January Vegan Favorites and Fails
I saw, I bought, I tried, I liked and never mind, this somehow summarizes today’s post, aptly titled vegan favorites and fails for the month of January. But before we get into that, let me thank you wholeheartedly for all the wonderful feedback and sweet comments I have received in connection to my blog’s new design and layout. As most of you know, I migrated to WordPress first day of January and while I still need to update my old posts, I am really enjoying the overall functionality vis-a-vis integrated SEO of this new platform. I used pipdig for the migration and Siteground for hosting. It was a seamless transfer and the people at pipdig were really helpful! Are you ready for my favorites? scroll down for the juice.
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Kat Von D recently launched her reformulated Studded Kiss Kiss Lipstick Collection, this time it’s creamier and non-drying. Of course, I have to get few shades (I will be sharing them in another post) but my mainstay will always be Lolita which is rosy mauve. The collection itself is extensive, all 40 colors to boot, ranging from satin matte to metallic and shimmer. I am controlling myself to go easy with purchasing but really, seeing the entire range is so tempting! Someone stop the impulse button, but who knows I may cave in. When that happens, we are going to have a serious swatch party ladies!
Next favorite is this mascara from Beauty Without Cruelty which was part of my Vegan Cuts Beauty Box haul. If you recall in my get-ready-with-me + real-time test wear video, I mentioned that I wasn’t sure whether this mascara or the eyeliner (from another brand) was the culprit to my watery eyes. I can now confirm that this isn’t the irritant because I have not experienced the same issue with this mascara alone. The formula is quite wet and while it is not waterproof, it does not smudge which is a common issue I encounter with most of the mascaras I have tried in the past.
If you recall in my Best of 2017 Vegan Beauty Favorites, Lily Lolo illuminator made it to my list so I decided to try this pressed bronzer, after all I haven’t bought any bronzers in a great while. There are three shades, I got Honolulu, first because of the name, and second, based on the description. I thought it will be a good match for my light-medium skin tone. Thankfully, I was right! This bronzer is talc-free and unscented. It’s part sheen-part matte and lists argan oil as one of the key ingredients.
Another Vegan Cuts Beauty Box discovery, Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream is a wonderful addition to my natural skincare stash. It has a short list of ingredients that seem to agree with my sensitive and combination skin. I don’t expect this to perform a miracle or reverse aging per se but I do enjoy the firming sensation I experience immediately after application.
Ingredients: Aqua, *Algae Extract, Coco Caprylate/Caprate, *Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Glucoside, *Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter), *Simmondsia Chinensis Oil (Jojoba Seed Oil), *Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Oil), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), *Calendula Officinalis Extract, L-lysine Lauroyl Methionate, Xanthan Gum, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, *Pelargonium (Geranium) Graveolens, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Glycine *organic ingredient
Another favorite is this nail polish from 100% Pure named Souffle. It’s part of a 3 piece-collection that I got on discount (I got all 3 for only $25, I will be featuring the other colors possibly in the next posts but this bronze-mauve is undeniably my favorite). Given my constant handwashing and sanitizing in between patient encounters, this nail polish lasted three days before I noticed chipping.
Derma-E Hydrating Facial Wipes can be used to remove makeup but I reserve it for post workout. I sweat heavily so this is a nice treat for my face! The hyaluronic acid in this is technically sodium hyaluronate, a salt derivative and vegan-friendly (check out my watch list: ingredients that contain animals/byproducts).
I am also trying to organize little things in my life that seem trivial to most. Case in point, coins! They’re scattered all over- inside my bags, desk, every nook you bet there are coins quietly tuck in. This Matt and Nat vegan coin purse does this minor task hence it made it to my favorites this month.
Remember my post on Fitness Tips Over 40? while some of you complimented this animal print active wear which by the way is really cute, my close friends inboxed me something really funny: how in the world my armpits look so smooth and even? I was literally laughing because even my sister said so. Well my answer to that is laser hair removal! Depending on the laser machine used, series of treatment is required. The laser targets the hair follicle in its active growth phase that’s why you would need to complete your series to achieve optimal outcome. I am an Aesthetic Registered Nurse Laser Specialist by trade, I post the procedures I perform on my Youtube channel and our clinic’s Instagram account if you want more information.
Finally, we go to these products that unfortunately fell short. I had high hopes for Lily Lolo Coralista Cheek Duo given my pleasant experience with the illuminator and bronzer but the shades in this palette hardly show up. You need to swish and apply few times before you can actually see pigment showing up. It also arrived like someone “touched” the end corners of both shades. I know I should’ve asked for replacement right? Emani Eye Trio is another disappointment. Even with eye primer, the shades didn’t even last for two hours at the very least. It was part of the Vegan Cuts past beauty box. The only consolation is that I didn’t pay for it for full price!
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Looks like a good haul even with the two fails!
Grass. I haven’t seen grass in two months and certainly not today with 3 inches of new snow. Thanks for sharing the bad too. The blush palette looks so pretty so it’s a disappointment that it doesn’t show up. I don’t think I knew that 100% Pure had polishes.
Derma-e is definitely on my “to try” list. These all look like great products.
I love 100% Pure!!!! They have so many great products!!
I agree! Am trying out few skincare and makeups
What fantastic picks! I love those Derma E Wipes, and that KVD Lipstick is GORGEOUS!
I never really noticed before but yes, your underarms are so even and smooth! A local medispa offers laser hair removal and I want to look into it.
Haha! You made me laugh. I think you will like it!
Lolita is universally flattering. I have an OG version and I love it.
Yes it is so nice for everyone
Lolita looks amazing on you. I definitely want the entire range which is ridiculous lol but I want!
Can’t blame you! I kind of want to do the same lol
That lipstick is beautiful on you.
Thanks so much
I really want to try the DermaE wipes!
I think you will like it
You look great and I love the new blog layout with large photos!
Thank you! Experimenting with different layouts
I really like that lipstick! I need to check out Kat Von D makeup!
The lush green in the background looks so nice! We are only starting to see peeks of it! Your makeup looks lovey too, as does the polish!
Thanks much. Love the green grass, it’s so relaxing when I go out in the yard and take these photos
Beauty with cruelty …makes us rethink our choices. great products
Now that Kat Von D’s reformulated her lipsticks I’ll have to try them again. I tried them before and while I love the pigmentation and the colors they just would NOT last on my lips. Also, I need that coin pocket in my life! I LOVE how it opens. You alert me to so many great vegan options.
I think you will like KVD’s new lipstick. It’s creamier, applies better and lasts longer! Thanks for appreciating my vegan posts
This is great! I love the layout of your blog post and who knew so many beautiful/interesting vegan items existed! Love, love, loved this!
Is that grass! I’m so jealous of your grass! I’m loving the new Kat Von D as well and also love your Matt and Nat wallet, so many cool ethical picks
yes real grass 🙂 Thanks much! Matt and Nat will be the next vegan leather I will feature
Lolita is really my kind of shade, and it looks fabulous on you. I also love that leopard print top. Your pictures are gorgeous BTW and that have me craving summer!
Thanks so much! I’m enjoying the limitless options of layout on WP
I got one of the studded kiss shades and I’m loving it!
It’s nice seeing a roundup post with so few fails! You’ve got some good stuff here.
Your polishes are really pretty. I think I need the Lolita lipstick. I have the liner and the liquid lipstick and this is such a gorgeous color on you. I’d love it on me, too.
Some great products here! And I must say – I LOVE your rings!