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Spill It: The Green Product Junkie's *Come As You Are* Beauty Tag. What's in your makeup bag...right this minute!

Back in the 50s and 60s, they used to have something called, "Come As You Are" parties.  Now, if the name isn't obvious enough, allow me to explain...

You'd receive an invite in the mail, and you had to show up at the party (whenever it was scheduled for) dressed exactly as you were when you received the invite.  Now, if you had any bit of personality, you showed up dressed completely ridiculously to make all of your friends laugh uncontrollably (and wonder what the heck was going on in your home).  My parents went to one and the pictures were hilarious, so now I'd love to single-handedly bring that back...in a green blogger kinda way.

My beauty tag is a "Come As You Are" party for the makeup bag.  This means that I want to see exactly what's in your makeup bag AS YOU NOW READ THIS.  However...I don't want you to add things, to run and go get something to make yourself look cooler (how would that be possible, anyway?) Just simply, SPILL IT. That's right, spill your makeup bag on the table, the carpet, the couch and take a picture and then explain what you've got and what's going on in there.  Have fun and remember...no staging, let's keep this real.  

Couleur Caramel Cils Long Mascara & Brow Pencil - I love this mascara, but only for the top lashes as I think it would smudge on the lower ones.  It's my favorite mascara for volume and kapow.  Oh, and I love their brow pencil.  I'm not sure why, but I always have.  It's got a great little brow brush on one end, too.  Disco!

Dr. Hauschka Plum/White Eyeliner Duo - This is my favorite liner, but for some reason they stopped making this color and this is my last one (insert groan here).  I usually just apply it on the upper lid and the inside upper lid and it naturally smudges to give a slightly smoky eye...perfect for the girl who thinks black is a bit scary.

RMS Beauty - Wow, I never noticed how much RMS I carry around.  No wonder my bag is heavy!  I've got Demure Lip2Cheek, Lunar Cream Shadow, "Un" Coverup in 11, Living Luminizer and Bloom Lip Shine.

EcoTools Retractable Foundation Brush - I love this brush as it stays nice and clean for carrying and it's eco-friendly...always my goal.

Preserve Tongue Cleaner & Mint Toothpicks - Made from recycled yogurt cups, I've got these tongue cleaners in all my bags and in my bathroom.  I love Preserve.  If you don't know about their recycling practices, you should go to their site.  I love their minty toothpicks, too.

W3ll People Narcissist Foundation - What can I say?  My go-to foundation.  Light coverage, evens out skin tone, smells great and is so easy to use.  Oh, and it doesn't cake or look dry.

Tsi-La Perfume in Fiori D'Arancio - I love this lil guy.  So great to have in my makeup bag when I just want to smell pretty...on the sly.

Studio 78's Concealer "Off We Go" - If I forget this concealer, I will implode.  Okay, that's being dramatic, but between the awesome concealer and the fantastic little mirror on the inside top cover, it's a staple.  If I'm feeling dry, I'll put some RMS "Un" Coverup on top.

Zuzu Mascara - I use this on my lower lids because it NEVER flakes or smudges.  I also use it on my upper, but find myself wanting more up volume up there, hence the Couleur Caramel.  This gives a natural, pretty look.

Alima Pure Baila Lip Tint - This is from the new Kristen Arnett Me Encanta Makeup Collection.  It's so smooth and glossy feeling, I can't wait until I beg Alima enough that they start making these in pinks and brighter colors (I've already started..hee, hee)  Oh, and the scent of Cocoa is delicious.

Living Nature Lip Pencil - The color is Laughter and it's almost done, but I have a new one in my stash. This is a great neutral pencil.  

Jane Iredale Lip Gloss in Sugar Plum - This is a favorite of mine and I always carry this around.  It's a pretty medium coverage gloss in a great hot-ish pink.

Maison Scotch Makeup Bag - I love my new makeup bag.  You can't beat getting a pretty one...when I take it out, I feel happy.

Laura Mercier Lip Brush - Someone gave me this in a mini-set of brushes.  It's the only brand here that isn't green...but it's only a lip brush, so take that!

A comb - Uhm...who cares who makes it?

Thanks for playing and the rules are that you need to tag some other green beauty bloggers, keep the title as it is and, of course, have the best time.  

I'm tagging people who are probably far, far too busy to do this, like:  Life In Blush, Pemberley Jones (don't kill me), Green Beauty Bunny, 312 Beauty and Beauty by Britanie.

Summer Obsessions: W3ll People's Universalist Colorstick, Hypnotist Eye Liner and Vapour's Clarity Makeup Remover

W3LL PEOPLE UNIVERSALIST COLORSTICK

I love the look of a dewy cream blush in the warmer months.  I love the transparency and seeing the skin underneath, as opposed to a matte powder that cakes and covers.  I just think that a cream blush looks fresh when it's warm out.

One of the latest that I've tried has been W3ll People's Universalist Multi-Use Colorstick. The color I was given to try was 8, which is Dusty Rose.  The thing that I really loved about this colorstick was the fact that although many of these "multi-use" sticks claim to work all over the face, they don't really work on the lips.  W3ll People's actually does. I used it both on my cheeks and on my lips and it never looked dried out on my lips which is what I've found with many of these crossover products.  The consistency is a super-smooth - really smooth - cream that has a satiny texture when applied to the skin.  It's not shimmery at all, it just deposits a pretty color with a really soft finish.  I really recommend this if you're in the market for a pure cream blush that is also great on the lips (and I'm certain, eyes).  I'm also loving their new packaging.  $33

VAPOUR ORGANIC BEAUTY

CLARITY MAKEUP REMOVING CLEANSING OIL

Vapour had sent me Clarity, their makeup remover, a while back but since I had so many other removers open at the time, I hadn't had a chance to begin using it until a few weeks ago. Well, I love it.  Seriously. This is an excellent makeup remover. Now, I've only used it on my eyes, as that's usually where I normally use makeup remover, but I find it to be excellent.  It's called an oil, but I want to stress that there's nothing greasy about this.  It's not messy, but rather comes out like a gel/oil. Nothing runny or messy.  Not only does it really work, but it smells great, hydrates the skin and does not leave you greasy. This is definitely something that I would repurchase and that's saying a lot!  $32

W3LL PEOPLE'S

HYPNOTIST EYELINER IN BLACK VELVET

Looking for a gorgeous black liner with great ingredients that is easy to apply and smudges when you want it to?  

I'm recommending Hypnotist Eyeliner from W3ll People.  This liner isn't to mushy or too hard...it really is just right.  I love lining the upper inner lash line and letting it get a little smokey looking on my lower lash as the day goes on.

At the time that I write this, it's sold out at Spirit Beauty Lounge...that's a really good sign!  $16.50

*I received all of these products to review.  All opinions are my own.  If I don't love something, I don't write about it.  I only write about the stuff I love!

The Best Green Beauty Products That I Purchase Over and Over Again

THE GREEN STAPLES

I love trying new products (but detest samples - am I the only one?) and recently found a post by Naturalla Beauty where she posted about products that she buys over and over again. I've finally gotten around to posting mine...and this is only a few of them.

1.  RMS BEAUTY LIVING LUMINIZER, UN-COVERUP & LIP SHINES

I think the only reason I haven't re-bought everything is that I still have lots of product, but what I buy often is the Un-Coverup, Living Luminizer and Sublime Lip Shine.  I'll forever love this line.

2.   DR. HAUSCHKA PLUM/WHITE LINER DUO

*Note:  This might be a discontinued color...bummer!  I wear plum/white duo pencil each and every day.  I find that black can be a little too harsh and the purple on this pencil looks pretty and is easy to work with.  The white is gorgeous for inside the corner of the eye.  I'm on my third so far.

3.  W3LL PEOPLE FOUNDATION
I really love this foundation and I suggest you give it a whirl.  I've written a more detailed review on it, but it's non-drying, gives great coverage and has pure ingredients.

4.  KJAER WEIS CLOUD NINE EYESHADOW
Just your basic, great base eyeshadow.  Neutral in color, and I love it.  I also love the packaging.  If you haven't held one of these little gems, you're missing out.

5.  VAPOUR ORGANIC BEAUTY STRATUS SKIN PERFECTOR
This is my primer.  Whenever I am performing or going somewhere where my makeup needs to stay on just a bit more, this is my go-to product.  Sets a nice foundation for your makeup.

6.  STUDIO 78 FOUNDATION
This is going to be a "buy it again before it runs out."  I really love this foundation.  Again, a detailed review is on this blog.

7.  REVOLUTION ORGANICS LIP GLOSS IN TRUTH
I love the smell of this shea butter gloss...it might not be everyone's favorite scent, but it just screams "natural" to me.  This goes on super smooth and the color is a sheer-ish hot pink that still packs a punch.  You can re-apply this all day.

8.  ZUZU COSMETICS LIP GLOSS IN COSMOPOLITAN
This is a Summer pick!  I love this pink gloss that's got a pretty, and slight iridescent sheen about it.  I buy these several at a time as I use them up very quickly.  

9.  COULEUR CARAMEL MASCARA
Excellent mascara for the upper lids.  I don't wear on my lower lids because I find I smudge, but on the upper, you're getting a perfect lash.  I also LOVE the smell...a clean baby powder scent.  I know, mascara doesn't need to smell great, but I love taking a sniff!

10.  JANE IREDALE  JUST KISSED IN FOREVER PINK 

I have bought this too many times to count.  Imagine a lip stain that gives you a gorgeous pink pout, doesn't dry out your lips and won't change colors on you.  This hydrates and is so easy to apply.  It's a big, big favorite of mine.

11.  DEVITA SOLAR FACE MOISTURIZER SPF 30
*Update:  I believe they changed the formula...not sure how it is now as it is different.  This face cream feels light like a lotion, leaves no residue and feels nothing like it's got an SPF.  I usually detest sunblock as it breaks me out, feels heavy, etc.  This is awesome.  It's my everyday moisturizer over my Kahina Argan Oil.  I also use their Solar body cream in the summer.  

12.  ZUZU MASCARA
This is a favorite of several Green Bloggers, it seems.  There is NO smudging here.  It's actually the perfect mascara.  Often I like a little more drama on my upper lashes, so I'll use this on the lower, knowing there's no chance of flaking or smudging.

13.  JANE IREDALE ACTIVE LIGHT CONCEALER
I love, love the Active Light Concealer.  It brightens up the eye area and the color matches perfectly.  I usually put this on first and if I need more coverage, put RMS on top or Studio 78's (which I should have added to this...their concealer is a big keeper!)

Let me know what you've tried and loved.

*I have purchased all of these products myself & all opinions are my own!

The Best Natural & Green Concealers That I've Found

When embarking on my whole chemical-free makeup and skincare "adventure," I knew there were going to be a few items that were going to be difficult to replace.  Mainly, foundation, mascara and concealer.  When I first began, there were plenty of lipstick and mineral blushes out there, but I wasn't sure if anyone was going to be able to really replicate what my favorite foundation and concealer were able to do and still keep out the nasty chemicals.

STUDIO 78's 'OFF WE GO' CONCEALER

Woman, I love this stuff.  I wear it each and everyday and never, ever thought I'd be able to replace my Cle de Peau concealer.  This has excellent covereage, will not dry out your skin, is smooth without being greasy and, in fact, has a sort of powdery feel, but not drying. I can't explain how, but I have to say, they've nailed it...the formulation and texture is perfect. Although it only comes in two shades, for some odd reason, it matches my skin perfectly and I'm thrilled about it.  I'll also use my Jane Iredale Active Light underneath it if I'm super dark.  Get it at NuboNau for  $31.

JANE IREDALE ACTIVE LIGHT CONCEALER

I recently purchased Jane Iredale's Active Light Concealer and find myself reaching for it daily.  This concealer is very light,  so if you've got really dark circles, you might want to use this and then layer with a heavier one.  The reason I say to put this on first is because it's so smooth and leaves such a nice bright glow under the eyes, I think it will compliment your concealer.  It's also incredibly easy to use and the packaging is great for travel.  It's basically a concealer pen that you just brush on.  I haven't used this on it's own yet as I'm in a new apartment and haven't been sleeping so well, but my guess is that it's great for days when you don't have the darkest circles and just want a pretty, bright look. $27

W3LL PEOPLE NARCISSIST FOUNDATION

This foundation also happens to be one of my favorite under eye concealers, too.  W3LL People's Narcissist foundation gives great coverage, has amazing ingredients, lasts a long time AND does not cake.  In fact, it's pretty much the perfect blend of moisturizing without making your makeup run.  So, I use this as my main foundation and can do under eye touchups all in one.  $38

Their ingredients are gorgeous, too:

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil* infused with Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea Complex) Leaf**, Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi Mushroom)***, Morella Cerifera (Bayberry- wildharvested); Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax)****, Silica, Essential Oils, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (and) Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), [+/-: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499), Mica (CI 77019)] *Certified Organic by Stellar, **Certified Organic by QAI, *** Certified Organic by Oregon TILTH, **** Certified Organic by Koster Keunen

RMS BEAUTY "UN" COVERUP

Straight up? I love RMS Beauty.  Their "un" coverup concealer is definitely on the creamier side.  In fact, I always use it quite a bit below where my lower lashes are because I don't want my lower lash mascara to mingle with it.  I use this concealer when I want a pretty, dewy look.  It's great for evening out skin tone, too.  It leaves behind a really fresh, clean and youthful look. The ingredients in this concealer are amazing.  If you haven't discovered the line yet, get on it it.  At $36, it lasts a really long time, too.

My Favorite Natural Foundations: W3LL People, The Organic Pharmacy

Finding a great natural (read that as toxin-free) foundation has been quite the task. I've tried so many of them and want to let you know about my favorites. Be sure to let me know which ones you like...I'm always out for giving new products a shot.

W3ll People's Narcissist Stick Foundation is my everyday foundation.  I absolutely love it.  I've found that a lot of the natural foundations are drying (maybe it's the minerals) and I'm not a fan of that cakey, dry skin look. Narcissist is creamy, but doesn't leave you looking shiny.  It's just a great, solid, foundation that I also use for under the eyes or for covering up spots.  There's no artificial preservatives, parabens, chemicals, dyes, fragrance, silicone, dimethicone, pthalates, sulphates, petroleum, talc, bismuth oxychloride or non particles...how can you go wrong?  And the stick?  It's super easy to use and carry around.  $38

The Organic Pharmacy's Luminous Antioxidant Foundation  Okay, for those of you who love a liquid foundation, I'm sure you're going to love this one.  I use a beauty blender sponge, wet it and then put some of this foundation on it.  This gives pretty, natural coverage and never looks cakey or dry.  It really just becomes one with the skin.  I love this when I'm going for a light coverage look.  This was a recommendation from Jessa Blades and so far, everything she's suggested, I've loved.

Vapour Organic Beauty's Atmosphere Luminous Foundation is also one of my favorites. It leaves a clean, somewhat glow-y look behind and blends in well. I just run it down the center of my face and then blend outwards.  Vapour also makes great primers: Stratus Instant Skin Perfector in a stick or Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector in a pump.  I have both and switch on and off.  This foundation has 70% organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments and vitamins.  $40

I purchased these myself!  Opinions are my own!