wanted to share their reply to her. It's not necessary for determining cruelty-free status, however I think companies that treat their costumers with respect deserve to be acknowledged. 

Absolutely-if you have any other questions, concerns, or feedback, please don't hesitate to share. We really value customer feedback her at Josie Maran!

Please write again if I can help in any way.
Best,

Isn't that a lovely email to read? I have received quite a number of emails that are not so friendly.

I hope you found this post helpful! I certainly did. Thank you Aurelie! You are awesome & you are going to help so many with this post!

Lots of Love,

Camila

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