Birchbox & Ipsy for October 2013
In my Ipsy Glambag for October 2013:
Zoya Nail Polish in Neve – as always, another great Zoya color. Perfect for fall and winter and really great because it’s a classy cobalt blue shade. All Zoya polishes are 3-free.
Sexy Hair Blow Dry Gel – dimethicone, can’t use it personally. Cosmetics database rates it a 6! Remember, lower is better!
Coastal Scents Medium Shadow Brush – this is going to be my goto eyeshadow brush. I love this shape brush and previously had been buying the ELF brushes that are this shape (a brush doesn’t always have to be expensive to be quality.) The quality of the ELF brushes has gone downhill however as my last purchase of these brushes from ELF, the brush bristles were a little mis-shaped. The Coastal Scents brush is a little long but otherwise it’s a real step up from the ELF brush in terms of quality. The bristles are in the perfect shape and size and the handle coating is much better. This seems like it will last a much longer time and I’ll probably be buying a few more in the near future. It is a synthetic brush in case that is a deciding factor for you.
La Fresh® Eco-Beauty® Oil-Free Face Cleanser Wipes – I haven’t used this yet but I’m looking forward to trying it. I think they’ve changed the ingredients some since the last time I checked out this product because the current ingredients are healthier than what I remember. I’m already a big fan of the LA Fresh nail polish remover wipes. Cosmetics Database rates this a 4 … I suspect the real life rating would be lower if EWG Environmental Working Group - an organization focused on research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment. would account for natural scents. Checked without the “fragrance” this was a 2.
Wet n Wild Photo Op Eyeshadow – dimethicone, can’t use it personally. Cosmetics Database rates this a 1! I’m surprised! But I still can’t use it personally. :/
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In my Birchbox October 2013:
Bain de Terre macadamia oil NOURISHING CONDITIONER – argh dimethicone, so I can’t personally use. Cosmetics Database score is a 4.
POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer – nothing to keep me from trying this but it’s not exactly healthy either. It uses mineral oil, propylparaben, and fragrance. The color is a fun color that reminded me of a cherry lollipop but goes on a little more subtly like a thin layer of something that should pop over neutral lip tone. The color is good. It is fairly sticky sticky however so even if I hadn’t looked over the ingredients, I’m not sure I would choose to wear this regularly. Cosmetics Database score is a 4.
ChapStick® Hydration Lock – dimethicone, can’t personally use. Cosmetics Database score is a 5. Remember, lower is better.
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit – INCREDIBLE ingredient list. The only one I wasn’t sure about in terms of personal allergies is hops. I know I have some problems consuming hops but I’ve never had the occasion to try anything topically so I don’t know if I have a skin sensitivity to it. I HAVE used this though for the last 4 days both morning and night and so far no problems. I’m in love with this. My face looks and feels healthier. It doesn’t cause my face to get oily, it doesn’t strip away like a regular soap cleanser might AND I still feel clean after using it. This is a tough thing to accomplish, healthy natural ingredients and not left feeling like you still need to clean.
Really – my face has a nice healthy glow to it now. I can’t tell how much of that is the muslin cloth and how much is this cleanser but this cleanser is definitely good still. Liz Earle has done an excellent job with this product! Cosmetics Database score is a 3.
Liz Earle Pure Muslin Cloths – LOVE this. Already tried this and absolutely love love love it. This is just the right amount of exfoliation for 1-2 times per day use. It’s surprising because holding the cloth I really didn’t think I was going to be that impressed by it. It doesn’t feel like it’s going to scrub much but somehow it does. I don’t know if all muslin would be scrubby or if Lis Earle has just sourced the perfect cloth but I think I’m in. As long as I can find a better way to store / dry these I think I’m going to buy a few more to have on hand / keep as backups!
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Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Eye Base in the shade “Submissive” – no cones, no fragrance but parabens. This is a 4 with the EWG Skin Deep cosmetics database. If they were to find a healthier preservative this would be a really healthy product. I’m probably going to give this a shot just because that is the only thing in it that’s bad. Buuuuuttt … it has mineral oil in it … this not only doesn’t feel right on my skin but on my eyelids means it will probably crease badly. Meh. Anyone try this? Is it worth the effort or am I going to have an eyelid mess by the end of the day?
Elizabeth Mott you’re so FINE Eyeliner – no cones, no fragrance but parabens. Aluminium powder… hmmm… and this has some other unhealthy ingredients. This ranks an unhealthy 8 with EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetics database.
Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray – no cones, no parabens, but fragrance. And then some other unhealthy ingredients and it’s a spray so you’re more likely to breathe them in. This ranks an unhealthy 7 with EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetics database.
tarte deluxe maracuja oil – two ingredients, nothing bad. They say “Not all oil is created equal” and I’m excited to try this hydrating skin oil. It’s high in omeg-3 fatty acids. This ranks a super healthy 0 with EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetics database.
Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Balm Stain in shade “Lady & The Vamp”– no cones, no parabens, no fragrance but mineral oil. This is actually not that unhealthy. This ranks a not-so-bad 3 with EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetics database. But mineral oil makes my skin feel weird so I tend to avoid it.
