Tag: gluten-free

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

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.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

How does Hourglass possibly follow up the widely acclaimed release of Ambient Lighting Powder? Or the incredibly popular Ambient Lighting Palette? Needless to say… this was bound to be a difficult task. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush recently hit shelves and while the reception was mixed, I’ve found the powders to be unique and almost as special as the powders.

The primary hurdle for most bloggers I know who have tried the product is that “blush” might not be the best name. I’ve been testing Ethereal Glow (a cool pink blush with a moonlit luminosity) which, on me, plays much more like a highlighter and not that different than my beloved Ethereal Light Ambient Lighting Powder.

Each blush is a hybrid of an Ambient Lighting Powder and a classic blush shade:

Dim Infusion (Subdued coral blush fused with Dim Light to add warmth)
Diffused Heat (Vibrant poppy blush combined with Diffused Light for a subtle halo effect)
Luminous Flush (Champagne rose blush fused with Luminous Light to evoke a candlelit glimmer)
Radiant Magenta (Golden fuchsia blush combined with Radiant Light for a summer glow)
Mood Exposure (Soft plum blush fused with Mood Light to brighten the complexion)

While I haven’t experienced the other shades in person, I understand that the pigment is can be subtle across the board (although it certainly doesn’t look like it online). The shades are buildable, but I find Ethereal Glow to be perfect with a subtle touch for highlighting and an on-the-go touch up powder. My friend, Maree, has a gorgeous swatch of Radiant Magenta here that can demonstrate potential pigmentation.

The distinctive attribute of this blush is the inclusion of Photoluminescent Technology to enhance and provide depth and dimension. The handcrafted blushes are mixed using the Italian miscelare technique meaning no two blushes will look alike. Designed to be used with Ambient Lighting Powder, the Blush can create “multidimensional luminescence”.

My takeaway is that these blushes do add a natural and dynamic finish. The other shades might work well as a blush given that they are buildable. While Ethereal Glow isn’t necessarily a “blush” in my book and might be a duplicate of Ethereal Light, I appreciate the smaller palette for my clutch and the slight cool pink shimmer that works beautifully as a highlighter.

Fragrance, talc and gluten free. Not tested on animals.

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.

EveryOne Hand Soaps

I’m kind of a hand soap junkie. This year alone I have fallen hard for Aesop and NEST. But this new EveryOne Hand Soaps offers a pure, organic, gluten-free and cruelty-free option at a great price. Every one of EO Products items are made thoughtfully. The are free of parabens, disodium EDTA, sodium lauryl, phthalates, petrochemicals, artificial or synthetic fragrances, chemical preservatives, silicone, propopylene glycol, detergent, mineral oil, triclosan, EDTA, aluminum and sulfates. Phew!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

I’m pretty sure Hourglass Ambient Powders hit the beauty blogger / beauty editor world with an epic splash (don’t miss the review here). A little beauty blogger meet-up this last September in New York City (hi, Maree!) actually consisted of about 15 minutes of love for this revolutionary face powder / highlighter / bronzer / blush. I think we all issued a collective gasp when hourglass announced they were releasing a limited edition palette with two shades of their ambient powder along with a new limited edition Incandescent Light.