Book Release and Giveaway: The Mercenary Makeup Artist

This doesn't count as animal testing.

I'm proud to announce the release of my first book, The Mercenary Makeup Artist.

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?

Now available on Kindle and in paperback. Click here to see this book on Amazon.com.

The Mercenary Makeup Artist can help you go from beauty enthusiast to paid professional. Makeup artistry is a unique and exciting field that can be a lucrative weekend side job or a rewarding full-time career. The Mercenary Makeup Artist contains several professional application secrets, but it is not strictly a book on techniques. It is a practical business guide with a focus on cruelty-free makeup. Check out a preview on Amazon today.

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 Mercenary Makeup Artist resources section with dozens of website links, book recommendations, and downloadable bonuses. Click here to check it out.

If you're interested in books that focus on tutorials and techniques for personal use, stay tuned! Sign up for our email list to be notified of upcoming publications. I've got more exciting projects that I can't wait to share with you.

Giveaway
The giveaway has ended. If you missed it, you can check out the book here.

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links for Amazon.com.

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Review and Giveaway: Lavishy Cat Vegan Leather Makeup/Pencil Pouch

I'm always on the lookout for great vegan leather products. Some of the cheaper options are accidentally vegan, but they are often produced in ways that are not socially or environmentally conscious. Lavishy offers a unique line of vegan leather products, including the cat two compartment makeup/pencil pouch, made with materials that biodegrade in 10 years.

Pros:

• Cute design
• Lined pouch for water resistance
• Detachable hand strap
• Material biodegrades in 10 years
• Animal-friendly vegan leather
• Affordable

Cons:

• May be hard to find locally

Top view of interior

Summary:
This pouch is a great size. It is long enough for makeup brushes, combs, and other travel essentials. It can also be used for art supplies such as pencils and pens. I like how it is lined on the interior with a water-resistant material. However, it isn't a waterproof lining, so I recommend storing liquids that might leak in a separate bag. The two-compartment design is handy, as you can keep your items organized easily.

Lavishy has many fun designs, including print and applique options to suit a variety of tastes. I really enjoy this cat design, as I am a big cat fan and I like green as well. Cat fans may also be interested to see Lavishy offers other cat products, including jewelry such as this cute cat necklace. I was glad to see that the bag is made out of material that will biodegrade in 10 years. This is more environmentally-friendly that other vegan leathers, so you can still have a stylish look while being more "green." Granted, this isn't as natural as organic cotton or hemp, but Lavishy's designs are more fashionable than those made of the gentler materials.

Lavishy products are carried in many stores, but you'll have to email them for locations. I recommend ordering online for the best selection. If you're looking for a vegan leather gift for yourself or a lucky friend, I recommend checking out Lavishy's selection of bags and jewelry.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Giveaway:
I have one Lavishy Product (chosen by Lavishy) available to give away to one lucky reader! One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. Just leave a comment through the Rafflecopter widget below stating which is your favorite product. Additional entries are available for posting this giveaway Twitter (this can be done daily for up to one additional entry each day, also using the widget so you get credit). Contest ends 11/30/13 at 12:01 AM EST. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 and Giveaway: After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion

Austin is a great city for tattoos. South Austin in particular is a great area that caters to vegetarians and vegans, along with those pursuing other alternative lifestyles. While I am a vegan, my style is more classic than rock star, so I've never gotten a tattoo. However, I was really curious about a vegan product called After Inked, a specialized moisturizer for new and existing tattoos.

Pros:

• Gluten-free and certified vegan
• Extremely gentle formula
• Absorbs quickly
• Won't stick to clothes
• Used by many tattoo artists
• Light, pleasant orange scent
  

Cons:

• Expensive to use as a daily moisturizer

Summary:
I admit that I was at a bit of a disadvantage testing a tattoo moisturizer when I don't have any tattoos. Instead, I evaluated it as a moisturizer in general, comparing it to other body moisturizers I've used. The lotion absorbs easily and quickly; a small amount covers a generous area. The consistency is great, which I suspect is due to the use of synthetic beeswax. The scent is a natural orange that is suitable for men or women, especially as it's much lighter than most moisturizer fragrances. It rates a low 2 on EWG's Skin Deep database, with the benzyl alcohol being the only ingredient that is in the moderate hazard range.

The main disadvantage to this product is the $20 price, but it makes sense given that it's such a niche product. Fortunately, the company also offers smaller pillow packs if you want to sample it first. The moisturizer breathes well and seems to be one of the most ethically produced tattoo moisturizers on the market. If you're looking for a great moisturizer that is gentle enough for use on tattoos and permanent makeup, I highly recommend After Inked.

Also available on Amazon.com.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Giveaway:
I have one After Inked Prize Pack (with one full-sized moisturizer, a visor, and a lanyard) (over $20 value) available to give away to one lucky reader! One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. Just leave a comment through the Rafflecopter widget below stating how many tattoos you have.  You don't have to have any tattoos to win. Additional entries are available for posting this giveaway Twitter (this can be done daily for up to one additional entry each day, also using the widget so you get credit). Contest ends 9/21/12 at 12:01 AM EST. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 and Giveaway: Herbs of Grace Vegan Kabuki Brush

I always love finding new vegan cosmetic companies. Whether they sell cosmetics or a variety of accessories, I have the assurance of knowing everything is vegan. I find that it takes a lot of stress out of shopping when I don't have to read every label. One of these fantastic vegan companies is Herbs of Grace, who sent me a variety of items for review. In particular, I really enjoyed testing their consciously-sourced accessories, such as this Vegan Kabuki Brush.

Pros:

• Compact, comfortable handle
• Convenient travel case keeps bristles protected
• Soft, vegan bristles (no animals harmed)
• Bristles stay in place
• Hand-shaped
• Wood is sustainably sourced
  

Review and Giveaway: Montagne Jeunesse Clean-Up Mud

Face masks can be a fun way to bring a spa experience to your own home. I find regular face masks are a great way to keep my skin refreshed. They can also make great gifts. So I'm always on the lookout for cruelty-free options. I was intrigued by UK company Montagne Jeunesse, who offers a range of options that are readily available both abroad and in the U.S. I recently put their Clean-Up Mud (known as Blemish Mud in the UK) to the test.

Pros:

• Generous size (1-2 applications)
• Available in many retail stores
• Helps with blemishes
• Dries quickly (10-15 min)
• Many natural ingredients
• Easy to apply
  

Review and Giveaway: Widu FSC Certified Brushes and Combs

Extra Large Paddle Brush

Each time I use up a product or need something new, I try to look for a more eco-friendly version. Using this method, I've been able to transition away from wasteful products and fill my home with more thoughtful, sustainable options.

While it's easy to remember this when buying products consumed quickly (such as soap and cosmetics), it is equally important to remember this when making purchases that will last a long time (such as hair tools). Widu makes a nice line of brushes and combs made with FSC certified woods, natural rubber, and bamboo that are excellent alternatives to plastic and metal brushes.

Pros:

• Made from renewable materials (FSC wood, bamboo, and/or natural rubber)
• Handmade
• Massages the scalp
• Naturally hypoallergenic
• Brushes come with extra, replaceable bristles
• Gentle, rounded bristles are a pleasure to run through hair
  

Review and Giveaway: Grateful Body Essential Eye Creme

I've seen a lot of great natural eye creams, but few are vegan and even fewer are also gluten-free. One of these rare eye creams is by the company Grateful Body, who only makes gluten-free and vegan products and uses extremely gentle ingredients. Below is a review of their Essential Eye Creme.

Pros:

• Light formula
• Can be worn under makeup
• Helps firm and tone under eye area
• Absorbs quickly
• Scented with essential oils
• A little goes a long way
• Many organic ingredients

Review and Giveaway: Andalou Naturals Probiotic +C Renewal Cream

Many of us have heard of probiotics in our food, but what about in our moisturizers? Andalou Naturals makes a moisturizer with probiotics, fruit stem cells, and vitamin C designed to give you a radiant, glowing complexion. It's called Andalou Naturals Probiotic + C Renewal Cream.

Pros:

• Plesant fruity scent
• A little goes a long way
• Leaves face hydrated but not oily
• Contains organic and fair trade ingredients
• Easy to apply