St. Ives Energizing Citrus Body Wash

I bought this, knowing full well that it is animal free! It smells great, and it's definitely something you would want to use in the A.M. It doesn't smell orange-y or lemon-y (sorry my terms are not more scientific). It smells like a mix of grapefruit, orange, lemon and lime. Very subtle, and it does the job.

Nothing to rant or rave about though. It works and smells nice.

St. Ives

This is HUGE! I've been boycotting St. Ives for sometime now, since a majority of their products contained animal byproducts. I then see a commercial for St. Ives today, talking about their "natural commitment". Honestly, I didn't give it much thought, until I was able to see they specifically tell us which products DO NOT CONTAIN ANIMAL DERIVED INGREDIENTS!!!! I've compiled a list for you, to make it easier.

This is an amazing advancement in the beauty industry. Instead of having to contact companies constantly and go back and forth, the information we need is available up front.

FRESH SKIN (Facial Cleansers)
Invigorating Apricot Scrub
Gentle Apricot Scrub
Moisturizing Olive Scrub
Warming Scrub Olive Cleanser
Make-up Remover & Facial Cleanser
Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer

NATURALLY CLEAR (Facial Cleansers)
Blemish Fighting Apricot Cleanser

TIMELESS SKIN
Renew and Firm Apricot Scrub Daily Microdermabrasion

PREVENT AND RELIEVE DRY SKIN (Lotions)
Hydrating Vitamin E
Soothing Oatmeal Shea
Soothing Aloe & Chamomile
Replenishing Mineral Therapy
Restoring 24 Hour Moisture Intensive Healing

TOTAL INDULGENCE (Lotion)
Softening Whipped Silk

FLAWLESS BEAUTY
Cellulite Shield Lotion Cellulite Shield Gel Crème

CLEANSING (Body Wash)
Oatmeal Shea
Creamy Vanilla
Energizing Citrus
Exfoliating Apricot
Cucumber Melon
Hydrating Vitamin E
Whipped Silk
Mineral Therapy
Soy Milk & Lotus Blossom

EXFOLIATING (Body Scrubs)
Oatmeal Shea
Mineral Therapy
Collagen Elastin

www.stives.com

Victoria's Secret Pink Energizing Sugar Scrub

Remember when I told you that the entire Victoria's Secret Pink line of beauty and bath products was totally vegan? (If not, check the archives) Well, when I was on line in the store for a free product, I felt weird and decided I should actually BUY something. This product just so happened to be exactly next to me, and at $10, I didn't mind picking it up to try.


From the Victoria's Secret website:

You need an invigorating wake-up call for your tired, lackluster skin. Our energizing body scrub is the answer. It uses gentle exfoliants, including natural sugar crystals, to slough away rough, dry patches. Packed with U.S.-sourced Citrus, Organic Mint, plus a boost of caffeine from Organic Coffee Beans to refresh, energize and tone. Rub all over and rinse off to reveal smooth, radiant looking skin from tip to toes

I have to say, ONE OF THE BEST PURCHASES FROM VICTORIA'S SECRET EVER!!!!! I cannot rave ENOUGH about this product! It smells beautiful, and it gets the job done! The sweet citrus and mint scent is invigorating without being overpowering. It is the perfect pick me up after a long, and DRY winter day. It really does what it says it does. Very rarely do I find a product that I love THIS much, but I do! I think the coffee crystals help the circulation of blood, so you get a nice and even glow. I used it that night, and I even used it on my face! (Not recommended if you have sensitive skin!!) It is also a great pre-shave exfoliant. I don't know about you, but this winter weather gets my legs SUPER dry. This cures that in an instant!

http://www.victoriassecret.com/

Burt's Bees Vegan List!!!

OK, So I emailed the company for a vegan list, but it turns out they had one available for download already! Silly me! I removed one product from the list, because it contained Carmine. The products listed in bold contain Bee by-products, such as honey and royal jelly. Just print out this list and take it along with you when you shop!

Baby Bee
Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil
Baby Bee Dusting Powder
Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash
Baby Bee Bubble Bath

Face & Body
Carrot Seed Oil Complexion Mist
Citrus Facial Scrub
Garden Carrot Complexion Soap
Garden Tomato Toner
Vitamin E Bath and Body Oil
Wild Lettuce Complexion Soap
Citrus Spice Exfoliating Shower Soap
Grapefruit Complexion Mist
Lavender Complexion Mist
Cucumber Chamomile Complexion Mist
Deep Clean Cleanser
Deep Pore Scrub
Therapeutic Body Butter
Richly Repairing Body Butter
Radiance Eye Cream
Radiance Day Cream
Radiance Night Cream
Radiance Body Lotion
SPF-15 Sunscreen
SPF-30 Sunscreen
Radiance Body Lotion
Thoroughly Therapeutic Hand Lotion
Thoroughly Therapeutic Foot Lotion
Naturally Ageless Day Cream
Naturally Ageless Night Cream
Naturally Ageless Serum
Radiance Body Wash
Radiance Soap Bar
Citrus & Ginger Soap Bar
Healthy Treatment
Parsley Blemish Stick
Pore Refining Mask
Rosewater and Glycerin Toner
Repair Serum

Men’s Grooming
Bay Rum Aftershave Balm
Bay Rum Cologne
Bay Rum Shaving Soap
Burt’s Bees Natural Body Wash

Natural Remedies/Outdoor
Doctor Burt’s Blemish Stick
Doctor Burt’s Herbal Deodorant
Doctor Burt’s Lavender Mint Toothpaste
Doctor Burt’s Cinna-Mint Toothpaste
Herbal Insect Repellent
Peppermint Breath Drops
Peppermint Shower Soap
Poison Ivy Soap
Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar
Therapeutic Bath Crystals
Peppermint Foot Lotion
Bug Bite Relief
Miracle Salve
Muscle Mend

Lip
Medicated Lip Balm

Hair Care & Cleansing
Super Shiny Grapefruit Shampoo
Super Shiny Grapefruit Conditioner
Ginger Citrus Body Wash
Color Keeper Shampoo & Conditioner
More Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner
Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner
Deep Repair Conditioner
All-in-One Wash
Citrus & Ginger Hand Wash
Green Tea & Lemongrass Hand Wash
Deep Repair Conditioners

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics

I heard about Lush through an old friend. I had never heard of it before, but I decided to take a look at the website.

"We specialize in making highly effective, 100% vegetarian (and over 70% vegan!) products for bath, hair and body that are loaded with fresh, natural ingredients and minimal preservatives. "

First of all, BRAVO! It's nice to see that a company is clear about their vegetarian/vegan status. I wish more companies did that! Each product that is vegan is labeled as such on the website!

They also sent me the following email:

"Thank you for your email. We do not use carmine as a colorant in our products, but we do use lanolin. The lanolin that we use is removed from the wool of the sheep without harming it. There are a few ingredients that we use that are not vegan, but all of these are collected without being harmful or painful for the animals. These include honey, yogurt, fresh eggs, beeswax, and lanolin."

I think it's really cool that Lush sells Henna Hair Dyes. I have never seen another western retailer sell something like that. They also have all sorts of bath and body products, which seems like a great alternative to Bath and Body Works.

They represent their company as "Fresh Handmade Cosmetics", but when I think of cosmetics, I automatically think make-up. This company specializes in bath and body products such as shampoos, conditioners, bath salts, bath bombs, perfume, etc.

I haven't personally purchased anything from them, but they do have actual stores all over the country (3 in NY!!!). If you have purchased anything from them, please tell me how you like it!

http://www.lushusa.com/

Men's Products

The following men's products are okay to use:

Softsoap Brand Active Body Wash for Men-Ocean Fresh only
Skin Bracer After Shave
Skin Bracer Pre Electric Shave Lotion
Afta After Shave Skin Conditioner
Afta Pre Electric Shave Lotion

E.L.F

I just discoverd E.L.F cosmetics. WOW!!!! They are free of animal derivatives, they don't test on animals, and they are SUPER affordable. (They have a liquid eyeliner for $1!!!!)

I normally wouldn't just try any cosmetics, but these cosmetics have been highly reviewed, and they are used by actual makeup artists. They have A LOT of different products and options, and they seem like they would work well on a woman of colour.

I was watching an Indian makeup artist on youtube, and she used these cosmetics. The colour showed on her skin, which is something that is very important to me when choosing cosmetics. I need rich and vibrant colours. I have had many bad experiences where I buy an eyeshadow, only to see that it doesn't work on my skin tone.

E.L.F also has makeup tools, such as brushes and eyelash curlers. They also have bath sets, mineral makeup, makeup bags, clutches, and professional sets for makeup artists. I am so overwhelmed with choices right now, I don't know where to start! I am trying to figure out what to order right now!!!!

www.eyeslipsface.com

Victoria's Secret

No, I'm not talking about undies. From the PETA website:

Pink Body is made up of natural, organic, 100 percent vegan ingredients. With nearly 16 different products, including body wash, lotion, sugar scrub, shave cream, lip balm, and fragrance, there is certainly something for everyone, and these products are as easy to find as going to your nearest mall. So if you are thinking of using a little of your tax refund for some pampering this year—go get this stuff!


I know everyone knows Victoria's Secret, and where to find one. It's great that a mainstream company is focusing on the needs of different consumers. I will definitely be looking into these products!!

http://www.victoriassecret.com/

White Rain

White Rain makes shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, gel, mousse and body wash. They state on their website that they DO NOT use animal products in their products.

I personally like the body wash the best. The hair products really do nothing for my hair. The best thing about White Rain body washes is they are inexpensive and very easy to find. You will find their products in every major store.

The Ocean Mist body wash is my favorite right now. It smells fresh, but not too flowery or fruity.

www.whiterain.com