by Suzi | Sep 24, 2020 | CLEAN BEAUTY, Makeup
I get asked this question a lot- what is the best heated eyelash curler? To be honest I had never used an eyelash curler, let alone a heated eyelash curler! My lashes have always had a natural curl to them, and I haven’t needed much else…or so I thought. But as the good clean beauty blogger that I am I wanted to test out some of the best heated eyelash curlers to bring you all some options. After all, a beauty blogger always has to be on the up and up!
*Suzi(Gurl Gone Green) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. There may be some links to Amazon in this blog post.
I did some research trying to find the best heated eyelash curlers to test out. I wanted to make sure they had some amazing reviews but also weren’t going to break the bank. Plus, I wanted to try a few to give you some options.
These two heated eyelash curlers take the cake when it comes to performance!
I landed on two that I will share with you below. These definitely were well loved when it came to reviews on Amazon! Yes, I got them from Amazon.
If you’re wondering why you would want to get a heated eyelash curler- allow me to explain.
My Experience
A heated eyelash curler will take your lashes from subpar to next level in a matter of seconds. It’s pretty impressive! I didn’t realize what I was missing. I always thought my lashes were pretty decent. As I mentioned above they have some natural curl to them and aren’t stick straight. However, after using a heated eyelash curler I realized what I had been missing out on! The heated eyelash curler straight delivers! My lashes looked bigger, longer and more dramatic. It was like an instant eye lift for my eye. I was surprised how quick the whole process was. I got two heated eyelash curlers from Amazon. This one and this one. I actually love them both equally and think you would be a fan of either that you used!
Check out the heated eyelash curlers here and here!
Take your eyelashes to the next level with these heated eyelash curlers.
How To Use A Heated Eyelash Curler?
You want to first add a coat of mascara to your lashes. Then set your heated eyelash curler to one of the settings. They typically have 3 settings depending on the one you choose. I would choose the hottest setting. It only takes around 15 seconds to heat up. Once it’s heated up, use the heated eyelash curler on your lashes. I would then take the heated eyelash curler and press it for 5 to 10 seconds on the bottom of my lashes(base) then go up to from roots to top of lashes several times to really help exaggerate the curl and lock it in. Then I would apply the second coat of mascara. The more you use it and play with it, the more you get the hang of how to use it! It’s really so easy.
Price?
The price of a heated eyelash curler is so small! Yet, so worth it. You can really change the whole look of your eyes using one.
These heated eyelash curlers take your lashes to the next level!
Did I Burn Myself?
I did not burn myself. I really think it would be hard to burn yourself. It does get warm but not scalding hot. I could see getting burned if you left the wand applicator on your eyelashes for too long but they tell you to only leave it there for 10 seconds or so. Plus, the more you use it the easier it gets to get the hang of it. As they say, practice makes perfect!
Is This For Me?
A heated eyelash curler is for you if you’ve dealt with straight lashes and have a hard time curling them. This could be your new bestie! Using a regular eyelash curler can curl lashes but not give the longevity or lasting hold and curl that a heated eyelash curler can give. Heating the lashes really makes a difference when it comes to getting the curl to stay put. Plus, if your lashes are straight, chances are they are a little more stubborn and harder to curl in general. Having a heated eyelash curl is going to give you that extra bit of oomph to really take your curling power to the next level.
My Sister’s Experience
This is my sister's lashes before using the heated eyelash curler.
I had to have my sister test out the heated eyelash curler as well. She has very straight lashes and always has to curl them if she wants any sort of lift. I knew she would be a good person to test a heated eyelash curler out because she's dealt with straight lashes her whole life. I bought her one of the heated eyelash curlers and had her test it out. She was impressed with the overall lift of her lashes. She could tell a difference when she used it, versus when she didn’t. I even had her take a before and after photo so you could see the difference in her eyes. It's kind of amazing the before and after! It really does give her lashes lift and volume. This is the heated eyelash curler she tested out.
This is the after picture of my sister's eyelashes once she used the heated eyelash curler.
Would I Recommend A Heated Eyelash Curler?
I would definitely recommend a heated eyelash curler! I think they can really give your lashes a boost and take them to the next level in a matter of seconds. Plus, they are a really good deal for what you get and easy to find since both of the ones I tested were from Amazon. If you're wanting to give your natural lashes some curl and lift this is the best way. Check out the heated eyelash curlers I tried here and here. They both are so great- I don't have a preference!
Have you tried a heated eyelash curler?
If you liked this post, be sure to check out past posts below:
Sharing the best heated eyelash curler on the blog.
by Suzi | Jun 30, 2020 | CLEAN BEAUTY, Makeup, Skin Care
Sharing the best clean beauty for June! Another month gone by- can you believe it?! It seems like this year has flown by in ways and then other ways it seems like it's been the longest year ever. Who's with me? This month I have some stellar new clean beauty finds to share with you. As always, I try and pair it down to the best of the best.
Since summer is here, I'm sharing some of my favorite picks for the warmer weather. I have to stop sometimes and remember how far clean beauty has come- it's truly amazing! So many new clean beauty brands and products. It's changed so much in the last 10 years and so many people are now swapping out their products- it's a beautiful thing!
In this installment of the best of clean beauty for June I'm sharing:
- True Botanical's Resurfacing Moisture Mask
- Detox Mode Deodorant
- Sky Organic's Jojoba Oil
- Mukti 2-in-1 Resurfacing Exfoliant
- Evolvh Hair Super Finish Polishing Balm
- Suntegrity Tinted SPF 30 Moisturizer
These have all taken up residence in my natural beauty routine lately. Some of them are new and some of them are just old favorites that have resurfaced due to the season change. Hope you love reading my best of clean beauty for June!
The True Botanical's Resurfacing Mask doesn't mess around!
True Botanical's Resurfacing Moisture Mask
I just wrote about this mask last week and I couldn't wait to share it again in my clean beauty roundup for June! I had already tried True Botanical's Overnight Mask and loved it but had never tried their Resurfacing Moisture Mask. Little did I know I was in for a treat! This mask does exactly what it says- it moisturizes and exfoliates. It’s a gel consistency. It gets rid of all the dead skin and reveals that inner glow(aka new skin). I leave mine on for 5 minutes. It’s especially great right before a big event or night out when you want your skin to be glowing. I also love doing this first thing in the morning before the day. I’ll brush my teeth as I wait for the mask to do it’s thing. It also gives you an even smooth canvas for flawless makeup application. The lactic acid in the mask helps to slough off the dead skin cells, while at the same time stimulating the production of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. These both help to keep moisture locked in to the skin.
The mask doesn’t stop there. Then it helps to add additional softness to the skin with avocado butter. Plus, this mask includes Astaxanthin. This essential fatty acid does so much! From helping diminish dark circles, hyperpigmentation, smooth fine lines and stimulate collagen production. This is basically you’re new favorite mask! I love how smooth my skin feels after using it and bright. It's like an instant facial for your skin. If you have sensitive skin I would do a patch test first. You only need to leave it on for 5 minutes. Any longer and you might start to feel a burning or tingling sensation. You won’t be disappointed! Get yours here!
These new natural deodorants are just in time for summer!
Detox Mode Deodorant
When it comes to clean beauty- natural deodorant can be hard to come by. These deodorants are the newest launch from Detox Mode and they're so good! They have a baking soda free version and a regular version. They both go on really smooth and don't irritate my underarms at all. I was skeptical that the baking soda free version would actually work- but it does! The Feeling Free Deodorant is the baking soda free version. It has a combination of charcoal and lavender for the scent as well as eucalyptus. It does a great job of keeping me smelling fresh all day!
The Feeling Altogether is the regular deodorant with baking soda and it has a combination of neroli and cardamom. I love both the scents. If you have sensitive skin and can't tolerate baking soda well, I would recommend the baking soda free version. Excited to have another natural deodorant in my rotation! Check them out here!
This exfoliant does it all and leaves your skin smooth and glowing!
Mukti 2-in-1 Resurfacing Exfoliant
My clean beauty skincare routine just got a whole lot better with this product! I was introduced to it back in April's Beauty Heroes box and I haven't been able to stop using it- obsessed! The exfoliant had me basically after the first application but sold me the more I used it. This has a combination of fruit acids that help loosen and rid the intracellular bonds, while encouraging collagen production. Then once the fruit acids do their thing, jojoba esters and finely ground bamboo particles remove the dead skin. I used this in the morning first thing on damp skin. I rubbed in circular motions. Then brushed my teeth. Once I was done I rinsed it off. My skin felt so smooth and radiant! I used it twice a week. If you have sensitive skin I would do a patch test first and then see how your skin does. It smells amazing too! Like fresh lime juice and it’s this beautiful emerald green. This has been on repeat in my skincare routine! You will be addicted. Check it out here!
This jojoba oil has one ingredient that moisturizes so well! Use it for my whole family.
Sky Organics Jojoba Oil
I love pure simple oils and this is exactly that. I've been using this as my clean beauty body oil and on my kids as a body oil too. It really hydrates the skin so well and leaves it feeling silky smooth. It doesn't leave a greasy film like some oils. I love jojoba too because it resembles so closely our own body oil. Sky Organics jojoba oil is cold pressed, so all the nutrients are left intact. Plus, I love that it's houses in a dark glass amber bottle. Protecting the oil from heat and light. Lotions and creams can contain so many ingredients, but with this oil you are literally just using one oil on your body- so pure! I apply this on slightly damp skin after I shower, and my kid's baths. This really helps to seal in the moisture. Plus, it's such a budget friendly pick and you can get it on Amazon- win/win! Check it out here.
This not only acts as your sunscreen but also your foundation!
Suntegrity 2-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Tinted Face Sunscreen
I've been wearing this as the weather has warmed up and I want something that feels lightweight and easy. This tinted face sunscreen is it. It's similar to a BB cream. Tinted moisturizers tend to be too thin for me because they don't offer enough coverage. This offers just the right amount of coverage. It definitely hits all the marks for a great tinted sunscreen. From superb coverage, hydration and good tint. Plus, it offers a broad spectrum spf of 30. It’s made with non-nano zinc oxide. It also comes in four colors which makes it easy to find one that matches your skin tone. I wear the color light. Grab yours here!
This hair balm keeps the flyaways at bay and your hair silky smooth.
Evolvh Hair Super Finish Polishing Balm
I've been using this balm for over a month and I'm addicted! It hydrates the hair but doesn't weigh it down. It helps to seal in the moisture, but not make your hair greasy. I just apply a small pump into my hands and rub them together. Then I add run it through the ends of my hair. It helps to control frizz, smooth flyways, and give an overall polished look to the hair. Especially great if you have dry ends, or curly hair. I love applying it right after I blog dry to smooth my ends and then right after I curl my hair to smooth the curl. You can also use it on damp hair and let it air dry to prevent flyaways. Check it out here!
That sums up my best of clean beauty for June! See anything you want to try? What have you been loving?
If you liked this post on the best of clean beauty for June, be sure to check out past clean beauty posts below:
Sharing the best natural beauty for June on the blog.
by Suzi | Jun 12, 2020 | CLEAN BEAUTY, Makeup, mascara
My natural mascara post is here! Having been in natural beauty for over 10 years now, I’ve tried my fair share of mascaras. I’m pretty picky when it comes to a stellar formula too. It has to meet some strict requirements. I mean a girl doesn’t want just volume, but length, separation, and maybe even a bit of drama. Who’s with me?! I've written a post like this before but have since updated it and now I'm doing a new refresh all together to give you the complete guide to finding your favorite natural mascara! If I can do it, you can do it!
Have you ever wondered what was in that long tube of black goo we call mascara?
According to Women’s Health, 65% of women wear mascara every day, making it the most popular eye makeup used.
Yet, I would venture to say most women don’t know a thing about what’s in their favorite black tube. Well, I was like most women just enjoying the creative powers of my mascara as it made my eyelashes go from spindly average to va va voom, until one day I did a little research of my own. This research left me flabbergasted…yes I said it, flabbergasted! I mean how much could a little tube really carry …right? WRONG!
Here’s the oh so scary news: Most mascaras contain mercury, coal tar, formaldehyde releasers, petroleum distillates, vinyl, parabens, phthalates, and triethanolamine…can you say scary… three times! And not only does it contain all these big word ingredients but over half of us our putting them near our eyes every single day!
Yes, gasp if you’d like, I sure did. So why don’t we want these big long words in our black tubes? Well, for starters they’re harmful to our health and can accumulate in the body and lead to an array of nastiness in our bodies, such as cancer, liver problems, hormonal disruptions, miscarriages, and birth defects…just to name a few. Now you might be thinking, great I’m going to have to give up my magic tube of goo…But alas, have no fear we live in the 21st century, where choices are abundant and there are many natural options.
Giving you the lowdown on all these natural mascaras!
I had some standards as I tested out mascara. There have been some mascaras I’ve noticed some people pegging as “clean” but they had questionable ingredients. My top recommendations are completely clean. However, there are a few ingredients here and there in some of the other mascaras that rate a higher score on EWG. In comparison to conventional mascaras, I think they’re pretty good. But that’s a decision you have to make for yourself.
I wanted to dive into mascara and share why it's important to make the switch ASAP! I've heard so many people say that mascara isn't a big deal to use conventional. I beg to differ. I get the one time waterproof mascara you want to use for a wedding or that special event but for the day in and day out grind- get yourself a natural mascara you love!
*I'm also going to share some natural mascaras that I didn't love as well. Hopefully this well help weed out the options so you can find your best natural mascara!
So what's lurking in the conventional mascara tubes? Nothing pretty.
*Your eyes actually have tiny pores around the eyes and can absorb the chemicals your applying to them.
- PARABENS- from Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben. These are known endocrine disruptors(hormone disruptors) and can cause allergic reactions as well as contact dermatitis.
- PROPYLENE GLYCOL- This includes -4, -6, -8…etc) Has been found to be contaminated with 1, 4 dioxane, which is cancer causing. Can cause acne, skin irritant.
- POLYBUTENE– Derived from petroleum and is a plasticizer, used to make adhesives and in this case mascara too- yikes!
- PEG'S– Simliar to propylene glycol, has been found to be contaminated with 1, 4 dioxane, which is cancer causing. Can cause acne, skin irritant.
- SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE- Drying of the skin, skin irritant and has been linked to eczema. Endocrine disruptor and has been found to have 1, 4 dioxane, again cancer causing.
- PARAFFIN- Also known as petroleum. The manufacturing process of petroleum causes it to be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane. This ingredient has been shown to be a known carcinogen and cancer causing. Not too mention, petroleum is a skin irritant, causing rashes and and allergic reactions.
- ETHANOLAMINE- These can come in other forms such as triethanolamine, or be listed as DEA, TEA, MEA. Immune and respiratory toxin. Also, known to cause allergic reactions. Cancer causing as well because they contain nitrosamines.
- BHT- Derived from petroleum and used as a preservative. Not only can it affect your hormones but it also is carcinogenic.
- TALC- Most talc is contaminated with asbestos unless they are third party testing it. The only company doing that is Beautycounter. It's associated with respiratory problems, lung cancer, asthma, and even cancer.
- FRAGRANCE- Can cause photo-toxic reactions and can be photo-allergic. Skin irritants, and has been known as a neurotoxin.
- RETINYL ACETATE- can cause liver damage, brittle nails, & hair loss just to name a few. It's also been shown in high doses to cause problems with skeletal birth defects in developing fetuses.
- DIAZOLIDINYL UREA- Releases formaldehyde in products. Can be found in facial moisturizers, facial cleansers, eye creams, foundations, shampoos, acne treatments, after shave, lip balms, mascara, sunless tanning products, antiperspirants/deodorants, cuticle treatments, and nail polishes.
- ALUMINUM POWDER- This is a neurotoxin and nothing you want close to your eye.
*I can't tell you how many people after switching to a natural mascara, stopped getting styes in their eyes! I don't think it's a coincidence. These harmful ingredients make their way into the eye and can cause a variety of infections.
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Waterproof Mascara
I get a lot of questions on waterproof mascara options and formulas in clean beauty. So I thought I would share how waterproof mascara is made. To make a mascara waterproof often companies use an ingredient called dimethicone copolyol.
*However, I wanted to hear from one of my favorite natural beauty makeup brands, Crunchi, to hear their insight into what makes a waterproof mascara formula.
Here's what their research and development team had to say:
There are actually many different ingredient combinations that can work to make a mascara formula “waterproof”, and it is much more complex than simply adding “dimethicone copolyol” to formulate a mascara with this feature.
Bottom line: waterproof mascara can be filled with many unknown chemicals and it's not always clear what exactly is lurking in the tube.
The more I looked into dimethicone copolyol I learned that it's a derivative of silica and it repels water. Silicones are really important when it comes to making a waterproof mascara work. Since we know oil and water don't mix, and silicones are made of fat(oil) this helps the mascara to stay on the lashes instead of run down your face. You will notice in many waterproof formulas there's not water or very little and more oil. That's because oil repels the water. That's also why it's so hard to remove waterproof mascara because it's made from oils and just water isn't going to remove it but you'll need an oil based eye makeup remover. The problem I learned is that since waterproof mascaras are harder to remove, many people just don't. Unfortunately, this causes bacteria to build up on the eye and can cause styes and infection.
There aren't waterproof formulations in natural mascara formulas. There are some “water resistant” formulations- but not a true waterproof formula. Using a waterproof mascara over and over again not only causes eyelid dermatitis but can lead to drying out your eye. Since waterproof mascara takes a while to get off, often people have to use harsher eye makeup removers to remove the mascara. Another reason to ditch the waterproof mascara on a daily basis.
*Below I'll highlight some water resistant mascara options if waterproof mascara is your thing.
The thing is it's super easy to find a stellar formula these days. Back when I was transitioning to clean beauty(10 years ago) there was one formula…yes I repeat one formula that worked. And even then it wasn't perfect but it was all that was out there. These days not only can you have your cake but you can eat it too when it comes to natural mascara! In 10 years the clean beauty industry has gone from making one ok formula to SO many. With my help you can find your new natural mascara bestie.
Let's dive into ALL the natural mascara options- cuz' there's a lot! I am breaking them down by formula, smudge factor, flaking, brush and price. I have several budget friendly options that I think you'll love.
*Oh and side note- if you're looking for a natural eye makeup remover, check out Beautycounter's! It's the best. Any former Mary Kay eye makeup remover lovers out there? Yeah, I was one of them. I loved that stuff. Beautycounter's Instant Eye Makeup Remover reminds me of Mary Kays- so good! Get it here.
After trying so many natural mascaras I must say I have 3 that really stand out for me, remember I love bigger/ fuller lashes, you might like something different:
Natural Mascara Picks
Honest Beauty Mascara(FAVE- after trying so many I still go back to this one, it checks all the boxes for me)
Formula- Ok, so I did try this mascara when it first came out years ago and I didn’t like it. It stung my eyes pretty bad and there wasn’t anything amazing about it. However, they re-did the formula a couple years ago and I have to say it is completely different and I LOVE it! This is hands down my favorite natural mascara in clean beauty currently. I know, that says a lot but it’s true. The formula checks all the boxes. It offers thickness, length, separation- it’s just awesome! The formula isn’t too dry or too wet and I love that I don’t have to apply 5 coats of mascara to see product on my lashes. In just two coats my lashes are instantly lengthened, thicker and have overall more volume. I’m sold! On one end of the mascara wand is a primer and the other the mascara color. I apply the primer first and then the mascara.
Smudge factor/Flaking- Doesn’t flake or smudge!
Brush- The brush is longer and thinner, with a slight curve.
Price- $16.99 on Amazon.
Get the Mascara here!
Ilia Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara(sensitive eyes)
Formula- This is a newer natural mascara find and I've been loving it. They created a patented brush. One side is for curling and the other side is for lengthening. It really does give my lashes a curl boost and makes adding length to them even easier. The formula is a little on the wet side, but not too wet that it smudges all over. I'm really able to build length with this mascara too. They also have a smaller travel size too! I love this option. You can easily try it out without breaking the bank.
Smudge factor/Flaking- I don't have flaking with this mascara or smudging, it really stays in place.
Brush- I really like the brush for it's unique patented sides. Having one side for length and the other side for curling. It really works! It's not so fat either, so makes it easy to get in the smaller corners.
Price- $28
Get your Ilia mascara here!
Fitglow Good Lash + Mascara
Formula- It gives my lashes volume, separation and some drama. It definitely lifts them up and creates a lash that you can’t help but notice! I love how you can build the formula on top of your lashes. The formula is overall thicker but easy to apply to the lashes. I felt the formula looked a little too worn in by the end of the day. It didn't hold up as well as others. It gives your lashes a dose of vitamins and antioxidants with their nourishing formula.
Smudge factor/Flaking- I did have some flaking and smudging.
Brush- The brush on it is different than any other I’ve used. It starts out wide and then gets narrower. Great for getting the bitty lashes in the corner of the eye.
Price- $42
Get your FitGlow mascara here!
Beautycounter Volume Mascara
Formula- The formula is drier overall and thicker. It takes a couple coats to get the product on but one you do it really builds and you can get a thicker lash. It doesn't give my huge vixen lashes but some good volume and pigment.
Smudge factor/Flaking- I didn't notice a lot of flaking until the tube got to the very end. The formula seemed extra dry and it would flake easier on me.
Brush- The brush is a larger fat brush that goes in slightly in the middle.
Price- $29
Get the Beautycounter Volume Mascara here!
Inika Long Lash Mascara(vegan)
Formula- The formula is pretty wet. It gets better the more air gets to it. Once I apply the first couple coats I move to the next eye and then come back to the first eye. Then it's easier to build it up more. It really gives great length and separation, not as much volume.
Smudge factor/Flaking- It did smudge a little if I wasn’t careful letting it dry since the formula is on the wet side. But no flaking.
Brush- It comes with a long brush.
Price- $33
Get your mascara here!
Crunchi Shattered Mascara(vegan)
Formula- This is Crunchi's new natural Mascara formula and it basically kicked everything up a notch! It gives more volume, length and overall drama to the lashes. It does this all without needing to apply several coats of mascara too. I find one or two coats gives me instant lift and separation. It's a very goopy formula overall- lots of product on the brush. If you want to look like you have mascara on and have those big lashes- this is your mascara.
Smudge factor/Flaking- It does tend to flake on me by the end of the day. Especially if I workout. However, I've learned some tricks in getting it to stay put- check out my free download to learn my tips!
Brush- Love the brush! It's bigger but not too big and a little smaller at the tip.
Price- $28
Get your Crunchi Mascara here!
Hynt Beauty Nocturne Mascara(gluten free)
Formula- The formula is drier. It takes a few strokes to get the product on your lashes. But once on you do you can really build it up on the ends to lengthen. It gives my lashes separation, volume, and length. Plus, some thickness.
Smudge factor/Flaking- Overall the smudging is minimal to none. I don’t notice smudging as much as flakes sometimes as I’m nearing the end of the tube. I think it's more because the formula is drying out. It’s a good reminder to switch it out.
Brush- It comes with a thick, fat spoodle brush. Love the brush!
Price- $24
Get your Hynt Beauty Mascara here!
Hush And Dotti Mascara(sensitive eyes/water resistant)
Formula- The formula is a great mix of dry and wet. It goes on so easy and doesn’t require a ton of applications. Gives my lashes thickness, length and separation. A good building natural mascara. I was surprised how much I loved this one. It reminds me of Maybelline's original Great Lash Mascara. FAVE!!!
Smudge factor/Flaking- It doesn’t smear on my eyelids or flake at all.
Brush- It’s a smaller standard mascara brush. It gets smaller towards the end of the brush.
Price- $24
Get your Hush and Dottie Mascara here!
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara(sensitive eyes/water resistant)
Formula- This natural mascara is especially great for lengthening. It also does an amazing job of separation. It builds up quite well too after you let it dry for 30 seconds and go back and add some more. It’s a wetter formula overall. It doesn’t claim to be waterproof but water resistant, which is pretty awesome for a mascara in natural beauty.
Smudge factor/Flaking- It can smear a bit if you don’t let it dry first. Once you let it dry though it doesn’t flake.
Brush- The brush is curved a bit, thinner and longer.
Price- $25
Get your 100% Pure Mascara here!
W3ll People Exressionist Pro Mascara(gluten free)
Formula- At first I didn’t really like this mascara but after giving it two solid weeks I really liked it. Initially, it was hard to get the product off the brush. In my opinion, it gets better the more air is exposed to it. It gets a little more goopy and helps the product to be able to build on your lashes. It didn’t give me quite as much length as I would like but definitely gave my lashes a bit of drama and thickness. It’s not a lightweight mascara, you can see there is product on your lashes. Overall, definitely a great product. There is a couple ingredients in it that scored a 5 or higher on EWG. However, they don’t seem significant enough, especially with some data gaps. They also have a mini version of this which is great for travel and nice if you want to try it out without breaking the bank.
Smudge factor/Flaking- It didn’t flake on me until the end of the tube. Then I noticed some flakes around my eyes.
Brush- The brush wasn’t my fave- it’s the new high tech rubber brush. I’m more into the old spoodle brushes.
Price- $21.99
Get your W3ll People Mascara here!
Lily Lolo Mascara(vegan)
Formula- This mascara definitely gets some good product on your lashes. It gives your lashes some drama and lift. It's more of a wetter formula. A little harder to build the product on the lashes unless I wait a minute or two for the first coat to dry, since the formula is more wet. The only thing I noticed was some irritation when my eyes would water-which was randomly when I had my second baby-hormones are real people! I feel the formula got thicker and better the more I used it and air got to it. It will make your lashes stand out for sure.
Smudge factor/Flaking- It does smudge a little the first week or so because the formula is wetter. However, once you use it more the formula thickens and I didn’t have a problem with smudging.
Brush- The brush is a big fat brush- just the kind I like!
Price- $19.50
Get your Lily Lolo mascara here!
ZuZu Luxe Mascara(gluten free)
Formula- This a great everyday mascara, for someone who doesn’t want anything too dramatic. However, it does add great color definition and builds well too. It comes off easy at the end of the day. It’s a great pick for those who have sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It isn’t going to give you the drama or vixen lashes but a great option for those wanting something a little subdued and have sensitive eyes. I also love how easy it is to find. They sell it at most Whole Foods and natural grocery/health food stores.
Smudge factor/Flaking- It doesn’t smudge or flake on me.
Brush- The brush is a standard mascara wand. Not big and gets smaller at the tip of the brush.
Price- $17.60
Get your ZuZu Luze mascara here!
W3ll People Expressionist Volumizing Mascara(gluten free)
Formula- I wasn't super impressed with this at first. However, it got better as time went on, just like the original formula. It adds a good amount of product on the lashes. It isn't as wet as the original formula, more of a dry formula overall. It can really build. It gives a good amount of volume on the lashes and can build the length the more you apply on the tips of lashes. They also have a mini version of this one, so a great idea to try out before purchasing a large one.
Smudge factor/Flaking- It doesn’t smudge or flake on me.
Brush- The brush is a large fat brush all the way around
Price- $19.99
Get your W3ll People Expressionist Volumizing Mascara here!
Natural Mascara Fails-
I wasn’t impressed with it. The formula was so wet and it left my lashes more limp than vixen. It smudged and came off easily too. At $33.20 a pop, I was disappointed in the overall performance of this mascara.
This was probably the biggest flop. If you’ve been around natural beauty long enough you know RMS Beauty. Their products are so good. However, it unfortunately didn’t translate into their mascara. The product is almost invincible on my lashes. I had to coat them but even then you could hardly see the product or a difference. It flaked too. Not worth it at $28.
This is similar to RMS mascara in my opinion. It was hard to see the product on my lashes or even notice I had on mascara, it was so subtle. If you like your mascara to look as natural as possible then this would be your mascara. But for me I want some drama in my lashes! $24
Juice Beauty Photo-Pigments Ultra-Natural Mascara-
This did absolutely nothing for my eyelashes- like nothing! It’s such a wet formula and doesn’t build, add volume or anything. Wouldn’t recommend this at all. $24
Ere Perez Natural Almond Mascara-
This didn't do anything for my eyelashes. It hardly gives much pigment on the lashes. I really had to coat them several times to get anything on them. I like to look like I'm wearing something so it didn't work for me. It claims to be waterproof too but it smudged on me. If you like something that looks really natural and is for sensitive eyes you may like it. Just not my cup of tea. $27.30
Lola Lash Too Antonym Mascara
Didn't love the formula. Too wet and couldn't get any build from it. It didn't add length or volume. Just added some wet pigment. It smudged too since it was so wet. I didn't love the brush either. $26
That sums up my mascara post! I hope it helped you have a better idea of what mascara you should go for. Let me know what mascara you’re loving!
If you liked this post, check out past posts below:
Sharing my favorite natural beauty mascara picks on the blog!
by Suzi | May 28, 2020 | Beautycounter, CLEAN BEAUTY, Makeup
The best natural and organic beauty brands for May is up on the blog! It's that time of month where I share all my faves in natural beauty recently. There are so many new releases and new product discoveries for me this month. It's been such a fun month of trying new products out.
If you're a new reader, each month I share all the new natural beauty brands I'm loving for the month. Most of the time it's new releases, but often it could be a product that I haven't used in a while that I'm loving in the moment and have re-discovered. Let's dive in to the best natural and organic beauty brands for May!
If you're wanting to read past months- check them out below:
Best Natural And Organic Beauty Brands For May
This Evovlh InstaVolume has been taking up permanent residence in my hair routine!
I was so excited to try out a volumizer! I have thin fine hair and basically my one goal when doing my hair is to make it look bigger than it actually is! Any other fine haired gals feel me? So when this little beauty showed up on my doorstep I was ready to spray it on my hair the first chance I got. Not only does it help give you volume but it also helps to protect your hair from heat styling but also UV. It's pretty much a 3 in 1 for your hair. You want to use it on towel dried hair after you've shampooed and conditioned. I spritz it all over and then let it set in my hair for a few minutes before I start blowdrying. I noticed an immediate surge of volume and lift in my hair when I use it. I also love how it holds the volume for days to come. My hair feels thicker and the overall color is more rich. When I've used this I've received so many compliments on my hair! The only difference is using the InstaVolume. Some volume sprays can make my hair feel almost dirty but not this one. It does nourish my hair but not so much that it feels heavy too. I'm addicted! Great for someone who wants just a little lift at the roots but also wants to protect their hair from all the things. It has a citrus scent, mixed with notes of lavender. Get it here!
This Body Prophet is what body moisturizer dreams are made of!
It wouldn't be right not to include this product in the best natural and organic brands for May! Obsessed with this body lotion! I was introduced to the brand in a Beauty Heroes box this year and fell in love with this product. For a beauty blogger to go through a product you know it's a big deal! I literally am currently scraping the bottom of the bottle- it's that good. I love how it comes in a glass pump bottle, makes it so easy for application. I also love how it smells. Such a light scent, nothing overwhelming. Plus, it has antioxidants that help to protect your skin. The overall feel is so lightweight. It absorbs instantly into the skin and doesn't leave behind a greasy residue. I want another bottle stat! If you're looking for a new body lotion- this is it. Get it here!
This new Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser from Beautycounter is the perfect do it all cleanser!
This foaming cleanser is a new launch from Beautycounter and it's one that I can't stop using! They nailed it with this formula. It foams up like a traditional cleanser and gets rid of all your makeup and grime from the day but doesn't dry out your skin. It feels so rich and creamy on your skin even though it does foam which I love. A lot of foaming cleansers can feel drying on the skin- not this one. It removes even my stubborn eye makeup. It comes in an easy to travel with squeeze bottle. This is such a great everyday cleanser for someone who wants their skin to feel clean and fresh but without the added oil feel of an oil cleanser. It's just easy and works- bottom line! Get it here!
*Also, if you're wanting to learn more about Beautycounter, check out some blog posts below:
This everyday moisture is so simple, yet super effective.
This is another new product that I've fallen hard for in Beautycounter. It hydrates my skin so well. It's the perfect everyday lotion for the skin. I apply it right before my makeup and it sits so well underneath my makeup. It doesn't feel heavy or greasy. Especially great for summer months when you want a lightweight moisturizer that isn't going to leave your skin feeling greasy or heavy. I love the size of it too-perfect for travel. You could even throw this in your purse and easily use it on the go too. I also love it for teens or young adults who want something pretty basic when it comes to skincare and don't want a lot of bells or whistles. This is a really simple moisturizer that gets the job done and doesn't have a hefty price tag. Get it here!
This is your new favorite foundation! It feels like your skin but offers great coverage…Skin Twin has my heart!
This just came out from Beautycounter and I can't stop using it! It's such an amazing formula. They've been working on it for quite some time and they did not disappoint. Filled with skin loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid that literally give your skin a surge of hydration and draw moisture to your skin. It offers buildable coverage. So you can opt for a more lightweight feel or you can apply more product and get more of a full coverage look. It doesn't feel like you're wearing anything! It truly lives up to it's name- Skin Twin. Your skin but enhanced. It gives you an overall polished look without look cakey or heavy. I apply the foundation after I've applied my oils or moisturizers. It glides on so smoothly. I wear the color 340 with self tanner on and 310 if I'm not wearing self tanner. Check it out here!
These Ilia Color Haze's are the perfect everyday dewiness to add to your makeup routine.
And last but not least for the best natural and organic beauty brands for May is none other than Ilia Beauty's Color Haze! I've talked about these before and I keep going back to them- they're so good! They add a pop of color to the lips and cheeks and look so natural. I love how dewy my cheeks look with it on. It's gives your face an overall fresh look. Perfect for spring and summer when you want to look natural but not overdone. I love wearing them on my lips too for some pigment. I'm always impressed with the staying power. It almost acts like a stain with a subtle hint of dewiness. I love the colors Temptation, Sing and Waking Up. Try them here!
That sums of the best natural and organic beauty brands for May! See anything you want to try?
Sharing all my favorite natural beauty brands for May on the blog.
by Suzi | Apr 30, 2020 | CLEAN BEAUTY, Makeup, Self Tanners, Skin Care
Sharing the best of clean beauty April with you! Each month I share some of my new favorite products in natural beauty. Some of them are new releases, some of them are just new to me and some of them are just products that I've re-discovered and I can't help but share with you!
April is a fun transition month for beauty products. We are just starting to experience spring and the weather is getting warmer. We have to start thinking about adding sunscreens to our routines and self tanners- can I get an amen! I looked at my white complexion the other day and knew it was time for a little self tanner action. In this month's best of clean beauty April, I'm sharing a new facial tool I'm literally obsessed with, a new concealer, bronzer, self tanner, sunscreen, mascara and eye balm! This is a packed post. I couldn't leave any of them out because so many of them have been on repeat for me the last month. And if you're anything like me, you want the scoop on all the products. 🙂 As always I've got your back! Let's dive into the best of clean beauty April edition.
If you want to check out past Best of Clean Beauty Posts, check them out below:
Best Of Clean Beauty April
I never knew I needed a glow stick until I met Skin Owl's newest tool!
Have you heard of Skin Owl? This brand has been around since the very beginning of clean beauty. I remember using their products and instantly being sold on their geranium beauty drops. They helped to clear away some congestion on my skin and pesky acne. Well, Annie the founder was so sweet to send me their newest skincare tool- The Glow Stick. It is unlike anything I've used when it comes to a facial tool. I couldn't wait to start testing it out! The wand itself is encrusted with 30 Geranium stones. These stones are known for helping rebalance, as they omit negative ions that help to rebalance positive ions in the body. They also help to eliminate free radicals and to increase collagen- can we all say a enthusiastic yes to this!!
If you've ever wanted anything to be lifted, smoothed, or contoured then you need The Glow Stick. I watched their video on how to use it first, which was super helpful. I found I did use it both at night and in the morning. Just depending on my mood. It really helped me to de-congest my skin at night and was a great way to unwind after a long day. In the morning I loved using it to waken up my whole face and really get the blood flow going. There's really no wrong way to use it! Whatever way you find yourself getting the most results from- go for it. I like using the Geranium Beauty Drops form Skin Owl with it. But you can use any oil you want. You actually don't even have to use an oil if you prefer not too. You can even use it on that pesky cellulite! You better believe I have. 🙂 It may sound silly to say but I look forward to using this everyday! You can even put it in the fridge to help de-puff and increase circulation even more. Get The Glow Stick here!
This new Kosas Revealer concealer takes the cake for brightening and great coverage.
I included this new concealer in my Best of Clean Beauty Concealer here. But wanted to pay a little tribute to it here. I have been loving the formula. It's a new release for them and really is unique compared to other brands I've used in the past. It's very brightening and really wakes up your whole complexion. It also helps to hide dark circles, cover redness and hyperpigmentation. Kosas calls it a lightbulb for your skin and I couldn't agree more! It instantly gives your skin a glow. I love that it has caffeine to help de-puff the under eye area and hyaluronic acid to add hydration. This is even great as an all over spot foundation. Just dab this in your t-zone and blend out. It helps to offer the coverage you want, all while not looking like you're wearing a mask. The formula is so creamy too. It provides medium to full coverage for a concealer. If you've been looking for a new concealer, look no further! Get it here!
These bronzers have been in heavy rotation in my natural beauty routine!
This bronzer was just released by Kosas several weeks back and I've been wearing it nonstop since! This bronzer is unique because it's made with shea butter and it's silicone free. It hydrates your skin and not only gives you a bronzed look but an overall glow. It feels so lightweight on the skin- such a weightless formula. I love how easy it is to apply- you really can't mess up when applying. It comes in 3 shades, Light, Medium and Dark. I wear the Light and Medium most but I've even tried the Dark and loved how the color looked on my skin. It almost has this creamy texture to it because of the shea butter. If you've been looking for a new bronzer- allow me to introduce you to The Sun Show Bronzer! Get it here!
Loving how the color looks on my legs! This is the third coat of EcoTan Mousse.
The Choosy Chick sent me this tanning mousse and I was so excited to use it. I have used other EcoTan products in the past and really loved them. I was intrigued by this one because it's a mousse- a formula I hadn't used before and it activates in 1 hour. I was especially excited about having a tan in an hour and not having to wait for 4 hours or overnight like many other formulas. I applied it to one leg to see the change. It got darker after one application but definitely wasn't as dark as I wanted. I did a second application and could tell a difference even more. Then I added a third application and could really see a tangible difference after that. For me the third application was prefect. It wasn't too dark but wasn't too light. You can see in the photos the difference. I loved how this activated so quickly and the mousse consistency. It didn't feel greasy at all but quickly absorbed. It lasted about 5 days on my legs. I even used it on my face and loved the result too. Check out my EcoTan review where I reviewed other products from them here. Get the Cacao Tanning Mousse here!
It was love at first swipe when I tried the new Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara!
This mascara has been in heavy rotation the last month. If you've followed me for any length of time then you know I'm pretty obsessed with anything Ilia makes. No surprise when I tried their mascara I was a fan. It's unique product all around. The brush is actually patented. One side of the brush is meant for curling lashes, while the other end is meant for lengthening. I have never had a mascara actually curl my lashes until I used Ilia's mascara wand! It really works. After I use the curl side I switch it over and use the lengthening side to really build up my lashes. The formula doesn't flake on me and looks as great at 9 at night as it did at 9 in the morning. It doesn't offer huge drama lashes. It's more separation, curl and length. But I do get quite a bit of build out of the formula so if you're wanting to make your lashes even bolder you totally can with this formula! It's also great for those with sensitive eyes. Another home run for Ilia. Get the mascara here!
This Alpyn Beauty Eye Balm had me at first swipe!
Let's just say the best of clean beauty April edition wouldn't be complete without this product. This eye balm is SO good. The end. Ok, I'll share more. I remember trying my first product from Alpyn Beauty and being impressed and now 3 products later I'm officially obsessed with the brand! This product is so unique compared to other eye products I've used. Typically an eye product is either a cream or a serum. This product is a balm. It does feel like a cream initially but way less oily and greasy feeling. I love how it absorbs into the skin so effortlessly. It just sinks right in. It helps to brighten my under eye area, and fill in lines. It has Bakuchiol- a plant derived retinol that helps to fight the signs of aging skin. I've been using it morning and night and can't stop! It really helps my concealer under my eye set so well too. I also struggle with milia- tiny white hard bumps under the skin around my eye area. I've noticed if I use anything too thick or heavy around my eyes I will get larger bumps. This has been the perfect consistency. I haven't noticed any bumps! Right now they are offering 20% off with code: SPRING20. I also love their Survival Serum and Melt Moisturizer. Check out all their products here!
Solara not only offers a body sunscreen, but a facial sunscreen, lip sunscreen and even a sunscreen that gives you a glow!
Beauty Heroes had sent me this natural sunscreen to try 6 weeks ago. I had never used Solara and was excited to see what all the hype was about. It's made to really nourish the skin while it's protecting it. Often sunscreens block the sun but don't add a lot of other actives in their formulas. This is not the case with Solara. Their products are filled with skin loving ingredients like Vitamins C, E and Omegas. They use a non-nano zinc oxide to block the sun rays. I love that the formula rubs in sheer as I'm not a fan of looking like a ghost! It has an SPF of 30 and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes. My skin didn't feel greasy after using it which I loved. It really rubbed in so well and I didn't burn! I also tried their Time Traveler Ageless Face Sunscreen and loved how it felt on my face. It really acted as the perfect primer before applying my makeup. If you're looking for a new natural sunscreen that offers some good SPF but also is good for your skin, look no further! Get it here!
See anything you want to try from my best of clean beauty April? What are you loving in Clean beauty right now?
Sharing the best of natural beauty for April on the blog.
