A good manicure or pedicure is surely one of life’s greatest little pleasures. A pop of color on perfectly-painted digits is an easy way to add some personality to even the most drab outfit. Well-groomed nails make you look infinitely more polished (pun intended).

The only problem with a manicure or pedicure is that traditional nail polishes contain some pretty harsh chemicals. Many polishes list ingredients like formaldehyde (a preservative), camphor, parabens, dibutyl phthalate (DBT–added to prevent chipping) and toluene. Although it’s hard to say what amounts of these chemicals you’d have to be exposed to in order to experience adverse effects, recent studies have shown a correlation between some polish chemicals and cancer in lab animals. Others have linked these chemicals to chemical pnuemonia and birth defects. Scary stuff!

But never fear! Many companies have started to develop safer, more natural polishes that are easily accessible, reasonably priced & of course, available in an array of stunning colors! Below, I’ve compiled a list of five eco-friendly nail polish companies worth checking out.

1. Polished Mama

This family-owned company originally marketed their products to mothers-to-be, because they are safe for mothers to wear during and after pregnancy. But regardless of who they were originally intended for, these water-based, nontoxic polishes come in 14 adorable colors suitable for anyone. And although I’m not hopping a train to Baby Town anytime soon, polish names like “There’s No Place Like Home” and “Unconditional” still make me feel fuzzy inside.

Where to Buy: For a list of Polished Mama retailers and e-tailers, check out this page on their official site.

2. Zoya Nail Polish

If you’re looking for a wider variety of colors–or more than just polish–Zoya products should be at the top of your shopping list.

Zoya’s products are all toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor-free. Not to mention, they’re also vegan-friendly! Zoya boasts more than 300 polish colors, not including 4 seasonal collections, polish remover, base coats, speed drying drops and polish thinner, among other products. Need more convincing? An individual panel for Women’s Health Magazine voted Zoya the longest-lasting natural nail polish.

Where to Buy: Bottles are available directly through the company’s website, by calling 1-800-659-6909, or searching the company’s US and international salon locator. And if you need help? Zoya offers round-the-clock customer service, with a REAL, LIVE, SPEAKING person. Shocker, right?

3. Acquarella

Acquarella nail polishes live up to their name: They’re non-toxic, non-flammable, free from toxic fumes and made from the earth’s most important natural resource–water! The polishes come in 25 varying shades, including cremes, translucents, metallics and shimmers. My pick? “Vamp,” an opaque royal purple. There’s also a helpful How-to guide on the company’s site with step-by-step instructions for using the polishes to get the best results.

Where to Buy: Acquarella polishes are available to purchase on the company’s website. But be careful – as tempting as it is to snatch up the whole bunch, take heed: Each bottle retails at $18. (But from what I’ve heard, they’re totally worth the splurge!)

4. Priti NYC

When it comes to overall eco-friendliness, Priti definitely out-greens the competition. They have over 100 different polishes, all non-toxic and made from USDA certified organic ingredients (including a biodegradable soy polish remover!). Not only that, but all Priti’s promotional materials are printed on 100% recycled paper–and their nail polishes are recyclable, too!

Where to Buy: You can purchase the polishes on Priti’s website. As a bonus, the site is hosted by ThinkHost, a web host entirely powered by wind & solar energy. So cool!

5. Kaia House

If you’re looking for a brand that’s wallet-friendly as well as eco-friendly, you’ll definitely want to check out Kaia House. Their organic polishes come in a parade of vibrant shades and are each named after famous cities, from San Francisco to Shanghai. Plus, if you’re into more than just polishes, Kaia House offers a whole line of eco-friendly beauty products that have received rave reviews.

Where to Buy: Products are available to purchase from Kaia House’s website, and retail for $8 a pop.

Your Thoughts

Eco-friendly beauty products are definitely an emerging trend, and I want to know what you think. Have you tried any of these polishes? Would you try an eco-friendly polish? Love (or loathe) any other eco-friendly nail polishes I didn’t mention? Let’s share our eco-friendly beauty stories/experiences in the comments!

Previewed in Fall 2010 shows like Lela Rose and seen all over the 2010 Emmy Red Carpet, it is clear that silver eyeshadow will be one of the hottest shades to rock this fall. The flirty color says that you are trendy, fun, and not afraid to stand out and sparkle. However, you want to look dazzling… not like a disco ball!

With this in mind, here’s how to wear this shade for your classes during the day, and then make a subtle change to party all night!

How to Wear Silver Eyeshadow for Day and Night

Faces Courtesy of ModiFace

For daytime sparkle, simply apply the silver eyeshadow using your index finger to your eyelids and blend up to the brow so that the pigment is evenly spread across the eye. This will make you look awake and ready for anything!

For nighttime glamour, use the silver eyeshadow as a highlighter. After applying a black shadow lightly all over the eye, use your pinky finger to apply silver eyeshadow just below the brow. Remember to blend, blend, blend! This will give you a smoky look that seems as if it was done by a professional!

Products to Try

Product Info (left-right): e.l.f. Eyeshadow Duo, Stila Smoky Eye Palette, ULTA Cream Eyeshadow, NARS Eyeshadow in Night Life, Charcoal Baked Eyeshadow, Tarina Tarantino Cream Shadow

What do you think?

Let me know – would you try either of these looks?  What eyeshadow shades are you most excited about for fall? Leave a comment!

With a new school year starting, you’re probably focused on what classes you will take, what clubs you’ll join, and most importantly, what you will be wearing during all of these activities! In all of the hustle and bustle of back to school, it’s easy to forget about one of the most important tricks to staying beautiful: getting enough sleep.

In order to stay healthy, focused, and on top of your game this semester, it’s crucial that you are well-rested. You don’t have to do it alone, though! Here are 3 beauty products to help you catch those much-needed z’s!

1.  Lush Dream Cream Body Lotion

Product Info: Lush Dream Cream Body Lotion

Chamomile and lavender are two key ingredients for pleasant dreams. As the days slowly start to get colder and your skin begins to feel… well, less than dreamy, this is the cure. This lotion feels and smells yummy and will have you feeling more relaxed in no time. How could you have nightmares after using a product like this?

2. Lush Dreamtime Bath Melt

Product Info: Lush Dreamtime Bath Melt

There are few things as luxurious as a long, hot bath. So if you’re lucky enough to have an apartment with a tub, put it to good use with this product. With jasmine, sandalwood, and lavender, you’ll feel your stresses melting away right along with this amazing all-natural bath melt, which also comes from the lovely people at Lush.

3. Aromatherapy Sleep Mask

Product Info: Aromatherapy Sleep Mask

For those of you just tuning in, lavender is a key to a seriously good night’s rest. After its lavender scent helps you fall asleep, this product is only halfway done working. The gel inside will help soothe your tired eyes, so that you will be bright-eyed in the morning!

What do you think?

You’ve seen the best beauty products to help you catch some z’s – now we want to hear from you! So tell me – what are your tricks for falling asleep at night? Have you used any of these products before? Leave a comment below!

Ah, Hong Kong – such an amazing city: The high-end technology and incredibly progressive fashion trends here are enough to make your jaw drop. It’s truly an inspiring place – whether you’re walking its streets or just checking out photos on the internet, it’s impossible not to feel energized by the beauty of Hong Kong.

That’s why I decided to channel the energy, vitality, and colors of Hong Kong into three special makeup looks. I was especially inspired by the Yuen Po Street Bird Market, the Hong Kong Jade Market, and Ocean Park. So read on to discover how to incorporate these magical locations into your look.

1. Yuen Po Street Bird Market

Photo Credit

The Yuen Po Street Bird Market is not your average garden – instead of just having fabulous flowers, the locals carry around their sensational songbirds.

Makeup Inspired by Yuen Po Street Bird Market

How to Get This Look:

The birds at Yuen Po can be be absolutely fabulous – fabulous enough to inspire our first look. Here’s how to achieve it:

1. Red lipstick is the key. Apply it carefully and blot afterwards to ensure that the look is picture-perfect.

2. Even more color can be quite a cute addition if you’re not afraid of it. Subtle may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of blue eyeliner, but it can be if you only apply daintily to the inner rim of the bottom lid.

3. To complete a finished face without looking like you’re wearing stage makeup, keep your cheeks simple with a nude blush.

2. Hong Kong Jade Market

Photo Credit

Jade is considered be a lucky and protective little gem in many cultures. Whether you believe in jade’s magic powers or just love pretty little trinkets, a visit to Hong Kong’s amazing Jade Market could be a life-changing experience for you.

Makeup Inspired by Hong Kong Jade Market

How to Get This Look:

Here’s what you need to do for a look inspired by the Jade Market:

1. Once again, the eyes have it. Apply a green eyeshadow heavily to the lids, but blend up towards the eyebrow for a very romantic look. Follow up with a brown mascara for a super flirty wink.

2. When creating this look, I was particularly inspired by the way in which jade is so often utilized with gold.  That’s why I finished the look off with gold lip gloss and gold shimmer. This should inspire you to go forth and shine!

3. Ocean Park

Photo Credit

We know you’ve dreamed of going “Under the Sea” since you were a little girl. (Anyone else a Little Mermaid fan?) Hong Kong totally responds to your desires with its beautifully-designed Ocean Park.

Makeup Inspired by Ocean Park

How to Get This Look:

Here’s how to adapt that ocean-y goodness into a pretty pretty look:

1. Blend pale blue eyeshadow evenly all over the eye.

2. Follow up with an aqua eyeliner, concentrating especially on the inner corner.

3. Finish this look off with navy eyeliner to make your eyes really pop. And with this much amazing focus on the eyes, keep the rest of your face simple, with quiet corals.

Your thoughts?

Are you dreaming of an amazing vacation to Hong Kong?  Which of these looks would you incorporate into your beauty roster? Make sure to leave a comment and share how you feel!

* All makeup look photos above are courtesy of For All Faces.

What does Paris mean to you? To me, it means haute couture, fantastic food, and beauty all around. But there’s more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre: so many slightly less well-known places in Paris are full of glamour and elegance, and just waiting to inspire you.

To celebrate the beauty of this iconic city, I’ve created three distinct makeup looks inspired by three of Paris’ most beautiful sights.

1. Jardin de Tuileries

Photo Credit

The Jardin de Tuileries in Paris, just outside of the Louvre, is a nature lover’s paradise. With beautiful flowers AND beautiful people to watch, there are few better places to be inspired in the city. Below, I used the gardens’ beautiful colors as inspiration for a fresh makeup look for summer and fall.

Makeup Look Inspired by Jardin de Tuileries:

If you’re one of those girls who is not afraid of color, why not be bold and go for the look above? It’s fresh, fun, and totally perfect for summer or fall. You could wear it for a fun night out with the girls, or a daytime stroll through the park in search of inspiration.

How to Get the Look:

1. Start by applying a bold green eyeshadow to your lids. I know the color might seem harsh, but it is nothing to be afraid of. The trick is to be focused with it – apply this bright color precisely to the lid without smudging to other areas of the eye.

2. Want to add some extra pop? A purple eyeliner is the ideal way to make sure your eyes truly sparkle. Apply this directly on the lash line for a look that is lovely without being overwhelming.

3. With so many beautiful colors on your lids, keep your lips and cheeks simple and pretty in pink. I recommend a pink makeup stick to use as both blush and lipstick to make your face as fresh and pretty as a flower.

Products You’ll Need:

Green Eyeshadow, Purple Eyeliner, Mauve Makeup Stick

2. Laduree Macarons

Photo Credit

If you’ve seen Marie Antoinette, you know what a visual treat these little delights are. A Laduree macaron (a light cake made with almond flour) should be in the dictionary next to the word “decadence.” Laduree Paris is the inventor of the original macaron, and their pastry shop is full of many other yummy (and aesthetically pleasing) treats to not only delight your taste buds but also excite your eyes.

Makeup Look Inspired by Laduree Macarons

For this look, I was inspired by the creative flavors of Laduree macaroons, such as Rose, Raspberry, and Mint. Using those colors, I created a light, clean look that practically screams Paris-in-spring.

How to Get the Look:

1. Apply a pale minty green eyeshadow to your lids and blend up all the way to your eyebrow to make your eyes look fresh and awake.

2. Use a cotton candy-hued blush and apply in circular motions to the apples of your cheeks for a just-pinched look.

3. End with a shimmery pale pink gloss, but keep your application to one coat. You want to look sugary sweet, not like you just awoke from a sugar coma!

Products You’ll Need:

Aqua Eyeshadow, Shimmery Pink Lip Gloss, Pink Blush

3.  Paris Opera

Photo Credit

Whether you’re seeing a ballet or being moved to tears by a daring tenor, a night at the Opera House in Paris can be a glamorous dream come true. The place itself is incredibly visually inspiring – just look at the photo above for proof: Gilded flourishes and intricate inlaid wood carvings coat practically every inch of this over-the-top space.

Makeup Look Inspired by the Paris Opera

This glamorous night out look will have you ready for anything, whether you’re taking in a Broadway show, going out to a fancy dinner, or attending an opera in Paris. (A girl can dream, right?) To be prepared for the drama of the night, make sure the focus in on your eyes.

How to Get the Look:

1. Apply a smudgy brown eyeshadow first – focus on the lids, but blend up and out as you get to the outside corners.

2. Next, heighten the drama with black liquid eyeliner. Remember, this look isn’t for math class – it’s for an unforgettable night out, so don’t be shy with the liner! Although you should keep things light while working on the inner corners, make the liner catlike on the outer corners by lifting it slightly upwards.

3. With such dramatic eyes, there’s no need to create high drama with the rest of your makeup.  However, to make sure your entire face glows, finish the look off with a shimmery gold lip gloss.

Products You’ll Need:

Gel Eyeshadow, Peachy Gold Lip Gloss, Black Liquid Eyeliner

Your Thoughts?

Which of these looks would you try, and where would you go to test them out? Are you inspired by Paris? What other cities would you like to see in the future? Make sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think.

* All makeup look photos above are courtesy of For All Faces.

Did you know that your eyebrows can change the entire way your face looks? Whether you’re happy, sad, confused or angry, your brows will usually convey your mood first.

In order to keep this major facial feature looking its best, many girls (and well-groomed guys!) opt to use techniques to maintain and shape the brow area. If this seems like a daunting task to you, I promise it’s not. Below, I’ll give you three easy tips for getting perfect eyebrows:

1. Figure out which method works for you.

There are three common methods for eyebrow maintenance. I’ve tried all three, so I thought I’d share my opinion on each in order to help you choose the right method for your own eyebrows. If you want to learn more about each one, as well as some pros and cons, read on:

Waxing

This is one of the most common methods of hair removal. If you’re going to get your eyebrows waxed, make sure you go to a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist who is specifically trained in waxing or hair removal. This assures that you will be getting the best possible service with someone who knows how to work with your natural brow shape.

Waxing is the fastest method of hair removal and can keep hair from growing back for two to six weeks. I personally don’t find waxing painful, but I know that it can be for some. Another thing to keep in mind with this method is that wax can easily irritate sensitive skin and, if kept too hot, can also potentially burn your skin. Cost is also a factor to consider and can vary depending on where you live.

Pros: Ease, Long-lasting
Cons: Cost, Pain, Skin Irritation

Threading

Threading is a method of hair removal that originated in India, where– as the name suggests– a thin cotton thread is used to remove hair. The process is similar to tweezing, except multiple hairs can be removed at one time. If you’re curious, you can check out a video about threading here. This is another method where you need to find someone who is a specifically trained practitioner.

This is the most precise method of hair removal and will not irritate your skin. I did find threading to be slightly more painful than waxing, but it was worth it because my brows looked so great! Again, cost is a factor to consider and unlike waxing, threading is not as widely available across the country.

Pros: Precision, Great for sensitive skin, Long-lasting
Cons: Cost, Pain, Unavailability

Tweezing

Tweezing is a great choice if you’re looking to save money, but it may take some practice to become a pro. Plucking is virtually painless, albeit a bit time consuming, as you have to maintain the brows every few days. If you’re going to tweeze, I recommend investing some money in a great pair of tweezers like Tweezerman. They may seem expensive, but high-quality tweezers are more precise, which will give you a cleaner brow in less time.

Pros: Inexpensive, Painless
Cons: Time consuming, High maintenance

2. Find your eyebrow shape.

After you’ve figured out your preferred method for eyebrow maintenance, now it’s time to find your natural eyebrow shape. This chart shows the five basic eyebrow shapes most people have naturally:

Once you find your eyebrow shape, use it as a guide for maintaining your eyebrows. The first step to having great brows is to follow your natural shape when you get your eyebrows groomed. Don’t try and change your shape (i.e. flat to angled) because then your eyebrows can look strange and out of place.

The next step is to find your natural arch, with the help of the diagram below:

B corresponds to where your natural arch is, while A and C refer to where your eyebrow should begin and end. Following this diagram is essential for well-maintained and natural brows.

If you decided to use waxing or threading, just tell the practitioner to follow your natural shape and arch– they’ll know what to do. However, if you want to pluck your eyebrows yourself, check out this video by one of our favorite makeup gurus, Michelle Phan, on tweezing to achieve natural-looking brows:

3. Keep it natural!

As I mentioned earlier, the key to having great eyebrows is to work with what you naturally have. That means following your basic shape and natural arch. Of course, accidents do happen, and if your eyebrows get too thin or over-plucked, don’t underestimate the power of a great brow pencil or powder. They are also great products to own if you have naturally sparse or light-colored brows.

Just remember, eyebrow trends may come and go, but looking well-groomed, natural and polished is always in style.

What do you think?

How do you groom your eyebrows? What methods have you tried? Do you have any great tips that you would like to share? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!

You may not know it, but nail polish designers release collections just like your favorite fashion designers. Every season, there are usually new collections, and while nail polish gurus are currently looking forward to the fall collections, before new shades take over shelves, you’ve got to get your hands on the best shades from summer!

Special “Collections” colors are hot, trendy, and limited edition. (Meaning once they’re gone, they’re gone for good!) To get in on the action, check out these three standout nail polish collections of summer 2010 and stock up on your favorite colors!

1. OPI “Summer Flutter” Collection

OPI’s “Summer Flutter” Collection – Available at fine salons

OPI hit a home run with their “Summer Flutter” collection: These four colors not only scream summer, but also translate well into fall.

“Catch me in your net”, the super-sparkly blue, was the standout of this collection and definitely the most unique shade. To see more, check out polish blogger Scrangie’s amazing swatches of the collection!

2. China Glaze “Poolside” Collection

China Glaze “Poolside” collection – Available at Salons and Amazon.com

Holy Neon! These bright colors scream “Look at me!” Each of these six high-impact neons is totally unique and will add a serious pop of color to your look.

The must-have shade from this collection? Flip-Flop fantasy (the shocking pink). To see the shade in more detail, check out China Glazes’ own photo from their twitter!

Remember, because these colors are all neons, they are going to dry with a matte finish. If you want the shine, you gotta add a glossy top coat, like this one.

3. Essie “Summer Collection”

Essie’s “Summer Collection” – Available at salons and Essieshop.com

These six colors may not have the sparkle or brightness of the first two collections, but they are definitely the most unique of the bunch.Demure Vixen is the perfect way to rock a neutral without having to feel boring, while Pretty Edgy is a unique, bright green that you won’t easily find at your usual nail counter.

While these polishes are amazing, another great thing about Essie is that you can order the shades directly off their website, here.

Things to Keep in Mind:

While I’m a huge fan of all these collections, when shopping for limited-edition nail polish colors, there are some pointers to keep in mind:

1. Don’t get too caught up in the hype. While you do have to remember these colors are limited edition, if you know you are never going to wear something super glittery, or a bright neon on a regular basis, save your money for something you really love!

2. Collections reflect current trends. Some collections will have “staple” colors, but for the most part the colors will be the hottest trends happening during the season. Keep in mind that what’s hot this fall might be out by spring!

3. There is always going to be another collection. Sellers on sites like eBay will often stockpile and sell limited-edition polishes for as much as ten times what they originally sold for: it’s ridiculous! So refuse to play their game. Don’t get caught up in the hype over a color you missed. Trust me, there will be a new “it” color as soon as a new collection is released, and if you act fast, you WON’T have to pay an arm and a leg for it!

Your thoughts?

So tell me what you think! Are you heading out to buy any of these nail shades last-minute, or are you holding out for fall? Any colors you’re regretting not buying (or buying) from past collections? Let me know in the comment section below!

Think of your favorite fashionable movies, books and TV shows – Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, The Devil Wears Prada – all wonderful stories about fashionable girls in New York City. With so much glamour jam packed into a single city, there are arguably few better places to look for beauty inspiration than NYC.

Below, I’ve taken three of my favorite things to do in the city – seeing a show on Broadway, spending the day in Central Park, and visiting the Met – and translated them into 3 unique beauty looks!

1. Picnic in Central Park

Although one of the best things about NYC is the fabulously fast pace, sometimes it’s nice to slow down a bit and take a deep breath. For this type of escape, there is no place better than Central Park. Eating a Crumbs cupcake or sipping a Frappuccino among the trees and flowers can be the perfect cure to big city stress.

A day in the park should be all about letting your natural beauty shine through – this is no time for heavy makeup or dramatic hair! If this is the kind of day you have in mind, here are some products to get you ready for your escape from it all:

Sunscreen Towelettes, Clear Mascara, Eyeshadow Set, SPF Lip Treatment, Lip and Cheek Stain, Vanilla Grapefruit Perfume

2. A Night at a Broadway Show

Whether your night involves a trip to Oz through a viewing of Wicked or a journey into the heart of Africa with the cast of The Lion King, seeing a Broadway show is a must when visiting NYC.

Broadway is all about bright lights and shimmering colors – this is not the time to fade into the scenery! Here are some ways to add some drama to your look, even if you’re not on the stage!

Gold Eyeshadow, Shimmer Eyeliner, Glam Princess Perfume, Lip Gloss, Soft Light Palette, Nail Polish

3. An Afternoon at the Met

There’s no shortage of glam places to go on the weekend in NYC. But you simply haven’t done New York properly if you haven’t visited a couple of museums!  The Metropolitan Museum of Art is my personal favorite. The museum itself is an architectural delight and the ever-changing but always excellent featured exhibits keep things new and exciting. Right now, the American Woman exhibit (co-sponsored by Vogue and the Gap) is the can’t-miss exhibit.

So when it comes to your beauty look, what better time to try out fun and flirty colors in bold combinations than when spending time next to fabulous artwork?  Here are some fun ways to style it up for the occasion.

Aqua Eyeshadow, Lola Perfume, Nail Polish, Metallic Liquid Eyeliner, Cream Blush, Lipstick

What do you think?

Did these beauty looks put you in an Empire state of mind? What places (in NYC or elsewhere) inspire your beauty looks? Leave a comment and tell me!

After reading the comments on my post last week about eco-friendly beach essentials, I discovered that a lot of you like to read about eco-chic beauty products.

I don’t blame you; beauty products and cosmetics are an everyday staple in most college students’ lives, and using products that a) make you look totally hot and b) count as your “good deed for the day” is a fun & positive way to give back to the planet.

So, this post is all about vegan-friendly beauty products.

Vegan-Friendly Beauty 101

What exactly makes a product vegan-friendly? Well, the easiest way to explain what “vegan-friendly” means is to provide a short list of some ingredients commonly found in cosmetics that are not vegan. Some popular examples of non-vegan ingredients in beauty products include:

• Beeswax (or pollen)
• Lanolin (from sheep, used in some moisturizers)
• Lard
• Anything made with silk
• Fish scales (in some lipsticks)
• Milk or whey products

Vegan-friendly products are also not tested on animals.

Buying vegan-friendly is actually easier than you’d think. Many popular companies, from MAC to Urban Decay, already offer a nice selection of animal-free products. There are also companies that offer an entire menu of vegan-friendly options.

Here are 5 of the coolest vegan-friendly beauty products I’ve scoped out for you:

1. Urban Decay Vegan Eyeshadow Palette

Products: Urban Decay Vegan Eyeshadow Palette

I’ve loved Urban Decay ever since I started to wear makeup over 10 years ago (& to this day, I still swear by their totally “hyped up” eyeshadow primer–that’s loyalty!). What makes Urban Decay one of my favorite makeup brands? Aside from their colorful and unique line of quality eyeshadows, primers, face products and uber-creative product packaging, Urban Decay’s entire line is cruelty-free (no animal testing!) and over half of their shadows are vegan!

Recently, UD created this special, limited-edition totally vegan eyeshadow palette, available now at Sephora. I don’t know what I’m more excited about, the set of 4 rich, neutral, exclusively-vegan shadows or the travel-size primer potion and eyeliner included free with the palette. What an animal (and makeup!) lover’s dream come true!

2. Pin Up Cosmetics Pink Grapefruit Vegan Lip Gloss

Products: Pin Up Cosmetics Pink Grapefruit Lip Gloss

I just discovered this company last week, and I’m already in total lust with their cutesy and cruelty-free line of products. Inspired by the pin up girls of the 1950s, Pin Up Cosmetics offers mineral veils, foundations, eye shadows and vegan/natural lip glosses with fun names like,”Gorgeous Gracie” & “Dolled up Donna.” My pick?  The pink grapefruit all-vegan lip gloss, made with jojoba oil, organic grapefruit and pure minerals. Sounds delicious!

3. Lush Massage Therapy Bar

Products: Lush Massage Therapy Bar

From the very first time I walked into a Lush store, I was hooked: I was (happily) swamped with samples, a hand massage and some of the sweetest-smelling body lotion around–all by the wonderful, friendly staff. But it’s not just Lush’s amazing products that keep me coming back: According to their website, Lush is a cruelty-free company that uses fresh ingredients, makes their products by hand, and creates packaging from recycled products or uses no packaging at all (you can take home most of their soaps as is!).

My absolute all-time favorite Lush product is definitely the Therapy Massage Bar. It’s perfect as an after-shower moisturizer, and quenches even the thirstiest skin with completely organic oils and a super clean, mild scent.

4. MAC Pro Lash Mascara

Products: MAC Pro Lash Mascara

I absolutely adore MAC mascara, and when I found out that MAC’s Pro Lash not only works like a charm, but is also completely vegan, I fell even more in love. One or two coats of MAC Pro Lash equals instantly long, voluminous (& totally dark) lashes. I have tried tons of different mascaras in a vain attempt to spruce up my sparse lashes, and this is the only one that does it for me every time. If you’re looking for a high-quality, vegan mascara, Pro Lash is the ultimate.

More Info. on Vegan-Friendly Products:

• A complete list of Urban Decay’s vegan products is available on their website.
• PETA’S Caring Consumer list of companies that don’t test on animals.
• The Cosmetic Cop offers a cosmetic ingredient dictionary – super helpful when you’re looking at product packaging and are totally lost.

What do you think?

Do you own any of these vegan friendly beauty products?  What do you think of them?  Do you know of any other vegan beauty products I didn’t mention, but you think are worth the recognition? How do you feel about vegan beauty issues like animal testing and using animal byproducts in formulas? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Are you the girl that your friends run to with their eyeliner emergencies? Can you braid hair with the best or give a marvelous manicure? Can you recommend the perfect mascara without even blinking an eye? Maybe it’s time you consider turning that natural talent into making some beautiful bucks!

Most people know about being a makeup artist or hairstylist, which are two amazing career options. But if you have a serious love of all things beauty-related, there are more career options that may not immediately come to mind. Below, I’ve highlighted three – magazine beauty editor, theater beauty artist, and image consultant! Read on to explore these 3 fabulous and unconventional beauty careers, where you can get paid for focusing on the pretty.

1. Magazine Beauty Editor

If you have a love of writing to go along with your love of beauty, then a dream career of magazine beauty editor might be for you! Magazine editors need to know about ALL the latest trends, but it’s not enough to simply report what’s hot; in order to be a magazine beauty editor, you need to be able to write with wit from your own point of view. When people read your reviews of a product or your advice on how to achieve a certain look, they should feel that they have been entertained as well as informed.

If you’re interested in pursuing this career path, great ways to get involved include trying to get an internship in the beauty department of a magazine (check out ed2010.com for the latest availabilities) or even just starting a blog of your own. After all, the best way to develop your own unique voice is to get out there and start writing!

2. Theater Beauty Artist

This career can be ideal for someone with a flair for the theatrical. In a performance, makeup has to be both perfect and fabulously over-the-top so that even the audience members in the back row can appreciate the flirty hair flips and exciting expressions of the performers on stage.

This career can provide an amazing outlet for creativity – think of the innovation that goes into Disney’s The Lion King or Shrek on Broadway! Also, since the show must go on, this is a great option for people who love excitement and need a job that has different challenges and surprises daily!

3. Image Consultant

You might be surprised at just how much work goes into the polished images of those who have to make public appearances frequently. From high-profile Fortune 500 career women to celebrities, someone needs to make sure that an individual in the public eye has the right hair, nails, and makeup that is flattering to them and appealing to their audience. This is where image consultants come in! This career can be a perfect opportunity for those who are well-organized and have excellent attention to detail.

Want to learn more about these roles?  Follow these links!

• Teen Vogue Beauty Director Eva Chen’s Blog
• Interview with Theater Hair Artist Kevin Maybee
• EHow’s Guide to Becoming an Image Consultant

Your Thoughts?

Let us know – would you ever consider a career in beauty?  What jobs do you daydream about when you let your mind wander? Leave a comment with your thoughts.