Month: April 2018

Vegan Cuts Makeup Box | Springtime Bliss

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, Uncategorized, vegan, vegan cuts1 Comment

Hi everyone!

We are going to start formatting posts a bit differently to make them a bit more personable and fun. We are going to start each post with a random fact about me, or things I like, or something I learned the day I wrote the post!

So, again. Hi everyone! I am Manda and I absolutely LOVE frozen grapes.

…and the Vegan Cuts Makeup Box! It comes quarterly and I believe is around $35. It is usually 4 full sized makeup items and one “tool” item.

This quarter is “Springtime Bliss”. It is finally spring 2018 here, and I am so ready for it and over the cold.

Eco Minerals Mineral Bronzer “Holiday” $29

The first item in the box is a semi matte loose bronzer. For some reason I never use my loose bronzers, but I am going to try to make a point to! There is a nice amount of product and there is a sealable sifter in the jar. Which is important.

I think the shade might work pretty well for me. As you can see, I am rather fair. It doesn’t seem too insanely pigmented, so I think I will be able to work with this.

Emani Vegan Cosmetics Organic Soy Infused Mascara “Black” $20

The tube of this mascara is really sleek and pretty. Of course, it is going to end up looking terrible in my possession, but I love the presentation. I love trying new mascaras. I will definitely up date you all on this one once I give it a try. Oh, and this mascara is also supposed to be a lash treatment.

Real Her “I feel Beautiful” EyeShadow Palette $28

Real Her is a real hit or miss brand for me. Sometimes I love the items, sometimes I hate them. I have another Real Her palette the “Be your own kind of beauty” and I really dislike it. It was all Shimmer and satins that we’re a bit more than Satin. It creased on me so bad and took AGES to blend.

This Palette, however, actually has mattes!! And the formula feels much different.

The shades in this one look really pretty, and definitely like a palette I would reach for a lot.

I really like the color palette you get to work with. The light shades don’t swatch too nicely, but I will have to see how they perform on the eyes.

Thrive Causemetics Glossy Lip Mark “Joann” $26

I have tried a few things from Thrive. I really love their cream blushes and they look great on the lips. Needless to say, I am really excited about this Glossy Lip Mark. It is definitely a shade I will use as well.

I think it is going to look beautiful on the lips.

Terre Mère Cosmetics Blending Brush $29

I love getting brushes in subscription boxes. Especially when they are pricey like this. I think it’s pricey anyway. Can’t be mad at a good blending brush!

That is it for the box!

I need to know y’all what kind of posts would you like to see!?

Thank you for reading 💜

Find me at IG and SC @manda_janette

BoxyCharm April 2018 | Eye Candy

On By Manda JanetteIn boxy charm, Uncategorized2 Comments

My Boxy Charm has arrived! I have to admit, it sat on my vanity for like a week unopened. I really need to get it together and find motivation again.

As you can tell, this months theme is “Eye Candy”. Apparently each item is a favorite of 5 different women. I’m not sure who any of them are, but they are all very pretty (there is a picture of them on the card.)!

Let’s dig into the box and see what products these ladies recommend.

Tarte Tarteist Pro Glow Liquid Highlighter “Sparkler” $29

I keep getting Liquid highlights in these boxes…but I never use any of them. I have a hard time working with Cream products, I really need to learn how!

This shade is too dark for my skin tone and has a bit too much glitter for me. I am going to pass this product along to a friend who will get some use out of it.

ColourPop “You had me at hello” palette. $18

Yay, I love ColourPop!! I was so excited when I learned that a ColourPop palette was going to be in this months Box, when I saw I got one I was going to try and purchase any way I was even more excited.

The shades are really pretty and the palette has a really nice mirror. I did notice that the shades are pressed kind of strange, but that hasn’t been an issue yet.

Here are a few of the shades swatched. All great quality.

Dr.Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner $47

I have the worlds worst pores. Especially now my nose. So I wouldn’t mind all the gunk being sucked out of them.

I wanted to make sure to mention that I smelled this mask when I opened it and thought it had a sulfur like smell. We will have to see how that goes.

The Brow Gal Instatint Brow Gel “Brown” $22

I have used this brow gel a few times now and I love it. The color is a decent match. It makes my brows look more defined and the spooly is the perfect size.

Adesse Liquid Lipstick (I can’t find the shade anywhere!!) $24

I knew Adesse made nail stuff, but I had no idea they made makeup. This shade, who’s name I can’t find, is perfect.

This liquid lip dose not dry matte, but lasts a long time. It lasted through eating. I was highly impressed.

That is it for my box this month. I am happy with 4 of the 5 products, so I am happy with the value!

Help me y’all! What kind of posts do you want to see???

Thank you for reading💜

Find me on IG and SC @manda_janette

Recent Beauty Empties

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, drugstore, empties, skin care, Uncategorized2 Comments

I have decided to change up how I do Empties. I am going to let them compile for a bit, and then I will do a post. Rather than monthly. Hopefully I will be able to do more reviews this way.

Let’s jump in to this huge box full of trash.

Shampoo and Conditioner

Herbal essence smooth Golden morning oil shampoo: not cruelty free will not repurchase. But, man did it work. Why can’t everything just be cruelty free!?

L’Oréal color vibrancy intensive Conditioner: not cruelty free will not repurchase. I also have no thoughts on it.

Evalectric moisturizing Conditioner: I got this when I bought my straightener. The bottle says it’s cruelty free. But I am not sure. It wasn’t a good Conditioner anyway.

Project Beauty Hairgurt Strawberry and Banana: This is my favorite conditioning treatment. It’s cruelty free, inexpensive, smells amazing, and makes my hair much less frizzy. Will repurchase.

Evolvh ultra shine moisturizer shampoo: I actually ended up not liking this once I got through it. I had heard such great things. It’s cruelty free and vegan, but sadly I don’t think it is worth the price.

Juice beauty green apple shampoo and conditioner: I loved this stuff!! It is a bit pricey but, it is Cruelty Free, vegan, and rather clean. Will purchase!

In shower body

Soap and glory scrub of your life: This is my favorite scrub, and soap and glory IS cruelty free!!! So I will be stocking up on soap and glory products soon!

Olivella face and body bar: This soap serves its purpose. It is cruelty free, clean, and vegan. If I see it out I would probably pick it up.

Gillette Satin Care Dry Skin: I used up this shaving cream that my mom didn’t want to finish. Not cruelty free, will not repurchase.

Apoterra Tulsi Oil: This is the second bottle of this shower oil I have been through. I love it. It makes my skin so soft and it has such a relaxing smell. Will repurchase.

Tarte Rainforest of the sea face wash: This face wash did what it was supposed to, but I don’t think it is worth the price. Will not purchase.

Sheet Masks

The only one I would repurchase is the yes to tomatoes one. This is my favorite Sheet mask!

That’s actually it! I didn’t go through much, besides a few little samples that aren’t worth talking about.

What have you used up recently?

Thank you so much for reading 💜

Find me on IG and SC @manda_janette 🌻

Vegan Cuts Beauty Box April 2018 | Lavender Dreams

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, Uncategorized, vegan, vegan cutsLeave a comment

It’s time for my favorite Beauty box of the month! I’m always excited when I receive my vegan Cuts Box, because it has never let me down. Let’s get into this months Box.

Mr. B’s Necessities Lavender Facial Mist and Toner $17

I love Lavender it is my favorite scent and it is extremely relaxing. I am actually burning a Lavender incense as I type this. I think this Toner will be a great right before bed skin care step.

Yes to Carrots Facial Wipes $6

I love the yes to brand. Especially the tomatoes line. I haven’t tried many of their carrot products, but I am sure I will enjoy these. I love receiving facial wipes in boxes, sense they are something I will always need.

Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub $8

I have tried this scrub before and I love it. It is a fantastic scrub, with just the right amount of scrub to it. This is a nice sample size as well!

Crazy Rumors Hubiskiss Lip Balm “Pearl” $5

I have really enjoyed the balms from crazy rumors that I have tried previously. It is finally starting to get warmer here, which means I will be breaking out the tinted lip balms.

This one looks like a really pretty pinky peach. It smells very nice as well!

Tree to Tub soapberry shampoo “relaxing lavender ” $4

This line is made with wild soapberries. They also included a soapberry! You can use it to clean your hands or face and see it lather. I think I am going to have to review this shampoo and experience washing my hands with a soapberry. This is the first time I have ever heard of a soap berry!

Orglamix Cream Highlighter “Illume” $18

This is the only product I am disappointed by. The packaging is really pretty. But, the product just feels like an oil slick on my skin creating a sheen.

I am going to have to try it before I decide, but I’m not to excited about it right now.

That is it for this months Box!

What item would you like a review on? Comment below!

Thank you for reading 💜

Find me on SC and IG @manda_janette

BoxyCharm x Pür Palette | Is it worth $36?

On By Manda JanetteIn boxy charm, cruelty free, fotd, Hotornot, looks, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Long time no review and look!

I am going to be honest. I have felt no motivation to play with make up. Full disclosure; sometimes mental illness makes doing the things you love hard, I have thought about making a serious that talks about my path and struggle. It would also be an informative series about dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder as a women in my early 20’s. But, that is just an idea.

For now, back to the post at hand! I am sure by now you have all seen last months BC. And the new palette that came in it. When mine arrived I was so excited. The shades looked stunning, and the layout really does inspire some more creative eye looks.

The mirror is bomb by the way.

You have peaches, and cranberries, and blue, and an ALMOST gunmetal shade. It is a pretty unique pallet, at least to what I have in my collection.

  • Pürfect: a Matte Cream
  • Nakey: a Matte Peach
  • Belle: a darker matte peach, a bit more pink
  • Squad: a Shimmer Peach

  • Charmer: a metallic bronze
  • Alliance: a metallic gold, to me it almost looks like a gunmetal type shade.
  • Bae: a shimmer lighter cranberry
  • ATL: a metallic cranberry

  • Duet: a dark matte brown
  • MIA: a very shimmery blue
  • BFF: a matte magenta
  • Body Black: a matte black with some sparkle

The Look

  • After priming my lid I set it with the shade “pürfect”. I also used this shade to blend out harsh edges and highlight my brow bone.
  • I used a large crease brush and buffed”Nakey” into the crease and over my lid.
  • Using a smaller crease brush I buffed in “belle” but kept it more targeted to the crease.
  • I decided to do a halo eye. So on the inner and outer thirds of my eyes I applied “BFF”. I had to pack this one on. Over and over and over. I then took a pencil brush and connected the two thirds.
  • I popped “charmer” in the middle. Which was hard to do. It wouldn’t stick, and I tried a million different ways! It only looks nice in the picture because it caught the light.

On my lower lash line I mirrored my lid and I popped a random highlighter in my inner corner.

My Thoughts

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I am not a fan. All three dark mattes are very disappointing. The pigmentation just isn’t there. “Charmer” doesn’t work. I am not sure if if just me, I mean I am no pro.

I do love the entire first row, but I have those shades a dozen times over.

The palette retails for $36 on Ulta.com, but I would pass this one up. Now, try it for your self- you may love it! But if we generally agree, I would let this Palette slide pass you.

🌳🌳 out of five trees. The mirror is amazing, and some of the shades work, but those shades aren’t rare. I will be passing this along to a friend to try. I do want to give it props though for being vegan AND cruelty free!!! I wish I would have loved it.

Alright guys. I need ideas. What content would you like to see!?

Thank you for reading💜

Find me on IG and SC @manda_janette

Save your skin | My favorite before and after sun care products

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, skin care, Uncategorized2 Comments

I recently got to spend a week in Cancun. It was the best week of my life!

It was beautiful and warm. The nature was stunning and the resort I stayed at was so much fun.

But, with a trip tropical paradise…

…Comes a TON of sun exposure.

As someone who comes from a German/Irish back ground, I turn in to a lobster after ten minutes in the sun. Even if you don’t burn easily SPF is still very important!

Here is my family on the last day of our trip! Do you notice the lack of sun burn!?

On my part, that is thanks to two awesome Supergoop Products.

Supergoop Super Power Sunscreen Mousse starting at $19

The mousse is easy to apply and blends in much quicker than the traditional cream Sunscreen. It also lacks the Sunscreen fragrance, any allergens, or irritating ingredients. This is really important to me because I have very sensitive skin and eczema over a lot of my body. I try hard to avoid irritating my skin, especially when so much of my skin is exposed. For once in my life I didn’t completely burn my body! I don’t think I will be able to function with out this Sunscreen, it is a must have in my book.

Supergoop Invincible Setting Powder $30

This is a great way to layer SPF while wearing makeup. It comes in multiple shades, is sweat resistant, 100% mineral, and has a retractable brush. Supergoop even sells refill powders for $20. The power does set Makeup very well. I even baked with it a few times! My only gripe is how high up the powder dispenser is, so be careful when using the retractable brush on your face.

Obviously I did get burnt some on my first few days. To the point I got pretty sick. I was fine by my third day there though! But, to help me heal while sore I found two AMAZING after sun care products.

Desert Harvest Aloe Vera Gelé $17

When sun burnt and over heated, putting cold aloe on your body feels like heaven! My favorite Aloe Vera is this one from Desert Harvest! It is 100% natural, certified organic, contains no parabens, and is of course cruelty free! It is also safe to use to soothe the vaginal area and as a personal lubricant. For some reason vaginal care/use products are some thing I have a hard time finding all natural alternatives for. Little tip: this aloe works awesome on chaffed thighs as well!

Definitely a product I will be ordering as soon as I start to run low. All of you should order it as soon as you are finished reading this post. I promise you will thank me!

BioRepublic Aloe Rescue Sheet Mask $7.49 for 3

You would be perfectly fine using the Desert Harvest Aloe on your face, I just brought these along because I needed to use them. I ended up loving them! Siting on the balcony with one of these Sheet masks on my face was SO relaxing and soothing, especially after it was in the refrigerator for a while.

Thank you so much for reading💜

What are your favorite SPF products?

Find me on IG and SC @manda_janette

Goddess Provisions April 2018| Live your truth, Visualize your truth, Speak your truth.

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, Uncategorized, veganLeave a comment

I *sadly* arrived back from Cancun yesterday. When I checked my mailbox I did find this months Goddess Provisions box, which made me a bit more happy about returning to cold and boring Missouri.

This months Box is all about your Chakras. Which I admittedly know nothing about. Good thing this month came with a free digital download to teach you how to open your throat, third eye, and crown chakras.

This months mantra: “I’m aligned with my highest truth.”

Kailo Crown Essence $42 Value

This oil is meant to help align your crown chakra. You are supposed to roll it on, breath deeply and visualize the color violet. While you do this you are supposed to repeat bija mantra OM or the affirmations. I am going to have to educated my self a bit more.

Thistle Dry Shampoo $15

I love a good natural dry shampoo. I have eczema on my scalp, so most store bought dry shampoo send up making me itch pretty badly. I do wish the packaging was a bit more sturdy. As you can tell, mine arrived dented.

Little Moon Essentials Mist Clear Skies Ahead $3

I love the Little Moon Essentials company. I have so salt soaks. I also have another aromatherapy mist that I keep at work. This specific one has a very relaxing scent and I know I will get a ton of use out of it. It’ll probably end up at work as well sense it is meant to relieve stress.

Rainbow Symphony Sun Catchers $10

These gem decals are very cute. They are meant to open your third eye with the rainbow of light. I can’t wait to put them on my window, they are going to look very pretty.

Spirit Whispering Crystal Grid $10

I know nothing about Crystal grids. Like, at all. I am definitely going to have to do a bit of reading on them before I form any type of opinion.

White Sage Bundle $5

I do know a bit about sage. And I know everything needs a bit of cleansing and healing every now and then. I have never burned sage, maybe starting this practice will rid my space of some of the negative energy around me.

Bixby and Co Blueberry Whippersnapper $3

This energy bar sounds delicious!! I am going to take it to work as a mid day snack when I need energy. I also don’t want to wait to eat it because it sounds amazing.

kyanite

“Carry this throat Chakra stone when you want to speak your truth.”

I am taking this as it is meant to give you confidence when you are going to be saying something you find important. Like a speech, or an important conversation. I like this a lot. I find it hard to speak to people in general, much less when it is important.

That is this months Box! I definitely have a lot to learn, and I am excited to further my self on my spiritual journey.

Thank you for reading 💜

Find me on IG and SC @manda_janette