Sugar Scrub vs Sugar Scrub || Tree Hut & Love & Toast

 

Hey guys! So I really wanted to share my thoughts on two very good sugar scrubs you might want to check out. Be forewarned, I do like both of these; however I do like one better than the other. I will share which at the end of this post. I hope you find this helpful or at least fun to read.

**I bought these with my own money. 

Left: Tree Hut, Right: Love & Toast 

I picked up the Love & Toast Salt'n Sea Sugar Scrub at Burlington. If you've never heard of Burlington it is like Marhsalls, Ross, & TjMax store. I saw it on the clearance area with all their beauty products. I normally retails for $10.99, according to their site. I think this Salt'n Sea one has been discontinued because I do not see it on their site.

Pros:

The sugar granulars are perfect, they exfoliate without scratching the skin. I also like the fact that this sugar scrub lathers! No where on the bottle does it claim to act as a body wash, however I will say the fact it lathers makes it easier to scrub on the skin and makes my skin feel cleaner. It seems to stick to the skin a little bit better. 

As you can this scrub is lacking horrible ingredients which is a great! (I stated that really weird, but I liked how it sounded! hehe! ). 

Cons:

The product got stuck and I had to unscrew the lid to get the product out, as a result a bunch of scrub exploded all over my tub! Not okay! The sugar and the soapy 'body wash' seemed to separate and so the sugar gathered at the bottom and made squeezing the product a headache a times. I did not see "be sure to shake" on the directions which you can argue is logically but it was still annoying. ( I guess it's not logical to me, haha!) 

The scent. I think most girls prefer sweet, fruity, floral scents in sugar scrubs, etc. Maybe that's why this scent appears to be discontinued. I'm being totally biased, fyi. 

Comments: 

My skin felt very smooth! Using a nice scrub after shaving your legs is the best feeling ever! So it does do it's job very well.           

                                      

I am not a fan of the scent. It's not bad, it smells cleanliness and like the saltiness of an ocean. If you like those scents I'm sure you'll like it. I prefer sweet and fruity scents so this one isn't my favorite. 

This bottle is 5.75 oz! I lasted me exactly four uses. Which seeing as I exfoliate my legs and arms in summer at least twice a week I feel that's expected.

I have a Snatch-It-Up Sunday post on the "Coconut Lime" Shea Sugar Scrub from Tree Hut, so I have used this one before where I have not used the Love & Toast scrubs before. Keep that in mind.

Pros:

These retail for $ 7.49 at Ulta and you get 18 oz!! I bought this one at the beginning of June and was able to use it up until the last week for July. I used it at least twice a week on my legs and arms. I mean you cannot beat that.

I really love the sugar granulars, they are not too scratchy yet you definitely feel your skin is exfoliated. 

I love the scent. Granted I do love fruity scents! Meanwhile they have a variety of scents to choose from. Also, the scent lingered on my skin almost all day! Not like freshly applied perfume, more like a light body spray you might sense a few times a day. 

Cons:

Unlike the Love & Toast sugar scrub this one does not lather. Before I tried the Love & Toast scrub I probably wouldn't of cared but now that I have I must say I like a good lather.

Water from the shower does tend to get into the container, however you can fix this by closing the lid before you turn the shower on. It's just a little annoying. 

I'm too lazy to look up the ingredients on this one so I can't be sure, but they do not state if this guy is paraben free, etc. 

Comments:

I don't care much for the ingredients. I don't have sensitive skin, so really that does not bother me much. 

Which one do I prefer?: 

I prefer the Tree Hut Sugar Scrub. I think it works just as well with the same quality sugar granulars. It lasts longer and you cannot beat the price.

I hope you found this helpful. I tried to make this as unbiased as possible. (I might have failed). Which one sounds better to you?

Lots of Love,

Camila

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ǝrǒmǝ || CandleBay :: Cruelty-Free Status

Hey guys!

So I have a candle from ǝrǒmǝ, it's the Pecan Pie! 

I saw they have a Peta bunny and so I felt pretty safe buying it and I couldn't find a parent company online so that also gave me comfort. 

Now ǝrǒmǝ is a manufactured by CandleBay and so I contacted CandleBay and asked about their cruelty-free status.

I wanted to learn more about their policy!

I used the template I always use. You can find it here!

Hello, My name is Camila Alvarez. I am the writer for HumanelyChic (humanelychic.blogspot.com), a cruelty-free beauty blog. 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. Please be sure to answer all of them as the answers you provide are very important to both my readers and myself.  

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!

I received a reply the following day! Here is what they said. 

Dear Camila,

All of the lines that we manufacture are cruelty-free, NO animal testing of any kind is ever done concerning our products.
Questions 1 thru 6 are answered NO
Question 7 -  We only use plant based, essential oils in our candles and diffusers and
Question 8 - THEREPE, THEREPE LUXE and EROME

Let me know if you want our wholesale information e-mail and what we require to open a wholesale account.

Thank you for your interest,

So yeah guys I would definitely feel safe buying from them! Again, they are PETA certified and so that adds to my ease. I am not being paid to say this but I really like the one candle I have and think you should check out their site! I will have a review showing you the candle I have!

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Disappointing Products : :

Hey guys!

Just because a product is cruelty-free or 'natural' does not mean it's good. Yes, cruelty-free brands that I really love sometimes come out with a dud product and sadly I've picked up a few of those duds. 

I decided to share them with you so you don't waste your time. Granted, these aren't very expensive products but still why buy something that sucks? 

Wet N' Wild megalast Nail Polish  ::  "A Venice Day"
I did a post of my favorite Summer Nail Polishes and all of them were from the Megalast line. When I saw this bright yellow I was so excited and had to have it!

As you can see below the color isn't as opaque as it appears in the bottle or as vibrant. That's exactly how it applies. To get a good look I had to use at least 3 coats if not more. Which took forever to dry!

I don't plan to toss it so I have been using a white nail polish as a base and then applying the yellow. I do like the look that gives. Still I don't want to work to make my nail polish look like it supposed to look! So yeah don't waste time!

Physicians Formula :: Glow & Mood Boosting Lipstick in ' I <3 Nude'

I got this lipstick with a Happy Booster bronzer and blush duo for like $3.99. Which is such a steal that I am glad I didn't pay full price for lipstick. I am beyond disappointed! (So dramatic! lol ).

In all seriousness I really hate this one. 

In the picture below you can see that it got smudged! Which is really all my fault however it happened because the lid doesn't fit well! It's very loose and I used too much strength (Super Woman) and yikes... 

The product itself is very melty and so streaky! (See Picture). 

I can't imagine what would happen if I left this in my bag! 

One good thing, it does have a nice scent! Reminds me of Clinque's "Happy" perfume. 

Wet N' Wild :: Megaslicks Balm Stain in 'Lady and the Vamp'

I really wanted to like this one but I had to come to the conclusion that it's not very good. I love Wet N' Wild but somethings are better than others from their selection! It's not as pigmented as it appears when applied. It's soooo streaky! Also, it smells soo bad! Like legit poop! 

Don't buy it! 

Jordana :: BEST Lash EXTREME Volumizing Mascara 

It's the clumpiest mascara ever! So hard to work with! Granted it's only like $5 but sometimes you get what you pay for! It is very black but other than that it's not worth the headache. I love Jordana but this one is a dud! 

Flower Beauty :: Extreme Measures Lengthening Mascara

I actually reviewed this one and a week after I posed that review it dried out, completely! I only had it for about a month and a half I was so sad! It was around $8 bucks at WalMart and I was mad! I haven't tried too many things from Flower Beauty. I won't judge the other products based on this one mascara. Meanwhile, I want to still try the one in the green tube. I know mascara is only supposed to last about like two months, but still! :( 

I really like the wand! Too bad! 

I hope this was helpful & tell me if you've tried any of these products! I would like to hear (read) your experiences! 

Lots of Love,

Camila

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July Favorites || 2014

Hello guys! 

Ok, so I'm finally keeping my word and posting my July Favorites! I didn't realize how many things I've been loving until I started taking pictures. There are other things I've been loving but I decided to review them separately! This is my first favorites posts, so maybe thats why I felt a need to include so many things! A couple of the things I've mentioned before so I'm sure it won't be a total surprise. 

Eye Shadows: 

While I really love the two palettes I'm featuring here, I must say the eyeshadows I'm about to mention are my most used and loved.

1. Wet N' Wild :: Comfort Zone Palette 

2. Too Faced :: Chocolate Bar Palette

And finally an individual shadow. 

3. Emani :: Champagne 

  As you can tell these shadows are very similar in color. What can I say I've really been loving pinkie-rose-golden shades this summer! They look lovely just by themselves all over the lid. As the days get hotter I really like being able to choose just one eyeshadow that makes me look put together.

They are all great in longevity, pigment, and not creasing.  

Blush & bronzer: 

This past month I'd either wear blush or bronzer. For some reason, possibly the heat, I don't want to wear too many powders on my face. These have been my favorites!

1. Wet N' Wild :: Ticket to Brazil 

It's not a shimmery bronzer, nor is it completely matt. It's more of a satin. The texture is so smooth and it lasts a good while on my face even while I'm sweating. It seems to be the perfect shade for my tan and I've really enjoyed using it. It smells exactly like sunscreen! Which I love. <3

2. e.l.f. Studio:: Mellow Mauve

I've had this blush for a long time. It seems I reach for it when I want a very natural look. It's a lovely mauve shade (as you can tell by the name). It's a pretty pink without being too cool, as I have a warm skin tone and often blueish pinks can be tricky to work. I don't have to worry about blending perfectly when I use this blush. I really love it.

3. e.l.f. Mineral Blush :: Peachy

This shade is perfect if you are going for a bronzed look. This peach shade is very pigmented and more on the red side of he spectrum than. I think this will be gorgeous on tan skin or dark skin tones especially! Which does not mean that fair skin girls can't use it, just be sure to use it sparingly! It does have shimmery bits to it, which is okay in my book. 

 In Natural Lighting 

1. e.l.f. Studio: : Mellow Mauve,  2. e.l.f. Mineral Blush : : Peachy,  3. Wet N' Wild : : Ticket to Brazil

Flash

1. e.l.f. Studio: : Mellow Mauve,  2. e.l.f. Mineral Blush : : Peachy,  3. Wet N' Wild : : Ticket to Brazil

 Lippies :

1. eos : Sweet Mint

I got this guy because blue is my favorite color. I have loved all the eos lip balms I've had in the past and knew I couldn't go wrong. I've had the yellow and pink one and this one is my favorite. It smells great and makes my lips feel fresh! I love applying it on these summery days because it cools me down. 

2. Milani : NaturallyChic

I love this lipstick. It's a mauve pink-berry color. (Sooo many adjectives). It smooth to apply and opaque. On days I want a stain rather than an opaque application I simply sheer it out to get a "my lips but better look". 

Top: e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush

Bottom: Real Techniques :: Pointed Foundation Brush

 I've been using this stipple brush primarily to blend out my concealer. Again, this summer I've been using less products on my face. So on days that my skin looks particularly clear I will use concealer rather than foundation. It's small enough to fit right under my eyes so it's perfect for blending! 

 To blend out my concealer I also use this foundation brush. I use it to get tricky areas like right close to my lower lash line. It's great! In combination with e.l.f.'s stipple brush these two are a dynamic duo!

 Finally! I got these sunnies a few days ago. Technically not during July, but I just had to include them. I really love them! I wish I found them earlier this summer! I have no idea who makes them but I found them at a random fashion store! 

I hope you enjoyed this post!!!! I love you guys & thank you for being so lovely to me always!

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Benedict Cumberbatch and Why the Absence?

Hey guys.

I don't know if you've noticed but I have not been posting...like at all. I had been doing pretty good this summer (minus the whole not finishing the 30 Day Challenge) but before I tell you the reason (nothing serious) let's talk about Benedict Cumberbatch.

I promise I'm not using this picture to lure you into reading this post, which I'm sure will lure many either way, this (these) pictures are just for your benefit. (Yeah and mine).

I first saw his perfect face when I decided to start watching Sherlock on Netflix! May I just add that Sherlock is a GREAT show but Benedict makes it about 150% times better. I just hate that you have to wait 900000 years between seasons. Come on really??? If you haven't watched it I suggest you give it a chance.

He is my #mcm! all day evrrryyday!

I'm not the type of girl that has many celebrity crushes. I can count the ones I've had in my life on one hand. So trust me this random seemingly obsession is weird for me.

Now to why I haven't been posting.

It's nothing sad or dramatic.

1. I haven't been shopping lately. I have experienced some tough economic times this summer. Makeup is expensive as it is and Cruelty-Free makeup is even more EXPENSIVE. I just had to make the decision to put my money (or lack thereof) towards other things.

2. I don't want to write a post if my heart isn't in it or just to have something to post. Not all of my articles will be Shakespeare worthy but hopefully I will have had fun writing them. Like this post, it's not very exciting but I have enjoyed writing it.

I don't plan to be inconsistent with my blog posts, but if I feel like I need to take time off to redirect my mind I will.

I'm not sharing this for sympathy or anything like that. I just feel like I'd rather give an explanation to my absence rather than just post any old random thing.

Finally, thank you all for your wonderful support and lovely emails and/or Facebook messages. I can't believe I have 308 likes on FB and 130 Bloglovin'! It's amazing and humbling to me! Hopefully, I will post some YouTube videos! That's something I've been wanting to tackle.

Lots of Love,

Camila

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The British Tag || How British Am I?

Hey guys! So I was tagged by Kelly from TheVeganTaff! Just in case this is the first you're visiting my blog, here's a disclaimer: I am not British. Kelly, thinks it will be fun for me to do the tag and I think it's also a good idea! Hehe. :)

1.  How many cups of tea do you have a day and how many sugars?
I recently got into tea! I actually have a DIY on Tea-Can made from an empty coffee can. 

I have at least one cup of tea each day. I don't put sugar in my tea. Which now that I think about it, I don't know why. Especially, considering that I use at least two tablespoons for my coffee. 

2.  Favourite part of your roast?
Ohh, a roast! lol. Well, I don't eat meat so this one I can't really answer. For Thanksgiving and Christmas I'll eat everything else, like rice, potatoes, salads, etc. I would probably eat the stuffing but the turkey my family prepares usually doesn't have it. I'm not sure why. Our holidays are a little bit different than the traditional American Thanksgiving and/or Christmas you probably see in movies, because my family incorporates Colombian cuisine. 

3.  Favourite dunking biscuit?
I will dunk almost ANYTHING. Meanwhile, there's nothing like dunking an oreo to chilly almond milk :) In fact, I'm not a big fan of oreos unless I have a glass of (almond) milk to go with them. Have you tried the raspberry covered chocolate ones? SOOOO good!

Pic: From my instagram :) 

4.  Favourite quintessentially British pastime?

I can't say as I've never been. Meanwhile, it would be traveling. I'm going to have to copy Kelly and say driving. I would love to drive around Britain and visit near by countries like Ireland. It must be awesome to live in a country where the nest country is a few hours away. Granted, I do live in California veryyy close to Mexico. Meanwhile, if I lived in say.... Wyoming that would be a different story. 

5.  Favourite word?
Mmmmm... I think of Sprinkle of Glitter (Louise) and Zoey as I try to answer this question. I have noticed that British people say "quite", quite a lot. (hehe). It's not so much a British word as just a word in the English language but I like using it. 

6.  Cockney rhyme slang?
Whah? I had to google this! I still don't think I understand it but I found this site and here's the one I thought was the funniest. "Arms - Chalk Farms". ! LOL.

7.  Favourite sweet?
Yum! Let's see where can I start. As for cakes, I LOVE Red Velvet Cupcakes. I made some this past Friday for my Birthday :) As for chocolate, I love M & Ms. I like the peanut, the peanut butter, the original, and the pretzel. I love them all!

8.  What would your pub be called?
I don't like alcohol (yes, I know) so I would much rather have a coffee shop. But for the sake of the tag and because I want to use a punk-esk name I have to go with "The Rotten Cupcakes". Kind of, REALLY lame.

9.  No. 1 British person?
HELLO! Of course I have to say Keira Knightly. I LOVE LOVE her. 

10. Favourite shop / restaurant?
I really want to visit a TK Max and a Primark. From what I can tell from various YouTubers those shops are awesome. 

11. What British song pops into your head?
Scouting for Girl's - Summer Time in the City

12. Marmite?
Whah?

I tag:
Anyone and everyone who would like to. Consider yourself tagged!

This was SUPPER fun! If there are other tags you recommend I look into, let me know. 

Lots of Love,

Camila

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My Favorite SUMMER Nail Polishes || Under $2 Bucks

Hey guys. I really love summer for a variety of things: the beach, the pool, vacations, shorts, sandals, bikinis, and nail polish. I really prefer bright colors and so summer polishes are my absolute favorite!

Here are some of my favorite. You will notice a Wet N' Wild theme here. It was not intentionally nor was I sent these. I just really love Wet N' Wild polishes, especially the Mega-Last line! I wish they had a bigger color selection. 

The Mega-Last line retails for $1.99. Often you can find them for 50% off or buy one get one free. They do last a good while. The top coat does affect the amount of time they last. 

I really love this clear polish as a base coat. You can't really tell in the picture but it's tinted blue. Which I think helps keep yellow nails at bay, as blue cancels yellow tones. I have never had a nail polish stain my nails using this. It's only $99! I really recommend it!

"Telescope Vision" is a clear polish with a variety of blue toned glitters. I like it best as a top coat! It makes me want to go swimming like a mermaid! 

This is "Telescope Vision" on top of "I Need A Refreshment". I honestly don't think this picture does it justice. Take a peek at it next time you're in a drugstore. 

"Club Havana"

The picture makes it look like a red-orange color. In real life it's much more of a true orange. It's not super neon but it's definitely not dull. It's a good middle toned orange. I think every girl needs this color in her collection. 

I do have to say that I find the formula to be a bit on the streaky side but I still like the color. It's super shiny even without a top coat. 

" Tropicalia"

It's a beautiful true pink color! Again, like "Club Havana" it's not a neon pink color! 

"Dreamy Poppy"

This pink is a little bit brighter than "Tropicalia". The formula of these $99 polishes is win or lose. 

Sometimes they apply evenly and completely opaquely and other times it's more streaky. This one is definitely on the more streaky side, but I really like it for drawing flowers and stuff like that so I don't mind. 

"I Need A Refresh-Mint"

I LOVE this one. Blue is my favorite color and so I can't help it. I have gone through at least three of these polishes! The formula is awesome, not streaky (in my experience) and super opaque. 

Lots of Love,

Camila

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 P.S. I hope you enjoyed this post. I saw some new Mega-Last Polishes out for summer and I will have to pick up two or three!

Besame Cosmetics || Animal Testing Policy

Hey friends!
A couple of days ago on my Facebook page I promised to post my correspondence with Besame Cosmetics. Sorry, it has taken me a while. I've had a long week. 

I emailed Besame Cosmetics using the template I always use. 

Hello, My name is Camila Alvarez. I am the writer for HumanelyChic (humanelychic.blogspot.com), a cruelty-free beauty blog. 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. Please be sure to answer all of them as the answers you provide are very important to both my readers and myself.  

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!

If you email companies feel free to use the format above as a guide or exactly as is! Just make sure you use your name! 

Here is Besame's Reply. 

Greetings, Camila!

Thank you for your interest in Besame Cosmetics!

1.Does your company test ingredients or/and finished products on animals?
We never test on animals for anything we produce.

 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 ingredients or products tested on animals. We are an independent local manufacture, so we are the ones to decide how the products are tested.

 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?

N/A

 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?

We use Carnuaba wax in our lipstick. None of our ingredients are organic because a lot of ingredients we use do not come in an organic form.

 8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase?

Our Cream Rouge, Crimson and Apricot are Vegan.
Please let us know should you have any other questions, we are here to help!
Warmest Regards,

I'm glad that they addressed and answered all the questions.  I would feel safe purchasing from them! They were very nice and open throughout our correspondence, which has nothing to do with their cruelty-free status but it's much appreciated. 

What do you think? Do you think their reply is thorough enough? If you have any questions you would like me to ask Besame? Let me know !!

Lots of Love,

Camila

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