• New York

    Review: Tarte Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara

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    I initially received a sample size of this mascara at Sephora (100 Point Reward). I used up the sample in less than two weeks and rushed to my nearest Sephora to grab a full-size, only to learn that the store that I had visited was sold out 😓 I immediately went on the Tarte website and to my surprise, there was a sale on 😍 So, I bought two Tarteist Lash Paint Mascaras, without any hesitation, and this is why 😀

    I will begin by stating that I already have quite thick, dark and volumous curly lashes, so my purpose, with regards to using mascara, is to add more drama, length and volume as well as for lash separation. After applying one coat of this mascara, my lashes were instantly thicker, longer and more defined (in that there was more curl). However, this mascara, true to its name, has a paint-like consistency – it’ s thick!!! and takes longer than any other mascara I have ever used before to dry. While the mascara dries, it is crucial not to let your lashes touch your lids (especially if you have eyeshadow on!), as colour transfer is bound to happen and this product isn’t so simple to remove once it touches skin! I had to wait about 3 minutes before applying my second coat and thats when I really fell in love because I usually need at least 3 coats of mascara to achieve the look I go for and managed to get it in just 2 coats with Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara. Here is a picture of what my lashes looked like after two coats.

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    I find I get better results when I apply this mascara after I have primed my eyelids and applied eyeshadow (I think the color that falls off and settles onto my lashes helps to build up the volume of the mascara).

    This mascara stays put on my lashes for about 8-10 hours before I notice particles of it on my face. It seems fairly easy to remove with a (preferably, an oil-based) face wash/cleanser, although I have struggled to find a makeup remover that can get rid of ALL traces of this mascara. Despite removing my makeup with built for make-up wipes, and washing and toning my face at night, some mornings, I still wake up with black crud in my eyes and on random parts of my face 😬

    Nonetheless, Tarte has outdone itself with this mascara which Tarte claims on its website is vegan friendly as well as safe for contact lens wearers.

    Have you tried this mascara? Share what you think 🙂

    Post originally featured on: https://empirikalsolutionz.wordpress.com/2016/09/27/review-tarte-tarteist-lash-paint-mascara/

  • New York

    Review: Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost

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    Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost ($47 CDN) is a new lightweight gel facial moisturizer that is water-based, packed with marine antioxidants as well as free of phthalates, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfates, gluten and parabens!!!

    The first time I tried a gel moisturizer was two years ago when I was in Hong Kong. I remember being enthralled with the rose scent and wishing  thatI could have re-purchased the product when it finally finished, but I was NOT willing to pay exorbitant customs charges and could not find a local supplier ☹

    A few weeks back, when I saw an advertisement for Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost on the Tarte website, I was hyped to learn it would be available in the Canadian market soon, because I couldn’t wait to test out this gel moisturizer.  Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost was released alongside a line of other skincare (including SPF and a cleansing gel) as well as make-up products and brushes. The packaging for these items is super cute – gold embossing on turquoise, pink and purple!

    The moisturizer comes in a jar, which I prefer, since I can use as much as I need. However, be mindful not to leave lidded products open for too long as this usually compromises on their quality. The moisturizer is thick, clear and has a strong floral (lavender) fragrance.

    Once I applied the gel onto my freshly washed and toned face, I noticed that it felt very refreshing and hydrating. It also absorbed quickly and easily into my skin.

    I had no issues applying my regular makeup routine on top of this moisturizer although I did find that I looked “shinier” (the moisturizer I was using prior is advertised to reduce pores and sebum flow, and to be anti-shine and mattifying). I also used this as a PM moisturizer and found that my skin remained hydrated throughout the night.

    Although I am not sure I will disregard all moisturizers I have used before (nor can I say that I will refrain from trying new products on the market), I can safely say that since I’ve been re-introduced to the world of gel moisturizers, I don’t know if I could return back to cream moisturizers. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost really provides a boost of hydration to my skin and feels refreshing and light. Not to mention, this gel is packed with anti-oxidants.

    Currently, Rainforest of the Sea Drink Of H2O Hydrating Boost is only available either at Tarte.com, Sephora stores, or on Sephora.com

    If you’ve had experience with this product, please share your thoughts.

    Post originally featured on: https://empirikalsolutionz.wordpress.com/2016/09/27/review-tarte-rainforest-of-the-sea-drink-of-h20-hydrating-boost/

  • Las Vegas

    Best Vegan Sunscreen for the Lazy Girl

    Can you believe Memorial Day is only two and a half weeks away? Summer is calling our names! Whether you’re vacationing on the beach, traveling back home or hanging out with your buddies, you want to look and feel your best during this unofficial kick off to summer. These products make packing a breeze, keep hair and skin beautiful and more importantly protect your skin from the sun.

    Check out some of our favorites!

     

    Natural/vegan alternative! Nature’s Gate Aqua Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen ($11.50/Whole Foods) A trusted alternative for sun protection, Nature’s Gate Sun Care is safe and gentle for the entire family. Infused with natural botanicals, Nature’s Gate Sunscreens are formulated with responsible and effective ingredients that help protect skin against UV exposure while soothing and hydrating skin. Water resistant (80 minutes). Vegan, Fragrance Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Oxybenzone Free, Cruelty Free

    Natural/vegan alternative! Nature’s Gate Face Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Sunscreen ($11.49, Whole Foods): It is essential to have a good SPF in your beauty regimen! Infused with natural botanicals, Nature’s Gate Sunscreens are formulated with responsible and effective ingredients that help protect skin against UV exposure while soothing and hydrating skin. 

    Natural/vegan alternative! Nature’s Gate SPORT Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($11.50/Whole Foods) Vegan, Fragrance Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Oxybenzone Free, Cruelty Free. Active ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Zinc oxide 6.9%

     

  • Austin,  London,  Los Angeles,  New York,  Toronto,  WorldWide

    Vegan Makeup: Osmosis Goji Berry Liquid Foundation

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    Osmosis Colour Mineral Cosmetics is proud to launch their Long Wear Liquid Foundation Line for all skin types. Featuring 8 shades, these incredible foundations give light to full build able coverage while gliding on smooth for an even, flawless complexion. A true long wear formula, each Osmosis Colour Long Wear Liquid Foundation is water resistant and will never make skin appear oily or too dry. Instead, each foundation provides a semi dewy finish that’s sure to last all day.
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    After each use, skin will look natural, luminous and lifted. What makes it so is the Goji Berry Blend Extract (lycium barbarum fruit extract) as it is a powerful antioxidant and skin conditioning agent. Goji berry extract includes amino acids and proteins to aid skin cells in regenerating. These orange-red berries, also referred to as wolfberries, are considered by some to be a veritable fountain of youth.
    Shades: Fair, Golden Light, Golden Medium, Honey, Natural Light, Natural Medium, Beige Dark and Olive.
    Price: $45
  • WorldWide

    What will you get in your mystery Beauty Box from @vegancuts?

    Have you heard of wine-of-the-month clubs? Have you heard of those clubs and wished that, instead of wine, there was a beauty-products-of-the-month club? Vegan Cuts offers just that with their Beauty Box. If you are a beauty products connoisseur and you are a conscientious shopper who prefers to use non-animal tested products, this is the right club for you!

    Among the goodies you might receive are:

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    The Color Club nail polish featuring winter colors

     

     

     

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    Everyday Minterals’s matte blush

     

     

     

     

     

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    SoapBox’s liquid Black Soap made with shea butter, aloe, and jojoba oil

     

     

     

     

     

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    Lavishy’s faux leather coin purse

     

     

     

    Sign up to receive your very own Beauty Box, with the next one shipping in February. And if you can’t wait till then, enjoy browsing and shopping for other vegan products from Vegan Cuts. There’s something for everyone from beauty products to snacks to cute accessories.

  • New York

    Serious Snack Alert @Baresnacks

    They say an apple a day keeps the Dr away and I think apples are one of the most versatile fruits out there. I asked Janice why she loves apples so much and she said there are tons of variety, textures, sweetness, tartness and they are juicy and filling.   That’s good enough for me. But my confession is that I don’t know how to BITE an apple, my teeth are not strong and my mouth is small. I have to – have to! – eat apples, sliced and cored. Yes, I know.

    There is a new snack in town!  It is called BARE and you can include this in your daily snacking if you want to ‘bare’ your midriff this spring summer, far away I know… BARE snacks are made 100% from natural ingredients and its new Crunchy Chile Lime Apple Chips and Crunchy Sea Salt Caramel Apple Chips have only 50 calories of deliciousness per serving – perfect for healthy snacking!

    These are NOTHING like the soggy apple rings you can get at health food stores. This is way better. They have rad flavors that makes it anything but boring.  It does not compromise the delight of apples in any artificial way and no two piece is identical.
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    Bare Sea Salt Caramel Apple Chips – Sweet tooth mavens will love the mouth-watering sweet and salty apple chips.

    Bare Chile Lime Apple Chips – Apple chips that offer a spicy kick of flavor in every bite.
    If you want something less ‘trendy’ – try classic favorites like Cinnamon, Fuji Red and Granny Smith.

    Living in the Big Apple, you have to be open and sensitive to receive all the inspiration this city is giving you. These snacks inspired this outfit! After sparkling apple cider and a ton of Black Friday pre Cyber Monday shopping… I present to you… what the Bare Snacks Sweet Baked Apples Dipped in Caramel & Sprinkled with Sea Salt would look like in an outfit! Why not 🙂

    Big Apple @baresnacks

    BARE’s line of All-Natural Apple Chips have no saturated or trans fat, added sugar or sodium! All BARE snacks are gluten free, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, vegan and are free of added sugar, preservatives, lactose, cholesterol and trans-fats.

    http://www.baresnacks.com