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What’s in my makeup bag? + Giveaway (CLOSED)

I decided to do something different today! I’m letting you guys into my makeup bag!

my makeup bag

I’ve had multiple reader request about cruelty-free, vegan, and natural make-ups and thought it would be fun to show you what I’m loving and why. I’ve always been a lover of animals (especially bunnies, duh), but when I was younger I never paid much attention as to if the brands I was using were tested on animals. I knew that I loved makeup and that was that. Never realizing that precious little animals were harmed in the process of making some of the products I use. I’m not vegan, but since I pay close attention to what I put into my body, I have been paying much more attention to what I put on my body as well.

If I’m going to put makeup on and let it soak into my skin, I should probably look at what’s in it, right? It’s something that we often forget about. If we aren’t eating it, then it must be ok, right? Wrong! If you have Celiac Disease or are truly gluten intolerant, make-up containing gluten might be having an effect of you. It’s seriously something that I never thought about until my friend was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Think about it this way. If you are putting chapstick, lipstick, or lipgloss on, you actuallyend up ingesting it throughout the day. As I was helping my friend find products that were gluten-free, I started going research crazy looking for natural cosmetic and skincare brands. I got totally sucked into the research and obsessed with what I was learning!

I learned that a majority of my make-up was cruelty free, not tested on animals and BDIH certified natural! I’ve been slowly transitioning my makeup bag and learning about new brands that are 100% vegan and even gluten-free! Unfortunately there are some drugstore brands that I use such as Maybelline, that still test on animals… but I’m making my way towards beauty without bunnies!

If you’re interested in transitioning your makeup bag towards more natural and cruelty free products, you can see lists by PETA of companies who DON’T test on animals, and companies who unfortunately do.

When learning more about Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, I found their slogan witty but sad at the same time! “Speak out or the bunny gets it!” It was worth a mention! I’m glad they like bunnies too!

Inside my makeup Bag
1. Tweezerman Slant Tweezers – these are so precise, they get every little tiny microscopic hair. Can’t live without them!
2. Hello Kitty for Sephora Jeweled Compact Mirror – My mom gave me this for Valentine’s day a couple of years ago!
3. bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil – I like to dust this on over my foundation or beauty balm to lock my makeup in place. I figure, I’ve already spent so much time finding/matching the perfect liquid foundation color, why change it with a strange colored powder? Protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays with 25 SPF. Just a bare veil of minerals that lock makeup in place and give your skin airbrushed perfection. Not tested on animals.
4. bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer – Love the light herbal smell of this and the fact that it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, and artificial oils. Not tested on animals.
5. Urban Decay Baked Bronzer in Gilded – The perfect golden bronze for a CA summer glow year round. Cruelty-free. Not tested on animals.
6. Lavera Gentle Eye Makeup Remover – Gentle enough for my sensitive skin, but strong enough to remove my cat eyes at night! Vegan, gluten-free, cruelty free, NaTrue certified Natural, and BDIH certified natural cosmetics.
7. Hello Kitty for Sephora Retractable Kabuki Brush – The cutest blush brush I own!
8. Urban Decay Travel size Eyeshadow Primer Potion – This is my favorite primer. It does it exactly what it says and keeps my eyeshadow put all day. Cruelty-free. Not tested on animals.
9. Sephora Collection Classic Blending Brush #29 & Classic Large Synthetic Eyeshadow Brush #25 – These are the only two eyeshadow brushes I use. One for the lids and the other for crease color. They’re made of synthetic bristles that are durable and don’t fall out! No animal fur found here, meow!
10. Benefit They’re Real! Mascara – Love love love this mascara. lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts and separates with a super amazing rubber applicator that gets all of the baby lashes! I probably spend the most time on my lashes and I love when people ask if they’re real. Yes, They’re real! Just like the title suggests! Not tested on animals.
11. Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette – My favorite everyday eyeshadow palette of natural browns and tans. Cruelty-free. Not tested on animals.
12. Benecos Happy Nails Nail Polish in Expressive Mint – Love the color and shine this polish gives. Free from toluene, camphor, phthalates or formaldehydes. Cruelty free & vegan!
13. Boscia Bright White Peel Off mask – I’m quickly getting obsessed with this brand! Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, preservatives, ethanol alcohol, artificial color, and animal ingredients. It has been dermatologist-tested and is pH balanced with no testing on animals.
14. Sephora Collection Pro Allover Powder Brush #61 & Pro Flawless Airbrish #56 – I LOVE these brushes, I have been using them for years and have bought them for all of the girls in my family. They’re made of high quality synthetic bristles that allow you to go from liquid to powder and back again without sticking together. They’re ultra soft and give a perfect flawless look with broth liquid and powder foundations. I’ll never use a normal foundation brush again.
15. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in Natural Beige 220 – I’m really hard to match when it comes to foundation, but this is one of the only brands that has a color and formula that actually works for me. I’m hoping to find a more natural and cruelty-free foundation that matches my skin!
16. Benecos Natural Powder Blush in Sassy Salmon – This color is gorgeous, plus it’s gluten-free, cruelty free, and a BDIH certified natural cosmetic.
17. C.O. Bigelow Lemon Lip Balm No. 1421 – I’m a chapstick junkie, and this one glides on smooth and really moisturizes. Formulated with a high concentration of lemon oil and extract, Vitamin C, and super-nourishing Shea Butter. 100% natural lemon flavor. Not tested on animals.
18. Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm – I like to use this on days where I’m running errands around town and only need light coverage. It evens out my skin tone and reduces redness instantly! Cruelty-free. Not tested on animals. I like to set it with the bareMinerals Mineral Veil (#3).
19. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick – As I said before I’m addicted to chapstick. I put this bad boy on before bed and wake up with super moisturized lips. Cruelty-free. Not tested on animals.
20. Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter – I slather this all over my hands (especially in the winter) to keep them from getting dry. I love the light lemon scent and that it’s all natural. Not tested on animals.
21. Hollywood Fashion Tape – I ALWAYS have this in my makeup bag! I use this to keep pants temporarily hemmed, to keep the neckline of my lower cut shirts in place, and also fill the tin with safety pins and bobby pins and a hair tie or two for emergencies.
22. Benecos Eyebrow Designer in Brown – Great for perfecting pretty brows! Vegan, gluten-free, cruelty free, BDIH certified natural cosmetics.
23. Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion – I’ve saved the best for last! My ALL-TIME-FAVORITE eyeliner! This liquid liner has the thinnest brush so you can get the most beautiful and perfect line on your lids. I’m a big fan of the cat eye, and this liner trumps all liquid liners. It makes lining 10 times easier and stays put no matter what. Seriously, you can go swimming with this on if you dare! Cruelty free. Not tested on animals.

* Speaking of curelty-free, I know that my Chanel makeup bag is made from lamb, and I do own other handbags that are made of leather etc. As stated before, I am not 100% vegan, but am currently transitioning my makeup to more natural and cruelty-free items! I respect your lifestyle, so please respect mine and others! xo

What's in my makeup bag My everyday make-up! Love that Benecos Natural Powder Blush in Sassy Salmon!

What's in my makeup bagAs someone who has a collection of over 60 nail polishes, I fell madly in love with this one! It’s so shiny and glossy that it doesn’t even need a top coat! Someone even asked me if my polish was gel! Plus, it’s free from toluene, camphor, phthalates or formaldehydes. Cruelty free, gluten-free, & vegan! Happy bunny!

What's in my makeup bag
I discovered some of my new favorite vegan, gluten-free, cruelty free, paraben-free, natural cosmetic brands from my True Beauty Box from Love True Natural! Love True natural offers three different Beauty Boxes: Flirt ($30), Veganista ($30), and Indulge ($40). With your subscription, you will get a new beauty box (from your chosen boy style) each month, filled with new products and cosmetics for you to try and love! It’s a great affordable way to test new brands without having to commit to expensive full size products.

The Perks of Being a True Beauty:
Exclusive member-only promo codes for 15% off site-wide on LoveTrueNatural.com
Monthly online promotions and giveaways available just for True Beauties!
Get up to 2x the value of your monthly subscription cost in products!

What's in my makeup bagMy beauty box included a Benecos Brow Designer, Lavera make-up remover, Benecos nail polish, Lavera lip balm, True Organic sweet grapefruit soap, and two samples of True Baby sunscreen, and True Self Tanner! I ended up in LOVE with the make-up remover and polish and use the brow pencil to define my brows! I love trying new products, but love them even more when they are fantastic!

GIVEAWAY!
Love True Natural is giving one lucky RFFMBT reader the chance to try a True Beauty Box!
*Winner’s beauty box will contain different items than mine pictured above.

For your chance to win:
1. Comment on this post telling me your favorite must have beauty item.

2. You must like Love True Natural on Facebook.
– Leave a separate comment letting me know that you liked them!

3. Tweet ” Enter to #win a Beauty Box from @LoveTrueNatural hosted my @EatRabbitFood http://bit.ly/1ancc4H ”
– Leave a separate comment with the url to your tweet!

Contest ends on Sunday, June 30th at 11:59pm PST.
Winner will be announced on Monday, July 1st! Must use a valid email address when entering. Open to U.S. residents only.

Bunny Babes of the Month: Melissa & Kelsie from Beckley

Happy May everybunny!
I am so honored to be a guest on the Beckley Blog today!
Head on over to BeckleyBlog.com to read my Interview with the Beckley girls!

Today marks my very first Bunny Babe of the Month interview!
Meet Melissa Richardson Akkaway & Kelsie Hayes, the beauties behind BeckleybyMelissa and Beckley Boutique in Los Angeles and Las Vegas!

BeckleyByMelissa has been seen on celebrities such as: Alexis Bledel, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba, Zoe Saldana, Jenna Dewan, Selma Blair, Busy Phillips, and Emmy Rossum!

These two are always on the go whether it be Fashion Week in NY, managing production in LA, or traveling around the world to find inspiration for their next collection. Find out how these two power women stay healthy and ultra chic with their busy schedules!

 

Beckley By Melissa

Melissa Richareson-Kelsie Hayes-Beckley-Bunny Babes-Interview


+ Tell us about yourself

MRA: I am a mom, wife and the owner of Beckley Boutiques in LA and LV as well as the owner for BeckleybyMelissa, which is much more than just a private label line for our stores. Its truly a lifestyle contemporary brand specializing in stylish silhouettes, quality fabrics and custom designed prints every girl wants to own to elevate her cool girl persona.
KH: I live and work in NYC as BeckleybyMelissa’s senior designer. Each season Melissa and I conceptualize what story our “girl” is telling and I turn our concepts into a full 50 piece collection that we sell in our stores as well as wholesale out to other boutiques across the country. Aside from BBM, I work with Melissa on the creative side of the Beckley Brand. With Melissa in LA and myself in New York, we both get to travel coast to coast and get the best of both worlds!


+ Style Icon

MRA: Depends on my mood but I typically channel Sarah Jessica Parker, Zooey Deschanel, and Miranda Kerr.
KH: Lately I’ve loved following the model-off-duty looks from Cara Delevingne and Karlie Kloss. They have access to the best fashion that money can’t even buy- and it’s interesting to see the twist they put on it. Olivia Wilde can do no wrong in my book and I’ve loved her style dating all the way back to the OC days.


+ Favorite BeckleybyMelissa Item

MRA: Its hard to choose but am currently obsessing over our caramel color leather leggings and beetle print blouses.
KH: Sleeveless Athletic Anorak is my favorite because it’s the most wearable. You can wear it so many different ways whether its with denim and the matching skirt. I’ve found myself wearing it leaving yoga and with leather leggings at night. It’s so versatile.
Beckley By Melissa Pieces


+ How many times per month are you traveling for BBM?

MRA: 1 time per month sometimes upwards of 3 during busy times.
KH: 1-3 times as well depending on how busy we are. If we have a lot going on I like to spend at least 2 weeks in LA to accomplish everything at once!


+ Favorite place you have visited

MRA: In the US I would say Post Ranch Inn in Carmel, CA. For beaches, it would be Costa Rica and major city would have to be Paris.
KH: I absolutely love London and could see myself living there eventually.


+ Favorite travel snacks

MRA: Pistachios and water. I am currently writing this from the plane and happen to have both next to me.
KH: As much as I travel, I am still an unorganized hot mess. I’m usually throwing a granola bar in my bag, but if I forget I go for the protein box from Starbucks, or a fruit bowl from another cafe in the airport.
travel snacks


+ How do you stay healthy while traveling around the globe?

MRA: I drink lots of water almost double I drink at home. I also try to take a run when I land or the next day. It allows me to kick the jet lag as well as get a quick overview of the city I am visiting.
KH: The key for me is to keep up with my vitamins and stay hydrated. If I’m going to LA I try to get one full night of 12 hours of sleep once I get there because chances are I’m totally sleep deprived.


+ Favorite hotel room/travel/vacation workout

MRA: I love doing yoga in my room. A few down dogs, sun salutations and stretching is an easy quick way to get your body moving especially after a long flight. Plus its great for your mind to relax.
KH: I’ve been doing this squat challenge (day 25!!). It helps for me to do challenges like that because it keeps me motivated no matter where I am.


+ Ideal workout outfit

MRA: I am a big fan of Lululemon. Its on trend in color and fit plus wears well. I have some items that are well over 5 years old and still in great condition.
KH: I was a volleyball player and cheerleader most of my life- so I love spandex and always will.


+ Best stylish gym bag

MRA: I tend to carry a lot of big bags so I would say my large Goyard carry all tote is a great day bag for me to throw in my work out gear and iPod.
KH: My shark bag from Little Tokyo in LA.
Goyard Tote & Shark Bag

+ Motivation to stay in shape
MRA: I have worked out for as long as I can remember.Its just a part of my life like taking a shower or brushing my teeth. I really enjoy working out as it provides me with a way to get out my stress and decompress mentally.
KH: I live in New York, surrounded by models. Enough motivation for me. On a serious note, as hard as it is to fit a workout in- I know it will energize me the rest of the day.


+ Favorite natural beauty remedy

MRA: I occasionally get an in home facial and my facialist mixes me a face mask after each treatment that is thermal so when it is applied to the face it heats up. Its my go to when I need a beauty fix while traveling.
KH: Oribe Hair Treatments once a month are my favorite.


+ Quick easy healthy recipe

MRA: I am a big smoothie person. I like to use non flavored protein powder, flax seed oil, ice, handful of frozen spinach, tablespoon of peanut butter, one banana and water. It is a healthy and tasty on the go snack/drink for me.
KH: Super mom Melissa is putting me to shame here. If I need to make something quick I usually just do a hard boiled egg.


+ Favorite skinny cocktail

MRA: I love a citrus vodka and soda with a lime. Its refreshing but definitely relaxes me.
KH: Vodka soda + 2 limes.


+ How do you maintain balance between your job and healthy lifestyle?

MRA: I make myself take a break from my phone and computer when I get home so I can spend quality time with my husband and son. It allows us to play, talk, make dinner and just be out of touch for a while.
KH: My job is definitely a huge part of my life because I love what I do so much. I am away from my family so I make sure to talk to my mom and sister once a day either in the morning or at night. I am slowly learning to turn my phone on silent while I sleep- but we work with so many people across the world so I have to stay connected! Basically, I am only 23 and I am still working out a healthy balance between work, social life, and rest.


+ Best advice for a busy fashionista

MRA: Fashion and trends are always changing so stay true to yourself and your lifestyle and make choices that work for you!
KH: Try to establish what your “uniform” is- and invest in it. If you like how you feel in a certain look- it makes it easier to get dressed if you stick to it and change it up with accessories!!


+ Embarrassing workout story

MRA: I ran track in college at Georgetown and I was running an extremely tiring cross country race and peed my pants. It was terrible but my team mates were super supportive and we laughed it off later. Sometimes your body just has enough!
KH: I went into a wrong class at yogaworks one day- and ended up being in a super advanced class. I figured this out when I was in a backbend for 5 minutes. I stuck it out but it was definitely not easy to keep up!

 

Selma Blair, Busy Phillips, Melissa Richardson Akkaway, Jenna Dewan and Emmy Rossum
From left: Selma Blair, Busy Phillips, Melissa Richardson Akkaway, Jenna Dewan and Emmy Rossum

Veronika Borchers, Melissa Akkaway, Alexis Bledel, Kelsie HayesFrom left: Veronika Borchers, Melissa Akkaway, Alexis Bledel, and Kelsie Hayes.


+ Where to find Melissa & Kelsie
Melissa’s Instagram:
 @MelissaBeckley
Kelsie’s Instagram:
 @KelsieHayes
Beckley Blog:
 BeckleyBlog.com

+Beckley By Melissa
Website: BeckleyByMelissa.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/BeckleyByMelissa
Instagram: 
@BeckleyByMeliss

+Beckley Boutique
Website: 
BeckleyBoutique.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/BeckleyBoutique
Twitter: @Beckley Boutique
Instagram: @BeckleyBoutique
Beckley Blog: BeckleyBlog.com

+Giveaway
Melissa and Kelsie love you little bunnies so much that they are giving away a BeckleybyMelissa Spring 2013 Signature Beetle Print Scarf from Beckley Boutique so you can go to yoga class in style! Tie it around your chic gym bag or throw it on after leaving a workout class as you head to lunch with this adorable spring bug scarf!
Kelsie designed the print herself!

BeckleybyMelissa Beetle Print Scarf
For your chance to win (you can earn up to 2 entries!!!):

  1. Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite travel snack or travel workout.
  2. Earn another entry by tweeting “ Enter the #giveaway hosted by @EatRabbitFood for a chance to #win a #BeckleybyMelissa #scarf from @BeckleyBoutique! http://bit.ly/101RVNv ”
    – Complete your Twitter entry by leaving a separate comment on this post with a link to your tweet.
  • That means you can earn up to 2 entries: comment on this post, follow on Instagram, follow on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and  tweet!
  • All entries must use a valid email address.
  • Contest open to U.S. residents only (I’m sorry international bunnies!)
  • All entries must be posted by Sunday, May 5 at 11:59pm (PST).
  • winner will be announced on Monday, May 6.

Good Luck! xo

* The giveaway has ended, and the winner will be announced on Monday, May 6.
** Congratulations to the winner: Celina!

Chobani Giveaway

Hoppy Wednesday everybunny!

Today, I have a very exciting announcement!
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Chobani to write a post for their official blog. Being a total CHObunny, I hopped right on board this tasty opportunity.

You can read my post about making healthy desserts and recipes with Chobani Greek yogurt on their official website!


In collaboration with Chobani (Proud sponsor of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team), I am hosting a giveaway! One lucky RFFMBT reader will win an assorted case (twelve 6 oz. cups – bunny ears and cotton tail not included) of Chobani Greek yogurt!

For your chance to win:

  • Post your favorite Greek yogurt based recipe in the comment section of this post “Chobani Giveaway.”
  • Recipes must be complete with instructions, not just ingredients.
  • Recipes must be original. Copyrighted recipes will not qualify.
  • Recipes must include Greek Yogurt.
  • All entries must use a valid email address.
  • Contest open to U.S. residents only.
  • All entries must be posted by Friday, June 1st at 11:59pm (PST).
  • The winner will be announced on Monday, June 4.

Good luck little bunnies, I cannot wait to read your recipes!

* The giveaway has ended, and the winner will be announced on Monday, June 4.
** Congratulations to the winner: Kimberly L. from CA.


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