Becca Shadow & Light Brow Contour Mousse Review in Mocha (Cruelty Free)

So I recently purchased the Shadow & Light Mousse in Cocoa from the Sephora VIB sale and I'm doing a quick review on it!

I actually bought the product for the Light portion of it because it's the EXACT same product as their Under Eye Brightening Corrector.

AND GET THIS: .....the Shadow& Light pot is cheaper but does have less product.
I'm not complaining since I get to try both products, I just think I'm going to run out of the undereye brightener portion of it first :l

I got the shade Mocha. There's only 2 colours available in the mousse, the lighter one (the one I don't have is called Cocoa.

They announced on Instagram that they would be selling a new colour in January. I kind of wish I got to try it before buying Mocha.

I'm review the Brow portion of the product today:

Colour:
It's quite dark in the pot but you can make it work even if you have brown hair (that is of course if you use a light hand and you sheer it out). Also, I don't know if I'm the only one with this problem. I find that on my skin tone I can almost see a warm undertone to it, which I wish it didn't have but it's really not that noticeable. I really like more grey, cool, taupe but this leans on the warm side. Don't let the dark colour fool you! It's not too pigmented so you don't end up with markered-on looking brows. Also, there's no sheen to the product, it is matte :)

Wear: 
It lasts pretty well for me. It does move if you rub hard enough. Also depending on how much you've sheered the product it will wear faster but I don't see a disappearing brow so long as I haven't touched my brows.

Left to Right: Without Product, With Product

(And yes they are of different scale and facial angle and it is the same brow, I just could not get the quality right. I'm really sorry :S)

Application:
I apply this with a thin synthetic angled brush. This is a tip for the oily skinned: you can apply a dusting of translucent powder to the brow area before you apply. It will matte down that area and keep the product on longer.
I do find the product is soft, if you have too much on your brush you will have teeny tiny clumps so always wipe off the brush and have a tiny amount on the brush.

A word of caution, if you put too much of the product you will feel it, but I applied heavily that time for testing purposes.

Too be honest, I haven't tried other brow mousse like the Dip Brow so I can't quite compare.
I do think that this type of brow look is more suited for strong makeup days (for those newer to makeup) because it can really give you a defined looked unlike a pencil or powder can. But of course you can always soften up the look with a spoolie and have a very light hand to get a pretty natural look. It is after all toned down on the pigment aspect so you can pull off a natural look with it.

I will do a separate review on the Light portion of the product but I'll quickly let you know if you are fair skinned and you plan to use it as a highlight under the brow this is too pink and too dark for it to function like that. If you do have fair skin, it really works best as it is originally marketed as an undereye brightener.

Overall:
I'm going to have to say currently the colour range is limited so it won't suit everyone. It lasts all day without rubbing, if you are a face toucher I don't see this lasting. It's great for the really stubborn bald spots because the product will stick to that area and you can mimic brow hairs with a thin brush. If you have a light hand with it you will not feel the product.

I would recommend trying on the colour in store if you can and see if you don't mind dealing with a detailing brush, wiping excess on the back of your hand..... etc. you get the drill.

Please leave any questions below. Thanks for reading :)

Lush Santa Baby Lip Tint Review: Vegan and Cruelty Free Lip Stain

I recently bought the Lush Santa Baby Lip Tint and I'd thought I'd give it a review.
First off, it smells like cola! You can't smell it once it's been on since it dies down to a very subtle unnoticeable vanilla coke scent. It's called a lip tint (big understatement) but it's definitely a lip stain.

Colour:
The colour is a Christmas red with a slight pink neon lean, on some skin tones I think it will look neon. The picture doesn't do it justice, it really has a pink lean in really life. I wouldn't call it a matte but it's not too shiny either. There's no shimmers or glitter.

 From Left to right: 1 swipe after being wiped with tissue, 1 swipe, 2 swipes

Texture:
Texture wise it's quite gritty so I find that it's easier to warm the product up on the back of my hand to get it going and then apply onto my lips. I think they could've blended the product a bit longer but I think it also has to do with how much pigment is in the product. You can see how gritty it is after I've swiped it. I'm sure you can use a lip brush but I would hate to wash this out of my lip brush,

Application:
Because of the texture I do warm it up with the back of my hand (it will stain your hand! which is what I don't like) and then I'll just go in with the tube and apply. I'll quickly clean up the edges with a cotton bud and makeup remover. Since it's in a lip balm tube it's not the easiest to get super sharp lines but for a bright lip sometimes I don't prefer to have super crisp edges. It's possible to have not so defined edges because the product doesn't budge.

Longevity:
This product will stain your lips and the stain is harder to remove than a liquid lipstick. It will last through food and drink but will show slight signs of wear especially if you've been easting oily food. I will say that the wear looks nicer than a liquid lipstick.

Moisturizing?:
It contains lots of moisturizing ingredients but I wouldn't really call it hydrating. I feel like there's so much pigment packed into it you hardly put any on so you don't really end up putting a lot of it on. It's also not drying (at least for me), and I do prefer to put a colourless balm on top of it.

Overall:
It's definitely a statement lip but I think it would look wonderful on any skin tone this time of the year since it's so festive and super pigmented. I have to admit I bought it because of the scent and soon after realized it was a stain not a tint. I do really like the product overall minus the texture.
I bought the product in store for C$8.95 and it is a part of their holiday collection.
PS. there's no really taste to it (not that I can notice)... so that was slightly disappointing. LOL!

How To Remove Stubborn Lip Colour and Liquid Lipsticks!

I have quite a collection of Liquid Lipsticks and they are pretty difficult to remove. I can use the Body Shop's Cleansing Balm but when I get around to massage that onto my lips, sometimes, I'll accidentally get it in my mouth.

Here's the trick:

Step 1: using any stick lip balm, I'll apply a thick layer directly on top of my lips with the colour on them

Step 2: let the lip balm sink in by massaging the product into the lips (just rub your lips together) and to dissolve the lip colour. You can also just leave the balm on for a few minutes.

Step 3: using a tissue, just wipe off the colour

Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 if you have any colour left

I really think this process is a lot better than using any makeup remover. I hate the taste of makeup remover of my lips (not that I'm eating it but you can taste makeup remover if it's on your lips).
Also, it's not as harsh as rubbing makeup remover with a cotton pad on your lips.

I think you can try using something like a coconut oil but personally I think the thicker texture of a balm makes it easier.

11 Skin Care Tips Anyone Can Follow

These tips are personally what work for me and by no means a rule book for skincare. However, these tips have worked for me so I thought it would help others out too.

1. Use clean hands: I know this is a given but you don't want to be mixing your products with unclean hands, especially if you're using an eye cream.

2. Thoroughly rinse your face cleanser off: This doesn't mean you need to have the tap on the whole time you're washing your face or when rinsing. Once I've massaged the cleanser on my face, I'll quickly turn on the tap to wet my hands and then I'll go back in to massage some more to break down the product. I'll repeat that again and then rinse, it makes the job a lot easier since the product has already been diluted

3. Clean your phone, pillowcase or anything that touches your face: you might want to consider whether your phone or even your pillowcase is contributing to your acne/ skin problems. Especially if you talk on the phone with it touching the side of your face. I tend to use my earphones with a microphone just to avoid putting the phone on my face. Also, if you sleep on your side/front, you're getting the products that may be on your hair onto your face.

4. Just because it tingles doesn't mean it's working: a lot of products available contain irritating ingredients that make you believe that it's working because it's tingling. You might see immediate "results" but it also might mean that your skin is being irritated, especially if it's red or comes with a burning sensation.

5. You don't have to reach for the harshest products first: build up to see your resistance. Also, just because it's a small percentage, it doesn't mean the products aren't as effective. For example, 1% retinol content is already considered a high percentage and can be too much for some people.

6. Generally, Less is More: as long as an adequate amount of product is used, it should be able to do it's job. You should adjust your skincare to suit your skin. Using an exfoliant everyday might be too much for your skin to handle. Try spacing out the number of times you apply, especially if they are treatment type skincare (Ex. Exfoliating)

7. Avoid Jar Packaging: jar packaging means more of the product is frequently exposed to light and air. Skincare products usually contain ingredients that are beneficial to your skin but they may be prone to change and may even lose or deter it's benefits once exposed to the air and light.
If you do want to using jar packaging, I would recommend using a cotton bud or a spatula to scoop the product out instead of using your nail/finger.

8. Avoid clear/transparent packaging: This is similar to tip #6 in the aspect of light exposure to active ingredients in your skincare products. For example, vitamin C can destabilize once exposed to light for a period of time.

9. You don't have to spend a fortune on a cleanser: that doesn't mean the cheapest product available is the best but keep in mind cleansers are washed off and ingredients that are supposed to help out your skin don't stay on long enough to give you the necessary effects intended. When you want to spend more on your skincare, it's better to spend it on products that are meant to be absorbed into your skin.

10. Don't forget your sunscreen, and make sure to remove it at the end of the day: too much sun can make your dark spots appear even darker. Sun damage might not be apparent now but some of the effects of the sun take time to materialize and reveal itself. Even in the winter, the sun's rays can reach you. Also, you want to make sure to remove it at the end of the day to avoid residue sitting on your face at night.

11. Split your cottons pads into halves: I find that when I use the cotton pad whole, I'll only use the centre of the pad and the rest goes to waste. When you take a few seconds to split them with clean scissors you not only save money. you're being more environmentally conscious.

These are my tips that I live by or try my best to follow through with. Feel free to share any other tips!

Favourite Vegan "Junk Food" Snacks! Energy bar, chips and gummies!~

Theses are some of my favourite "junk" food vegan snacks. Keep in mind I don't eat these everyday. I'll have cravings for non-healthy food here and there and I don't see why being vegan as to stop you from the occasionally treat. Of course, it's all personal choice but this post is for vegans who also want to satisfy their cravings!

Clif bars!
I love theses bars cause they're quite filling and if I don't have time for a proper meal I'll grab one of these on the go. My favourite flavours so far are the Chocolate Chip and Crunchy Peanut Butter.

Kettle Brand Chips!
The Jalapeno flavour is my absolute favourite! Super crunchy and bold flavoured! They are quite spicy for none spicy lovers, so care! I also found that this same brand has a Maple Bacon flavour that is vegan!

Surf Sweets!
They have some pretty nice options for vegan and the labelling indicates whether the snacks are vegan or vegetarian. They don't contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial colours and flavours and more notorious allergens/ingredients. I have to admit the vegan options don't exactly replicate that same gummy texture/flavour may of us are used to but they are still great! I quite enjoyed the Peach Rings.
*Just be careful since their Gummy Bears and Gummy Worms contain gelatin.*

I'll keep adding to this list as I go. I have healthy snack options as well so I'll do another post on those but I definitely want to grow this is. I've also got some recipes in mind that I want to try out (Vegan Donuts!!)

Colourpop Super Shock Eyeshadow Review (Girly, Tea Party, Intoxicate, Nillionaire, La La, Hanky Panky)

I finally bit the bullet and made a purchase on Colourpop!
I made this haul during the Labor Day sale they had and I used a $5 off coupon(THANKSBABE)!
Shipping to Canada is still pretty steep but being able to use the extra coupon helped negate the shipping cost.
The package took quite sometime to arrive and Colourpop sent me an extra SuperShock Cheek in Road Trip with a message apologizing for the delay. I also got some lip and cheek products but I'll leave those for another post.

Girly, Tea Party, Intoxicate, La La, Nillionaire, Hanky Panky

My camera doesn't do the shadows justice, but this is the best I could get it.

I really recommended checking out Temptalia for awesome swatches and picture, the quality is great.
In general: the staying power is great on the shadows, even if you try to wipe it off with a tissue you'll have the base colour almost "stain" your skin. Most of them don't have fallout with the exception of the super glittery shades.

Some shades you can definitely use them as liners! Girly, La La and Intoxicate can be applied with an angled brush as a liner :).

Girly: This is a pale yellow/white shade with pink/orange reflect. I didn't know it had a reflect so I wasn't happy to discover that. I wanted to use this as a brow bone highlight but using a reflect shade doesn't look so great. I'll use this as a lid colour for natural days since it does give some brightening to the lid area.

Tea Party:  (Unfortunately this NOT vegan, I messed up and didn't realize this wasn't vegan until after I received my package) It has a warm pinky (slight orange lean) base with silver and purple flecks of sparkle. The base is not very opaque but still leaves a wash of colour.

Intoxicated: is a matte warm, slightly orangey medium brown. It has a sheen when swatched but blended out it, it looks matte. It's a great crease shade and an awesome outer corner shade to add depth, This is a shade that is versatile since it looks great sheered out or packed on.*NOTE* this shadow was recently discontinued, right after I made my purchase Colourpop released the statement that it would be discontinued. However, on the reviews someone wrote that To-A-T is pretty much a dupe to this colour. In comparison to the Temptalia swatch, in my eyes it looks more warmer and redder than the pictures.

Nillionaire: This came broken! But I was able to squish the shadow back into the pan. This shadow has the most different texture, it almost feels wet. There is fallout when using this shade because there is so much glitter but it's nothing you can't sweep away. The base colour is a dirty brown with violet and gold glitter. This can make your eyelids look almost wet because it's so glittery. the texture doesn't feel chunky compared to what you would expect out of a glitter shadow. Rather it's correctly labelled a metallic finish.

La La: is a rose gold, it can lean a bit orange on me and end up looking coppery on my skin. La La is a metallic finish but without the glitter (unlike Nillionaire)

Hanky Panky: This is a matte light cool toned pinky light gray/brown. It's a good transition colour for a cool toned look.

Double eyelids without surgery/Fix uneven crease/lid. Eyelid tape and eyelid glue guide.

So I'll start off by saying in no way am I telling anyone to change their features. This is my guide to how my experience was with "changing my eyelids", along with my tips to achieve double eyelids for those who want them. Also works if your eyelids are uneven or one is double lid and the other one isn't.

I have one eye that is creased and the other one isn't. It drives me crazy because one eye looks significantly bigger and I have this trick to deal with it! (I've been doing this for a while I just never shared it)

Tools: you need some kind of adhesive and a tool
I've tried so many glues and tapes I can't remember most of them!
For starters it's really important that you test out the products before using them. If you don't want to test them out, keep in mind you may have a reaction so try the products out, whether it be tape or glue on a day you plan to stay home.

I suggest purchasing both eyelid tape and glue. Totally up to you but it's easier to try out both. For eyelid tape look for the tape that is textured on the surface and smooth on the edges. It will hurt if you cut your own tape or use ones with sharp edges, you don't want to scar the skin around your eyes. Also the textured ones have little holes so the skin can breath. *tapes are more noticeable and I would suggest using tapes at home*

As for eyelid glue. I started off using the koji eye talk glue on the pink bottle. It's expensive and it's quite smelly but I didn't have a reaction to it. It also removed easily but stayed. Another alternative is just using plain eyelash glue. I preferred the Faceshop lash glue (both lash glue sold individually or inside the lash packs work, and they're latex free!).

I highly advise you don't use a toothpick/needle to pick on your lid. Usually at asian markets they sell "eyelid glues" that come with a tool that is supposed to help you create the desired lid. If you don't have it and just got the eyelash glue I would say you can use the BACK of a needle, not the pointed end. BE SUPER CAREFUL... The tool should be thin and smooth on the edges.

Step 1:
With your tool "adjust" your lids, see where you would want your crease to be. (On a clean lid)
Step 2:
Apply a small amount of glue along your desired crease.
Step 3:
Let the glue dry for about 10-30 sec so it will be tacky and not completely wet.
Step 4:
Using your tool, GENTLY push and adjust your new "crease"

Keep in mind if you are consistent with this your lid with start to crease the way that you "force" it to become.
Also, be "realistic" of how much you can change your lids. If your lids are already quite heavy, having parallel lids (lids where you can see all of the lid space from corner to corner) might be difficult and your eye may really resist that. I was able to achieve a semi-fold, which is on the eye that is already double lided.
Do not ever tug, pull, scratch or be abrasive with your eyelids.
I usually use a waterproof makeup remover to take the glue off.
Personally, now I only use glue and I mostly do this at night and take it off in the morning. Usually in the daytime my lid will stay.
If I do wear the glue in the daytime, I prefer not to wear makeup on top of the glue (usually it's just mascara).
You will get to a point where the lid stays the way you want it with out glue or tape but it will take time depending how regularly you do it and how persistent you are.
And yes, this is a bit off topic from vegan beauty but it's something I've always wanted to share.