November 2012 Favorites

It's time for favorites again, and I have a few things to show you have I have been really happy with this month. I hope you enjoy! 

Alba Botanica Even Advanced Day and Night Cream

I believe I have found the skin care items I am going to be sticking to. I still use the Yes to Cucumbers Gentle Milk Cleanser, but I have needed some extreme moisture in my skin. I also was very interested in these items, because they are supposed to even out your skin tone. I can honestly say that since I have started using these items (I have the toner as well, but I de-potted it into a different container) I have noticed a huge difference in the amount of redness in my skin. They have a pleasant scent, provide the moisture I need, and they have improved the appearance of my skin. I am very impressed.

Pumpkin and Poppy cream eye shadows in Lockbearer and My Precious; Pumpkin and Poppy pigment eye shadows in Archer and Shire

I have been pretty much using these colors non-stop this month. They are BEAUTIFUL, and they're perfect for fall. All of these colors really bring out the blue in my eyes, and I have just really been enjoying putting looks together with them.You can view swatches of these colors in my Pumpkin and Poppy One Ring Collection Overview.

ELF Mineral Powder Brush, ELF Flawless Concealer Brush, and Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush

I use the mineral powder brush for my foundation. It blends it out beautifully, and doesn't cause my skin to flake up. The flawless concealer brush applies my OCC Skin Conceal really well underneath my eyes as well as on any redness I have. It makes it really easy to blend, and I also use it to set my concealer with powder. I have never had any problems with any of my ELF brushes shedding, and I wash my brushes after every use. The base shadow brush is just so versatile. I have used to for my crease color, lid color, and to sweep a shadow all over my lid. It's fantastic. I have washed it several times, and it has not shed at all. 

Pumpkin and Poppy Lady of Light Cream Highlighter and Debutante Cream Blush/Highlighter

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I just adore these products. They formula is fantastic, the colors are fantastic, and they just work really well for me. For my skin tone, Debutante is a very natural blush color. Lady of light is the perfect highlighter for me. You can view swatches of these products in my Pumpkin and Poppy One Ring Collection Overview and my Pumpkin and Poppy Color Face Products Collection.

Wet N' Wild Color Icon blush in Pearlescent Pink

I have been getting a lot of use out of this lately. It's very affordable, it's a lovely color, and it doesn't bring out the redness in my face like a lot of blushes can tend to do. 

Wet N' Wild Matte Lipstick in 907C

This is just a beautiful color. It's bold without being extremely bold, and it's a good color for fall. The formula of this lipstick in phenomenal, and it leaves a lovely stain as it fades. 

Left to Right: Wet N' Wild matte lipstick on 907C, Wet N' Wild Color Icon Blush in Pearlescent Pink swatched heavily, Wet N' Wild Color Icon Blush in Pearlescent Pink blended out

I hope everyone is having a fantastic Friday and that you all have a wonderful weekend! I would love for you to leave your favorites in the comments or send me a link to your blog post of YouTube video. 

Purple People FOTD

Today, I'm going to the mall with a friend and our kids. I didn't feel like doing a complicated eye look, because I feel like I've been wearing nothing but dark, complicated eye looks. I just want a change of pace for today so, I'm keeping it simple. I have been itching to wear Purple People, and today is a great opportunity to do that. 

Also, as I'm sure most of you have heard, Urban Decay has been purchased by L'Oreal. I will not be purchasing anymore of their products, but some of them may appear in FOTD posts since I will using up what I have.

I hope you enjoy!

Eyes:

Elf Mineral Eye Primer

Urban Decay eyeshadow in Sin (all over lid) **NOT cruelty free**

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Eyeliner Trio for Blue Eyes (I used the brown liner on the upper and lower lash line) 

Face:

 Bodyography Foundation Primer in Clear 

100% Pure Healthy Skin Foundation with super fruits in Creme

OCC Skin Conceal in Y0

Pumpkin and Poppy contouring powder in Oak Bark

Pumpkin and Poppy cream blush in Debutante

Pumpkin and Poppy beauty powder in Cave of Wonders

Pumpkin and Poppy Oil Absorbing Mineral Veil 

Lips:

Pumpkin and Poppy lip pencil in Purple People

Update on Nyx and Project Get it Out

I have been iffy on Nyx's cruelty free status for a while now because of the mixed feed back some of my fellow cruelty free consumers were getting from their customer service. However, they have recently made it very clear that they will not be selling in China. This means that I will be taking the Nyx products that I own out of my Project Get it Out box, and I will be listing any products I use from them in FOTD posts and whatnot. 

Nyx Article

Pumpkin and Poppy Funny Lip Shape: Purple People and Never Was a Cornflake Girl Swatches

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their families! 

I finally got around to ordering a couple of the newer lip pencils I wanted from the Funny Lip Shape line. I wanted Datura, but it was out of stock so, I got Purple People and Never Was a Cornflake Girl. I am thrilled with both of these colors and the formula of Pumpkin and Poppy Lip Pencils. They're very pigmented and moisturizing, and they have great lasting power. I hope you enjoy!

Left: Never Was a Cornflake Girl; Right: Purple People

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Project Get it Out!

I am lucky enough to have learned about animal testing early on when my interest in makeup started, but I still have some things in my collection that I do not consider to be cruelty free. As a cruelty free consumer, my goal is to only have cruelty free items in my collection, but this can be difficult as companies change their policies often. I am now more careful about where I choose to spend my money. I try to invest in companies that I am more certain won't sell in China or change any other policy that means that their products will be tested on animals.

I have gone through my collection and given away the items that are not cruelty free (and some that are) that I know I just won't be able to use up. I am a very impatient person, and I know that I won't be able to use up items that I just don't like. However, I would feel bad throwing them in the trash and wasting them so, I feel better giving them to someone who will use them. The products that I will be mentioning today are products that I think I can use up. 

You will see that these products are mostly lip products. I am one that tends to neglect lip products. I often will just use a lip balm. This is not to say that I don't have items in other categories that are not cruelty free. I have some eyeliners, a blush, and a couple of eye shadows that I have been working on using up, but I have been making progress on those. The point of this project is for me to put these products where I will have to look at them every time I open the drawer in my desk where I keep all my most used items.

You'll see that I have some Loreal, Revlon, and Nyx products. Hopefully by putting them in this drawer, I will be reminded to use them and make some progress. I am not allowing myself to give these away, because this is punishment! I need to learn to think more about what I decide to add to my collection. I am a person that hates clutter, and I want my collection contain only things that are cruelty free. 

I hope that you enjoyed! Do you have any items you want to use up?

FOTD: Two Year Anniversary

I'm really not sure what we're going to do this evening, but I wanted to continue to play with my new products from Pumpkin and Poppy. Her products are a staple in my collection. I use at least a few things from her line every single time I do my makeup, and I do find that I neglect my other eyeshadows, because I love hers so much. She has released her new Ice Dance collection so, expect a review and swatches of that coming up hopefully in the near future. 

Eyes:

Elf Mineral Eye Shadow Primer

Pumpkin and Poppy cream shadow in My Precious (all over lid and into crease)

Pumpkin and Poppy eye shadow in Three Wishes (lightly dusted onto lid, inner portion of lower lash line)

Pumpkin and Poppy eye shadow in Shire (crease, outer portion of lower lash line)

Too Faced eye shadow in Bouquet Toss (inner corner, brow bone)

I used a matte black shadow to line the upper lash line

Urban Decay Super Curl Mascara

Face:

Elf Mineral Infused Primer

100% Pure Healthy Skin Foundation with super fruits in Creme

Pumpkin and Poppy Oil Absorbing Mineral Veil

Pumpkin and Poppy contouring powder in Oak Bark

Wet N' Wild blush in Pearlescent Pink

Lips:

Lip balm

I hope you enjoyed and that you are having a wonderful day.

 

ELF Haul and First Impressions

ELF was having a free shipping on orders 15 dollars and up so, I decided to take advantage since I needed another mineral powder brush. I hope you enjoy!

Elf Jumbo Eyeshadow Stick in Rock

The consistency of this is very creamy. It's goes on very easily and is nicely pigmented. I haven't worn it on my eyes yet so, I'll have to let you know how that goes. I love the color.

Elf  Eyebrow Kit in Ash

The brow powder is really soft and silky, and the wax has a nice consistency, too. I've never been interested in eyebrow things, but I figured I'd give this a shot. I hear many good things about it. 

Elf Eyebrow Lifter and Filler in Ash and Ivory

Since I'm exploring my eyebrow options, I wanted to try a pencil, too. I thought this would be a good one to get since it's cheap and also comes with a lifter side. The filler side is a very good color for my eyebrows, but the lifter is too dark for me to use as a highlighter. I will be using that side on my waterline instead to brighten that up. Both sides are pretty soft and creamy.

I decided to pick up three brushes: the mineral powder brush (which is my holy grail foundation brush, thanks to Veggie Beauty), the flawless concealer brush, and the lash and brow comb. I really enjoy the studio brushes, and I think they are amazing quality. I wash all my brushes after each use, and I have never had a problem with shedding or anything like that. 

I hope you enjoyed my haul! Let me know what your favorite ELF products are.

Pumpkin and Poppy One Ring FOTD

 I put together this look using mostly Pumpkin and Poppy. I hope you enjoy =) 

Eyes:

Elf Mineral Eye Shadow Primer

Pumpkin and Poppy My Precious Cream Eyeshadow (inner and outer part of lid, lower lash line)

I used a white cream base that I have on hand that is no longer cruelty free. I recommend the All Natural Face Diva Stick in Milk. I placed this on the middle of my eyelid. 

Pumpkin and Poppy eyeshadow in Shire (inner and outer part of lid over My Precious, slightly blended into crease)

Pumpkin and Poppy eyeshadow in Archer (middle of lid over white base)

Pumpkin and Poppy eyeshadow in Furry Friend (blended into the crease, I wanted the warmth of this shadow to peek out from some cooler shadows I blended on top, so this color went up pretty high)

Pumpkin and Poppy eyeshadow in Notre Dame (blended into crease over Furry Friend, allowing Furry Friend to peek through at the top)

Too Faced eyeshadow in Bouquet Toss (brown bone, inner corner)

Too Faced eyeshadow in Unveil (used to line upper lash line)

Face:

100% Pure Healthy Skin Foundation with super fruits in Creme

OCC Skin Conceal in Y0

Pumpkin and Poppy creme eyeshadow in Lockbearer (used as cream blush)

Pumpkin and Poppy Cave of Wonders (lightly dusted over Lockbearer)

Pumpkin and Poppy contouring Powder in Oak Bark

Pumpkin and Poppy Oil Absorbing Mineral Veil 

Lips:

Pumpkin and Poppy cream blush in Debutante

Quick Tip: Exfoliating

As I'm sure you know since I say this all the time, I have very dry skin. Being that it's winter, my skin is even dryer and requires regular exfoliation. While the exfoliating scrub that I use is not drying, it's not exactly moisturizing either, and I really need everything I use this time of year to be at least somewhat moisturizing. My solution has been to mix a small amount of my Selma Hayek walnut scrub with my Yes To Cucumbers Gentle Cleansing Milk. This provides me with an extra gentle exfoliating scrub that leaves my skin very smooth and feeling moisturized. This could also be useful if you have a scrub that you find to be a little too harsh. Mixing it with your cleanser should diffuse it a little and make it less harsh.

I just wanted to share this tip, because it's been helping me a lot lately! I hope everyone is having a great week and that you have a wonderful weekend.

Pumpkin and Poppy One Ring Collection Overview and Swatches

Veggie Beauty has done it again. She's come out with another brilliant collection, and this one is based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. This collection features some beautiful autumnal colors based on characters and scenery found in the Lord of the Rings books and movies.This collection includes a cream highligher, two cream eye shadows, five mineral eye shadows, a lip butter, and a solid perfume that is only available when you order the entire collection for $66. You can purchase the full collection without the solid scent for $58. Of course you can also order individual pieces.

Lady if Light cream highlighter is a peach/gold with copper undertones. This product is based on Galadriel, known as the Lady of Light in the books. (And probably my favorite elf in the series.) This provides a fantastic, subtle highlight. This beautiful product is $9.75

My Precious cream eyeshadow is a bronzed gold. This color is based on the enticing color of the One Ring to rule them all, and in the darkness, bind them. $8.00

Lockbearer cream eyeshadow is a coppery brown based on the brave and loyal dwarf Gimli and his coppery beard and hair. True to dwarf nature, Gimli is ever a loyal companion, however gruff he tries to appear. $8.00

Shire is a golden olive green with orange/copper duochrome. This color is based on the peaceful, rolling green hills of the Shire, where the hobbits make their homes and enjoy stories, food, and generally lazing about. $5.00

Archer is a shimmer beige/gold with taupe undertones. It's based on the elven warrior Legolas's blonde hair and metallic bow and arrows. $5.00 

Left to right: My Precious, Lockbearer, Shire, Archer

Lady of Light cream highlighter

I love this collection immensely. All the colors are beautiful and the products perform phenomenally, as always. I think I am going to have to break down and buy the other two mineral shadows in this collection, Strider and Wise Wizard. I highly recommend everyone check out Pumpkin and Poppy Cosmetics and the new One Ring Collection, even if you aren't a Lord of the Rings fan. 

***Disclaimer: All products purchased by me. All thoughts are my own. I am not sponsored of affiliated with Pumpkin and Poppy Cosmetics.***

Review: Diva Cup

I'm going to go ahead and give a fair warning: I am not shy. I will be discussing some things in this post which may make some people uncomfortable. 

I became interested in the Diva Cup when xxpandafacexx did her review of this product on Youtube. As someone who is striving to be cruelty free and to lessen the footprint I leave on this earth, I was definitely willing to give this product a try. Since the Diva Cup is reusable, there is no throwing away nasty tampons and pads that will then sit in a landfill somewhere. There are also no chemicals like those that are used to bleach the cotton used in tampons and pads. No one wants chemicals in their vagina. 

I don't think anyone can really enjoy their period however, I have found that the Diva Cup makes mine much easier and less painful to deal with. I have always hated tampons and pads. With tampons, you face the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, and I have always had a problem with tampons leaking no matter what brand or size I used. Pads are just gross. They make me feel like I am wearing a diaper, and leave me with what is essentially a diaper rash. Let's face it, they stink, too. Not a pleasant thing to smell or look at every time you need to go to the bathroom. I told you this might get uncomfortable. =)
The Diva Cup is made out of medical-grade silicone, is hypoallergenic, and provides 12 hour protection. I do find that if I am having a particularly heavy day, I have to change it about every 6 hours just to make sure that I don't get any leaking. However, most days I only have to empty the cup in the morning when I wake up and at night before I go to bed. I have not had any problems with leaking unless I have waited too long to change the cup when my flow is extra heavy. I have always had a heavy period and thought that it might cause a problem with trying to use this cup. If you do have a heavier period, just make sure you empty the cup a little more often, and you will have no problems.

As far as inserting the product goes, I will say that it looks a little scary and takes a little getting used to. Once you figure out which folding technique and position makes it the easiest for you to insert the Diva Cup, it is very easy and quick to do without having to throw away wrappers and things of that nature. Removing the Diva Cup also takes some getting used to, but following the instructions and again, after finding what position works best for you it becomes quick and easy.I do not feel the product when it is in use, and it is very comfortable to wear.

I am sure some of you are probably wondering what the hell you're supposed to do with the contents of the cup when it's time to empty it. I dump it in the toilet and then use a mild soap to wash it out before I reinsert it. I am sure this notion grosses some of you out, but there is no smell (in my experience) while using and rinsing the product. If you take proper care of your Diva Cup, it can last you a year or more and save you money on tampons and pads, and it is SAFE for your body. 

I suppose you'll want to know how much this costs. I purchased my Diva Cup on the vitacost website for $24.60. There are two models. One is for women under 30 who have no experienced childbirth, and the other is for women over 30 or who have had children. The product comes with a pouch made of a breathable material to store your Diva Cup in while it is not in use.  That sounds a little expensive until you think about how much money you will not have to shell out each month for pads and tampons.

I highly recommend this product. It has truly made me dread my period less, and I don't feel guilty about polluting the earth and contributing to the suffering of animals. There are also no chemicals in my vagina! 

www.vitacost.com

 xxpandafacexx Diva Cup Review