This post is going to be short and sweet.
It breaks my heart to say it, but Too Faced has sold out. Estee Lauder has taken over the company. Estee Lauder both tests on animals and sells to China.
All of the cruelty free brands are dwindling 😦
Category: Makeup
Colourpop: Lippie Stix & Pencil
Here we are again, talking about another hyped up product by Colourpop. I am happy to say that I am actually OVER THE MOON pleased at this product. If you didn’t know, Colourpop is a cruelty free brand that originated in LA. A lot of their products are also vegan, in exception of a few.
Here is the 411 on the Lippie Stixs:
Colour Pay Off & Lasting Power
AMAZING! Super pigmented lip products that stick to the lips and last for a very long time. I can eat, drink and sleep in these things and they are still hanging on there for dear life by the end of it all. Although the Lippie Stix do transfer, they don’t slide of the lips, therefore I am not scared that I’m going to end up smearing them all over my mouth.
Moisture Level
I am the first to admit that these products are not the most moisturising on the market. They can dry out your lips. To combat this I always apply a non greasy lip balm first and then the Lippie Stix on top. If you do have naturally dry lips I would recommend exfoliating your lips with a lip scrub, moisturising with a lip balm and then applying your Lippie.
Colours and Swatches
*All colours are switched with the matching Lippie Pencil
Would I Repurchase?
YES YES YES! They also seem to have finally introduced a set price for shipping Australia… YIPPEE! $25.
Rating
8/10
Colourpop Swatchfest – Ultra Satin Lip
Colourpop Ultra Satin Lips are the next big thing of the YouTube world! These products are lovely. Below are swatches of the colours that I purchased.
Here are some pro’s and con’s of the product:
Pro’s
- Cruelty Free! Most products are also vegan and gluten free.
- Lasting power is fantastic!
- They are not as drying on the lips as the Ultra Matte Lips. They are definitely more comfortable to wear on a day to day basis.
- Colours are BEAUTIFUL and extremely pigmented. They apply smoothly and wear off the lips in a graceful way. This can be seen in the swatches.
- They last through eating and drinking – YIPEE!
Con’s
- They transfer, however are not slippery, therefore you don’t need to be scared about them sliding all over your face.
- Some colours can sit in the creases of your lips. This can be fixed by pressing your lips together.
Would I repurchase? YES! In fact, my mum had a look at the colours and swatches and wants me to place an order for her!
Rating – 8/10
Too Faced: Better Than Sex Mascara – Worth It?
This mascara is hyped up A LOT in the Youtube world. It is something that I wanted to try since its release. I have been using the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara since December 2015, so I have a deep understanding on the pro’s and con’s of the product. I use the original mascara that is not waterproof. I have outlined my experience with the product below.
Pros –
★ Volume – Creates a very voluminous effect of the lashes. Extremely thick and black, just how I like them.
★ Length – The product creates a large amount of length. You almost get that ‘spidery’ affect but it is extremely wearable.
★ Colour – Extremely black and very pigmented.
★ Lasting power – The lashes stayed curled, lengthened and full of volume for a long period of time.
Cons –
★ Flaky – The product flakes on me pretty dramatically. This happens after a short time of wear.
★ Smudges – I use the original mascara which is not waterproof. It smudges quite a lot. If you have watery eyes, you may have a problem.
Would I repurchase the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara?
It produces beautiful fluttery long lashes. It does everything I want it to do, minus the flaking. So yes, I would repurchase it.
Rating
7/10
❤ Cruelty Free Love
Bloglovin
Alert all animal lovers… you can now follow my blog on Bloglovin!
Click on the link below and it will take you straight to the website.
Is Australia Banning Cosmetic Testing?
The Australian Government has made plans to ban cosmetic testing on animals, only if the coalition are re-elected. If the coalition are not re-elected the chances of this happening is low. I am hoping that this will push the other governments to step up and give animals a voice. Let’s make this happen no matter what government is elected. We need to stand up for these animals who are forced into horrific situations that we would never put ourselves in.
The Australian view of animal cruelty is one large contradiction:
I find it quite contradicting that animal abuse is punishable as a crime in Australia, but we are still allowing animal testing for cosmetic purposes.
According the RSPCA, these are the penalties for animal cruelty in Australia:
| NSW | 5 years* | $22,000 for natural person
$110,000 for corporation |
Crimes Act 1900,
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 |
The positive outcome of this discussion:
The fact that abolishing animal testing is being discussed is a small step towards a more ethical approach to the cosmetic industry in Australia, however it is still a bit of a controversial subject.
Why is this only a small step?
Even though animal testing may disappear from Australia, please remember that these companies may still sell to countries that require testing or allow testing (for example China).
What do you think about this new topic of discussion circling the internet? Let me know in the comments below!
– Cruelty Free Love
Colourpop Highlighter – Wisp
Colourpop, another one of those brands that is all over YouTube. Beauty Guru’s telling you that ‘they are amazing’ and ‘it is definitely worth the money’…. I have to say that I AGREE! I have tried numerous Colourpop products, and I have to say, I LOVE them all.
Colourpop is ‘100% fur baby friendly, bunny approved, and only test our products on humans’ which makes me happy beyond belief! I also notice that some of their products are also:
- Gluten free – although they do not recommend eating them 😛
- The state product last for 3 years if not opened and 1 year once opened
- A lot, not all, of their products are vegan
The product that I am going to review today is their highlighter in the colour ‘Wisp’. This colour is beautiful. The Colourpop website describes it as:
‘Golden champagne with highly reflective hues of gold duo chrome finishes.’ – Colourpop Website
What do I think?
Colour
Light champagne gold with a slight hint of duo chrome.
Texture
Smooth. There are no evident chunks of glitter which allows for a ‘wet’ highlight look that doesn’t make you look sweaty and greasy.
Lasting power
I haven’t noticed it fade throughout the day. It seems to stay put quite well. I do set it with a teeny bit of highlight powder to ensure the longevity of the highlight.
How do I apply it?
I use my finger tips. I find that I waste less product that way and the finished product is more intense then if you were to use a brush. I have also applied it with the elf small stipple brush (synthetic bristles) which also allows for a good application.
Customer service
My highlighter came broken. I contacted the companies customer service who were extremely helpful. They sent a new one to me free of charge which I thought was lovely of them.
Would I repurchase?
Yes, definitely. The product is worth a repurchase for sure. The only thing I don’t like are the shipping fees. Sure, colourpop provide high quality, cruelty free products at an affordable price. However, when the shipping price is so high, it almost makes me think that it isn’t worth it. The shipping price goes by weight which irks me*. If I am going to buy products from the states, I want to be able to buy a good quantity to make it worth it, however, the more you buy, the higher the shipping price goes.
Where can I purchase it?
The only place that I know you can purchase it from is the Colourpop website.
https://colourpop.com/product/wisp-2/
*I live in Australia
Rating
9/10
NYX Matte Lip Cream
I used to hear about these lip creams all the time through watching YouTube and always wanted to give them a go. They had great reviews, and of course they are cruelty free… so I thought I would give them a go!
The description on the NYX website is quite accurate:
Now available in twelve more statement-making shades, our velvety smooth Soft Matte Lip Cream delivers a burst of creamy color and sets to a stunning matte finish. Surprisingly durable, lightweight and delightfully creamy, it’s no wonder this sweetly scented formula is a NYX fan favourite. – (NYX Website)
Colours purchased: Prague, Ibiza & Istanbul
- Istanbul: Described on website as ‘clean pink’
- Prague: Described on website as ‘matte merlot’
- Ibiza: Described on website as ‘matte deep rose pink’ – personally I feel like this colour comes of more coral then pink.
*Images from the NYX website – from left to right; Istanbul, Prague & Ibiza
Left to right – Ibiza, Prague & Istanbul
Istanbul
Prague
Ibiza
Swatches with no lip liner.
Texture: The Matte Lip Creams have a mouse like texture that is light and fluffy. They are a matte texture, v the title state, and are quite comfortable to wear.
Lasting Power: I apply this at 6:30am and it is still on my lips at 2pm. The comfortability of the lip cream wears off as time goes on, but I feel as though that is expected of a matte lip product. Although I say the comfortability wears off, it is definitely very comfortable for the first 4-5 hours of wear.
Pigmentation: SUPER pigmented. I only need one layer of the product in relation to pigmentation purposes. The colours I have tried go on smooth and even.
Scent: It is very sweet, quite enjoyable… I dig it!
I would recommend this product!
Rating – 8/10
*PLEASE NOTE – I have just found out that NYX was bought out by Loreal. Therefore, the brand NYX is registered as cruelty free HOWEVER Loreal still sells to China.
Chi Chi Super CC Cream
Chi Chi is a brand that I have been buying for years. When I was younger I would buy their christmas kits and I remember thinking they were the bomb.com. Recently, Target in Australia had 40% all of Chi Chi Cosmetics… YIPEE! I went a bit cray, not going to lie. Was I the crazy lady who got all of the lipstick swatches on my hand onto my t-shirt…. yes, do I regret it? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
The Chi Chi Super CC Cream was one of the items that I bought. I was hesitant to buy this product as I have combination skin and I almost always get super shiny in my T-zone. I thought I would give it a go, it has a lot of claims that I thought would be amazing if the product lives up to its hype.
These are the claims:
- A moisturising and colour correcting formula that is suitable for all skin types.
- The formula contains “powerful caviar extract” that is high in antioxidants, is moisturising and smoothing.
- Soothe’s and protects dry skin
- “Super healing with Allantoin, Elastin, Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen” – will leave skin “feeling and looking amazing”.
- “make up meets skin care” including SPF 30 – “light foundation with benefits” or can be used as a primer to help reduce “redness or sallowness, blemished and other skin imperfections.
- ” Its silky, light weight texture will let your skin breathe whilst radiating a healthy lustre and will help improve uneven skin tone with its unique light-diffusing pigments.”
Did the product come through?
I would have to say YEEEEEESSSSS! This makes me really happy 😀 The following dot points cover my thoughts on the product:
- Extremely moisturising formula that held up well with my oily T-zone. I do on most days have to blot once during the day, however it is nothing major. I must disclose that I am a very active teacher (dance) and am moving quite a lot during the day.
- Left my skin looking very smooth and almost had a brightening affect. This related back to the claim of it getting rid of the sallowness in the skin whilst wearing the product.
- Definitely feels silky on the skin, it did not transfer and kept me looking healthy all throughout my work day.
- I had a lot of red scaring on my chin from hormonal acne and I feel like this product assisted in healing the redness on the skin.
- The coverage can be light or built up to a close medium.
- Dewy finish that did not slide of my face.
Would I repurchase the product?
HELLLLA YEAH! I wouldn’t even wait for another 40% off sale, I would pay full price… now that’s saying something 🙂
This product is 100% cruelty free, Chi Chi only tests on friends and family.
Price: $29.95
Colour Range: Fair, light, medium, medium to tan.
Rating: 8/10
e.l.f Studio HD Under Eye Setting Powder
e.l.f is a cruelty free brand at affordable prices. The product claims are as follows:
“This light-diffusing powder camouflages fine lines, dark circles and imperfections, perfect for on camera or everyday wear. The silky powder adds a velvety finish ideal for wearing alone or setting in cream concealer. The Vitamin C & K infused formula helps to restore and strengthen skin for a revitalized appearance.”
Ratings:
Brightening: 3.5/5
Staying Power: 4/5
Pros: My under eye area is quite dry, where I do have a lot of smile lines. Powders tend to dry out my under eyes more and accentuate my extreme dark circles and fine lines. However this product does a great job of not making my concealer look caky and brightening the area.
Cons: The product provides no coverage. This however suits me fine as I use quite a bit of concealer due to darkness. Obvious sparkles are seen in the product, which do disappear when applied to the skin, however sometimes do linger. Do not count on the brush included to apply the product. The brush is not ideal.
Would I repurchase? YES! In fact, I already have 🙂
In Australia the brand can be found at:
Experience rating 4/5
