Urban Decay Book Of Shadows IV

 speakers to hook up to your iPod or cell phone included

Urban Decay is putting these palettes out faster than people can buy them and don't look now because Book Of Shadows IV is hitting the shelves in October 2011.

What's different about this palette is that it's for the tech-y freaks out there equipped with speakers for your iPod listening, smartphone, and includes a video tutorial you can hook up and watch while applying your makeup. Innovative... yes. It's just that these are getting pricier and some people have get to buy the Naked Palette. But no doubt it will sell out and I will definitely grab one for review so stay tuned. Sephora previewed this the day I came back so I missed getting one this past weekend.  I'll add new info as I receive it, in the meantime enjoy Urban Decay's Fall Line available to purchase now on site and the usual UD retailers. And enter my giveaway for a chance to win Urban Decay's 15 Year Anniversary Palette-link below. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: October 2011 $64

What's Included:

16 x 0.03 oz eye shadows in Blue Bus (periwinkle blue sheen), Gunmetal (gunmetal gray with silver glitter), Cobra (smoky green with gold shimmer), Baked (rich golden bronze shimmer), Bender (moss green sheen), Gravity (violet with silver glitter), Lost (neutral brown shimmer), Hijack (metallic muted teal), Midnight Cowgirl (golden beige with gold glitter), Sin (light shimmering champagne), Midnight Rodeo (beige shimmer with silver glitter), Crystal (pale icy blue shimmer), Bust (taupe sheen), Missionary (light taupe sheen), Skimp (ivory peach sheen), Zephyr (pearly cream sheen)

0.25 oz 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion (carbon black)  

0.18 oz SuperCurl Mascara in black

0.13 oz Eyeshadow Primer Potion 

Mini Keychain Speaker

What else you need to know:
-Any phone with a browser and a camera can access Urban Decay's exclusive how-to videos.
-If you don't already have an application that reads QR codes, download one at your carrier's application store (many of them are free).
-Open the application.
-Hold phone over the code and center. Hold it still, and make sure you have enough light and no glare.
-Hit "scan," or the video may just pop up.
-Your video will load instantly and then start to play.
-Place phone in holder to watch the video hands-free while you follow the steps.
-The added bonus: the portable speaker delivers big sound. Attach it to your keychain so you can whip it out whenever you demand better sound from your phone and MP3 player.
-The Book of Shadows IV display features a two-way cradle so your smart phone can play video in either a vertical or horizontal position. 

 

 

Hard Candy Cosmetics Fall Launch

CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS FOR PRODUCT DETAILS

First let me start by wishing everyone here on the East Coast who experienced that 5.8 scale Earthquake has now calmed down and relaxing from all the anxiety and that of course your all safe! I'm still a little shaky as I literally almost had the seat I was sitting on pulled right from underneath me not to mention huge chandeliers over my head almost drop. Actually this was a wake up call so now I know how not to panic next time and get a plan of action together. Let's hope it doesn't happen again...In the meantime enjoy this press release sent over to me from hard Candy Cosmetics. They are launching some new products and new colors to existing items for early fall. This is a little teaser as I will have full reviews for you when my test products arrive. Now I'm gonna run and grab a appletini tp calm my nerves after surviving an impending world destruction devastation. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Before you throw your bikinis in the beach bag, let’s focus for a moment on Fall!

Hard Candy has the most innovative, fun and amazing products lined up in their latest collection debuting in early September exclusively at Walmart and on walmart.com. 

Say hello to your new best friend! Our new first of its kind Walk the Line 24 Hour Lash Grow system gives you the sexiest black patent leather liquid liner you've ever laid eyes on. Stays put until you take it off and that's not the best part. This formula is infused with an Amino Acid and Protein laced Lash Serum that will help make lashes thick, long and gorgeous! So while you're looking fierce the serum is doing its job. Switch over to the clear serum when you take off your makeup. Not into liner? Use the clear serum for 24 hour growth. Sit down for this – it’s $7!

Who wants the biggest, badass lashes around? We thought so! Welcome your latest addiction: Lashaholic - super volume mascara. The fabulous water-resistant formula won't flake or smudge. Black volume-building weightless powders create ridiculous volume and a flexible wand will pull every lash from wimpy to wow!  $7 – can you believe??

What do you get when you mix a fabulous glossy, tinted, lip balm with an amazing sugar-lemon flavor and cool packaging? World Balmination!  8 shades to protect, nourish and moisturize your luscious lips and all for $3 each!  Who's collecting them all??

Hard Candy just had a Stroke of Gorgeous!  How about infusing a felt tip eyeliner that defines eyes in one smooth sweep?  The calligraphy type pen allows thin or thick lines and the saturated tip prevents pulling across the lid.  Each liner is infused with our Growth Serum to promote long term growth.  3 shades – black, purple and teal – developed for the makeup artist in all of us.  $5 each.

Not much of a liquid liner lover? Stay in Line is a new formula that infuses our Lash Grow Serum into a mechanical pencil for the first time ever!    The self-sharpening retractable pencil allows for easy, smooth application.  These must-have pencils are available in basic, bright and shimmering shades.  6 beauty editor-named to choose from and only $5 each.  Grab ‘em all and line ‘em up!

 

Everyone wants their makeup to be in Eye Def.  And that collection is blowing out of Walmart.  So Hard Candy has added an entire new Molten Metal Cream collection to the lineup to melt hearts and turn heads.  This unique crease-proof formulation coats the lid and will stay put all day or night.  Oversized angled doe foot applicator deposits the most stunning flash of color.  10 beauty editor-named shades are so magnificent your eyes will pop with never before seen color.  $6 each!

Shade Revisions
Out with the old and in with the new.  New shades on existing amazing products include:
Plexi-Gloss ultra, wet, high shine lip gloss – 4 new shades in pinks and naturals.
Mouthing Off sheer lip shine – 4 new shades in pinks, naturals and browns
Plumping Serum fat pout lip gloss – 5 new shades in pinks, orange and naturals
Lash Tinsel glitter mascara – 2 new shades in purple and fuchsia

REVIEWS AND ACTUAL PHOTOS COMING SOON. 
MORE PHOTOS ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE

Exclusive! Beauty & Hair Design Institute Professionals Want To Answer All Your Questions

I'm skipping the flashback video segment this week to bring some exciting news for my members-subscribers! More details to surface in the future but for now it's my pleasure to announce to you all that I was contacted by a lovely website writer for a New York Beauty School And Hair Design Institute offering to sponsor as blog outreach opportunity to have all and any questions in beauty, hair, nail or skincare answered exclusively for my members by professional cosmetologists and such. How awesome is that!

Please ask anything you would like to know in regards to this, such as how to create a certain style of hair look, need any skin advice for skin issues or perhaps a makeup tutorial. Anything you need to know! A real trained professional will be providing you with your answers. Please post your questions in the comment box below and feel free to let your friends know as well so they can ask for advice or tips too. I don't have a set deadline as of now so you can take your time coming back to this post by bookmarking it still try not to take too long because I have to find out when the questions must be sent in. I will be sure to let you know the cut off date and am working on posting a graphic on my side bar for everyone to access the post easily. They have also offered to do guest posts in the future which should be nice as well.I will add the sponsors links when the questions have been posted, sent and answered.

Bloggers, think about what question you would like answered or any other tips or advice you need in regards to beauty, skincare, nail, hair and even fashion accessories then just type it up in the comment section or email me if you want privacy or don't want your username associated with your question, it's not a problem. I wish you all a safe and happy weekend. Start asking your questions and ask as many as you like. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Urban Decay Urban Bride Coming Soon!

 

The newly wedded Kate or rather now Duchess of Cambridge isn't the only blushing bride who has reason to celebrate. Urban Decay Cosmetics has teamed up with Bridesmaids The Movie to create this gorgeous keepsake bridal box filled with some of Urban Decay's bestest goodies! It's Urban Bride-everything to make the lady of the hour look her spectacular best! It also makes a fun bridesmaid or bridal party gift. Poor Kate, she got married before Urban Decay had a chance to debut this because she could of used a little something something to make her pretty face stand out some more in her keepsake wedding photos especially seeing that she did her own makeup. Oh well! Her loss is your gain ladies! Get ready to grab one for yourself  little Ms. Bride or grab a bunch for your bridal girlies. It's so pretty it makes me want to get hitched or not... Hey you don't have to really be a bride to buy this and I'm might snag this to save for that special day whenever that will be...hopefully before this century is out. You think it will keep? Go Get Married! Have Some Bambinos! Stay beautiful! XOXO

More information sent to me from the lovely publicity over at Urban Decay- Thanks Lovelies!

With all the talk about the royal wedding, I thought it would be an appropriate time to send you this! Urban Decay partners with Universal Pictures’ Bridesmaids movie to create a beautiful kit of goodies perfect for any bridesmaid or bride-to-be! Especially if you’re planning on doing your own makeup a la Kate…you better use some long-lasting products!! Artwork completely hand-drawn by one of our amazing in-house artists…the box is meant to be saved to store all your wedding mementos! Or, if you’re single like me…whatever you want!! 

The products in this keepsake box (a perfect gift) will keep her glowing - down the aisle, in pictures, on the dance floor and when the real party starts. Bridesmaids will love it too!

If you’re looking for something “new” to give your favorite bride, lavish her with this decadent gift-ready box of travel-sized products designed to keep her looking exquisite all day (and night, wink wink). It contains:
• Razor Sharp Ultra-Definition Finishing Powder to diffuse lines for a flawless airbrushed look.
• Urban Decay’s best-selling original formula Eyeshadow Primer Potion (full-sized) and Supercurl Curling Mascara to keep her eyes looking fresh.
• Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Midnight Cowboy to give bare and lightly colored lips a sensual, come-hither shine or electrify darker lipcolor with more texture.
• All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray to ensure her look stays put for 16 incredible hours.
• Marshmallow Sparkling Lickable Body Powder to keep the party going long after the guests have left.


Fill Weight: Marshmallow Body Powder: 10g e 0.35 US oz; Midnight Cowboy Lip Junkie: 3.6ml e 0.12 US fl oz; Razor Sharp Finishing Powder: 3.75g e 0.13 US oz; Eyeshadow Primer Potion: 11ml e 0.37 US fl oz; SuperCurl Mascara: 5.4ml e 0.18 US fl oz; All Nighter Setting Spray: 15ml e 0.51 US fl oz

Available on Urbandecay.com May 1, 2011.

 

Ilamsqua Toxic Nature Collection Spring 2011

Posting some promotions photos and info from a press release on this new Illamsqua Toxic Nature Spring/Summer Collection. This collection looks fabulous! The promotional photo shoot is almost reminiscent of my fave graphic artist Mark Ryden. The colors are bold & gorgeous and the cream based shadows look delicious! I'm curious to try out that pale orange pigment in shade Emerge. A little press info from the manufacturer on this set below:  Stay beautiful!  XOXO

In retaliation against the genetically modified society that plunders it, the landscape has issued forth a torrent of hybrid shades. Corrupted hues glister amongst muted tones - extreme, intoxicating versions of their original selves.This is an atomic-botanical environment where survival is key and camoflague by colour is the path to existence.

We scoured the abandoned toxic wastelands of the world to create an eclectic selection of corrupted hues for the eyes, lips, nails, face and body. Flitting effortlessly from poisonous pastel to hazardous neon, this cataclysmic mix of brave new tones take your look to the outer limits of nature's palette.Become a herald of the new age of Toxic Nature with uncharted night-time make-up.

Handmade Toxic Claw

Following the phenomenal sellout success of the Nail Quills, we've once again teamed up with visionary manicurist, Mike Pocock, to bring you a unique artefact that embodies the essence of Toxic Nature, the handmade Toxic Claws.

Individually crafted, each original piece is a miniature work of art that transforms your look. Designed to be worn on either thumb, customize your Toxic Claws with Illamasqua Nail Varnish for a versatile and truly unique finish. False nails will never be the same again!

Availability: Illamsqua Toxic Nature Spring/Summer Collection Available For Purchase Now

Toxic Duo Nail Polish £ 21.00

Toxic Nature Lipstick £ 15.50

Toxic Nature Cream Pigment £ 17.00

Toxic Nature Nail Varnish £ 13.50

Toxic Nature Precision Lip Gloss £ 17.00

Handmade Toxic Claw Nail £ 35.00

View Entire Gallery-Product page & Video For This Collection At Illamsqua-Click Here

Cruelty Free Brand List Up + PETA Info

Just a quick note for my members-a list of brands that are cruelty free and do not do animal testing has been permanently added to this blogs sidebar for you to access whenever you like or you can click this link here.  The source of these lists are from PETA-Leaping Bunny. Please note not every brand has made it to this list for whatever reason but when I get official information from a company meaning a verbal guarantee I will also add those companies to the list so keep checking back periodically. I believe PETA updates their list every four months or so which I will also be checking for any new additional companies that go cruelty free. If your unsure about a company feel free to email me and ask about it and I'll see what information comes up. I also wanted to mention some information regarding PETA as posted by them along with the list as to be fair and also because it confuses and annoys me somewhat. The annoyance for me is not adding companies that are required by law to animal test such as medical companies. Even if the law requires these specific industry's to do animal testing I think PETA should have included them as well-why the secrecy? I believe one reason may be that the government and big pharmaceuticals might be concerned people stop purchasing and using drugs possibly looking for medical alternatives. God forbid we use natural remedies for cures and treatments but that's a whole other discussion. Pharmaceutical corporations peeve me off anyway but that's personal. I do understand the need for people with horrific incurable disease benefiting from drugs and drug testing even though it still seems cruel to me. But for now these lists are regarding cosmetics and other companies that DON'T require animal testing by law but do so anyway. This post is closed as not to allow any comments because I see certain discrepancies in PETA as well as others might and I don't want my blog to turn into a haven for irate activists. Thanks for understanding this! XOXO

PETA GUIDELINES

The list only includes companies that make cosmetics, personal care, and household-cleaning products. PETA Caring Consumer Project was founded because no law requires that these types of products be tested on animals, so manufacturers of these products have no excuse for using animal testing. Companies that arent on this list should be boycotted until they implement a policy that prohibits animals testing.The list does not include companies that only manufacture products that are required by law to be tested on animals(e.g., pharmaceuticals, automotive and garden chemicals, food additives, etc.). While PETA is opposed to all animal testing, our quarrel in those instances is less with the individual companies and more with the regulatory agencies that require animal testing. Nonetheless, it is important to let companies know that it is their responsibility to convince the regulatory agencies that there are better ways to determine product safety.All companies that are included on PETA's cruelty-free list have signed PETA's statement ofassurance or provideda statement verifying that they do not conduct or commission any animal tests on ingredients, formulations, or finished products and neither do their ingredient suppliers. How does a company get on the list? Companies listed either signed PETA statement of assurance or provided a statement verifying that they do not conduct or commission any animal tests on ingredients, formulations, or finished products and that they pledge not to do so in the future. For more information on how to join Caring Consumer, please e-mail CaringConsumer@peta.org. How do I know that these companies really dont test on animals? To a degree, the statement of assurance is a matter of trust. However, companies are putting their integrity on the line when they respond to consumers. A company that has publicly announced an end to its animal tests and states in writing that it doesnt test on animals would face a public relations disaster (and potential lawsuits) if it were caughttesting on animals. Companies are well aware that consumers are serious about the issue of animal testing, and they know that it would ruin the publics confidence in their products if consumers discovered that companies were being dishonest about their animal testing policies.What about a product whose label says, "No Animal Testing," but whose manufacturing company is not on PETA's "Dont Test" list? Labels can be deceiving, so be careful. No specific laws exist regarding cruelty-free labeling of products, so companies can take liberties. While it is unlikely that a company would put blatantly false information about its animal-testing practices on its products, the statements that it does make might not be fully informative and might indeed mislead consumers. Please refer to PETA's cruelty-free lists for companies that have met our stringent "no animal testing" standards. Many companies that do test on animals have some cruelty-free products, but we must boycott all the products of such companies in order to pressure them into stopping all animal tests. If the label on a company's product says that it is not tested on animals and the company isn't on either of PETA's lists, please share the company's contact information with PETA so that we can formally inquire about the company's animal testing policy. Likewise, if you communicate with a company that claims to be cruelty-free but is not on our list, please ask for a statement in writing and send a copy of the statement to PETA. We will communicate with the company to see if it meets all our cruelty-free criteria. Meanwhile, PETA recommends purchasing products made only by companies on our "Don'tTest" list. Why do some companies' product labels say, "No Animal Ingredients," when, in fact, they contain beeswax,lanolin, whey, etc.? Some companies are not educated about or sensitive to the suffering of animals in the production of certain products that do not involve the actual slaughter of animals. PETA attempts to educate these companies, but some have persisted in inaccurately labeling their products as free of animal ingredients even though it is a fact that honey,lanolin, etc., are animal products. Our advice is always to read the entire label before believing such a statement, and we encourage you to voice your complaint to these companies as well. For our list of "Animal Ingredients and Their Alternatives," please visit PETA.org/living/vegetarian-living/animal-ingredient-guide.aspx. How often are PETA's product lists updated? PETA's "Do Test" and "Don't Test" factsheets are updated daily to reflect additions (e.g., if we are informed of a new company's policy prohibiting animal testing), deletions (e.g., if a company that doesn't test on animals is purchased by an animal testing company or if a company goes out of business), changes in contact information, etc. PETA's Cruelty-Free Shopping Guide is updated approximately twice a year. Companies might have changed their animal testing policies after this edition was printed. This guide is based on the most current information available at the time of printing. PETA reserves the right to choose which companies will be included, based on companies' policies. Inclusion on any list is not an endorsement by PETA of a company or any of its products. Please contact PETA if you have any questions about the status of listed companies or if you know the address of a company that is not listed.The following companies manufacture products that ARE NOT tested on animals. Those marked with an asterisk (*)manufacture strictly vegan product made without animal ingredients, such as milk and egg byproducts, slaughterhouse byproducts, lanolin from sheep, honey, or beeswax (for a list of animal ingredients and their alternatives, please contact PETA or visit PETA.org/living). Companies without an asterisk might offer some vegan products.Some of the company names are followed by the name of their parent or subsidiary companies or by examples of products manufactured by that company.To shop for cruelty-free products from many companies on our list, please visit the online PETA Mall at PETAMall.com. For every purchase that you make, PETA will receive 5 to 10 percent at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your commitment to being and buying cruelty-free!

Beauty Without Cruelty Package Arrived!

My package of samples from Beauty Without Cruelty have arrived along with a lovely hand written letter!I'm so excited to test these out. Stay tuned for my reviews. Stay beautiful! XOXO

False Labels? + Poll Results

If many of you who are interested in cruelty free cosmetics & products have already done your homework then you probably know by now that company's can use sneaky marketing ploys with their labeling to print inaccurate information (meaning lies) to get around officially stating to consumers whether the product is actually tested on animals. Weirdly enough I discovered this information on sneaky advertisement a couple of years ago when reading an article completely unrelated to animal testing. It still shocks me that I waited so long to switch as I never knew alternatives were really out there. I figured if you want "genuine" pure natural products you have to move to the wilderness-join a hippie commune and forever forgo the use of deodorants ever again. I'm an avid nature lover with the best of them but the thought of smelly armpits to prove a point to "big brother" was a proposition I was not about to jump into.Back to the point of this post-One particular sentence that a company can add to a label 

"THIS FINISHED PRODUCT NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS"

which is just another way of saying that there was no animal testing done when the final formula was manufactured. Well duh! If you already tested on animals and completed the process there really is need need to test again. Or this sentence can also mean that the actual final product may not have been tested but components whether from the manufacturer or other outlets may have done the animal testing. So suffice it to say now that I'm changing the way I purchase products and trying slowly to replace all of the brands I used, have used or thinking of purchasing in the future to only cruelty free products-I have been looking at labels of every single thing that I own and was sad to find that some of my fave items had this label. Some other brands I used had no information at all not even on the internet so this really frustrated me. I took it upon myself these past few days to contact three of these brands by going to the source-Corporate Headquarters. Actually two companies because the third brand is manufactured by one of the two. I'm passing this information along to you guys so if you were ever interested in these brands regarding their policy on animal testing you now have it. These three brands in question are Bath & Body Works (+White Candle) Patricia Wexler MD- Victoria's Secret Cosmetics-Skin-Body-Hair Care Line. What got me started doing this was my Victoria's Secret Love Spell Hairspray which I reviewed and raved about previously on this blog. When I saw that line printed on back of the label my heart sank! I love this hairspray so much that the thought of not using it anymore upset me. So when I contacted the supervisor at Victoria's Secret Headquarter I explained to her that this phrase generally signifies that there was animal testing at some level. She informed and assured me that the Victorias Secret Brand is 100% CRUELTY FREE and she explained to me the reason why that phrase is on the products. She also stated she can't speak for any other company that has that printed on their labels but that VS is against animal testing period and said it was a brand guarantee. The label is printed with Final product Not Tested On Animals because it's how they originally stated it on labels because when the items had come out in the British stores British Law required that this be on the labels and it was just the way it was worded and as of convenience they labeled this ever since without changing it. She gave me a 100% guarantee that there were no animals tested components either so until there is other information to the contrary I will be continuing to purchase, test and review all Victoria's Secret products. Now if I only knew for certain if their cute little panties were not made in sweatshops-maybe I should have asked? So that settles that now onto Bath & Body Works who told me the same information and they sent me a guarantee via email which I will post below for you to read. Now as for Patricia Wexler which I use on and off (too expensive to use monthly) it is sold at Bath & Body Works and also manufactured by them here in the United States. It was so hard to get information to the Wexler brand on the web and cruelty free sites have this brand labeled as "unknown" in regards to animal testing but after speaking to BBW Corporate headquarters they assured me that Wexler products are not tested on animals and also made from non-animal by products but marine extracts. They also said they stand behind this policy 100% so for future record I will be purchasing and testing products from Bath & Body Works, Patricia Wexler and Victoria's Secret until there is other information that proves what headquarters has stated as being false. So for these three brands we can say for certain they are cruelty free but for future reference make sure you find out before hand when you see "Final Product Not Tested On Animals" on the label that it's cruelty free before you purchase. Stay beautiful! XOXO

	"BBWCustomerRelations@bbw.com" ...FROM Add to Contacts
To:	sabitha13@yahoo.com

Case # 2614070

Dear Maria,

We appreciate you taking the time to write us in regards to our policies, services and products. We value your inquiry and your interest in Bath and Body Works and The White Barn Candle Co.

This policy is for all of our products.
We want you to know how much we appreciate your insight on the wording of our Animal Testing policy listed on our labels. We will note your request to make it less confusing, but also want to take the time to explain why it is worded this way.

We want you to know that we believe all living creatures deserve respect and we would never think of testing any of our products on animals. Likewise, we don't ask anyone who may be helping us develop or make our products to conduct these kinds of tests on our behalf.
At one time, we had stores in the United Kingdom as well as the United States. Under United Kingdom law, all labels on cosmetic and toiletry items must read, "This finished product not tested on animals." As a convenience to our customers in both countries, we decided to have the same labels on all our products instead of keeping separate inventories for the UK and the US.
We hope this information has put to rest any concerns you may have had, and helps you enjoy all your favorites from Bath and Body Works. We will certainly take your comments to heart and will also forward them to our Executive Team for future consideration.

If we can be of any further assistance, please reply to this email or contact us at 1-800-395-1001, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
Sincerely,(name with held for privacy)

Customer Relations
Bath & Body Works 

Spring 2011 Trends You Love

In other blog news the Poll has ended for your favorite Spring 2011 Trends and the results are below as you can see the majority votes are for that 70's look!

That 70's Look	12 (60%) FAVE TREND
Bright Citrus Colors	5 (25%)
Minimal White	2 (10%)
Hair Feathers	1 (5%)
Huge Flower Barettes	2 (10%)
Ruffles & Billowy Trim	7 (35%)
Fruit Prints	2 (10%)
Multiple Bangles	3 (15%)
Trouser Jean	1 (5%)
Longer Skirts	3 (15%)
Platform Wedges	7 (35%)
Jumpsuits	3 (15%)

Beauty Without Cruelty Product Information

Here is the press files sent to me from the publicity department of Beauty Without Cruelty and is packed with  information starting with the founders history as well as ingredients used, all product types available and  policies. Now if this company can and have been practicing Beauty Without Cruelty for almost 50 years,then why can't the leading household giants do so as well? Beauty Without Cruelty Started the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Movement: Back in 1959, the Lady Dowding became concerned about the use of live animals for testing of cosmetics. She decided to do something about it. This is what she had to say: “Of all the terrible cruelties perpetrated on animals by man, perhaps the most calculated and obscene is that known asvivisection—experiments on living animals. By its very nature it is cruel. Pain, suffering and distress are inseparable from this method of research.” Lady Dowding. Her action started the “cruelty free cosmetics” movement and changed the way we think about cosmetics testing today, close to 50 years later. She started a non-profit trust to take up the issue and subsequently in 1963 she teamed up with Kathleen Long, a cosmetician and animal rights advocate, to start the Beauty Without Cruelty Cosmetics brand. The brand was meant to provide a viable alternative to the use of cosmetics tested on animals. That brand continues to lead the way today both in the UK and since 1989  in the United States.Beauty Without Cruelty has expanded to include a complete range of hair, facial care and body care products in addition to the extensive range of color cosmetics that the original company started with. Today the Beauty Without Cruelty brand in the USA is under the stewardship of Lotus Brands, a majority woman-owned, family business, and it remains focused on and dedicated to continuing to stand for cruelty free, effective and value-oriented natural personal care and cosmetics products. Beauty Without Cruelty Provides Value-Oriented Products: The brand focuses on providing outstanding products that are priced to provide you with “budget-conscious” pricing. Many of our products, for instance, provide 16 oz. at the same price as competitors may charge for 8 or 12 oz sizes of competitive products. Beauty Without Cruelty Continues Product Research and Development: BWC has always tried to be a leader in formulation. All of the hair, skin and facial care products are both SLS-free and Paraben-free. The product line has always been Vegetarian in its ingredient selection. The brand is also now entirely Vegan. We also continue to work on increasing the use of organic components wherever possible

Formulation Principles:
• Cruelty Free – No Animal Testing
• Vegetarian -- Vegan Formulations
• Complete Ingredients Disclosures
• Organic Content Identified and Fully Disclosed
• CCIC / Leaping Bunny and Vegan Certifications
• SLS/SLES-Free and Paraben-Free Formulations
• Extensive Selection of Gluten-Free products
• No synthetic or engineered fragrances
• Oshadhi Premium Organic Essential Oils For Fragrancing
BEAUTY WITHOUT CRUELTY…

Colour Cosmetics: Beauty Without Cruelty features an extensive line of cruelty-free colour cosmetics including our popular waterproof and ultimate mascaras, our Attitude Nail Colours,and our Infusion Lipsticks, as well as concealers, eye shadows and powders. The lipsticks are free of carmine (which is sourced from beetles)and we use special new infusion technology to provide rich colours and an extraordinary colour palette to meet the needs of just about anyone. Please ask for detailed information about our BWC Colour Cosmetics or visit our website at www.beautywithoutcruelty.com to find out more.We maintain an extensive and detailed informational website at www.beautywithoutcruelty.com On our website you can find out more about our individual products,view images, read the label copy, and see our complete ingredients disclosures, as well as learn more about our mission to bring awareness about the cruelty perpetrated on animals in the name of “beauty” which we are committed to helping bring to an end. Hair Care:-BWC provides something for everybody with our extraordinary selection of shampoos, conditioners and styling products. Shampoos and Conditioners. We have an extraordinary range of highly effective, pH-balanced shampoos and conditioners for all purposes.Daily Benefits: benefits all hair types while being gentle enough to be used every day.Volume Plus: adds fullness and body.Moisture Plus: benefits dry or treated hair. Rosemary-Mint-Tea Tree: for hair and scalp rejuvenation.Lavender Highland: revitalizes all hair types. Styling Products: Specialty products to support your hair styling needs Leave-In Conditioner: Nourishing and supportive to all hair types. “Natural Hold” Hair Spray: Styling hold without being stiff or sticky while nourishing the hair.Volume Plus Spray Gel: Adds body & shine for aflexible styling hold. Beauty Without Cruelty products-Moisturizers:Classic facial moisturizers featuring premium Oshadhi organic essential oils for the fragrance profiles.Daily Moisturizer: Rich all day moisturizing protection for normal to dry skin.Oil-Free Moisturizer: Relying on aloe vera & vegetable glycerin to moisturize, a light moisturizer benefiting normal to oily skin. Maximum Moisture Cream:A rich emollient blend featuring shea butter, avocado oil, kukui nut and macadamia nut oil as the base to provide extra rich moisturizing action for dry, mature & stressed skin.Special Treatment Facial Care:A lineup of products to complement the cleansers and moisturizers for special needs.Balancing Facial Toner: Refreshes, hydrates &tones the skin, for all skin types. Features herbal extracts,Oshadhi organic essential oils & vitamins to uplift & invigorate. Excellent for use after removal of makeup as well, light but not drying.Daily Facial Lotion SPF-15: For all skin types, this is an ideal lotion for daily use and also provides SPF protection to help protect your skin from the sun. Can be used under your normal makeup or on its own as a wonderful addition to your daily facial care routine with aloe vera, shea butter and rosehips to moisturize, replenish & smooth skin.Fragrance Free Skin Renewal MoistureLotion 8% Alpha Hydroxy Complex:Refines your skin’s texture and feel while improving its ability to retain moisture. Shea butter, kukui nut, and rosa rubiginosa combined with organic Oshadhi essentialoils keep your skin toned, smooth, and soft.Nourishing Eye Gel: Light, oil-free,moisturizing gel that nurtures and helps protect the delicate eye contour from dehydration and signs of aging. Time-release formula combines powerful anti-oxidants,replenishing moisturizers, and organic botanicals to help neutralize impact of suna nd other environmental factors to provide soft, smooth, youthful-looking skin around thee yes.Purifying Clay Mask: Gently clarifies and draws out impurities that can dull skin and clog pores.Creamy smooth, emollient, botanical formula deeply cleans without drying. Purifying clays combine with premium Oshadhi organic essential oils to invigorate & refresh while deep cleansing the skin. Benefits all skin types.Hydrating Facial Mask: Deeply moisturizes and replenishes your skin. Organic aloe vera and plant humectants restore, rebalance, and rehydrate your kin. Oshadhi organic essential oils tone, calm, and revitalize. Benefits all skin types, especially mature, dried and environmentally-stressed skin Make Up Removers:Our classic eye make up remover is one of our most popular products overall! Eye Make Up Remover: Extra Gentle Eye Make Up Remover with herbal extracts and vegetable glycerin gently removes all types of make up, including water-resistant, completely and easily without irritation. Leaves no oily residue. Make up can be re-applied immediately after use.Creamy Eye and Face Make Up Remover:Removes all types of make up including water resistant, completely and easily without irritation,while supplying moisturizing and replenishment action to nurture the skin around the eyes and the entire face.Advanced Skin Care System:This special group of 5 coordinated products features Vitamin C combined with CoQ10 to provide deep cleansing, moisturizing and emollient action.Vitamin C Facial Cleanser: Cleans and refreshes the skin without drying. Soap-free formula gently yet deeply cleanses the skin, and is suitable for all skin types and daily use. CoQ10 combined with anti-oxidant Vitamin C nourishes and revitalizes the skin, restoring and maintaining a youthful-looking appearance, and is especially helpful for stressed or dried out skin. Oshadhi organic  essential oils provide pleasant natural fragrance profile.Vitamin C Renewal Cream: A deep moisturizing cream that combine organic aloe vera with shea butter, botanical extracts, and Oshadhi organic essential oils with Vitamin C, CoQ10 and green tea extract to provide the ultimate deep-moisturizing experience. For all skin types.Vitamin C Facial Moisturizer SPF 12: A light yet effective moisturizer providing a wide spectrum formulation for protecting and rejuvenating the look of the skin. Physical sunblock SPF protection provides aid against sunburn, while Vitamin C, CoQ10, shea butter, rosa rubignosa and Oshadhi organic essential oils, together with green tea extract and other botanicals give the skin nourishment and support. Particularly beneficial for dry or environmentally-challenged skin. For all skin types.Vitamin C Hand & Body Lotion: Perfect all around anti-oxidant rich hand & body lotion suitable for general and daily use. Emollient action is supplemented by antioxidant Vitamin C with CoQ10, and other botanicals and Oshadhi organic essential oils. Contains borage oil, rosa rubignosa and other beneficial oils for balancing, enriching and nourishing the skin while providing all-around moisturizing action.Vitamin C Vitality Serum: Uses active forms of vitamin C and CoQ10 to improve skin clarity, tone, and texture. Anti-oxidant vitamins A, C, and E combined with green tea and grape seed extracts help neutralize the drying effect of environmental factors to keep skin firm and youthful-looking. Powerful humectants deeply moisturize your skin to smooth and soften. Organic Oshadhi Essential oils nurture & provide the pleasant fragrance profile. Concentrated moisturizing & nourishing action.Hand and Body Lotions Our all-purpose hand & body lotions are suitable for daily use, are pH balanced, and are blended to be emollient but not greasy in texture.We provide both fragrance free and fragranced options.Fragrance-Free Hand & Body Lotions:Fragrance Free Lotion: Our original formulation, this remains our most popular hand & body lotion treatment. Moisturizes, softens, protects,and replenishes your skin with organic aloe vera gel and rich emollients shea butter, jojoba andkukui nut oil. Use daily for maximum benefits. This fragrance-free formula can be used right out of the bottle or customized by adding your favorite essential oil (such as lavender, rose, or chamomile).Extra Rich Fragrance Free Lotion: For those who need added deep moisturizing and emollient action to help counteract the drying effect of environmental influences or stressed skin,we combine deeply emollient tamanu, jojobaoil and shea butter with green tea extract, antioxidant vitamins, natural botanical extracts and hydrosols and herbal macerates extracted in olive oil. The result is the ultimate full-body moisturizing experience.Fragranced Hand & Body Lotions:Sweet Lavender Lotion: Our classic blend of emollient oils,organic aloe vera and botanical extracts is uplifted with premium Oshadhi organic essential oil of Lavender to provide the most popular fragrance to enhance your experience with just the right fragrance note.Wild Ylang Ylang Lotion: For those who want a richer, more exotic tropical fragrance note, we provide our classic lotion blend with Oshadhi organic essential oil of Ylang Ylang.Skin Care:We provide a complete range of products to cleanse, tone, moisturize and provide special treatments for healthy-looking, radiant skin. Oshadhi organic aromatherapy essential oils provide pleasant aromatic profile to uplift, relax & soothe.Facial Cleansers:Three facial cleansers to address special facial care needs.Herbal Cream Facial Cleanser:Benefits normal to dry skin.Extra Gentle Cleansing Milk: Benefits dry, mature & stressed skin. 3% Alpha Hydroxy Complex Facial Cleanser: Benefits normal to oily skin. Stay beautiful!  XOXO 

Availability:www.beautywithoutcruelty.com

Beauty Without Cruelty

I know it's late and everyone is psyched out for the weekend but if you have a moment to read this post I'll be so very grateful! If you remember a couple of days ago I received an email from the publicity department of a natural cruelty free cosmetics, skin care and body care line well I found another lovely email in my in box telling me my goodies are on the way along with some fantastic information on the brand which I'll share with you now in this post. What I was amazed to find out was that this fantastic company has been around for forty years! I mean I know I'm a little slow some days but holy moly I can't believe I never heard of this before. It's starting to surprise/frustrate me that what I do know about is every single luxury cosmetic brand that exists from here to China which manufactures unhealthy-unethical products of which we all trample over each other to purchase. Here again is another example of why when giant corporations tell us they are spending thousands of dollars to fix this issue and bring us more natural cruelty free products (a step better than taking no step at all) is still not good enough and just seems like excuses to me. I'm sure if I start scouring the world that more of these ethical company's such as Beauty Without Cruelty will start popping up. If you build it they will buy...the only problem is people are probably unaware or not searching for alternatives. That is now were I (you,we,us) feel I come in. It's funny but I think now it's being made clear to me in choosing the name Venus In Virgo as my blog's title. Not just because it sounded romantic and an aspect of my natal horoscope but there's more of a significant purpose behind this of which I put a little tag up as part of my new blog banner.

And as not to go into a long dribbling post of astrology Venus as we all know by now is the ruler of beauty along with Virgo the earthy grain goddess of purity, nature, perfection but more specifically purpose this couldn't have been a better combination as my natal aspect which also happens to be in it's rightful house on the day of my birth which also rules things like beauty and fashion. The irony is that in traditional astrology Venus in Virgo is what's considered a bad aspect for the native if they are born with this placement because it "falls" and is "detriment". After all how can cool discriminating Virgo be compatible with Venus superficial goddess of outer beauty? I think it's just a mere challenge and being a Leo well this is just par for the course for me. If you get past all those pesky annoying descriptions for Venus in Virgo in astrology books then you can see that this is a perfect match. The Virgo influence can help Venus go "deep" into he heart of the matter as to where true beauty can best emerge with demands on patience and anything worth having or worth knowing is worth the wait. Virgo can also use her powers of discrimination, service and nature conscious to help the Venus factor understand "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" which I'm pretty sure a Virgo penned this phrase.With Venus in Virgo some form of purity must be associated with beauty,the purity not dictated by conventional morality but a beauty free of taints,contaminants,animal cruelty and such. I guess on a subconscious level part of me knew where I stood in terms of real beauty and artistic endeavors it's just that it took some time for me to finally consciously become aware of how I want to live my life, the choices I make and whom I give the power to with the money I spend. So Beauty With A Conscious Beauty With A Purpose it is from here on. Sayonara greedy giant corporations! I'm finding alternatives to all your chemical, animal killing crap even if it takes awhile to start replacing these products because my leonine will will make it happen. Oh, and for the record if you happen to read descriptions of Virgo or Virgo influenced women in books-we are not dowdy boring secretary looking creatures but rather sexy,intelligent,refined and dare I say bootyliscious kitty cats! (Refer to Sophia Loren & Beyonce for starters) So piss off dumb astrology books...So sorry for the long babbling post again but thought it would be worthwhile to help give you guys a sense on how important this new change is for me and how we can all contribute as bloggers spreading the news on pure quality but more importantly humane alternatives for living. in the meantime while I wait for my samples to arrive and test them out feel free to check out the two websites listed below and see the vast choices which are available to you today. I'm also posting the other email sent to me with name withheld for privacy reasons. Thanks for taking the time out to read all of this and I promise you I wont turn this blog into a fanatic forum or make anyone who doesn't share these viewpoints feel guilty at all! It's a free country and no one tells another human being how to live their life. Have a great weekend and stay beautiful! XOXO 

From:
To: Sabitha13
Sent: Fri, January 28, 2011 2:53:13 PM
Subject: Re: BWC product Info

Hello again! Just finishing up your sample package -- it will be sent out within the next few days. I'd say today, but they hate when I give them something Friday and tell them that IT MUST LEAVE -- so I won't. But you'll have it soon! I've crammed as much goodness into this pack as I can, because to me, it's a blast. I even got super special permission to send you something that hasn't even yet been released... I wrote a note that will be in the package, giving you all the details. I will say, however, that it's something even I haven't gotten to try... I'm very excited to hear a customer review on it! It is a piece from the absolutely NEW line that isn't yet available in stores;  You can buy it in the UK right now, but the US release is just starting to kick off.  Tell your readers to stay tuned to the website (www.beautywithoutcruelty.com) for details and such. The first place to stock them on a retail level will probably be www.Internatural.com. As a side note:The facial care/skin care items are made in the USA; nothing imported from China.  The cosmetics are made in the UK, with EU regulations (more rigorous than our FDA in many ways). All the products are free of parabens, phthalates, animal products (or slaughterhouse by-products), and animal testing (this goes for all of the suppliers for raw materials, as well). Many of our products are also gluten free, which is an increasingly important factor for many people.  You can find a complete gluten free listing on the website mentioned above.  As an added bonus, ALL COSMETICS (both old and new) are completely fragrance free.I really hope you will enjoy these things!! I am excited to read your reviews whenever you post them.Take care 

Availability:Beauty Without Cruelty & Internatural

Walmart Launches GeoGirl Natural Cosmetics

A cosmetic revolution for the tweens of America better known as Generation Z. WalMart is launching a new line of natural cosmetics geared towards today's environmentally compassionate new generation (8 to 12 yrs) called GeoGirl. This line will be replacing Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen Cosmetics sold at Walmart which have dropped in sales and tween interest over the years. This bold move from Walmart is no laughing matter  as tweens hold an estimated shopping power of 2 billion dollars! The formula in these products promise to be free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic colors, fragrances and other harsh ingredients.Natural ingredients like white willow bark, chamomile, lavender, which are all dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested are used as alternates. The packaging itself are also made from recycled materials and designed to ergonomically fit smaller hands. The color formula also promises to be bright, mistake proof and easy to apply. The make up will go on sheer and see through to enhance natural beauty with natural ingredients. The 69 SKU Collection (there are 69 products in this line) which includes make up for the face, eyes, lips, cheeks, skin and body care will have cute names with word play on tweens favorite past time- texting! For example:  lip balm is called J4G (Just 4 Grins), cleanser is called T2G (Time to Go) and QTPi (Cutie Pie) Mineral Blush. Prices range from the $3.99 iCU (I See You) Liquid2Powder Shadow to the $5.99 TiSC (This Is So Cool) Body Mist. In addition the company will also donate a part of the net profits to a charity chosen by the young consumers. The upcoming GeoGirl website will also include how to videos for girls. This is a huge step for Walmart as I believe in the past some products sold have been manufactured with companies that do animal testing. There is no information in regards to this but it seems as if it's not an animal tested line and I'm going to look for further news regarding this but so far so good. If anyone knows for certain whether this collection is or is not cruelty free please contact me,I would be interested to know. Hey this might be for tweens but if it's natural ingredients, affordable and way too cute I'm gonna grab be a bunch of stuff from the line! You non tween chicks excited about this? Stay beautiful! XOXO
Availability:Select Walmart & Geogirl March suggested retail $3.98- $5.98

(source of launch date,pricing and product info from WWD and Happi)

Good Karma-Getting Attention For Cruelty Free Cosmetics!

I received this fabulous email from a company that sells cruelty free products and wanted to share it with you guys because it makes me happy knowing that if you put good vibes out there in wanting to make a change or difference other like minded people will find you and help guide you in your quest for purchasing guilty free cosmetics,skin care and such. Obviously for privacy issues the name,email and phone number of this lovely lady will be left out and once I receive her samples I will definitely share the company's information along with my findings with my members. I'm loving that the internet could be a tool used for good change and not just gossip. I also want to mention a button linking to PETA for signing a petition to end animal cruelty was posted on my side bar so please click the pink bunny  to participate.Stay beautiful! XOXO

email sent to me below:

Tue, January 25, 2011 1:02:36 PM

Re: BWC product Info

From:	(Senders email and name withheld for privacy) ... Add to Contacts
To:	sabitha13@yahoo.com

---

Hello, Maria!

After having read your heartfelt message about going "cruelty free" in your quest for beauty, I sympathize with you.  Before I began working with this company, I was happy and ignorant of exactly what the phrase "animal testing" meant;  After having seen a few films and digging up the information that I could, I felt my eyes were much more open when I looked around again.  Even the things that I loved, like fancy and wonderful smelling lotions, seemed to be telling me a different story suddenly. I began noticing the phrase "Finished Product Not Tested On Animals", and it finally clicked that they seemed to be hiding the fact that the actual ingredients may have been.

I also took a moment to peek at your FAQ, and I'm glad you put your skin tone/coloring information on there, as this will make it much easier for me to find something wonderful for you.

I will send you a few things that I am personally in love with, in the hopes that you will enjoy them as well! 

If you could please send me your address, I think it will make getting these to you much simpler! If you can avoid it, please do not use a PO Box, as we generally ship UPS and they will not deliver to one.

 Thank you

(name withheld for privacy)