tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28680484701668438622024-02-07T02:09:38.518-06:00Kaylin's KitViews of an Eco-friendly Vegan Makeup ArtistKaylin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834452437272866532noreply@blogger.comBlogger677125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-53281755409391098342018-01-15T08:00:00.000-06:002018-01-16T09:46:00.126-06:00Recipe: 20-minute Whole Wheat Rolls<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfSNr-ZjG1hBE9eUWO91VgJd6pr2fwg7y0B6nrGaD3ESuSIdkSv5P1nhP65dJXTmfXtT7nyBXo9kt3v5OCYOMQ8A859HPSRPqMoTJ5J6gePhKd6TgJrIxDAeW0kcltkt6xOUQ9ivcUuuJ/s1600/Roll2_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfSNr-ZjG1hBE9eUWO91VgJd6pr2fwg7y0B6nrGaD3ESuSIdkSv5P1nhP65dJXTmfXtT7nyBXo9kt3v5OCYOMQ8A859HPSRPqMoTJ5J6gePhKd6TgJrIxDAeW0kcltkt6xOUQ9ivcUuuJ/s320/Roll2_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have a weakness for fresh bread. So when my guy found a way to make these crispy, hearty rolls in under half an hour, I was sold. They contain just five simple ingredients, and are 100% vegan. Click the "Print Friendly" button below for a printable or PDF version.<br />
<br />
<script>var pfHeaderImgUrl = 'http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmxzPSdEcJk/Uoa4Q-oaG5I/AAAAAAAABzo/BVsmNAspEjM/s1600/Kaylinlogo.png';var pfHeaderTagline = '';var pfdisableClickToDel = 0;var pfHideImages = 0;var pfImageDisplayStyle = 'right';var pfDisablePDF = 0;var pfDisableEmail = 0;var pfDisablePrint = 0;var pfCustomCSS = '';var pfBtVersion='1';(function(){var js, pf;pf = document.createElement('script');pf.type = 'text/javascript';if('https:' == document.location.protocol){js='https://pf-cdn.printfriendly.com/ssl/main.js'}else{js='http://cdn.printfriendly.com/printfriendly.js'}pf.src=js;document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(pf)})();</script><a class="printfriendly" href="http://www.printfriendly.com/" onclick="window.print();return false;" style="color: #6d9f00; text-decoration: none;" title="Printer Friendly and PDF"><img alt="Print Friendly and PDF" src="http://cdn.printfriendly.com/pf-button-big.gif" style="border: medium none; box-shadow: none;" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>1.5 cups whole wheat flour</li>
<li>1/2 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt </li>
<li>2 tbsp olive oil </li>
<li>3/4 cup water</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mix dry ingredients together (flour, baking powder, and salt).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Add in wet ingredients and mix until doughy (slightly sticky, with no visible flour).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Form into rolls.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake at 350 for 18 minutes, or until a crispy crust is formed.</span></li>
</ol>
<ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEh2aaTbx-wit65s13MKKGjzjAeZofMxgr4SJWNOOzEImE2FwFwcJVz2ZS_apVgrzI5c90zNvVm_Sud9IyixgzsqUf4BVS9CHzFmqwQBtMwcuLvTh1Luq1A8IIoGInSSr3lE7K89t6NgJ/s1600/Roll1_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEh2aaTbx-wit65s13MKKGjzjAeZofMxgr4SJWNOOzEImE2FwFwcJVz2ZS_apVgrzI5c90zNvVm_Sud9IyixgzsqUf4BVS9CHzFmqwQBtMwcuLvTh1Luq1A8IIoGInSSr3lE7K89t6NgJ/s320/Roll1_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Tips:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Makes about 8 small rolls, or 4 large rolls.</li>
<li>The texture is more dense than dinner rolls, so I'd put them somewhere between a roll and a biscuit.</li>
<li>Great with jam or other toppings. </li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
<script>var pfHeaderImgUrl = 'http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmxzPSdEcJk/Uoa4Q-oaG5I/AAAAAAAABzo/BVsmNAspEjM/s1600/Kaylinlogo.png';var pfHeaderTagline = '';var pfdisableClickToDel = 0;var pfHideImages = 0;var pfImageDisplayStyle = 'right';var pfDisablePDF = 0;var pfDisableEmail = 0;var pfDisablePrint = 0;var pfCustomCSS = '';var pfBtVersion='1';(function(){var js, pf;pf = document.createElement('script');pf.type = 'text/javascript';if('https:' == document.location.protocol){js='https://pf-cdn.printfriendly.com/ssl/main.js'}else{js='http://cdn.printfriendly.com/printfriendly.js'}pf.src=js;document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(pf)})();</script><a class="printfriendly" href="http://www.printfriendly.com/" onclick="window.print();return false;" style="color: #6d9f00; text-decoration: none;" title="Printer Friendly and PDF"><img alt="Print Friendly and PDF" src="http://cdn.printfriendly.com/button-print-grnw20.png" style="border: medium none; box-shadow: none;" /></a>
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Kaylin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834452437272866532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-5204450051613339202018-01-08T10:48:00.002-06:002018-01-08T10:50:39.168-06:00Recipe: Healthy Vegan Chocolate Shake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X3FwX15FklSCym1-zhaxhlzRSN_ZcQOnsRMd7p7uf1H2dw-k0s5qMz7Hc1GIB1gYO4UgZcy1qjb_DEdGVsUrZH6rD6lfgrBrhLZsno1pYy_VL5_KE2m-_8y8WF0rkrLnHRAAAi4eINx8/s1600/BananaShake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1012" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X3FwX15FklSCym1-zhaxhlzRSN_ZcQOnsRMd7p7uf1H2dw-k0s5qMz7Hc1GIB1gYO4UgZcy1qjb_DEdGVsUrZH6rD6lfgrBrhLZsno1pYy_VL5_KE2m-_8y8WF0rkrLnHRAAAi4eINx8/s320/BananaShake.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
I love a good vegan milkshake as much as the next person, but they are too indulgent for me to eat every day. So what's the next best thing? A healthier version, made with bananas instead of ice cream. It's so good, your friends and family will think it's the real deal. Click the "Print Friendly" button below for a printable or PDF version.<br />
<br />
<script>var pfHeaderImgUrl = 'http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmxzPSdEcJk/Uoa4Q-oaG5I/AAAAAAAABzo/BVsmNAspEjM/s1600/Kaylinlogo.png';var pfHeaderTagline = '';var pfdisableClickToDel = 0;var pfHideImages = 0;var pfImageDisplayStyle = 'right';var pfDisablePDF = 0;var pfDisableEmail = 0;var pfDisablePrint = 0;var pfCustomCSS = '';var pfBtVersion='1';(function(){var js, pf;pf = document.createElement('script');pf.type = 'text/javascript';if('https:' == document.location.protocol){js='https://pf-cdn.printfriendly.com/ssl/main.js'}else{js='http://cdn.printfriendly.com/printfriendly.js'}pf.src=js;document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(pf)})();</script><a class="printfriendly" href="http://www.printfriendly.com/" onclick="window.print();return false;" style="color: #6d9f00; text-decoration: none;" title="Printer Friendly and PDF"><img alt="Print Friendly and PDF" src="http://cdn.printfriendly.com/pf-button-big.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; border: none; box-shadow: none;" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>2 frozen bananas</li>
<li>1 1/4 cups almond milk</li>
<li>1/4 cup cocoa powder</li>
<li>1/4 cup peanut butter</li>
<li>1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>Generous dash of salt (optional)</li>
<li>2 tbsp vegan mini chocolate chips (optional; such as <a href="http://amzn.to/2CO6oGf" target="_blank">Enjoy Life mini chips</a>)</li>
<li>1 scoop vegan protein powder (optional; unflavored options such as <a href="http://amzn.to/2CG68Wc" target="_blank">SunWarrior Natural Brown Rice Protein recommended</a>)<b> </b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li>Blend until creamy.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<b>Tips:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Makes about 2 servings. </li>
<li>Add more milk if too thick, in about 2 tbsp increments.</li>
<li>The bananas must be frozen for this to have the proper consistency. Peel them before freezing, and ideally cut them into about 4 chunks each for easier blending. </li>
<li>Tastes better and more like a milkshake when sipped through a straw. I recommend <a href="http://amzn.to/2FcLAXf" target="_blank">these glass straws</a>, which are durable and eco-friendly. Just be sure to grind up the chocolate chips well, if using, so they don't get stuck.</li>
<li> If you're looking for a blender, I had <a href="http://amzn.to/2CIWC4A" target="_blank">a KitchenAid model similar to this</a> for a few years. If you're a smoothie enthusiast, I've had good results with <a href="http://amzn.to/2CDg4jn" target="_blank">my refurbished Vitamix</a>.</li>
</ul>
<script>var pfHeaderImgUrl = 'http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmxzPSdEcJk/Uoa4Q-oaG5I/AAAAAAAABzo/BVsmNAspEjM/s1600/Kaylinlogo.png';var pfHeaderTagline = '';var pfdisableClickToDel = 0;var pfHideImages = 0;var pfImageDisplayStyle = 'right';var pfDisablePDF = 0;var pfDisableEmail = 0;var pfDisablePrint = 0;var pfCustomCSS = '';var pfBtVersion='1';(function(){var js, pf;pf = document.createElement('script');pf.type = 'text/javascript';if('https:' == document.location.protocol){js='https://pf-cdn.printfriendly.com/ssl/main.js'}else{js='http://cdn.printfriendly.com/printfriendly.js'}pf.src=js;document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(pf)})();</script><a class="printfriendly" href="http://www.printfriendly.com/" onclick="window.print();return false;" style="color: #6d9f00; text-decoration: none;" title="Printer Friendly and PDF"><img alt="Print Friendly and PDF" src="http://cdn.printfriendly.com/button-print-grnw20.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; border: none; box-shadow: none;" /></a>
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Kaylin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834452437272866532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-30148990923267441072015-02-02T08:30:00.000-06:002015-02-02T12:42:00.568-06:00Review: Austin's Counter Culture<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs_wFa1E3L1K9C0hsp5lW8QMSxUIPMowh-sWos8Cbtp4vzMsgsnCKRR2dpjMYnXeued-XYsFL3WKnla8nq5lP39GpfsvM2FFd0Fiyz921RbZARfEk_3XfW2p79qbnqiITOJjTtA8wog8/s1600/CounterCulture_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs_wFa1E3L1K9C0hsp5lW8QMSxUIPMowh-sWos8Cbtp4vzMsgsnCKRR2dpjMYnXeued-XYsFL3WKnla8nq5lP39GpfsvM2FFd0Fiyz921RbZARfEk_3XfW2p79qbnqiITOJjTtA8wog8/s1600/CounterCulture_03.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>When you live in a city like Austin, it can be easy to get stuck in a routine. You go to the same stores, buy the same groceries, and eat at the same restaurants. This year, I set out to shake up my routine and explore some of Austin's vegan options - much like I do when I travel. After all, Austin has a great vegetarian restaurant scene - as long as you know where to look.<br />
<br />
One of the first restaurants on my list was <a href="http://countercultureaustin.com/" target="_blank">Counter Culture</a>. The restaurant had <a href="http://countercultureaustin.com/home/about/" target="_blank">its humble beginnings as a food truck</a>, and got its own brick-and-mortar location <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1280533163/counter-culture-is-relocating-to-a-building" target="_blank">with the help of a kickstarter campaign</a> back in 2012. I'd been meaning to try it for quite some time, so when I was downtown for an event recently, I decided to take a chance. And boy, am I glad I did.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1XKyum5gf61WAU397u0LE1pJn-be4vg5TzrIt0r2_70BC0CtxWgt9Bht76c1oCtrc-Gb77QCVbxFw5wRcR3LKXvAjbL9EXrdOnpy5YV5RoonZkJAloZ7EB43zRhnd9dvWqasz2n9FAI/s1600/CounterCulture_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1XKyum5gf61WAU397u0LE1pJn-be4vg5TzrIt0r2_70BC0CtxWgt9Bht76c1oCtrc-Gb77QCVbxFw5wRcR3LKXvAjbL9EXrdOnpy5YV5RoonZkJAloZ7EB43zRhnd9dvWqasz2n9FAI/s1600/CounterCulture_01.jpg" height="320" width="279" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Tasty yet moderately healthy vegan comfort food</li>
<li>Many gluten-free and soy-free options</li>
<li>Environmentally responsible</li>
<li>Fun vintage decor</li>
<li>
Use organic, fair trade, and locally-sourced foods when possible</li>
<li>Reasonable prices<br /><a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>I wish I would've tried it sooner</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
I've had some good vegan food in Austin, but Counter Culture really impressed me. I tried the special - a blue corn pancake plate with tofu scramble and tempeh bacon. There were a lot of different flavors on that plate, and each was subtly balanced to perfection. The menu was simple but offered a variety of tempting options. I was delighted to see that the style was comfort food, but the focus was on real, unprocessed cuisine. In an era where a vegan option is often a frozen soy sausage or Daiya cheese, it was refreshing to see real foods. I left the restaurant feeling full, but the food was light enough not to weigh me down for the rest of the day. We had a light dessert of "donut holes" (like a sweeter version of a Larabar) and ice cream from Austin's own vegan ice cream parlor, <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2012/05/restaurant-review-sweet-ritual.html" target="_blank">Sweet Ritual</a>. It was the perfect finale to a great meal.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://countercultureaustin.com/" target="_blank">Counter Culture</a> is located in East Austin, near I-35. The location was easy to access and had plenty of street parking nearby. As a North Austinite, the location is a little tricky to get to for weeknight meals (due to I-35 traffic), but it was a quick trip on the weekend. I only wish I'd heard about it more, since I had no idea the food was so great. I'll be dreaming of a day when they can expand to a North Austin location.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance (Taste)</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-41495319288837557892015-01-22T08:30:00.000-06:002015-01-28T15:44:09.665-06:00Review: Nature's Gate Pomegranate Sunflower Shampoo and Conditioner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUF1qokusUgK3A3es92QvmJDDbezNUtq1avauXlZByciQpVeXjECMW6fAbLPDwIzcCbEw-C62UMuyw6k8_7Ex2QGmVKVgDVQ-pPG4dcOemp8t17CLVTy_8XjvSN2D9onNj88xcKRcOc0/s1600/NaturesGatePomegranateShampooConditioner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUF1qokusUgK3A3es92QvmJDDbezNUtq1avauXlZByciQpVeXjECMW6fAbLPDwIzcCbEw-C62UMuyw6k8_7Ex2QGmVKVgDVQ-pPG4dcOemp8t17CLVTy_8XjvSN2D9onNj88xcKRcOc0/s320/NaturesGatePomegranateShampooConditioner.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
When you pay hundreds for your hair color, it's a shame to watch it fade in a matter of days. That's why color-safe hair products were developed. It may seem easy just to buy what your stylist recommends, but if you're looking for something vegan or just something more affordable, check out your local health food store. Nature's Gate offers one option for vegans: the <a href="http://www.natures-gate.com/Shop/item?Product=41100081&category=136&WithLinks=1" target="_blank">Pomegranate Sunflower Shampoo</a> and <a href="http://www.natures-gate.com/Shop/item?Category=236&Product=42100055%20%20&withlinks=1" target="_blank">Conditioner</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Textures similar to conventional products</li>
<li>Affordable</li>
<li>Retail availability</li>
<li>Nourishing for color-treated hair</li>
<li>Fragrances are phthalate-free<a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Fragrance is a little girly</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
This shampoo and conditioner set is very similar in texture and fragrance to conventional products. The pomegranate is a nice fruity scent, but it might not be suitable for men. These products were nourishing, which is ideal for normal to dry hair types or for use a few times a week. Both <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/255577/Nature%27s_Gate_Pomegranate_Sunflower_Hair_Defense_Shampoo/" target="_blank">the shampoo</a> and <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/255747/Nature%27s_Gate_Pomegranate_Sunflower_Hair_Defense_Conditioner/" target="_blank">the conditioner</a> rate a moderate 4 on the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG Skin Deep</a> database. The main ingredient that weighed this down was the fragrance, but Nature's Gate specifies that it is phthalate-free. I have a bit of henna in my hair, and these products seemed to keep it at its current color (didn't fade it). However, I didn't test it with conventional (chemical) hair colors. I love how Nature's Gate is a vegan company, and proudly displays it. If you're looking for a vegan alternative (or just a more affordable one) for color-treated hair care, check out these Nature's Gate products.<br />
<br />
Also available on Amazon.com: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E6UUT0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001E6UUT0&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=AOWPK7ESXBSQFIY4" target="_blank">shampoo</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HN78HP8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HN78HP8&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=KTDSW7POUCN3QG5E" target="_blank">conditioner</a>.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was purchased by the reviewer. However, the manufacturer has sent me products free of charge for review purposes in the past. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://forms.aweber.com/form/41/56499141.htm" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-8145317608946213002015-01-15T08:30:00.000-06:002015-01-15T08:30:02.160-06:00Review: Jane Iredale Jelly Jar Eyeliner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj4LKIdUsO7xR4mWhG3YrovUyNyLlskmRCWrFeMyuAqVv66llnHZJIKL8ELEipBsm_GV6dbAMV8_Ldyn1vlolufv5UvqClSStsKGh5iBkJij7mNaolbyHb3bWYJnkhnzb8QWBxYirgos/s1600/JaneIredaleJellyJar_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj4LKIdUsO7xR4mWhG3YrovUyNyLlskmRCWrFeMyuAqVv66llnHZJIKL8ELEipBsm_GV6dbAMV8_Ldyn1vlolufv5UvqClSStsKGh5iBkJij7mNaolbyHb3bWYJnkhnzb8QWBxYirgos/s1600/JaneIredaleJellyJar_01.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
When it comes to winged eyeliner, I love a great gel formula. Typically applied with a brush, gels are usually creamy and provide a great wash of color. I recently tried out a version from Jane Iredale, the <a href="https://janeiredale.com/us/en/mineral-makeup/eyeliner/jelly-jar-gel-eyeliner.htm" target="_blank">Jelly Jar Eyeliner</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Smooth, creamy application</li>
<li>
Great for winged looks</li>
<li>Available in multiple shades</li>
<li>Some retail availability</li>
<li>Gentle formula<br /><a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>May dry out after a few months</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFc6aEm8ZMY/VLbtDEkmBTI/AAAAAAAACZY/FGjQDfk0Tns/s1600/JaneIredaleJellyJar_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFc6aEm8ZMY/VLbtDEkmBTI/AAAAAAAACZY/FGjQDfk0Tns/s1600/JaneIredaleJellyJar_02.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></div>
This eyeliner is one of my new favorites. It is easy to apply (with a brush) and is quite gentle. I have sensitive eyes that occasionally get irritated by eyeliners and eye shadows, but I can wear this one all day without any issues. The formula rates a low 1 on the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG Skin Deep</a> database, which is quite gentle. I prefer the black color for a classic winged eye, but brown can also be used for a softer look. I also tried out the green shade, but I found that it went on much more sheer than I anticipated. This is fine if you want a softer look, but I prefer bolder liners. However, the lighter colors are nice for accents or lower lashes.<br />
<br />
When purchasing a gel liner, keep in mind that it will dry out at some point (usually 3-12 months, depending on your climate). Keeping the lid firmly closed will help with longevity. Pencils and powders can last between 2-3 years, so if you don't use a lot of eyeliner, they might be a better long-term investment. (<a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/05/ask-kaylin-makeup-expiration-dates.html" target="_blank">Click here for more on expiration dates</a>.) However, it's hard to beat the performance of a gel, which can be one of the longest-lasting products (especially if <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/08/article-creams-powders-perfect-pair.html" target="_blank">layered under a powder</a>). And gels are usually much easier to use than pens. Overall, it's a solid product that is worth the investment, particularly if you love winged liner looks.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for a vegan gel eyeliner, Jane Iredale makes a great option.<br />
<br />
Also available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IZP6A6U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IZP6A6U&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=ACL7P2GTNJT5KT26%22%3EJane%20Iredale%20Jelly%20Jar%20Gel%20Eyeliner,%20Black,%200.1%20Ounce%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=kayskit-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IZP6A6U" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-6569197759983383242015-01-12T08:30:00.000-06:002015-01-15T11:32:15.296-06:00Article: Common Eyeliner Problems and Solutions<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAilplzD_54/VLajcz1Zw1I/AAAAAAAACYw/ze930On4hEE/s1600/4733185863_7145bc81c9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAilplzD_54/VLajcz1Zw1I/AAAAAAAACYw/ze930On4hEE/s1600/4733185863_7145bc81c9_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29074894@N05/" target="_blank">22Lauren</a> via Flickr and <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode" target="_blank">Creative Commons 2.0</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of all the cosmetics I've used, few will dramatically change your look the way eyeliner can. Which is why it's so important to get it right. There's a lot of room for play, but I've found that those who hate eyeliner typically have similar complaints. Read on to find out how you can address these problems and learn to love your liners.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wobbly eyeliner</span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is your <b>line uneven</b> (in terms of thickness)? Make sure to start with a sharp pencil. Start from the outer corner of your eye and use small strokes, moving toward the center of your eye. Then go from the inner corner to the center. For more control, consider using an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003GDDGQI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003GDDGQI&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=E6PMBRDC4UJGBZSS" target="_blank">eyeliner brush</a> and a <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2015/01/review-jane-iredale-jelly-jar-eyeliner.html" target="_blank">gel liner</a>. Line your lower lash line last.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you have <b>odd gaps between the liner and your lash line? </b>You might be drawing your eyeliner too high. Make sure your liner comes right up to your lashes. You can also use a sharp eyeliner pencil or an eyeliner brush to dot color between your lashes. Another method is to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJRSDS6g1lY" target="_blank">line your inner rims (waterline)</a>, concentrating on the portion near your lashes.</span></li>
<li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you have <b>trouble even tips for <a href="http://www.preen.me/look/513029003-winged-eyeliner-tutorial-by-ashleigh-a#/" target="_blank">winged liner</a> looks? </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">It can be particularly tricky with liquid liners. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For perfect wings, use a spoon. </span><a href="http://do%20you%20have%20trouble%20getting%20a%20straight%20line/?" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Check out this fun video tutorial.</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Runny/Vanishing Eyeliner</span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is your </span><b style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">eyeliner running </b><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">throughout the day</span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">?</span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Try a waterproof eyeliner. </span><a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/07/ask-kaylin-best-vegan-waterproof.html" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Click here for my vegan picks.</a><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"> You can also use pressed powder under your eyeliner, as in </span><a href="http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/08/quick-tip-how-to-prevent-your-eyeliner-from-running/" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">this tutorial</a><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li>
<li>Is your <b>eyeliner vanishing</b> before lunch? Many natural products are light and might not be as long-wearing. For staying power, make sure to use an <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/Eyeshadow%20Primer" target="_blank">eye shadow primer</a>, use multiple coats, and <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/08/article-creams-powders-perfect-pair.html" target="_blank">set gels/liquids with a powder</a>.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Allergies</span></h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Are your <b>eyes itchy</b> after wearing eyeliner? Make sure to remove your makeup every night before bed. If that doesn't work, look for a gentler eyeliner. Try applying a <a href="http://www.alimapure.com/products/satin-matte-eyeliner" target="_blank">powder eyeliner</a> wet or choosing one of these <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2013/11/ask-kaylin-makeup-without-iron-oxides.html" target="_blank">mica- and iron oxide-free</a> options.</span></li>
</ul>
Do you have any other eyeliner solutions? If so, leave them in the comments.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-40312201355187133852015-01-08T08:30:00.001-06:002015-01-14T14:01:26.845-06:00Review: E.L.F. Essential Flawless Eyeshadow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--J0-UEJkXnw/U_ARCPitnII/AAAAAAAACQI/9w4kmmCr2kk/s1600/ELFeyeshadowPalette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--J0-UEJkXnw/U_ARCPitnII/AAAAAAAACQI/9w4kmmCr2kk/s1600/ELFeyeshadowPalette.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Escape Palette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Many drugstore brands are tested on animals, but did you know that there are a few cruelty-free budget brands? One of these is Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.), which is sold at stores such as Walgreen's and Target. While I usually stick to their mineral line, I decided to test out the <a href="http://www.eyeslipsface.com/elf/eyes/eyeshadow/flawless_eyeshadow" target="_blank">E.L.F. Essential Flawless Eyeshadow</a> to test out brighter pressed vegan shades, which can be hard to find in many natural lines.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Available in brighter shades</li>
<li>Very affordable ($2)</li>
<li>No parabens</li>
<li>Colors can be worn together or alone</li>
<li>
Vegan and cruelty-free<a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Low number of pigments</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
I applied this makeup using the included sponge (<a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/04/article-makeup-brushes-vs-sponges.html" target="_blank">to get a more concentrated application</a>), but the colors still went on sheer and had to be built up to be seen. When used with a primer, they tended to last for several hours, but faded to colorless shimmery shades by the end of the day. It's no surprise when you look at the ingredient list, which starts with Talc. According to the EWG, this product is quite gentle, rating just a low on the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">Skin Deep</a> database. However, this seems to be a case of "you get what you pay for," as, for $2, you are buying talc, mineral oil, and lake colors, which many natural product consumers choose to avoid. It was good to see that this product is vegan (E.L.F. is a vegan company), paraben-free (many of the studio and essential eye shadows are not), and appears to be accidentally gluten-free (though this is not confirmed by the company). If you're looking for a cheap eye shadow to experiment with or use occasionally, these sets might be a decent vegan option.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% gluten-free." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was purchased by the reviewer. No compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-40963559212768020342014-12-25T08:30:00.001-06:002015-01-14T14:00:27.652-06:00Review: Rainbow Honey Nail Polish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzd_F-40FTY/VLa9VKzDBJI/AAAAAAAACZE/HGscd1lZYag/s1600/RainbowHoney_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzd_F-40FTY/VLa9VKzDBJI/AAAAAAAACZE/HGscd1lZYag/s1600/RainbowHoney_02.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
Did you know that many nail polishes aren't vegan? Many conventional brands, particularly red shades, contain carmine. When you're looking for polish, I recommend getting one that's both vegan and free of the "Big 3"(formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate). One brand that passes this test? <a href="http://www.rainbowhoney.com/" target="_blank">Rainbow Honey</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Super cool themes and polish names</li>
<li>Available in many fun colors</li>
<li>Big 3 free (formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate)</li>
<li>Mini (half size) bottles offered</li>
<li>All vegan line<a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIotOPVET5nROIzlNdrWZbcwr_SxF-AaTx8rAXvO1dyfaRvXOLwTqQHf6erkA4A3NSK8tUHdYwUuXy4qPsFsIFkgsMJAusz-PAc0TGwP4z06mTmo4ZkfbgQdouI1yBEGKI3lvY5U7Xps/s1600/RainbowHoney_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIotOPVET5nROIzlNdrWZbcwr_SxF-AaTx8rAXvO1dyfaRvXOLwTqQHf6erkA4A3NSK8tUHdYwUuXy4qPsFsIFkgsMJAusz-PAc0TGwP4z06mTmo4ZkfbgQdouI1yBEGKI3lvY5U7Xps/s1600/RainbowHoney_01.jpg" height="320" width="279" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini bottles from the <a href="http://www.rainbowhoney.com/collections/the-final-battle" target="_blank">Final Battle</a> collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Your favorite colors might be limited editions</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
Rainbow Honey makes a wonderfully colorful line of polishes. They are constantly releasing new colors that are more tempting than candy. I picked up a few colors from the Final Battle series, inspired by the video game Final Fantasy VII. (It doesn't get much nerdier than that!) They are stunning colors and the video game theme makes it particularly fun for me.<br />
<br />
The polish is free of the "big 3" (formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate), but it still has that "nail polish smell." When I plugged <a href="http://www.edgypolish.com/about-rainbow-honey.html" target="_blank">the ingredients</a> into the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG Skin Deep</a> database, it came out at a moderate 5. This seemed weighed down by the use of fragrance, but that is a "may contain" item so I suspect the actual rating might be lower. As for the performance, it seemed to last a little longer than conventional polishes. I should note, however, that the colors I tried contained a lot of glitter (which can be stubborn to remove). I love how the company offers some <a href="http://www.rainbowhoney.com/collections/minis" target="_blank">"mini" versions</a> (half size bottles for half the price). I hardly ever finish a bottle, so I love this option.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for fun nail polish colors in fresh new hues, check out <a href="http://www.rainbowhoney.com/" target="_blank">Rainbow Honey</a>.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-14095228302270634092014-12-18T08:30:00.001-06:002015-01-14T11:04:57.331-06:00Review: Acure Day Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MlT55NMweFo/VLaax95eB5I/AAAAAAAACYg/w5dj7h_zG7o/s1600/AcureDayCream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MlT55NMweFo/VLaax95eB5I/AAAAAAAACYg/w5dj7h_zG7o/s1600/AcureDayCream.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
As a makeup artist, I often get asked about moisturizers for use under makeup. A good day moisturizer needs to be light enough to hydrate without leaving skin oily. Day moisturizers can also be mixed with powder foundations for DIY liquid foundations. So selections a quality product is crucial. One great pick? <a href="http://www.acureorganics.com/Day-Cream-gotu-kola-stem-cell-1-chlorella-grow-p/005.htm" target="_blank">Acure Day Cream</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Absorbs quickly</li>
<li>Yummy fruity scent</li>
<li>Many organic ingredients</li>
<li>
Claims to help fight lines (wrinkles)</li>
<li>Retail availability</li>
<li>Gluten-free and vegan<br /><a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>May not be suitable for some oily skin types</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
This day cream is light and has a great citrusy scent. It absorbs quickly, which is perfect for use under makeup. While it is not oil-free, it seems suitable for most skin types (except perhaps oily). The packaging claims that it won't clog pores and it helps fight lines, which are perhaps benefits you'd see over the long term.<br />
<br />
The ingredients are mostly organic. The formula is quite gentle and <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/522652/Acure_Organics_Day_Cream%2C_Chamomile_%26_Carrot/" target="_blank">rates a low 2</a> on the EWG Skin Deep database. The only item that really stood out was the clove oil, which didn't affect me but could perhaps affect those with clove allergies. Overall, this is a great day moisturizer that is ideal for use under makeup.<br />
<br />
Also available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Z4QHP0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003Z4QHP0&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=TQVXH2ROSAOBDVOZ" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% gluten-free." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-13815762241945008502014-12-15T08:30:00.000-06:002015-01-14T09:01:50.783-06:00Article: Haut Cosmetics Interview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiN38dORl6qDsQYyzVaFKmpjR9l43Vg5mIOfSBw2qmqxL1CEHj9lOXG_wfHX1xd1Zo46nSYLrR3LY7S7Rvjz24agmtPVwW_V8OCEBRPqeiZjw7APO0d2UOOBokaOYaDHb718VNKeWdHQ/s1600/MMA_3D_CoverSmNoBorder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiN38dORl6qDsQYyzVaFKmpjR9l43Vg5mIOfSBw2qmqxL1CEHj9lOXG_wfHX1xd1Zo46nSYLrR3LY7S7Rvjz24agmtPVwW_V8OCEBRPqeiZjw7APO0d2UOOBokaOYaDHb718VNKeWdHQ/s1600/MMA_3D_CoverSmNoBorder.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
To celebrate the release of my book, <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2013/01/blog-post.html" target="_blank">The Mercenary Makeup Artist,</a> Haut Cosmetics posted <a href="http://hautcosmetics.ca/the-mercenary-makeup-artist/" target="_blank">a fantastic interview</a>. We talk about the book, the beauty industry, and ermines! Here's a quick preview:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong style="border: 0px; color: #231f20; font-family: itc_avant_garde_gothic_stdMd; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">J: What is the biggest makeup artist challenge for you (creating thick brows from sparse etc)?</strong></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: itc_avant_garde_gothic_stdMd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">K: I have almost a physical aversion to using makeup to make people look bad. Makeup artists are asked to do it on film sets all the time. There’s the tame, like making people look sickly for hospital scenes or giving them a bruise, but it’s the hard-core blood and guts stuff that gets me. Maybe I’ve watched too many rom-coms, but I like to imagine my makeup applications as a scene from a montage with peppy pop music. Applying a bullet wound just doesn’t work as well with an upbeat soundtrack.</span></blockquote>
<br />
<a href="http://hautcosmetics.ca/the-mercenary-makeup-artist/" target="_blank">Click here to check out the full interview on Haut Cosmetics</a>.<br />
<br />
After reading the book, Haut decided to offer a professional discount! <a href="http://hautcosmetics.ca/professional-discount/" target="_blank">Check out the details here</a>.<br />
<b><br /></b>
For more information on The Mercenary Makeup Artist, <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2013/01/blog-post.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-66136482310931054442014-12-08T08:30:00.001-06:002015-01-14T08:35:06.823-06:00Restaurant Review: Portland's Prasad<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtBHGLKhwrk/VEREb8iXl1I/AAAAAAAACWI/eNiP1WIeUE0/s1600/20141015_184817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtBHGLKhwrk/VEREb8iXl1I/AAAAAAAACWI/eNiP1WIeUE0/s1600/20141015_184817.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mighty Bowl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Portland is a wonderfully vegan-friendly city, and I made a point to branch out and try some new restaurants on a recent visit. A local friend suggested <a href="http://www.prasadcuisine.com/" target="_blank">Prasad</a>, a vegetarian and all gluten-free restaurant that is located inside <a href="http://www.yogapearl.com/" target="_blank">Yoga Pearl</a>, a local yoga studio. Their food was fresh, healthy, and tasty.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Fresh, simple ingredients (many organic)</li>
<li>Great for those on special diets</li>
<li>Eco-conscious</li>
<li>
Located near <a href="http://www.powells.com/locations/powells-city-of-books/" target="_blank">Powell's City of Books</a></li>
<li>Generous portions<br /><a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Shared space means some compromises</li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeitJcEssbWWYvfjvhGEd7AjO9wT-ZpaE-1VhS_UYQJP3epYPGbVBON1SzXwtrfOnrnW-xuJitfyyJ3Zgh27MtE0g7L-59zXmJHQtQIb1fsBEMAltkJere1ZW_g-d3D-uCvQrXs1tsV48/s1600/20141015_184516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeitJcEssbWWYvfjvhGEd7AjO9wT-ZpaE-1VhS_UYQJP3epYPGbVBON1SzXwtrfOnrnW-xuJitfyyJ3Zgh27MtE0g7L-59zXmJHQtQIb1fsBEMAltkJere1ZW_g-d3D-uCvQrXs1tsV48/s1600/20141015_184516.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belle Smoothie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
I loved the fresh, clean feel of the menu. The smoothies and dishes ranged from raw vegan to vegetarian, and everything is gluten-free (as of the time of this writing). Prices are low to moderate, but those on a tight budget can try options like the Mighty Bowl (available for $2-$7, depending on what you feel comfortable paying). I loved seeing so many healthy options, and realizing that a lot of the offerings were similar to what I'd make at home (if I spent more time cooking). There are some fun choices like that between housemade almond/hemp milk and rice milk (for smoothies). The food tends to err on the side of uber-healthy, so you might want to add some salt or use the sauces more generously if you're accustomed to stronger flavors.<br />
<br />
It's worth noting, however, that Prasad shares a space with Yoga Pearl, which means some compromises. They have signs asking you to keep your noise level down, so this isn't the place for rowdy gatherings. Seating is also limited, so that's an important consideration if you want to eat during busier times. It's also downtown, near <a href="http://www.powells.com/locations/powells-city-of-books/" target="_blank">Powell's City of Books</a>. Overall, it's a great option for the gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan crowd who are looking for a really healthy meal.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance (Taste)</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% gluten-free." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This restaurant visit was paid for by the reviewer. No compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-37477500472867378062014-11-24T08:30:00.002-06:002014-11-24T08:30:02.733-06:00Article: Cruelty-Free Shopping Guide for Canadians<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKMNTNbgfOo/VHJP-qflR5I/AAAAAAAACXs/RAlzVxrs8mU/s1600/2991525763_f4da626c92_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKMNTNbgfOo/VHJP-qflR5I/AAAAAAAACXs/RAlzVxrs8mU/s1600/2991525763_f4da626c92_z.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/husseinabdallah/" target="_blank">Abdallah via Flickr</a> and<br />
<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode" target="_blank">Creative Commons 2.0</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I'm delighted to host this guest post by <a href="http://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/" target="_blank">Cruelty-Free Kitty</a>, a beautiful blog about cruelty-free products and lifestyle. Read on for her wonderful suggestions on shopping cruelty-free in Canada.</i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Choosing ethical and animal-friendly cosmetics when you’re
in Canada can be hard: in stores, the availability of cruelty-free brands is
limited, and online, shipping prices are often sky-high when ordering from
American stores. Whether you’re interested in budget brands, vegan products,
high-end makeup, or eco-friendly beauty, I’ve put together a list of my
favorite cruelty-free sources for Canadians, both in stores and online!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're looking for cruelty-free brands in Canadian drugstores,
the options are limited, but Shopper's Drug Mart carries the most well-known
animal-friendly brands such as Wet'n'Wild, Physicians Formula, Marcelle,
Annabelle, Yes to Carrots, and Burt's Bees. Marcelle and Annabelle are Canadian
brands owned by the same cruelty-free company: Marcelle offers more polished makeup, while
Annabelle offers bold or vibrant colors and glittery products at an affordable
price range. Both of these brands are good quality -- especially look into
their face powder, eye shadows, and lipsticks. You can also visit my list of <a href="http://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/cruelty-free-drugstore-brands/">cruelty-free
drugstore brands</a> for a full list as well as parent company information.
Please note that Quo, Shopper's Drug Mart's mid-range makeup brand, is not
cruelty-free.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My absolute favorite retail store for all my budget-friendly
makeup, skincare, and household essentials is Target! They carry Sonia Kashuk, NYX, Pixi, and
recently started stocking some ELF items as well. Target also has an entire
aisle of "green" skin and body care brands, and most of them are
cruelty-free and have vegan options: Avalon Organics, Alba Botanica, Giovanni,
Burt's Bees, Desert Essence, Andalou Naturals, Jason, Weleda, Yes To Carrots,
and my personal favorite multi-purpose product: Dr. Bronner's castille soap!
Target also carries Attitude and Method cleaning products, which are both cruelty-free
and non-toxic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're looking for higher-end brands, Sephora does offer
animal-friendly alternatives, some of them being excellent: Hourglass, Urban
Decay, Bite Beauty, Cover FX, NARS, Tarte, and Too Faced stand out -- you can
see my full list of <a href="http://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/cruelty-free-sephora-brands/">cruelty-free
brands available at Sephora</a>. If you're shopping online, Sephora
offers free shipping to Canada on orders over 75$. Another great online
retailer for those who love green and natural beauty is <a href="http://www.ecodivabeauty.com/">Eco Diva Beauty</a>, a Canadian site
offering all the top green beauty brands. Cruelty-free makeup brands they carry
include W3ll People, ILIA, Vapour Beauty, Kjaer Weis, and Alima. As for skin
and body care, they carry May Lindstrom, Tata Harper, One Love Organics, Kahina
Giving Beauty, Schmidt's deodorant, and more. Something worth mentioning about
Eco Diva Beauty is that they list all their vegan products, and shipping is
free over 75$!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last but not least for cruelty-free Canadian shoppers is
this little gem called <a href="http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/">Nail
Polish Canada</a>, which offers not only a wide array of nail polish
brands, but also hard-to-find cosmetics such as ELF, theBalm, 100% Pure,
Everyday Minerals, and Real Techniques brushes.
Some of the cruelty-free nail polish brands available are China Glaze,
Seche, Orly, Zoya, Deborah Lippmann, NCLA, Scotch, and SpaRitual. The best
thing about this online shop is their free shipping over 25$!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For more cruelty-free resources, reviews, and how-to’s,
visit <a href="http://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/">Cruelty Free Kitty</a>!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-13904949907068755682014-11-13T08:30:00.001-06:002014-11-13T08:30:01.158-06:00Review: Beauty Without Cruelty Natural Eye Pencil<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ0XzZQCFtjxzg1pDC5vjtUAbGvdDpzSD02-qG4eqbZ8LCymV6l8gq1edM7NpOckB1vxeQsrHWflKL9xcd_f942RmJjFnG9EWSqchT-nQ6zoFaUjNi5FFI8z7l9M3629K2vEtXDQF8TA/s1600/BWCeyePencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ0XzZQCFtjxzg1pDC5vjtUAbGvdDpzSD02-qG4eqbZ8LCymV6l8gq1edM7NpOckB1vxeQsrHWflKL9xcd_f942RmJjFnG9EWSqchT-nQ6zoFaUjNi5FFI8z7l9M3629K2vEtXDQF8TA/s1600/BWCeyePencil.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beautywithoutcruelty.com/item.php?item=047364" target="_blank">Delft Blue</a> Pencil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When it comes to eye makeup, I look for some of gentlest products available. I wear contacts and have sensitive eyes, so I can't tolerate harsh products. Fortunately, there are some eyeliners on the market that are both gentle and high-quality. One of these is the <a href="http://www.beautywithoutcruelty.com/scat.php?link=BEAUTYWITHOUTBEAUTY&subcat=0476&vendor_id=11150" target="_blank">Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) Natural Eye Pencil</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Smooth, creamy texture</li>
<li>Sharpens easily</li>
<li>Rich color</li>
<li>
Will smudge if desired</li>
<li>Gentle ingredients<br /><a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>May need to order online</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
I was able to try this pencil in both <a href="http://www.beautywithoutcruelty.com/item.php?item=047360" target="_blank">Black</a> and <a href="http://www.beautywithoutcruelty.com/item.php?item=047364" target="_blank">Delft Blue</a>. The colors were rich and smooth, and applied easily. The pencils came sharpened to a very fine point, and they were easy to sharpen as well. I found that these pencils lasted about 4-6 hours alone, but the wear could be extended with the use of an eye shadow primer. These pencils are also quite gentle, <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=beauty+without+cruelty+pencil&search_group=everything&&showmore=everything&start=0" target="_blank">rating between 0 (the lowest) and 1</a> on the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG Skin Deep</a> database. I haven't seen them for sale in my local health food store (which carries BWC skin care products but not their cosmetics), so I recommend ordering online for the best selection. If you're looking for a highly-pigmented pencil with a gentle formula, BWC offers a great option.<br />
<br />
Also available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=beauty%20without%20cruelty%20eye%20pencil&linkCode=ur2&rh=n%3A3760911%2Ck%3Abeauty%20without%20cruelty%20eye%20pencil&tag=kayskit-20&url=search-alias%3Dbeauty&linkId=Y7Y7U2YSRGYTL2OH" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Looking to use these pencils as more than eyeliner? Check out my <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/09/article-pro-tips-to-help-makeup-last.html" target="_blank">Pro Tips post</a> or my <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/08/article-multitasking-makeup.html" target="_blank">Multitasking Products post</a>.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% gluten-free." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-56803437847605361542014-11-12T08:30:00.000-06:002014-11-12T17:40:51.193-06:00Mercenary Makeup Artist Available for Free!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiN38dORl6qDsQYyzVaFKmpjR9l43Vg5mIOfSBw2qmqxL1CEHj9lOXG_wfHX1xd1Zo46nSYLrR3LY7S7Rvjz24agmtPVwW_V8OCEBRPqeiZjw7APO0d2UOOBokaOYaDHb718VNKeWdHQ/s1600/MMA_3D_CoverSmNoBorder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiN38dORl6qDsQYyzVaFKmpjR9l43Vg5mIOfSBw2qmqxL1CEHj9lOXG_wfHX1xd1Zo46nSYLrR3LY7S7Rvjz24agmtPVwW_V8OCEBRPqeiZjw7APO0d2UOOBokaOYaDHb718VNKeWdHQ/s1600/MMA_3D_CoverSmNoBorder.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a>My Kindle book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Mercenary-Makeup-Artist-Breaking-ebook/dp/B00MS79Q0I" target="_blank">The Mercenary Makeup Artist</a>, </i>is available for FREE today and tomorrow!<br />
<br />
Just what is <i>The Mercenary Makeup Artist?</i><br />
<br />
<i>Stylish. Efficient. Professional. These are the hallmarks of a distinguished mercenary — and if your mission is to make money as a makeup artist, then your success will be judged by the same criteria. Seasoned pro Kaylin Johnson equips you with the tools you need to complete your mission, covering everything from basic training to establishing your business repertoire. Think you've got what it takes?</i><br />
<br />
Available for FREE 11/12 and 11/13 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Mercenary-Makeup-Artist-Breaking-ebook/dp/B00MS79Q0I" target="_blank">on Kindle</a> and currently $9.89 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1500826634/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1500826634&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=BYSOJE3WY7ARJIYW" target="_blank">in paperback</a>. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Mercenary-Makeup-Artist-Breaking-ebook/dp/B00MS79Q0I" target="_blank">Click here to see this book on Amazon.com.</a><br />
<br />
<i>The Mercenary Makeup Artist</i> is a great way to learn more about the beauty industry, or learn how to get your foot in the door. Want to make $100/hour or more? Can you only work on the weekends? No problem - this is a flexible career option. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Mercenary-Makeup-Artist-Breaking-ebook/dp/B00MS79Q0I" target="_blank">Check out a preview on Amazon today.</a><br />
<br />
If you do pick up the book, I'd love to know what you think. I'd greatly appreciate honest reviews on Amazon.com, your blogs Facebook, Twitter, or anywhere else. Whether or not you own the book, you can also check out my free <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/01/mercenary-makeup-artist-resources.html" target="_blank"><i>Mercenary Makeup Artist </i>resources section</a> with dozens of website links, book recommendations, and downloadable bonuses. <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/01/mercenary-makeup-artist-resources.html" target="_blank">Click here to check it out</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><b style="font-size: small; font-style: normal;">Disclaimer:</b><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: normal;"> This post uses affiliate links for Amazon.com.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-59923531218146043002014-11-10T08:30:00.000-06:002014-11-23T15:42:27.964-06:00Article: Going Cruelty-Free<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhnWxCv3U2o/U-eDoOUSe6I/AAAAAAAACOI/TXWqx37cmOM/s1600/BWClipstickTeaRose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhnWxCv3U2o/U-eDoOUSe6I/AAAAAAAACOI/TXWqx37cmOM/s1600/BWClipstickTeaRose.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
If you're new to cruelty-free makeup, sometimes it can be tough to know where to start. Or perhaps you have friends you want to introduce to your fabulous new lifestyle. Whatever the reason, today is a great day to go cruelty-free.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thejoyfulorganizer.com/2014/10/16/reorganize-your-beauty-bag-going-cruelty-free-guest-post/" target="_blank">Check out my guest post on The Joyful Organizer</a> for a cruelty-free tips for beginners.<br />
<br />
Here's a quote from the article:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If your products were purchased in a drugstore or superstore and are not considered “natural,” there is a good chance that they were tested on animals. Many higher-end cosmetic brands (such as those sold in department stores) are not tested on animals, but policies vary. Look up your company on <a href="http://features.peta.org/cruelty-free-company-search/index.aspx" target="_blank">PETA’s list</a>, check the company’s website for an animal testing policy, or write to the company. </blockquote>
<a href="http://thejoyfulorganizer.com/2014/10/16/reorganize-your-beauty-bag-going-cruelty-free-guest-post/" target="_blank">Click here to check out the full post on The Joyful Organizer!</a><br />
<br />
For more info, check out my posts on <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/06/ask-kaylin-vegan-makeup-overhaul.html" target="_blank">switching to vegan beauty products</a> and <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/05/ask-kaylin-how-to-dispose-of-old-makeup.html" target="_blank">how to dispose of makeup</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-71880640622994748792014-11-06T08:30:00.003-06:002015-01-14T10:32:41.493-06:00Review: Acure Superfruit + Cirtus Argan Oil Bar Soap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ6oX_xV1sk/VLaNsgLIT_I/AAAAAAAACYM/1enCgt-wmeo/s1600/AcureArganSoap_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ6oX_xV1sk/VLaNsgLIT_I/AAAAAAAACYM/1enCgt-wmeo/s1600/AcureArganSoap_01.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
No matter how many fancy body washes, shower gels, or scrubs I try, I always go back to bar soap. Bar soap is a great, simple cleansing product that helps me keep my showers shorter and conserve water. It is indispensable, yet somehow hard to get just right. Acure Organics has a great bar that doesn't wear down too fast or too slow - it's just right. It's called the <a href="http://www.acureorganics.com/product-p/056.htm" target="_blank">Superfruit + Cirtus Argan Oil Soap.</a><br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Yummy fruity scent</li>
<li>Non-drying</li>
<li>Mostly organic</li>
<li>Doesn't wear away too quickly</li>
<li>Retail availability<br />
<a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Over $5 per bar</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vELvvYzuEzc/VLaNspxFv9I/AAAAAAAACYI/3uNtgUynn4E/s1600/AcureArganSoap_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vELvvYzuEzc/VLaNspxFv9I/AAAAAAAACYI/3uNtgUynn4E/s1600/AcureArganSoap_02.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
This bar soap has a great scent - a citrus mixed with other essential oils like bergamot, rosemary, and lemongrass. It is a fun yellow-orange color, and has a waxy consistency. It is a non-drying formula and worked well for shower use (during my trials).<br />
<br />
This soap contains mostly organic ingredients. It rates a low 1 <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG Skin Deep</a> database, with no objectionable ingredients. Acure is a fantastic company that is both eco- and socially-conscious. While their products are a little more expensive, they typically explain why. For example, Acure claims their soaps are cured "over 4-6 weeks. This allows healthy fats to be retained and excess water to separate out...The result is a bar with retained glycerine and complete oils, for a rich lather that provides a lotion-like effect on the skin when cleansing."<br />
<br />
If you're looking for a great everyday soap, this is a great gluten-free and vegan option. <br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% gluten-free." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-61669045065432467322014-10-30T08:30:00.002-05:002015-01-14T09:29:52.955-06:00Review: Jane Iredale PureMoist Lipstick<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JN4Plz89I5w/VE-0Ky9xfkI/AAAAAAAACXM/jcDvvkD8jvQ/s1600/JaneIredaleLipstick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JN4Plz89I5w/VE-0Ky9xfkI/AAAAAAAACXM/jcDvvkD8jvQ/s1600/JaneIredaleLipstick.jpg" height="320" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PureMoist in Katerina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before I was a makeup artist, I wasn't really a lipstick person. Lipsticks were often dry, emphasizing flakes or cracks on my lips. I tended to prefer glosses and tinted balms. However, lipsticks have been getting better and better. Jane Iredale now offers one that is very moisturizing and feels more like a glaze than a stick. Ladies, this is not your mother's lipstick - it's creamy and smooth for the modern age. The name? <a href="https://janeiredale.com/us/en/mineral-makeup/lips/puremoist-lipstick.htm" target="_blank">PureMoist lipstick</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Smooth, creamy texture</li>
<li>
Yummy scent</li>
<li>Beautiful packaging</li>
<li>Broad color range</li>
<li>All shades are vegan<br /><a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Moderate price ($25)</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BN-R4uSaxZk/VCwZzJ9w36I/AAAAAAAACTw/4Y-cC8kn-0Q/s1600/20141001_095942-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BN-R4uSaxZk/VCwZzJ9w36I/AAAAAAAACTw/4Y-cC8kn-0Q/s1600/20141001_095942-1-1.jpg" height="308" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample box from Jane Iredale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This lipstick glides on easily, yet still provides bold color. I loved the silky, moist feel and the thin, precise tube. The packaging is beautiful, and the product smells great. I was sent a sample of Katerina, a deep burgundy/wine hue. It is a bolder hue that seems to beg for a great outfit and salon hair. But PureMoist comes in a variety of shades, so you could choose something softer, if that's your preference.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZD_uMxiYPg/VE-i63iyuCI/AAAAAAAACWg/SWoDNHm-bx4/s1600/20141025_105818-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZD_uMxiYPg/VE-i63iyuCI/AAAAAAAACWg/SWoDNHm-bx4/s1600/20141025_105818-1.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing Katerina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This shade rates a low 1 on the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG Skin Deep</a> database, but does contain lake colors (if that is a concern for you). It is designed to be long-wearing and wears off gracefully (won't leaving odd color smudges). The formula is like a cross between a tinted balm and a lipstick, so it's more firm that a lip balm but more moisturizing than most sticks. I love how all the shades are vegan, including the true red, Margi. If you're looking for a creamy lipstick for vegans, this is a nice option.<br />
<br />
Also available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N07QOU0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00N07QOU0&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=ON3HNVVKU5QIHDR4%22%3EJane%20Iredale%20PureMoist%20Lipstick,%20Katerina,%200.1%20Ounce%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=kayskit-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00N07QOU0" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-1434109125124593942014-10-23T08:30:00.003-05:002014-10-28T10:21:25.634-05:00Review: Au Naturale Organic Creme Foundation<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN0ghND4D7T_XvLEIic-qbKpRTBDcRnigyK5AIF2u1GRfM7mJM3Ql3C_q-xKciOg_lZ0YmfJ98yWDA6va7UJCZw-IlGy6aVIFEu8cUyuOZVSY2u0pxKxf4q0VOqaZN0kQlWS5B9DG2ds/s1600/AuNaturaleCremeFoundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN0ghND4D7T_XvLEIic-qbKpRTBDcRnigyK5AIF2u1GRfM7mJM3Ql3C_q-xKciOg_lZ0YmfJ98yWDA6va7UJCZw-IlGy6aVIFEu8cUyuOZVSY2u0pxKxf4q0VOqaZN0kQlWS5B9DG2ds/s1600/AuNaturaleCremeFoundation.jpg" height="320" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creme foundation in Sand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are dozens of vegan powder and liquid foundations on the market, but what if you want something with a little more coverage? Whether you're looking to spot-conceal, hide pigmentation imbalances, or simply like a creamy formula, sometimes the ordinary foundations won't cut it.<br />
<br />
Cream foundations are versatile products, but they are often hard to find in gentle formulas - let alone vegan versions. Fortunately, Au Naturale offers a <a href="http://www.aunaturaleglow.com/collections/creme-foundation" target="_blank">Creme Foundation</a> made with organic lavender oil that is gentle and offers full coverage.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Gentle formula</li>
<li>Includes organic ingredients</li>
<li>Can double as a concealer</li>
<li>Offers SPF 15</li>
<li>Buttery formula</li>
<li>Full coverage<a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>May need to order online</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjTR73sOGvk/VBjQ7JVHhyI/AAAAAAAACSI/CQaiZRjXyFI/s1600/20140913_170619-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjTR73sOGvk/VBjQ7JVHhyI/AAAAAAAACSI/CQaiZRjXyFI/s1600/20140913_170619-1.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Au Naturale offers stylish, gift-worth packaging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Au Naturale's Creme Foundation is a creamy formula that melts on contact with skin. The recommended application method is with a brush such as their <a href="http://www.aunaturaleglow.com/collections/brushes/products/creme-foundation-brush" target="_blank">Creme Foundation Brush</a>. However, I also achieved a successful application with my clean fingers. I recommend using a face lotion or a moisturizing foundation primer before applying this foundation for best results.<br />
<br />
The cream offers nice, full coverage, but you can apply it thinner if you want more of a medium coverage look. It has the consistency of my favorite cream concealers, and it can double as one if desired. I recommend setting with a powder foundation or a finishing powder for longer wear.<br />
<br />
As of the time of this writing, there are nine shades available. The Porcelain shade is surprisingly fair, and Sand is also quite light. From the colors I tested, the shades tend to be more on the neutral end (not particularly warm or cool). I think I fall somewhere between Porcelain and Sand, and I'm usually in one of the lightest shades in most lines.<br />
<br />
The formula is quite gentle, rating a low 1 on the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG Skin Deep</a> database. There also two organic ingredients. It's uncommon to see such a gentle cream product, as many contain harsh preservatives or other additives. It's hard to get much purer than this.<br />
<br />
While Au Naturale doesn't have a huge retail presence, they do have a great website and friendly customer service. It feels like there's a real human touch behind the business, and a passion in the products. While full-sized foundations are $38, you can test out multiple shades using their <a href="http://www.aunaturaleglow.com/collections/organic-creme-foundation-samples-1" target="_blank">affordable samples</a>. There is also free shipping with a relatively low purchase ($40). They also have great presentation, from sleek black packaging to a stylish website. The founder personally produces each product and believes in social responsibility, which is well worth supporting.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for a gentle cream foundation from a highly ethical company, check out Au Naturale.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% gluten-free." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-27257786102276789722014-10-20T08:30:00.000-05:002014-10-28T09:21:16.522-05:00Article: Vegan and Eco-Friendly Fall Beauty Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KpOAQEIruXQlO6acl9VOHnGf6DLPzdLjk6qwOJ8a-pjl4lAvmB3pK7o3ChmmAVP89U5lo-yjkdZLEyuXGaw1lerje7jicN4mLnOOgPKNpgNHs-s3j-HB0McEzdbr53WF3RYBoH3vM0FQ/s320/AlaskaGlacialFacial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KpOAQEIruXQlO6acl9VOHnGf6DLPzdLjk6qwOJ8a-pjl4lAvmB3pK7o3ChmmAVP89U5lo-yjkdZLEyuXGaw1lerje7jicN4mLnOOgPKNpgNHs-s3j-HB0McEzdbr53WF3RYBoH3vM0FQ/s320/AlaskaGlacialFacial.jpg" /></a></div>
You might not know it's fall here in Texas, with temperatures still in the 80's. But autumn is in full swing, and stores are filled with Halloween candy and pumpkin-flavored everything. If, like me, you aren't quite feeling the season, it might be a great time to swap in some new colors for fall.<br />
<br />
Looking for some fresh ideas? <a href="http://www.greenbrideguide.com/blog/vegan-and-eco-friendly-fall-beauty-tips" target="_blank">Check out my guest post on Green Bride Guide</a>.<br />
<br />
Here's a quote from the article:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Pumpkins are high in vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin A. They are also said to both help reduce redness and brighten the skin. No time to DIY? Try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MAOWOS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000MAOWOS&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=4MCWAAQT772M735F" target="_blank">MyChelle’s Pumpkin Peel</a> or their <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MASTMO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000MASTMO&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=AKJ4JTFIDOV5XYGO" target="_blank">Pumpkin Renew Cream</a>.</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.greenbrideguide.com/blog/vegan-and-eco-friendly-fall-beauty-tips" target="_blank">Click here to check out the full post on Green Bride Guide!</a><br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: small;">Disclosure notice: </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Companies mentioned in this article may have </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">sent me products free of charge for review purposes. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns. This post contains affiliate links.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-16908168557785473602014-10-16T08:30:00.002-05:002014-10-16T08:30:00.953-05:00Review: Furless Black Beauty Makeup Brush Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICLB_qWIDVHnAu2o6eOJI3mbxy6wa1L_G9a_eGj_0GbuLT1_PJ5rmvq9DmkujUEXw33VwGavy3BJBIIN3jEeVmj4aoGqDT5smabJdaQcdbEF4QIzEnvvZxZ1FoivYKT_aU2YO9hLemhk/s1600/FurlessSet_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICLB_qWIDVHnAu2o6eOJI3mbxy6wa1L_G9a_eGj_0GbuLT1_PJ5rmvq9DmkujUEXw33VwGavy3BJBIIN3jEeVmj4aoGqDT5smabJdaQcdbEF4QIzEnvvZxZ1FoivYKT_aU2YO9hLemhk/s1600/FurlessSet_01.jpg" height="305" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been eyeing Furless brushes for a long time. With their sleek designs and affordable prices, this all-vegan company really stands out from the competition. I was thrilled when the Australian retailer offered to let me try out their <a href="http://furlesscosmetics.com.au/cruelty-free-cosmetics/makeup/1871-black-beauty-makeup-brush-set" target="_blank">Black Beauty Brush Set</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>100% cruelty-free</li>
<li>Hand-crafted</li>
<li>Sturdy construction</li>
<li>Soft, fluffy bristles</li>
<li>Affordable prices</li>
<li>Well-balanced set<br />
<a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lld71ZlkKaA/VDiSTvlNHMI/AAAAAAAACVk/YpdjIiN5W6Q/s1600/FurlessSet_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lld71ZlkKaA/VDiSTvlNHMI/AAAAAAAACVk/YpdjIiN5W6Q/s1600/FurlessSet_02.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>May be hard to find locally</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
This brush set is stylish yet practical. It comes in a sleek vegan leather case that zips up for dust-free storage. The brushes are excellent quality, with sturdy wooden handles and quality craftsmanship. The bristles were nice and soft, and the brushes held up well to washing. The eye shadow brushes in particular picked up a lot of color, which makes multi-hued eye looks a breeze. The aqua blue tips do take on the color of pigmented makeup, but I like using this to help me determine when it's clean.<br />
<br />
This brush set offers a nice selection that should support a wide range of looks. I particularly love the <a href="http://furlesscosmetics.com.au/cruelty-free-cosmetics/makeup/1879-black-beauty-blending-crease-brush" target="_blank">Blending Crease Brush</a>, which is one of my all-time favorite eye shadow brush shapes. The <a href="http://furlesscosmetics.com.au/cruelty-free-cosmetics/makeup/1875-black-beauty-angled-eyeshadow-kabuki-brush" target="_blank">Angled Eye Kabuki Brush</a> was an interesting addition, and one I'm not accustomed to seeing in other brush sets. However, I was impressed with the way it applied color, particularly to creases. The dense bristles really help with a rich application. I was a little surprised to see two eyeliner brushes instead of a lip brush, but they are quite a useful pair. The <a href="http://furlesscosmetics.com.au/cruelty-free-cosmetics/makeup/1878-black-beauty-precision-liner-brush" target="_blank">Precision Liner Brush</a> is particularly well-suited to gel and cream liners, while the angled version (<a href="http://furlesscosmetics.com.au/cruelty-free-cosmetics/makeup/1803-perfectly-pink-angled-liner-brush" target="_blank">click here for a similar one</a>) is great for setting creamy liners with powder or applying color to brows.<br />
<br />
At $70 U.S., this set is very reasonable. While I haven't seen these brushes in U.S. stores, the price works out to just over $10 a brush (after international shipping). For professional-quality brushes, Furless could be charging a lot more. <a href="http://furlesscosmetics.com.au/explore/furless-makeup-artist-discount" target="_blank">Makeup artists</a> and <a href="http://furlesscosmetics.com.au/beauty-blogger-discount-application//explore/beauty-blogger-discount" target="_blank">beauty bloggers</a> can also apply for a discount. There are also several brush options available, such as individual brushes and other sets. I was particularly excited to see <a href="http://furlesscosmetics.com.au/cruelty-free-cosmetics/vegan/27-bamboo-makeup-brushes" target="_blank">an eco-friendly bamboo line</a>.<br />
<br />
Furless is also an outstanding company when it comes to support for vegans. They are <a href="http://furlesscosmetics.com.au/about-furless-cosmetics" target="_blank">certified cruelty-free and vegan</a>, and also offer an info page on <a href="http://furlesscosmetics.com.au/why-choose-furless-makeup-brushes" target="_blank">why to choose synthetic brushes</a>. Overall, I was really impressed with this brush set and highly recommend it for personal or professional use.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<i>Thinking about going pro? Check out my book, </i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MS79Q0I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00MS79Q0I&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=KIV5BLL4NP2PWZES" target="_blank">The Mercenary Makeup Artist: Breaking into the Business with Style.</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-40410265671491925572014-10-13T08:30:00.000-05:002014-10-13T08:30:00.175-05:00Article: How to Stretch Your Dollar at Whole Foods<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ooup9p-9AS8/VDSleUkQ5WI/AAAAAAAACVE/A_SfAa5Ioew/s1600/263469928_a8997881e7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ooup9p-9AS8/VDSleUkQ5WI/AAAAAAAACVE/A_SfAa5Ioew/s1600/263469928_a8997881e7_z.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: ilovebutter via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jdickert/" target="_blank">Flickr</a> and <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode" target="_blank">Creative Commons 2.0</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you're ever suffered from sticker shock at Whole Foods, you're not alone.As much as I try to shop elsewhere, I can't find everything I need at the cheaper stores. Only Whole Foods has items like bulk organic almond butter and organic dates (which I use for my <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2012/04/vegan-beauty-smoothie.html" target="_blank">daily chocolate smoothies</a>). But Whole Foods doesn't have to be expensive<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>if you know how to shop for savings. Read on for some of my time-tested tips.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Try frozen produce instead of fresh. </b>Prices on organic fruits and veggies in the frozen food aisle are often comparable or cheaper than the fresh versions. They are also frozen at the peak of the season.<a name='more'></a></li>
<li><b>Avoid packaged goods.</b> Pre-packaged snacks, frozen dinners, and prepared foods often cost twice as much as similar items at a regular grocery store. Prepare your own versions from scratch to get healthier ingredients without the hefty price tag.</li>
<li><b>Buy only what you need. </b>Organic produce might cost more, but your money is wasted if you can't eat it in time. Buy in smaller quantities when possible if you have a smaller family. The bulk food aisle is particularly useful for a teaspoon of a particular spice or a handful of chocolate chips. A bargain isn't a good value if it ends up in the trash.</li>
<li><b>Make your food last. </b>Whole Foods offers a variety of quality foods, so look for ways to make the most of them. Instead of eating three squares of conventional milk chocolate, savor a small piece of organic dark chocolate each day. Fill your plate with affordable items such as beans and rice, while keeping portions of pricier foods like nuts or vegetarian meats smaller.</li>
<li><b>Look for ingredient substitutions. </b>You may have ventured to Whole Foods in search of organic almond butter or pine nuts. If the prices of these ingredients make you balk, consider substitutions. Try cashews instead of pine nuts, or mix some peanut butter with almond butter purchased from the bulk food aisle. Use broccoli instead of broccoli rabe, or frozen strawberries instead of fresh.</li>
<li><b>Write to companies to request coupons.</b> Many Whole Foods coupons are for packaged foods and other items that have higher costs. Avoid the temptation to buy these items to "save money" and instead write directly to companies for products you know and love. Some will send you free coupons upon request.</li>
</ul>
Do you have any tips for saving at Whole Foods? If so, share them in the comments!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-61551079113101530392014-10-09T08:30:00.003-05:002014-10-09T08:30:01.412-05:00Review: Lily Lolo Vegan Mascara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugZ94ylyp4c/VDPy2K5EQ6I/AAAAAAAACU0/mCZNsHSjPKY/s1600/LilyLoloMascara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugZ94ylyp4c/VDPy2K5EQ6I/AAAAAAAACU0/mCZNsHSjPKY/s1600/LilyLoloMascara.jpg" height="320" width="170" /></a></div>
There are a lot of great vegan mascaras out there, but most of them have a very soft, natural finish. This seems to satisfy a large number of consumers who seek out these products due to allergies or environmental concerns. However, as a makeup artist and beauty fanatic, I like a mascara with a little more "oomph:." I want one that lengthens, thickens, and helps define lashes - one that provides a more bold look. Enter <a href="http://www.lilylolo.us/" target="_blank">Lily Lolo</a>, a U.K. company. They offer <a href="http://www.lilylolo.us/eyes/mascara/lily-lolo-black-vegan-mascara.html" target="_blank">a vegan mascara</a> that not only looks snappy but instantly gives you that extra boost.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Volumizing formula</li>
<li>Beautiful packaging</li>
<li>Gentle ingredients</li>
<li>Gluten-free and vegan</li>
<li>Provides a bold finish<a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>May be hard to find in stores</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
Lily Lolo's vegan mascara is a slick product with great presentation. The packaging is a stylish black-and-white design and the website is well-designed. I love how vegan and gluten-free items are clearly identified, and how easy it is to get the ingredient list for each product.<br />
<br />
The mascara is thicker than other formulas I've used, and dried pretty quickly. If you haven't brushed up on your mascara application skills recently, you'll probably want to do so for this product (<a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/02/how-to-perfect-mascara-application.html#.VDP2HGd8dDQ" target="_blank">click here for my tips</a>). Wiggling from root to tip is especially important with a thicker formula (to prevent clumps), and I found I liked the finish better when I only applied on the bottoms of my upper lashes, as opposed to the tops as well.<br />
<br />
The formula is pretty gentle, rating a low 3 on the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG Skin Deep</a> database. This was a little higher than I expected, but three ingredients are a 3 on the database: potassium sorbate, rice bran wax, and acacia senegal gum. However, this mascara doesn't seem to irritate my sensitive, contact-wearing eyes at all. I've had some issues with other mascaras in the past--some of which have had supposedly gentler ingredients. So the formula seems to work particularly well for me.<br />
<br />
I wasn't able to find a listing of retail stores on the website, but it looks like U.K.-based Lily Lolo is fairly new to the U.S. market. They offer inexpensive shipping from a U.S. based distributor (at the time of this writing, it was $4 for orders less than $30 and free if over that threshold). If I were to offer one suggestion for improvement, it would be to continue expanding into vegan options. It seems like Lily Lolo has found a great balance of performance and natural ingredients, and it would be great if vegan consumers could take advantage of the full line.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for a volumizing mascara with gentle ingredients, Lily Lolo offers a great vegan and gluten-free choice.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% gluten-free." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-51428706571944453012014-10-06T08:30:00.000-05:002014-10-06T09:43:51.755-05:00Ask Kaylin: Best Foundations for Large Pores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUPd5Qh6oNY/VDKiWOONFbI/AAAAAAAACUk/Qsx2iE1Yos0/s1600/AuNaturaleFoundationPowder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUPd5Qh6oNY/VDKiWOONFbI/AAAAAAAACUk/Qsx2iE1Yos0/s1600/AuNaturaleFoundationPowder.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
My mom came for a visit recently, and she asked me for some help with her makeup. I set aside several different foundations and concealers, hoping for something quick and easy for her to use. I had completely forgotten that she had large pores on her nose, so that quickly narrowed my options. Which was my product of choice? Read on to find out.<br />
<br />
<b>Kaylin's Mom:</b><br />
<i>What product should I use to reduce redness on my nose? I have large pores and I don't want to have to keep re-applying it each time I touch my face.</i><br />
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<b>Kaylin:</b><br />
When it comes to large pores, it's best to avoid heavier products like cream foundations and creamy concealers. Try some of these choices instead:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Powder foundations</b> - Look for highly-pigmented powder foundations. When applied with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MX89Y8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001MX89Y8&linkCode=as2&tag=mercenarymakeup-20&linkId=6WDKQ6BBWGWL7JZ2" target="_blank">a dense powder brush</a>, they will glide on much more smoothly over large pores. Try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G93YRU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001G93YRU&linkCode=as2&tag=mercenarymakeup-20&linkId=ZFA4XV7BGB33WLME" target="_blank">Jane Iredale PurePressed Base</a> or <a href="http://www.aunaturaleglow.com/collections/powder-foundations" target="_blank">Au Naturale Powder Foundation</a> (pictured).</li>
<li><b>Liquid foundations</b> - Some liquid foundations can also work with large pores, especially if you use a primer (see below). Look for very smooth formulas with medium coverage, as opposed to tinted moisturizers. Apply with a sponge, such as the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006840FE8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006840FE8&linkCode=as2&tag=mercenarymakeup-20&linkId=MXXS3QOF2V57LSDE" target="_blank">Beauty Blender</a>, for best results. Set with powder foundation (see above) or a setting powder for lasting results. Try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00028OTBG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00028OTBG&linkCode=as2&tag=mercenarymakeup-20&linkId=W2M6CFJCRIOQCZYY" target="_blank">Gabriel Moisturizing Liquid Foundation</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=zuzu%20liquid%20foundation&linkCode=ur2&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Azuzu%20liquid%20foundation&tag=mercenarymakeup-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=DKMWQ5U32VP4LR47" target="_blank">Zuzu Luxe Oil-Free Liquid Foundation</a>.</li>
</ul>
<div>
In order to help your makeup glide on smoothly, try these tips:</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Start with a moisturizer. </b>This is an essential part of any professional application, and comes before primer. A hydrated face will keep your makeup looking fresh as long as possible. Choose a light day moisturizer that will provide moisture without leaving your face oily. Try a product such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Z4QHP0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003Z4QHP0&linkCode=as2&tag=mercenarymakeup-20&linkId=VRNZZOJYHU6TCSH4" target="_blank">Acure Day Cream</a>, which absorbs quickly and is light enough to wear under makeup.</li>
<li><b>Apply a primer.</b> Many primers are designed to help foundations and other products glide on smoothly and last longer. My top pick? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JKZNEW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002JKZNEW&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=I56S7LOVVPY6LAC6" target="_blank">Aloe vera gel</a>. <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2013/02/ask-kaylin-pore-minimizing-primers.html" target="_blank">Click here to read more on pore-minimizing primers</a>.</li>
</ul>
What did I use on my mom? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Z4QHP0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003Z4QHP0&linkCode=as2&tag=mercenarymakeup-20&linkId=VRNZZOJYHU6TCSH4" target="_blank">Acure Day Cream</a> and <a href="http://www.aunaturaleglow.com/collections/powder-foundations" target="_blank">Au Naturale Powder Foundation</a>. I recommended a primer for longer wear, but my mother was happy with the results of the powder alone. The quick application fit well with her practical lifestyle.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b style="font-size: small;">Disclosure notice: </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Products mentioned in this post may have been sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-15542555693034826262014-10-02T08:30:00.002-05:002014-10-02T08:30:02.156-05:00Review: Gourmet Body Treats White Ginger Hand & Foot Scrub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP9XzPsR5Ja1Atx9xl_48LJLw6fcuAkfTp90TCDOGwkDlfl4n0u65TcDP_1jWfLPnOqSeFuMUA9Bt71hz3jWfXDvAXMmNGb3S7en8otLl64M6DvCEyfYShjaWjLojRJMcdr1yUivgcEo/s1600/GBTscrubWhiteTea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP9XzPsR5Ja1Atx9xl_48LJLw6fcuAkfTp90TCDOGwkDlfl4n0u65TcDP_1jWfLPnOqSeFuMUA9Bt71hz3jWfXDvAXMmNGb3S7en8otLl64M6DvCEyfYShjaWjLojRJMcdr1yUivgcEo/s1600/GBTscrubWhiteTea.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></a></div>
When I moved to Austin, I found that my skin became drier. Products like scrubs and exfoliators suddenly became very useful, as they help remove the dead skin and reveal bright new skin. One of these exfoliators is <a href="http://gourmetbodytreats.com/" target="_blank">Gourmet Body Treats</a> <a href="http://gourmetbodytreats.com/product/white-ginger-hand-foot-scrub/" target="_blank">White Ginger Hand & Foot Scrub</a><br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Yummy sweet ginger scent</li>
<li>
Gentle ingredients</li>
<li>Made with organic sugar</li>
<li>Helps exfoliate skin while providing moisture</li>
<li>Easy to apply<br /><a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<b>Cons:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>May need to order online</li>
</ul>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
This scrub has a great ginger scent. It comes as a dry formula, which you then apply as you choose. I've been using mine in the shower, but I have to be careful not to let it get wet. The scrub is simple to use and sloughs off dead skin gently. It left my skin feeling soft, not dry or oily. This gentle formula rates the lowest, a 0, on the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG Skin Deep</a> database. Gourmet Body Treats are available in <a href="http://gourmetbodytreats.com/retail-locations/" target="_blank">some retail locations</a>, but I recommend <a href="http://gourmetbodytreats.com/product/white-ginger-hand-foot-scrub/" target="_blank">ordering this product online</a> for the best selection. If you're looking for a gluten-free and vegan scrub made with gentle ingredients, look no further than Gourmet Body Treats.<br />
<br />
<a class="product_rating_link" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings">Product Ratings (out of 5)</a><br />
<hr />
<table style="width: 250px;"><tbody>
<tr title="Performance measures how well the product works under test conditions."><td><span class="rating_type">Performance</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Presentation measures how well a product is packaged and marketed."><td><span class="rating_type">Presentation</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Purity measures natural ingredients and product eco-friendliness."><td><span class="rating_type">Purity</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
<tr title="Value measures price and availability relative to performance."><td><span class="rating_type">Value</span></td><td><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /><img src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/rating_icon.png" id="rating_icon" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="height: 70px;">
<a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nocruelty_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is cruelty-free (no animal testing)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/vegan_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% Vegan (no animal byproducts)." /></a><a class="product_badges" href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/search/label/About#product_ratings"><img border="0" src="http://jessesky.com/kaylin/nogluten_award.png" style="float: left; margin: 2px;" title="This product is 100% gluten-free." /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868048470166843862.post-72214385447226251322014-09-29T15:51:00.000-05:002014-09-29T15:51:00.789-05:00Article: Makeup Tips for Glasses Wearers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yendmCuIP-4/VB4FPJioJcI/AAAAAAAACSk/yWRkM35Uevg/s1600/Glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yendmCuIP-4/VB4FPJioJcI/AAAAAAAACSk/yWRkM35Uevg/s1600/Glasses.jpg" height="320" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a part-time glasses wearer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was in the third grade, I went to a fashion show at a local mall. There were signs for each clothing line, but I couldn't read them when everyone else could. A week later, I got fitted for glasses. Everyone in my family needs vision correction, but contacts have been my weapon of choice since the fifth grade. But every once in awhile, I like to give my eyes a rest. I may not be a full-time glasses wearer, but I have some personal experience wearing makeup with glasses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
So when a reporter asked for my advice, I gladly offered some tips. One of my ideas was featured here, in <a href="http://www.self.com/looks/makeup/2014/08/7-ways-wear-makeup-glasses/2" target="_blank">this article on Self.com.</a><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Here is my full list of tips:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>If your eyelashes graze your lenses, <u>apply a waterproof mascara</u> for budge-proof wear. My pick? <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2011/06/review-beauty-without-cruelty-vegan.html#.VB4H0fldV8E" target="_blank">Beauty Without Cruelty Waterproof Mascara</a>.</li>
<li>If your vision is poor and you need to be close to the mirror when applying makeup, <u>buy travel-sized makeup brushes</u>. The shorter handles are easier to maneuver if your hand is near a mirror. Try the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030HMQTS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0030HMQTS&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=6VU4LJKBLUCO7MRZ" target="_blank">Six Piece Essential Eye Set from EcoTools</a>.</li>
<li><u>Keep your brows groomed</u>. For a quick fix, use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009DT39C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0009DT39C&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20" target="_blank">a battery-operated personal groomer</a> to shave brows into place. You'll have perfect brows without any redness. <a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2014/01/ask-kaylin-tips-for-grooming-eyebrows.html" target="_blank">Click here for more brow tips.</a></li>
<li><u>Keep colors balanced</u>. If your frames are colorful, go for more neutral shades such as taupe, brown, or cream. Or if your frames are almost invisible, brighten up your eyes with more colorful shadows, such as purple, green, or blue shades.</li>
<li>If you have the personality to match, you can <u>wear a bold lip color</u> (<a href="http://www.kaylinskit.com/2013/11/article-best-vegan-red-lipsticks.html" target="_blank">such as red</a> or purple) with bold frames. However, keep eye colors softer to balance.</li>
<li>Don't forget to <u>curl your lashes</u> to keep them away from your lenses. Try a heated lash curler, such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UXRDN2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002UXRDN2&linkCode=as2&tag=kayskit-20&linkId=HYRLGWRE32HDYV3O" target="_blank">Japonesque Heated Mini Lash Curler</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure notice: </b>This post contains affiliate links. Some products mentioned in this article was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=KaylinsKit" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">email list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/YVVe1" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">occasional newsletter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> instead.</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1