Big Bummer, Revlon.

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Yesterday I had the pleasure of helping out one of my friends purchase new makeup since the world of cosmetics is still new to her. I love makeup so this outing was so much fun! Plus her company is always  welcomed. She ended up snagging a couple of NYX crayons and eyeliners that I might invest in myself. (I got some makeup brushes for myself, too :3)

I couldn't help but recommend my two favorite brands, Urban Decay and Revlon. I love the quality I get from both companies' products (Urban Decay being far superior, obvs) and last I checked, they were both on PETA's "no animal testing" list. The outing reminded me of a couple of reviews I've been putting off so tonight I was all set to write a couple of reviews. I just wanted to double check on Revlon's status; I was so disheartened when I found out that after 20 years , Revlon declined to answer PETA if they were testing on animals and is no longer on their good guy list. I'm assuming this happened sometime last summer.

When I went to Bamboozle three years ago, PETA had a table and of course was displaying a horrific video of animal cruelty in various ways. I've heard some disturbing things about PETA and I'm not really 100% on board with this organization, but I did take their nifty pamphlet of companies who do and don't test on animals. This was about the same time that I was really getting into makeup but still didn't want to splurge so I honed in on the two drug store brands that were on the good list and that were easy to find: Revlon and Physician's Formula. I really liked the results from Revlon so I really just stuck with that brand, since It's nice on my wallet.

So once I found out this womptastic news I went through a mental list of all the products I use and checked PETA's constantly updated database. I didn't see Benefit, Aveeno, or Milani, but I was happy to see everything else on the no-testing list. They give a very thorough explanation of both lists and even have PDFs that make looking up a company super easy.

SO am I going to throw out all of my animal-tested make up?

Oh gosh no. I can't afford to replace everything that I have all at once and that would be a huge waste and I HATE waste. I'll use up what I have until I can afford to start looking for a good replacement. I'm most crushed about my foundation which is SO GOOD for the price and I literally JUST bought it. 

What I WILL do is no longer support any of the Revlon or other products that test on animals (that I'm aware of) on this here blog or any other interwebs I partake in. I'll commit to the best of my ability to only purchase beauty products with the bunny :3. I think the only thing other than my Revlon stash and a few select other items is my deodorant, so it's not too bad.

Hopefully Revlon will speak up and just let everyone know one way or the other rather than silence. HOPEFULLY they'll get back on track. I mean 20 years of a commitment to no animal testing to just throw it all away? That's what drew me as a customer in the first place. ~*le sigh*~

I'd really like to know what you all think about animal testing. From what I get it's a personal choice like being a vegetarian, yenno? But just like meatless mondays, every little bit helps.

TTFN!<3

-Avé

P.S. Have you seen Jacqueline Traide's social sculpture performance for Lush on this issue? I saw this floating around tumblr and I'd have to say I really applaud her. (WARNING: graphic images)

OOTN: For his Birthday!

A couple of months ago I treated Zack to a Jim Hall Concert in NYC at Birdland for his birthday. It was loads of fun! I haven't listened to jazz in a while since I've been on this kpop jpop cpop (Korean, Japanese, and Chinese) kick. Jim Hall is a wonderful guitarist and a funny old man.

When I go to the city I try to avoid heels because it usually means lots of walking whether we take the train or drive in. The parking garage was pretty close to the venue so I decided to risk it and wear heels. I survived! Since this was a jazz club, I wanted to look mature but not old. I think I managed ok! The top is feminine and timeless, but the accessories and hair I think made it more me even if I'm a crocheting old lady who enjoys tea and an early bed time on the inside.

D E T A I L S :

• Pink top: Talbots
• Skinnies: Kohl's
• Heels: probably Payless; they're really old!
• Sparrow earrings: Target
• Chain earrings: Charlotte Russe

M A K E U P

• Urban Decay's Dangerous palette - Mildew, Virgin, Oil Slick
• Urban Decay's Primer Potion
• Urban Decay's 24/7 Eye Pencil - Oil Slick
• Ulta's Lash Blow Out Mascara
• Revlon's ColorStay liquid foundation
• Hard Candy's Hide & Glow cheek tint - pillow talk (316)

I really have to do this hairstyle again! It was relatively easy, and my first updo. When I do this style again I'll be sure to make a video/blog post :3 This style lasted a couple of days and I even got a few compliments *brush dem shouldas*

TTFN! <3

-Avé

P.S. You can use code TENBLOG through December 23rd at Kohls.com to get 10% off! It can be used to stack savings with one other department level code as well. Hot stuff!

OOTD: Red Hot Chili Peppers!

The Red Hot Chili Peppers were absolutely positively utterly FANTASTIC last night. I'll get to that in my next post, after I go to the second show tonight...

Details

• Red flannel - Urban Outfitters
• Red Hot Chili Peppers Tee - 14th birthday gift from my big brother
• Black mini skirt - H&M
• Taupe leggings - NY&Co.
• Black canvas shoes - Target
• Black hoops - H&M
• Makeup - Urban Decay, Dangerous palette: Haight (blue) and Virgin (white)

This is my staple recipe for an outfit. Tee, skirt, leggings, cardigan. I switch things up every now and then, like this flannel, but you get the idea, right? I love this shirt because my big bro got it for me; we bond over the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In fact, we named the two cars we shared Dani (california) and (so much more than) Charlie ('s wakin' me). They've been my number one band ever since I sneaked a peek at the music video for "Scar Tissue" back when I wasn't allowed to watch Vh1 at the lovely age of 9. 

You can see in my sidebar all my tweets from last night. I will probably be doing that again. Fiancé and I got some amazing pictures, too! I can't wait to post them :3. UGH I cannot WAIT for tonight! 

TTFN! <3

Review: Smashbox Reflection - High Shine Lip Gloss

Smashbox Reflection retails for about $18 which is kinda pricy for me. However, I’ve had the same tube for about six months already and apply it at least twice a day (as long as it’s not lost in the bottom of my bag :S) and there’s still plenty of product left.

It leaves the lips with just the right amount of gloss so you don’t look like you just downed a box of KFC. It’s not super sticky and works great over a lip stain. I will be sure to purchase this gloss again! 

TTFN! <3

Review: Boiing Concealer by Benefit

Can you tell which half of my face has the concealer?

This is by far my most favorite concealer I’ve ever used. It was recommended to me by a gentleman who works at Ulta; he swears by it. This concealer is the first one that I’ve owned that you can use all by itself (as I did in the photos) so it’s great for those days when all you want to do is cover a zit or under the eyes. 

I’m using number 02, about four times a week mainly for the bags on my eyes and the occasional zit. Boiing usually retails for about $20 - $25. However, it has lasted me four months so far and I’m about half way through with it. My sister uses it every day, and hers lasted about three months. Worth every penny! The Boiing concealer is creamy, smooth, and leaves skin feeling just the same. I usually only use my finger to apply it, making it perfect for beginners or people who don’t put on alot of makeup (ie. dudes).

Benefit’s packaging is cute and simple, if you’re picky about those things. I haven’t had any issues with the cap or anything. I only have to apply it once at the beginning of the day, no worries about it rubbing off.

Every time I wear this concealer in conjunction with my foundation, I get compliments on my beautiful skin. It’s sheer enough to let your natural tones (like my rosy cheeks) show without overdoing it. It IS possible to cake it on, but it’s still not so bad….you’ll just end up looking like a porcelain doll.

All in all, a great product! TTFN!<3