Style Bust
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Affordable Cruelty-Free Cosmetics
14 years ago
During the Holidays whether you indulged in extra eating, extra drinking, non-existing exercise, or if you’re like me, extra spending. January is normally the month to get back on track, eat less, exercise more and be kinder to our wallets. Suddenly $18 for a eyeliner is not that appealing, no matter how awesome it might be.
The other challenge is to keep purchasing cruelty-free products at a reasonable price. While doing research for this article, I noticed that leapingbunny.org and peta.com don’t have the same companies on their list, for example Almay is in Peta’s list but not on Leaping Bunny. You can look at the lists and decide for yourself on which companies to buy from. This article will focus on the ones I found on the Peta list, that I would also find at a grocery or drugstore.
Almay
Combining the names of the founders, Alfred and Fanny May, Almay was established in 1931 and began to manufacture their new, gentler cosmetics for women everywhere.Since then, Almay has been the first hypoallergenic cosmetics brand, the first brand to make 100% fragrance-free products and to disclose all ingredients used, the first brand to perform safety testing for allergy and irritation, the first brand to formulate for contact lens wearers and, you guessed it, the first brand to create cosmetic regimens for specific skin types.
With cosmetics priced from $5 to $15, Almay has a great line of cosmetics, although it is limited in the color choice. Some of my favorite Almay products are the concealer, a eyeshadow trio that intensifies my brown eyes and eyeliners.
Revlon
Revlon was founded in 1932, by Charles Revson and his brother Joseph, along with a chemist, Charles Lachman, who contributed the “L” in the REVLON name. Starting with a single product – a nail enamel unlike any before it – the three founders pooled their meager resources and developed a unique manufacturing process.
Since then Revlon is a major contender in the cosmetics markets with commercials and celebrity endorsements like Halle Berry and Jessica Alba. With prices ranging from $3.50 to $12.50 Revlon offers many more color choices as well as constant product introductions. This is a very innovative company with great products.
Wet n Wild
With pretty much all products under $6 dollars, Wet n Wild is the most affordable brand out there. In this case, I can’t say I have too much experience with the brand, but that’s just the snob in me. I’ll try some of its products and if I see something worthwhile, I’ll tell you about it.
Avon
Even though Avon is not found in your local store, it is very accessible since I’m sure everyone knows someone who sells Avon. In my case, I buy online from my cousin who lives in Phoenix, AZ. I have a special place in my heart for this company since my Mom used to sell it when I was a kid. Loved to see all the little samples and the goodies people bought and I still get a thrill when I see the catalog. I use their Anew line and I really love it, as for their makeup line it has some hits and misses, for example, their nail polish does not compare to the quality I’m used to with OPI. But the rest of the cosmetics are great for the prices, which range from $0.99 to $20.00 . My personal favorites are the plumping lipsticks. With constant innovation and choices, you’ll find something and at those prices will probably end up with more products than you originally intended.
Centerpieces made of Vintage Lace
14 years ago
Since getting engaged on 11/13/10 I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of wedding decor ideas I’ve found online. I made my August wedding a little difficult to plan when I decided on colors indigo (really navy, indigo just sounds so much cooler), ivory, cappuccino and small hints of gold. I was dreaming of a Fall – Late Fall wedding and that’s where my dark color story came from.
Finding table decor accents in ivory, cappuccino and gold has proven to be a pretty simple task. Though I’ve learned that there aren’t many accents that come in indigo. Flowers don’t naturally bloom in this color, and it’s difficult to find indigo vases or candles. Luckily I decided to put my three bridesmaids in indigo, they will be the major contribution to the indigo of my color story.
I’ve researched ways to make the dark colors of my wedding seem lighter and less dramatic. I’ve found a couple of ideas worth sharing. Sewing a trail of vintage lace ivory dollies together adds a bit of whimsy to the table, even when a table is fairly bare (although I doubt my tables will be bare). Cake platters filled with lace swatches make for an unusual centerpiece or accent at the place card table. Lastly, covering clear glass bowls with lace add a nice touch of creativity.
Images from Ritzybee Blog
Let me know if you like these ideas.
Fashion Adventurist: Q&A interview with Kimo of Effie’s Heart
14 years ago
With all of the mass produced clothing and accessories out there today it’s hard to find quality, unique pieces that are wearable for everyday. Ladies, no need to look any further…we’ve found a local indie designer worth knowing about!
Effie’s Heart is a vintage inspired clothing and accessories treasure! Beautifully detailed and designed pieces with a classic, but modern touch. Talk about a breath of fresh air!
Kimo, the founder and designer of Effie’s Heart has a lust for life (inherited from her Aunt Effie), and believes in true originality which is clearly showcased in all of her designs.
Dolce Vita dress, Seven Year skirt, Madalena headband
Style Bust had the opportunity to ask Kimo some questions about her inspirations and what it’s like to be the brain behind Effie’s Heart.
Style Bust: How did Effie’s Heart get started?
I started the company 5 years ago with just a few t-shirts and totes.
SB: When did your love and passion for design start?
I have been sewing and creating clothing since I was a small child. All the arts intrigue me, but I have a special affinity for clothing and accessories.
SB: Who is the Effie’s Heart customer?
Effie’s heart fits a broad range of customers. Because the clothing is so classic and functional, granddaughters, daughters, mothers, and grandmothers have told me they fight over a certain size when it first gets to the boutique.
SB: Who are your fashion influences? Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I am influenced by everyone and everything around me. To be a good designer you have to have your fashion radar on at all times. You never now when the next perfect style line or killer color will brush past you. I collect all the pieces and save them when it’s time to design a new line.
SB: What Effie’s Heart piece do you think everyone should own (any signature pieces)?
The seven year skirt and the riding tights are wardrobe layering essentials. The dolce vita dress is perfect for every size and shape of woman.
SB: What are your favorite trends for the upcoming season (Spring 2011)?
Feminity is back!!!
SB: What is your favorite thing about what you’re doing (creator of Effie’s Heart)?
As an indie fashion designer I have to work 24/ 7. I love all parts of my job. From designing to shipping to selling to marketing and accounting and budgeting. Being able to do different things everyday keeps life exciting. There is never a chance to get bored.
SB: How is Effie’s Heart different from other vintage retailers?
The clothing has a hint of history in the design, but the clothing is new and very modern. I design for today’s busy woman. My designs are easy to care for, very comfortable with a perfect fit.
A huge thank you to Kimo and Effie’s Heart for being a true fashion adventurist and creating such special pieces!
Happy New Year!
14 years ago
I hope everyone had a lovely new year’s celebration last night. I had a great time playing games and drinking champagne at Amy and Robert’s apt.
The new year is a great opportunity to take heed of what I did in 2010 and what I can do differently in 2011. I really enjoyed 2010, and got many things accomplished during the year. Some highlights of 2010 are:
- I moved to a better part of SOMA
- I found Guest Bloggers to write for Style Bust
- I got a new day job at worldmarket.com
- I learned to make wiser clothing purchases
- I got engaged
- I became President of the FIDM Alumni Association in SF
I already know 2011 is going to get crazy, but I’ve made a list of the things I hope to tackle, or at least think about a bit more than I have in years past. I thought I’d share my list with you.
Share your plans for 2011 with us!
Most Memorable Songs of 2010
14 years ago
It may be slightly cliché to make a list on the 31st of December of my favorite songs that were released this year. But everyone else is doing it, and I do write for a blog… so I think I should get a free pass for producing something completely unoriginal. I will attempt to make it slightly more exciting with legitimate reasons why you should check out these tracks. In addition I have created a playlist on Grooveshark that will give you the opportunity to listen to all these songs, as much as you want, for free. If you haven’t joined Grooveshark already, it’s an absolute must for you to do this year. It is an amazing way to listen and find new music. I actually have been using it way more than Pandora lately. Without further adieu – here’s my much anticipated list:
Florence and the Machine Performing Live
- Dog Days Are Over – Florence and the Machine
This is the second single released by Florence and the Machines debut album. It completely made its rounds on a bunch of tv shows, an advertisement for Slumdog Millionaire, and was featured on the Eat, Pray, Love movie trailer. The band showed everyone up at the VMA’s, easily the best performance of the night if based on just complete raw, undeniable greatness.
- Tighten Up – The Black Keys
Great alternative song. I’m always whistling the melody. It’s a strong song that I recommend listening to on your way to work or in the morning. It will definitely get you ready to take on the day.
- F— You – Cee Lo
Clearly the radio version is titled – ‘Forget You’, since the original title is slightly inappropriate. The ‘Forget You’ version doesn’t quite pack the same punch. It’s a catchy song but quite frankly I think the highlight for me was to watch Gwyneth Paltrow cover it on Glee.
- Who I Am – Nick Jonas
I play this album for everyone. It sounds nothing like the Jonas Brothers, and as far as my friends are concerned they find Nick Jonas and the Administration to be slightly more acceptable for me to be listening to. I think you should listen to this if you want to be pleasantly surprised.
Screen Caps from Love the Way You Lie
- Love The Way You Lie – Eminem & Rihanna
This is an unbelievable song and video. Those close to me might be surprised that I have included this on my list. But its beyond memorable. I complained about the message it was sending, and I do have slight issues with it being mainstream. But it pushed the envelope. Some of my favorite artists write many more disturbing lyrics, however those are buried and it takes some reflecting to find the meaning of these. Love the way you lie, is honest, blunt and the simplicity of it is beautiful.
- Pray – Justin Bieber
No surprise here that I put a Bieber song on this list. I find this song to be so inspirational and amazing. That’s all I I’m going to say.
- Heart Skipped a Beat – Xx
Another obsession from Lollapalooza. Really great band, really solid song.
- Ten Years Older – Jarrod Gorbel
I’m not heartbroken that the Honorary Title is broken up if Jarrod Gorbel continues to produce solo projects such as this. An incredibly beautiful song and a man with an exceptional voice.
Screen Caps From Whip My Hair Music Video
- Whip My Hair – Willow Smith
I have heard so many crazy stories about the status of this song. Willow Smith may only be 9 years old but she has certainly managed to make a song for all ages. And have you seen the video? Her dance moves are so major. She is so fierce and I know she has a long career ahead of her! So many people haven’t heard this song & I’ve heard its banned from radio, I can’t actually confirm it with a reliable source, but that’s what I’ve heard. Apparently there have been instances where people are not whipping their hair responsibly and getting themselves injured. Weirdest thing ever.
- Little Lion Man – Mumford and Sons
I have been completely obsessed with Mumford & Sons since Lollapalooza. This would be a great song to start with and introduce you to their sound, if you haven’t heard of them.
- Grenade – Bruno Mars
The infatuation with this guy is insane. He has had multiple top 40 hits this year and his songs are love to the extreme. He would catch a grenade for this girl? She must be something special… I don’t know about all that but chicks love this stuff & and I like his sound, and I can’t ignore his music because I am living with his biggest fan. So I would be in trouble if I didn’t add him to this list.
Walking the Dog by Fun.
- Walking the Dog – Fun.
As much as I complained about their live performance, this song is great. You probably have already heard it, Expedia has had it on their commercial for the past few months. Extremely catchy, and I am slightly obsessed with the weirdness of the music video.
- Bullet and/or Turnpike Ghost – Steel Train
I just couldn’t decide between these two songs. Genius lyrics that just make you contemplate life. I love songs that get me to reflect about things that rarely reach the surface of my brain. But maybe I’m just weird like that.
- Give a Little – Hanson
I’d be lying if I said this pick wasn’t extremely biased. This is my favorite song off their new album Shout It Out. And quite frankly another song off the album, Thinking About Something has made many lists for best video of the list. And that song absolutely deserves the critical acclaim. So you might as well check out both songs.
- Slow Jam Mixtape – Jump Smokers ft. Twista
I have yet to tell ya’ll about the Jump Smokers. And I most certainly plan on filling you in on this Chicago based group. Off their debut album, Kinds of the Dancefloor is a remake of one of my all time favorite songs, originally done by Justin Roman (J.Roman). Lyrically, this song is brilliant and incorporates titles and artists of classic love songs to create a beautiful love story. This new track features Twista and makes it especially pleasurable to listen to.
- Black and Yellow – Wiz Khalifa
Reppin the hip hop community, I had to go with this song. I’m actually surprised about the ‘spillover’ (as Taylor Swift would call it) recently of this kind of music onto Top 40 charts and selling so well on iTunes. It’s truly great to see.
Drake, Rick Ross & Chrisette Michele
- Aston Martin Music – Rick Ross ft. Drake & Chrisette Michele
I really like the feel of this song. Reminds me of Lloyd Banks & Ashanti, Southside. You feel like your right there in the song living in that moment, even though most people would have no clue what it’s like to be in that situation. There is something to be said about a song that makes you feel that way.
- Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
Another great crossover country artist. For all my friends that hate country I push them towards Lady Antebellum as a transitional group. Their harmonies are phenomenal and they write some stellar stuff.
Taylor Swift
- Mine – Taylor Swift
A list of best songs wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Taylor Swift. I can’t deny her catchy lyrics and ‘Mine’ is no exception. Great song, I can’t help but sing along when I hear it.
For the sake of not having a novel of a blog, you can find the rest of the best songs of 2010 on my Stylebust playlist on Grooveshark. You can keep up with what I’m listening to the entire year if you follow me on there, screen name is MusicITZLife – I can’t wait to share with you what I’m listening to.
HIGHLIGHT action…
14 years ago
Convertible products can be fun just as in the case of driving a convertible; a girl loves having options…right? Since were talking “options” Mario Dedivanovic (Makeup Guru to Kimmie K.) created this highlighter that can be worn on the eye, on the brow bone or bridge of the nose – “3 uses in 1″…what more can a girl ask for?
When I dusted this product EYE M GLAM ($35), I found it to be light, airy, glossy – easy to pick up using my flat shadow brush but I didn’t stop there, next…I pulled out my NARS Botan brush and dabbed a little on my shoulders, decolletage…I always look to this brush because its dense and it buffs right into the skin. Its’ one of those silent giants (known for its softness yet burley-ness). Honestly, this EYE M GLAM mineral highlighter is definitely one of my favorite buys of the year, it is ahhhh-mazzzing for all skin complexions it doesn’t go ash nor does it have big chunks of kid-like glitter, is glamour in a jar. The color pay off, the glossy glow it gives had me hooked…I have Giella Cosmetics to thank!
My skin illuminated with this product, not only did my eyes sparkle…I was ready to take on the world if not the world then definitely my date, no doubt I was getting some “action”.
All About the Lips
14 years ago
Being blessed as I am with tiny lips, I depend on products that will help me put them out there and as it is for everything that has to do with cosmetics, the choices are endless. Beginning with the choice of which product to use, a lip gloss, lipstick, lip stain or lip plumper. So let’s see what options are out there.
If you want some color on your lips without actually putting on color, then a Lip Gloss is your best bet. They keep your lips looking moist and you can find them in clear, translucent, or other shades. They can be worn alone, especially in the daytime or on top of your lipstick to give it an extra kick. The only thing about lip glosses is that you run the risk of looking like you have honey on your lips, subtlety is always best. My favorites are the ones with wands, like this one from NARS.
Or the Vitamin-Infused Lip gloss from Tarte.
This one from the Sephora Collection is one of my favorites. I bought one for my sister and her Chihuahua bit it, really hard. She thought it was a goner, but even though those little teeth really dug in, the plastic resisted, not a drop spilled out. And that little dog has destroyed quite a few things.
Lip stains are designed to stain the lips with long-lasting color which will resist wear, the difference with a lipstick is that a lip stain doesn’t contain wax. The end result can be matte and once the stain dries its very long lasting. The lip stain can be combined with lip gloss, although some of the products in the market will add a moisturizer, like this one from Laura Mercier.
Of course, we have our good ol’ Lipstick. Throughout time the use or lack of use has symbolized freedom, sluttiness, rebellion, femenism and more. Lipstick contains pigments, oils, waxes, and emollients that applies color and texture to the lips. Every cosmetic brand has a line of different color lipsticks, and to me, there’s just something sexy about lipsticks. Like Private Lipstick from DuWop.
Or Full-Finish Lipstick from Benefit.
Last, but not least, Lip Plumpers. I just love to feel pouty lips and even though the effect is temporary, its way better than doing collagen injections or anything like that. My personal favorite is Avon’s Beyond Color Plumping Lip Color.
And for plumping lip glosses nothing is better than Buxom Lips.
As I said before, so many choices and only or two can be used at a time, not fair!
Erin Wasson: Whole lotta love
15 years ago
Alright, so I have to admit…I have a small girl crush. There’s something about this small town Texan, turned model, turned designer, that intrigues me (almost as much as the Olsen twins)!
Erin Wasson on the cover of Elle Spain January 2011
You’ve gotta love Erin Wasson in this editorial. She looks like herself and wearing clothing that I can only assume fits her personality (that tom-boyish, laid back look, but yet extremely polished).
