review // Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara

Mascara is probably (in my opinion) one of the harder types of makeup to find in a natural form.  Don't get me wrong there are quite a bit out there, but since giving up by Maybelline Great Lash, I hadn't had the best luck... until this one from Pacifica.  As you might know, I've tried 100% Pure's Fruit Pigmented Mascara, which was pretty good, but I've also tried Honeybee Gardens Mascara, which was terrible (in my opinion).  When you're used to commercial mascaras performing like a dream because of the inclusion of chemicals that make them more fluid, permanent, plumping, non-clumping, etc. it's hard to find a natural version that performs just as well (and one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...and a foot).  I'm okay with sacrificing a little in order to use a better-for-you product, but I do have my limits.

I've been a fan of Pacifica products for a while now, especially their perfumes and body products.  So during one of my [frequent] outings to Target when I saw Pacifica started a makeup line, I had to give it a try. I actually picked up several items including their Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara. And yes, I got it in both brown and black.  

PACKAGING

These mascaras come in some super cute packaging. They have white metal/plastic tubes with a fun blue and gold swirly design on the outside and the wand is a plush 100% vegan brush (which I generally prefer over plastic molded wands). I will mention that the little black stopper that the brush pulls through when opening the mascara popped out in one of them, but I pushed it back in and it hasn't done that again. This is also a shorter wand than other mascaras I have tried and I actually like it.  I feel like I have better control when applying to my lashes. Even though I am a fan, I have a feeling that some people may not like this feature, especially if you are used to a longer wand.

PRODUCT

Pacifica's Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara is "infused with coconut oil and vitamin B to hydrate each lash as it lengthens, strengthens and adds volume." It is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and formulated without FD & C color, parabens, talc and mineral oil. 

Yay, yay and more yay! These additives can be major irritants, especially to people with sensitive skin or allergies.  Some have also been linked to major health issues, so avoiding these kind of ingredients is a top priority for me. 

Supernova is the black color and stardust is the brown.  I will say that the black is more dramatic on the lashes, especially if you have brown lashes to start with.  For me both show up, but I save the brown for casual days when I run errands, etc.  Supernova is my go-to for work and going out.  I usually apply two coats of whichever I am using.  The formula is the same for both colors, smooth and creamy, and coats my lashes without clumping.  In combo with the brush, the formula separates and lengthens my lashes nicely.  After the second coat (and sometimes a third) they look a bit more voluminous as well.  Check out the images below - top to bottom - bare lashes, Stardust (2 coats) and Supernova (2 coats) .

I don't get any fallout or smudging from this mascara.  If I have it on when I work out or in the rain I might see a bit of transfer since it is not waterproof, but day to day normal wear does not cause this. I also love how my lashes don't get that crunchy feeling as with other mascaras, they feel natural and soft.  I assume this is from the moisturizing addition of the coconut oil. 

It has a slight scent that does not linger after application, a bit like clay or minerals (if you've ever used mineral makeup then you know what I'm talking about).  And my eyes never itch while wearing this mascara like with some others.
 

I have no problem removing this mascara at the end of the day.  I still use the oil cleansing method to do so and it washes off cleanly leaving no residue.

Ingredients: Aqua, glycerin (vegetable), glyceryl stearate se, jojoba esters, tapioca starch, stearic acid ( vegetable), copernicia cerfera (carnauba) wax, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, arabic/acacia gum, acrylates, crosspolymer, potassium cetyl phosphate, microcrystalline cellulse (plant), cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, panthenol (vitamin b), cellulose gum, gluconolactone, macrocystis pyifera (brown kelp) extract, hydrolyzed oryza sativa (rice) protein, sodium benzoate, iron oxides c1 77499.

PRICING 
 
$ out of $$$
You get .30 fl oz for $14.00.  This is a low to mid-range price for a natural mascara.  There are some [that I'd love to try] that are $23 (.23 fl oz) and $42 (.20 fl oz).  So comparatively, this is a steal.  This might be a good one to try if you're just starting to transition from mainstream to natural cosmetics.

PURCHASING

You can purchase this mascara on Pacifica.com, target.com, beauty.com, vitacost.com, Amazon and iherb.com and more.

CONCLUSION 
 
While this is not the most "natural" mascara out there, overall, this has been the best one I have tried in terms of both performance and price.  I'm still on the search for one that might be better while still at a decent price, but I'd definitely purchase this Pacifica mascara again (Supernova).  And actually, they have now come out with a water-resistant mascara that I may have to try as well!

Let me know if you've tried Pacifica's mascara and what you think, or if you have any other natural mascara suggestions.  I'd love to hear your feedback!

review // Tarte - The Tarte of Giving Set - PART I

I think I mentioned in my Sephora VIB Haul post that I've been really loving Tarte Cosmetics.  I got into them over the summer when I was searching for more high performance makeup for my wedding, but I still wanted it to be as natural as possible.  Success.

  So when I saw The Tarte of Giving Set at Sephora during the VIB sale, it seemed like a no-brainier way to try more of their products at a great price.  Like I mentioned in that post, unfortunately, I can't find this on Sephora.com or Tarte.com, but I was actually able to find it on Amazon and Ebay since then.

I've decided to do in-depth reviews on the included best sellers {PART I} becasue they are still readily available.  I will just do general reviews on the eye palette and glosses {PART II}, becasue they are not a part of Tarte's regular collection. I do think reviews on limited edition items can still give a good indication of the overall quality of products that a company puts out.

Okay, there's a lot in here, so let's. get. started.

PACKAGING

The items in this set come in the cutest quilted, purple satin travel bag that opens to reveal two roomy zippered mesh pockets and a clear removable zippered pouch.  The travel bag has shiny gold details and a hook for hanging, so it's perfect on-the-go. I usually find that bags that come with sets can be flimsy or so haphazardly made that they fall apart after one use, but this bag is sturdy and nicely constructed.  It feels like it could take some wear and withstand it fairly well.  

Beyond using natural materials in the products, Tarte also tries to develop sustainable components for the individual product packaging. Much of which can often be re-used to help reduce environmental waste.  All of these products seem well made and come in durable plastics, glass, and cardboard.  I haven't had any problems with the packaging cracking or breaking so far.

PRODUCTS
 

 Inside the clear pouch are deluxe minis of some of Tarte's greatest products (in my opinion).  

They include:

- 0.23 oz Deluxe Pure Maracuja Oil
- 0.08 oz Deluxe Maracuja C-Brighter™ Eye Treatment
- 0.16 oz Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-In-1 Mascara 

  - 0.05 oz Deluxe Limited-Edition Amazonian 12-Hour Clay Blush in Memorable
- 0.17 oz Deluxe Cheek Stain in Flush

I've been using oil on my face to cleanse and moisturize for over a year now, but I have not tried an oil like the Pure Maracuja Oil from Tarte.  It is so lightweight and fast-absorbing.  I can really tell that it un-tightens my driest areas, but doesn't "grease up" my T-Zone.  I also feel like it helps to even out my redness to give me a more even complexion and it doesn't make me break out, which is awesome.  The website says that the '"nutrient-rich oil contains vitamin C and essential fatty acids.  Vitamin C brightens dull skin for a radiant, dewy, and luminous complexion, while the essential fatty acids repair and rebuild skin, and promote skin recovery by reducing redness, irritation, and inflammation."  Yeah, that sounds about right.  It has a faint nutty smell that doesn't linger, and it's dispensed with a dropper, so it's not a messy application. This size will last you about a month using it just at night, so there's definitely enough to test it.  It's also great for travel.  I pat 5-6 drops all over my face and neck at night after cleansing, and wake up with soft, more even skin.  Win.

Right after applying the Maracuja oil, I dab the Maracuja C-Brighter™ Eye Treatment under and around my eye area, every night. Tarte says this cream visibly hydrates, firms and brightens the delicate eye area with the power of Maracuja oil, plus rice bran, mango, oat sugars and coconut.  It smells a bit citrusy, which is nice.  Again, it's a good amount to be able to test for a month or so and see if you like it.  It only took a couple weeks for me to see results.  I have lots of tiny fine lines around my eyes due to my genes, and the fact that I have super dry under-eyes, and I have started to see improvement in the look of these lines.  I think it has a lot to do with the fact that this cream does a great job of hydrating that area.  And bonus... it doesn't irritate my eyes one bit.  I honestly can't say yet if it has 'brightened' my eye area, but I don't have a major problem with under eye darkness, so it's hard to tell.  Either way, I'm sold by it's line-diminishing and moisturizing abilities.  In fact, I just ordered a full size one becasue I'm loving it so much..and I'm almost done with this one. Oops.  :)  I think I'll right a follow up once I make my way through that one.

I've also already been using the Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-In-1 Mascara, since I first sampled one in a 500 Point Tarte bundle reward .  It's my new fav.  I feel like it's the first more-natural-mascara that hasn't let me down in some way.  The brush is amazing, it is densely packed with bristles, and separates and lengthens without clumping.  Not too big or too small (approx. 1" long), and could be used for both upper and lower lashes.  The formula is even better... one or two coats, no flaking or smudging.  The only sort of negative thing I will say is that when I first opened a bottle of the full size version (yes, I bought that between the 500 point bundle and this set), the formula is a tad bit more liquid than I like.  I prefer it to be just a smidge dryer.  I find it's a little easier to control on my lashes that way.  So, I stopped just short of fully tightening the cap (on the full size) for the first week or so.  I like it better, but you may want to try it how it comes and decide for yourself.  Honestly, I didn't have this issue with the deluxe mini versions...so I'm not sure what's up with that, buuut whatever.  I still get awesome results, so it's all good.  I don't curl my lashes, since I've been blessed with naturally curled ones, so it's hard for me to say if the formula keeps a curl or not.  But I've read other reviews that say it does.  It smells sort of like herbally clay, I know that sounds weird..ha, but it isn't noticeable when you're using it or after it's on.  Definitely, a keeper.

  
The Amazonian 12-Hour Clay Blush in Memorable is a slightly shimmery mauve pink shade.  It seems like it would work on a variety of skin tones, cool to warm.  The compact is the same packaging as the full size, just smaller, but I have no problem tapping my brush in the product and applying like normal.  The color is definitely buildable from light to pretty intense, you just have to layer.  I do like to keep it light and it gives a nice rosy glow look.  Since I don't apply a lot, I find it's hard to tell if it last's 12 hours without fading, but I do know that it doesn't streak or separate and I definitely still see it after 8 hours of work.  My makeup doesn't usually last much longer than that...since I like to wash my face soon after I get home. The color seems to stay true, as well.  I just started dabbling in blush so this is still a new category for me. Overall, it's really nice though.

I do have to say that I think I am loving cream and stain blushes a bit better.  Maybe it's becasue I have dryer cheeks and powder blushes just sit on top of the dryness sometimes.  I don't know, but I think creams/stains gives me more natural, believable color. This Cheek Stain in Flush is great.  I love the color.  It's a very sheer berry red (with no sparkles) on the skin (pic above right is just applied - patting it in creates a softer look), although it's quite a bold raspberry in the packaging.  This one is actually a gel consistency, but some in the line are a cream.  I love how this feels on the skin.  It's light and moisturizing.  I swipe two fingers over the product and then dab on my cheeks and it melts right in leaving a nice wash of color.  It contains the five most active superfruits: goji, açaí, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate, which help soothe and soften your skin every time you use it.  It's also alcohol free and doesn't clog your pores.  But the BEST thing is that it smells like raspberry gelato, with just a hint of citrus.  Yum.  I can't stop smelling it!  I can't wait to try some of the other shades.

Check back tomorrow for reviews { PART II } on the Tarte of Giving limited edition eyeshadow palette and lip glosses!

P.S. - Sorry I didn't post during the past few weeks...I really wanted to enjoy the holidays (and I did!) and not fret about posting.  I do have some great new ideas for 2014 though...so get ready!!

Review & Swatches // 100% Pure - Natural Beauty Set

Okay!  Remember this? 

I know, I know...I'm a tad tardy on the review.  But better late than never, right!?  ;)

Just to refresh your memory,  I got this Natural Beauty Set when it was a 100% Pure weekly special. I actually saved $30 on products I'd been wanting to try, just by buying them in the set. 

If you've been following me for a bit then you know I've been a user of 100% Pure products for over a year now and I LOVE them. If you missed my first 100% Pure reviews, you can check them out by clicking on the links below:

100% Pure Cosmetics - Part 1

100% Pure Cosmetics - Part 2

100% Pure Cosmetics - Part 3

Now on to today's set of products! 

PACKAGING

Again, I love that they use frosted glass, recycled paper & metal and BPA & phthalate free plastic for their packaging.  Everything feels sturdy with no possibility of falling apart... even the cardboard trio palette.  I have no complaints here.

PRODUCTS
 
PRETTY NAKED: NEUTRAL FACE PALETTE

A side note -- I was browsing the 100% Pure website a few days ago and I did not see this palette anymore. I did purchase it back in April, so it's possible they sold out and do not have it anymore or are just indefinitely out of stock.  I did find one on ebay, though.  Sorry about that guys.  I promise to not wait as long to review stuff!  Anyhow, I guess you can just take this palette review as a general review of a 100% Pure product.

From left to right, this face palette includes a .14oz blush (Blushing), and two .07oz eye shadows (Naked and Bare, respectively).  The palette is a nice size, especially for travel or if you don't have a lot of storage space.  It has a magnetized closure so it won't pop open unknowingly in your best bag (becasue we know that always happens).  

Blushing is a natural rosy flush color... Like what you get naturally after briskly walking in cold weather.  It has a nice matte finish and it isn't too pigmented which makes application easy. No worries thinking you might look like a clown.  Because of that, I think it would not show well on darker skin, so it would probably work best on light to medium skin tones.  I like to wear this on quick makeup days.  Two swipes on your cheeks and BAM! you're good to go.  :)  It doesn't have the greatest lasting power, but it doesn't streak, it just fades naturally.

Naked is a slightly frosty ivory color... and it's SUPER POWDERY.  This is probably my least favorite thing so far from 100% Pure. It has so much fallout and if you can get past that it just looks like flour on your eyes.  Really terrible.  It's also not buildable.  No matter how little you try to apply its too much.  The pictures above really don't show this well... but believe me.. Terrible.

Bare is a bit of another story.  It is a soft purple-mauvey taupe with a hint of grey.  It's a bit more buttery in texture with less fallout than Naked.  It's also extremely buildable.  I applied several applications in the swatch above so you could really see the color, but you could definitely keep this very light for a softer look.  I like to use this in the crease and outer V and pair it with a different ivory shadow on my inner corner. Sometimes I'll add a little warm brown in the outer V to deepen the look. I have blue eyes and it complements nicely, but because Bare has some purple it would especially look great on ladies with green eyes. I definitely have to use a primer with this shadow as it will crease on it's own by the end of the day.  Again, maybe because they do not contain any chemicals to help it "stick" to the lid... just my opinion.  :)  Comparably, I do think that the individual eye shows are better in quality overall than these two in this palette (esp Naked...).


SHEER LIP & CHEEK TINT  .26oz

This is the color Sugar Plum, which is a magenta red in the twist-up packaging.  Once blended into the skin though it's very remnicent of the Blushing blush from the palette above...maybe with just a bit more warmth.  It can be applied very sheer to pretty intense, so I suggest starting with a light touch.  Just swipe the tint with two finger tips and blend on cheeks. For a more intense look you can apply straight to cheeks, then blend.  These tints contain moisturizing shea and cocoa butters so they are very moisturizing.  Good for dry skin peeps like me.  I find it lasts a good 8 hours, maybe more depending on what you do.  I also like to use this on my lips from time to time, it's like a tinted balm and leaves only a hint of stain, nothing crazy. 


BLACK TEA PIGMENTED GEL EYE LINER  .12oz  & CRUELTY FREE EYE LINER BRUSH

Let me start off by saying I am not a fan of the brush in this set.  I love that it's cruelty free, but the shape is not a fav becasue I can't get a consistent line with it.  I much prefer a small firm angled brush. You can see below, the line on the left is with their brush and the one on the right is with an angled brush.  The right one is much more uniform.  I waited about 10 seconds after applying both and then rubbed my finger across.  You can see that the uneven line smeared more because there were clumps that didn't dry fast enough.

I received the gel liner in Black Tea, which is their darkest shade.  I really like the look of this liner, it's rich and has good staying power as long as you use a primer underneath (and get a thin uniform line).  I also like to set it with a black or charcoal shadow and this helps keep it in place even more.  Best of all, it doesn't make my eyes itch.  Yay!!  That's a huge issue for me and other non-natural liners.  I'm not big on wearing dark liner, but when I do I reach for this.


FRUIT PIGMENTED MASCARA  .24oz

 This is not a new product for me, as I already own it in the color Blackberry,  but it is a new color, Black Tea.  That's basically, just black.  This one also smells fantastic & separates and lengthens my lashes really well.  But again, I found that the formula can't handle more than one coat or it tends to flake off a bit during the day.  I'm really not a fan of cookies and cream under eyes.  No thanks.  Not my all time favorite, so I'll keep this as a one-coater on casual days.


PRICING

$$ out of $$$

The prices are a bit higher than I'd normally pay for regular cosmetics, but again, I feel it's worth it to get a natural product.  Plus, the packaging is more thoughtful than other companies.  Buying these items in sets and ordering while they have a free gift special will save you some money, so look out for those.  If you sign up for their emails, they will let you know when those occur.


PURCHASING

Right now, you can only purchase 100% Pure cosmetics online or in there stores in California.  Ulta stores do carry some of their skincare.


CONCLUSION

Overall, again I loved more than I didn't.  But I'd choose the lip & cheek stain and the gel liner as the winners of the bunch.  I am always impressed with the fact that these products are colored with antioxidant and vitamin rich fruit pigments instead of icky synthetic dyes and chemicals, and that honestly means most to me.    :)

I was not, in any way, paid for this review, by 100% Pure or any other affiliate. 

I purchased every product myself and decided to share to help others find a bit of direction in their own natural beauty journey.