Image credit: www.buav.org

Exciting news! You might be wondering what that ticker on the right side of the page is all about…

Well, sometimes I talk about all the cruelty-free products I love, and you guys write to me to ask where you can buy it. Maybe it’s not available at the local Sephora – or maybe you don’t even have a local Sephora (I shudder to think!). So, I thought it would be great to have one central location where you can go to buy all your cruelty-free beauty products – right on this site! I partnered with the folks at Open Sky so that soon My Beauty Bunny readers will have their very own online beauty store!

The products will be the same price that you would pay in stores, but a portion of the proceeds will help me pay for this site. Hosting, domain names and all that stuff ain’t free! So, when you buy from my store, you’ll be helping me spread the word about cruelty-free products. Pretty cool, huh?

And, I can choose which products to add to my site. I hereby vow to only choose haircare, skincare, makeup and other beauty products that I think are worthy of my readers. I’m not going to put just any old products in the store, just because they are cruelty-free. They’d better be damn good ones too.

So, keep a lookout for the new store. I hope you find it useful. And, I hope you feel like you can trust me to only sell the good stuff. If there are specific products you’d like to see, please let me know!

Jen

Ask anyone who knows me–I won’t deny it–I love to go shopping!  I also love sampling new beauty products and, like any other aficionado, enjoy spreading the word about the ones with whom I’ve had great luck.  (Marketing pros like to refer to this  as “positive word-of-mouth”: nothing beats free advertising!)

In an ideal world, the sky would  rain a copious amount of amazing, cruelty-free cosmetics upon us–and none of us would have to worry at all about how much they cost.   Although the odds of that happening are relatively slim, there are still ways to score cool freebies–thanks to retailers such as Hautelook.  This online specialty shop is so awesome: not only can you save 50-75% off the latest and greatest in designer fashion, you also save big bucks on while indulging that craving for a beauty fix…

Speaking of indulgence–be sure to enter their Facebook contest ASAP!  Up-for-grabs are a $250 shopping spree (good for anything available online at the time of redemption), along with a chance to win a $250 cosmetics bag filled with cruelty-free Smashbox. Talk about music to this bona fide cosmetics junkie’s ears!

Want to win?  See the official rules regarding entry/participation; contest ends June 17, 2010 at 8 am PST.

This promotion is in no way affiliated with, nor administered by My Beauty Bunny.

Exfoliating Foot Scrub

As Jen mentioned the other day, women tend to subject their feet to more than their fair share of torture.  Perhaps no one is more guilty of doing so than yours truly–now that summer is here, I realize I should probably start taking better care of my tattered tootsies! That’s why I picked up this tube of cruelty-free peppermint foot scrub during a recent trip to the drugstore. If anyone’s feet needed to be exfoliated, mine certainly did–let me tell you, they’re anything but photogenic!

The online product description is short, sweet and self-explanatory: this good-for-you organic scrub helps dry, rough feet shed that unwanted layer of flaky or scaly skin–using only natural pumice and walnut shells as exfoliating agents.  In addition to buffing and polishing, sunflower oil (an excellent source of therapeutic vitamins A and E) also helps minimize further agony by moisturizing those poor, over-worked soles.

More good news about Kiss My Face: not only is the line cruelty-free, almost everything is also vegan (a few products list honey and/or beeswax among the ingredients; they’re listed in the FAQs). Hooray for humane, eco-friendly beauty!

Are my feet ready for their close-up now?  To be perfectly honest, I have only used the scrub once, thus far (on Saturday, to be exact), yet I can already see–and feel–an improvement in the overall texture and appearance.  I’ll be sure to keep you posted after subsequent use; I might even feel brave enough to share a pic!

Product image and info courtesy of Kiss My Face; mineral clarification is from the Mineral Information Institute.

Jen 2

Friends don’t let friends use shampoo.

Wen Cleansing Conditioners

No need to be alarmed by the caption above, ladies and gents!

Don’t worry, I haven’t entirely lost my mind (yet). I still bathe and wash my hair on a regular basis–I’ve just been using a different type of cleanser.  Perhaps you’ve even heard of it: if so, say Wen!  If not, let me fill you in…

I’m sure it’s no secret how much I love coloring my hair, and because I spend a pretty penny on having it done by a talented pro (thanks, Frank–you always do such a fantastic job), naturally I want the shade to last.  It’s also a well-known fact that regular shampoos and conditioners–even “color-treated” formulas–often contain harsh surfactants. These tend to strip processed hair of its color, or make it appear dull or faded. I was definitely intrigued by WEN’s cleansing conditioners; when I learned they were sulfate-free, I quickly volunteered my services as a tester.

The first one I sampled was the Sweet Almond Mint.  This is the brand’s universal cleanser: a perfect balance of nourishing herbs and natural ingredients, including water, aloe vera gel, chamomile and cherry bark extracts–all of which smell great when mixed together! Suitable for all hair types and textures, if you’re new to WEN, you’d probably want to try this one first.

I also got to try the Tea Tree formula. Created especially for sensitive, dry or flaky scalps, the anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil help unclog congested hair follicles (and here I thought I only had to worry about clogged pores on my face!) and nurture healthy growth. After all, when we permit our hair’s own natural oils to function as a built-in moisturizer, we help alleviate daily wear-and-tear damage. Perhaps it’s no wonder, then, how well my complexion responds to cleansers and toners which also feature this miraculous little ingredient?!

Each formula consists of a viscous, creamy texture–similar to other conditioners–but just so you’re aware: there are no detergents or “lathering agents”.  Don’t expect these otherwise hard-working cleansers to foam or produce any bubbles.  Fear not, dear readers; this is exactly what’s supposed to happen (or not); I’ll let the FAQs elaborate further.

In case you were wondering: these cleansers did seem to care for, and complement, my token dye-job! I must say, my own long–and sometimes high-maintenance–locks have never taken so well to the wide-tooth comb! Usually I encounter at least one unruly knot after the standard rinse-lather-repeat routine; however, after using both cleansing conditioners, I was able to run my comb painlessly through my entire head. Take that, Tenacious-Ks!

Want more good news about these formulas?  They’re cruelty-free, of course! For additional information about the brand, or to learn which WEN formula suits your own hair’s needs best, visit chazdean.com. (The 3 Labs pictured below are the renowned creator-stylist’s beloved companions.)

Spencer-Hunter-Ella

Jen#2

Press samples provided for review; opinions expressed are the author’s own.

Product image and details courtesy of chazdean.com, and many thanks to cosmeticsinfo.org for the ingredient definitions.

(Courtesy of  FDA Cosmetics.)

While the current U.S. Food and Drug Administration laws do not contain similar definitions regarding what it means to be cruelty-free (wouldn’t that be nice?!), they do regulate–and enforce–certain  cosmetics industry standards to protect us, as consumers.  Key among those regulations are product labeling and safety; obviously it’s in our best interest to know exactly what we’re getting when we fork over our hard-earned dinero. We also should be just as concerned with how well our cosmetics are going to perform–after all, aren’t they supposed to “cleanse” and “beautify” in order to “promote attractiveness” and “alter [the] appearance”?

For additional information regarding this controversial topic, check out the Cosmetic & Personal Care Product Safety section of CosmeticsInfo.org.  It’s well-written and concise; both bio-chem geeks (including yours truly) and those who aren’t as scientifically-inclined can benefit from this resource.

It wasn’t my intention, however,  to have this article merely discuss the safety and efficacy of cruelty-free beauty products.  While those may very well be important things to consider, isn’t it just as important to get the most out of your well-deserved purchase?  How many times have we splurged on a fabulous eyeliner or mascara–only to wind up tossing it a short time thereafter? Doesn’t it seem as though we’ve run out of our favorite shampoo and conditioner…again?  Why does that killer nail polish perish within a week or two?

I think I can safely say I speak for just about every My Beauty Bunny reader (I know I am, by no means, the only connoisseur) here: I expect my cosmetics to uphold pretty high standards.   I believe that if I’m willing to pay good money for a product, it had better perform as advertised–for longer than a day or two! While I wouldn’t be able to accurately gauge how much each of you spend on any of your beauty essentials, I do know this: regardless of the actual dollar amount, we all deserve to have our stuff last as long as possible.

Here are a few tips and tricks which have helped me preserve shelf life and increase overall efficacy and performance:

• When applying liquid or otherwise viscous cosmetics (i.e. eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss, nail polish or lotion), be sure to remove the excess matter from both the applicator and the opening of the container right away, as these sticky leftovers can make it impossible to completely reseal once opened.  When exposed to the elements,  not only will your favorite product evaporate faster–it is fluid, after all–it’s also more likely to be contaminated by infection-causing bacteria and/or other gross microbes which exist within our surrounding environment.  Can we say Hello, Nasty?!

• As many of us have noted in our reviews, a little of your favorite cleanser or exfoliating scrub goes a long way!  No need to metaphorically pour money down the drain (I definitely am guilty of  having done this–many times) by over-squeezing the tube whenever you wash your face or jump in the shower: a pea-sized amount is all you need for best results.  Some labels might also refer to “dimes” or “dollops”; since I am sooo not gifted in the Spatial-Relational Perception department, I’m still trying to figure out what those shapes would look like as amorphous solids poured from a bottle.  Needless to say, I think you get the idea: only use a little each time.

• The same logic applies to shampoo and conditioner–even for those of us long-haired gals (and guys too).  Obviously we will need to use a bit more than, say, someone like my dad–who rocks his short style very well, might I add–but not much more than the usual pea/dime/dollop.  If someone figures out a good visual reference for any or all of the above, by all means share!  I always enjoy engaging in a dialogue with our readers.

To that end, if any of you have additional suggestions, advice or any other cruelty-free beauty tips to share, feel free to leave a comment below–or send us an e-mail. We’d love to hear from you!

Opinions expressed above are the author’s own, and not intended as a substitute for medical or other professional advice.

The sun has finally begun to shine, and the cold winter weather has broken! Around this time of year, we begin to fill our closets with sundresses and chic strappy sandals, but wait a minute–not so fast! Before you strut your stuff in those sassy wedges, take a good look at your toes: if you’ve neglected your poor feet during the winter months (as many of us do), now is the time to pamper those tootsies with a home pedicure.

Not only will a home pedicure save you a ton of cash, you’ll also have total control over the products you use.  This helps lessen the chance of any inhumane products slipping into the mix. For a cruelty-free–but incredibly luxurious pedicure– look no further than SpaRitual products! They’re not only humane–they’re also vegan and free of synthetic ingredients.

Here’s what you’ll need to make the most of your foot-pampering experience:

• First, remove any dead or rough skin from your heels with Let It Go Callus Remover.  This elixir smooths your feet and helps ease callus build-up with fruit acids, tea tree oil, sugar cane and aloe.

• Try some Sole Mate Hydrating Foot Balm next to deeply moisturize and soothe those tired feet; they’ll be most appreciative!  With a rich formula consisting of baobab oil and organic Fair Trade Shea Butter, this decadent cream even exfoliates with papaya extract and tamanu oil.

• Finally, after all your hard work, comes the fun!  Apply a fabulous shade of polish to show off those smooth, sexy feet! SpaRitual nail polishes are healthy, because they’re  free of commonly used chemicals such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde and toluene. Hot pink is the hot color for Spring/Summer 2010, so be sure to try Hope Springs Eternal.

Congrats–you’re all done! With just a few easy steps, you’re ready to hit the sand and flaunt twinkle toes worthy enough to be the envy of elite salons and nail enthusiasts everywhere.   Go ahead, you deserve it!

Editor’s note: Content provided courtesy of  guest blogger Amber McKinnon on behalf of Jolie Hair and Beauty Academy, a cosmetology school with locations in both MA and PA; to learn more, click here.

Aveda has created a quick and fun app on Facebook that you can use to calculate your average water usage. Mine is apparently around 1,404 gallons per day – that’s crazy! They take into account things like washing your car and brushing your teeth as well as things like how much gas you use, whether or not you recycle, what state you live in, etc. The best part is that Aveda will donate $1 for every person who calculates their water usage! It’s super quick and easy. Check it out!

Plus, they have a wonderful soy wax candle. It’s called the Light the Way Candle and all proceeds are donated to organizations that prevent toxic accumulation in water sources and provide water access around the world. The clary sage and lavender scented candle is calming and you can feel good about doing something for others who need your help. The 100% naturally derived soy wax candle infused with organic lavender and other pure flower and plant extracts in candleholders that were once wine cooler bottles.

My Lip Stuff, Meet My Beauty Bunny!

And charmed, I sure am–I recently located My Lip Stuff on both Leaping Bunny and Caring Consumer, and was attracted to the catchy brand name and its impressive motto: serious skin care with a fun flair! How could I resist sampling some of these lip balms and then spreading the good word?! (My own lips are certainly grateful for my discovery; I think yours will be, too.)

Cruelty Free PETA lip balm

Aside from the excellent company credentials  and corporate mission, check out the plethora of available flavors –over 500 and growing–each made with the same natural ingredients:

• beeswax (derived naturally from bees and harvested without any cruel or inhumane treatment. check the MLS FAQs for more info; beeswax-free formulas are also available)
• cocoa butter
• castor oil
• sunflower oil
• sweet almond oil
• jojoba oil
• avocado oil
• aloe vera
• essential and/or flavor oil(s)

If all of those choices aren’t appetizing enough, there are also fun label lip balms: specialty-themed–and clever–in their own right.

Of the three  flavors I tested, I would have to say I honestly preferred the vanilla nut roll the most–but I didn’t get to try the chocolate cheesecake (mmmm two of my favorite tastes together!) yet. An extremely reasonable $2.50 per tube, you could taste-test 8 different flavors for $20 and still have money left to spend on other goodies the store has to offer, not the least of which includes the charitabalms. These individual flavors–and labels– each support their own  note-worthy animal charity; your purchase does help make a difference!

To help introduce My Beauty Bunny’s readers to My Lip Stuff, we’re giving away a package of 6 flavored lip balms to 1 lucky winner (please note: flavors will be selected randomly).

Want your lips to thank you? Here’s what to do:

• Leave a comment below, telling us why you and your lips need a 6-pack from MLS.

For extra chances of winning, help us continue to spread the word about My Beauty Bunny and My Lip Stuff on Facebook and Twitter:

• Follow @MyLipStuffand @MyBeautyBunny on Twitter and tweet the following: @MyLipStuff and @MyBeautyBunny are giving away a 6-pack of flavored lip balms http://ow.ly/1pD6L

Leave a comment after you’ve tweeted. You can tweet once per day; please be sure to comment after each time!

• Become a fan of  My Lip Stuff’s Facebook page. (If you’re already a fan, just leave your Facebook name.)

• Become a fan of My Beauty Bunny’s Facebook page. (Again, if you’re already a fan, just leave your Facebook name.)

• Sign up for My Beauty Bunny’s e-mail newsletter and let us know the e-mail address you used to sign up. (If you’re already a subscriber, just post your e-mail address.)

IMPORTANT: You must leave a comment for EACH action in order for it to count.

Contest is open to all readers age 18 and over; valid until April 5, 2010 at midnight.

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