A B i t G r a c e f u l.

Committing yourself to the cruelty-free lifestyle may seem a little daunting at first. I definitely felt a bit overwhelmed because I grew up using mainstream brands like L'Oréal, Dove, Maybelline, etc. and had gotten use to the easy access and cheap prices. Little did I know, there are so many wonderful, affordable brands out there that have inspiring missions dedicated to stopping animal testing and promoting natural ingredients, like Maple Holistics , Dr. Bronner's, and more.  In my last post, I talked about cruelty-free beauty/makeup brands. Some of my favs include Kat von D, Alba Botanical, Josie Maran, and Pacifica.  Today I am going to highlight some of my favorite CF brands for personal hygiene .  SHOWER Like I mentioned above, Maple Holistics is a brand that promotes all natural, organic, US made products, like their Natural Tea Tree Oil Shampoo . Tea Tree Oil has healing and restorative properties that aid in leaving your hair smooth and dandruff free....

As my New Year's Resolution for 2017, I decided to "go cruelty-free". It's been nine months and I feel like I have accumulated some good advice so far from my experiences. Going cruelty-free essentially means that you pledge to support and purchase the products of brands that are certified in not testing their ingredients and products on animals. That is the short explanation. Here are a couple good sources of information and advice/reviews of cruelty-free brands and products: Leaping Bunny is the global gold standard for non-animal tested consumer products. Their website is extremely helpful in providing a lot of definitions on the subject and if you see their logo, along with these other two below, you know you can trust that the brand has been certified as cruelty-free. Cruelty-Free Kitty is an insanely helpful website that provides info on why you should go cruelty-free. It also provides you with everything from the leading certified CF brands, to ...

So since my family went on a Christmas vacation, we did not exchange any gifts this year. I did however get one gift from my Godfather and aunt - the perfume I have been craving: Roses de Chloé :) It was practically perfect timing since I just finished off my Burberry Brit Sheer Perfume and really wanted a fresh change for the new year.  I am already completely obsessed with this scent. I had tried it before with a sample size sent to me by Sephora when I had ordered several items that warranted five free samples of my choice. I immediately fell in love and the three or four times I got out of the sample, I had been complimented from the people around me saying I smelled really good! It was a sign that this was the perfume for me. So every time from that point on that I was in Sephora (probably for the next 6 months), I would spray myself with the perfume, knowing I would need to wait to be gifted it because I could not spend that much money on it myself. And now I finally ...

Review of bareMinerals Eyecolors : These beautiful shimmering shades highlight the eyes; however, I have found the application of them to be quite difficult. I have never really been a fan of loose powders or loose eyeshadows because I always seem to make a mess. I much prefer a pressed powder and a pressed eyeshadow. But nevertheless, my personal taste in texture has not prevented me from liking these, particularly because of the colors. These five are gorgeous!  I used Snowflake and Drama on New Year's Eve and it turned out pretty well. All in all, I would not recommend buying these, but since I was gifted them, I am definitely going to use them, most likely paired with my all time favorite Naked 3 Palette. I have used the Naked 3 every day that I have worn makeup this past year. The palette colors just look so good with my skin tone that I have found no need for alternatives. But, I am going to try and incorporate all five of these colors into my daily or going out...

Happy Blogmas :) Only 15 days till Christmas! I want to do a comparison between my two favorite concealers at the moment: Collection 3000 Lasting Perfection Concealer vs.  NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Collection  3000 Lasting Perfection Concealer Price: £4.29 at Boots ($6.60) Consistency: Water-resistant, creamy Packaging: Long stick brush, lettering fades away  Best Area: Under eyes, blemishes My Color: Fair Coverage: Heavy but lasts! NARS  Radiant Creamy Concealer Price: $29.00 at Sephora (£18.50) Consistency: Creamy, dries quickly, lightweight on skin Packaging: Long stick brush, attractive and sleek Best Area: Anywhere you want covered and yet brightened  My Color: Chantilly Coverage: Light So there are just some of the factors about each compared. Obviously, the price varies greatly but I think for the most part, they are both great choices and definitely my two favorites out there right now. What do you think? ...

Ah it feels so lovely to be able to afford my favorite brands again. About a month in to my London trip, I dropped my almost full bottle of Revlon Colorstay Foundation on my big toe, cracking both the bottle and my nail. My nail survived, but the bottle did not. Whilst traveling to Paris, the entire bottle, after I wrapped and taped it closed, still managed to spill open and I was forced to throw the mess away. I went the next two months foundation free, which did not prove to be better or worse for my pretty normal skin. I was going to buy the same one, which is my absolute favorite, but I was disheartened when I went to Boots to find that the price was too absurdly high. Grant it, I understand that it is an American brand but STILL this is ridiculous. So the foundation is almost DOUBLE the price in the UK. I decided it was not worth it. So now that I am home, I have bought it again for the lovely, and reasonable, price of $9.99 at Target.  I used it today for the fir...

So it has been a very exhausting couple of days moving back home for winter break. Living in London for a little over four months was the most incredible experience. I will do a post soon highlighting my favorite parts and giving anyone who wishes to travel some advice.  The day after I came home, my mom, my little sister, her best friend, and me went to Sephora and then to Target - probably my two favorite places that I had missed the most. I bought several things at each that I needed after running out of in London. I figured the first post I would do should be on what I got for free for my birthday from Sephora. I am super excited about these two sample sized products because I think I will actually get a lot of use out of each of them.  I have used the mascara once and I love the brush. I used the lipstick once so far as well and I think it is a lovely color.  What do you think of Make Up For Ever as a brand? What is on your makeup wish list this Christma...

Okay so I leave TOMORROW. Things have been hectic and I am so exhausted but I am rallying on! I had to pick up my beauty wants at Boots before going home because we just don't have these products in America, from my knowledge. I have either already been using these products since being here, or they are brand new for me to try when I get home! Collection 3000 Lasting Perfection Concealer  Archery 2-in-1 Brow Filling Pencil & Brush  Supercat Carbon Black Extreme Eyeliner Pen  Rimmel London Apocalips in Apocaliptic  Barry M Limited Edition Moonlight  Bourjois Dèlice de Poudre DUO: Bronzer and Highlighter Barry M Lip Liner  Barry M Bold Silver Waterproof Eyeliner   Of these, I have tried the Supercat and Collection Concealer, which I absolutely adore! I also painted my nails with Moonlight yesterday and have gotten compliments.  Have you tried any of these products? If yes, I want to hear what you think!! xx ...

So when I was in Galway this past weekend, I desperately needed to pick up a few quick makeup essentials. I am running out of my Nars Creamy Concealer so I needed a cheap in between until I can get another one. I have heard so many good things about the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer so I purchased that... and let me saw I really am loving it! Next was the need for a temporary foundation because my Revlon Colorstay 24 Hour bottle broke and spilled all over my plastic bag I luckily place it in when traveling to Paris last week. So I saw the Natural Collection was having a 2 for 1 deal and got the ShineAway Foundation and then a powder to go with it. Honestly, neither are my favorite but they will tide me over. Finally, the most exciting part of my purchases in my opinion is the SuperCat Carbon Black Extreme Eyeliner Pen by Soap & Glory. I am in love with this. It has made my eyeliner look flawless, especially my cat flicks.  Do you have any of these products or...

I have been adoring the First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream so I decided it was about time to try another First Aid Beauty product. I am about to run out of my Clinique Moisture Surge so last week when I was at Sephora, I picked up the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Therapy. After reading all about this product, I wanted to try it for a couple reasons even though I don't have bad skin: 1) It is supposedly great even if you skin isn't in need of an intense repair due to skin conditions because it can reduce the appearance of pores and it delves deep into your skin to moisturize 2) I am going to England for five months in a couple days and I am not sure how my skin will react when I am there because whenever I change places after a while, my skin tends to act up (especially when I come back home after a semester at school) 3) It has an antioxidant booster, it is not greasy, and it has no harsh chemicals. Have any of you tried this product? I haven't yet so...

For yet another summer, the Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray has been an absolute staple in my makeup and beauty routine. I adore this product. It is perfect for a long day out & about or for when you are going out at night.  This makeup setting spray does just what the title says - it sets your makeup in place and controls natural oils that produce on your face because of foundation or concealer or sweat.  In my routine, I will spray this two separate times on my face. Once after my foundation and concealer is applied but before my compact powder AND then again after I have completed my entire look, eyes and all.  I recommend this product to anyone for the summer :) The heat of the sun can be brutal on makeup and make you feel like your entire face is melting off, but the De-Slick helps immensely in those desperate times.   Have you tried this product? What do you think? Any of products that do the same? ...

       I am in love with Fresh .  I recently purchased a new edition to my collection of Fresh products | Sugar Lip Polish I think it is safe to say that I am a little too overjoyed by this lip exfoliant.   When I am nervous, I tend to lick my lips a lot and I have been working in a new setting recently (thus provoking my nervousness and CHAPPED LIPS).   So, when I went to Sephora the other day, I had this product in mind because Lily Pebbles recommended and raved about this product as a staple in her beauty collection.  I have used it a couple times so far and I am already seeing results. My lips are feeling softer and look healthier already.  Also, it is easy to apply [massage gently into lips and leave on for several minutes, then wash with warm water].  It is a quick and simple way to give attention to your lips because they deserve the same beauty care as other parts of the face! Also, th...

It's kind of weird to photograph empty products, right? Well, I did anyway. First is the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner . This toner is 8.5 Fl Oz... THAT IS A LOT OF TONER. I am so proud of myself that I used this entire baby up. It lasted me a LONG time and I would definitely repurchase this product because a) it is fairly cheap and b) it does the job In the middle is the No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Makeup Remover . Now, it IS oil-free so one should not expect it to wipe away makeup in one swift motion but I am not the biggest fan of this. I love other No7 products for their fresh smell and lasting results; however, this eye makeup remover hardly works and I found myself having to really scrub, which is irritating and just completely not worth the time. I did still use the whole bottle up, reserving it for times when I had very light makeup on.  Last product is The Olive Branch shower gel from LUSH. I loved this so much that I started to use less of it towards t...

Hello my loves!  Here are my current favorite nail polishes!  1 |  Smooth Avocado 2 | Blushing Pink 3 | Bikini So Teeny 4 | Riviera 5 | Miami Heat 6 | Fresh Orchid Hope you enjoy :) Let me know which ones you like the best! xx

Hey there! Lately I have really been into my Love Spell Lotion and Body Mist from Victoria's Secret. I have gone through an entire bottle of both before and I am so glad I purchased them again several months ago. Love Spell is such a classic to me because I wore it throughout high school and my sensory memory gets all nostalgic when I wear it.  Do you have a certain perfume or scent that reminds you of something?  What's your favorite perfume at the moment? xx

Hello lovelies! It feels like it's been ages since I did a beauty related post. I wanted to share with you the products I have been loving recently.  The first product is the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Fair. I really like using liquid concealer with an easy to use, thin brush like this. It  goes on very smoothly and has been great for under my eyes and blemishes.  So next are the Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm Stains .  The two that I have are Sweetheart (025) and Rendezvous (040). Sweetheart is a very bright, happy pink. I don't have any other lipstick in a similar color so this is a first. I really want MAC's Candy Yum Yum, which is also a very bright pink, but I thought that this was a more reasonable price. Rendezvous is a vivid orange. I LOVE orange lips so I think this moisturizing lip stain is perfect as the weather is changing.  Next favorite is the  Rimmel London's Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Brown. I adore this product. It is ...

Hello everyone!  I thought I would do a quick review of a new product that I have been using. It is the Damage Eraser Reconstructing Butter from Garnier Fructis. It smells really nice and the texture of the butter is very smooth on my hair. You apply this in between your shampoo and conditioner and leave it on for 3-5 minutes.  I am always looking for a product that can strengthen  my hair because I have damaged it so much through dyeing. Fun fact: I haven't dyed my hair since LAST APRIL and I have actually been very happy with my hair color. This is the longest I have gone without dyeing it, but I can feel that I will break it soon... who knows what color I will try this time! So anyway, back to this particular product. It claims to reconstruct hair's strength and I do have to say that my hair feels much healthier after only using this product for a week. I would recommend this product because 1) it is only $5 and 2) it smells good and 3) it works fro...

Hello!! So I thought I would show you the new products I recently have acquired in the past couple weeks as preparing to be back at school for a few months.  - Cath Kidston Star Collection Hand Cream (Bluebell & Jasmine) - Tocca Crema de Mano - Almay Longwear & Waterproof Gentle Eye Makeup Remover - LUSH Snow Fairy Limited Edition Shower Gel - Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation (which the lovely Ring-a-Round a Rosey got me when she was in Ireland and I am already loving it) - Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief  - Urban Decay's Naked 3 24/7 Glide On Double Ended Eye Pencil  - NARS Powder Foundation (in Light1 Serbia) Do you have any experiences with these?  Let me know what you think! xx

Hello everybody! I thought I would do another review of a product that I have ABSOLUTELY BEEN OBSESSED WITH SINCE I BOUGHT IT!!!  It is the Sephora Smart Liner which I mentioned purchasing in my last Day in the Life post. I was a bit skeptical about it at first because when I asked the woman at Sephora if she recommended the product, she didn't seem too enthused. She said it was great for people just learning to use liquid eyeliner and there are better ones out there. I have been using liquid eyeliner for only about 6 months but in that time I feel I have improved immensely. Still, I heard good things about this from a few other bloggers and I thought I would give this one a whirl and decide for myself.  Not only has it made the application so much easier and stress-free, but it also looks FLAWLESS. I have gotten several comments in the past two weeks about how great, striking, and perfect my eyeliner looks. I have been so pleased!! It is SO easy to get a perfect winge...

H e l l o  there! I thought I would do a review on this product as I have been using it for the past two months. Now, I do not actually own this, particularly because it is so expensive and I haven't been able to save up money to buy my own. It is actually my loving roommate Michelle's who encourages me to use it all the time because she loves me and is the best person ever. She knows that my hair needs all the treatment it can get because my hair is crazy!  I put two pumps into my hands and work it through my wet hair after I shower. The smell is amazing. It works as both a heat protectant, a product that quickens the drying of my hair, and makes my hair smooth and shiny. Plus, it is so pretty and makes me feel classy and special when I use it. Thanks Michelle! It is quite expensive (around $40 I think) but I am hoping to invest in my own bottle as soon as I can afford it :) I do still love my Organix Moroccan Oil that I reviewed back in my Monthly Favorites f...