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.

FYI: Indie Nail Polish Decoded!

It bears repeating: I love indie brands.  What is an indie brand?  Quite simply an independent brand most people associate with small businesses.  It may be a one-person shop or a rather large sized operation, but they all offer unique and fun products that you won't find at your local drug store or supermarket.  Indie nail polish is a vast market where creativity knows no bounds and there is glitter galore in colors and shapes you never knew existed.  But sometimes it seems like those indie polish gals are speaking a totally different language.  So, what's it all about and what are you getting into?  Here are a few "translations" that may help you as you begin, or expand, your journey.

Common Terminology:

Jelly - This is a description of the consistency of the nail polish.  A jelly polish is, well, like jelly you spread on toast!  It is glassy and generally somewhat sheer; it takes several coats to get opaque coverage.  It is a great vehicle for floating tons of creatively shaped glitter.
 

Crelly - Pictured above, a combination of the terms "cream" and "jelly" = "crelly." It relates to the consistency of the polish.  Like a jelly polish, it is not entirely opaque and, in addition, is creamy or cloudy.  Crelly polishes can be glossy or matte but are all milky.

Holo - Short for "holographic," these polishes shimmer and shine like no other.  No thick or chunky glitters here, it's more of an overall sheen that shifts color in varying lighting.

Undies - Just a cute way of referring to a base coat (you know, the clear polish you may or may not put down first before your color of choice).

3-Free - There are potentially harmful chemicals in nail polish, a topic of debate that recently caused even big name brands to change their formulas.  3-free nail polish is formulated without Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, and toluene. 

5-Free - Taking it a step further, 5-free nail polish nixes all the above, but also excludes camphor and formaldehyde resin.  Many 5-free polishes boast vegan and even pregnancy-safe formulas (be sure to check all labeling to be sure as these are not requirements, just nice bonuses).

Why Indie Nail Polish:

There are so many benefits to most any indie brands.  You're supporting small businesses and most all indie companies offer cruelty-free nail polish; many are vegan.  Because these small companies are all about the creativity of the maker, there are countless colors and styles of polish that are completely unique; everyone will be asking, "where did you get that nail polish?" These guys don't have the overhead of major brands either, so sales are abundant.  If a new collection is coming out or the maker wants to clear out some discontinued shades, you can save more than 50% off regular prices, which are already lower than store brands.  Ever wanted to design your very own nail polish?  Indie brands will often do custom orders!  That's right, you tell them exactly what you are looking for and they will design a nail polish for you.  Imagine what great gifts custom polishes would make, the possibilities are endless.

Where to Start:

If I've talked you into giving indie nail polish a shot, here are a few brands you must try!

Candied Apple Polish - 5-free polishes and tons of crellys!  This shop is particularly fun because the owner/maker of the polishes offers "Mystery Apples" - a surprise color you get to see when it gets to your mailbox.    

Rain City Lacquer - 3-free polishes for the pastel lover in you.  They ship internationally.

ella + mila - 5-free polishes in a wide range of shades if you're not big on glitter. There is a color for everyone here from brights to neutrals and they offer a "mommy and me" line with coordinating mother/daughter polishes.  Great for gifting.

CDB Lacquer - This is one of those shops that will do custom colors.  They offer polishes in three different sized bottles so you can choose just to sample, or go all out with a full size product. Some formulas are 3-free, others are 5-free.

drip drop nail paint - Often found teaming up with Candied Apple Polish for their popular duo collections, these 3-free polishes ship to the U.S. and Canada.  Drip drop also offers "prototype grab bags" where you can try a mystery assortment of one-of-a-kind polishes.

Review: Pleasant Earth Soap Company

Obviously, I am a huge fan of cosmetics.  Beauty products and I have shared a love affair for many years and I love introducing people to cruelty-free brands they can add to their collections.  I find it particularly enjoyable when the products happen to be made in my own backyard.  In doing my part to support local businesses, I often peruse the farmer's market and on a recent trip, I stumbled upon a wonderful little brand called Pleasant Earth Soap Company. 

Made right here in Central Florida, Pleasant Earth Soap Company offers various bar soaps, masks and facial treatments - even a gentle shampoo bar for your furry friends.  Some of the particularly noteworthy products include their bug repellant, an all natural blend of essential oils without all of the chemicals found in store bought repellants, and their fragrance-free Raw Organic Shea Butter.  I also found their coconut milk soaps in various fragrances (and fragrance-free options) to be moisturizing and soothing to sensitive skin.

I'm a sucker for facial treatments and masks, so I simply could not pass up the Dead Sea Mud Mask (sorry, it doesn't appear to be on their website at this time but you could likely contact the sellers to purchase it.)  It's thick, creamy, and free of any fragrances.  In about 10 minutes, it dries to a matte gray finish and rinses easily away. 

The Pros:

This brand is skin-loving and targeted to sensitive skin.  Most of the products offered either help with skin issues, such as eczema and psoriasis, or are free or fragrances and dyes that could irritate skin.  The Dead Sea Mask relaxes facial muscles instantly; I noticed an immediate softening of fine lines.  A bonus?  The mud naturally has some grit to it so by adding water to your palms and massaging skin while washing the mask off, you get a gentle exfoliation treatment to boot!  All of the bar soaps offered are under $5 and are 4 - 5 ounce cuts - you can afford to try different items without going broke.  Last but not least, PES Company uses earth friendly packaging options.

The Cons:

The Pleasant Earth Soap Company's website is a bit sparse where available inventory is concerned.  You may look into contacting the seller directly to find out what other products are available (for example, the dog shampoo bar I purchased at the farmer's market shop). 

If you're looking for a local, small business that supports local farmers, you will love Pleasant Earth Soap Company's soothing, mild bath offerings.

Review: Concrete Minerals

Lately I have been falling in love with loose eye shadow.  Although I find it more difficult to work with, the range of colors and formulas seems endless: a makeup lover's dream!  It allows for truly creative looks.  Couple all of that with skin-loving ingredients and you've got Concrete Minerals.  Founded in 2009, Concrete Minerals boasts a generous line of 56+ eye shadows, both matte and shimmer, and 14 lip tints.  CM is also 100% vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and made with pure pigments and ingredients without fillers.  

 

The above photo was shot without a flash but under artificial (indoor) lighting.  The swatches were done on dry skin without any primer or moisturizer.  The photo has not been retouched or edited/filtered in an attempt to capture the true colors.  Colors from top to bottom:  Deviant, Storm, Sweet Catrina, Brat, Blood and Guts, Black Metal

The top two colors (Deviant and Storm) were free samples included with my order of the other four, full-size shades.  Each pot contains approximately 1.5 grams of product.  Deviant and Storm are wonderfully wearable gray tones; Deviant has a shimmer while Storm is a lighter gray matte.  Sweet Catrina, the most flattering shade, is a gorgeous pink champagne color with hints of silver shimmer.  It is wonderful for blending or highlighting.  Brat is a must have for girls who love all things pink and girly: the perfect shade of shimmering magenta!  Blood and Guts is a curious shade of rusty brown with a very faint green shift/shimmer, definitely a conversation starter.  Finally, Black Metal is most accurately named.  It's a deep, dark black with a silver/gun metal shimmer that is ideal as a liner or for a sultry smoky eye. 

The above photo was taken in artificial (indoor) light, but hasn't been edited/filtered.  I used Brat, blending well, which proves that even a vibrant shade can be totally wearable for day or night.  I smudged Deviant along my lashes as a liner.

The above photo was taken in artificial (indoor) light, but hasn't been edited/filtered.  For a base shadow along the lid I used Sweet Catrina.  I used Storm for the crease and then topped it with Blood and Guts across the brow bone.  By dipping an eye liner brush in water or primer, Black Metal makes a gorgeous liner!

The Pros:

First off, these shadows are a steal for the price, just $7 per full-size pot.  Considering there is no talc or fillers, you're getting true, honest-to-goodness mineral shadows that even sensitive skinned beauties can use.  There are also various promos and coupon codes ongoing that make for an even better value.  If you want to discover a "just right" amount of shimmer, Concrete Minerals is it.  Even the brightest colors are completely flattering and shine in a "grown-up" way.  These shadows are versatile: use them dry as usual, or wet as a liner or for a more vivid look.  Lastly, the packaging is fun!  Their collectible tins will surely appeal to the consumer that craves cute and sexy on the outside.

The Cons:

To be fair, I always try to look at the ups and downs of products; however, it's difficult to complain about such a quality line.  As with any loose shadow, it can be difficult if you're used to pressed eye shadow - there's fall out during application and storage can be an issue.  With a little practice and a big plastic bin to store it all in, you'll easily avoid those minor concerns.

Overall, Concrete Minerals offers a fun and flattering line of products that are perfect for us health conscious consumers that want the total package.

Review: The Chequered Lily Apothecary

Handmade cosmetics are a wonderful way to support small business, avoid animal testing and find vegan friendly items.  Finding the cream of the crop can be tricky, but when you stumble upon a hidden gem, you know the search is worthwhile.  The Chequered Lily Apothecary, opened in 2011, offers various cosmetics, though I was focused on their 150+ eye shadow shades in various finishes and textures.  The pastry chef turned cosmetics creator touts cleanliness and ServSafe practices and labels everything to ensure you know what you're getting.

Of the countless shadows, I chose four; I was pleasantly surprised to find four complimentary samples in the pretty Alice in Wonderland-esque packaging.

The above swatches are the sample colors I received.  The picture was taken in natural light without a flash.  I do not Photoshop or filter any of the photos so as to properly represent the colors.  Additionally, these are swatched on bare skin - no primer or lotion.  The colors, from top to bottom:  #12 Snow, Glass, Apples, #64 Hyacinth, #10 Milky Way, #32 Seafoam.  #12 is perfect for a highlighter shade and brightens brow bones or the inner corner of the eyes.  There's a subtle shift in color from silvery white to pale blue and even green.  #64 is a princess perfect pastel purple.  #10 appears deep purple or gray depending on the lighting.  #32 is a surprisingly wearable pastel mint green to gold shift.

The colors I purchased from left to right: #128 Grimoire, #137 Midnight Show, #117 Moving On, #07 Caterpillar.  Each container holds 1 gram of product.  #128 is my favorite of the bunch.  Depending on how it is applied, tapped versus brushed or smudged, it can appear purple, magenta, brown or bronze.  It is gorgeous for a unique, smoky eye look.  #137 is a vivid dark purple, navy blue shift.  #117 cannot be photographed properly; this amazing, peachy gold color is so sparkly and is beautiful as a highlighter on cheekbones.  #07 is a pale gold, yellow, green that makes a fun base shade for any pastel look.

The Pros:

I am always pleased when handmade cosmetics are so meticulously made.  Allergy warnings, ingredients, uses - all labeled clearly.  In addition, vegan and non-vegan products are kept separate to avoid contamination.  The shades are all vivid and highly pigmented, offering great color payoff at just $6.50 per pot.  There are so many colors to choose from, you're bound to find something to your liking.

The Cons:

If you're not a fan of loose shadow and prefer pressed, you won't find it at The Chequered Lily.  The packaging doesn't allow for stacking (e.g. interlocking lids or bottoms) so it'll test your storage space.  The darker shades, namely #128 and #137 can cause a bit of staining on the skin, but are easily removed with makeup remover.

Beautiful, well made and affordable: Take a trip through the looking glass and see what The Chequered Lily Apothecary has for you.

Review: My Beauty Addiction Cosmetics

I have a tiny obsession with lipstick, stains, glosses, etc.  I find lip cosmetics a simple way to update your look in a flash.  In my never ending search for fun and fabulous lip colors, I am always pleased when I stumble upon cruelty-free brands that offer various formulas and tons of color options.  I was delighted to find 5-year-old handmade brand MBA Cosmetics.  With over 600 items to choose from including eye shadow, body products and, of course, lipsticks galore, I was sold.  Lip sticks and glazes range from $4.75 to $7.50 - how affordable!  Not to mention bundle specials (5 for $20 on Sugar Babies? Yes, please!).

As pictured above, I purchased the Whipped Soap Souffle in "Hello Sugar," Petite Lip Paint in "Burlesque," and Sugar Babies in "Breathless."  The "Passionfruit" loose shadow was a freebie sample.  The souffle is the consistency of room temperature butter, all creamy and smooth.  The first two ingredients, glycerin and almond oil, are incredibly moisturizing and leave skin feeling soft even without a separate moisturizer.  Delicious!  But onto the cosmetics...

The HD lip paints are described as being the most highly pigmented lipsticks of the bunch.  Velvety smooth and hydrating, they offer superb, opaque coverage with a semi-matte finish.  The photo above is "Burlesque" and was taken in natural light, no flash and no filtering or editing has been done.

The Pros:

This little tube is packed with pigment and feels wonderfully smooth on the lips - no dry out!  I got wonderful coverage from just one coat and didn't feel the need for a lip liner.  There are so many colors to choose from; novelty colors like brilliant green and banana yellow, and nudes and pinks galore.  There are also various forms of the lip paint.  You can purchase the same formula in a tube or in a pot for application with a brush.  Depending on what you choose, prices range from under $5 to $7.50.  For the price, this is a must have.

The Cons:

The main issue for this lipstick is staying power.  Because this is a very hydrating formula, you may not get the longest lasting wear without a lip primer.  If cutesy packaging is a must for you, this very functional brand may not initially catch your eye - however, it appears from some of the photos on the seller's site that the packaging may be getting an upgrade to sleeker black tubes.

The aptly named Sugar Babies apply like a gloss but deliver the pigmentation of a lipstick.  They smell like a sugary vanilla cupcake and offer a shiny, non-sticky finish.  The photo above is "Breathless" and was taken in natural light, no flash and no filtering or editing has been done.  Depending on how the light hits it, it's a dark, stormy gray/blue/purple.

The Pros:

They smell sweet enough to eat and come in an amazing selection of colors.  Given the reasonable price tag, I wanted to try a color I'd never consider otherwise.  This jojoba oil based gloss is not sticky, yet delivers lots of shine.  This formula mixes easily with other lip glosses to boot!  At just $4.75 I could easily see myself stocking up on many of the colors available.  The coverage is quite impressive for a gloss, though not quite what I'd consider a liquid lipstick.

The Cons:

Again, don't let the simple packaging fool you - unless simple packaging just isn't doable for your personal collection.  This particular color, "Breathless," does temporarily stain my lips, but can be wiped away easily with makeup remover or plain old cleanser and water. 

If color and value are important to you, look no further than MBA Cosmetics.  I am quite sure I'll be placing another order in the near future. 

Tutorial: Self-Tanning Fixes 101

Summer is here and I don't have to tell you how important a golden glow can be to your look.  It's slimming, it evens out your skin tone and blurs imperfections, and it makes you look healthy.  Chances are you've already tried self tanning at home, but perhaps your results weren't ideal.  With a few quick fixes to common self tanning woes, you'll get the perfect shade of bronze without the hassle.

Step 1:  Choose the Right Formula 

Whether it is spray or foam, cream or gel, there are many choices on the market.  The best tip for choosing the right one for you?  Don't be cheap.  It's understandable, some of us do beauty on a budget, but a good self tanner will last you for months and is generally the easiest to use.  The formulas are built to reduce streakiness and help you avoid looking orange.  My favorite self tanner is Tarte's Brazilliance (pictured at top).  It is a gel/cream hybrid that is tinted to show you where it's going as it's applied.  The application mitt is particularly helpful: one, you avoid orange palms and stained nails and two, it cuts streaky application down considerably.  This formula also has a beachy coconut fragrance; while that self tanning smell isn't completely gone, it's certainly less noticeable.  

Step 2:  Apply at the Right Time

Some of us apply self tanner and attempt to go about our day:  No.  Stop.  Desist.  Throughout the day you're sweating, producing oil, rubbing against your clothing and other people.  Even though it might seem like your tanner is dry, most formulas are working for hours after they are applied.  To avoid finding splotches or uneven spots, apply your self tanner at night right before you turn in for the night.  We all tend to sweat less when we sleep, and pajamas tend to be less binding than other clothing.  It gives your skin the best opportunity to process with little to no movement going on.

Step 3:  Blend Trouble Spots

Before you apply your self tanner, consider applying a tiny dab of regular lotion to your knees and elbows.  Massage into the skin completely, then apply your tanner.  The lotion will prevent the dry skin on your elbows and knees from turning orange or darker than the rest of your skin.  After you wash your hands post-tanner application, use your damp fingertips to massage around your wrists and along the backs of your hands.  Washing your hands may have spread water droplets around the area, which can become splotches once your tan is complete.  Finally, do the same around your ankles, blending with your fingertips down toward your feet.  You don't want ring-around-the-ankle/wrists, right?  Taking an extra minute or two to blend these areas is key.

Step 4:  Make Corrections

Leave your self tanner in tact for however long it takes to process fully (the product packaging will tell you).  Once your tanning time is complete, take a shower.  Don't use a bath puff or abrasive sponge, just your hands or a soft washcloth.  After you've dried off, take a look in the mirror.  If you have any streaks or splotches, chances are they can be repaired.  For very minor streaks or discolorations, exfoliate the darker area with a loofah or other abrasive sponge.  This should even you out.  For more noticeable splotches, dip a cotton ball in nail polish remover and rub until you notice the color starting to become more even.  As a last resort if you've missed a spot, add a tiny bit of tanner to the bare area and blend VERY well.  

Step 5:  Troubleshooting

Are you noticing your skin looks orange?  Splurge on a cosmetic grade formula (read: probably not for sale at your local drug store/supermarket).  You may also be applying too much or too often.  Let's face it, self tanners can only go so far to give you a bit of color.  Like celebrities that have overdone it, you, too, can over apply at home.  Most self tanners should be applied no more than twice a week to maintain color.  Finding clogged pores or pimples cropping up?  Exfoliate between applications.  Self tanner can settle into your pores and cause bumps.  Scrub trouble spots with a sugar scrub: my favorite is the ridiculously accessible and wonderfully priced Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrubs.  This particular scrub moisturizes without depositing heavy oils on your skin, so you can apply your self tanner directly after use.  Practice makes perfect, so keep at it and soon you'll be a bronzed goddess without ever leaving your bathroom.