To test or not to test? That is the question...

Hello lovelies! 

Today I thought I would talk testing, and no, I don't mean swatches. I'm talking animal testing. I am strictly against animal testing. I'm not naive, and I do realise that a lot of cosmetics do still test on animals, however I do not condone it, and where I can, I always try to go for brands who don't test on animals. I've gotten together a little collection of brands who don't test on bunnies and pooches for you, so without further ado...

(Apologies for the creased sheets! - Oops!)

The Body Shop 

The Body Shop have been against animal testing for as long as I can remember, and are always a safe bet if you want naturally sourced ingredients too! 

Lush 

Not only are Lush against animal testing, they actively fight it, and even have 'against animal testing' printed on their bags. Lush's ingredients are sourced ethically, and are all handmade. They may be a little more pricey, but by paying that little bit more you get so much more in quality. 

Good Things 

Good Things are a brand that are aimed only at young skin, and pride themselves on using no animal ingredients, SLS or parabens. Good stuff, Good Things! 

Sanctuary Spa 

I was actually surprised to find Sanctuary in this list, however when reading the back of a gift set I received for Christmas, there it was in black and white; 'Not tested on animals'. Hurrah!

Sleek
I only own a sirum from Sleek, however since finding out that they are cruelty free, I have my eye on a few blushes! 

Jergens 

Jergens are a new found love for me, I received the Aloe moisturiser for my birthday and love how fresh and clean the scent is, so I was very happy to discover that I can slather this on with no guilt! 

Soap and Glory 

Another brand I was actually very surprised with. Soap and Glory can be found in Boots stores and feature some of the greatest smelling products in the world! 

REN 

Ahh REN, my new love. The 'Invisible Pores Detox Mask' is a firm new favourite of mine, and boasting no nasties as well as no animal testing, my conscience is as squeaky clean as my face! 

Liz Earle

I recently ordered the 'February Favourites' and have to say, I'm seriously Impressed with this range! 

Urban Decay

I'm so happy that I can add Urban Decay to this list. Apparently they were in talks with a company in China about selling the brand, however pulled out as they found that selling would go against their beliefs and morals about testing. Good on yer, UD! 

Rimmel 

I was utterly shocked to hear about Rimmel - I have a feeling it was a recent change with the new laws that have forced this brand to find alternative methods. I may be wrong, but I always presume that make up brands automatically test...I know, I need to move with the times! 

Barry M 

I guess you dont really think about mainly nail polish brands testing, but I guess they have to. Thankfully Barry M have taken a stance against testing on the furry ones and have found other ways! 

Bourjois 

Again, another popular high street brand I'm happy to report are cruelty free!!

Bumble and Bumble
Possibly one of the most hyped brands of 2013, I highly recommend you try them out if you haven't already, especially now you know their products come without a side order of guilt! 

Illamasqua

Finally, Illamasqua. I own one of their blushers, and absolutely love the formula and pigmentation, so i'm over the moon that I can colour my cheeks without thinking about what else might have had a makeover in the process!  

Obviously, this list is only naming a few, as animal testing in Europe has been banned (Yay!), and generally, only brands who's products are made outside of Europe are still tested (MAC, I'm lookin' at you!) But we now have a much wider variety of non tested choices and can now shop safe in the knowledge that no animals were harmed in the making of our appearance! 

Empties | January

Wow, yet another empties post, these come around so often, which is weird a January has dragged so much for me! 

Anyway, I'll crack on, these are the products I've used up during January! 

Herbal Essences Uplifting Volume Conditioner

I can't say that this conditioner really gave me much volume, even paired with the shampoo, however it smells lovely and left my hair feeling soft. 

Would I repurchase? Probably not as a volumiser. 

The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter 

This stuff is amazing! I wasn't overly bothered at first, but once you actually start using this, the smell is incredible. If you like smelling like frubes and having super soft skin, this is the body butter for you! 

Would I repurchase? I was lucky enough to receive this as a birthday present in full size so I won't need to for a while! But I definitely would in future! 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Exfoliating Pads 

I am absolutely gutted that TBS have discontinued these, I have rationed them like nobodies business but finally used the last one up. This was such a great little product and I just wish that I could repurchase! 

Fake Bake Rough To Buff Body Polish 

I got this in a Fake Bake set, and I have to say, I hate it. I don't like the smell or the texture, as I like my scrubs to have more of a gritty texture to them, so I can actually feel them doing so good. 

Would I repurchase? Safe to say no. 

Rimmel 5 in 1 clear Top/Base Coat

I loved this when I first bought it, however after a few months it's just gotten gloopy and sticky to the point where I cant use it anymore. 

Would I repurchase? Probably not. 

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover 

I'm devastated to let this one go as it's just a miracle worker. It's lasted about 8/9 months which I think is really good going, and I'm pretty sure there is still some remover left, but the sponge has gotten tattered and my nails come out covered in little grey bits so it's time to say goodbye. 

Would I repurchase? Definitely! 

Rimmel BB Cream in Shade 'Light' 

This was a little light for my skin, however for lazing around at home, this was great at just covering enough to make you feel a little more fresh faced. The formula was a little thick, however, and took a lot of buffing and blending into the skin. 

Would I repurchase? No. I'd probably go for a tinted moisturiser in future. 

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 'Soft Beige'

Oh my I love this foundation. I've heard that it's a dupe of the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, which is on my wishlist, so i'll be interested to see how it compares. It's a satin finish foundation which smells quite fruity and has just enough coverage to hide blemishes yet still look natural. 

Would I repurchase? Yes

The Body Shop Mango Body Mist

This body mist is perfect for summer. It's fruity yet floral with a slight hint of musk, and the smell lingers really well for a body mist. 

Would I repurchase? Yes

Garnier Ultra Dry 48 Hour Deodorant 

I know deodorants aren't all that interesting, but I think I've found my perfect one. I love everything about this, down to the scent. I wouldn't agree with the 48 hour claim, but a full day at work/Uni is more like it. 

Would I repurchase? Yes 

There we have it, another month of empties, what have you been using up this month? 

What's On My Face | The Everyday Edit.

Since breaking my finger, it's been made clear to me just how much I rely on my left hand for simple things like putting on my make up. Because of this, I haven't been switching my make-up around as much as usual, and have been using the same look, as it's easier. 

Bases

- Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 'Soft Beige': This is my go-to foundation for this time of year, as it gives a nice medium finish, with an SPF factor; always important!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer: This concealer has a peachy tint, which is great for counteracting the dark circles, although I wish it had a little more coverage. 

Soap & Glory Trick and Treatment Concealer: I'm suffering from some pretty impressive dark circles at the minute, hence the two concealers. I like to use this one on top of my Rimmel one for extra coverage. This one has a slight shimmer which illuminates the area, making dark circles appear reduced. 

Contour & Blush

Bourjois Chocolate Bronzing Powder: At the minute, i'm favouring a more matte finish, which means a bronzer with shimmer is a no-go. This one from Bourjois only has a very slight shimmer, which isn't really noticeable, and can be used as a sheer layer of warmth, or built up to create a more contoured look. 

Revlon Matte Blush in 'Rose Rapture': I bought this about 3/4 months ago, and have made a serious dent in it already. I absolutely love this blush - it's perfect for everyday wear, and as it has a matte finish, it's not too showy for the daytime, which is what I prefer. 

Eyes

It's About Prime Eye Primer: I bought this on a whim from Soap & Glory when they had an offer on. I think it retails at around £9, and I bought it as a cheaper alternative to the Urban Decay Primer Potion. It does create a base which helps the shadows to stay a few hours longer, however once this has run out, I think i'll be going back to the Urban Decay counter. 

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette: I'm not going to bore you with yet another rave about how amazing these shadows are, I think it speaks for itself as to why these are a staple in my routine. 

Benefit They're Real Mascara: Again, there's no point telling you how amazing this mascara is, all I'll say is you need this in your life. 

Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara: The only reason I've included this mascara is because I'm trying to use it up. It's one of the worst mascaras I've used in a long time. Not only is the formula dry and flakey, it just does nothing for my eye lashes other than make them clump together. 

Lips

ELF Studio Lip Exfoliator: This lip scrub is so convenient. It comes in lipstick form, which is so easy to use, and doesn't involve scooping product out of a tub, making priming my lips for lipstick so easy. It also leaves behind a balm-like finish, which moisturises. 

Calvin Klein Delicious Truth Lipstick in 'Illusion': I've been doing the minimal make up look thing lately, and this lipstick is the perfect colour for that effortless look. It's sheer, yet has a gorgeous light pink tone which just brightens up the face. The formula is very moisturising and doesn't feel too heavy on the lips. 

So there we have it, my everyday face of the moment. 

What have you been wearing lately? 

Rimmel Kate Lipstick in '03' | The Review

Evening ladies! (Or gents, you never know! ;)) 

Hope everyone is all good, my assessments started today so I've spent all day with the boy, carrying my (heavy) sculptures up two flights of stairs, painting walls and part of the floor, whilst rushing around like headless chickens tracking down tutors for various bits and bobs. It's safe to say that we are shattered! Still, 3 more days until three years worth of hard work will have come to an end, and I will have completed a degree in BA Hons Fine Art. Scary stuff!! 

Anyway, today's post is a review of Rimmel's Kate Lipstick in the shade '03'. 

I really like the packaging of these lipsticks. Not quite as chic as Mac or YSL, however out of the drugstore brands, I do think this Rimmel packaging is by far one of the nicest, on par, in my opinion, with the gorgeous packaging of the Revlon Lip Butters (Which I am STILL yet to try! *Sob*) 

The shade '03' is a nude, with a slight hint of peachy pink. As with all the Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipsticks, it feels extremely moisturising to apply, and gives great colour pay off after only one swipe. 

As you can see from the swatch above, it's quite an opaque and creamy formula, which gives a lovely nude look without overdoing the brown tones, which is perfect for me, as I tend to stick more with the peachy toned lips. I have heard that this is a very good dupe for Mac 'Shy Girl', however I don't own it so can't really comment on just how much of a dupe, however texture wise, it is fairly similar to the Mac formula, perhaps with less staying power. On a good day this will stay on my lips for an hour or two before I need to reapply, however for the £5.49 price tag, that's something I can live with. 

Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish '03', lightly applied. 

Have you tried any colours from this range? What are you favourites?