Vegan Beauty Review» vegan lotion

Spray Lotion and Wine Scented Soap? Yes, Please!

Sunny — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:32:34 +0000

Yup, that’s right! I found a vegan company that makes lotion for those days you feel like spritzing on your moisturizer rather than slathering it on. And wine scented soaps?! I found a whole bunch of cool skin care goodies from Kalliste Bath & Body, and they’re all handmade, mostly organic, natural and 100% vegan. My faves…

Soap Bars ($6.50): These soaps are not only delicious looking, but they are delicious smelling, too! All Kalliste natural soaps are made with vegetable glycerin and pure organic oils. Did you know a lot of conventional soaps are made with animal fats and oils (among other nasty ingredients)? Barfies! Anyhoo, I got my hands on a Riesling Fruit Bar and a Merlot Spice Bar of soap and O.M.G. First of all, they were beautifully wrapped (felt like Christmas came early), and I could smell them before I even unwrapped them. These soaps smell feminine and bold, floral and fruity and simply… pretty. I may not drink wine in real life but I am officially a soap lush!

Vegan Almond Lip Balm ($4.50): I LOVE that this lip balm comes in a slide tin! LOVE it! It’s easy to store in my purse or pocket and honestly, it’s fun to open and close. This vegan balm (beeswax-free, YAY!) contains only vegetable and plant oils, butters and waxes. It’s moisturizing, tasty, it makes my lips feel quenched, and it smells like marsipan (←best part)!

Citrus Aromatherapy Lotion ($12.60): This spritz-and-go lotion is perfect for when you’re on the move, in a bit of a time crunch or just prefer a refreshing spray of anytime moisturizer (sometime I just don’t feel like gettin’ my hands all goopified or I’m straight-up lazy). This lotion absorbs super fast and it feels great; it gives your skin the extra love it needs with vegetable and fruit oils and butters like shea, mango and almond. The citrusy smell (grapefruit, lemon and orange), which is gender-neutral (so go ahead and spritz some on your man candy) is delicate and light. I leeeeerve it!

Want info on new Kalliste products (like wine soaps), sales specials, limited time discounts, secret coupon codes and giveaways? Friend Kalliste Soap Shop on Facebook!

Strawberry Hedgehog Soap and Creme Giveaway

Sunny — Thu, 13 May 2010 02:00:29 +0000

When I think about all the vegan beauty products that I’ve reviewed over the years, Strawberry Hedgehog always tops my favorites. Whether you’re looking for organic and vegan soaps, body crémes, facial moisturizers, bath salts, or sugar scrubs, Strawberry Hedgehog has the best of the best. Tracy, the mastermind of this business is a soap making wizard! She’s always coming up with creative new soap scents to match the seasons.

The last time we had a Strawberry Hedgehog giveaway on VBR, it was a huge success, so I’m very excited to present this new giveaway! Three (3) very lucky VBR readers are going to each win 1 soap (any scent they choose) and 1 jar of organic whipped body créme – that’s a $30 value!

All you have to do to enter to win is go to Strawberry Hedgehog’s website and pick out your favorite scent for the soap you’d like to win and simply comment below. I know my favorite scent would be Sandalwood-Vanilla! The 3 winners will be randomly selected and announced on May 22nd. Good Luck! Now go! What are you waiting for?

Update: Winners of the Strawberry Hedgehog giveaway are: Kylie, Holly B., and Zenimue! Congrats!

(winners were selected using random.org)

Tracy was kind enough to send me a jar of her whipped body créme to try and lemme just say, she has perfected this recipe. This is insanely creamy, smooth and nourishing–I’m literally obsessed with it. It has such a delicately sweet smell and it goes on like buttah.

Check out how pure these ingredient are…

Ingredients: Herbal tisane, organic aloe vera juice, veggie emulsifying wax, veggie glycerin, organic sweet almond oil, organic apricot kernel oil, organic fair trade unrefined shea butter infused with herbs, organic fair trade cocoa butter, grapefruit seed extract, rosemary extract, vitamin e (soy), organic food grade extracts

You all are definitely in for a treat! I can’t wait to hear what you guys think about Tracy’s beauty products.

Get your summer soaps!

Strawberry Hedgehog: green and glamorous beauty with homestyle charm

Giveaway: Autumn inspired Strawberry Hedgehog soaps

Wednesday Giveaway: fruity pampering products from Orgo Cosmetics

Sunny — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:09:31 +0000

I love finding any excuse to treat myself to a nice facial, body scrub or massage. March happens to be Women’s History Month and I think we ladies ought to celebrate with some decadent self pampering. While there are a plethora of vegan beauty companies to choose from, I’ve recently become acquainted with Orgo Cosmetics. They have tasty smelling sugar scrubs, whipped body lotions, shower cream soaps and bath melts, all made with natural and organic ingredients. Most of their products are vegan but double check before ordering because some of Orgo’s beauty products contain milk and honey.

One lucky VBR reader is going to win the following goodies from Orgo Cosmetics:An 8 oz. Banana Scrub made with organic, fair trade bananas, organic cane sugar and coconut oil ($14 value) and a 2 oz. Pineapple Frosting Body Whip made with organic, extra virgin coconut oil and vitamin E ($10.00 value).

All you have to do to enter to win is leave a comment on this post (feel free to enter as many times as you like). I’d love to hear what your favorite pampering products are. A winner will be randomly selected and announced on March 17th. Good luck!

*UPDATE* The winner of these fabulous Orgo beauty products is Regina! Congrats!

*Winner was selected using random.org

Although I haven’t personally tried the Banana Scrub, I did get to try Orgo’s strawberry scrub and it was not only scrumptious-smelling (like fresh strawberry preserves) but my hand’s felt smoother immediately after doing a little scrub down.

I also got to try the Pineapple Frosting Body Whip which also smelled incredibly yummy (like upside down pineapple cake). My hubby kept commenting about how delicious I smelled after I applied it to my skin. What I like most about this body whip is that it’s really thick. I like using this product after a hot bath on my freshly shaved legs… makes my legs really happy.

For more info: Orgo Cosmetics

LUSH is a win for the whole family

Sunny — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:01:46 +0000

Guest blog post by Melissa Gray

This first time I walked into a Lush Store, I thought I died and went to heaven. That was 12 years ago while on vacation in Banff, Canada. Although not yet a vegan, I was still smart enough to recognize something good when I found it.

Over the years I’ve coveted several of their product lines. The one product that I’ve come to rely on is Sympathy for the Skin Lotion ($22.35). It is a staple in our house. Everyone from my partner Matt to the kids use this to help our skin stay soft. It is the only lotion Matt has ever used that heals his face beneath his beard.

Their shampoo Big ($21.35) is also beyond great. The salt scrubs away the dead skin, and when you are done your head and hair feel great.

Not only are their environmental practices outstanding, their products are better than any chain store bought product we have ever used.

Check out LUSH’s website for easy ordering via their store locator or order online. Though their product line is not completely vegan, as the sales of current vegan options expand, more will come in the future.

Follow me on Twitter: gomelissago
Website: Everyday Vegan Mom

Skin MD Shielding Vegan Lotion Giveaway!

Sunny — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:42:24 +0000

It’s dry skin season, peeps and I know we’re all in the market for an awesome moisturizing hand/foot/face lotion… a vegan and cruelty-free one that works. I recently tried Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion and it fit the bill. I had actually never heard of a shielding lotion before so I did a little research. So it turns out not only does this lotion moisturize (with ingredients like aloe vera, arnica, yarrow, chamomile, comfrey and Vitamin E) but this lotion also bonds to the outer layer of your skin, literally creating a barrier which prevents toxins, chemicals and irritants from permeating your skin (like wearing an invisible glove – but this lotion is light, non-greasy and won’t clog pores). At the same time, it allows your skin’s natural moisture to do it’s thing so you’re getting double the protection.

It’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan, hypoallergenic and can be used on your face, hands and your entire body.

Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win a free bottle of Skin MD Shielding Lotion ($18 value). A winner will be randomly selected and announced on Nov. 24. Good luck!

*UPDATE* Winner of the Skin MD Shielding Lotion Giveaway is Monica! Congrats!

Winner was chosen using random.org

For more info: Skin MD Shielding Lotion

Earth Science Creamy Cleanser FTW!

Sunny — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:47:47 +0000

I love Earth Science skin care! Their products are cruelty-free and primarily vegan (with the exception of a few products which contain beeswax – read all ingredients), hypo-allergenic and don’t contain any methyl or propyl parabens. Also, their skin care line is pH balanced and works like a charm on my skin. It’s amazing that I haven’t written about Earth Science previously ’cause they are one of my all time favorite beauty companies. My faves include…

A-D-E Creamy Cleanser ($9.85): This time of year my seasonally dry skin always yearns for a nice, moisturizing, non-oily, vegan creamy cleanser. I’ve tried many a cream cleanser and believe me, they are not all the same. My least favorite are the drippy, watery, perfumey kind. Earth Science’s Creamy Cleanser is definitely one of my all time favorites. This natural fruit oil cleanser has the perfect consistency, it’s gentle, light and it comes in a pump bottle so it’s convenient and non-messy. It also contains no artificial colors, mineral oils, soaps, harsh preservatives or irritating petroleum products (which none of your beauty products should ever contain). This cleanser is perfect for removing makeup and sunscreen and works best on normal to dry skin. It’s pH balanced and is rich in plant sterols and vitamins A, D & E. I’ve been using this cleanser every morning and night and my skin feel amazingly soft.

A/B Hydroxy Acid Night Rejuvenator ($21.95): This night cream has an effective combination of time released Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids which rejuvenate your skin overnight and fight wrinkles like you wouldn’t believe. A 10% concentration of these Hydroxy Acids, anti-oxidants and hyaluronic acid is delivered to the skin by way of liposomes, where they are then activated by your skin’s enzymes. You can actually feel this night cream work. There’s a slight tingling/stinging sensation when you put in on (even though their website says there isn’t). I honestly don’t mind it though; I like to feel the anti-wrinkle ingredients hard at work.

Earth Science is carried at Whole Foods and other health oriented stores and you can also buy direct from their website. They offer free shipping on orders over $15 and you get 10% off orders over $75.

For more info: Earth Science

I’m saying Yes to Carrots, Tomatoes & Cucumbers!

Sunny — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:36:00 +0000

If you weren’t big on saying “yes” to veggies as a kid, you can surely try to make up for all of those years by incorporating vitamin-packed fruits and veggies into your skincare regimen. You know when you’re feeling sluggish, how a healthy bowl of fruit or salad can give you that boost that your body’s been craving? Well, our skin craves all of those nutritious goodies as well. Yes To Carrots is an amazing line of food-based skincare that is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben free, organic, and affordable. That’s right, I said affordable. You can find these products at your local drugstore.

*Sunny’s picks:

Yes To Carrots – This line is great for people with normal to dry skin. These products are packed with the antioxidant power of beta-carotene.
*Feel the C Pampering Hand and Nail Spa: This is by far, one of the best hand scrubs I have ever tried. It’s made with dead sea salt, carrot juice, carrot seed oil, fig, pomegranate, sweet potato, pumpkin juice… hungry yet? This scrub will make your hands feel soooooo incredibly smooth. And if you’re like me, you will be obsessively caressing your hands all day long. Follow this up with Yes To Carrots Hand & Elbow Moisturizing Cream and you’re golden.

Yes To Carrots has a line of skincare for those with oily to combination skin called Yes To Tomatoes.
*Totally Tranquil Facial Hydrating Lotion: This Facial Lotion makes my face feel fresh and soft. I have the notorious T Zone oil action goin’ on so after washing my face, I always make sure my facial moisturizer isn’t oily or heavy. When I use this lotion on my face (after washing and toning), my skin feels nourished but not weighed down. This lotion contains 26 Minerals from the Dead Sea, tomatoes, rosemary, red pepper (the last two ingredients are powerful anti-oxidants), and a slew of other yummy ingredients.

Yes To Cucumbers is another line of products by Yes To Carrots. These work best for those with normal to sensitive skin.
*Eye Love Cucumber Soothing Eye Gel: I love this eye gel! Love it!!! There’s no more need to slice cucumbers in the name of beauty. Who has time for that anyway? I prefer using this awesome cucumber eye gel which not only contains cucumber but is also made with spirulina (*personal note* I named one of my kitty cats Spirulina), green tea, chamomile, dead sea minerals, spinach, dill, and broccoli. That’s a lot of green goodness! I’m a huge fan of food ingredients in my skincare. Nutrition for your skin can only come from the most wholesome gifts from the earth. This eye gel soothes and tightens the delicate skin under your eyes, helps reduce puffiness and dark circles. This gel is incredibly refreshing, light and cool.

All of these lines are available at Walgreens, Target, Safeway, and amazon.com. For a complete list of stores, visit the Yes To Carrots website.

For more info: Yes To Carrots

5 more days to enter to win a bunch of free vegan skincare!

Sunny — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Free Vegan Goodies Alert!
So, the peeps at Nature’s Paradise are beyond cool. They are not only offering you guys (my amazing Vegan Beauty Review readers) 15% off of your entire order when you enter Promotion Code: 7018 at check out, but they also want you to win some free Nature’s Paradise goodies.
I know you’re wondering, “Geeze Louise, this is awesome! How can I win some amazing vegan beauty products?”
Well… all you have to do is mention Nature’s Paradise and Vegan Beauty Review in a blog post/twitter/facebook or myspace status, etc… Make sure to e-mail me a link to your post. For every time you mentions us, you’ll be entered in a raffle and you can enter as many times as you like until Feb. 15th. The winner will get the complete line of body care in the scent of their choice. Good Luck.

For more info: Nature’s Paradise

Hawaii’s calling me once again…

Sunny — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:03:00 +0000

I believe this is my third time reviewing a Hawaiian skin care line and I have to say I am a fan of all of them. I haven’t been to Hawaii in person yet so I like to get my fix via skincare and beauty products.

Hawaiian Skin, a division of Worldwide Skin, is a line of skincare that is certified vegan, organic, paraben free, cruelty free, and get this, it’s made in America in a solar/wind powered facility. Yay for renewable energy! The times they are a changin’!

There are two Hawaiian Skin products, Spotless and Soft. They are both enriched with organic aloe, coconut oil, shea oil and Vitamin E. They are perfect for those with sensitive skin and they have the sweet fragrance of ylang ylang (which relaxes muscles, relieves stress and helps you relax) and vanilla (which relieves stress and helps ease depression). Essential oils are an essential part of relaxing and letting yourself escape to your happy place.

Hawaiian Skin products:

Spotless ($26): This body wash smells wonderful! Ylang ylang and vanilla might possibly be my favorite combination of scents. Spotless makes bathing a true “take me away” experience. It makes you “spotless” as it’s name implies and the shea and aloe leave your skin feeling silky soft. The ylang ylang really stands out in this body wash. It smells romantic and moody. In fact, with this might be the perfect gift with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.

Soft ($32): I really like it when my body wash and lotion go hand in hand. There’s no sense is mixing scents once you pop out of the shower. I know if I want to smell like a ylang ylang vanilla princess, then I going to make sure my body wash and lotion are from a similar line of skincare or from the same set. I love, love LOVE these products. I don’t like to compare products but this lotion is similar to the Aromatherapy Ylang Ylang Bath & Body Works lotion, except this one is vegan, organic, natural, cruelty-free and doesn’t have any nasty chemicals, preservatives or artificial ingredients. These products help recreate the spa experience at home. I invite you all to indulge and treat yourself to an exotic experience with Spotless and Soft.

For more info: Hawaiian Skin

Let your senses go coconutty with Nature’s Paradise!

Sunny — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:48:00 +0000

I seriously had to wait until after my Master Cleanse to review Nature’s Paradise. Their lotions and body mists smell exactly like food… yummy, luscious fruits that I want to devour! Nature’s Paradise has a line of 100% vegan and cruelty-free, USDA organic lotions, body splashes, face products, spa products, baby products and gift packages. They have a whole section on their website dedicated to their veiw on vegan beauty products. They get mad sprops for spreading the vegan word.

Products I’m absolutely in love with:

Organic Body Lotion ($14.95): The smelly, yum-yum extracts are naturally derived from organic fruits or plants and you can tell. Nothing smells artificial at all. Everything smells pure and fresh like it’s straight from the tree. Their lotions and body mists are available in 10 scents: Candy Apple, Creamy Coconut, Fresh Pineapple, Honey Melon, Lavender, Tropical Mango, Peaches and Cream, Pomegranate, Vanilla Sugar and Unscented. These lotions are thick and creamy. My favorite lotion that I can’t get enough of is their Creamy Coconut. Ingredients: Water, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Liquid Lecithin, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Arrowroot Powder, Organic Coconut Extracts, Organic Clarified Lemon Juice. No more, no less.

Organic Body Mist ($6.99): Check out how small the list of ingredients is for the Honey Melon Mist: Water, Organic Honeymelon Extract, Organic Clarified Lemon Juice. Back in the day, before I was an enlightened vegan beauty guru, I used to go nuts in Bath & Body Works ’cause everything smelled divine. Now that my senses have been re-calibrated and are now more objective, all of those old products smells so chemicaly and artificial. I now take delight in smelling like a ripe honeymelon or a fresh pomegranate. Life is good. I’m happy, my skin is happy and all the while I know I’m helping save the planet. Along with the Honeymelon Mist, I’m totally diggin’ the Fresh Pineapple and Tropical Mango body mists.

Gi’ovane Italy Firming Eye Cream ($34.99): I’m always talking about how I like my eye creams thick. Well, this is the thickest eye cream I’ve ever tried. I LOVE IT! Ingredients: Organic Shea Butter, Organic Palm Stearin, Organic Argan oil and Organic Green Tea. This eye cream will help with puffiness, black circles, dryness and wrinkles. Let me tell you a lil’ bit about the magical properties of Argan Oil. It contains more Vitamin E in the form of highly active gamma-tocopherol than any other natural oil. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals. Free radicals cause cell damage and wrinkles. Argan oil is also rich in anti-inflammatory phytosterols, anti-oxidative phenolic compounds and contains more than 35% essential fatty acids (Vitamin F). I can’t help but wonder why I’ve never heard of Argan Oil. I want that oil in everything now!

So, the peeps at Nature’s Paradise are beyond cool. They are offering you guys (my amazing Vegan Beauty Review readers) 15% off of your entire order when you enter Promotion Code: 7018 at check out. Enjoy!

For more info: Nature’s Paradise