Story by Jemima Codrington
April is Earth Month, and spring is in the air. What better time is there to revamp your cosmetics collection with new, eco-friendly products? Stock up on organic and cruelty-free items that are as good for your heart and soul as they are for your body!
Pure + Simple Pressed Mineral Foundation
Pure + Simple, $39.95
Start your day with a foundation made from 100% minerals and organic oils and butters. This powder goes on like a cream, providing flawless coverage all day long. It also has a built-in SPF block, making it great for summer. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for all skin types, and with numerous shades to choose from, finding your right colour is a snap. The light reflecting properties of the minerals give you a luminous look, so you can look and feel naturally fresh, even on hot summer days.
Seed Grape Seed Enriched Nourishing Body Lotion
Seed, $8.99
We love the scent, as well as the rich detoxifying properties and conditioning vitamin E. It doesn’t feature any additives or parabens, and even the packaging is recyclable! It’s completely vegan, meaning no animal products or by-products are used, and it’s not tested on animals either. Slide on this fruity lotion after showering to stay moisturized, naturally.
Vitamin C Soy Tightening Serum
Soya Boutique, $52.50
This serum from the Soya Boutique is a silky elixir that penetrates the skin for effective hydration while still feeling light. Vitamin C is proven to improve the skin’s tone and texture, as well as help clear blemishes. The unique botanical firming qualities deliver an immediate “face lift” effect and long-term firming efficacy.
Urban Decay Eye Shadow
Urban Decay, $17
This best-selling shadow comes in shimmer or matte tones, so you can create your perfect spring look. The rich pigments come in fun colours like teal and bright purple, so you can create pretty peepers for day, evening and special events. The tiny compacts feature a mirror too, so you can apply anywhere, from the subway to the powder room. Many of the colours are vegan, and all of the products are cruelty free.
mark. glowdacious Illuminating Powder
mark., $14
I’m a firm believer in using bronzer all year round, and this one’s a great choice because it comes in four shades. You can go darker in the summer and lighter for other seasons, and always get the perfect match for your skin tone. The compact features a half-moon brush for easy, on-the-go application, and the powder comes in four different colours to swirl together to create your custom look. Avon was one of the first brands to ban animal testing too, so invest in this bronzer to start glowing from the inside out.
Silky Cosmetics Body Whip
Silky Cosmetics, $18
Remove remnants of sun block, shaving cream, and scrub away the day with Silky Cosmetics Body Whip. This product features coconut oil and shea butter to moisturize dry skin, and soybean oil works as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory – perfect for keeping skin fresh and soft. For all the great ingredients it does contain, there are no parabens or preservatives, and it’s 100% vegan.
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara
Smashbox, $24
Get volume, length, definition and lift from Smashbox’s new Hyperlash Mascara. Ultra pigmented, this mascara promises to give you show-stopping lashes that stay soft thanks to Vitamin E extract. The comb wand makes it a great choice for touch-ups on-the go. Smashbox’s products have been voted the best in cruelty free cosmetics, and the company makes a conscious effort to include naturally-derived ingredients to create quality products. Feel good about vamping up your lashes in this smooth, soft mascara.
Burt’s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
Burt’s Bees, $4.50
The last thing you want in warm weather is sticky lips. Burt’s Bees balm has a finish that gives the illusion of lipgloss, but it’s actually very light and soft (not gooey). It’s made with pomegranate oil to nourish and hydrate lips, perfect for days spent in the sun. It’s rich in antioxidants and tastes great, but best of all, it’s not made with any parabens or phthalates, so go ahead and smother your smackers in cruelty-free, glossy goodness.
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