Anywho, Goth Cupcake aka Mary/co-nominee for Best Vegan Lip Balm Makin’ Duo or Group of 2011, has a super cute Etsy shop where she sells handmade vegan and cruelty-free mineral eye shadows, tinted lip balms, beautiful-smelling bath salts and recycled [...]]]> Um, can I just start by saying Goth Cupcake is like, the greatest name ever!? ‘Tis!

Anywho, Goth Cupcake aka Mary/co-nominee for Best Vegan Lip Balm Makin’ Duo or Group of 2011, has a super cute Etsy shop where she sells handmade vegan and cruelty-free mineral eye shadows, tinted lip balms, beautiful-smelling bath salts and recycled sticker hair flower clips (← ridiculously cute!!). In Mary’s words, Goth Cupcake is a “one stop shop for all things spooky, weird, cute, and vegan.”

Mary was kind enough to send me a couple of lip balms and Zombify eye shadows to try, and I’m lovin’ ‘em all! Sers, I can’t get enough of her sparkly sinister shades! I’m especially fond of Sandman, Black Tears and Death Kiss (pictured below, in that order). All of her shadows are richly pigmented, easy to apply, and hella sexy!

Other Zombify shades include: Haunted Moor, Forbidden, and Bat Song ($8 each).

Considering some mineral eye shadows on the market can cost upwards of $15-20 a pop, $8 for a 5 gram sifter jar of Zombify shadow is a steal (plus you’ll get mad internet karmic points for supporting a talented and crafty Etsy-er).

What are some of your favorite vegan Etsy shops?

In the meantime, I wanted to [...]]]> By now I’m sure you’ve all picked up on my affinity for Everyday Minerals. I fell in love with this makeup line the very first time I tried it. I plan on making a YouTube video/tutorial about achieving the smokey eye look using Everyday Minerals eyeshadows (look for it soon).

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you the many reasons why this makeup line is super fantastic. Feel free to add to my list in the comments section below.

1. Everyday Minerals is 100% vegan and cruelty-free—now that’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout!
2. I miraculously found a cheek shade (Pink Ribbon, $9) that complements my olive skin tone—this is a BIG deal (I’ve been searching for this for practically my entire life!)
3. Also, their blush containers are uniquely designed to snap shut (inside) so that the mineral makeup doesn’t fly everywhere the next time you open it—GENIUS! Seriously, why isn’t this the status quo?
4. Their vegan makeup brushes are hands-down the best I’ve ever tried (super soft and easy to work with)… I’m especially fond of their angled blending brush ($6)
5. Their eye colors are richly pigmented and come in insanely bright, fun and shimmery shades (as well as earthy, natural ones) to cover all of your whimsical makeup moods ($6.50 each)
6. This makeup is affordable, people! I don’t wanna pay $15-20 for a frickin’ eyeshadow (although I’ve definitely been known to [reluctantly] splurge on occasion)… Brands like Everyday Minerals actually make it possible to save some of my paycheck for other things like *pause* I don’t know, food?
7. They have cheap makeup kits! For example, for $20 you can get a Pillow Mints Lip Balm; Rare Silk (sample size); Mrs. Coffee Eyeliner (sample size); Raw Sugar (mini size); Happiness Bronzer (mini size); Natural Lucent (mini size); Baby Bamboo Flat Top Brush and a cute “My Love is a Renewable Source” Bamboo Tote
8. They even have makeup kits for men!
9. Um, free samples? Yes please!

‘Tis all for now! What do you love about Everyday Minerals? Any recommendations?

Hugs, kisses, booty slaps and & high fives,

♥ Sunny

I am a five-year vegan and a lifetime makeup lover! Since becoming vegan I have looked for other ways to discard harmful products from my life. Finding affordable mineral makeup with good colors has been challenging, but I found an awesome company called Pink Quartz Minerals. When you go to the [...]]]> Guest post by Mila

I am a five-year vegan and a lifetime makeup lover! Since becoming vegan I have looked for other ways to discard harmful products from my life. Finding affordable mineral makeup with good colors has been challenging, but I found an awesome company called Pink Quartz Minerals. When you go to the website and see the color palettes, you may be overwhelmed – there are so many (170 eyeshadow colors, and plenty of foundation and blush colors), but there are cool eyeshadow kits you can choose based on your eye color if you need help. The owner is really nice and the sample sizes are very generous.

I have tried several brands of mineral makeup through samples online, but I like the coverage of this foundation the best. The eyeshadows and blushes go on nicely, too. The eyeshadows are perfect for layering and you can control the darkness. I currently use the foundation, mineral veil, eyeshadow and blush. I am dying to try her lip products, but I have not had the chance yet (I have too many already)! Pink Quartz Minerals offer something I have been searching for: flavored and tinted lip balms, you choose the color and flavor! They also offer Halloween make-up, make-up remover and brushes. So go support an independent vegan seller and check out the awesome colors at www.pinkquartzminerals.net

With over 15 years of experience in the cosmetic industry, Drummond knows exactly what women want when it [...]]]> Christopher Drummond makes a luxurious, premium line of natural, organic, vegan cosmetics that don’t contain animal byproducts, artificial preservatives or chemicals, mineral oil, titanium dioxide or bismuth oxychloride. His products are all paraben-free and will not clog pores.

With over 15 years of experience in the cosmetic industry, Drummond knows exactly what women want when it comes to their makeup. The ingredients used in each product contain soothing and healing properties, natural sunscreen and potent antioxidants.
If you have any questions or need tips regarding your beauty regimen, “Live and Direct” was set up by Drummond to provide women the opportunity to have their beauty questions answered by professional make-up artists in real time online. How cool is that?

Products I love:

Saúde Pele Radiance Booster ($85): This luxurious creamy powder is quick and simple to use and it’ll give you a perfect Brazilian glow. When I use this all over your face I instantly have skin that looks sun-kissed. You can use this versatile powder under your foundation, over your foundation, add it to your moisturizer, use it as an eyeshadow base, use it to highlight your cheeks, nose and forehead, mix it with lip gloss, or dust it all over your body. It’s rich in anti-oxidants and has botanical extracts including acai, soy isoflavones and boswellia serrata which gives your skin a luminous, light shimmery glow.

Final Finishing Powder ($55): This skin-balancing, ultra-fine finishing powder absorbs excess oil and helps your skin retain moisture for that flawless airbrushed looking finish. I like to carry this one in my purse for light touch ups.

Other Christopher Drummond Beauty products:
Veludo Velvet Foundation
Concealer
Lip Gloss (contains beeswax, not vegan)
Flat Top Synthetic Brush

For more info: Christopher Drummond Beauty

This no nonsense makeup, which is rich in anti-oxidants, can withstand heat and stress. A few [...]]]> Rae Cosmetics is going to make a lot of chicks who live in hot, humid climates very very happy! Rae is also designed for women who lead active lives and prefer makeup that is functional as well as beauty enhancing.

This no nonsense makeup, which is rich in anti-oxidants, can withstand heat and stress.

A few must haves:

Mineral Powder Compact ($39): These powders are hypoallergenic, fragrance, talc and oil free and have SPF 8 (which should be requirements for all of your foundation and base makeup). These powders are versatile and work well as foundation or finishing powder… and a little bonus – they have a natural sunscreen. They are lightweight and smooth and leave your skin looking even and flawless. You can choose from 8 shades to match your skin tone. Mineral makeup is truly where it’s at. It’s 2008, Ladies! There is no need to be using goopy foundation filled with chemicals and preservatives. Go natural and have fun!

Climate Control Mineral Tint ($39): This multi mineral tinted anti-oxidant lotion/foundation is also hypoallergenic, fragrance, talc and oil free as well as water resistant. Amen to that! These babies have SPF 20 to combat early signs of aging along with powerful anti-oxidants like ginko biloba, ginseng, vitamins A, C and E. If you’re Sporty Spice or just simply a fan of the outdoors, this makeup is definitely for you. And if you live in a hot and humid city like Austin, you can now look beautiful without worrying about your face melting off.

Super Shimmer Dust ($16): This micro crushed golden pigment is perfect for eye lids, cheeks, shoulders, chest or back. It’s subtle yet glamorous. I love using this powder underneath my brows for highlighting effects. This will give anyone a youthful and radiant glow. You have to give this golden shimmer a whirl! It works for both daytime and nighttime, whether you want to be flirty and fun or bold and dramatic.

For more info: Rae Cosmetics

Herbs of Grace is dedicated to providing quality skin care products and cosmetics using the finest natural ingredients that are free of chemicals & preservatives and are cruelty-free & vegan! This is a great place to buy mineral foundations, eye shadows, blush, lip balm, bronzers, makeup gift sets, books, brushes and accessories. All of these [...]]]>

Herbs of Grace is dedicated to providing quality skin care products and cosmetics using the finest natural ingredients that are free of chemicals & preservatives and are cruelty-free & vegan! This is a great place to buy mineral foundations, eye shadows, blush, lip balm, bronzers, makeup gift sets, books, brushes and accessories. All of these products are homemade and arrive at your home as fresh as can be.

A few of my faves:

Natural Skin Foundation Powders ($18.50): These all-natural powders come in 6 shades and can be used as concealer, foundation & powder! These powders have sunscreen agents in them as well so no need to apply any additional SPF while you’re wearing Herbs of Grace. Also, these powders are light and anti-inflammatory and are great for people with sensitive, damaged or acne prone skin. Herbs of Grace has an amazing Vegan Kabuki Brush ($27.30) that works divinely with these foundation powders. Vegan kabuki brushes are hard to come by so finding this one was a treat!

Natural Color Eye Shadow ($6.75): The Purple Shimmer Collection (Lavender Mist, Huckleberry & Dark Plum) is my favorito! These colors are bold, long-wearing and iridescent. I feel like a purple princess with this trio of purpley power. I use the lavender shade to highlight my lids and the darker shades as crease color and liner. These colors are also fun to mix and match. Herbs of Grace has every color eyeshadow you can imagine from pinks and purples to greens, browns and blues. They are all stunning and fun to experiment with.

Herbs of Grace has a new line of vegan lip balms with a hint of color ($3.95): These natural looking, earth tone shades include Sweet Pea, Chestnut and Berry. You can purchase non tinted lip conditioners ($3.25) as well in Peppermint and Tangerine.

For more info: Herbs of Grace

Kilynn Cosmetics are vegan, cruelty-free and are made with natural oils, butters, proteins and extracts that leave your skin feeling soft and silky smooth. This unique line features sweet smelling body creams, body washes, mineral makeup and hair products.

A couple of faves: Kilynn’s Champagne Whipped Body Cream ($15): This creamy concoction has an delicate, feminine aroma [...]]]>

Kilynn Cosmetics are vegan, cruelty-free and are made with natural oils, butters, proteins and extracts that leave your skin feeling soft and silky smooth. This unique line features sweet smelling body creams, body washes, mineral makeup and hair products.

A couple of faves:

Kilynn’s Champagne Whipped Body Cream ($15): This creamy concoction has an delicate, feminine aroma that lasts long after you apply it to your skin. This whipped body cream is made from avacado, grapeseed butter, wheat protein and banana extract.
Kilynn Whipped Body Cream is available is 3 other yummy scents: Cotton Candy (Ooooooh!) , Passionate Papaya (yum!) and Sweet Honeysuckle.

Lavender & Oatmeal Moisturizing Body Bar ($5.50): This organic soaptastical bar of wonder gently cleanses and moisturizes without drying… and it’s uberly floral lavender scent gives you a calming and soothing bath time experience. This bar of soap happens to be a customer favorite and I totally get why. It smells heavenly and my skin is in love with all the soothing benefits that oatmeal has to offer. Kilynn also makes a Tea Tree Moisturizing Facial Soap (which is great for dry, sensitive skin) and an ‘I Love Shea’ Moisturizing Body Bar. I happen to be a shea lover myself so this bar is aptly named.

For more info: Kilynn Cosmetics