Review: Medusa's Make-up

Autumn is officially here (although it is more like winter for some) and I have been turning to warmer, nude shades in my makeup case.  But let's face it, we all have our basic browns and so I am always on the lookout for "new nudes" - the warmth and simplicity you love from nude shades, but in updated colors.  Luckily, I just so happened to purchase some "new nudes" from Medusa's Make-up.

Medusa's Make-up has a romantic history.  A husband and wife team opened a boutique back in the 90's and created signature cosmetics for their shop.  In 2005, the duo launched their full makeup line.  Their products are all cruelty-free and many options are vegan, and they offer a little bit of everything: glitter, lipstick, skincare, etc. 

I was initially drawn to the Safari Eyeshadow set: 12 pressed shadows in coordinating shades for just $35.  I also ordered a lipstick at $12, and a vegan eye makeup remover, 4 ounces for $8.  First up, the eyes.

The above swatches are done on bare skin without primer or lotion underneath.  The colors from top to bottom:  Jungle Fever, Black Gold, Tarzan, Desert Rose, Headhunter, Maneater, Liger, Xtinct, Venom, Voodoo.  (Note: I am actually giving two of the shades, Amulet and Midnight Oil, as gifts so they are not pictured.)

The Pros:

These shades range from bright blue and green to rust, pink and brown.  As you can see from the swatches, however, all of the colors work beautifully together and they would be positively ideal on any skin tone.  I was amazed at how wearable these colors are.  All of the colors have a sheen to them but, again, very subtle.  I adore the sparkle without the glitter.  These are surely going to take the place of your daily colors.  The consistency is like butter and, though somewhat powdery, they are very easy to blend for subtle smokey eye looks.

The Cons:

Of all of the eyeshadows I have reviewed, Medusa's are the least pigmented.  You're going to end up with a soft wash of color versus extremely bright, solid colors.  The above look was done using an eyeshadow primer and a sponge applicator.  Sadly, all of Medusa's Make-up's eyeshadows contain talc, a filler I am not too keen on, and beeswax, so they are not vegan friendly - No worries, however, there's no animal testing!

  
Medusa's Make-up currently offers 8 shades of lipstick, all of which are vegan.  The above shade is Baroque, perhaps best described as a pale sangria shade: a mix of magenta and burgundy.  It is pictured in the look above and below. 

The Pros:

With a semi-matte finish, this smooth wearing lipstick feels more like a balm when applied.  It is fragrance-free and long wearing.  I wore this out to dinner and only needed a single touch up despite eating and drinking!  It also has a nice base color about it that just so happened to whiten my smile.  I really like the packaging, it's sleek but unique and just a touch vintage.  In addition, Medusa's has also added lip gloss to their lineup although I have not yet had the pleasure of trying it out. 

The Cons:

Again I find myself disappointed when inexpensive fillers find their way into otherwise awesome cosmetics - in this case, mineral oil.  Mineral oil is not a deal breaker, but it is worth noting.  

Afterthoughts:

I advise you to join Medusa Make-up on its various social media channels, as they announce sales and the like there.  You can also keep updated on new product releases and see photo swatches.

I rarely comment on the websites themselves as I'm far from a graphic designer; however, I find Medusa's website terribly confusing and difficult to navigate. For example, if you visit the "eyeshadow" page, you will find the Safari set priced at $59; however, if you visit the "deals" page, it's $35.  There are absolutely no swatches to be found either so you will be guessing, at best, on the way the colors really look when applied.  One bonus is that Medusa's offers free shipping with orders of $25 or more.  You can also give an e-gift certificate in any amount you choose so gifting is ridiculously easy. 

Review: LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs

Hopefully you all are in a spooktacular mood, because I am pleased to bring you this review on the most Halloween-centric cosmetics brand I've had the pleasure of discovering.  LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs specializes in vegan, cruelty-free and talc-free cosmetics from basic nudes to black light reactive neons.  They pride themselves on offering special effects makeup as well as makeup for your everyday wear.  I was thrilled by their packaging (if you couldn't tell by now, I'm a sucker for unique cosmetics and clever packaging) and color combinations.

Just look at that palette!  It's a beauty.  This is the Oracle palette.  The colors, from left to right:  Intuition, Spirit, Premonition, HooDoo, Summon.  Intuition and Spirit are metallic finishes - no glitter, but lots of sheen.  Premonition is a great highlighter or blending shade and, while it has some sheen to it, is perhaps best described as semi-matte.  Hoodoo and Summon are chock full of iridescent, super-fine milled glitter for the sparkle lover in all of us.  

I have swatched these colors over LunatiCK Lab's primer, which is pure white and slightly tacky to the touch.  It can be used as a pure white base plus primer, or spread on more sparingly to be a primer alone.  Colors, from left to right:  Summon, HooDoo, Premonition, Spirit, Intuition.  

I did this look using the Oracle palette and the brand's ApocalipSLICK in Coven Cream ($9).  They are buttery lip creams that fall somewhere between a lipstick and a lip gloss with a mostly matte finish.  They also smell like watermelon Bubble Yum! 

The Pros:

These eye shadows are extremely smooth and heavily pigmented.  LunatiCK Labs has taken all of the brilliant pigment power of a loose shadow and pressed it into convenient palette form.  Each individual eye shadow cake comes with a presser - a little plastic piece that you can use to press the shadows down with if they happen to become too loose/powdery.  I have yet to have any major fallout from these pressed shadows, but who knows.  I have saved the best for last:  LunatiCK Labs offers CUSTOMIZED palettes!  That's right, you can choose from their many eye shadow colors to create a palette with whatever shades you desire!  Custom palettes are the same price as their regular palettes ($35) but, to my understanding, the custom palettes do not come with the pressers.  Because all of their cosmetics are cruelty-free AND vegan, you don't have to scope out every color to find vegan options.  This brand is absolutely ideal for those who don't compromise: cruelty-free, vegan, and no fillers like talc.  

The Cons:

LunatiCK Labs does not seem to run as many sales as do other indie makeup companies.  While prices are reasonable and competitive, you may choose to stock up while there's an applicable discount.  There does not seem to be any fragrance in the eye shadows, but there is in the ApocalipSLICKS.  It is a very noticeable scent; while not unpleasant to me, personally, those with allergies may be irritated by it.  

Overall, I am very impressed with LunatiCK Cosmetic Lab's product line and look forward to purchasing more.  Happy Halloween, beauties!

Review: My Pretty Zombie Cosmetics

Despite some recent dental woes, I am absolutely feeling the Fall season.  Pumpkin spice is everywhere from my candles to my kitchen, I've busted out the autumnal decor, and now as we near closer to my favorite holiday, Halloween, it seems only right that I review My Pretty Zombie cosmetics at this time.  Started in 2010, the self proclaimed underground cosmetics company has creativity to spare.  From their Butcher Shop Collection (ironic since some of the shades are vegan) to the WTF Collection, the unique colors and mantra of the brand are just plain fun.  MPZ cosmetics also offers blush in addition to their loose mineral eye shadows, and a wonderful little thing called Mr. Pickles Miraculous Beauty Dust.

Chances are you are wondering about the photo at top.  The five shadows I purchased came packaged in a black, Chinese food takeout style box with MPZ's signature "severed finger" attached with a pink ribbon.  Needless to say, I got quite a kick out of it.  

The photo above was taken in artificial light and, as they are mostly pastels, it's a bit difficult to capture their true beauty.  From top to bottom:  Tenderloin, Fatback, Celery and Bile, Law Firm Lamb Cake, and Rabid Weasel (I chose the You Pick 5 Eyeshadow Set for $20).  Tenderloin and Fatback are from the Butcher Shop Collection.  Tenderloin is a gorgeous shade of red wine with a purple/blue shift and Fatback is a surprisingly feminine, baby pink with an iridescent quality to it.  Celery and Bile is a mint green with a white gold shift, and Rabid Weasel is a matte gray with a blue undertone to it.  I must address Law Firm Lamb Cake separately for several reasons:  1 - I'm a lawyer and "law firm" has never, EVER made it into the cosmetics realm in this fashion.  2 - This is an extremely unique formula.  It's a mix of iridescent white/gray shadow with bits of iridescent glitter mixed in!  It requires a primer, preferably a glitter adhesive, but it's absolutely amazing on.  I fully intend to mix it into some lip gloss just for fun one of these days.  3 - It makes an excellent highlighter.  Just perfect.  It is my favorite of the lot.

Above is a quick eye look I did using Fatback all over, and Tenderloin in the crease.

The Pros:

If you're a gal that likes unique makeup that's just a touch on the dark side, MPZ is for you.  I just love how this brand doesn't take itself too seriously and has fun, exciting color options for every taste.  There are many ways to purchase eye shadows, too.  Although I can't see how you could resist buying multiple shades, you can purchase one single pot, a whole collection, or colors from the entire line.  The website clearly states what is safe for eyes and lips, and also which shades are vegan.  Have an adventurous cosmetics lover in your life?  MPZ offers gift cards, which is a perfect way to let a friend try this loveable line.  5 gram eyeshadow pots are $5 each, and I received 2 sample shadows and a sample of Mr. Pickles Miraculous Beauty Dust (finishing powder) - LOVE.

The Cons:

The website recently got a makeover and although it is easy to navigate, things seem to be in strange order... Prices are also confusing in that a collection of 4 or 5 shades may sell for $20, but choosing 3 shades runs about $15.  You'll want to check around to be sure you're getting the best deal, whatever route you're taking.  I'm a rather clumsy person and I prefer my loose shadows to come with a sifter for that very reason (fyi - sifters are the little plastic covers with the holes in them that's just under the lid of the eyeshadow pot).  There are no sifters with these shadows and so it requires a little extra caution when opening as there's nothing to hold the shadows in place once the lid is off. 

My Pretty Zombie is a little bit creepy and a lot pretty.  There's no need for a lot of fluff or fancy advertising here, just quality cosmetics... and fun.

Review: Beauty Bar Baby

No parabens, sulfates, talc, preservatives, fragrances, dyes or fillers.  Almost 400 items to choose from.  Various sizes and prices on products with 5 gram shadow pots as low as $3... I could go on and on and all of these rave reviews are about one shop offering cruelty-free and vegan makeup: Beauty Bar Baby.  I was in awe over the variety and, of course, purchased plenty for sampling.  I've split the review into two parts, eyes and lips.  I have so many lovely photos to share, let's get to it!

The Eyes:

BBB offers an overwhelming range of shades and formulas from duo chromes to glitters to matte finish eye shadows. Below are some swatches for your viewing pleasure:

From left to right, $3 each for 5 gram pots: 'Lectric Pink (glitter) over Sephora's glitter primer, Enchantress (matte) on bare skin, Santa's Suit (duo chrome) on bare skin, and That's Really Bananas! (duo chrome) on bare skin. 

The glitter, like other formulas, does not adhere to skin without some type of primer or adhesive.  Beauty Bar Baby's is a bit different, however.  It appears to be a glitter/pigment hybrid so you're getting an extra bump in color with the glitz of your traditional glitter. 

The above is an eye look utilizing the 'Lectric Pink glitter.  It is far more sparkly in person; it's tough to capture glitter in a photograph.

Enchantress is a lovely, gray based lilac.  Santa's Suit is my favorite of the bunch, a red/gold/green shift with more sparkle then most duo chromes I've come across in the market.  That's Really Banana's is a true yellow to iridescent shift that is surprisingly wearable.  I used it in the look below:

The Lips:

Under the luscious lips category, BBB offers more formulas than colors, and that's just fine by me.  I had to have a lip balm in Pumpkin Spice ($2.75); it's smooth and silky and the fragrance is the finest I have come across in handmade lip balms.  Below are swatches of the lipstick and Lip Potions I got my hands on:

From top to bottom ($6 each): Unicorn Kisses lipstick in Princess Candace, Lip Potion in Stroke of Midnight, and Lip Potion in Ritualistic.  Below are some swatches on the lips for another look at these goodies:

A look using Princess Candace semi-matte lipstick.  This stuff is like butter!  It is smooth and opaque and is the consistency of melted lipstick in a tube.  It is best applied with a brush even though packaged in a lip balm tube.  If you want opaque coverage that is mostly a matte finish without all the dryness, this is the formula for you. 

Above is Stroke of Midnight.  It is packaged in a 5 gram pot and requires a brush to apply it.  It is a very thick, very pigmented gloss texture that can work as a sheer wash of color, or become opaque with a heavier application.  It's a glossy finish, as well.  Same applies for Ritualistic, below:

The Pros:

Everything was priced below $10, and at just $3 for eye shadow pots, you can afford some fun, fashion forward colors you may otherwise pass up if you're on a budget.  The eye shadows - particularly the duo chromes - have more sparkle to them then I am accustom to and I love them.  They are absolutely beautiful and I have found no sparkle to compare as yet.  Princess Candace, from the Unicorn Kisses collection, feels amazing on and that is rare for matte finish lipsticks.  I am terribly impressed with the Lip Potions too, as you can wear them in many different ways.  I swatched them heavily in the photos, but they can be used as a light gloss, or added to a lip balm, the possibilities are endless.  

The Cons:

If you plan on achieving full coverage with the Lip Potions, you'll likely need a similarly colored base lipstick or it can look splotchy.  Without lip liner, the Lip Potions also tend to bleed.  It takes some doing, but they're wonderful and easy to use if you apply a sheer coat.  

Bonus Information:

Overall, I am very pleased with everything I purchased and, if you are reading this now (September 23, 2014) I urge you to rush on over to Beauty Bar Baby's shop because the seller is offering a limited edition Halloween collection!  It is available for pre-order now and is $23 and filled with tons of goodies.  Did I mention it is packaged in an adorable wooden coffin?  I know I'm excited about it!

FYI: Talcum Powder and Cancer

As you may know by now, I'm a lawyer by day and budding beauty blogger by night.  I was genuinely surprised when I realized the two seemingly unrelated activities intersect frequently - but rarely in a good way.  As a beauty blogger, I like to be aware of what sort of ingredients are in the cosmetics I purchase and review.  As a lawyer, I receive information on said ingredients when there's a problem with them.  Enter the talcum powder lawsuits.  Back in 2009, a study by Dr. Margaret Gates and the National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Health led to the first of many lawsuits regarding the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.  These lawsuits are still ongoing nationwide.  So, what do you need to know about this common ingredient?  Here's the deal.

What is talc?

Talc is a mineral that absorbs moisture and protects skin from friction.  As you can see from the advertisement above, women have been using talc in the form of talcum powder for years.  However, talcum powder is mostly commonly referred to today as "baby powder."  Prior to the 1970's, naturally occurring talc, ground into powder form, contained asbestos.  Although asbestos is banned these days, in a 2013 lawsuit, it was alleged that studies showed that even asbestos-free talcum powder had the potential to cause ovarian cancer.

 

Where is talc?

Most dusting powders for adults or baby powders for infants contain talcum powder as the main (sometimes only) ingredient.  Talc is also a filler in certain eye shadows, face powders, foundations, blush and bronzers, etc.  You should check any powder based cosmetics ingredients list to see if talc is included.

 

Is talc really a threat?

The American Cancer Society summed up some of the research that has been going on in relation to the link between cancer and talcum powder.  So far the research has been focused on use of talcum powder in the genital area and the findings are mixed.  Some research suggested an increased risk to women of as much as 30%, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization, has declared asbestos-free talc to be "possibly carcinogenic" to humans.

How to avoid talc?

I'm no scientist and I don't intend to dictate whether or not people should avoid talcum powder entirely, but it is worth further research and consideration by we the consumers.  If, like me, you prefer to err on the side of caution, check the ingredients in any and all cosmetics you purchase.  If the ingredients aren't listed on the packaging, you may be able to find that information online on the manufacturer's website(s).  Just because a product is cruelty-free does not mean it is talc-free.  Luckily, due to the attention talc is getting these days, many makeup companies proudly declare if/when their products are talc-free.

At the end of the day it is up to the savvy consumer to do his or her homework before making a purchase.  The research on talc is still in its infancy but it is my personal belief that it is an unnecessary "filler" and there are many wonderful brands that don't use it.  Hopefully you find this information useful and it leads you to further research.

Review: Lime Crime

If you're a fan of indies, then you've likely heard of their darling: Lime Crime.  You've also probably read the good, the bad, and the ugly surrounding Lime Crime's founder, Doe Deere.  I, personally, am only concerned about makeup and sharing my opinion on the products.  So, let's just stick to that, shall we?  Lime Crime is a cruelty-free and vegan brand that most people know for their lip products.  However, they offer several palettes in the adorable tin packaging pictured above.  I chose Alchemy, a shimmery duo-chrome lineup that is perfect for building up a solid lineup of autumn colors.

Above I've swatched the Alchemy palette collection of pressed eye shadows.  Whenever I swatch, I use an ordinary eye shadow sponge and do one swipe across dry skin; no primer or lotion of any kind beneath.  I photograph the swatches in natural light (whenever possible) and don't filter the finished photo.  The colors from top to bottom:  Divination, Spellbound, Love Potion No9, Lucky Charm, and Incantation.

My two favorites, Divination, a brilliant, blue-based teal, and Love Potion No9, a dreamy lavender, are peacock-feather perfection, while the curious but wearable additions of Lucky Charm, a grass green shimmer, and Incantation, the color of a pumpkin spice latte or a burnt bronze/orange shift, remind me of an autumnal pumpkin patch.  Spellbound is a classic, blendable highlighter that works wonders in tying all of these shades together. 

A look I did utilizing ALL of the colors from the Alchemy palette.  I am also wearing Lime Crime's opaque lipstick in Coquette.  

A close up look at the above; I used Spellbound along my brow bone, with Love Potion No9 in the crease.  Lucky Charm is the true green on my lid with Incantation along my upper lashes.  The lower liner is Divination.

The Pros:

I love a palette that combines unusual colors one wouldn't normally include in the same collection.  As my makeup collection grows, I find myself seeking out the unique.  This is definitely it.  I didn't really have colors like these in my makeup bag.  The colors are vibrant but the formula is soft enough that it blends well.  You can layer this stuff on there for extremely vivid looks, or, like I did, blend it out for a wash of color.  I was pleased that the pressed cakes didn't turn to loose powder fall-out immediately upon use, as some tend to do.  The packaging is adorable and functional; it's just large enough to house the shadows without wasting space in my ever shrinking makeup case.

The Cons:

Pressed eye shadow palettes are never as budget-friendly as their loose shadow counterparts.  Ringing in at $35 the palette is still less expensive than major store brands, but may be too pricey for budget babes.  Unfortunately, it appears that once these palettes sell out, they won't be restocked.  I've yet to see a sale or promotional codes for Lime Crime, something I always hail indie brands for, but that is not to say they do not have them - just nothing I've come across.  

I'm having tons of fun with this palette, and it seems like that is the goal behind Lime Crime.  Regardless of their "politics" (for lack of a better term) the eye shadows are bold, bright and a great addition to any makeup collection.

Review: CDB Lacquer

As a follow up to my introduction to indie polishes, I figured I'd review one of the first brands I purchased.  I happened upon CDB Lacquer when a follower on Instagram recommended it - and, of course, posted pictures of the fabulous colors.  5-free, handmade lacquers in tons of colors and glitters - if you're a fan of glitter in various shapes, textures, colors and finishes, you'll be thrilled with CDB Lacquer - I was excited.  

CDB Lacquer offers three sizes of nail polish bottles to choose from: petite, mini, and full size.  If there is a color you're lusting after but aren't quite sure it suits you, the petite bottles are ideal for sampling at a reasonable price.  The full size polish is 13 ML (the same amount as an Essie polish) and is pictured at top; however, CDB Lacquer has recently upgraded its bottles to a square shape with flat brushes for easier application.  

Pictured above is "Radiant" from the "Vivid Vixens" collection.  Gnarled cuticles aside, it's a yellow/gold shifting polish with a faint glitter sheen to it.  I purchased this in the mini size just to try out.  I used two coats of the polish with a clear top coat.  It applied buttery smooth and was not thick or lumpy in any way.  

Pictured above and at top is "Nothing is Impossible," a very pale white/blue crelly with turquoise and black glitter with larger iridescent/silver, circular glitter.  I was impressed with how smooth all of those various glitters laid once the polish dried!  I have tried some glitter polishes from mainstream brands (e.g. OPI, Essie, Sally Hansen...) and had issues with the glitter raising up or peeling - not the case with CDB Lacquer.  After a clear top coat was applied, my nails felt almost completely smooth to the touch.

The Pros:

CDB offers a reasonably priced lineup of very creative nail polishes.  Most full sized polishes are around $8 each.  They have sales pretty routinely and free shipping options all the time so you're sure to get a great deal.  The polishes are 5-free (see my previous post on what that means for you and your health) and have very little odor to them (you know, that "nail polish smell"). The glitter in these polishes didn't settle at the bottom, so there was no fishing to be done upon application.

The Cons:

If you prefer to shop for your nail polish in store or simply don't do any shopping online, you won't be able to get your pretty little hands on CDB Lacquer.  Shipping may be limited or unavailable depending on what country you're in.

Overall, I was impressed with the quality of these polishes.  They last for a good two weeks without chipping.  If you want to dip your toes into the indie nail polish waters - literally and figuratively - the many options at CDB Lacquer will make it a very pleasant experience.