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    List of Cruelty Free Makeup Brands: Why Buying Cruelty Free Matters

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    Hi, bunnies! I’ve done a lot of beauty reviews lately, but not enough refreshers on which BRANDS are cruelty free. Whether you’re a long-time ethical shopper or you’re new to the world of cruelty free makeup brands, look no further! In this blog post, I will share the best cruelty free makeup brands on the market. I know it’s subjective, but I tried to include a range from budget to prestige pricing. For my full list of cruelty free makeup brands, click here!

    Why is it Important to Buy Cruelty Free Makeup?

    The answer is simple: because animals shouldn’t have to suffer for our beauty products. By buying from cruelty free beauty brands, you are ensuring that no animals were hurt in the making of your cosmetics. That includes animal testing by ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, and governmental agencies. It gets a bit complicated, so click here to read about the latest with the European Union’s animal testing laws and China’s animal testing laws.

    Without further ado, here are my top picks for cruelty free makeup brands!

    Cruelty Free Drugstore Makeup Brands:

    NYX Professional Makeup – A cruelty free makeup brand since 1999, NYX is a popular choice for quality makeup at an affordable price. NYX is one of my all-time favorite budget makeup brands!

    Physicians Formula – Physicians Formula is a cruelty free makeup brand that offers a wide range of products, like their famous scented Butter Bronzer. Their products are high quality and reasonably priced, making them a great option for those on a budget.

    e.l.f. Cosmetics – A low-cost, cruelty-free brand that offers high-quality products. e.l.f. is a cruelty free and vegan-friendly makeup brand that offers a wide range of products for eyes, lips, and face.

    ColourPop – an affordable, cruelty free makeup brand that is known for its vibrant eyeshadows and lipsticks.

    Wet n Wild – Wet n Wild is another affordable cruelty free makeup brand that has a great selection of products, from foundation to lipstick. You can find them at almost every drugstore!

    Milani Cosmetics – Milani is a luxury cruelty free makeup brand that offers high-quality products ranging from concealer to eyeshadow palettes. Definitely check out their gorgeous blushes.

    BH Cosmetics – BH Cosmetics is a cruelty free brand that offers an affordable selection of high-quality products, from eyeshadow palettes to lipsticks.

    Pacifica Beauty – Pacifica is a cruelty free and vegan makeup brand with a range of products, from perfumes to blush and mascara.

    The Body Shop – The Body Shop was one of the first beauty brands to go cruelty free! They are a much-loved brand with a commitment to being environmentally friendly.

    Lush – This handmade cosmetic company is strictly against animal testing, and all of its products are vegetarian (95% are vegan).

    EcoTools – If you’re looking for cruelty free (synthetic) makeup brushes, EcoTools is the brand for you! All of their brushes are made from sustainable materials, and they never test on animals.

    Cruelty Free Prestige Makeup Brands:

    Urban Decay – A leader in cruelty free cosmetics, Urban Decay started creating fun, edgy makeup products in the 1990s.

    Tarte Cosmetics – Tarte is a cruelty free makeup brand that is known for its eyeshadows, foundations, and blushes. I’m a huge fan of Tarte’s eyeshadow palettes!

    Too Faced – This brand is cruelty free, and has lots of fun, colorful makeup choices. Like many of these listed, Too Faced is not 100% vegan, but has a wide range of vegan products available.

    bareMinerals – bareMinerals is a cruelty free, clean, and vegan-friendly makeup brand, best known for their mineral-based foundation, that offers a wide range of products, from primer to blush.

    Charlotte Tilbury – a high-end, cruelty free, celebrity makeup artist brand with a range of products, from foundation to eyeshadow to the cult-favorite Pillow Talk lipstick.

    Hourglass Cosmetics – A luxury cruelty free brand that offers high-quality products, such as eyeshadow palettes and blush. They are well-known for their highlighter palettes and makeup primer.

    As you can see, there are plenty of cruelty free makeup brands to choose from! Butl there are so many more! Click here to see a regularly updated, comprehensive list of cruelty free makeup brands.

    Why Buy Cruelty Free?

    As we mentioned before, buying cruelty free is important because it ensures that no animals were harmed in the making of your cosmetics. In today’s day and age, there is no excuse for animal testing – especially when there are so many amazing cruelty free brands to choose from! Not to mention, by supporting cruelty free brands, you are helping to create a more humane world for all. So next time you’re shopping for makeup, be sure to keep these cruelty free brands in mind.

    If you have any favorite cruelty free makeup brands that we didn’t mention, let us know in the comments below! We’re always on the lookout for new and exciting brands to try out. And remember, when it comes to cruelty free cosmetics, every purchase counts! Thank you for supporting cruelty free products and helping to make a difference for animals. Together, we can make the world a better place – one lipstick at a time. 😉 More

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      Breaking News: The EU is Allowing Animal Testing in 2021

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      Is animal testing allowed in the EU in 2021?

      I’ve got some bad news guys. We already knew the EU animal testing ban wasn’t a complete ban. Many cosmetic ingredients have been tested at the chemical level under REACH laws, overriding animal testing laws. It has recently been brought to my attention that the situation is a lot worse than we originally thought. So basically, many cruelty free beauty brands (in the EU, US, and beyond) are not actually cruelty free, and the brands may not even know it.

      I’ve been discussing this with Jean of Bunny Army. She is on the front lines investigating animal testing laws. She is the lead author of the peer-reviewed paper explaining the animal testing that has been hidden from us. This is her summary of what is going on:

      Animal testing in the EU – 2021

      What’s happening?  Cosmetic ingredients in the EU are being tested on animals under the EU chemicals law, called REACH, even though a different law, the Cosmetic Regulation, bans animal testing of cosmetic ingredients. 

      Why is it happening? The Cosmetic Regulation has loopholes. The EU agency that enforces REACH says these loopholes require animal testing of cosmetic ingredients for ecotoxicity and for worker safety. The agency maintains that the Cosmetic Regulation ban applies only to tests for consumer safety.

      Why am I just hearing about this now? The testing is buried in the REACH chemical files. Official EU reports on animal testing list the tests only as “industrial chemicals legislation” tests. There has been no public reporting of these as tests on cosmetic ingredients. An analysis of REACH dossiers, just published*, revealed the extent of the REACH testing on cosmetic ingredients.

      How bad is it? A survey of products at two EU retailers, one high-end and one mass-market, found over 400 cosmetics that likely had ingredients tested on animals. The products included hair care, skin care, and makeup products. The brands probably do not know about the tests, because there is no current process in the EU to tell them.

      Can this be fixed? Yes. It must be fixed by the European Commission/Parliament, by amending REACH and the Cosmetic Regulation to ban animal testing of cosmetic ingredients for any purpose.

      A coalition of EU animal welfare groups will be launching a large campaign very soon. You can also write your cruelty-free brands to show your support for them and ask them to share any updates on social media so that we can all keep informed.

      You can visit Bunny Army for more info on this issue.

      *Continuing animal tests of cosmetic ingredients under REACH.

      Leaping Bunny Statement

      Here is Leaping Bunny’s public statement on the issue:

      “We appreciate the research and analysis that went into this report and we fully support demands in the EU, from both industry and animal protection groups, for upholding the testing ban on cosmetics. The requirements for animal testing on cosmetic ingredients under REACH are clearly counter to the intent of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, and they represent a serious betrayal of consumers and citizens.  Consumers in the US and Canada can be confident that Leaping Bunny certified companies are very much dedicated to making products free of animal testing. They submit to a careful and thorough vetting process to ensure compliance with our Standard, and we will continue to work with certified companies in the US and Canada to help them remain cruelty-free in this challenging environment.”

      My thoughts about moving forward

      Instead of going after individual companies, we really need to ban together as a community and get the lawmakers to change the laws that are mandating animal tests. Many brands have NO IDEA that the ingredients they are purchasing are being tested on animals.

      The ingredients are part of the global supply chain, so this is not just an EU issue. Many large brands are sold globally, and many brands from the US and other non-EU countries are purchasing ingredients from EU companies. For example, there are a small number of fragrance and flavoring companies that almost every cosmetic company (and food company!) purchases essential oils and aroma chemicals from (Symrise, Firmenich, Givaudin, etc). These companies WANT to remain cruelty free but are at the mercy of the lawmakers.

      I think it’s important to note that we don’t need to create hate for any particular country (China, EU, etc) or its citizens. We just need to change the laws. Side note: You can read more about Chinese animal testing laws here. The article explains why post-market animal testing in China is no longer a major concern – only pre-market testing.

      And (you might ask), how do we maintain that chemicals are SAFE for ourselves and our environment? There are alternatives to most animal tests. Animal tests are often cheaper (less training, tech, and manpower needed), but they are not ethical.

      As mentioned above, a coalition of EU animal welfare groups will be launching a large campaign very soon. As soon as this happens, I will let you know, so please stay tuned. And (nicely) let your favorite cruelty free brands know about this, and ask them to keep us informed.

      You can also share this image on social media with a link to this page to spread the word: More

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      The Best Cruelty Free Korean Skincare Brands For 2021

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      The Best Cruelty Free Korean Skincare Brands For 2021

      Korean skincare has been all the rage these past few years. In fact, the Korean beauty market is among the top 10 around the world. With the rising surge of Kdrama and Kpop, many people have started to notice the porcelain-like glass skin of Korean actors and singers. While it may have a lot to do with professional makeup artists and lightning, skincare also plays a major role. As a result, the demand for Korean skincare products has skyrocketed.

      If you’re looking for a Korean skincare brand that is effective as well as cruelty free, there are so many good options out there in the market that can help you achieve smooth and glowing skin. We contacted each brand and asked our standard cruelty free questions (you can see more here). Here are my faves!

      KraveBeauty

      KraveBeauty is a popular Korean skincare brand that is also vegan and cruelty free. This brand focuses on creating simple innovative products that are easy to use, without causing any confusion. Their goal is to challenge the fast-paced beauty industry in order to help people slow down and reset their mindset towards skincare.

      Glow Recipe

      You might have seen Glow Recipe products before in Sephora. They are the ones with brightly colored packaging that are too cute to resist! This Korean skincare brand is full of natural ingredients that make your skin soft and glowy. On top of that, their products are all Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free. What more could you ask for?

      Peach & Lily

      Peach & Lily has a wide variety of skincare products containing formulas that deliver effective results with no harsh chemicals, dyes, alcohol, parabens or sulfates. One of the most popular skincare brands in Korea, their mission is to transform your skin with products that are affordable and cruelty free. The brand is Leaping Bunny certified.

      Dear, Klairs

      Dear Klairs‘ brand philosophy is using no harsh ingredients, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Their products are simple and soothing for irritated skin that will ultimately improve the health and elasticity of the skin. They value the beauty of the environment and of course, they are cruelty free. Many of their products are also vegan.

      Then I Met You

      Then I Met You is an environmentally conscious brand as their products are all vegan and cruelty free in addition to having recyclable packaging. Then I Met You is rooted in Jeong, a Korean concept about a deep and emotional connection filled with empathy and affection one can develop for other people, places, and things. Their goal is to deliver products that will deeply affect our skin in a positive way. They use clean and natural formulations that are free of artificial colorants, parabens, silicones, and alcohol.

      Kaja

      Kaja is a Korean skincare and makeup brand that features innovative products for all skin types and tones in adorable packages. Kaja, meaning “let’s go”, is the first co-developed k-beauty brand with Sephora, so it is easily accessible all around the world. Their products are also cruelty free.

      Dana Bazerbachi is a Korean Skincare freelance writer. She loves everything about Korean culture and is passionate about introducing people to Korean skincare. She also enjoys reading, trying out new skincare products, and watching way too many K-dramas. You can find her on LinkedIn, Instagram, or visit her website. More

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      Clean Beauty Destination: Vert Beauty Haul

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      This post is sponsored by clean beauty boutique, Vert Beauty, but all opinions are 100% mine. You know I keep it real with you guys!

      Hi, Bunnies! If you haven’t heard of Vert Beauty yet, let me go right ahead and get it on your radar. It’s an adorable Denver-based boutique and online store for clean and cruelty free beauty products. Vert Beauty was started by makeup artist, Amanda Hume, and grown out of her love to make people look and feel beautiful.

      The online store carries many clean skincare and makeup brands you know and love, like Aether Beauty, Herbivore Botanicals, Indie Lee, Kosas, Tata Harper, and Vintner’s Daughter.

      Grow to Glow

      Vert Beauty also has a rewards points program called Grow to Glow where you can earn up to $100 off. Today they are giving 200 points for new sign-ups! You’ll be well on your way to earning your first $10 discount. You can sign up here.

      I tried some cruelty free beauty products from Vert Beauty and I definitely found some winners! Here’s what I loved:

      Indie Lee Blemish Lotion

      Let me be very honest here. I thought the “pink acne drying lotion” was an old-school thing. I tried the Mario Badescu version many years ago, and I don’t remember having much luck with it. I have been breaking out like CRAZY lately and decided to give the Indie Lee drying lotion a try. I’m so glad I did!

      It’s KIND of like the Mario Badescu one you may have tried (they both contain camphor, zinc oxide, sulfur, and salicylic acid), but the Indie Lee Blemish Lotion is made without calamine and it’s talc-free. It also has magnesium and clay in the mix.

      All I can say is that this stuff REALLY helped as an overnight treatment for my oily spots and acne. It’s great (and probably mainly intended for) acne that is on the verge of erupting and has come pretty close to the surface of the skin. It also seemed to calm some of my deeper, underground zits, and some of them actually disappeared and never became massive monsters on my face!

      It’s obviously meant to dry the skin, so should only be used as a spot treatment. And if you notice too much drying, back off on how often you use it. Make sure you DON’T shake it up. Leave it on your counter and you’ll notice the ingredients will separate – that’s what you want! Dip a q-tip into the pink part of the product and dab onto your skin. Leave it on overnight or for at least two hours, so it can do its thing.

      ILIA Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment

      I’m so over those complicated, precise, or uncomfortable makeup trends! Give me easy-to-wear, multi-tasking products any day of the week. ILIA Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment is easy to wear and perfect for cheeks and lips.

      It does contain coconut oil, which may not be great for super acne-prone skin like mine, so I mainly use this on my lips. But it’s sheer and buildable, and I can apply it with my fingertip. There’s no need for lip liner and although it has a matte finish, it’s super hydrating so it doesn’t make my lips chapped and dry.

      I have yellow undertones so I love warm, reddish orange lipstick shades. The color I picked, called Stutter, is beautiful – just sheer enough to look like a natural red when I put it on – not a clownish orange. There are some other shades I really want to try next, like Temptation (coral pink) and Waking Up (warm nude).

      Milk + Honey Eucalyptus Lavender Body Cream

      This is my second bottle of Milk + Honey body cream. I bought it a while back because I love the look of the apothecary-style bottle (and I love that it comes with a pump).

      This time, I got the Eucalyptus Lavender scent and I think it’s my fave! It smells so soothing and spa-like. I put it on my hands and arms right before bed and it’s just wonderful.

      It’s not greasy at all, but just heavy enough to be moisturizing. There are some heavily scented creams that actually feel like they take moisture OUT of my skin. This is NOT that kind of cream! It’s made with natural ingredients – not artificial perfumes. It has organic aloe juice, shea butter and coconut oil to hydrate dry skin.

      This is a bit pricy in my opinion ($38), but it’s a luxury that I keep at my bed side and use only at night so it lasts a long time. I love the look of the bottle on my night stand and I love that the ingredients are good for my body.

      Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control

      And last but not least, I tried Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control from Vert Beauty. I had heard of the brand but never tried anything. There aren’t that many natural hair care brands that stay away from heavy fragrances and other additives, so that really appealed to me.

      The Innersense Curl Control is filled with organic, plant-based ingredients. It has a lovely natural, slightly earthy scent. It hydrates without weighing my hair down. There are some products that I put only on my hair’s ends, but I can use this all over.

      I wasn’t sure if this would have hold like a cream-gel, but it seems like it doesn’t (not much if any). I still need to use gel to get my hair to stay curly. My hair is wavy though, so for someone with tighter curls, this may be all that’s needed. I am intrigued and I definitely want to try more products from this brand!

      If you’re thinking of trying something that Vert Beauty carries, I definitely recommend signing up today (even if you don’t purchase anything) so you can get those extra points! Vert Beauty’s rewards points program, Grow to Glow, lets you earn up to $100 off. Today they are giving 200 points for new sign-ups! You can sign up here. They’re also going to be doing a special promo in June – I’ll share more info about that soon. More

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      Which Brands are Cruelty Free at SkinStore? Plus a Haul!

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      If you’re familiar with SkinStore, you probably know them as the place to find great skincare. But, did you know they have makeup too? I was surprised to see it! SkinStore let me pick out some items to share with you, and I noticed they carry high-end, clean makeup like RMS, REN, Vapour Beauty and Inika, as well as more affordable makeup brands like Eyeko, Pixi Beauty and Revolution Beauty.

      Before I go into the reviews, are you wondering which cruelty free brands are at SkinStore? This is not an exhaustive list (there are so many) but these are some of the more popular ones and some of my faves. You can see a complete list of all the brands they carry here. You can use my code BEAUTYBUNNY for 25% off your purchase at SkinStore.com (some brand exclusions apply).

      Cruelty Free Brands at SkinStore:

      AesopAHAVABeauty BlenderChantecailleCosMedixColorescienceDaily ConceptsDECIEMDERMAdoctorDermalogicaDr. HauschkaElemisEyekoFirst Aid BeautyGrande CosmeticsIlike Organic SkincareINIKA OrganicJan MariniJuice BeautyKORRESKevyn AucoinMuradNUDESTIXNCLAPerricone MDPaula’s ChoicePixi BeautyRevolution BeautyRMS BeautySkin AuthoritySkyn IcelandSigmaStila CosmeticsStriVectinSukiSunday RileyThe BalmTrilogyVapourAnd many more!

      SkinStore Cruelty Free Beauty Product Reviews

      Okay let’s get on to the reviews, shall we? I got a refill of one of my holy grail skincare items, and I picked out some cruelty free makeup goodies that I thought you guys would love.

      StriVectin Tighten & Lift Peptight

      Okay, let’s start with skincare! SkinStore has SO many great brands. I got a refill of my favorite face serum (that I use as a day and night cream), StriVectin Tighten & Lift Peptight. I was originally gifted this amazing face serum by the brand, and I posted a before and after here. I’ve continued to purchase it because it’s really amazing.

      Peptight brightens and tightens the skin with peptides, Vitamin C-rich kakadu plum, ginger, licorice root, and a long list of other great skincare ingredients. I’ve definitely noticed my acne scars lightening as long as I’m consistent with this product. It also moisturizes nicely (it’s fairly thick – not like a typical thin serum) and doesn’t cause me to break out (which is a huge deal for me)! They also make a nice eye serum.

      Vapour Beauty Lipstick – Chere

      Let’s talk makeup! As I mentioned, SkinStore surprised me with the number of makeup brands they carry. I got Vapour Beauty’s cruelty free lipstick in Chere and I was not disappointed! This is a higher-end, clean beauty line, and the price tag is a bit on the higher side ($30). But, the quality is SO good, and I love that they use a lot of plant-based, organic, hydrating ingredients. The formula is highly pigmented, wears well, and feels good on the lips. The shade called Chere is sort of a peachy-mauve, and I am loving it! I don’t wear lipstick every day, so, for me, they last a very long time and the investment is worth it.

      Grande Cosmetics Plumping Lipstick – Dulce de Leche

      I picked out the Grande Cosmetics Plumping Lipstick in Dulce de Leche because it looked like an easy to wear lipstick that has the added benefits of a lip plumper. The website pics made it look more orange/coral and less brown. Maybe it’s my skin tone but it appears more brown on me. There are a couple of shades that I think would look better on me, but I do love the formula.

      It DOES sting a tiny bit when you put it on, but that is mostly hidden by the pepperminty feeling. I am uber-sensitive and my lips are usually dry, which makes them even more sensitive. So I did notice a tingle, but it wasn’t bad at all and went away quickly. The swatch pic above looks matte, but it looked glossy on my lips and it felt very hydrating. I love that it has Tripeptide-38 which repairs and plumps skin, and has the potential for long-term skin benefits. I would definitely purchase another shade from this line.

      INIKA Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Duo – Black Sand

      I tried the INIKA Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Duo in Black Sand. I swatched them for you in the shade and in direct sunlight so you can see how the color changes in the light. I thought this would be a great little eyeshadow palette to do a quick all-over shimmer (up to the crease) and then to use the black/charcoal shade as a smoked-out eyeliner. For 2021, I’m going with quick and EASY when it comes to makeup! You could also use the black as a lid shade and put the shimmer in the middle or below the brow as a highlight. I love that this formula is mineral-based.

      Revolution Beauty Colour Book Eyeshadow Palette CB04

      I am such a fan of purples, mauves, and pinks. I could NOT resist picking up the Revolution Beauty Colour Book Eyeshadow Palette CB04. It’s a budget-friendly line (this giant palette is only $20). I did notice a lot of fall-out, but the pigmentation is great. I LOVE that there is a matte shade to match each shimmer shade! And there are SO many colors – a really great color story and range. I think some of the colors are pretty similar to each other, and maybe unnecessary. But that does allow you to create a perfect gradient if you have the patience to do so! The colors are just gorgeous and fun to work with. It seems like warm, earth tones have been all the rage for a long time now, so I was pretty excited to find this one!

      See something you like? Use code BEAUTYBUNNY for 25% off your purchase at SkinStore.com! (Some brand exclusions apply.) More

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      StudioMakeup Serum, Primer and Foundation Swatches, PLUS a Giveaway!

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      STUDIOMAKEUP recently sent me a full set of their Flawless Skin Foundation, Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Serum, and Silk Hydration Face Primer to try out. You guys know I’m always looking for products that will make my skin look great, so I was excited to try them!
      All of the STUDIOMAKEUP products are cruelty free. They are not tested on animals, the ingredients are not tested on animals and they are not sold in China. The hyaluronic acid line discussed here is vegan, with the exception of the primer.

      Let’s start with the STUDIOMAKEUP Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Serum. It’s important to start with clean, hydrated skin before you apply foundation. This is a simple formula with one main, hydrating ingredient that works on all skin types: hyaluronic acid. I appreciate the small number of ingredients in this oil-free product because I have sensitive, acne-prone skin that reacts to SO many things! Whether you have dry, normal, or oily skin, this is a great hydrating serum that you can use alone or layered under heavier creams. It made my skin feel soft and clean – no heaviness or greasiness whatsoever.

      After hydrating your skin and adding your sunscreen, you can apply the STUDIOMAKEUP Silk Hydration Face Primer. It’s a lightweight silicone-free primer that helped to fill in some of my larger pores for a smooth look under foundation. Most primers contain silicone, but for those who avoid it, this is a great alternative. It pairs perfectly with the Flawless Skin Foundation. This one is cruelty free, but not vegan (contains some enzymes from eggs).

      STUDIOMAKEUP’s Flawless Skin Foundation is a lightweight foundation that comes in 10 shades. It’s a thin formula that you need to shake before using. Normally I don’t love thinner formulas because I have large pores that need filling and acne scars to cover. However, I found that pairing this with the primer solved the pore issue. And I was able to layer it for medium coverage. I found that “Oat Soft” was my closest skin tone match. It gave me a nice “no makeup, just clean skin look”, which is what I am always going for! It doesn’t contain any ingredients that trigger acne for me (yay!), and it has hyaluronic acid for lightweight, oil-free hydration. Unlike the primer, it does contain dimethicone.
      Want to win these products for yourself? You could win your choice of shade of Flawless Skin Foundation, Silk Hydration Face Primer and Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Serum ($105 value)! Just visit this post on Instagram and follow the directions. Super easy to enter! More

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      #StyleYourMask Beauty, Style and Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

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      I’ve got a really sweet giveaway for you guys! It’s the perfect 2020 haul – makeup, skincare, mask, mask chain, and a $50 Amazon gift card! Keep reading to find out more.

      There is so much misinformation about the coronavirus out there. Let’s hear it straight from the doctors on the front line. The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds & Flu by pulmonologist, Dr. Neil Schachter, MD, is being updated in January to include info on COVID-19. This book has a lot of great tips about protecting yourself and treating colds and flu. For example, maybe this seems obvious now in the COVID-19 era but he says to never borrow a pen during cold and flu season. Bring your own pen to sign receipts or to check in at your doctor’s office. I’m totally on board with that now! There’s also some great advice on home remedies and pharmaceuticals.
      The good doctor himself has decided to donate ALL of the proceeds from this book to patient advocacy organizations to help keep us safe! Dr. Schachter is sponsoring today’s giveaway to encourage more people to wear those masks!
      So let’s talk about masks. I’ll be the first to admit – I do NOT look cool in a mask! LOL! The only good thing is the masks cover up most of my acne. You guys are complaining about maskne, but I’ve been dealing with that stuff since puberty! Welcome to the club!
      I am definitely going to need to keep wearing masks for the rest of the year and probably most of 2021. I have preexisting conditions that put me at high-risk for COVID-19 (POTS which causes shortness of breath – and thyroid cancer). So if I have to go to a store, I am masking it up. BUT, I have found some ways to make masks more fashionable and a lot easier to wear.

      I have recently started wearing my blogger friend Lara’s mask chains. You may know her as @prettyconnected on Instagram. Her mask chains are all the rage right now and loved by celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker (the queen of fashion herself!).
      In these pics I’m wearing the short Mermaid Mini chain along with the leopard print Simple Satch mask that I was sent for this giveaway, but I just bought the long version of the mermaid chain too.

      They are SO CUTE you guys! And so useful – when you’re not wearing the mask, it’s ready and waiting around your neck, and when you are wearing it, the chain loops give you a little extra style! There are lots of styles to choose from – and they can be worn by men or women.

      When I’m wearing a mask, I try to play up my eyes a bit more, since that’s pretty much all you see. Those that follow me know I love Glo Skin Beauty. I’ve been using their cruelty free mineral makeup and skincare, and they have a lot of really great products.

      For this post, I’m wearing their Cool Smokey Eye Kit. It comes with a full-sized cool smokey shadow quad and a full-sized Cream Stay Shadow Stick in Orbit (matte charcoal). There’s also a warm version of this set. The products are mineral-based, clean and talc-free. The shadows are highly pigmented and very easy to blend.

      I also love their skincare – especially the exfoliating AHA products. For this giveaway, I’ll be including the Smokey Eye Kit ($40) AND the Retinol Plus C Smoothing Peel in a Box ($75)! If you can’t go to a spa or dermatologist right now, this is a great at-home, professional-level kit for glowing skin.
      But that’s not all folks! In addition to the Pretty Connected mask chain, Simple Satch mask, Glo smokey eye kit and Retinol + C skincare set, I’m also including a $50 Amazon gift card! We could all use some holiday cheer right now, am I right?
      To enter, wait for the Rafflecopter widget to load below. You must be 18 or older, US only. We are not responsible for prizes lost in the mail. Giveaway ends December 21st at 12 am PST. The winner will be contacted via email.
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      in Beauty

      Cruelty Free Holiday Gift Guide 2020

      by

      Some products in this cruelty-free holiday gift guide for 2020 were gifted and some were purchased by me!
      If you’re looking for cruelty-free beauty ideas for the holidays this year, I have got you covered! I put together my gift idea list with a focus on affordability and quality. Nothing is over $100 and most items are under $50. Whether you’re looking for skincare, makeup, bath & body, or hair products, I’ve got some ideas for you!
      Please note that some of these prices may change after Black Friday/Cyber Monday – click the links to see current pricing. I’ll also be adding to this gift guide as I receive more amazing cruelty-free holiday sets this season! They are still coming in but I wanted to get this guide out so you can start shopping. 🙂
      Cruelty Free Skincare Gift Sets
      BioClarity Bye Bye Blemish Bundle ($88.95 at BioClarity)

      The BioClarity Bye Bye Blemish bundle is an amazing deal for any skincare lover in your life, but especially those (like me) who deal with acne (or maskne if they are complaining about that unwanted side effect of wearing a mask)! For $88.95, you get a cleanser, body wash, serum, clay mask, acne treatment gel, and silicone cleansing brush (with 5 speeds for a deep clean). And of course, you get the green gel, BioClarity’s signature product made with Floralux, a blend made from chlorophyll, copper, and antioxidants, which helps to soothe skin, reduce the appearance of redness, and battle breakouts. This is a $148 value! All of BioClarity’s products are vegan, cruelty-free and nontoxic. Use my code BUNNY15 for 15% off!

      Bulldog Expert Skincare Set (21.87 at Amazon)
      This one is for the guys! The Bulldog Expert Skincare Set comes with shave gel, face wash, face scrub, and moisturizer. My husband loves this cruelty-free men’s skincare brand! Gregg doesn’t know it yet, but this set is going to be under the tree for him this year. Shhhh! There’s no reason women can’t use these products as well, so you can also stock up for the whole family and save! The products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of artificial colors and fragrances.

      First Aid Beauty Skin Superstars ($49 at Ulta)
      If you’re buying a gift for someone who lives in a cold or dry climate, or deals with sensitive or dry skin, the First Aid Beauty Skin Superstars set is going to be very warmly welcomed! The kit comes with First Aid Beauty’s bestsellers: Pure Skin Face Cleanser, Facial Radiance Pads, Ultra Repair Cream (my favorite – it’s a great cruelty-free dupe for Kiehl’s hand cream but can also be used for the face), Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer, and Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask. If you’re wondering about First Aid Beauty’s cruelty-free status, check this article.
      Drunk Elephant Firmy The Day Kit ($88 at Sephora)

      Who doesn’t love Drunk Elephant? They are a very popular cruelty-free skincare brand – just check Instagram and you’ll see all the love they get! The Drunk Elephant Firmy The Day Kit is great for all skin types. It comes with a full-sized C-Firma Day Serum and deluxe travel sizes of the D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, B Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, Protini Polypeptide Cream, Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30. You also get a hot pink compact mirror. The kit has a $127 value and the C-Firma alone is normally $80, so this is a great deal.
      Cruelty Free Makeup Gift Ideas
      NYX Diamonds & Ice, Please! 16 Pan Mega Shadow Palette (currently $12 at Ulta)

      NYX is probably my favorite drugstore makeup brand. High quality for a great price. Their new NYX Diamonds & Ice, Please! 16 Pan Mega Shadow Palette is sure to please any makeup fanatic on your list. The limited-edition holiday palette has 16 shades including mattes, shimmers, and glitters. These eyeshadows are highly pigmented and very blendable. The palette is cruelty-free and vegan. The regular price is $20 but it’s currently $12 at Ulta.
      NYX Shout Loud FX Lipstick ($9 at Ulta)

      Since we’re talking about the NYX Diamonds & Ice Please collection, you need to see these lipsticks! The Shout Loud FX Lipsticks ($9 at Ulta) are creamy and highly pigmented. The shimmer is actually an overspray, so they aren’t glittery, but they look beautiful and are fun to photograph! I’m always a sucker for cool-toned mauves, so I bought Royal Clapback directly from the NYX website (because that shade is currently not on the Ulta site) and I am in love!
      Milani Gilded Eyeshadow Palette ($14.99 at Target)

      I love this neutral palette so much, I bought it online, and then forgot and ALMOST bought it again when I saw it in-person at Target! The Milani Gilded Eyeshadow Palette is on the warmer side, but some of the shades are in the peachy-pink range, instead of only in the orange and brick range, which is what I’m seeing a lot lately. There are 15 shades including 10 mattes (I love when palettes include lots of mattes!), 4 soft metallics and 1 shimmer. This is a very wearable cruelty-free eyeshadow palette and the price is right.
      Too Faced Holiday Gift Sets ($36 – 49 at Too Faced, Ulta and Sephora)

      Too Faced always comes out with the cutest gift sets around holiday time! There are several to choose from – with eyeshadow palettes, blush/highlighter, and mascara. The Enchanted Wonderland set ($49) is especially cool because you can gift the whole set, or take them apart (there are three palettes) and gift each one individually!
      Physicians Formula Rose All Play palette ($21.49 at Target)

      This Physicians Formula mauve, rose and wine-colored eyeshadow palette comes with 12 shades that are packed with hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients like goji berry, rose extract, and kakadu plum. You can find Rose All Play at Target for $21.49. If you’re wondering about Physicians Formula’s cruelty free status, check here!
      Arches & Halos Ultimate Brow Hero Kit ($49.99 at Target)

      I had been hearing a lot of good things about this brand, so I was excited to try the Arches & Halos Ultimate Brow Hero Kit. This vegan, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free kit has every brow product you could possibly want! It comes with an Angled Brow Shading Pencil, Micro Defining Brow Pencil, Duo Luxury Brow Powder, Water Resistant Microfiber Brow Mousse, Natural Hold Gel, Dual Ended Blending Brush, and Surgical Stainless Steel Eyebrow Tweezers. It comes in Light, Medium, and Dark.
      Jouer Paris Lights Holiday Collection

      Jouer has a lot of beautiful cruelty-free holiday gift options this year. These are quality makeup goodies and all under thirty bucks! Check out the Best of Nudes Mini Lip Set ($28 at Sephora), Paris Lights Powder Highlighter & Lip Oil Set ($25 at Beautylish), and Best of Metallics Part Deux Deluxe Lip Crème Set ($28 at Jouer). If you want to see how the metallic lippies look on, my friend and fellow cruelty-free blogger, Phyrra, has a great try-on review.
      The Balm Schwing Trio Liquid Eyeliner Set ($14.50 at The Balm)

      Everything from The Balm is cute and SO giftable! The limited-edition holiday Schwing Trio liquid eyeliner set has two new colors – Sapphire Blue and 14K Gold. They are both so pretty and perfect for holiday makeup looks – even if they are just for Zoom parties! The formula is long-wearing and flake-proof.
      Cruelty Free Bath and Body Gift Sets
      Lip Smacker Best Flavor Forever Lip Balm Vault ($10 at Target)

      The Lip Smacker Best Flavor Forever Lip Balm Vault is a fun, inexpensive holiday gift for kids or adults. Who doesn’t love fun flavored lip balms like Cozy Marshmallows or Gingerbread Girl? Lip Smacker is a cruelty free brand, meaning they do not test on animals, use ingredients tested on animals or sell in places where animal testing is required. The lip balms do contain lanolin, which is a great lip hydrator, but not vegan. If you want a great flavored vegan lip balm, I suggest Hurraw, Crazy Rumors or Eco Lips.
      Burt’s Bees Fall Lip Balm Set ($13.49 at Target)

      For the more upscale lip balm connoisseur, check out the Burt’s Bees Fall Lip Balm Set, a limited edition 4-pack with yummy holiday flavors: Chai, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Maple and Pomegranate. Burt’s Bees is a cruelty free brand, meaning they do not test on animals, use ingredients tested on animals or sell in places where animal testing is required. The lip balms do contain beeswax, so the products are not vegan. If you want a great flavored vegan lip balm, I suggest Hurraw, Crazy Rumors or Eco Lips.
      Six Feet Away Hand Sanitizer Holder ($9.99)

      This one is so 2020! The Six Feet Away hand sanitizer keychains are handy vegan leather holsters for one of your best weapons against COVID 19 – hand sanitizer! The bottles are leak-proof and you can fill them with your own sanitizer. They come in 12 different colors with rose gold or gold accents to match your bag.
      eos Holiday Shea Better Hand Cream Gift Set ($7.99 at Target)

      I was excited to see that eos was recently added to the Leaping Bunny cruelty-free beauty list! I bought the eos Holiday Shea Better Hand Cream Gift Set from Target to try it out. The set comes with shea butter-based hand creams that are not at all greasy. They absorb really well into the skin. The set comes with Coconut, Pomegranate Raspberry and Vanilla Cashmere. They are highly-scented so may not be for those with sensitive noses or prone to migraines.
      Verabella Papaya Body Polish ($28.50 at Verabella)

      This is one of my favorite non-oily body scrubs. Verabella Papaya Body Polish is a super-luxe scrub from the celebrity-favorite spa in Beverly Hills. It leaves your skin feeling moisturized but never greasy. It makes a great hand scrub too (especially if you’re getting winter “lizard hands” like my husband!). The nontoxic sea salt body polish is made with papayas (naturally full of exfoliating enzymes) and other natural superfoods like green tea, pomegranate, shea butter, licorice, acai, mangosteen, and goji berry. Normally $38, they are having a sale so it’s currently $28.50!
      Raw Sugar Peace Love Glow Green Tea Cucumber and Aloe Vera Gift Set ($11.89 at Target)

      I love Raw Sugar! We buy their watermelon and lemon sugar hand soaps and body washes. I bought the Raw Sugar Peace Love Glow Green Tea Cucumber and Aloe Vera Gift Set at Target. The formulas are great, and these deluxe travel sizes are a good way to try out new scents. Unfortunately, the green tea + cucumber scent wasn’t my jam, but I will be regifting these to my family. Wink wink!
      Pinrose Playdate perfume gift set ($25 at Pinrose)

      It seems to me that most of the department store fragrances are NOT cruelty-free. So I’m excited when I find a brand like Pinrose. The Pinrose Playdate perfume gift set comes with 8 parfum sprays so your loved one will find something they love here! It comes with:
      Wild Child – Tiare Flower • Jasmine • Vanilla
      Mystical Misfit – Red Currant • Pink Rose • Patchouli
      Merry Maker – Nectarine • Violet • Tonka Bean
      Gilded Fox – Cocoa Spice • Buttered Rum • Amber
      Sun Saint – Lime • Sea Salt • Coconut Wood
      Pillowtalk Poet – Powder • Ambergris • Musk
      Lil’ Dipper – Lemon Peel • Peony • Sandalwood
      Secret Genius – Caramel • Madagascan Vanilla • Sandalwood
      Not sure which scent you’d like the best? You can also take the online scent quiz and get a petal starter set for $25. To save some more cash, use my code BEAUTYBUNNY for 20% off any starter set!
      Cruelty Free Nail Gift Sets
      Nailtopia Blue-tiful Daze Holiday Kit ($14.99 at Ulta)

      If you have someone in your life who is both eco-friendly and a sucker for blue nail polish, they will love this Nailtopia Blue-tiful Daze Holiday Kit. Nailtopia’s Blue-tiful Daze Holiday Kit includes a crème lacquer, a shimmer lacquer, and the first-ever biodegradable, bio-sourced glitter lacquer, which is derived from cotton. Nailtopia’s biodegradable glitter particles dissipate naturally back into nature to reduce waste, whereas most nail lacquer glitters contain tiny bits of plastic that never fully break down. These polishes are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, vegan, and nontoxic! The bag and bottle caps are made from 100% recycled materials and the bottle caps are recyclable. Not into blue? Check out their Roses Are Red holiday set.
      Defy & Inspire Duo Nail Polish Set 2 Makes 3 ($8.29 at Target)

      Defy & Inspire is another Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand. The Defy & Inspire Duo Nail Polish 2 Makes 3 Set comes with two shades (Everything’s Grape and Pretty in Pink) that you can wear independently or combine to make a third shade! The polishes are 9-free. The set is only $8.29 at Target and would make a great stocking stuffer.
      Orly Nail Lacquer – Metropolis Holiday 2020 Collection ($49.99 or $9.99 each at Amazon)

      So many gorgeous shades in the Orly Nail Lacquer – Metropolis Holiday 2020 Collection! In the pic above I’m wearing Opulent Obsession, a dark creamy wine topped off with Untouchable Decadence (gold glitter). Orly is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free and vegan. The Metropolis set is $49.99 or you can get them for $9.99 each at Amazon. Currently, there is a $6.65 each Black Friday deal going on at Orly!
      Cruelty Free Hair Gift Ideas
      Maria Nila Holiday Gift Boxes ($56)

      Maria Nila has some really cute Zodiac-inspired holiday gift boxes. I don’t have one to show you, but I can say I’ve tried a lot of their products and they are really great. They are vegan and cruelty-free, and the packaging is so chic. They smell great, but if you’re sensitive to fragrance, they may not be for you.
      Number 4 Holiday Gift Sets ($25 – $49 at No. 4)

      Cruelty-free hair brand, Number 4, has several holiday gift sets this year. The Sleigh the Season gift set ($40) comes with Mini Mighty Hair Spray, Sugar Texturizing Spray and Smoothing Balm. All products are made with high-quality essential oils and botanical extracts. They are cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
      Drybar Mix & Mingle Holiday Gift Set ($159.20)

      For those on your list who have been REALLY good this year, the Drybar Mix & Mingle gift set is an exciting one to get under the tree! It comes with the Mixologist interchangeable Styling Iron, Lil Lemon Drop Detangler Brush, a full-sized Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray, 2 Hold Me Hair Clips and 3 deluxe travel-sized products (Detox Dry Shampoo, Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist and Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray). The $287-value set is currently $199 at Sephora or you can get it for $159.20 on sale on the Drybar site!
      R+Co Holiday Hair Gift Sets ($48-76 at R+Co)

      R+Co has some seriously amazing cruelty-free and vegan hair products! There are a few gift sets with either minis or a mix of full-size and minis. The packaging is fun, the formulas smell great, and they perform well. Cooler weather means flatter hair for many of us, so check out the Wild Horses Thickening Minis Kit ($48) for thicker, fuller hair. The fragrance is what R+Co calls “Dark Waves”, described as a warm romantic scent made with cardamom, pineapple, tangerine, lavender, bamboo, and blonde woods. Note: pictured above are large sizes – not minis.
      R+Co Bleu ($52 and up)

      R+Co has a new prestige, couture hair line called R+Co Bleu. If you’re shopping for someone who has high-end taste and loves to try the newest, most exclusive brands, this is a great option. Like R+Co, Bleu is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free. The focus is on editorial, “uptown” hair. They use sustainable post-consumer recycled and recyclable packaging. The scent is similar to R+Co’s signature scent, but with a slightly different vibe. They are calling it “light waves.”
      NEUMA Hair Gift Sets ($67 at NEUMA salons)

      I’m a huge fan of NEUMA because they are cruelty-free, vegan and they don’t use artificial fragrance. I actually don’t mind fragrance every now and then, but I like to have something without it to come back to, so I don’t overdo it. My fine, wavy hair really loves the reNeu line (in the green bottles). They are sold out of these sets, but you can use their salon finder to find a NEUMA salon near you. Some of the salons will even drop off or ship to your house. You can also find a limited selection at Ulta.
      Paul Mitchell Holiday Gift Sets ($22 and up at Amazon and Paul Mitchell)

      I love Paul Mitchell gift sets because they always include FULL-SIZE items at a great price! This year there are several gift box sets to choose from. Pictured above: You’re a Class Act (shampoo, conditioner, and sculpting spray), Hello Hot Stuff (thermal protection and strong hairspray), You’re the Coolest (platinum blonde shampoo and conditioner), You Lift Me Up (Extra Body Sculpting Foam and Finishing Spray), and You’re Good People (clean beauty shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment).
      The Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty line has no sulfates, parabens, gluten, or silicones. It’s cruelty-free and vegan. The formulas include sustainably sourced argan oil and aloe vera, and the bio-based packaging is made from 90% sugar cane!
      I’ll be adding to this list as I find new cruelty-free gifts for 2020 that I think you guys will love! More

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      in Beauty

      How to Find Affordable Cruelty Free Gifts

      by

      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