BunnyBeautyLove: October 2014

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Halloween Kitty Cat Makeup

I love this time of year...the crisp smell of autumn, leaves changing to an abundance of beautiful colors and the fact that I get to dress up for Halloween! I'm going to be a Black Puma Cat. I know it's a pretty typical costume but I love the idea of doing this at least once.

To achieve this look I'm using Butter London cruelty free cosmetics. First up, "Gobsmaked" nail polish. I have never in my life purchased such dark nail lacquer but I'm loving the look this season. Not only is it fun for halloween but it's a trendy color currently in style for a variety of fashion statements from business casual to rocker chic.

About this product: A heavily pigmented charcoal grey glitter nail lacquer with a slightly textured finish. Butter London's polishes are created for the the catwalk and help to protect and nourish nails. Gobsmaked is just one of over 60 colors they have to offer in addition to a variety of indulgences for your hands, feet and lips.

Review: I really love Butter London. I suggest using 2-3 coats to make it last longer. They have a great variety of colors to choose from and the fact that they don't use some of the typical chemical found in polishes is a huge bonus. Dries quickly which is great. Retail price $14 for 0.4 oz. I wish it was cheaper!

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Another one of my cosmetic favorites is Butter London's Lippy Lip Gloss in, "Tea with the Queen".

About this product:

Butter London's nourishing formula moisturizes and protects with shea butter and vitamin E. Lipstick and lip gloss all in one.

Review:

"Tea with the Queen" is a light tan color. It's texture is smooth and moisturizing. Some may think the liquid to be rather thick so a little goes a long way. It has a soft sweet scent and I love how it has a gentle shine unlike glosses that contain lots of glitter. Retail price $18.

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(Whiskers, under eye diamonds and "meow" are all facial stickers).

Cheeks: Too Faced, Sun Bunny Bronzer

Mascara: Elf, Volume Plumping Mascara in Black

Eye liner: Elf eyeliner in Black

Faux leather heels to purr...fect the look.

Purchased at RUE 21 on sale for $18

I'm aways looking for a bargain because

momma taught me well.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

My Vegan experience at Cheeky Strut Salon

It's been years since I last went to a hair salon. To be honest I'm no fan of having people do my hair. I know that partially stems from some bad experiences I've had with hair dressers. Regardless, I decided I needed something professionally done with the color of my hair.

Before I took a step further I knew I had to see what my options were as far as salons which catered to those searching out cruelty free options. I discovered a while back that Paul Mitchell Salon and beauty products are 100% cruelty free. I thought this would be a great place to get my hair done because Paul Mitchell has an excellent reputation. Shortly after probing for other possible options it was suggested to me to look into a Salon called, "Cheeky Strut" located in Grand Rapids, MI. According to some online reviews they are regarded as one of the best salons in town and offered a cruelty free line of hair dye. Awesome! I called them up and arranged my appointment having confirmed they did offer cruelty free hair dye to which I was also informed was vegan! I was off to a good start.

I arrived at the salon and discussed what I was hoping to achieve with the sweet lady who was to do my hair. I kindly made aware to her that I wanted my hair done with the cruelty free vegan line to which she told me the brand name was called, "Professional Color". She then proceeded to formulate the dye and begin her magic.

Casually we made conversation to which she asked me what dye I had been using on my hair. I mentioned I had originally been dying my hair with poor quality drug store L'Oreal dyes for many years and was seeking out cruelty free options. I then asked her a question I should have asked her two minutes earlier, "So who owns the Vegan Professional Color brand line?". As she put the next stroke of dye on my hair she replied, "L'Oreal".

L'Oreal! This cosmetic company is at every turn! It almost seemes a mock to me that an animal testing company could have a vegan line of hair dyes. While one could argue that it's a positive option for L'Oreal to provide such, profits made are replenished back into the company keeping it alive and thriving. This reenforces other brand lines owned by L'Oreal to continue cruel animal experimentations.

All said and done, here's how my hair turned out. Although I'm a little overwhelmed at having lost my brunette locks to an ombre color with and abundance of blonde, it turned out quite nice.

Let me add that Cheeky Strut Salon came with a Cheeky price to pay. $190.00 + 15 to 20 percent tip! Total cost $210.00. I guess that's what they're charging these days. I think they should have thrown in a mani and pedi freebee!

On my way out the door they had a buy 2 get one free deal on hair care products. A nice lady made aware to me the products I could choose from not tested on animals. Though it made me smile to note that salons are offering these options, I didn't purchase anything as I would like to further investigate into these products. Many products are labelled as, "Not experimented on animals", but ingredients contained with in are often experimented on innocent creatures. In such cases it would not make for a true cruelty free product on the market in my opinion.

Though I appreciate Cheeky Strut for their kind customer service, next time... a Paul Mitchell one hundred percent cruelty free Salon it will be!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Animal Testing Company L'Oreal purchases cruelty free makeup artist brand NYX

I LOVE NYX! I have been purchasing their makeup for a couple years now and love how each product sports the PETA, (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) bunny logo...but will the PETA logo remain?

PETA logo

It breaks my heart to have found that animal testing company L'Oreal has purchased NYX cosmetics as of late 2014. My understanding is that NYX will remain cruelty free and although that is wonderful news, what does this really entail?

Much controversy is found on the internet in regards to cruelty free brands owned by parent companies that test on animals. Let me give you a couple examples. Urban Decay is cruelty free however, owned by L'Oreal as of 2012. Burt's Bee's is cruelty free but owned by animal testing company, Clorox. It is up to us individually to contemplate whether we should purchase from particular cosmetic lines deemed, "cruelty free". We must keep in mind that profits made from our purchases are replenished back into the parent companies who do own makeup lines that test on animals, keeping animal testing thriving ever more.

My personal thoughts: I make great effort to stay clear from cruelty free lines owned by animal testing companies. I encourage people to do the same. It is not always easy and takes courage at times to let go of makeup we love. The good news is that we have varieties of plentiful cruelty free options available to us. I look forward to finding out what my next cosmetic favorites will be. Hugs!

Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzer

I would love to share with you one of my cosmetic favorites!

"Sun Bunny" Bronzer by Too Faced.

Retail price: $30

About this product:

Too Faced's most popular, dual-toner bronzer is a silky combination of rich, golden bronze and classic bronze with a touch of pink undertone to achieve year round bronzed perfection that mimics a natural tan without any of the orangey ick!

More to Love:

Universal Shade: Perfect for all skin tones to provide a medium to tan tone.

Muti-use: Easy to apply shades can be used to shape and contour, or to produce and over all rich glow.

Protect yourself : Stay away from the suns harmful rays by faking your bake!

Review:

Absolutely fabulous bronzer! I use it in my daily makeup routine and year around. I love how it's a perfect combination over summer skin and brightens up my washed out cheeks during the winter. All you need it a light dusting to help result in a healthy sun kissed glow.

I'm wearing, "Sun Bunny" bronzer by Too Faced.

"Abu Dhabi" by NYX

"Tanned" High Shine Lip gloss by NYX

(Note: NYX is cruelty free however purchased by animal testing company L'Oreal as of 2014.)

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Rejuvenating Moisturizer Review

About this product:

To encourage daily skin repair and rejuvenation, this age-defying cream helps deeply rehydrate and rebuild the skin's support structure. As collagen and elastin growth is stimulated, skin becomes smoother and more supple while the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles fades.

Review:

I absolutely love trying new facial creams because I crave to keep my skin healthy and youthful. Avalon Organics Renewal Cream is the first organic brand of facial lotion I have ever tried and love! I admit it wasn't long ago I was hesitant to purchase organic brands because I originally bought into the consumer idea that organic or mother nature based products do not give as quick of results. Sometimes with natural based products it does require more patience but that wasn't my experience with Avalon Renewal Cream. From the start I loved the feeling this cream had on my skin. I apply it morning and evening and it immediately helps my skin feel moisturized and soft.

This cream is thick which I personally love. I am no fan of, "watered-down" lotions which are so commonly on the market. I used to manufacture cosmetics and although we made some excellent products, I am aware of penny pinching companies that want to use watered down lotion as the base and add a couple drops of essential nutrients to the recipe and sell at high cost. One could say you end up paying more for water than you do the beneficial ingredients!

The lotion contains lemon and white tea extract. I recommend a small amount be applied to the face as some people tend to be sensitive to extracts from plants or essential oils. We all have different skin so our skin types will react differently to certain kinds of ingredients. It is these extracts and oils that are hugely beneficial to combat a variety of skin problems however, need to be applied properly and in moderation.

Where I once was wary to invest in organic and natural based products, I have indefinetly become interested in beneficial properties that mother nature has to offer.

Approx retail price $21.99 (2 oz - 50 ml)

I purchased mine at target for $19.99

Friday, October 17, 2014

EOS Lip Balm

About this product:

In a smooth sphere for easy application that precisely glides on lips, this lip balm has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This lip balm contains vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil to keep your lips kissably smooth.

Review:

Wouldn 't you agree that one of the worst feelings ever are dry, chapped lips? With cooler weather on it's way, it's time to get ready to protect our pouts from the drying effects of the cold and luckily I've discovered some excellent balm to help with just that ...EOS organic lip balm!

If anyone reading this is a teen, you might be aware of it's latest craze among teenagers. So many love the variety of colors and flavors to choose from along with it's fun and unique shaped container. I've seen them being sold in beauty stores to fashion stores. However, it isn't just teens who love this balm...my husband recommended I try it out. (He's 18 with 22 years experience;)

The sphere shaped balm is made with 95% certified organic ingredients and is 100% natural. Ingredients include vitamin E for antioxidant protection, Shea butter for softening and jojoba oil for long lasting moisture.

I've been applying this balm so often that I briefly questioned myself, "Did they put one of those addictive ingredients in this like they do in so many chapsticks?" Then I had to remind myself, it's 100% natural!

I purchased mine in, "Sweet Mint" flavor which tingles because of the peppermint and of course smells refreshing. I look forward to trying out other flavors and hope they have as wonderful a scent.

Having always been prone to extremely dry lips, this has helped make my lips smooth and kissable which I'm thankful for and so is my husband. What a great stocking stuffer idea for the upcoming holidays!

Retail price $2.99 (.25oz - 7grams)