Organic Makeup Girl

I’m immensely excited about this brand. Butter London Nail Polishes are Big 3 Free (no formaldehyde, no toluene, and no DBP) and non-toxic. That is not even the best part though, the formula is incredible: long-lasting, easy to apply, and a great, high-quality consistency. The color range is pretty nice too! My favorites are Trout Pout and Slapper. Although Butter London has been around for a bit, you can now purchase it at Sephora, which makes me quite happy.

It’s love. :)

Katie

This product was diligently slathered on my skin for 2 weeks straight. I tried applying it with a primer, a brush, a beauty blender, and a moisturizer. Here is the verdict: I regret buying it. At $34.00, this product is not the most expensive foundation I’ve ever purchased. I’m disappointed, however, because I know I should’ve just opted for my tried & true Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + or Makeup Forever HD.

Here are some of the major drawbacks of this product (and for the record, I’m a fan of Benefit and have a huge collection of their products that I find invaluable, the Hello Flawless Liquid Foundation is just not one of them):

• Small color range (it comes in 9 shades – what?!)
• Yellow-ish pigmented formula (I tried 4 different shades and found that all of them have yellow undertones)
• No staying power (it slide off my face after about 4-5 hours – not my best look)
• Although oil-free it seemed to make my face appear oily (and I don’t have oily skin, quite the opposite actually)

Although this drawbacks are unforgivable, there are some things Benefit got right with this product: packaging, product names, and consistency. The packaging is quite user-friendly – I love the pump and shape of the bottle. Each name is cute! It makes me want to wear this foundation (petty, I know…). And finally, the consistency of this product is likable. It feels like a tinted moisturizer which is nice for the warmer weather.

I will either pass this product on to someone who might enjoy it more than me (ahem, my sister…) or just continue to wear it since it was $34.oo. Either way, the harsh truth is that I will not be re-purchasing it!

Katie

It’s Earth Day! Let’s talk about going green…and your beauty, makeup, and skincare product routine! So, how many different products do you use per day? Toothpaste? Sunscreen? Deodorant? Moisturizer? Shaving Cream? Shampoo? Conditioner? Body Wash? Hand sanitizer? Foundation? Powder? Bronzer?

I challenge you to tally up the number today. Now, think about the ingredients label for each product. Can you read all of the ingredients? If not, are you comfortable with applying those chemicals to your body? Since there is very little legislation protecting consumer health, when it comes to cosmetics and beauty products, it’s up to you to choose healthier options. It’s easier than you think and even committing to make small changes to your routine will have a great impact.

Organic products are better for you and for the earth! Here is a guide for going green with your makeup:

1. Commit to buying healthier beauty products

2. Discard old makeup and beauty products (Seriously, the eyeshadow you wore to prom? Needs to go…)

3. Enjoy the products you have and once they run out, replace them with greener versions

4. Purchase new products. Some of my favorite brands are Zoya, Josie Maran, Eco Tools , Lavanilla, LUSH, SpaRitual, Tarte, and Renpure.

5. Enjoy your new products and spread the word. Consumers can shape the cosmetic industry and change the landscape of it with the demand for healthier, greener products.

Quick fixes to help you get started:

• Pick up a healthy shampoo/conditioner, I recommend trying Renpure Organics
• Use a greener deodorant, I recommend Lavanilla or Tom’s
• Swap out your nailpolish for a Big 3 Free version (meaning free of Formaldehyde, Toluene or DBP), check out Zoya or SpaRitual
• Read this article from the Cosmetic Databse, Top Tips for Safer Products.

If you still need some convincing:

• Making small changes to your beauty routine will make a huge difference! Start out by using Big 3 Free nail polishes and avoiding products with fragrance.
• Cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval authority, with the exception of color additives. - Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Beauty products (makeup, fragrance, etc.) will make its way inside your body -whether it is by absorption through the skin (your largest organ) or inhalation.
• Chemicals found in beauty products have been linked to cancer, reproductive and respiratory concerns, and have been linked to other diseases.
• Visit the Cosmetic Database, type in the name of a product you use, and evaluate it. Your product will be given a rating on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the safest.

Happy Earth Day!

x0,

Katie

If you are a Urban Decay NAKED palette lover, this palette is a perfect addition to your makeup collection. The Sephora Moonshadow Baked Palette is a collection of 10 sparkly neutrals. Cream, light bronze, soft gold, peach, taupe (my personal favorite), silver, deep brown, honey brown, deep sienna, and plum comprise the palette. At $28.00, this is a great deal. Baked products are a great investment in general when it comes to makeup. They last longer and can be used wet or dry.

I have used this palette almost daily since I purchased it from Sephora. I’ve found that the shadows  are well pigmented, long-lasting, and very sparkly. Also, there is very little fallout with the use of a primer (I tend to reach for Too Faced Shadow Insurance, MAC Painterly Paint Pot and/or Urban Decay Primer Potion daily). I have used them both wet and dry. I have been dipping my shadow brush in Makeup Forever Mist & Fix and then picking up some shadow (in lieu of water). The “wet techinique” pumps up the intensity of the shadow. Nevertheless, a dry brush (or finger) is always an option if you are in a rush or if you simply prefer that type of look. Finally, these shadows blend beautifully with each other and also with all of the colors in the Urban Decay NAKED palette.

Check it out at http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P292307&categoryId=B70.

xo,

Katie

I enjoyed Birchbox for the first few months. The mix of makeup, haircare and skincare products seemed appropriate. I was receiving the typical 4-5 samples per box and was content. However, when I opened up my latest box I was really disappointed to discover a granola bar. Sorry Birchbox, I don’t think that a granola bar qualifies as a “deluxe beauty sample.” The other products in the box were mediocre, nothing truly riveting. As a result, I canceled my subscription and I have to say, I’d definitely be reluctant to recommend Birchbox to anyone.

I HAVE found another little obsession, however, and it is also $9.99 per month. Although it is not beauty-related, it is awesome. It is called rdio. Check it out if you like music. :)

x0,

Katie

If you love love love to try out new products, continue reading! If you continuously purchase your standby or go-to products, continue reading! Birchbox is GREAT for everyone! So, I saw a tiny article in a magazine about Birchbox and was immediately intrigued. Here is the deal: you get 4-5 sample beauty products conveniently mailed in a pretty little box to your doorstep 1x per month for a $10 (per month). Incredible!!!  As soon as I read this, I fled from my comfortable little tanning spot on the deck to my laptop where I logged onto  http://www.birchbox.com/ and signed up.

My very first birchbox arrived with  my mail yesterday.

Reasons why I am already loving birchbox:

+ the birchbox arrived earlier than I anticipated (was supposed to get it on the 10th, it came on the 8th! *However, this might not always be the case depending on where you live!*)

+ the products within are well varied (from makeup products to skincare)

+the packaging is adorable (such a treat to break into a little gift for no reason at all!)

+so far, the products within are of impeccable quality

So, you might be wondering, what actually came in the box?! A total of 5 products: Laura Geller Blush-N-Brighten Makeup, a perfume sample of Kate Spade Twirl, a sample of Weleda Smoothing Facial Lotion in Wild Rose, Molecular Mist by Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals (This sounds way too scientific!… What do you think?), and two Deborah Lippmann lavendar nail lacquer remover finger mit packets. I am enjoying the blush/bronzer and perfume sample so far. I am trying to pace myself and not test out all of the products in one day, although I am tempted to. :)

Bottom line with this product: if you are not signed up, you are missing out! It is an awesome deal and at $10.00, quite the steal! Haha, so lame, I know… :) Sign up and then let me know what you think @ http://twitter.com/0rganicmakeup

x0,

Katie

This is the Urban Decay Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy gloss in Failbait. I purchased this online at http://www.urbandecay.com/. Lip love costs $16.00 and it comes in 5 shades: Drizzle, Failbait, Lolita, Stung and Taunt.

The gloss provides the lips with a subtle tint which makes it great for everyday use.  The product smells of honey and tastes like it too!  It is moisturizing and lasts for a decent amount of time (although I find myself reapplying frequently because I love the smooth, moisturizing effects of this product).

Some of the contents of this product are listed right on the tube! It contains Apricot Kernel Seed Oil, Millet Oil, Vitamin C, Jojoba Oil and honey.

Urban Decay Lip Love is a great product but I wish that it was a little less expensive. Sixteen dollars will get you 0.34 fl oz, which is not very much, especially if you use it as frequently as I do!

This product is perfect for anyone who wants a moisturizing product that provides a little bit of color and an amazing shine on their lips! If you are a honey hater, perhaps try a different Urban Decay lip product, like Lip Junkie. (For the record, I am not a huge fan of honey but I don’t mind it in this gloss – it is really pleasant and sweet!)

I would repurchase this product in the future but probably in another color. I am really enjoying Failbait but I Lolita and Taunt are on my wish list! :D

You can purchase Urban Decay Lip Love here: http://www.urbandecay.com/lip-love-lip-gloss/300,default,pd.html or at Sephora.

x0x0,

Katie

Follow me! http://twitter.com/#!/0rganicmakeup

So many great things can be said about this product! Before I get to them, let me start off by explaining exactly what this product is because you have never seen anything like it before. Seriously! This is a moisturizing lotion that is oil-free with SPF 15.

Initially, when squeezed out of the tube, the lotion appears white. However, when it is rubbed and blended into the skin, it adds an incredible glow, and offers an effect similar to the results you might get from using a tinted moisturizer.

I love the results that I get from using VitaZing and in my opinion, my skin looks more radiant when I use this instead of my other face products. So, you might be wondering, what is so special about VitaZing?

1. It is an awesome substitute for foundation. The lotion goes on smoothly, blends in  completely and provides a great base for additional makeup.

2. One lotion fits all skin types. Anyone can use this lotion! VitaZing eliminates the necessity to match your skin to a foundation. This is especially important to me during the summer months when I tend to need foundations and face products that are a bit darker to suit sun-kissed skin.

3. A little goes a long way. You do not need a palm full of VitaZing to achieve a pretty glow! Dot the product on cheeks, chin and forehead, blend in with you fingertips and you are good to go. 

4. You skin will look like it is literally glowing. In my opinion this is perfect for anyone who cannot get outside! It will make you look like you just returned from a sunny vacation.

5. SPF 15 is a plus.

6. Oil-free formula makes it suitable for all skin types.

7. It is moisturizing without being too heavy.

8. Light, fresh scent that is invigorating and pleasant.

You can purchase this at Origins (I bought mine on 5th Ave in NYC,) Macy’s, or online at http://www.origins.com/index.tmpl.

x0x0,

Katie

Follow me twitter:  @0rganicmakeup :]

Essie nail polishes are my favorite! I love that the brand is now “big 3 free” (which means their nail polishes are not formulated with toluene,  formaldehyde, or DBP). The polishes in the image above, from left to right are: fiji, e-nuf is e-nuf, turqoise and caicos, topless and barefoot, and big spender.

Fiji: Looks best with a tan. I like to put on 3 light coats of the polish. It is a beautiful, opaque pink.

E-nuf is e-nuf: Perfect coral! It goes with everything. In terms of application, 2 coats is all you need.

Turquoise and caicos: Fabulous for feet. Like fiji, it looks awesome with a tan.

Topless and barefoot: Opaque, neutral & amazing. It is the perfect nude. Use 3 light coats.

Big spender: This color is great for both a manicure & pedicure. It is my favorite Essie polish!

On my shopping list: Too Too Hot

x0,

Katie

Quality brushes are essential to the application of makeup (unless of course you prefer your fingers, which is perfectly acceptable). I am sure we have all experienced the horrors of cheap brushes: stray bristles on your face, “scratchy” bristles, sparse bristles, etc. The range of brushes available is astonishing, ranging from incredibly inexpensive to ridiculously pricey. I have found that price is not a great indicator for quality when it comes to purchasing brushes. For example, E.L.F. makeup brushes sell for $1 and their eyeshadow brushes are awesome! Another example of cheap (in terms of price) brushes are EcoTools – these brushes are made of sustainable bamboo and have the softest bristles that I have ever encountered. BareMinerals brushes are a bit more expensive but also excellent. Sigma brushes are awesome too, a full set of brushes can be purchased for less than $80. Sigma brushes are a great starting point in building a brush collection – they offer a great range of products at a modest price.

Although I have a decent collection of brushes, I found the Sigma Complete Kit to be a necessary purchase for me because it contains every type of brush for the application of eye and face makeup. (I purchased this kit with a coupon. I always check http://www.retailmenot.com/ when purchasing online – the second it takes to look up a promotion code is worth it because it can yield great savings). So I received a total of 12 brushes:  Small Angle E65, Medium Angled Shading  E70, Large Shader  E60, Pencil E30, Large Angled Contour  F40,  Large Powder F30,  Duo Fibre  F50, Foundation F60,  Concealer F70, Tapered Blending E40,  Eye Shading  E55,   and Eyeliner  E05. The brushes came in a classy black mesh drawstring  pouch. I also received a free gift (every purchase over $30 gets one!), which is an E25 travel size brush. There was an insert with the brushes too which contains information on brush cleansing (it is absolutely essential to clean your brushes).

I am impressed with the quality of these brushes and am already enjoying them! This set can also be purchased with a brush roll (for an extra $20). This was not necessary for me because I prefer to store my brushes in decorative mugs. This is a matter of preference, if you would prefer a roll, go for it, at the very least it will allow you to travel with your brush set.

I think that investing in good brushes is a necessity! If you are willing to purchase quality makeup, splurging on great tools and brushes to use in conjunction with your products is definitely essential.

If you are interested in Sigma products, check out their website: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Default.asp

Let me know what you think!

xx,

Katie