TheZenFashionista's 4 Fave Vegan Beauty Products

Happy Monday! I was asked to write an article on my favorite vegan beauty products for an up and coming magazine, so I thought I would also share it here! It was hard to choose just 4!



1. Devita Moroccan Rose Facial Toner

I first discovered this product, four years ago. It's my favorite toner that I've tried. I love the smell and the feel on my skin. I also sometimes will use it to set my makeup or throughout the day. It is made with rose oil, aloe vera, green tea extract, rosemary, sage, and witch hazel.


2. Milk Makeup

About a week ago, Milk Makeup announced that going forward, all of their products would be 100% vegan. If you are not familiar with Milk, they developed a following quite quickly and have some of the coolest holographic and cruelty free (and now all vegan) products.

During the holidays, I received their holographic stick in Supernova Lavender. What I love about this highlighter, is it not only looks great on my skin, but it is made with ingredients that moisturize, such as coconut oil and mango butter.

And because I think this brand is super rad, I have to also recommend their tattoo stamps! I have the star stamp and it is really fun to incorporate into my beauty looks.




3. Unicorn Snot 

Ok, so I am obsessed with this stuff! It's vegan, cruelty free, and magical. Who doesn't love shimmer? My favorite is the purple glitter gel. You can put it on your face, which I have used above my cheekbones...You can place it all over your body (arms and legs), and I have even put it in my hair. They also sell lip gloss and recently came out with loose holographic lip glitter.

4. Frank Body Everyday Face Moisturiser

A few years ago, I found this brand on Instagram. Trying their original coffee body scrub was all the rage. Since then, more products have been created. My personal fave is their face moisturizer. It's lightweight and isn't greasy. This is super important when I am looking for a face cream. Otherwise, it gets flaky or makes me look oily. It's full of amazing ingredients such as vitamin e, coffee seed oil, shea butter and more. So much love for Frank Body!

What is your absolute favorite beauty product right now?

XOXOTheZenFashionista

2017 Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Monday! I always have a lot of fun creating gift guides. Here are seven, unique gifts for this holiday season!  


1. Unicorn Snot Glitter Gel for Face, Body and Hair, 45ml Pink (Vegan & Cruelty-Free) $12.99 (as low as $9.99)

So, if you know me well enough, you've heard me mention this magical product! What is Unicorn Snot you ask? Well, when a unicorn sneezes, what is to happen? Glitter comes out..and voila! Unicorn Snot is a cruelty free and vegan glitter gel for your hair, face and body. I am honestly obsessed with this stuff. I use it as a sparkly highlighter on my face, rub it on my arms for a slight shimmer, and I put it in my hair sometimes too, when I go out. It is sold on their official website and on Amazon, which I linked above for $12.99,  but places such as Hot Topic and Tilly's have it for as low as $9.99.


2. What Do You Meme? Adult Party Game $29.99

By now, you've probably heard about the game, Cards Against Humanity (AKA the adult version of Apples To Apples). If you're looking for another fun game to try, look no further. Each player has seven cards with captions on them and you pull a picture (meme) card from the deck and have a rotating judge choose which is the funniest combination. I played this at a friend's house a few weeks ago and we had a blast.

3. Grammar Grumble Mugs Set Approximately $10-$13 each

Have a friend who is a writer or a grammar snob? How great are these mugs? You can get all six for about $60, or as individual mugs, for $13 a piece.

4. [LABIOTTE] Wine Lip Tint PK01 (Blush Pink) 7g Prices vary 

This lip tint became super popular last winter. Packaged to resemble a wine bottle, this product comes in six shades and is a great lip moisturizer. It has actual wine extract in it and comes with a smudge tip applicator, inside the cap, to help blend.

5. Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask $11.50

This mask helps with pores and blackheads. It bubbles up on your face, and is trendy right now because of how much fun is had while waiting to take the mask off.

6. Constellation Mug On sale for $7.99

This is one of those heat activated mugs, where once a warm beverage is inside, more detail emerges. In this case, eleven constellations.

7. Snarky Tea $12.99 

I saw this on Shark Tank and this would make a great gift. High quality tea and fun packaging...I can think of a lot of people on my holiday list that would love this. Just reading the descriptions of these teas, is enticing to me!


I can't believe it is almost December. What are you most looking forward to before 2017 comes to a close? What is your favorite item off this gift guide?

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, comment, or give it to me personally. I really appreciate it!

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista

Goddess Provisions (August Unicorn Magic Review) Subscription Box

Happy Monday! Today, I'm reviewing a subscription box called, Goddess Provisions. I discovered them in December and have been receiving their emails ever since. This is my first box and I'm super excited to show it to you. 

Their August box is called, "Unicorn Magic" and after opening it, I was really pleased. It costs $33 a month. They offer you the option of purchasing as a one time "gift," so that it doesn't automatically renew. If you provide your email address, you'll get updates on the box of the month as well as their special edition boxes that you can then sign up to receive. 

On their website, it's says there are typically 4-6 full sized items. I received 8 items (totaling $90 according to their listed value). The items vary from aromatherapy, beauty products, teas, crystals, etc. A definite pro is that everything is vegan and cruelty free!

1. Soul Sunday Unicorn Aromatherapy Roller $18 Value

This roller has a blend of lavender and peppermint essential oils. It is vegan, hand-blended and what I really like, is that the roller ball is silver and feels nice when you apply it onto your pulse points. 

2. Soul Candy Chakra Diffuser Stone $5 Value

There are seven different chakras, therefore I could have received any of them in my box. The universe happened to give me the third eye chakra stone which is definitely fitting.  

So what is neat about this product is that you can add a couple drops of essential oil on the white surrounding portion of the stone and then place a crystal in the center. You then can place the diffuser stone on your body and the little disc will keep your crystal in place. 

3. Awaken Essential Oils Rainbow Energy Inhaler $12 Value

I have a natural peppermint inhaler that I purchased at my local health food store, but I'm absolutely obsessed with this one. It smells amazing. There is a blend of rose, orange, lemon, lavender, green mandarin and blue chamomile. I'm definitely putting this in my purse!

4. Unicorn Makeup Brush $11 Value

Who doesn't want makeup a brush that reminds you of a Unicorn?? This fan shaped brush can be used to apply highlighter and get that glowing unicorn look! The quality of this brush didn't blow me away, but I was able to apply highlighter pretty well. 

5. Sweetapolita Twinkle Sprinkles $9 Value

This made me smile. How cute! Vegan sprinkles with edible gold stars. You're probably supposed to be putting these on some sugar cookies or a treat, but I prefer to just sneak a handful every now and then. Shhhh! 

6. Heart + Hands Self-Care Sticker $4 Value

I'm always happy to get a sticker...especially this one! I love the intention of it and want to obtain a poster or jumbo sticker that looks like this. I found the creator of this sticker on Etsy and her shop is adorable. Click here, to check her store out! 

7. Let's Put A Bird On It Unicorn Dust Highlighter $12 Value

So, we started off with a makeup brush to apply highlighter and now we have unicorn highlighter to try out! This highlighter is organic and is made with flower infused oils and vitamin e. This is a new favorite because of its creamy texture. It starts out subtle, but you can apply more to achieve that glowy goddess look! 

8. Crystal Rose Amethyst Orgone Wand $18 Value 

This wand is filled with rose quartz, amethyst and crystal quartz. You can use it for reiki, your altar, etc. It's also a loving tool to be used to massage your feet or back. I keep staring at this because of how pretty it is. When holding the wand in my hand, I can feel the good juju. Rose Quartz is one of my favorite crystals to have because it's known for being the stone of love and having healing properties for the heart chakra. 

The Goddess Provisions box far exceeded my expectations. I am so in love with all my new goodies. 

If you're interested in signing up to receive your own box or to give one as a gift, click here!

What is your favorite subscription box?

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, comment, or give it to me personally. I really appreciate it!

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista

Ipsy Glam Bag (June 2016 Review)

Today, I am reviewing my June Ipsy Glam Bag. This is my third month receiving a bag (you can read my April Ipsy Glam Bag Review by clicking here). Each month, for $10, I am sent a personalized bag filled with beauty products!

From the moment, I opened my package I couldn't wait to try out all my new goodies! The bag itself, is so cute and can be used to hold cosmetic products in your purse (which is what I sometimes do).

1. ColourPop Cosmetics -
    Creme Gel Liner in Get Paid 
    Retails for $5.00

ColourPop Cosmetics is one of my favorite brands. I'm generally picky about my eyeliners and eyeshadows, as I have very sensitive eyes, but their products have never caused me any problems! I own two other eyeliners by them, but this was a unique color, that I was really looking forward to trying. The liner, goes on smoothly and has a really pretty metallic finish. Colourpop is also cruelty free and has a lot of vegan products. 


2. theBalm Cosmetics -
    Meet Matt(e) Trimony Eyeshadow in Matt Moskowitz
    This is one color in a palette (with nine total colors) that retails for $42.00

You might recall, I mentioned that their highlighter (Mary-Lou Manizer) was on my wishlist. I have been wanting to try a lot of their products and was excited to receive this eyeshadow. They are also a paraben and cruelty-free brand. 

Their packaging and design are really nice! Meet Matt(e) Trimony Eyeshadow in Matt Moskowitz, is a deep plum and is very pigmented. I've been blending this shade with a shimmery brown and the combo is just stunning.


3. Delectable by Cake Beauty -
    Everything Balm
    I was given a sample size. The full size retails for $16.00

When I first saw this product, I wasn't quite sure what it was to be used for. I ended up looking online to figure out just what it did. And it does just what it says - everything! It's a clear balm (a little like Vaseline) and some of the suggested uses are for moisturizing lips, adding highlight to cheeks, sealing split ends, and softening skin, etc. I definitely recommend this product (and especially because I have it in a trial size, it easily fits inside my purse)! 

This product is cruelty free and vegan.

4. Seraphine Botanicals -
    Happy Hibiscus Blush
    Retails for $18.00

Seraphine Botanicals is known for being cruelty free and vegan, so I was thrilled to be receiving this item. I had not tried any of their products before, but just the packaging was enough to get me excited. The blush is intended for all skin tones and on the back of the box, there is a little bunny graphic that says they do not test on animals and that makes me love it all the more. I tend to go for lighter, pink blushes because I have such fair skin, but this product surprised me. It's a sheer rose that has a nice shimmering highlight. It only took one swipe for a pigmented color that lasted all day. I applied it with an Ecotools blush brush.


5. Soap & Glory -
    Face Soap And Clarity 3-in-1 Daily Detox Vitamin C Facial       Wash
    I was given a sample size. The full size retails for $12.00

I have been familiar with the British brand, Soap & Glory for a while. About a week ago, a friend texted me to let me know their products were now available at Ulta, and then a few days later I received this in my Ipsy Glam Bag.

The packaging of their products are really fun and have a retro vibe. It smells amazing, which is always a plus! I originally thought that this product might contain microbeads, but the company is cruelty free and no longer uses microbeads in their products. Instead they use a biodegradable wax bead. I have only used this face wash once, but I really liked it. It has a thin, serum like consistency and left my skin feeling fresh. 

This Ipsy Glam Bag has been my favorite to date. All the products were cruelty free and I now have some new products to add to my birthday wishlist. :P 

If you would like to order your own Ipsy bag, click the link below.


Sign Up For Ipsy's Glam Bag

And, As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, or give it to me personally. I would really appreciate it!

Until next time,
XOXOTheZenFashionista

What's On Your Wish List?

Happy Monday! Below, are a list of items I put together that are on my wish list currently. What is on yours? 


1. The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer - $24.00

I love makeup. I find it to be a form of artistic expression. I keep hearing such great things about this highlighter and so this product definitely makes the list. It's also cruelty free and vegan. 


2. Girl Boss - On sale for $9.00

Sophia is the founder of Nasty Gal, a multi-million dollar fashion retailer. She tells her "rags to riches" story and empowers young women to become their own "Girl Boss." This book came out in 2014 and I've been meaning to read it for a while now...Making it one of my summer reads!

3. Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace (This design is currently sold out, but prices average between $20.00-30.00)

Being as natural and into holistic medicine and essential oils as I am, I think a diffuser necklace is so cool!  I found an OM necklace on Drops Of Joy Jewelry and for each necklace purchased, $2.00 is donated to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Check out their site to see the variety they have, which includes bracelets! -And when you sign up for their newsletter, you receive a $5.00 off coupon!


4. Natalie Perfume - $95.00 ($25.00 for the purse roll on)

This next item is very special to me. This perfume is named after Natalie Wood, one of my favorite actresses. Her daughter, Natasha has recreated her signature perfume with a modern and natural twist. Gardenia is the signature note, as it was Natalie's favorite. The smell of Natalie's perfume is one of the strongest memories her children have of their mother. This fragrance is at the top of my birthday wish list this year and I cannot wait to have it in my possession. 
  
5. Sanuk Yoga Dawn Sandals $58.00

A friend of mine told me about this shoe company a few years ago. Their sandals are made from eco-friendly materials such as old yoga mats. I took a look at their current inventory and found a pair I liked. 

6. Alex and Ani Butterfly Ring Wrap - $28.00 (Comes in three colors)

I really do enjoy Alex and Ani. It's so much fun to have "personalized" jewelry. It reminds me of the early 2000s when I used to go to Limited Too and get charm links for my Italian charm bracelet.   
Alex and Ani have really expanded their line of jewelry and I recently went into one of their stores and fell in love with this ring.

7. Gold Print Elephant Ring Holder - $12.00 

Rings are one of my favorite accessories. Being an elephant lover as well, how could I not love this ring holder??


Have you ever tried the Mary-Lou Manizer or Sanuk sandals? What is on your wish list right now? 

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com :)

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, I would really appreciate it! You can comment your email below or give it to me personally. If for some reason, you are already subscribed and are not receiving an email in your inbox, check your spam folder.

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista

Michigan's Veg Fest

Yesterday, I attended the Michigan Veg Fest. For almost twenty years, VegMichigan has hosted an annual vegan taste fest and expo. I've been going for the past five years and it's one of my favorite events to go to.  


                   




What the VegFest offers:

• Foods to sample and buy from local restaurants, bakeries, and national brands
• Speaking presentations - This year one of the speakers was health advocate and former Detroit Piston, John Salley
• Cooking demonstrations
• Hundreds of vendors with cruelty free products and services
• Booths with organizations such as Mercy For Animals
• A chance to educate yourself and meet some really cool people!

I signed a petition to ban fracking  

Spent some time with the Motor City Greyhound Rescue

Sampled some delicious snacks!

My favorite food truck! 

Got to ride "Rock The Bike."  While you pedal, the blender creates your smoothie. 

For more information on this event and VegMichigan, go to VegMichigan.Org

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com :)

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, I would really appreciate it! You can comment your email below or give it to me personally. If for some reason, you are already subscribed and are not receiving an email in your inbox, check your spam folder.



Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista