Before going vegan, I didn’t give much thought to my skin care routine or the makeup that I purchased. I moved on from Noxzema to Neutrogena and Oil of Olay (a.k.a. Olay these days), I wore mostly Cover Girl makeup, and I thought I kept it all pretty basic. I now know that my idea of basic meant lots of chemicals, some animal testing, and general ignorance on my part. I know I’m not alone in this, I just wish I’d wised up sooner.

But I have to be honest. I’m still confused about ingredients, and once in a while I find out that I bought a natural beauty product that isn’t vegan. When I stopped eating animal products, I had to learn how to “veganize” a lot of meals that I enjoyed in my pre-vegan days. It took a bit of time, but it was worth it. And there is no reason why I can’t or shouldn’t do the same with my beauty products. Just think of the pros:

10 Reason Why You Should Make Your Own Beauty Products

(courtesy of Linh Le)

1. You can make organic, vegan, cruelty-free, and healthy beauty products.
2. People who have sensitive skin or skin allergies can make their own products.
3. You know exactly what ingredients are in your beauty products.
4. You can customize the scent, color, and texture of your products.
5. You save money.
6. You can handmade gifts for family and friends.
7. It’s fun, especially when you are making the products with your loved ones.
8. You can start your own cosmetic line.
9. You can make even more money if you sell the products.
10. No experience is required.

Cosmetixer

The post Make Your Own Beauty with the Cosmetixer appeared first on Chic Vegan.

I can’t believe that another month has gone by already! It can be easy to lose track of days during the summer, the arrival of another Vegan Beauty Box in my mailbox tells me that June is coming to a close. The box arrived right before my birthday, and it really did feel like a gift!

The Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box

If you’re unfamiliar with the beauty box, let me introduce you! The Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box is a subscription service that delivers a box of cruelty-free beauty products to your door each month. Each box contains 4-7 products, which range from unique cosmetics to luxurious skincare. Sometimes the products are samples and other times they’re full-sized products, like this month’s Derma E Vitamin C Peel and Andalou Naturals Instant Pure Pore Mask.

The Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box is a great way to try new beauty products without breaking the bank. It’s also a great way for new vegans to get started in the world of cruelty-free beauty.

The June box was curated with summer parties in mind! This is the “Pre-Party Prep” Box, which is full of non-toxic, summer-friendly skin care products to help give you a summertime glow. This month’s box supports Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary.

The June Vegan Beauty Box Contained:

Derma E Vitamin C Instant Radiance Citrus Facial Peel – $23.95 value

Derma E is a brand that I discovered through the Vegan Beauty Box a few years ago, and it’s now a favorite of mine. I hadn’t tried this facial peel yet, so I was excited to try it. To apply it, you use the included spoon to spread a thin layer on your face after cleansing. You let it sit for a few minutes and then remove it with the spoon, massaging as you go. Then just rinse and moisturize.

I was surprised at much my face tingled not just while the peel was on my face, but for a few hours afterward too. This facial peel is formulated with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids to help smooth the skin’s texture and the reduce the appearance of fine lines. It also helps to lift dead skin cells, remove impurities, and improve the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Andalou Naturals Instant Pure Pore Hydro Serum Facial Mask – $5.00 value

Andalou is another brand that’s become a favorite brand since I discovered it in the beauty box. I love face masks, so I was looking forward to trying this one. This is a sheet mask, so you just have to remove it from the package, place it on your face, and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes while you relax. A big bonus with this mask is that you don’t need to rinse your face after you remove it. It’s infused with skin serum, so once you’re done, you just massage what remains over your face and neck. It’s made with fruit stem cell complex, willow bark, and coconut water to hydrate and soothe the skin. It helps to create a clear complexion by purify pores and calming inflammation.

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Sticks – $12.96 value

My fair skin burns easily, even in the shade, so I always stock up on sunscreen at the first signs of summer. This mineral sunscreen is greatly appreciated. It has a SPF of 50 and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. This sunscreen comes in sticks, making it easy to glide on the skin to apply. These sticks make it easy to add a little color to your life, as they’re both neon! The orange stick is mango-scented, and the yellow one smells like bananas. Both are made with food-grade ingredients, making them a safe option for little ones.

Just the Goods Petal, Leaf, Root Facial Cleansing Grains – $5.00 value

These dry grains are free of synthetic preservatives, making them a great cleaning choice for those with sensitive skin, like me. They’re made with a combination of kaolin clay, amaranth, shavegrass, chamomile, and marshmallow root. This formulation absorbs oil and dirt, exfoliates, smooths, softens, and moisturizes. To use it, you simply mix small amount in your palm with a little water until it becomes a paste and then massage it onto your face. My skin feels fresh and clean after using it. I’ve learned that a little goes a long way with these cleansing grains, so even though this bottle looks small, it will last me a few weeks.

Aethera Everyday Botanical Brightening Concentrate – $7.50 value

This serum is made with hemp seed oil, which is high in omega 3 and omega 6 oils as well as amino acids. It hydrates and soothes skin while aiding in the generation of collagen and elastin. It’s also infused with acerola cherry, guava, turmeric, papaya, and carrot seed oil to gently brighten and nourish the face. It has a light, fresh fragrance, and it feels luxurious to the touch. Serums like this can often feel greasy, but not this one! It smooths on without an oil residue. Only one or two little dabs are needed, so this little tube will also last a while.

The Beauty Box is available as a monthly subscription, which means that once you sign up, a box of new goodies gets delivered to your door every month. Subscriptions choices include monthly, six month, and a year.

The post Get that Summertime Glow with the June Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box! appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The Vegan Beauty Box

It’s that time of the month again! It’s time to take a look inside the Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box.

If you’re a regular Chic Vegan reader, you have probably heard of the Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box already, but if you’re new here, you might know about it yet. That’s why I’m here! The Vegan Beauty Box is a subscription service that delivers sample (and sometimes full-sized) cruelty-free cosmetics and skin care products to your door every month. It’s a great way to find new brands and sample products without spending a lot of money. It’s also pretty perfect for newbie vegans who are just learning about cruelty-free brands.

I’ve been receiving the Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box for a few years now, and I always look forward to its arrival. I’m constantly impressed with the selection of products Vegan Cuts curates for their customers. This month’s box was dedicated to freshening up for spring and summer.

The Longhopes Donkey Shelter

The May box supports The Longhopes Donkey Shelter in Colorado. The shelter is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating unwanted Donkeys, as well as finding them new homes.

The May Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box Contained:

Four Sigmatic Superfood Serum – $55 value

This s product is unusual because it can be used as both an oral supplement or a topical skin serum. It’s rare to find a skin care product that’s safe enough to ingest, but shouldn’t everything we put on on skin be harmless? This serum formulated with natural oils and extracts to beautify from the inside out as well as hydrate the skin. It can also help to fight fine lines and redness. When using externally, you simply apply a few drops to the face and neck after cleansing and massage into the skin twice a day. When taking as a supplement, you just take 4 drops a day. I’ve been using it as a topical serum on my face for the past week, and my skin has felt soft and supple.

Deco Miami Nail Art Stickers – $8 value

These stickers make it easy to give yourself a fun manicure! They’re made with a special material that won’t irritate skin. To use them, simply remove a sticker with tweezers, place them it on your nail, and then seal with a clear top coat. I received Sugar & Spice stickers, which includes hearts, letters, cherries, lips, snakes, and flowers.

The Humble Co. Bamboo Toothbrush and Toothpaste – $4 value

One of the problems of traditional toothbrushes is that the plastic they’re made with more often than not ends up in a landfill. And there are around 3.6 billion plastic toothbrushes made each year! The Humble Co. has created a solution to that problem – they’ve made their toothbrushes out of bamboo. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet, so the handles on these brushes are sustainably grown. No fertilizers or pesticides are used on them, because bamboo is actually naturally antibacterial. The handles are also 100% biodegradable and can be composted after you’re done with your brush. The bristles are made with nylon-6 and should be recycled rather than composted. Nylon-6 is softer than other types of nylon, so these bristles are more gentle on your teeth than other brushes. The packaging the toothbrush comes in is made primarily from recycled paper, so it’s also eco-friendly.  The Humble Co.’s Natural Toothpaste was developed by dentists, and is made without dyes, preservatives, and harsh chemicals. It’ll leave your mouth felling fresh and clean! Every purchase from The Humble Co. goes benefits in need.

Whole Love Organics Deodorant – $9 value

I’m a sweater, so the warm months can be a little tough for me. Natural deodorants don’t always work, but fortunately, this one has kept my underarms dry over the past week. It’s handmade in Illinois with just five simple ingredients: organic virgin coconut oil, organic arrowroot powder, candelilla wax, naturally procured baking soda, and essential oils. I’ve tried other natural deodorants that have a rough texture and are a little harsh on the skin. This one is softer and glides on smoothly. I received the Orange Vanilla scent, which is reminiscent of creamsicles, a scent that reminds me of summer.

The card included in this month’s beauty box mistakingly said that this deodorant is baking soda free, but it’s really made with aluminum-free baking soda. Whole Love Organics does have a baking soda free version on their website. Subscribers who have other questions or are upset about mistake should reach out to Vegan Cuts directly at support@vegancuts.com.

Love Organics has a coupon code if you want to try their deodorant. Use code VEGAN20 for 20% off your order at www.wholeloveorganics.com. Offer expires: 8/1/19, cannot be combined with other offers.

The Beauty Box is available as a monthly subscription, which means that once you sign up, a box of new goodies gets delivered to your door every month. Subscriptions choices include monthly, six month, and a year.

The post Freshen Up with the May Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Alka-White Alkaline Mouthwash Tablet

I’m going to start with my favorite product in this box.  Most of my life I never really thought about what was in my toothpaste or mouthwash.  I mean, I wasn’t eating it, so it didn’t really matter, right?  Wrong.  There can be some pretty nasty ingredients in these items and you’re sticking them in your mouth every day.  So I’ve started using better toothpaste and mouthwash full of natural ingredients.  These mouthwash tablets are AWESOME!  First of all, they cut down on waste with their packaging.  Second, they are full of naturally good for your teeth/mouth ingredients like turmeric and coconut oil.  Both of these ingredients help with inflammation and are anti-microbial.  Both great things for your mouth.  They also help whiten your teeth and help with sensitivity.  I’ve noticed a difference in the whiteness of my teeth and this is a product I will definitely keep using.

Delia Organics Creme de la Cream Body Whip

With summer and warm weather right around the corner, it’s time to think about lightening up your moisturizing options.  This body whip is extremely lightweight but still helps your skin stay soft.  I also love the cinnamon sugar scent.  I’ll be using this after long days in the sun to make sure my skin stays hydrated.

100% Pure Blur Bamboo Powder

I was really excited to try out this product.  It is meant to help your face have a smooth and even complexion.  Unfortunately for me, I felt like it really dried out my skin.  They say you can use it over makeup or alone.  I don’t ever wear foundation or heavy makeup, so maybe my bare skin was just a little too sensitive for it.  It did, however, make my complexion very even, so I did like that.

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Cocoa Butter Matte Lipstick

I did LOVE this lipstick from 100% Pure though.  I got the Aubergine shade (it also comes in Cacti and Sahara) and it was great.  The color was nice and rich plus it stayed in place all day even with eating and drinking.  It also did not dry out my lips like some matte lipsticks tend to do.  That might be because it’s made with cocoa butter, shay butter, and vitamin E.  I will definitely keep this for the very few times I wear lipstick!

Angie’s Boom Chica Pop

I always see this in the grocery store but never get it.  Until now.  I got the Sweet & Salty Kettlecorn flavor and I am now addicted.  It’s the perfect balance of salty and sweet plus it’s made with non-GMO popcorn, vegan, and certified gluten-free.

If you’re looking for a way to find products that are good for you and the environment, then Love Goodly is the best thing ever.  I have found some of my favorite brands and products through the Love Goodly Box.  I love that they support Farm Sanctuary with every box and I love that everything you get is eco-friendly, non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free.

The post Spring into Beauty with the Love Goodly April/May Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Perfect your springtime cruelty-free beauty regime with the April Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box! The latest box contains a full 5-step facial routine.

I love the Vegan Cuts Beauty Box, because it allows me to try different cruelty-free beauty products without spending a lot of money. I have sensitive skin, and I tend to get headaches from certain scents. I have a bathroom cabinet full of beauty products purchased with the hopes that they would be the one, only to find that I had a bad reaction. With the Vegan Beauty Box, I get to sample products before I shell out a lot of cash.

The Vegan Beauty Box is a monthly subscription service, and each box is filled with 4 to 7 new products. Some are trial sized while others are full-sized. The Beauty Box is perfect for new vegans who are just getting started with cruelty-free beauty, as well as seasoned vegans who want to discover new brands and try different products.

The April Vegan Beauty Box was full of cruelty-free skin care products that come together create a 5-step facial routine. A 5-step routine may sound like it takes too much time, but it really only takes a few minutes.

The April Vegan Beauty Box Contained:

Herban Clay Facial Cleansing Bar – $12.50 value

The first step in the routine is cleansing. I usually use creamy cleansers that come in a bottle or tube, so I wasn’t sure what to make of a bar cleanser when I first opened my beauty box. This little bar works up to a nice creamy lather though. The bar is made with sea clay, which is infused with oats and eucalyptus. A little goes a long way, so even though this bar is small, I can tell it will last quite a while. It also doubles as a soothing shaving cream.

Annmarie Skin Care Rosemary Toning Mist – $19.00 value

Step two is toning. Spraying on toner only takes a couple of seconds after cleansing. This handcrafted mist is made with aloe vera, white willow bark, neem, and rosemary distillate, and it’s great for all skin types. It’s great for both morning and evening use, and it’s even good for hair! A few spritzes near the roots refreshes and revives tired tresses.

Rosy Organic Apricot Oil – $5.00 value

After toning comes a serum or oil. Years ago, I was nervous about using oils on my sensitive skin, but I’ve learned that it actually works really well. Nourishing apricot oil helps to moisturize, and it helps to relieve inflammatory conditions such as rosacea or eczema. It contains omega fatty acids as well as vitamins, A, C, and E. Just as with the cleansing bar, a little goes a long way, so I’ll be using this tiny bottle for a while. It’s perfect for all skin types, and like the toning mist, it can also be used on hair.

Goddess Garden Organics Facial Sunscreen – $4.99 value

Sunscreen is a step that most people – including me – tend to skip, but it’s an important one. I have pale skin and I burn really easy, so it’s really crucial for me, especially in the summer. This organic sunscreen has an SPF of 30 and is water resistant. It’s formulated with natural ingredients such as aloe leaf juice, shea butter, and safflower seed oil, and it’s not greasy like some sunscreens can be. It’s safe for sensitive skin and has a light lavender scent. I’ll be getting a lot of use once the sun finally comes out!

Zatik Glow Moisture Cream – $28.00 value

The final step in the 5-step skin care routine is moisturizing. This light cream is great for the warm spring and summer months. It’s made with a small batch process using ingredients made from organic botanicals. Zatik uses a freshness process to insure its consistency. Sea-buckthorn and a blend of berries give this moisturizer a blend of omega fatty acids that nourish and hydrate skin while smoothing fine lines.

The Beauty Box is available as a monthly subscription, which means that once you sign up, a box of new goodies gets delivered to your door every month.

The post Get that Springtime Glow with the April Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Most chic vegans are familiar with the Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box, but if you’re not allow me to introduce you!

The Vegan Beauty Box is a subscription service that delivers a box of cruelty-free beauty products to your door each month. You never know what kind of lotions and potions you’re going to find inside, but it’s guaranteed that everything will be vegan. Most of the products are all natural, too. Products can be full sized, such as this month’s Crazy Rumors lip balm and BaeBlu eyeliner, or they might be trial sized, like the PiperWai deodorant and Shero Science cleanser. A subscription to the Vegan Beauty Box means you’re always able to try new products and discover new brands without spending a ton of money.

After a long, cold winter, my skin and hair have been a little on the dry side lately, and thankfully, the March box is chock-full of products to help smooth and moisturize.

In addition to the six regular products, this month’s Vegan Beauty Box came with two bonus fan favorites from previous boxes! I found Gleam Lip Radiance and Ellovi Lip Butter in my box.

The March Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box Contained:

AG Hair Care Coco Conditioning Spray– $10.00 value
My hair has been a little dry lately (thank you, winter weather), especially the ends. This coconut milk leave in conditioner has been a big help in adding moisture and detangle without weighing my hair down. To use, you simply spray it on wet hair and then style as usual. It’s formulated with coconut oil, coconut fruit extract, macadamia extract and mango seed butter to nourish and strengthen hair.

Hempz Herbal Body Moisturizer– $7.30 value
I’ve discovered Hempz lotion through the Vegan Beauty Box, and I’ve become a big fan. It’s sooths my dry skin and helps with the rough patches on my knees and elbows. This sensitive skin formula is free of added fragrance and dyes, which I really appreciate, because some scents can give me a headache. Enriched with pure hemp oil and plant extracts, it’s helping to revive and rejuvenate my tired skin.

BaeBlu Eyeliner– $12.99 value
This smudge-proof pencil eyeliner glides on smoothly and stays put for all-day wear. It’s highly pigmented and creates instant definition. Made with natural ingredients such as jojoba and castor oils, it’s free from the harmful ingredients you’ll find in other cosmetics, such as parabens and formaldehyde.

Crazy Rumors Mystery Flavor Lip Balm– $3.50 value
I love all the creative flavors that Crazy Rumors creates. I’ve been using this “mystery flavor” for a week now, but I still can’t put my finger on what I’m tasting. It’s a little fruity, a little sweet, and a whole lot of yummy. It reminds me a little bit of bubble gum, but it has a hint of berry to it. Crazy Rumors lip balms are made with organic shea butter as well as plant oils and waxes. Of course, they never contain any beeswax, which seems to be so prevalent in lip balms.

Shero Science Gentle Milky Gel Cleanser– $5.00 value
This silky-smooth cleanser removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin of moisture. It was created in partnership with a dermatologist and formulated especially for dry and combination skin. It contains vitamins E and B5, to replenish and heal dry, damaged skin. My dry, sensitive skin has loved it! My face feels silky smooth after washing with it.

PiperWai Natural Deodorant– $2.50 value
I’m a sweater. I can work up a sweat sitting still in a chilly room. So, deodorants are always a must for me. Natural deodorants don’t always do the trick, as I can often smell myself after a few hours, and the baking soda that so many of them use irritates my sensitive skin. While this deodorant does contain sodium bicarbonate, I haven’t experienced any irritation, thankfully. It also contains witch hazel and charcoal, so it’s kept me dry and stink-free! It’s free of the aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances that so many other deodorants contain. To use, you just rub a pea-sized amount under each arm.

Ellovi Ginger Lemon Lip Butter
I received this ginger lemon lip balm in my Beauty Box a while ago, and I’ve recently finished it, so I’m happy to receive another, especially after dealing with dry lips all winter. It’s made with just six ingredients – sunflower, macadamia, Hawaiian coconut, African shea, lemon, & ginger – and it has kept my lips hydrated all day.

Gleam Lip Radiance by Melanie Mills
This long-lasting gloss is another Beauty Box fan favorite. It’s infused with natural botanicals to help improves lip texture while adding color. It’s made with a blend of natural ingredients including Vitamin E, jojoba oil, and aloe vera. It’s formulated to prevent feathering, and it doesn’t feel sticky on the skin.

The Beauty Box is available as a monthly subscription, which means that once you sign up, a box of new goodies gets delivered to your door every month.

The post Ring in Spring with the March Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box! appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box

It’s that time of the month again – beauty box time! If you’ve been reading Chic Vegan for a while, you will already know all about the Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box. But if you’re a new reader, or new to veganism, let me give you the deets.

The Vegan Cuts Beauty Box is a subscription service that delivers a box of cruelty-free beauty products to your door every month. The products are usually sample sized, but there are times when you’ll receive full-sized products too (as was the case with most of this month’s products). It’s a great way to discover new brands and sample products without spending a lot of money. It’s also perfect for new vegans who are just learning about cruelty-free brands.

The February box was full of cruelty-free products to pamper and protect. Let’s dig in!

The February Vegan Beauty Box Contained:

Dr. Bright Berrylicious Toothpaste– $6 value
I’ve always used minty toothpastes, so brushing with a berry-flavored paste was a little strange at first. This toothpaste is formulated with all-natural ingredients including organic aloe, organic coconut oil, strawberry extract, and neem. It also contains vitamin C, which helps promote healthy gums. Since it doesn’t contain sodium laurel sulfate, it doesn’t foam up the way other toothpastes do. But that’s a good thing, though – it means it’s safe to swallow. It’s verified by the Environmental Working Group, which means it’s safe for both humans and the environment.

Velvet Report Dry Sheet Mask– $16 value
I’ve used sheet masks in the past, but this is my first time trying a dry one. This mask is made with highly concentrated plant-based ingredients and a stretchy fabric. The water-free formula allows for infusion without evaporation. The ingredients include grapeseed oil, hibiscus extract, and carrot root extract, and it plumps skin while giving it a natural glow. To use, you simply unfold the mask and stretch it over the face, attaching it at the ears. I looked like I was ready to rob a bank while wearing it, but I appreciated the fact that I could walk around the house without fear of it falling off or dripping while wearing it. I love that it comes in a sealable pouch and is reusable, because it means less waste.

Delia Organics Lip Nectar – $15 value
I’ll admit that when I first noticed this product in the beauty box, I thought it was a little weird. Why would lip treatment come in a glass container with a roller ball?I shrugged and gave it a try though. I was instantly taken back to the ‘80s with memories of flavored Kissing Potion lip gloss. Bubble gum was my favorite! This lip nectar is part gloss, part balm. It glides on smoothly and doesn’t have that sticky, waxy feeling that comes with a lot of lip balms. It’s made with natural oils along with lavender, orange, and lemon essential oils, so it has a sweet, citrusy scent. My lips have been dry in the cold winter weather, and this nectar has helped to smooth and hydrate them.

Pür Cosmetics Chrome Glaze – $18 value
Who doesn’t love a good lip gloss?! This lightweight gloss has a vivid color and an intense chrome-like shine. It glides on smoothly and stays put without feathering or fading. It can be worn on its own or as a top coat over lipstick. I received the color Rebel, which is a dark plum shade. It’s not a color I would normally choose for myself, but I like the way it looks, so I’m keeping it!

103 Collection Antioxidant Facial Toner – $5 value
Toners are one of those products that I keep telling myself to use and then promptly forget about when it’s time to wash my face. I have been using this little bottle from 103 Collection since it arrived, though. It’s to be used after cleansing, and it helps to remove dead skin and oils that may have been left behind. It’s formulated with aloe leaf juice, willow bark extract, and vitamins to provide moisture and help skin look brighter and healthier. I’ve noticed that my skin has been softer and smoother since I started using it, too.

Bonus Item: Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
I’ve used this serum from Derma E before, so I was excited to find in this month’s Beauty Box. Made with vitamin C, aloe vera, green tea, and other natural ingredients, it helps to brighten skin and boost collagen heath, minimize the look of fine lines, and improve the appearance of an uneven skin tone. I found that a little goes a long way with this freshly-scented skin treatment.

Vegan Cuts Beauty Box subscriptions are available for 3 months, 6 months, or a full year.

The post You’ll find lots to love in the February Vegan Beauty Box from Vegan Cuts! appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Teresa: What non-vegan ingredients are commonly used in making scents?

Mona:  Each fragrance is a unique formulation. There are any number of animal ingredients that can find themselves in a perfume. Things like ambergris (from whale intestines) and civet (a unctuous secretion painfully scrapped from a gland very near the genital organs of civet cat) can be used as a fixatives in making perfumes. Then there are the more obvious musk oils and animal based acids. Because the use of animal products in the beauty industry is common, I would personally always assume that, unless a perfume specifically states that it is vegan, then it is not-vegan.

Teresa: How do you develop your fragrances?

Mona:  Our fragrances begin with a story, a NYC story. Each scent in our collection tells a real NYC story of life illuminated by fragrance, a story written by me. These stories are my personal experiences and, yet, they are not unique. Many people could relate to my experiences as their own. Our first collection includes: Sunday Brunch, 10am Flirt, Nitro Noir and Santal Sky. The fragrances were crafted in collaboration with perfumer Mathieu Nardin, a young perfumer known for combining artisanal craftsmanship with modern techniques.

Teresa:  I know your scents are gender-neutral. Could you say a bit about your take on gender within the perfume industry, and why you decided not to participate in this binary?

Mona:  I love this question. The answer is simple. I don’t participate in that binary because it’s insulting. As a model, I never liked fragrance marketers telling me what it meant to smell like or be a woman. They presumed that I should like pink, crystals and the smell of roses (I don’t). And so, my individualism denied, I was forced to shop for fragrance that I like in men’s aisles. I was always perplexed by the fragrance marketer’s logic. Is a Kandinsky feminine or a Warhol macho? When I go to an art gallery, no one tells me where to go. I think we can all agree, in this modern era, that labeling art as “for her” or “for him” would be insulting to us as individuals. Fragrance, like art, is for all… and should be free of gender-bias labels.

Teresa:  Tell us a little bit about how you integrate NYC art into your brand.

Mona:  KIERIN NYC is a brand for individualists boldly inspired to be. The white, opaque bottle is like a canvas. The label is purposely positioned “on the edge” of the square bottle as a metaphor for living life to its fullest. The collage art is reminiscent of the lifestyle of NYC and so many street art murals wrapped around the city’s building corners. Art is our muse– not spokesmodels or celebrities.

Teresa:  Anything else vegans in particular should know about KIERIN NYC?

Mona:  There are varying shades of green. KIERIN NYC is an uncompromising brand that not only offers consumers high-quality, distinctive blends that are vegan. Our collection is also cruelty-free, toxin-free, free of unnecessary stabilizers, free of skin allergens, parabens, sustainably sourced and recyclable. Not to mention that our premium fragrances are more accessibly priced than many traditional niche-brands, as a matter of principle.

The post KIERIN NYC Makes Vegan Perfumes appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The Love Goodly box for February/March is filled with plenty of things to make sure you pamper yourself just as much as others.  Lucky me got to review this box and I can tell you now it was a good one.  Spoiler alert: there’s chocolate.

The Love Goodly February/March Box Contained:

Aisling Organics Duel-Sided Luxe Shadow Brush – I know I get to review a beauty box every two months, but I am not a typical beauty person.  I don’t wear fancy make-up most days and when I do I watch countless YouTube videos to get it just right.  Don’t get me wrong, I love make-up, it’s just not one of my talents.  WHICH is why I love when Love Goodly includes some basic tools to get the job done.  I had one shadow brush before this and I’m pretty sure I got it in high school at the local drug store.  I figured one brush was as good as the next.  It is not.  This shadow brush is awesome and makes me look like I actually know what I’m doing when I put on eye shadow.  The fact that it’s cruelty-free and vegan is just the cherry on top.

Flower Mill Balm Shell – Normally I use makeup wipes to remove my makeup, so I was a little perplexed how a
balm was going to get my face free of all makeup.  Once again I have been shown the error of my ways.  This balm is made with essential oils like rosehip seed and lavender along with mango and shea butter.  It goes on like a dream and removes everything even better than my wipes.  Plus it hydrates my skin which is a definite plus during the colder months.

Zatik Gratitude Face Serum – Speaking of hydration, this face serum might be my favorite thing from this box.  We have had a few -20 degree days here in the Midwest (thanks Polar Vortex) and with this serum, I have not had to deal with dry, itchy skin.  It’s made with organic herbs, marine algae, and seaweed and it’s nontoxic, non-GMO, vegan, and cruelty-free.  If you have trouble skin, this is going to be your new best friend.

Fine & Raw Chocolate – How can you love yourself without a little chocolate?  This raw, dark vegan chocolate is made in small batches so it is sustainable and sourced directly from cacao farmers.  It’s only sweetened with coconut sugar, so it’s a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth.  It also goes great with wine, tea, or coffee so you can indulge at any time of the day!Every Love Goodly box supports a charity partner and this boxes proceeds go to Farm Sanctuary.  If you want to try Love Goodly but need a little more convincing, they have given Chic Vegan readers a discount code.  Use CHICVEGAN for $5 off of your first bi-monthly subscription and get ready to pamper yourself!

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Chemical Overload

I once read that one of the most toxic places to work is a nail salon. The chemicals used in polish and remover are linked to a host of ailments, including skin conditions and respiratory problems. But that doesn’t mean that chic vegans need to skip the manicure altogether. It means that we need to educate ourselves on the products we’re using and make safe choices for ourselves.

When I buy nail polish, I opt for 5-free varieties. The five things those varnishes are free of are formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, camphor, and formaldehyde resin. When we coat our nails with polish contain toxins, not only are we breathing in those chemicals, our bodies are also absorbing them. (Yes, our we can absorb chemicals through our fingernails.) And I don’t even want to think about what happens when we bite our nails.

786 Cosmetics Nail Polish

I do like to paint my nails, and I’m always trying out new brands, so when 786 Cosmetics asked me if I’d like to try their polish, I jumped at the chance. They are 11-free, which really intrigued me. I didn’t even know that 11-free is a thing! After a little research, I discovered that 11-free nail polish is also free of such nasty stuff as acetone and parabens.

In addition to being 11-free, 786 Cosmetics nail polish are verified vegan and cruelty-free by PETA. They’re also certified halal by the Kalamazoo Islamic Center (KIC). I didn’t know that nail polish could be halal! According to the 786 Cosmetics website, they worked alongside Islamic scholars to understand the necessary requirements, which includes no animal products and no alcohol. These polishes are also water permeable, which means they can be worn during wudu.

Many Colors to Choose From

786 Cosmetics nail polish color choices range from traditional pinks and reds to bold greens, blues, purples, grays, and browns. Some are matte, some are glossy, and others shimmer.

I was sent the color Casablanca, which is a pretty, pearly pink. Most of the pale pink varnishes I’ve used in the past require a lot of coats to look opaque. This polish only needed two! Each coat dried really, quickly, which is a big bonus. As of the time that I’m writing this post, I’ve been wearing it for 4 days, and it hasn’t chipped. According to the 768 Cosmetics website, their polishes will last about 7 days with the use of a top coat.

I was also sent the color Kashmir, which was inspired by Kashmir’s traditional tea, Kashmiri chai, and the pink blossoms and tulips of the Mughal Gardens. This pale mauve shade is their best-selling color, and I can see why. I love it! It complements my skin tone perfectly.

In addition to nail polish, 786 Cosmetics also makes a deep nutrition nail treatment, almond and ginseng cuticle oil, and soy-based polish remover.

All 786 Cosmetics nail polishes are manufactured and produced in the U.S. Find out more and order their products on their website.

Images courtesy of 786 Cosmetics

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