PACIFICA NATURAL COSMETICS 100% VEGAN & CRUELTY FREE

I love when I find a cosmetic line that is entirely vegan, cruelty free and uses natural products. Bonus points for PACIFICA!

PACIFICA TUSCAN BLOOD ORANGE BODY BUTTER

Retail Price: $15 for 8 oz

About this product: Made with Natures best moisturizers, Shea butter, Almond Oil and Safflower Oil. Blood Orange body butter is offset with subtle Strawberry and Raspberry notes and grounded in flesh Mandarin and Italian Sweet Orange. Helps fight sings of aging. Paraben free.

Review: This is literally one of the most amazing scents I have ever smelt of any moisturizing body butter out there. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! What more can I say other than you've got to try this for yourself! 

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PACIFICA RADIANT SHIMMER COCONUT MULTIPLES

Retail Price: $14

About this product: Made with coconut extract, Vitamin E and Safflower Oil. This multi purpose pack of creamy coconut infused colors is for cheeks, lips and eyes. You can create shimmering highlights, glowing illumination and contour those areas where you want to add definition. Can be used sheer or built up for a more dramatic look.

Review:  What's great about this product is that it's natural looking. I like it when makeup doesn't look like makeup if you know what I mean. This is a great trio for playing with shadow or highlighting  effects on both cheeks and eyes. You can get really creative with it. Works great on fair skin and adds gentle color on tanned skin. I love how PACIFICA uses natural ingredients. Makes me feel better about what I'm applying to my skin. 

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Pacifica cosmetics can be purchased at Target. You can check out other great finds at: 

http://www.pacificabeauty.com

OVER 90% OF FAUX FUR IS REAL

FUR

Winter is here and you know what that means... the good old fashioned fur jackets are coming out of the closet. It blows me away that these jackets come back season after season and more specifically the jackets with the fur trim collar. So many have purchased or will purchase a jacket with fur that I seriously have to wonder what happened to the idea of being unique! 

Millions of animals such as cats, cogs, fox and raccoon are being brutally tortured (skinned alive, electrocuted, beaten) and killed for their fur. One does not have to look far on the internet to find the video footage and literature that will verify these truths. 

OVER 90% OF FAUX FUR IS REAL! 

We know that most of our clothing is manufactured in China, but are you aware that China has no law which governs what is printed on clothing labels? For example, a jacket labeled as being made with fox fur is often in actuality a jacket made of dog fur.  Another example is that of coats, boots and gloves with fur labelled as fake or synthetic when in reality it is real. Over 90% of faux fur is real. 

FUR FARMS

50 million animals are killed for fur worldwide every year. Approximately 74% of that fur comes from fur farms. China produces 85% of the fur on the planet and has no animal welfare laws to protect animals. 

In these fur farms, animals such as mink, rabbits, cats and dogs are forced to spend their entire lives breed and confined to filthy cages, constantly pacing back and forth from stress and boredom. They exhibit stress behavior such as self mutilation and cannibalism, demonstrating that intense confinement drives them insane. 

Of the 50 million animals killed, over 2 million are dogs and cats. Investigators documented 50,000 to 100,000 cat pelts stockpiled at animal byproduct factories in China. At least ten dogs are slaughtered to make a single coat, more if puppies are used. Up to 24 cats are slaughtered to make one fur coat. Dog and cat fur is used in trims, linings, hats, decorative figurines, and fold remedies. Skins are used in dog chew toys and shoe leather.

MY THOUGHTS IN CLOSING

I observed one day at the mall how nearly every 5 in 10 people had a jacket with a fur trim collar. I thought if only these people knew what they were wearing! It's so important that we get this information out there.

I strongly recommend no assumption be made as to whether an item with fur is real or not. In order to truly verify authenticity, a fur analysis is required. My personal feeling is that even if it were truly fake, what a poor example it is to sport any clothing with fur. I would encourage anyone with a fur jacket to donate it to the less fortunate. 

Please see: http://www.peta.org/donate/ways-to-support-peta/donate-fur/

Please choose to not wear fur. 

furisdead.com

COMPANIES TO AVOID:

NORDSTROM 

BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY

MACY'S

TARGET 

WALMART

HUGO BOSS

KOHL'S CORPORATION

BURBERRY 

CHANEL 

COACH

GUCCI

DONNA KAREN

GORGIO ARMANI

LVMH

KELLWOOD COMPANY

MARC JACOBS INTERNATIONAL

MICHAEL KORS

NEIMAN MARCUS

Dermalogica Skin Care Treatment Experience

Whether it's a complication with dry skin, aging skin or a type of skin disorder, most of us are looking to remedy a facial skin concern.  

Dermalogica is a skin care company that has a range of facial products such as moisturizers, cleansers, exfoliants, masques, toners etc. They also have professional dermatologist you can visit for hands on facial treatments. 

Personally I'm not overly fond of the idea of someone poking at my face (or so I envision) but when I was given the opportunity to have a facial done by a nice lady who works on behalf of Dermalogica  as a dermatologist, I took it. 

Some may be surprised to discover that many ULTA beauty salons have a small spa room catered to giving people Dermalogica skin care treatments. It's a very relaxing atmosphere and not what I expected. The lights are dim with soft music playing which takes you away from the hustle of the salon and store itself. 

The lady removed all makeup except around the eyes as she gave me the option to leave it on. I figured I didn't want to walk out of the store looking like a complete freak, haha.

 The treatment was to address any skin concerns. As always, my biggest concern was my dry skin. As facial techniques were preformed, she talked her way through so that I would understand what she was doing. To my relief there was no poking involved and treatment was very gentle and soothing. By the end my skin felt pampered and above all fresh and clean. A substance was applied that seemed to slightly tighten my face and also left my skin feeling dewy.  

To get a visual on the type of treatments provided please see:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G6cUFdqQQQ 

Below you can view the skin treatments menu offered in ULTA salons. I was given the 20 minute "Dermalogica Micro Zone Targeted Treatment" valued at $25.

For anyone interested in skin treatment, my brief experience says to go for it. You and your skin deserve to be pampered at least once in a while! 

Don't forget that Dermalogica is entirely cruelty free! Make sure to try out their products for your skin concerns. I am greatly looking forward to doing so myself.

As much fun as it can be to discover new cosmetics and share them with you, it often hits me as to the real reason I do makeup reviews. It is for purpose of educating people about the reality and truth of the cosmetic industry and the hope of encouraging people to go cruelty free.  It may be hard to fathom that eyeliner or lipstick could really put an animal through tremendous suffering, however when you dig deeper you will find the cosmetic industry holds despicable dirty secrets.

Most lab animals are born into captivity. They never breathe fresh air, see sunshine, experience any form of freedom and are never loved. They are helpless to the forced experiments they must endure almost always resulting in death. Some of these experiments include breathing in fumes, pouring liquid into eyes and vivisection.

Director of PETA'S Laboratory Investigations Department Justin Goodman says, " They have chemicals dripped into their sensitive eyes and applied to their raw skin and often without any pain relief". He further stated, "Animals are force-fed increasing amounts of a substance until 50 percent of them die," and "Animals in the highest-dose groups may endure severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, convulsions, seizures, paralysis, and bleeding from the nose, mouth and genitals before they ultimately die."

Communications director Wendy Higgins of Humane Society International says that an estimated 50,000 animals die annually. She states, "The law doesn't recognize laboratory birds, rats and mice as "animals" that require recording in national statistics. As mice and rats make up a very large proportion of the animals typically used in cosmetic testing, you can imagine how much this affects the figures".

Is there hope cosmetic testing will end?

The Humane Cosmetics Act is seeking to ban all animal testing for cosmetics in the USA. To date 130 companies have pledged full support against testing. The United States however is lagging behind as 28 countries in the European Union as well as, India, Noway and Israel all have banned animal testing.

PETA is working with China to end animal experimentation. As you can imagine a great number of companies manufacture their cosmetics in China of which by law the Chinese government requires cosmetic animal experimentation.

Next time you spritz on your perfume, touch up that lipstick, spray your hair curls into place, spare a good moment to think of the innocent creatures in laboratories awaiting the next agonizing test. It is my sincere hope that we will leave our conscience clear by purchasing from companies that know what true beauty is. If our Eastern brothers and sisters can make this happen, so can we!

To check if your cosmetics are cruelty free please visit:
PETA'S BASE: http://features.peta.org/cruelty-free-company-search/index.aspx
LEAPING BUNNY: http://www.leapingbunny.org/indexcus.php

The Balm Cosmetics are Cruelty Free!!

I often say that I was born in the wrong era. I absolutely love the 50's! So when I discovered the balm cosmetics, I was immediately drawn to the adorable packaging. Better yet is what's inside each cosmetic pack. Today I'm going to share with you some of the beautiful blush selections the Balm has to offer.


First up...                                          

                            "How about them Apples"

Anyone for some apple cider? I seriously have to say that I find this palette comical.  I mean look at these hotties, don't they just make your day;) This multi functioning palette is designed for both cheeks and lips. How cool is that! The formulae for each pick contains apple extracts and delivers a luminous finish that won't smudge or streak. Palette contains 6 colors. 

Cider: A light peach with a hint of pink with luminous shine

Pie: Pinky-red color with luminous shine

Candy: Bubble gum pink with luminous shine

Cobbler: Bright and sticking orange toned red with shine

Crisp: Warm coral with shimmering finish

Caramel: Orange-brown with luminous finish

Retail $32.00 for 0.70 oz   

Please see: http://www.thebalm.com

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Next we have "Instain" blush beauties by the Balm. Look how gorgeous these are! These are a long wearing, staining powder blush made to last throughout the day. I love how a wide variety of natural looking blushes are available to choose from. My favorite is, Swiss Dot Peach. 

Retail $22.00 for 5.5grams

Please see: http://www.thebalm.com

Swiss Dot (Peach)

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Here are 3 other stunning blushes by the Balm. These are a blush and shadow all in one. Rave reviews on these ones...ladies are loving them!

Cabana Boy: Dusty Rose with Plum undertones. Light Shimmer.

DownBoy:  Baby Pink. Detectable Shimmer.

Fratboy:  Coral Color. (Appears a peach color in the pan but once applied is a coral color with punch!)

Retail price: $22 for 8.5 grams

Please see: http://www.thebalm.com

I hope this encourages us ladies to check out these beautiful blushes and more excellent cruelty free options the Balm has to offer. Have fun finding cosmetic goodies! xox

Andalou Body Lotion, Citrus Verbena

Originally I bought this lotion for my husband because he was complaining about his dry hands. Of course being the cosmetic guru in the house I set out to save the day. I wanted to purchase something that contained natural ingredients which I knew he would appreciate. For anyone familiar with Harvest Health Foods, this is where I discovered the lotion although later realized it's available in several common stores.

About this product: Renews, repairs and regenerates cells for visible results.  Invigorating citrus verbena, organic aloe vera, apricot and sunflower oils, effectively hydrate and replenish to nourish, soothe, and soften dry skin. Non GMO. Organic. Leaping Bunny Certified. 11 oz. Retail price: $11.00 (Health Food stores tend to be more expensive but I did get in on sale for $8.00)

As I have become more familiar with the cosmetic benefits of fruit, the idea of using products with fruit extracts continues to intrigue me. Fruit ingredients include:

• lime extract which is nourishing and protecting. 
• Apple and Grape cells cultivated with a new cell technology by PhytoCellTec. These cells contain  antioxidants and anti aging properties.  
• An 8 berry complex of certified Organic Acai Berry, Bearberry, Black Elderberry, Aronia Berry, Bilberry, Goji Berry, Rosehips and Sea Buckthorn Berry.  These super berries combat environmental stressors, cell turnover and strengthen dermal immunity.

I love the benefits of fruit!

Review: What first attracted me to this product was the way it felt when I applied it to my hands. I received immediate results of soft, smooth skin which felt and looked nothing short of miraculous (I'm not exaggerating). I absolutely love it's unique fresh citrus scent. I say unique due to what must be the natural smelling ingredients contained with in.

The other day my husband discovered his bottle of lotion in my vehicle. Apparently he wondered where it had tip toed off to. Oopsy! I have yet to find a product that helps recover my dry skin so well as Andalou. 

The above picture says it all... with a growing number of vegans on the rise, we are further being catered to!

Here's a list of some of the best vegan and cruelty free foundations available on the market today.
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Face Atelier Ultra Foundation: Leaping Bunny and PETA approved. A highly pigmented, long-lasting innovative foundation that provides buildable coverage with a natural satin finish. Silicone-based Ultra Foundation is sheer enough for younger women, yet can meet the needs of anyone that requires more coverage. It’s an out-standing performer on mature, troubled or sensitive skin. Due to its unique blend of silicones in the formulation, Ultra Foundation forms a delicate, lightweight and flexible second skin with a natural breathing ability. Retail Price $34 

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation: Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment. Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage.  Retail Price $42

Too Faced Beauty Balm: Instantly impart a healthy glow and improve skin's appearance with sheer luminosity and a concealing, buildable tint. Soothing, oil-free moisture, antioxidants and SPF protection help to improve skin's condition and prevent future damage. This super-advanced, multi-benefit time saver from Too Faced streamlines your routine, giving you 'better than real' skin in just one step! Retail Price $34

Hourglass Liquid Powder Foundation: A breakthrough liquid to powder formula that absorbs oil, camouflages imperfections, and delivers a long-lasting velvet matte finish—without the need for touchups. In a consumer study, Immaculate’s advanced formula has been shown to improve the appearance of oily, acneic skin. Available in 16 shades. Retail Price: $55

Obsessive Compulsive OCC Tint: A highly-pigmented, tinted moisturizer that evens skintone with buildable coverage. 
Featuring a unique moisturizing complex made from purified water, coconut, and wild berry extracts, this foundation product nourishes as well as hydrates skin. Formulated from the finest vegan ingredients available, this product is also formulated with aloe leaf extract and vitamin E for coverage that feels as good as it looks. Retail: $29.50

Tarte Full Coverage Foundation: Achieve flawless skin that looks healthy and natural with this supremely blendable liquid foundation that delivers up to 12 hours of matte coverage while protecting the skin from powerful UVA/UVB sun rays. Retail Price: $38

Cover FX Cream Foundation: An antioxidant-rich, two-in-one foundation and concealer offering broad spectrum SPF 30 protection with medium to full, buildable coverage. This foundation provides an all-day radiant finish that nourishes and protects with antiaging benefits. The buildable formula can provide medium to full coverage and offers SPF 30, full UV protection, and all-day wear. This clinically tested, vegan product does not contain gluten, mineral oil, or talc. Retail Price:$42

Ecco Bella FlowerColor Natural Liquid Foundation: Works hard to keep skin healthy with both a UVA /UVB sunscreen, organic herbs, and antioxidants. Organic aloe vera quenches thirsty skin, while saccharide isomerate, a natural sugar bind water to the skin acting as a reservoir for continuous moisture. Organic herbs and vitamin E rejuvenate, protect and soothe skin. Gluten, vegan & paraben-free. Retail $29.95

All Natural Face Foundation:  Leaping Bunny Approved. This line of cosmetics uses organic and natural ingredients. Choose from over 50 shades each of mineral powder or cream foundation. I encourage those who are seeking organic and natural products to check out the All Natural site. Please see: http://www.theallnaturalface.com   Retail price pressed powder: $16.10 

Purely Cosmetics Mineral Foundation:  Another line of cosmetics using all natural ingredients. Mineral Foundations vailable in 9 different shades. Please see: http://www.purelycosmetics.com/index.php  Retail Price: $18