Cruelty-Free Drugstore Makeup Stocking Stuffer Picks

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There is currently a spotlight on cruelty-free drugstore makeup, particularly since Covergirl recently became cruelty-free, and therefore I thought that I would feature a few brands worth purchasing as stocking stuffers, or for yourself as budget friendly makeup picks for the holidays.

Catrice Cosmetics ($1.99-$14.99 from Catrice and Ulta): Catrice Cosmetics is unquestionably one of my very favorite drugstore makeup brands because they have make luxurious makeup at an affordable price point. Their powder products boast remarkably finely-milled textures, beautiful pigmentation and lovely colors. From their eyeshadow palettes to their face palettes, you are guaranteed high quality products that are such a pleasure to use. The quality is indistinguishable from department store luxury makeup– save for their more modest packaging.

About Catrice Cosmetics,

Like all great stories, ours begin with a group of fearless females on a mission: to prove it’s possible to create an innovative brand of luxury-inspired makeup at excellent prices. Founded by Christina Oster-Daum, we first opened our doors in Germany in 2004 and since then, our ever-expanding global presence in over 50 countries proved what we always knew – makeup wearers everywhere crave high quality makeup at prices that make sense.

Catrice also has a nice range of primers and setting sprays.

Catrice's HD Liquid Coverage Foundation rivals luxury foundations, and their serum highlighters are utterly amazing.

Catrice makes wonderful brow products, mascaras and gel eye liners.

Catrice Lipsticks, Lip Glosses & Lip Liners come in wonderful range of formulas and textures, and while they have a wide selection of colors that will suit everyone, they also have wonderfully whimsical trendy shades that will appeal to everyone who wants to wear fun colors. This cruelty-free German beauty brand has wonderful products that appeal to all age ranges, and they make perfect stocking stuffers.

Hard Candy ($5.00-$10.00 from Hard Candy and Walmart): Hard Candy is a wonderfully whimsical, youthful and at times edgy cruelty-free beauty brand that really makes playing with makeup fun. From their glittery eyeshadows, to their bold matte liquid lipsticks, they perfectly embody what's trending without taking themselves too seriously. Hard Candy has a cult following for a reason, and even if you don't wear bold makeup, they have products that you will love and use repeatedly. Their lip glosses, blushes and eye crayons are staples in my collection, and they are subtle and perfectly suited for daily wear.

About Hard Candy,

Two ground-breaking sisters in Southern California set out to create the perfect shade of sky blue nail polish to slide their toes into the perfect sky blue sandals and flare for the dramatic, keeps our drive alive. Our name evokes all things girly and sweet, while keeping an edge and attitude.

Essence Cosmetics ($2.49-$20.00 from Essence Makeup, Ulta and CVS): Essence makes fun, very affordable cruelty-free makeup without sacrificing quality. From their metallic eyeshadows to their beautifully pigmented lipsticks, you can find a wide range of daily staples, or whimsical glitters that are perfect for New Year's Eve festivities. So affordable are their products, that you can stuff those stockings without breaking the budget.

About Essence Cosmetics,

We’re a small team dedicated to bringing affordable, fun, and high quality products into the serious world of cosmetics. So why choose just one lipstick, eyeliner, nail polish, eye shadow, lip gloss, (you get the point!) when you can try them all? We do!

essence cosmetics is owned by Cosnova Beauty from Germany where animal testing for cosmetic products has not been permitted since 1998. All of essence products comply with the European and American ingredient, manufacturing, and testing standards. Our suppliers are also held to these same standards and we only partner with the ones that do not test on animals.

Overall Assessment: If you are seeking affordable cruelty-free makeup for yourself, or as stocking stuffers, then definitely consider Catrice Cosmetics, Hard Candy and Essence.

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Copyright © 2018 www.lolassecretbreautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

New Year's Eve Makeup Picks

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With New Year's Eve just around the corner, I thought that I would share a few fantastic, and  affordable, makeup finds to complete your festive looks. If you take some makeup with you, for touch-ups, you won't have to fret if you lose anything during the countdown since they aren't expensive to begin with. Additionally, I see little need to splurge on luxury makeup when seeking festive products for the holidays since you won't likely use them very often. Some of the products that I selected are perfect for daily use, but others may be more bold than you would want to use with much frequency, and therefore their low-impact on your wallet makes them justifiable purchases if you are seeking a bit more impact for your New Year's Eve festivities.

Essence the Metals Eyeshadow ($3.99 each from Essence Makeup): These gorgeous metallic eyeshadows are very finely-milled, beautifully pigmented and they have a velvety-smooth texture. These three shades have amazing color pay-off with a luminous metallic shimmer. Available in 9 shades, these twinkling beauties are vegan and cruelty-free.

Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara ($4.99 from Essence Makeup, Ulta and Target): The wand is specifically shaped to sculpt and add serious volume to lashes, and to separate them without clumping or flaking.

Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara shown in Blondy Brows 01 and Browny Brows 02.
($2.99 from Essence Makeup, Ulta and Target): The tinted gel formula, which contains fibers to fill in gaps, tames unruly brows, and creates the appearance of fuller brows.

Left to Right: Essence the Metals Eyeshadows in Rose Razzle-Dazzle 06, Silver Twinkle 05 and Rockin' Glamour 08.

Note the gorgeous shimmer and luminosity!

How to Make Bright Eyes Palette ($9.99 from Target): This palette includes 6 shimmer shadows that range from a warm apricot to shades of beige and brown. The shades offer a light, ethereal glow. This is an easy-to-wear neutral palette that comes with two instruction cards to recreate nude eye looks.

How to Make Bright Eyes Palette

Left to Right: Light Up!, Eyes Bright Open, Team Bright, Vanilla Eyes, Natural Beauty and The Irresistible.

Essence Blush Play Palette ($5.99 from Essence Makeup and Amazon): These palettes each feature three tonal shades to highlight, define and sculpt the face. Play it Peach is a warm peach palette and Play it pink is a cooler leaning mid-tone pink palette.

 Left to Right: Play it Peach 10 and Play it Pink 20.

Essence Shine Shine Shine Lip Gloss ($2.99 from Essence Makeup and Ulta): These cruelty-free and gluten-free glosses, which are available in 6 shades, offer incredible shine, a wet light-reflecting finish, and the perfect amount of cushion for comfortable wear. Furthermore, these twinkling beauties are non-sticky, long-wearing, and they are available in a range of colors from nudes, to shimmering pinks to bold vampy shades– they even have a high shine clear gloss that is the perfect topper for your favorite lipsticks.The flocked doe-foot applicator, which is heart-shaped, glides across the lips effortlessly and deposits color evenly. 

Essence Shine Shine Shine Lip Gloss

Left to Right: Essence Shine Shine Shine Lip Gloss Runway, Your Way 12, Friends of Glamour 03, Happiness in a Bottle 01 and Behind the Scenes 01.

Essence Matt Matt Matt Lipsticks ($2.99-$3.99 from Essence, Ulta and Target): These matte lipsticks have a velvety creamy texture that enables them to glide across the lips effortlessly, deposit color evenly, and they offer full opaque coverage in a single pass. They are long-wearing, non-drying, and have the right amount of cushion for comfortable wear. Furthermore,  they neither bleed, nor feather.

 Top to Bottom: Matt Matt Matt Lipstick in 04 and 02.

Essence Out of Space Stories ($2.99 from Essence): Outta Space is the Place 01 and Across the Universe 02 are gorgeous twinkling iridescent shades that capture the sun and moonlight perfectly. Across the Universe is a stunning dirty lavender with a multi-colored shift, and Outta Space is the Place is a whitened pink with a vibrant green shift. Both are fun and festive, and New Year's Eve perfect.

Essence Moon Glitter ($4.99 each from Essence): Add some fun to your make-up with these gorgeous glitter pigments. It can be used as a highlight, topcoat or all over for a stunning night out look. Simply apply the glitter to freshly painted nails, cover with a top coat and voilà!

01 Outer Space (gunmetal grey)

02 Cosmic Love (burgundy)

Essence...In a Bottle Glitters ($2.99 each from Essence): Loose glitter particles that can be used for a complete festive manicure, or only a statement nail this New Year's Eve.

01 Party (white, pink and green)

02 Fame (silver)

Pur Cosmetics False Eyelashes ($14.00 each from PUR Cosmetics, Ulta, Forever 21, Kohl's and Beauty Bay): PÜR's 3D lashes, which are handcrafted from the finest cruelty-free silk, are ultra-lightweight and natural-looking. They create the appearance of fuller lashes, and they are even safe for contact wearers. They are durable, reusable, and can be worn up to 30 times. Available Styles: Bombshell, Diva, Jet Setter, Trendsetter, Flirt and Socialite.

Melanie Mills Hollywood Gleam Radiant Dust in Rose Gold ($15.00 for mini 1.5 g and $60.00 for 1 oz. from Melanie Mills Hollywood and Amazon): This ultra-luxe finely-milled loose powder, which can be used on the face and body, gives skin a gorgeous ethereal glow. It can be used as a bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, highlighter or body powder. Melanie Mills Hollywood is Cruelty-Free.

According to Melanie Mills,

Made from high grade pearls and all-natural ingredients that draw light in rather than reflect it, Radiant Dust is gorgeous on its own, or as a finisher with other Gleam Body Radiance products. Each shade of Gleam Radiant Dust blends beautifully and seamlessly, and can be used by every skin tone as bronzer, blush, highlighter and eye shadow. Apply with a makeup brush or powder puff to diminish fine lines and create a warm rich glow.

Melanie Mills Gleam Body Radiance in Rose Gold ($16.00 for 1 oz. and $42.00 for 3.4 oz. from Melanie Mills Hollywood and Amazon): Described as a, "revolutionary all in one makeup, moisturizer & glow for body and face"– this tube of gleaming goodness comes in 7 shades for a wide variety of skin-tones. It offers the skin a stunning luminous glow, it blurs imperfections and offers the skin a sun-kissed color.

Claims:
○ Wrinkle Filler and skin tightener
○ Makes skin look like velvet perfection
○ Perfect for spray tans to enhance, even out skin, add depth and extend
○ Create an instant tan that lasts all night
○ Highlight, create a subtle glow, enhance natural skin tone, tan , perfect
○ Diminish flaws like varicose veins, small stretch marks and discoloration

Gleam Radiant Dust in Rose Gold and Gleam Body Radiance in Rose Gold 

Left to Right: Melanie Mills Hollywood Glean Radiant Dust in Rose Gold and Gleam Body Radiance in Rose Gold.

Still Standing Foot Spray ($35.95 from Still Standing 15% discount Use Code: COMFORT and Amazon): This is an ingenious foot spray that has cooling, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving attributes that are absolutely perfect if you are going to be wearing stilettos or high heels on New Year's Eve. It comes in two sizes, and the purse size spray is perfect for your handbag.

15% discount at checkout Use Code COMFORT

According to Still Standing,

Still Standing is a natural, patent-pending proprietary formula spray made of cooling menthol and certified organic eco-distilled Arnica, Aloe and Ilex. These three herbal remedies are time-tested natural anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. Along with other ingredients including Vitamin E and Tea Tree Oil, they come together in a greaseless, colorless, stain- free spray that keeps feet feeling great. The eco-distillation process insures that the resulting herbal extracts have the highest potency and efficacy, keeping your feet calm and cool so your feet feel like they do when you first put on your shoes.

Still Standing should be generously sprayed on the top, sides and bottom of your feet prior to putting on your shoes. It is important to let it dry which takes a few minutes. The large size features an eco-friendly, non-aerosol, and continuous spray technology. This delivers the most potent, highly penetrating mist from any angle, making it easy to use. It also comes in a small size for touch-ups on the go, which will be needed generally in 2 to 4 hours depending upon the shoe type. You should not use the product if you have open blisters or cuts on your feet. It is designed to work with shoes that fit properly. If your shoes pinch, rub or cut into your foot, Still Standing will not solve your problem.

Directions: Apply this clear, stain-free gel spray generously to top, sides and soles of feet  BEFORE you put on your shoes.  It works on bare skin or through stockings or tights. (But NOT on broken or irritated skin please!)  The comfort effect lasts up to 6 hours depending upon the person. Touch up as needed.

Everyone Hand Sanitizer ($17.94-$17.99 for a 6 pack from EO Products and Amazon): If you are going to be out and about on New Year's Eve, it is definitely worth bringing a hand sanitizer with you since you will undoubtedly be exposed to lots of germs, and will be in close proximity to lots and lots of people.

According to EO,

Share the love, not the germs! Everyone sanitizers are 99.9% effective against most common germs and not made with any nasty chemicals. Everyone sanitizers are made for every body and priced for every budget, so use generously. Only the subtle scent of Orange, Lavender, and Peppermint essential oils are left behind—no sticky, stinky residue.

Overall Assessment: What are your beauty picks for the New Year's Eve festivities? Are you going out, or staying in this year?

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Essence Cosmetics: Gorgeous Quality Products at Very Affordable Prices! Swatches & Reviews

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In the last couple of weeks I have received an unprecedented number of emails from loyal readers in college who specifically asked for high quality makeup recommendations at drugstore prices because they love makeup but have serious budgetary restrictions. Therefore, I decided to do a mega-post featuring Essence Cosmetics since the quality is fantastic and the line offers exemplary budget-friendly choices.

1) All in One Bronzing Highlighter (Brunettes. Sun Glow) ($4.49 at Ulta): "Summer all year round! All in one: as a bronzer and a highlighter united in one Essence product, the all-in-one bronzing highlighter creates either gorgeous shimmer effects or a subtly tanned finish on your face and neckline - depending on the look you're going for. And it can even be used as eyeshadow! Several bronzing and highlighting shades are perfectly aligned to suit the skin tone of blondes and brunettes. The soft powder texture with a 3d embossment ensures a fresh summer complexion, even in the fall and wintertime!"

This is a fantastic multitasking product that can be used on the face, eyes and body! It is finely milled with a soft and silky consistency that effortlessly glides across the skin. It is a steal of a deal for the price, and you don't sacrifice a bit of quality. It is intended for brunettes and those with darker skin tones, but I think that it will appeal to a much larger range of skin tones than that.

Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Magnesium Stearate, Bis-Diglycerylpolyacyladipate-1, Caprylyl Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hexylene Glycol, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Coumarin, May Contain: Ci 19140 (Yellow 5), Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 75470 (Carmine), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide).

2) Metal Glam Eyeshadow in Frosted Apple (03), Coffee to Glow (02) and Jewel up the Ocean (01)($2.99 each at Ulta): "Metal meets glam from Essence Cosmetics! Metallic and shimmering effects on your eyes are the ultimate trend! The especially soft texture with extremely high coverage and metallic results creates expressive eye make-up guaranteed to be eye-catching! The range of colors is huge and sure to make every beauty's heart beat faster!"

The Metal Glam Eyeshadows are finely milled creamy dreamy shadows that have lovely pigmentation. The glittery surface, while an overspray, quickly reveals the glimmering shadows beneath. Each shade that I tried glides across the lids effortlessly, and they all offer buildable coverage. It will comes as no shock to you that my favorite is Coffee to Glow because it is a gorgeous creamy taupe, and trust me when I tell you that I will be hitting the pan on this beauty!

3) Stays No Matter What Eye Pencil & Shadow in Whipped White Frosting (07) and Gorgeous Grey (04) ($2.99 each at Ulta): "The soft, waterproof and extremely long-lasting texture lasts up to 16 hours and can be used as an eyeliner pencil and as an eyeshadow. The jumbo eye pencil & shadow is accurate, easy to apply and won't smudge. Available in six stays no matter what colors."

These beautiful and versatile two-in-one eye pencil/ eye shadows are creamy and buildable, but once they set they are utterly budge proof! They offer gorgeous saturation and buildable opacity with the precision of an eye pencil and the coverage of an eyeshadow! These are just wonderful!

Ingredients: Isododecane, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Silica, Mica, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Oleate, Citric Acid, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide), CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide).

4) Crystal Eyeliner in Twinkly Starlight (01) and Gold Rush (03) ($2.99 each at Ulta): "Sparkling moments, the long-lasting, gel-based texture of the crystal eyeliner from Essence with a high pigmentation creates amazing and luxurious glittering eyeliner styles! Extra tip: If you're going for amazing wow-highlights, the eyeliner can be used as a topping on your lashes, too! The brush applicator guarantees an accurate application. Available in a cool clubbing packaging."

While these sparkling glittery eyeliners are hardly office appropriate, they are most definitely party-ready! They are lots of fun to wear, and can turn the ordinary into the festive with a mere flick of the wrist! Makeup should be fun, and these are definitely a blast to play with!

5) Lash Mania Reload False Lash Mascara ($4.99 at Ulta): "Lashes with star appeal! The innovative elastomer brush by Essence with a star-shaped arrangement of blades accurately grips your lashes to give them a push-up effect. The result: lashes with extreme volume and a dramatic false-lash look. Secret tip: the LASH mania reloaded mascara offers perfect separation and can therefore also be used as a mascara topper. For all mascara maniacs. Ophthalmologist tested."

Lash Mania gives lashes serious volume with no effort at all. This is definitely a great alternative to false-lashes, and the look can be achieved in a fraction of the time!

6) Get BIG! Lashes Trip Black Mascara ($3.99 at Ulta): "Black, blacker, triple black! This is the deep black mascara in the popular get BIG! Lashes family by Essence. The large, innovative fiber brush offers maximum volume and adds density to your lashes. Its carbon black texture ensures an expressive look with a triple black effect! Ophthalmologist tested."

If you are looking for volume and a deep black mascara, then this is definitely a very affordable one to consider!

7) Longlasting Lisptick in On the Catwalk (04), Wear Berries (09) and Dare to be Nude (05) ($2.99 each): "Longlasting love… you simply have to fall in love with the longlasting lipsticks by Essence. the lipsticks provide your lips with intensive color for several hours without drying them out. You’re sure to find whatever you’re looking for – from bright pink to intensive red and chilled-out berry to subtle nude shades. the essence logo on the texture and the matte, black packaging with a ring of color to match the actual color of the lipstick are true eye-catchers!"

These brand new lipsticks are just stunning! The formula is long-lasting, the colors are richly saturated and buildable, and the formula is non-drying. Furthermore, they boast a gorgeous sheen!

Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polybutene, Octyldodecanol, Candelilla (Euphorbia Cerifera) Wax, Polyethylene, Mica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tin Oxide, Parfum (Fragrance), May Contain: Ci 15850 (Red 6/Red 7 Lake), Ci 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), Ci 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), Ci 45410 (Red 28 Lake), Ci 77491, Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide).

Left to Right: All in One Bronzing Highlighter in Sun Glow; Metal Glam Eyeshadow in Frosted Apple, Coffee to Glow, and Jewel up the Ocean; Stays No Matter What Eye Pencil & Shadow in Gorgeous Grey and Whipped White Frosting; Crystal Eyeliner in Gold Rush (03) and Twinkly Starlight (01).

Look at this rich glimmering goodness!

 Left to Right: On the Catwalk, Wear Berries! and Dare to be Nude.

On the Catwalk is a gorgeous blue-based red.

Wear Berries! Is a luscious berry pink.

Dare to be Nude is a mid-tone caramel kissed nude,

Overall Assessment: Essence Cosmetics offers fantastic quality products at very affordable prices. Whether you are on a college student budget or not, there is something for everyone with this wonderful line!

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Press Samples. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.