The Cool Factor by Andrea Linett (received for review)
Lune & Aster Stratosphere mascara | vegan, gluten free, etc., etc.
Ecco Bella Good for you Gloss in “power” | in my Petit Vour box
Juara hand & nail balm | part of my Petit Vour box this month
I have so many random beauty products, etc., that I’ve wanted to write about for you, but they keep getting pushed aside, so here goes 🙂
I subscribed to the Petit Vour vegan beauty box a couple months ago and have received two boxes. It’s about $16 a month and usually contains about 4 products – a nice assortment from vegan/eco-friendly beauty brands. March’s box was pretty good, I got a Little Barn Apothecary Geranium and green tea mist that I like, and Lauren B clear top coat that I was REALLY interested in trying, but wasn’t impressed with (I used it once, and was frustrated that it’s not quick dry enough, so went back to my Seche Vite…).
April’s box was okay, I really like the Ecco Bella lip gloss, the color is pretty, it smells/tastes good, and seems to stay put:
Ecco Bella lip glos via Instagram
I also really liked the Juara hand/nail cream, but only at night before bed, because it’s rather more greasy than I like if I’m still using my hands LOL. It smells wonderful though, and seems to soften my super-dry hands nicely. I appreciate that it’s vegan, as opposed to my old standby Gold Bond. I may buy it at Skinstore next time I place an order because they have frequent coupon codes.
There was also an Ursa Major face balm that is not nearly moisturizing enough for me, and some bath/body oil that’s nice, but not very interesting. This is exactly why I cancelled my Birchbox subscription after a few boxes; you get some good things you wouldn’t try otherwise, but nothing ever life-changing. At least I’ve never received anything I’d re-buy. And I’ve often gotten some things that just don’t work for me at all, or I’ll never use, that are difficult to pass on. I’ll stick with it for a while longer, because I’m very interested in completely vegan-ing my skincare/beauty routine, so trying new things is important for me right now, but honestly, I could take it or leave it.
In not vegan or eco-friendly beauty product news, I did also get some samples of a couple of Sunday Riley products (Sunday Riley blue moon tranquility cleansing balm and Sunday Riley Tidal Wave) in advance of Sephora’s VIB 15% off coupon that I REALLY REALLY loved, but couldn’t afford to buy at the moment, so I didn’t. They were so good though, especially the cleanser. I did replace my Amore Pacific CC cream I’ve been using for a couple years, and that’s it. I still need a good, deep cleanser though.
On to the mascara. I’ve been trying to find a good eco-friendly mascara for a while. I’d sort of settled on Josie Maran’s argan/black oil mascara (I used my points at Sephora to get a few samples of those!) because I like how dark and thick it is, but man, it’s a PAIN to get off. Coconut oil does it, but I need a LOT and end up getting it in my eyes, which is not good.
There’s a Blue Mercury near the cafe I like to work in a couple times a week, so I stopped in there, honestly because I thought they’d have the RMS mascara, which I’d been interested in trying, or Ilia, but ended up with the Lune & Aster mascara, which I really like. Bonus that’s it’s $20. Not cheap, but not Lancome or YSL priced…and it also comes off slightly easier than others I’ve tried (I only need a little coconut oil!).
So now, the book. Andrea’s publicist contacted me a couple weeks ago about sending me an advance copy of her new book “The Cool Factor” to review. I don’t do a lot of “official” book reviews, but I love to read, and I love Andrea Linett, so I said sure! I was really excited about it, actually, because I’ve always admired Andrea (and Kim France) and their ability to find the good stuff, and then put it all together in a “cool” way. Lucky was the only magazine I read consistently, but I think it was better when Kim and Andrea were there; it resonated more with me. At it’s end, it lost me.
Anyway, the book is nice, with lots of good photographs, quick pointers for “easy” style, and TONS of outfit ideas. But the best thing is that while it speaks to women of any age, it is targeted and most meaningful for those of us of a “certain age,” ahem. All (or most?) of the featured women are in their 40’s or above, and there are pointers about going grey, or not, and a clear focus on dressing for yourself and in what makes YOU comfortable. (I would have liked to have seen a short girl in there somewhere though, to be honest)
If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve that “effortless” chic look, this book is full of pointers that help with that (layering, jewelry, accessorizing) – because, news flash, it’s not effortless! I don’t take it overly seriously though, or suggest using it as a guidebook, because I don’t think there’s a formula for style, or “coolness,” but it’s a fun book and you will probably find something eye-opening in it, or interesting that you’d like to try with your style. I really loved it, and certainly haven’t uncovered everything in it yet, but look forward to having it around to pick up and peruse when I feel in a rut.
Your turn, any beauty products you’ve tried and liked (or hated) lately? What are a few things you’re loving lately?
I’ve wanted to try the Petite Vour box for a while .. will probably order this year, but just getting over a massive closet clean out first and all the money spent (and wasted) there 😛
Monica.
MonicaP´s last blog post ..The White Suit
i understand monica! good luck with the cleanout though 🙂
I tried Petit Vour for three months last year and felt the same way, so I didn’t renew. I think I’m just too picky for beauty boxes and random products. I’ve recently fallen in love with Josh Rosebrook’s Nourish shampoo and conditioner and the Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30. That book looks gorgeous; I’ll have to check it out. 🙂
Grechen I think you’d like the Drunk Elephant brand. I’m using the Juju Bar in the mornings – that may fit the bill for a deep cleanser for you. It’s enough for me. I also have the C-Firma Day Serum and am considering trying a couple other products once I finish up some comparable things I’m using. I love the founder’s philosophy – she’s very upfront about what her products contain and, just as importantly, don’t (see the website’s “blacklisted” page).
My skincare and make up have been green for awhile now, except my mascara. Have not found a replacement for my Bobbi Brown one I like. For skincare, try the Mad Hippie line. Their Vit. A and Vit. C serums are the bomb and totally affordable! Kari Gran is another line that I love. The oil cleanser is wonderful and I love the Mineral Powder Make Up…my favorite!
Yep, that was why I cancelled both my Petit Vour and Vegan Cuts beauty boxes. I had a bunch of stuff I found and loved but ended up with so many things I just wouldn’t use — or would, but it would take me a long time to use. I am still using some of those things (shampoos, lotions, random hair stuff, lip colors I need to layer with other lip colors in order to be able to wear them, nail colors I’d only use as accents, etc). It was nice for a while to be exploratory and get a sense of certain brands but now I’d rather just pick out specific things from Petit Vour or Sephora.
Also, there’s a “For the Love of Vegan Makeup” FB group that’s been helpful with reviews and suggestions if you’re interested. I think you might need an invite or someone to vouch for you to be added but I’m happy to help if you’re interested.
jesse.anne.o´s last blog post ..Spring Black
I am so glad you liked the Little Barn Apothecary sample! I have been wondering about that mist. They are local here in Atlanta and such nice folks. I have their Honeysuckle and Grapefruit body oil and the smell is intoxicating. It doesn’t last, but that may be a good thing.
I’ve been trying hard to green up my beauty routine and have found a few good things. The folks at Fig and Flower here in Atlanta convinced me to try 100% Pure Shampoo and Conditioner. I wouldn’t have without samples first because the packaging is unattractive (I’m a sucker for that), but I am weaning off my Oribe and going to use it if I can find a deep conditioner to add in every once in a while. And it is fairly reasonable.
They also got me to love the Indie Lee Rosehip cleanser. It (and her toner) works beautifully for my slightly mixed, problem, aging skin. In the winter when I need more moisture, I may try One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing oil. People rave about it.
I am also crazy about Kjaer Weis makeup. So far I am only using her eye shadow and lip gloss, but it is as good as anything I’ve ever tried. Saving up for some other stuff from her. So far I am hanging on to my toxic and pricey eye cream, and my exfoliator. Would love to find alternatives for those.
first, you and i absolutely MUST meet some day. i’m just going to have to figure out a way how next time i’m visiting. there are so many interesting, exciting new places popping up in atlanta since i left!! i need a tour guide 😉
i like the little barn apothecary mist, but i’m not sure i’d buy it, if that makes sense. honestly, i never know what works and what doesn’t, unless it’s AMAZING and i can tell an immediate, visible difference. and since i’m using the evan healy stuff consistently perhaps i haven’t given the little barn mist enough of a chance to work, or prove to me that it works –
i hear you about oribe, but honestly for hair stuff, that shit WORKS. i’m using the supershine moisturizing cream light now along with a mousse just letting my hair air dry, and my hair looks AMAZING, if i do say so myself. i’ve never used anything that actually does what it says it will like oribe. and R+CO – which is vegan, incidentally…not sure it’s non-toxic, but that’s something!
Apologies – two Drunk Elephant products aren’t vegan. The lip balm has beeswax and the Pekee Bar cleanser has honey.
I was just given two generous samples of Drunk Elephant’s day and night serums from Sephora because I shared my love of Sunday Riley’s “Good Genes” serum and “Tidal” enzyme cream. NO breakouts for me since I started on this regimen, alternating nightly treatment with my beloved Retin-A micro and Kate Somerville Anti-Bac benzoyl peroxide. And that’s after a LIFETIME of trying everything!
I love Bite Beauty’s “Amuse Bouche” lipsticks (Pepper is divine!) and I’m trying some of their other lip products. Also, Bobbi Brown’s new Long-Wear Eyeshadow sticks in “Nude Beach” and “Stone,” my perfect neutrals.
Gloria, I love her lip balm in the cinnamon flavor!
I’ve heard great things about the Beauty Heroes subscription box. It’s all natural, and I think vegan. If I remember correctly, they sometimes have products with honey but they offer a vegan substitution (but I’m not 100% sure about that). It is pricey at about $40 but the products offered are typically very high-end.
I haven’t subscribed because I’m too picky. I already have some tried-and-true favorites that work so well for me, I’m not interested in changing.
My favorite green products:
Burt’s Bees Body Wash (as body wash, hand soap, and facial cleanser; occasionally as shampoo!)
Burt’s Bees Honey lip balm
Coola mineral sunscreen – I just started using this, but I really like it. It doesn’t leave a white cast and it goes on matte.
Grapeseed oil – I only use this in the winter, if my skin is feeling extra dry. I use it as makeup remover and moisturizer. Recently I’ve mixed in a bit of Frankincense oil, which is supposed to help fade sun spots. I couldn’t really tell if it made a difference.
Other tried-and-true but not green products:
DevaCurl No-Poo (non-foaming hair cleanser)
DevaCurl One Condition
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil (for shaving)
Retin-A
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta peel pads
Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream lip balm
I haven’t tried any green makeup products because so many of them are coconut-oil based, and I’m afraid they’ll clog my pores. Plus, I’ll admit, I like the pretty packaging of department-store and luxury brands.
It would be so fun to be your tour guide. Absolutely. We could meet over near Steven Alan, have great coffee (or fresh juice) and try on flowy pants.
Little Barn Apothecary has a 25% off coupon this weekend for anyone who wants to try their stuff. They are getting good press. People rave about their cleanser and milk bath. The code is WELOVEMOM.
At least Oribe does not do animal testing, which justified my indulgence at first. You know, if I use both their shampoo and conditioner, it is too much for my hair. It is nice and shiny, but limp. I’ve hit my sweet spot by combining the Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo with the 100% Pure volumizing conditioner. (Second best is the 100% Pure Shampoo with Oribe Gold Lust conditioner). I’d like to pretend that going all natural is just as good, but it is not quite. 🙁
I recently garnered my first ever Vapour Organics lipgloss, also a recommendation from Fig and Flower, and I love it. I was a Bite girl forever, but now that the company has been sold, it’s not quite as ethical.
Catherine mentioned Josh Rosebrook, which I’d love to try…
No way! Bite has been sold? Damn!!! Why do they do that?!? (Rhetorical question…$$$)
I know! So disappointing.
I tried to green up my beauty routine as much as possible! I love the SW Basics line–particularly the toner and the cream. Also: Illia lip pencils (99 Red Balloons, yay!), the exfoliator and their mascara, the latter is a new find.
I’d love to see your box cast-offs in Slowre… so you don’t throw them away. I have a graveyard of natural products that could use some sharing/selling!
I am a HUGE beauty heroes fan! It is such a good deal, and the 3 boxes I’ve gotten so far have (shockingly) all been things i use really regularly and would consider repurchasing.
When it comes to green beauty, my all-time favorite brands are Josh Rosebrook, Laurel Whole Plant Organics, and Yuli. I’m also really into Drunk Elephant these days.
Dear Grechen-
Had to share my Lipstick Love- from BITE also all natural makeup company, the colors are derived from plants, highly pigmented and creamy at Sephora, huge range of colors.
I too have been cleaning out for the last 2-3 years , since I turned 50. I am making room for the body I have now and the person I am now. Thank you for your inspiration and sharing your feelings and thoughts.
BIg Shout out from Forest Hills, New York
thank you !!! hope to interact with you more on your journey 🙂
Hi millerchild!
I LOVE Bite Beauty products! I’m particularly into their Amuse Bouche lipsticks, the glosses, and the matte lip crayons. But seriously, “Pepper” is the best MLBB color I’ve ever used….and it stays on.
Still searching for a new summer fragrance and I want to try Jo Malone something or other. I’m using Dr. Dennis Gross Tinted Sunscreen and liking it a lot. And my best new find is Bobbi Brown’s “Instant Confidence Stick” which I smooth on after I’ve put on my makeup. It makes everything sort of “soft focus” around my eyes, which actually, not wearing my glasses gives the same effect. 😉
Grechen, I love the Tidal Cream at night. It gives me just the right amount of moisture. Now I want to try the cleansing balm.
Whoa! I’m so old that I’m repeating myself. Sorry. I thought this was a new post!
Hi Mama-
thank you for responding, yes it is the Amuse formula- I’m going to look for Pepper!
If youre still looking for a summer fragrance -get a sample of a Jo Molone first they don’t last at all even when you apply to clothing or spray in your hair. I love Aqua Di PArma ‘Fico de Almalfi and Creed’s Neroli Savage for Men when it’s really hot.
Best, Gena