Tag: cruelty-free

Caldrea Essential Collection

On a budget but need to add some beauty to your bathroom? Look no further than Caldrea Essential Collection which is now exclusively created for and sold at Target. The new Essential Collection is their first foray into personal care and consists of five products that are budget but certainly don’t feel budget.

Body Oil, Body Lotion, Body Wash, Hand Balm and Exfoliating Scrub (all under $13) come in three fragrances:

Apple Mint contains Spearhmint and Cedarwood and smelled almost holiday to me – expect a good dose of autumnal apple
Ginger Honey (probably my favorite) has a spiciness to it that was really uplifiting
Mango Lily isn’t overly mango-y (a positive in my book) and I love the hint of vanilla

The body oil is (not a surprise here) my favorite. If you are new to the blog, you should know that I love love love body oils. The dispenser is perfect, the oil absorbs quickly and my skin is soft and hydrated. The body wash doesn’t leave behind much of a scent but is pleasant and doesn’t strip skin. The lotion absorbs quickly and comes in a giant container – perfect for keeping on your office desk. I can’t wait to get my hands on the exfoliating scrub and hand balm!

Bottom line: these body products have the scent and quality of a much more expensive and sophisticated collection! They are also free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates and DEA and are not tested on animals.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Multi-Use Blush in Heavenly

Organic beauty has been on my mind. While I wouldn’t say I look for it universally, there is something of a thrill finding a product that works well and also promises to be free of nasty ingredients. Vapour Organic Beauty has been peppered throughout my blog reading list and I knew it was about time to learn more about the brand. I had heard rave reviews about their stick foundation, and while I have yet to try it, I knew their stick formulas were bound to be winners.

Aura Multi-Use Blush in Heavenly is a true multi-tasking superstar. As part of the “Radiant” family, expect more of a highlighter than a blush. Other shades come in “Classic” or “Stain”. Frankly, the “Radiant” shades seem to be the stars with their flexibility and suitability for a wide range of skin tones.

Equally suited for eyes, cheeks and lips, Aura Multi-Use Blush in Heavenly gives that “lit within” glow. And don’t stop there. This stick is perfect for shoulders and décolletage too. Unlike NARS Multiples, Vapour’s stick – at least this one – works better if you warm the product on the back of your hand to activate. For cheeks, you can apply directly from the applicator and work into the skin.

Now here comes the good part: this blush is made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% mineral pigments and vitamins. It is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients and anti-oxidants along with moisturizing and calming ingredients. It should be noted that I can not detect a scent. Cruelty and gluten free.

Available at Beauty.com

Brand Spotlight: basq skin care

Even though I am not a mom, I can appreciate a brand grown out of skincare for expecting and new moms. Brands like this put my mind at ease knowing that they are gentle and free of harmful ingredients. All basq products are chemical, paraben and phthalate free and not tested on animals. And note that all basq products are rigorously tested for no skin allergy and irritancy. Not to mention they are backed by some major celebrity fans including Heidi Klum, Molly Simms, Jamie Lynn Sigler and Poppy Montgomery.

As the brand evolved, their products expanded to appeal to women in all their stages from pregnancy to weight loss to mature skin. The premise is keeping skin looking polished and young. While I haven’t tried the skincare, I have had a chance to check out some of their goodies for the bod. While gentle, they also are infused with aromatherapy. Ingredients include nutrient rich oils and plant extracts to strengthen and rebuild skin.

One of their most popular product lines is focused on treating stretch marks ranging from prevention to repair. The two products I have been testing out are part of this group. First, Citrus Sugar Body Polish is known as the first step in fighting a repairing stretch marks. Exfoliation literally pushes damaged skin up and out. The gentle sugar granules remove dull, dry skin and reveal renewed skin underneath. Essential oils like Rosehip, Grapeseed, Wheat Germ and Hazelnut work to nourish and improve skin, leaving it hyrdated and radiant.

The citrus scent – Neroli (Orange Blossom) – is fairly mild and the exfoliation action works well with my redness-prone and sensitive skin, probably thanks to the oils. Skin is left prepped for other treatments, particularly the rich moisturizers I am using in this frigid and dry weather. The basq Resilient Body Toning & Hydrating Oil has been high in the recent rotation. Touted as even more effective than lotions, this stuff is packed with oils much like the scrub: Hazelnut, Sweet Almond, Wheat Germ, Grapeseed, Rosehip, and Eucalyptus oils, along with Vitamin E.

These oils and vitamin E can strength skin in ways that lotions can’t. They protect skin while it is stretching during pregnancy, preventing marks. And even those who aren’t will love the amped up hydration that I have come to love. My main peeve with oils is sometimes they can leave skin greasy. Not this one… it absorbs easily and there is no sticky residue you can so often find with creams and lotions.

Available at BeautyBridge.com and basqnyc.com. Right now at BeautyBridge.com, get a FREE basq Citrus Sugar Exfoliating Body Polish 4 oz. with $75 or more of basq Purchase.

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country

Despite my bit of a curmudgeon attitude, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And honestly, these little gems have me cheered up. I guess this post might be more geared for the guys, but I am all for a “to me, from me” gift next week if you are single or taken. From scents to decadence, these all will thrill anyone on your shopping list:

Brand Spotlight: M. Steves

While I love sharing new favorites from widely known brands, it is just as fun sharing products from indie lines that showcase hard work, unique perspectives and fabulous formulas. M. Steves came on my radar when I heard about the verve and drive of Mally Steves Chakola. She has developed a line of natural anti-aging and regenerating products that use pure, cold-pressed Chilean Rose Hip Seed Oil (RHSO).

Read more “Brand Spotlight: M. Steves”

Brand Spotlight: Focus Hair Care

Every once and a while, I find a niche beauty brand that really blows my socks off. Major heads-up to those dealing with thinning hair. Honestly, the ugly truth from me is that not only do I suffer from breakage and thinning hair thanks to years of wearing buns but I also suffer from dry scalp. Gross. While I have found shampoos and conditioners that can heal dry ends, they leave my hair flat. Other shampoos heal my scalp, but leave my hair straw-like. Leave it to a company using ingredients from Mother Nature to find something that does it all.