Soraya Jürgen Blog: Vegan Beauty

Showing posts with label Vegan Beauty. Show all posts

ECRU New York Acacia Protein BB Cream Review

ECRU New York introduced a line of hair care products, late in 2013, infused with Acacia Protein Collagen and Silk Proteins, one product being ECRU New York Acacia Protein BB Cream. BB Cream for hair? Being ever the skeptic, I simply rolled my eyes at yet another catch-phrase product. After all, what was this “Acacia Collagen” and what was so awe-inspiring about using it on my hair?

Putting my investigator’s cap, I read up on Acacia Collagen. I found out that Acacia Collagen is an extract from the Acacia Seyal tree, which is native to Africa. Apparently this botanical ingredient is used in high-grade anti-aging skincare products due to its moisture retentive properties.

ECRU is utilizing this extract, versus animal proteins, in the brand’s patented Acacia Protein Collagen Hair Care line as to offer the same moisture retention and damage prevention as high-end skincare products. As I’ve previously written, ECRU New York is an eco-friendly brand, which does not test on animals and is committed to sustainability. So, catch phrase aside I tested out ECRU New York Acacia Protein BB Cream.

What did ECRU New York Acacia Protein BB Cream ($30) do for my hair? Well, first off this is a multi-purpose product (LOVE) that serves as a leave-in conditioner, heat protectent and styling product! A dime-sized amount of product was plenty for my long hair (More LOVE).

Acacia Protein BB Cream didn’t weigh my hair down, allowed for quick styling when taking my naturally curly hair to straight, and left my hair in amazing condition. For those that have damaged hair, Acacia Protein BB Cream is must-have styling product and for those that don’t it’s a great preventative.

ECRU New York Acacia Protein Collection includes:

Acacia Protein Shampoo ($25)

Acacia Protein Conditioner ($25)

Acacia BB Cream ($30)

Acacia Protein Masque ($25)

Acacia Protein Oil ($30)

ECRU New York Acacia Protein BB Cream and the entire Acacia Protein Collection can be found online at ECRU and select retail locations globally!

Purple Prairie Botanicals Review

Going with the theory that everything happens for a reason, The Makeup Examiner offers up the story, and review, of Purple PrairieBotanicals. As with almost every interesting health or beauty product that TME has come across, necessity (frustration) has been the mother of invention. This is where we find a young mother of three who became frustrated with skin care products that were not up to par. Happening upon an article in an organic gardening magazine, she decided to cook up a batch of soap and in 2000 Purple Prairie Botanicals was born.

Based in Minnesota, Purple Prairie Botanicals is a homegrown company committed to using the finest organic ingredients, sustainability, fair trade practices and, of course, no animal testing. Purple Prairie are proud signers of the Skin Deep Cosmetics Act, Leaping Bunny, PETA and qualify for the National Green Pages directory. Are you in love yet?

Purple Prairie products are free of:

Petroleum
Parabens
Synthetic Dyes
Artificial Preservatives
Animal Ingredients
Detergents
Sulfates
GMOs
Gluten

Getting to the products, TME begins with Gardener's Carrot Salve ($5.99), which smells delicious and is made with calendula and chamomile, which protect before and after gardening. But, Gardener's Carrot Salve is not limited to just gardening. It’s an excellent product to sooth and heal dry feet.

Next up is Deet Free Bug Spray ($7.99), which is full of skin-loving natural ingredients, has a lovely scent (unlike many other bug sprays) and is effective! It’s also fabulous for soothing bug bites should you forget to apply prior to taking to the great outdoors. The special blend of essential oils and plant extracts in a clean witch hazel and water base that’s safe for all ages.

Rounding out the review for Purple Prairie is a look at the brand’s SunStick Solid Balm SPF 30 ($9.99). Containing 20% micronized zinc oxide that scatters the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays, this sun balm is also filled will skin-loving products like organic cocoa and shea butters. Aside from being an effective sun protectent, it’s unscented, 100% natural, biodegradable and environmentally safe.

Along with the above, Purple Prairie sent over several of their amazing 100% Natural Soaps ($3.99). With amazingnous like Lemongrass Oatmeal Soap, Gardener's Carrot Soap, Peppermint & Oatmeal Soap Bar and Eucalyptus Lemon Soap Bar … you need to try at least one. Purple Prairie Botanicals are available online at Purple Prairie and select retail locations.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics introduces ‘Dune Generation’ Stained Gloss

Available today May 20, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics brings a heat wave of shade and texture options to our most popular new lip offering: Stained Gloss! Inspired not by the beach but the dunes, desert plains, and mirages reminiscent of otherworldly vacation destinations.

Stained Gloss ($18) is OCC’s latest texture innovation for lips. Inspired by lighting gels and stained glass, Stained Gloss combines the high impact color of Lip Tar with a translucent glossy finish that’s ready-to-wear from its first slick application. Includes a #010S Short-Handled Precision Lip Brush as well as collectable backing cards: collect all six for an exclusive mini mural.

Dune Generation Stained Gloss Collection:

DUNE: Champagne Gold Shimmer
OFF WORLD: Pearlescent Lilac Shimmer
HEDONIST: Neon Pastel Pink
AURORA: Pink-Toned Coral
CONCUBINE: Warm Plum Neutral
NOMAD: Gold-laced Maroon Shimmer

The Dune Generation Stained Gloss collection is available May 20 online at OCC and Sephora, and June 6 in Sephora stores.

jane iredale Review: Earth Month Celebration

Happy Earth Month! jane iredale products are the third review of eco-friendly beauty products for the celebration of Earth Month. First and foremost, The Makeup Examiner chose to review jane iredale, as the brand’s Hydration Sprays have earned ECOCERT’sNatural and Organic Cosmetics certification. In conjunction with earning the aforementioned award from ECOCERT, jane iredale products are made without harsh chemical dyes, talc, parabens, formaldehyde, heavy metals or synthetic preservatives.

For the past 20 years, the jane iredale brand has been a favorite amongst celebrities and industry professionals, as the brand focuses upon creating uplifting and natural makeup. In order to get a good feel for the brand, The Makeup Examiner tested out the newly reformulated jane iredale Hydration Sprays and Smooth Affair Facial Primer & Brightener. To start, jane iredale POMMIST and D20 Balance Hydration Sprays ($27) are 100 percent natural and 30 percent organic, and the products’ sourcing, manufacturing and packaging have a minimal effect on the environment. Each Hydration Spray quickly refreshes tired skin, plus is fantastic for setting makeup as they conceal pores and fine lines creating a smooth, long-lasting finish! (Hello, love!)

jane iredale Hydration Sprays:

POMMIST - Hydrates, conditions and protects all skin types. Features the added benefit of Pomegranate Extract, a powerful antioxidant and UV protector. Contains organic Pomegranate extract, White tea leaf extract, and Rosemary leaf extract.

D20 - Helps to hydrate and plump skin cells and contains ingredients to calm and protect the skin. Ylang ylang leaves an uplifting scent and has a balancing action on the secretion of sebum. Made with organic Chamomile flower extract and Myrrh extract.

Smooth Affair Facial Primer & Brightener ($48) is this incredible primer that can also be worn alone for a perfect sheer glow. The translucent pink formula is packed with botanicals that have anti-aging properties, brightens and evens skin tone, minimizes the appearance of pores, and controls oil. This may just be the go-to product for summer!

A few more items to note about the jane iredale brand: Certified cruelty-free by PETA, 2013 CEW Eco Beauty Award Finalist and most products are both vegan and gluten-free. Readers can find products online at jane iredale, at spas in over 40 countries, and select retail location throughout the US.

@ypmazzy

How To Wear Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Primary Pack: Lip Tar All-Star Mini x 5 Set is now available on Sephora. The $29 set (valued at $40.50) contains OCC Lip Tar shades in NSFW, Traffic, Rx, Tarred, Feathered, and a #010 Precision Lip Brush. Just released in a wicked diagram of mad, endless color options!

Now available at Sephora!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Gets Real Techo for Spring 2014

For Spring 2014, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is opting not to play it safe. As part of its Plastic Passion Collection, the 100% vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic house has launched six new vivacious Lip Tar hues for the season, proving that OCC is definitely stepping away from the norm pastel palettes of the past.

Introducing hyper-saturated shades in Technicolor textures, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics’ Plastic Passion Lip Tar Collection delivers crazy vibrant colors. The collection is available in both matte and metallic textures, and is kicking Spring 2014 toward the serious bold!

Featuring the legendary Deven Green, as the “faces” for the Plastic Passion Collection, Lip Tar shades include:

Pool Boy: Aquatic Blue (Matte)
Roller Girl: Vibrant Lavender Purple (Matte)
Mannequin: Malibu Pink (Matte)
Kimber: Neon Orange Coral (Matte)
Hollywood: Beige/Gold Shimmer (Metallic)
Pleasure Model: Pearlescent Pink (Metallic)

Accompanying the launch of six new Lip Tar shades are Cosmetic Colour Pencils ($16), for lips and eyes, and a range of Nail Lacquers ($10). Plastic Passion Lip Tar ($18) is available in over 50 longwearing shades (including vivid primary colors for mixing and wearable neutrals) in two innovative finishes: original matte and metallic. OCC Lip Tar is available online at OCC and Sephora, and will hit Sephora stores on February 18.

Lovely Nail Lacquers from 100 Percent Pure

Before The Makeup Examiner shares with readers about the 100% Pure Cosmetics Nail Polish Collection, TME has to give a shout out to the brand for making it to the 2014 CEW Eco Beauty Awards finals! For those unfamiliar with the CEW Beauty Awards, they are the equivalent of the Oscars for the beauty industry.

In December, 100% Pure Cosmetics added to an already extensive line of cosmetics with its launch of nail polishes. The nail polish line consists of 20 shades, a topcoat and a basecoat, all of which are free from formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, and formaldehyde resin.

The Makeup Examiner reviewed four shades from the line that included:

Pie – A deep and rich red
Kiss – A fun and sexy hot pink
12:51 – A light, kiss of peachy pink
Innocence- A perfect baby pink

The color hues were a perfect sampling for the line, as they ranged from intense red to light pink. This gave an excellent view of color delivery and wearability of the various shades. All four shades do require two coats, but they go on like glass and are long-lasting! Although TME has not tried 100% Pure Horsetail Base Coat, it contains the herb, horsetail (also called Shavegrass), which is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and astringent properties.

100% Pure Cosmetics is a vegan and organic beauty brand, offers free shipping on all orders over $50, and gives free samples with every order. 100% Pure Nail Polishes ($12) are available at 100% Pure and select retail locations.

Eco-Armour Has More To Offer For 2014

The Makeup Examiner introduced readers to the organic, eco-friendly beauty brand Eco-Amour in July 2013. If you missed it, you can check out the article about Eco-Armour’s staple products -- “Eco-Armour Organic Beauty Review”. Founded by Robert and Zoe Benzinger in 2011, with one product, Eco-Armour Shaving Foam, this intriguing and dynamic couple expanded the brand’s offering with Botanical Insect Repellent and Moisturizer (an absolute must-have for summer), and recently introduced three new, amazing products!

First up for review is a beauty bargain at its absolute best, Eco-Armour Mango Lip Butter ($5). Yes you read the price correctly. Mango Lip Butter is a 100% botanical lip balm with great cushion that moisturizes the driest lips, penetrates quickly with no sticky feel and provides SPF15. Eco-Armour Mango Lip Butter contains non-GMO soybean oil, cocoa and shea butter with almond and apricot oils, has a yummy light citrus flavor and is the best lip balm that The Makeup Examiner has come across in a very long time.

Next up is Eco-Armour Indoor calming spray (4oz $12.50), which is designed to calm our busy minds and that it does indeed. As with other Eco-Armour products, Indoor is a multi-purpose beauty spray. It can be spritzed on pulse points for an instant mental chill, on your linens to promote a restful night’s sleep, or even in your office when your boss is being … uh … cranky. The blend of witch hazel distillate with organic castile soap and aloe vera gives the product both cleansing and healing properties. And a blend of lavender, bergamot, vanilla and tea tree essential oils create the relaxing scent.

Last but not least, because TME saved her favorite for last, is Eco-Armour Advanced Botanical Serum (0.5 oz $79), which again is a multi-purpose product that can be used on everything from those annoying fine lines to dry cuticles and dry skin to boo-boos. There are actually 18 different skin healing and beautifying benefits listed on the brand’s website! Advanced Botanical Serum contains a natural SPF15, mango butter, grapeseed oil, hempseed oil, hazelnut oil, and lots of other skin-loving ingredients. TME was thrilled that she was able to use the serum on everything, from dry cracked heels to dark under eye circles, with amazing results. Eco-Armour Advanced Botanical Serum is a must-have for winter skincare and is currently on special for $39!

The last ingredient listed on Eco-Armour products is love. Normally, The Makeup Examiner is not a sappy person, but after several conversations with Eco-Armour Co-founders Robert and Zoe Benzinger, TME can guarantee that these amazing people definitely add love into their products. If you’re seeking beauty products that are organic, vegan and eco-friendly plus are multi-purpose, The Makeup Examiner highly recommends checking out Eco-Armour. Eco-Armour is a member of 1% for the Planet and their products can be found on the Eco-Armour website.

Acquarella Nails Introduces New Colors For F/W Collection

Acquarella, the premiere water-based nail polish brand, announced today Nov. 5, the launch of their long awaited Fall/Winter collection. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Acquarella offers an alternative to traditional nail lacquers with their non-toxic formula.

Founded in 2004, Acquarella introduced an alternative not only to nail polishes, but to nail care as well. There is a regimen to been done when one switches from a traditional nail polish to Acquarella’s offerings, and readers can learn about this in The Makeup Examiner’s productreview.

Now for the stunning and on-trend shades from the Acquarella Fall/Winter collection!

Covert: An Army green with a hint of shimmer
Prancer: A rich burgundy metallic that is absolutely perfect for the holidays.
Obscure: A deep brown/black crème that is a warm toasty brown, which is perfect for the winter.
La Luna: A translucent grey/silver metallic that reminds The Makeup Examiner of the festive season ahead.

The new shades bring Acquarella’s color count up to 44 diverse shades. Acquarella has also introduced “The Color Selector,” which suggests a sister formula for each shade. For example, if you love “La Luna,” but would like a crème or shimmer versus a metallic, the brand suggests “Celestial” and this goes for all of Acquarella’s shades. Acquarella Water Colors ($16) are available at Acquarella and select retail locations.

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