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    How to Find Affordable Cruelty Free Gifts

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    On a Budget? Let’s Talk About eCosmetics!
    This post is sponsored by eCosmetics. All opinions are 100% mine – you know I keep it real with you guys!
    I know a lot of us tend to shop at the same places online. It’s easy to get into the habit of doing that. I tend to mindlessly frequent Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta when it comes to beauty products. But, if you’re on a budget, I want you to stop and take a look at eCosmetics.
    At eCosmetics, you can find the same drugstore and high-end cosmetics that you’d find at the major retailers, but up to 50% off. If you find a cheaper price on an item, they’ll even match it! There are some budget beauty retailers out there that sell knock-off, counterfeit and expired products. That is NOT what eCosmetics is all about! Everything they sell is new and authentic – the same products you’ll find in the big-name stores.
    You can even add code Velvet10 on top of the deals for an additional 10% off your order at eCosmetics!
    Cruelty Free Gift Guide for Budget Shoppers
    eCosmetics gave me a $100 budget to find some great cruelty free gifts to share with you guys. I think I did pretty well! $100 wouldn’t go as far in other stores. I picked items for all budgets, and focused on makeup and skincare, but they also have hair, nail, and fragrance products.
    Shipping was quick – I got my items in about a week. I ordered on Nov 13th and got part of the order on the 19th and the rest on the 23rd.
    Okay, so let’s get into it! Here are some cruelty free holiday gift ideas that the beauty fanatics in your life are sure to love!
    Sunday Riley Flash Fix Gift Set ($20)

    The Sunday Riley Flash Fix gift set comes with smaller sizes of their Good Genes lactic acid treatment and Ceramic Slip cleanser. The set normally retails for $25, but it is $20 at eCosmetics. Sunday Riley is a HOT brand right now, so I think most skincare aficionados would be excited to receive this. It’s also a great gift for someone who wants to graduate from a basic routine to a more intensive anti-aging and skin-smoothing routine but doesn’t know where to start. The lactic acid in Good Genes is one of the more gentle alpha hydroxy acids, and good for all skin types. And Ceramic Slip is a great all-purpose cleanser that removes makeup, dirt and oil. It hydrates without being greasy or over stripping the skin.
    NYX Swear By It Palette ($28)

    The NYX Swear By It palette is so much fun! There are FORTY shades here – mattes, metallics, and satins. Whether you’re buying a gift for someone who tends to stick to neutrals or likes to experiment with bright colors, this has it all. The majority of shades are on the warm side, with some blues, greens, and silver/grays to round it out. This palette is normally $35 but you can get it for $28 at eCosmetics. The formula is highly pigmented and very blendable. For a drugstore brand, NYX makes some pretty great products! They are definitely one of my faves.
    Stila The Highest Realm Liquid Eyeshadow Set ($20)

    The Stila The Highest Realm liquid eyeshadow set is for the glitter lovers in your life! It retails for $25 but it’s only $20 at eCosmetics. These brush-on shades are great as eyeshadow toppers, or you can build them up to full coverage with two or three applications (just let it dry in-between to avoid streaks). The set comes with three shades: a champagne beige with gold and silver sparkle, a plum multi-color sparkle, and a caramel/gold sparkle. You can apply with the applicator or a brush, but I find it easiest to dab on with my finger.
    e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadow Palettes ($2.40)

    When you’re on a budget, you can’t really go wrong with these e.l.f. Bite Size eyeshadow palettes. They are small, but they would make great stocking stuffers or coworker gifts. Want to give someone a cozy, happy Winter gift? You could wrap up a good book or DVD and tie one of these babies to the outside with a pretty bow. I got Cream & Sugar, which is a warm-toned neutral palette, and Acai You, which has light blue and purple tones that you don’t see every day! These go for $3.15 so they are already inexpensive, but at eCosmetics they’re $2.40.
    First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Mango ($27.20)

    First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is one of my newfound favorites! This cream is a really great cruelty free dupe for Kiehls Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (which is not cruelty free). I keep this First Aid Beauty cream by my bed so I can give my hands mega-moisture at night. You know how some creams are either super greasy, or they smell good but they don’t make your skin feel hydrated? This is the opposite! It feels super-rich, but absorbs easily and leaves my skin feeling baby soft. The mango scent is light and not overwhelming. Colloidal oatmeal helps protect and calm irritated skin. My skin type is acne-prone and oily, so I mainly use this for my body, but normal to dry skin types will love using this on the face as well. Normally $34, this tub of magic is only $27.20 at eCosmetics! For those of you curious about First Aid Beauty’s cruelty free status, click here for more info. More

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      Best Cruelty Free Makeup To Wear With A Mask

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      Mask life is here and it doesn’t seem like it’s letting up anytime soon. At first, I was skipping makeup and living in lounge clothes but I’ve pulled it together and found that getting dressed for the day and putting on some makeup really helps me feel put together and to feel some normalcy during these weird times. But a full face of makeup just doesn’t always make sense these days, does it? 
      We’ve all heard of maskne (acne caused by wearing a mask), and maybe some of us (ahem, me) thought it wouldn’t happen and went full face anyways. Can you guess who was kicking themselves? Now that I’m older and a few months wiser (haha), I thought I would share which cruelty free makeup works best for keeping maskne at bay, and looking fab while wearing a mask out. 

      First things first, try to keep foundation type products light and only apply where needed. I’m in a cruelty free tinted moisturizer phase so my skin is able to breathe a bit more than days where more coverage is needed.
      My cruelty free favorites at the moment are Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 40 and CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream (not pictured). I love that the clean beauty Ilia Beauty option already has SPF built into it, along with hyaluronic acid in its formula to hydrate the skin. CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream is an awesome affordable option for a hydrating foundation that is water-based and breathable. CoverGirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk (vegan) is also a great option for those who have normal to dry skin (the formula features coconut oil which can be pore-clogging who those who are already acne-prone). We should note that keeping the skin hydrated can help reduce friction and irritation from masks. 
      Still worried about breakouts? Skip complexion products entirely underneath the mask and stick to a light moisturizer that has ceramides or hyaluronic acid to simply keep the skin hydrated.

      I still wear concealer under my eyes most days and choose fuller coverage or less coverage on a day to day basis. On light days, I really enjoy CoverGirl CleanFresh Hydrating Concealer when my undereye area only needs a little help. It does have buildable coverage (light to medium) but I typically use one layer with my Beauty Blender on “good days”. The CleanFresh option is vegan and produces a luminous finish which I enjoy. If you need more coverage, E.L.F’s Camo Concealer has become wildly popular for its ability to offer matte full coverage without caking, and it has several shade options to choose from.

      There is no need to use blush or highlighters when a mask covers half of your face, making your eyes the main focus when you are out and about. Leaping Bunny certified, Arches and Halos brow products can help shape and define brows on a budget with their family of products (and you can find them at Target!).
      I personally love the Angled Brow Shading Pencil because it allows me to do thin hair-like strokes as well as large shading with its angled tip. It has a spoolie, comes in 8 shades, and isn’t too hard or too soft making it my go-to brow product because of it’s ease. Pencil not your thing? They also have powder, pomades, and mousse available to fit your brow needs!

      Eyeshadows are a great way to pull focus on the eyes. Whether your style is bold and colorful, or soft and natural, it’s a fun way to still add an artistic touch to any look. I’ve enjoyed going fairly natural with shade selection and love the new ELF Cosmetics Bite Size Eye Shadow palettes ($3!) which include four coordinating shades with a mix of matte and shimmer shades. With a darker shade to work into the crease and a brightening shimmer shade to apply to in the inner corner of the eye, I create a no-fuss, eye-brightening look with the Cream & Sugar palette (pictured). 

      Lining my eyes gives my lashes a bit of a boost since they are quite short and need all the help they can get. A sure-fire favorite is Pixi Beauty Endless Silky Eyeliner, the Eye Define Waterline, and Eye Bright Liners. While it might seem a bit crazy to use three liners at one time, it truly makes my eyes pop. The Eye Bright Liner is a soft nude-pink that I use on the lower waterline to look “awake”. Eye Define Waterline liner is applied to my upper waterline and is a true game-changer for limp-lashed girls like me. I honestly don’t know why I haven’t been doing this forever, but better late than never! And the Endless Silky Eye Liner is what I apply to my actual lids. My favorite colors? RoseGlow or Black Cocoa in a very thin line.

      We can’t forget the lashes now! I have probably a dozen different mascaras in my vanity but always tend to reach for a select few more than others. CoverGirl’s Exhibitionist Mascara gives me some volume, but in a believable way and I love it. The formula doesn’t flake, the brush coats my lashes with ease, and also comes in a waterproof formula. And this is coming from someone who usually loathes a volume formula and will take a lengthening mascara 99.9% of the time — it’s really good! Want a true lengthening mascara? Take a chance on NYX Doll Eye Mascara which has fibers to let those lashes stretch without clumps!
      Lastly, I love wearing a pair of faux lashes but most days that’s too much work. But for those days when you want to glam things up, Lyda Beauty Synthetic Mink Lashes add a that extra wow factor you want. Soft and durable, these sets will last quite a few uses and look gorgeous on!

      What suggestions do you have for makeup days when you have to wear a mask? Share in the comment section below!
      Cruelty Free Mask Makeup Faves:
      Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 40
      CoverGirl CleanFresh Skin Milk Foundation
      CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream
      CoverGirl CleanFresh Hydrating Concealer
      E.L.F’s Camo Concealer
      Arches and Halos Angled Brow Shading Pencil 
      ELF Cosmetics Bite Size Eye Shadow
      Pixi Beauty Endless Silky Eye Liner
      Pixi Beauty Eye Define Waterline
      Pixi Beauty Eye Bright Liners
      CoverGirl’s Exhibitionist Mascara 
      NYX Doll Eye Mascara
      Lyda Beauty Synthetic Mink Lashes More

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      Best Budget Cruelty Free Brands at Target

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      Raise your hand if you’re addicted to shopping at Target? Yes, girl, ME TOO! And do you need to shop the beauty aisles every time you go — even though you only went there for cleaners and paper towels? ME TOO! I love that I have so many cruelty-free options to explore whether I’m shopping online or in-store. I think Target has done a great job at expanding its cruelty-free options and wanted to make sure all our readers knew all the great budget-friendly choices we have available to us!

      Pixi Beauty – I have sung the praises of this brand for just about forever! Pixi Beauty really can do no wrong in my eyes and I’ve tried just about every single line of skincare they put out there. I’ve got an almost embarrassing amount of their makeup in my vanity organizers and I’m pretty obsessed with their rose-infused line. But lately, I’ve turned into a total sucker for their Jasmine oil and Retinol Eye Cream. I enjoy using the antioxidant-rich Jasmine Oil in the evening as a final step in my skincare and the Retinol cream is working hard (but gently) to keep my eyes looking young.

      Milani – Milani carries just about everything you need cosmetics wise while delivering a luxurious feel but at WAY affordable prices — a combination I’m all for! If you’ve tried any of their blushes you would know what I’m talking about.  The rose powder blushes will always have a special place in my heart but I’ve been wearing their Baked Blush in “Luminoso” lately and it feels like the perfect Summer-y peach for my complexion. Peach not your thing? Their high pigment baked blush comes in lots of other colors to choose from. P.S it’s also vegan!

      Burt’s Bees – You really can’t go wrong with a basic set of Burt’s Bees lip balm. I mean, they’re just like chips — can’t have just one! Stash those balms everywhere! Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balms always apply so smooth and I love the peppermint scent — especially helpful when your lips feel super chapped and burned. Prefer a lip balm with a little color? Their Tinted Lip Balms are super pretty and give some subtle color.

      Honest Beauty – I love Jessica Alba and her Honest Beauty line! She created Honest Beauty when she couldn’t find products that worked well for her and her reactive skin so she sought out to make a clean beauty line that was simple, easy, and beautiful to use. I’ve watched some of her makeup tutorials and I always love how she does her eyes. The finishing touch? Her Extreme Length Mascara and Lash Primer makes a noticeable difference in lashes with its gripping primer and smooth, rich black mascara. I’m all about definition and this one is a winner!

      Pacifica – if there is one brand that will always catch my eye with it’s beautiful packaging its 100% vegan and cruelty-free Pacifica. There are almost too many favorites from Pacifica, but their wipes always get two thumbs up from me! The Moisture Rehab Makeup Removing Wipes in rose & coconut scent smell so good and are a great first step to removing the day’s makeup away for a clean slate at night time without drying out or irritating the skin.

      E.L.F – E.L.F has been one of those brands I’ve been buying from for ages! It was one of those brands where you could buy a TON of product to try things out and has blossomed into a more refined brand today. I’d even venture to say that some of their products rival some of the prestige brands out there. They always have good makeup brushes and this new set from their Retro Paradise Collection makes me have heart eyes for it. Can’t go wrong with a couple of face and eye brushes to create a full look!

      Bliss – The Bliss brand is cruelty-free, and carefully formulated to be free of over 1,300 harmful substances following the strict European Union standards for skincare. If I need a spa night, I know I can always reach for a Bliss spa-quality face mask to wind down the evening with. One of my favorites (and repeat purchases) is their Mighty Marshmallow Bright & Radiant Face Mask which goes on smooth and leaves my skin glowing, and their supercooling Mint Chip Mania Cooling & Soothing Face Mask. Trust me when I say these are bomb!

      NYX – Did you know that NYX started out at a professional-only brand? Lucky us that it finally trickled down to the mass consumer because their products are amazing and affordable all in one! I might have owned a drawer full of Butter Glosses over the years, but their Filler Instinct Plump Lip Color is getting some serious applause right now. This glossy lipstick is vegan and available in 6 semi-sheer shades.

      CoverGirl – It was so exciting to see when CoverGirl announced they were Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free because their mascaras are a staple in so many beauty bags! Want volume? Their LashBlast Volume formula is a favorite! Hate clumps and want definition? Go with their LashBlast Clump Crusher that has a silicone wand to define and separate with its all-in-one primer and mascara formula.

      Coloured Raine – Black-owned, cruelty-free beauty brand, Coloured Raine sits on our radar for having some gorgeous, pigmented products that don’t break the bank. Their vegan Matte Lip Paint can be precisely placed on with its doe foot applicator and comes in ten budge-proof shades.

      Derma E – If you’re looking for good skincare, Derma E has something for all skin types. Not only are they cruelty-free, but they also are 100% vegan and eco-conscious. Their Hydrating line that incorporates hyaluronic acid into all of its products is amazing. I love using the mist but their sulfate-free Hydrating Cleanser is a MUST have for my combo and sometimes sensitive skin!

      Undone Beauty – If minimalist makeup is your thing, then you’ll want to get acquainted with Undone beauty. Simple, straight-forward and ultra-wearable, Undone Beauty made sure to make vegan and cruelty-free products that remain affordable but with a luxurious touch to them. Their Lip to Cheek 3-in-1 Cream Tint and Warm Up 4-in-1 Radiance Bronzer give you multiple ways to create customizable looks with these compact palettes. You’ll love how these will fit in your bag and work for an on-the-go lifestyle. 
      Do you have a favorite cruelty-free brand that you purchase at Target? Share in the comments section below!
      Looking for cruelty free beauty brands sold on Amazon? Click here! More

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      iHerb Beauty Haul – All This for Under $100!

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      This post is sponsored by iHerb, a retailer I’ve been using for years. All opinions are mine – you know I keep it real!
      You guys know I love iHerb.com – I talk about them all the time. I have been buying a lot of my supplements and natural products there for years. I’ve also purchased beauty products from iHerb, but I didn’t realize until recently that they carry major beauty brands, the kind you’d find at the big chain beauty stores!
      I recently bought a Strivectin skin care product at a huge discount. In today’s cruelty free beauty haul, I’ll be sharing what I got with a $100 gift card from iHerb. There is something for every budget – they also carry cruelty free drugstore makeup brands like CoverGirl and ELF.
      Before we get to my reviews, just a reminder for my international friends that iHerb ships to over 150 countries! They also carry products from the U.S., Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, the UAE, etc. You can get your favorite K-beauty and J-beauty brands here too!
      Okay, so let’s get to the good stuff! I was given $100 to shop, and I got ten beauty items!
      Unite Boosta Volumizing Spray

      It’s been a while since I’ve tried Unite hair products, but I have really enjoyed them in the past, so I was excited when I spotted their Boosta Volumizing Spray at iHerb. I have long, wavy, fine hair, but I always feel like I need more volume at the roots. This product did exactly what I wanted it to! It gave me some volume without being heavy, crunchy or greasy. I tried it as an all-over spritz on damp hair too and found that it enhanced my curls and made them more defined (when used with my regular hair gel).
      Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

      I’m never going to stop raving about Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch hydrocolloid patches. You use them after you extract (pop) a zit, and they soak up all the gunk while protecting the wound. Sounds gross, but truly a holy grail for anyone dealing with acne. They are not treated with anything that would dry out your skin. They are just magical!
      Bulldog Shave Gel

      Bulldog is a British brand that is certified animal-testing-free by Leaping Bunny. My husband and I share this rich cruelty free shave gel. It’s made with camelina, green tea and aloe to soothe the skin and prevent razor bumps. It’s also Vegetarian Society approved.
      Grandpa’s Apple Cider Vinegar Body Wash

      I took a chance on this one. I have been loving vinegar for the oily skin on my face, and I thought this might help with my bacne (back acne). So far, I’d say Grandpa’s Apple Cider Vinegar Body Wash is a winner. It doesn’t smell bad like my DIY apple cider vinegar recipes do – it smells more like apple juice than vinegar. It leaves my skin feeling super clean and moisturized – not dried out. I can actually use it all over – even on the drier areas (like my legs). It is sulfate-free, artificial fragrance-free, paraben-free and gluten-free.
      Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer

      Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Taupe is one of my holy grails, so I was happy to try the Brow Definer that I found on iHerb. It’s got a triangular tip so you can shade or draw individual hairs. And there’s a spoolie on the other end to groom hairs into place. In my opinion both products are great – it’s just a matter of the style you’re more comfortable with.
      Sierra Bees Organic Lip Balm

      Sierra Bees is an iHerb-exclusive brand, and I was thrilled to get a pack of four for $4! I got Mint Burst, but there are tons of flavors to choose from (I was torn between mint and creme brulee). The lip balms are smooth and non-greasy. They’re made with sustainably-sourced beeswax, olive oil, sunflower oil and Vitamin E. They are certified USDA organic and GMO-free.
      Auromere Ayurvedic Mouthwash

      I discovered Auromere Ayurvedic Mouthwash at iHerb a while back, and I’ve been buying it ever since. It’s alcohol-free so it doesn’t burn. It has a ton of Ayurvedic plant extracts (neem, peelu, and many more) that clean your mouth and nourish your gums. It has a licorice/herbal taste that may take some getting used to, but I love it. My mouth feels much cleaner and healthier with this brand, and I notice that my gums don’t bleed when I use it (even when I forget to floss some days – eek!).
      Hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste

      Since we’re talking about oral health, coconut oil and tea tree are also great ingredients for a healthy mouth and gums. I found these in Hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste. It whitens naturally and contains no artificial sweeteners, dyes, SLS, preservatives, etc. Hello products are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free and vegan. It has a nice minty feel but is not overpowering.
      Indigo Wild – Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soap

      I tried Indigo Wild’s Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soap recently and I loved it so much, I had to stock up at iHerb! I tried the Lavender-Mint scent, and it’s SO nice on a hot summer day! There are a lot of natural soaps that don’t lather, and I just need some lather in my life. Thankfully Zum Bar lathers very nicely without SLS! It’s a natural soap, made with 100% food grade olive, coconut, palm & castor oils, in a goat’s milk base, with pure essential oils and mineral pigments.
      Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion

      And last, but certainly not least, I picked up a refill of one of my favorite hand and body lotions. Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion in Refreshing Lemon is the perfect consistency – not too heavy or too light. And the scent is DIVINE – it’s like sugared lemons. It’s cruelty-free and vegan, and GMO-free.
      So all of that for under $100 is not bad at all! I am so impressed with how many amazing cruelty-free products iHerb carries – high-end and budget. You can find everything you need there – go check them out! More

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      Physicians Formula is No Longer Cruelty Free

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      Physicians Formula is Selling in China Well, today is a sad day for me. I have to share the bad news that Physicians Formula is no longer cruelty free. I have been a huge supporter of the brand for years, and likewise, they have been a supporter of My Beauty Bunny. Physicians Formula has been […] More