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

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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.

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!

The post Self-Love is in the Air with Love Goodly appeared first on Chic Vegan.

By now you’re probably familiar with the Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box, but if not, let me introduce you! The Vegan Beauty Boxis 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 many times when you’ll receive full-sized products, too. It’s a great way to try products without spending a lot of money, and it’s also a wonderful way to discover new brands. It’s perfect for new vegans who are just starting out in the world of cruelty-free beauty.

I have a sensitive skin, and I used to buy new products only to discover that they didn’t work well for me. Not anymore! The Vegan Cuts Beauty Box has helped me to find products that I like without spending a lot of cash on something I might have to throw away.

The January Vegan Beauty Box is full of products to help you feel renewed in the new year. They’re perfect for helping skin deal with the havoc that winter weather tends to bring. Let’s dive into the January box!

The January Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box Contained:

Herban Body Care All Over Moisturizer – $5.30 value
This dense all-over moisture treatment is handmade in the U.S.A. It’s formulated with essential oils, candelila wax, and vitamin E to heal and protect skin from head to toe. I have rough patches on my elbows, knees, and feet, thanks to the cold winter weather, so I slathered this on within minutes of opening my Beauty Box. It’s definitely done the trick to soften and smooth my skin. It’s also wonderful for hands and cuticles. I received their Eucalyptus Orange sent, which also helped with my stuffy nose.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch – $2.50 value
Blemish patches are the newest innovation in skin care. I wish they had been around when I was a teenager dealing with acne! These healing little patches work best on white heads, and they need to be left on for at least 6 hours to work their magic. They’re made with hydrocolloid, which extracts impurities and helps skin heal. They also act as a protective cover to prevent touching. You simply stick one on clean skin before going to bed, and blemishes will have diminished by morning!

IBY Beauty Radiant Glow Highlighter – $8.00 value
I love highlighter, and I’m almost out of the one I’ve been using, so this arrived at just the right time! I received the color “Prosecco”, which is a pretty shimmery rose gold. The color is much subtler on the skin than it appears in the compact. It adds just the right of glow to the face. I like to use it on my cheekbones, but it can also be used under the brow bones, in the corners of the eye, on the bridge of the nose, and even on the shoulders, if you’re going strapless. You can brush on just a hint of it or apply layers for more color.

Bean Body Coffee Scrub – $16.99 value
This deliciously scented scrub is made with coffee seed powder, coconut oil, cocoa seed powder, and Himalayan salt. I received Mandarin scrub, which includes orange peel oil. The idea of orange and coffee together doesn’t sound so great, but it actually smells heavenly, and it’s the perfect pick-me-up for cold winter mornings. The caffeine in the scrub can help stimulate blood flow, which reduces the appearance of cellulite, eczema, stretch marks, and other skin conditions, while the Himalayan salt exfoliates and removes impurities. Coconut oil leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. The scrub comes in a pouch, which is a little difficult to use in the shower, and the instructions say to leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing, which is almost impossible to do in the shower, but my skin does feel silky smooth after using it.

Body Be Silk Lash Out Lash Serum – $30 value
This serum is formulated with castor seed, olive, jojoba, olive and lavender oils to create healthy lash conditioning and growth. Just apply a little serum along the last line with a cotton swab before going to bed. It’s too soon to say if it’s helping my lashes at all, but I do love its calming scent.

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

The post Reset and Recharge with the January Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

By  now, you’re probably familiar with the Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box, but if you’re not, let me introduce you. It’s a subscription service that delivers a box of 4 to 7 sample size (or sometimes even full-sized!) beauty products to your door every month. It’s a great way to try new-to-you cruelty-free skincare products and cosmetics without spending a lot of money. It’s perfect for new vegans who are just getting started the world of cruelty-free beauty.

My December Beauty Box arrived right before Christmas, and it really did feel like a gift, as I was thrilled with all of its contents!

The December Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box Contained:

NCLA Travel Size Manicure Set – $15.00 value
How cute is this glittery little manicure set? It’s pocket-sized, so it’s perfect for even the smallest of handbags. It contains a nail clipper, a nail file, scissors, and two push sticks. This kit went straight into my purse, so I don’t need to worry about nail emergencies when I’m on the go.

Hype Nail Enamel – $7.99 value
There was a definite manicure them to this month’s Vegan Beauty Box, and I couldn’t be happier, because I love doing my nails! This Hype Plant-Based Nail Enamel is 5-free, which means it doesn’t contain toulene, DBP, formaldehyde, tosylamide, or camphor. It does contain 85% plant-based ingredients. Would you believe that it’s made with potatoes, corn, and yucca? I received the color Water Lily, which is a pretty mauve hue that compliments my skin nicely. It has a nice shine, and hasn’t chipped in the few days that I’ve had it on. The bottle’s large brush makes it easy to apply polish to each nail with just a couple of strokes.

Flora & Fauna Cuticle Hero – $9.99 value
To continue with the manicure theme, this month’s Vegan Beauty Box contained this cuticle oil. It’s formulated with plant and essential oils to strengthen weak nails and soften dry cracked cuticles. It comes in a handy twist and click brush pen, which makes it easy to apply. It’s lightly scented with lemon and lavender, which are my two favorite essential oils.

William Roam Sense Pacific American Bath Salts – $2.75 value
The Vegan Beauty Box has contained other Sense products from William Roam in the past, and I’ve loved how lush and luxurious they are. These bath salts are no exception. They’re hand crafted in small batches with mineral-rich American Pacific salt and William Roam’s 21 aromatic extract blend, which includes notes of gardenia, vanilla, and cardamom. Sadly, I can’t take a bath in my current bathtub, so I’ll be giving these salts to a friend.

Buck Naked Soap Company Soap – $2.00 value
Is there anything more luxurious than hand-made soap? This stocking-stuffer sized bar is enriched with natural oils, butters, and coconut milk to soothe, refresh, and hydrate the skin. It also contains cranberry seeds to exfoliate. It has a seasonal-appropriate cranberry + mint scent that will help get you going on cold winter mornings. It left my skin feeling soft and squeaky clean.

Ogee Jojoba Restore Face Oil – $44.00 value
Winter hasn’t fully hit us yet, but my skin is already showing signs of cold weather by drying out. This antioxidant-rich face oil has been super helpful. I’ve been applying it by adding a drop to my moisturizer, but it can be added directly to the skin, if you prefer. It’s formulated with jojoba oil, ylang-ylang flower oil, marigold flower oil, savanna flower oil, and  galbanum resin oil to repair and replenish the skin while hydrating and softening. The idea of applying oil to my sensitive skin always makes me nervous, but I had no problem with this product, which is suitable for all skin types.

Booda Butter Lip Balm – $3.95 value
Along with winter-dry skin comes dry, cracked lips, so I was happy to find this lip balm in the December Vegan Beauty Box. While they do exist, it can be difficult to find bee-free balm in my local stories. This one from Booda Butter is made with raw and organic oils from coconut, sweet almond, and jojoba, as well as wild crafted candelilla wax. I appreciate that it’s not flavored, because those can sometimes interfere with the tastes of foods and drinks. This balm glides on smoothly and provides instant moisture.

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

The post Ring in the New Year with the December Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box is a subscription service that delivers a box of beauty products to your door once a month. Each box contains 4 to 7 sample and full-sized products that are vegan and cruelty-free. Most products are made with natural ingredients, and of course, they’re always cruelty-free.

Vegan Beauty boxes can a mix of cosmetics, skin care products, and personal care products, such as shampoo and conditioner or lip balm. They’re perfect for chic vegan who want to try a new product without shelling out a lot of money, or for new vegans who are just discovering the world of vegan beauty.

I loved this month’s Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box! It was chock-full of nourishing products that are perfect for the cold winter weather ahead in the upcoming months.

The November Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box Contained:

Manna Kadar Beauty Liplocked Priming Gloss Stain – $24 value
I received the color “Sienna” which compliments my skin tone nicely. This lip stain comes with a built-in primer, and it has a glossy finish. It glides on smoothly, and it stays put for hours. Some of the lip colors I’ve used in the past tend to try my lips out the longer I wear them, but not this one! It’s formulated withvitamins A and E, as well as berry extract, to keep lips nourished and hydrated. I wore it on Thanksgiving day and out to brunch a few days later, and it stayed in place through both meals. I love this so much that it’s part of my daily makeup routine now!

Raeka Turmeric Orange Peel Off Mask – $8 value
Since turmeric is an anti-inflammatorywith healing properties, this peel-off mask does wonders for the skin. It removed excess oil and impurities that clog pores, and it’s great for treating acne. It can also treat pigmentation problems and facial hair growth. It leaves my skin feeling silky smooth.

Derma•E Radiance Toner – $5 value
I’ve become familiar with Derma•E through the Vegan Beauty Box, and it’s become one of my favorite skin care brands. This alcohol-free tone exfoliates skin while brightening and tightening. It’s formulated with rosehips, roobois, glycolic acid, chamomile, and aloe vera to remove impurities and revive tired skin. I rarely use toner, but my skin has definitely benefited from adding this to my daily routine.

Andalou Naturals CannaCell Pressed Serum – $20 value
This nourishing serum is made with hemp stem cells, organic hemp seed oil, and essential oils. It nourishes the skin to create a glowing complexion. It’s a solid balm, but it easily melts into skin. It’s great for all skin types, which I appreciate, since mine is very sensitive. I love its fresh, citrusy scent.

Auromère Vanilla-Neem Ayurvedic Soap – $1 value
If you’re familiar with Ayurveda, you’ll know that there are three different doshas. My dosha type is pitta-vata, which means that I tend to get hot easily, and my skin is dry and sensitive. Thankfully, this extra gentle soap was formulated for dry and delicate vata-pitta skin. It’s made with a blend of vanilla, neem sandalwood, rose, amla, henna and other Ayurvedic oils and extracts, and moisturizes and nourishes skin. Its fragrant scent is a real eye opener on dark and dreary mornings!

Bogavia Valencia Vanilla Hydrating Body Butter – $7 value
The winter weather isn’t here just yet, but the temperatures are starting to drop, which means that my skin is starting to dry out. I had just commented that I needed to buy lotion to help get me through the cold months when this month’s Vegan Beauty Box arrived, and I was happy to find this body butter inside. It’s made with cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe vera, rose hips, and other natural extracts, and it’s formulated to moisturize and repair skin at the same time. It’s thick and creamy, yet it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, and it absorbs quickly. It has a deliciously luxurious orange and vanilla scent. This body butter is sure to help my skin’s winter weather woes.

A Vegan Cuts Beauty Box subscription is the perfect holiday gift for the chic vegan in your life. Subscriptions are available for 3 months, 6 months, or a full year.

The post The November Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.