Review: Furless Black Beauty Makeup Brush Set

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 Black Beauty Brush Set.

Pros:

• 100% cruelty-free
• Hand-crafted
• Sturdy construction
• Soft, fluffy bristles
• Affordable prices
• Well-balanced set
  

Review: Annmarie Gianni's Sun Love

Annmarie Gianni recently sent me a product called "Sun Love," which appeared to be a sunscreen. After testing it, however, I discovered that this creamy, zinc-based sunscreen is more like a tinted moisturizer that offers sun protection. So just how does Sun Love perform?

Pros:

• Yummy chocolate-lavender scent
• Gentle, zinc-based sunscreen
• Includes several organic or wildcrafted ingredients
• Lightweight, tinted formula
• No "sunscreen smell"

Review: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

I first heard about luxury skin care line Tata Harper from celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson. With such high prices, I wondered if there was something magical in their products. The ingredient list looked very natural, but was excited to test out their Regenerating Cleanser to see if it was worth the hype.

Pros:

• Certified vegan
• Lovely scent
• May help clear up skin
• Gentle exfoliation
• 83% organic ingredients
  

Review: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Liquid Foundation

Liquid foundations can be great for mature and dry skin, as they provide more moisture than powders and creams. If you skin is really dry, you might find that some liquids aren't hydrating enough. While I recommend moisturizer and primer before foundation for any skin type, there are foundations designed to provide more moisture, such as Youngblood's Liquid Mineral Foundation.

Pros:

• Hydrating formula
• Pleasant fragrance from essential oils
• Convenient pump bottle
• Provides light to medium coverage
• Available in warm, cool, and neutral shades

Review: Claret Split

The Split is made of dark gray vegan leather

When it comes to fashion, Claret knows what they're doing. Their designs are what you'd expect from a high-end line, yet they are made of PETA-approved vegan leather. Their Split clutch is a versatile entry in their collection, serving as both a bag for a night out and a shoulder bag.

Pros:

• PETA-approved patent vegan leather
• Small but functional size
• Can be worn as a shoulder bag
• Beautiful jade twill lining
• Quality hardware and construction
• Relatively affordable
  

Cons:

• Only available in one color currently

Summary:

Clutch strap on the back side

This clutch is made of beautiful dark gray patent vegan leather. The hardware is what you'd expect from high-end lines, with careful attention paid to subtle details. For example, the metal point on the front flap has slightly rounded edges so it is soft and easy to touch. The bag itself is cleverly designed, with a jade twill lined clutch strap on the back and hidden metal loops for an included shoulder strap. There is also an interior zipper pocket (also lined in twill) that opens quite easily with the cork-inspired zipper pull. With plenty of room inside for the essentials and a few other items, this bag is a practical yet compact size. I was really impressed with the details on this bag, and $85 seems quite a bargain for something of this quality. I would love to see it in additional colors and perhaps a non-patent finish at some point in the future. With so many reasons to love it, the Split is a versatile and stylish option suitable for any fashionable lady, vegan or not.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: 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.

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Review: Josie Maran Argan Oil Daily Moisturizer SPF 40+

I've been on the hunt for a new sunscreen moisturizer. Due to the insufferably hot Texas summer, I haven't spent much time outside, but when I do, even to run errands, I like to have some SPF on my face. Since I don't go through facial sunscreens as fast as body lotions, I was willing to take a chance on something a little more expensive: Josie Maran's Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40+.

Pros:

• Absorbs quickly
• Broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection
• Light, fruity fragrance that dissipates quickly
• Contains organic ingredients
• A little goes a long way
  

Cons:

• Pricey per ounce

Summary:
I was really surprised at how light this moisturizer felt on my skin. It was non-greasy, despite having argan oil as one of the top ingredients. There is a lovely fruity scent that is very light and dissipates quickly, so it won't conflict with your other scents or perfumes. I only needed a tiny amount to cover my face, so the $14 "to go" size will actually last me quite a while (perhaps even through the season). This was great to see, as I often have to throw out large bottles of sunscreen that I can't use up before the expiration date. However, if you plan to use a lot of it, the full size is $54, which is pretty pricey. If you like this moisturizer, I recommend limiting the use to your face if you're on a budget. This product rated a low 2 on EWG's Skin Deep database. It is one of the easiest sunscreen moisturizers to use and felt great on my skin.

Also available on Amazon.com.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This product was purchased by the reviewer. No additional compensation was accepted for this review and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Review: Tarte Cosmetics Maracuja oil

Argan oil and coconut oil may be household names, but have you heard of maracuja oil? Cosmetic line Tarte Cosmetics, sold in stores such as Ulta and Sephora, offers Pure Maracuja Oil as a multi tasking product great for skin and hair.

Pros:

• Very gentle
• Absorbs quickly
• Multi tasking product
• Lovely bottle
• Light scent
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
• Very moisturizing
  

Review: Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen and Primer

My dermatologist recommends wearing at least SPF 30 daily. It may seem easy to get this from a foundation with SPF, but what if you're allergic to common sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide? Or perhaps your beloved foundation doesn't come with SPF. Consider the Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen and Primer, which allows you to prime, moisturize, and add sunscreen in one easy step.

Pros:

• Gentle ingredients
• Light, non-greasy finish
• 3-in-1: moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer
• Pleasant citrus scent
• Non-tinted
• Vegan and gluten-free

Cons:

• Can leave a slight white finish if you apply too much

Summary:
This 3-in-1 product is very moisturizing and also quite gentle, rating a low 1 on the EWG Skin Deep database. It's also a vegan and gluten-free formula, which is a plus. (Note: It is not produced in a gluten-free facility.) As a primer, I found that it helped with powder foundations, but didn't provide all-day wear; it was more 6-8 hours of wear. Depending on your foundation, this could be longer or shorter. Due to the moisture-rich formula of this product, I recommend using it with drier foundations (powders or possible cream to powders). Worn on its own, it left a slight sheen on my combination skin, so a sheer finishing powder would also pair well. At $45, this 3-in-1 is fairly expensive, but the value is pretty good, considering how you'd have to layer other products to get a similar performance. I love how the company also offer sample packets so you can try it out before making the investment in a full size. If you're looking for a convenient moisturizing primer with sunscreen, this is a nice, gentle option.

Also available on Amazon.com.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: 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.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our email list and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an occasional newsletter instead.