Vegan Beauty Essentials

As an extension of my last post, I wanted to share just a handful of my favorite cruelty-free beauty finds in the hopes that some of you will enjoy them as well. I am always on the hunt for vegan products that really work and have found a handful of gems so far on my journey.

Many of them were shared with me through vegan blogs and beauty articles in various magazines and I have tested them all out myself. Below are just a few of the products that I have bought repeatedly and that I feel deserve honorable mention. I hope to share more great cruelty free finds with you in the future as my search continues :)!!

1) Yes to Grapefruits CC Cream

Yes to Grapefruits CC Cream

Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream is a natural, lightweight, color correcting formula with so many awesome benefits!:

Provides instant and natural coverage with natural pigments
Helps correct skin tone
Increases luminosity and radiance with evodia fruit
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Protects SPF 18 broad spectrum
 Moisturizes and keeps skin supple and fresh
Promotes smoother and softer looking skin

WINNER of Allure Best of Beauty: Natural Wonders 2013

Features
95% Natural
Petroleum, SLS, & Paraben Free
Cruelty-free

Grapefruit is rich in Vitamin C and Lycopene (anti-oxidant heavy hitters), which naturally help to even skin tone and enhance luminosity, promoting healthier, smoother and softer looking skin.

Price: $15.99 USD
Where to buy: On Website, Amazon, Ulta
Website: yestocarrots.com


2) Dermae Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub

Dermae Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub

The gentle formula sloughs away dead cells and deep cleans pores for a younger, more radiant glow.

This scrub is made using all natural ingredients like Stearic Acid, a fatty acid that is used as an emulsifier and is found naturally in shea and cocoa butters. It also contains Apricot Seed Powder and Papaya to clean out pores and promote a radiant, smooth complexion. 

Glycolic acid, a form of alpha hydroxy acid naturally found in sugar cane, sloughs off dead skin cells which helps prevent clogged pores and lessens the appearance of hyperpigmentation. 

Price: $12.75 USD
Where to buy: On Website, Amazon, Ulta, Whole Foods Market                                         
Website: dermae.com 
 

3) 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara 

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara

Key Benefits:

• 100% natural, 100% vegetarian
• Colored with black tea and berry pigments
• Lengthens, separates, thickens and glosses lashes
• Water and smudge resistant; suitable for sensitive eyes

Description:
100% natural mascara lengthens, separates, thickens and glosses lashes with fruit pigments and Black tea pigments. Lash conditioning ProVitamin B5, Vitamin E, Oat and Wheat protein conditions for healthier lashes. Gentle, all natural, good for you formula is suitable for everyone, even if you wear contacts or have sensitive eyes. Water and smudge resistant.

Featured on NBC's Today Show 

All of the ingredient have an EWG rating of 0 or 1 

Price: $21.00 USD
Where to buy: On Website, Amazon                                       

Website: 100percentpure.com

4) Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
 

100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream

Key Benefits:

• Clinically proven to de-puff and brighten dark circles
• Clinically proven to lessen lines and wrinkles
• Caffeine rich eye cream makes you look more refreshed and awake

Description:
Anti-inflammatory, caffeine rich green tea and coffee de-puffs while increasing circulation to brighten dark circles. Concentrated with potent anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants, and nourishing rosehip oil to make eye area look more awake and more youthful.
Price: $21.00 USD
Where to buy: On Website, Amazon                                       
Website: 100percentpure.com


5) Bamboo Smooth Pure Kendi Treatment Oil

Alterna Bamboo Kendi Oil

A strengthening and smoothing oil for the hair. This double-duty formula can be used as both a deeply nourishing treatment that helps to repair split ends and environmental damage, and as a color protecting style primer. Made with strengthening organic bamboo and smoothing organic kendi oil, it banishes frizz and imparts intense shine while providing vital nutrients.

Formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Phathalates, GMOs, Triclosan, Pterolatum, PBA

-Eco-Certified, Fair-trade compliant & Certified Organic Ingredients
-Made with certified organic bamboo
-Cruelty Free and Vegan

Price: $25.00 USD
Where to buy: Website, Amazon, Sephora, Ulta                                    
Website: alternahaircair.com

products were made with Certified Organic Bamboo, never tested on animals and were ethically traded. - See more at: http://veganamericanprincess.com/bamboo-hair-products-by-alterna/#sthash.qm5Pf8OU.dpuf

More to Come :-)!

products were made with Certified Organic Bamboo, never tested on animals and were ethically traded. - See more at: http://veganamericanprincess.com/bamboo-hair-products-by-alterna/#sthash.qm5Pf8OU.dpuf

Shopping for Vegan Cosmetics

One topic that I have forgotten to share with you all up until now is how to shop for cosmetics as a vegan. There is no doubt that animal testing is a hugely controversial topic in society today and for vegan men and women alike, this means choosing not to support businesses whose values do not align with your own. This of course extends to the production process and business practices behind of all those countless products that you use on your hair, skin and nails daily.

I realize that many vegans and vegetarians choose to remain focused on their diet and food choices alone and do not put much thought into beauty products, especially in the beginning. However, after continuing on this lifestyle for some time and gaining more and more knowledge, it simply becomes natural to want to expand your values to reach far beyond just food selection. In fact, the same way that the dairy industry is just as bad if not worse than the meat industry, the beauty and cosmetics industries are just as guilty. Once you become aware of the cruelty behind animal testing practices and the harmful chemicals used in many cosmetics, it becomes natural to want to find a better alternative.


The truth is that although consumers may not focus on whether or not their products are natural and cruelty free, it is actually a very simple switch that does not take much effort at all as long as you know what to look for. Likewise, switching to natural, organic cosmetic lines that do not use harmful chemicals or test on animals is a decision that can promote cruelty free business practices, is better for the environment and will free your body from toxic chemicals used in many of these products.

One important lesson that I have learned is that the additional of chemicals does not make a product more effective when it comes to makeup, hair and skincare. Natural and organic is always better and I have honestly been shocked at how amazing natural cosmetics can be once I began trying out different lines. The best tip that I can give to anyone out there who may be a beginner and exploring their options, is to start testing out different lines until you find one that works for you. I have listed below some of my favorite natural and cruelty free lines below within a range of price points, but there is really something different for everyone. I can only promise that you won't be disappointed if you make the switch to natural cosmetics that have not been tested on animals. There are literally thousands upon thousands of choices.

Even if you spend a little bit more (which I guarantee you won't have to), you can feel confident in your buying decisions as a consumer and feel good about supporting environmentally conscious and compassionate companies. However, I am confident that there are a plethora of options that you can find at competitive prices that will work more effectively. It's just a matter of being a smart consumer and choosing one brand over another. It's really as simple as that.

This is not only a vegan matter but is really something that everybody can benefit from giving a bit more of their attention. This is a highly controversial topic and of course you should always be weary and do your own research, as some companies claim to not be tested on animals and actually are. As long as you make a conscious effort, that's all that matters. Below are some of the top reasons to shop for natural cosmetics, as well tips for cruelty free shopping.

[ Ninety-four percent of animal testing is used to determine the safety of cosmetics and household products. This leaves only 6% for medical research. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require animal testing for cosmetics. ]

My Favorite Natural Cosmetic Lines:

Brand #1: 100% Pure by Purity Cosmetics

Brand #2: Dermae Skincare

Brand #3: Alba Botanica

Brand #4: Origins Skincare

Brand #5: Bare Escentuals (Shiseido)

Brand #6: Burt's Bees

Brand #7: Urban Decay Cosmetics

Brand #8: Dr. Hauschka Skincare

Brand #9: Pur Minerals Cosmetics

Brand #10: Yes to Carrots / Yes to Grapefruit / Yes to Cucumber

Read More:

List of Companies That Test On Animals

Cruelty Free Body Care Companies

Cruelty Free Company Search

Animal Testing in Household Products and Cosmetics

The Truth About Cosmetic Animal Testing
PETA Article on Vegan Skin Care
Vegan Skin and Hair Care

Don't Forget Your Green Drink!

What Is a Green Smoothie?

Today I'm going to be discussing the benefits of one of my favorite healthy eating regimes and beauty secrets! I'm talking of course about the magic potion known as a green drink! For those of you who are not familiar with the concept of a green drink, it it basically a blended smoothie that includes a mix of green super foods and various fruits and vegetables of your choice.

Hilary Greenleaf, author of "The New Green Smoothie Diet," defines a green smoothie as having a ratio of 60% veggies and 40% fruit. The basic idea behind the smoothie is to increase your daily intake of leafy green veggies in a way that best contributes to optimal health. It is most easily described by following the wonderful chart below from SimpleGreenSmoothies.com :

Green Smoothie 101

Adding a green smoothie to my morning routine has been the focus of my attention recently and I highly recommend that everybody gives this vitamin-filled drink a try as well! It's so easy to make this a morning ritual and I guarantee that within a week or two, you will start to see and feel the benefits in every aspect of your life!

Why Is Drinking A Green Smoothie More Beneficial Than Simply Eating Greens?

Awesome Almond Smoothie (Left)

One of the reasons including a green drink into your diet is so beneficial is due to the fact that when you blend your greens, you are actually breaking down the cellular walls of the leaves, which leaves you with the finest particles of nutrients. These nutrients, which of course are still living and fully intact, are then delivered straight to your cells without the damage that heating causes to food. This actually makes it more beneficial to consume greens blended as opposed to just eating them.

The high nutrient density of the greens in their raw form, along with the ease of digestion that a smoothie provides, makes this by far the healthiest form of consumption. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of raw, uncooked plant foods, I highly recommend checking out "The 80/10/10 Diet' by Dr. Douglas Graham. In his book, he explains the endless benefits of living a high carb, low fat raw vegan lifestyle and how to thrive by eating the way that nature intended.



What are the Benefits of Drinking a Daily Green Smoothie?

An Amazing Link For Busy Green Smoothie Drinkers!

When it comes to the benefits of consuming a daily green smoothie, the list is practically endless. One of the most gratifying benefits is that you will begin to notice a feeling of inner peace and tranquility when you consume this drink consistently. This is due to the chlorophyll found in greens, which delivers fresh oxygen to your cells and allows your body to thrive in a slightly alkaline state. In this state, your body can achieve the highest possible level of health and degenerative diseases such as cancer cannot thrive (these diseases grow and thrive in acidic environments).

Likewise you will feel cleaner, lighter, more vibrant and will have a positive outlook on life overall. When you eat healthy, you feel healthy and this truly radiates outward.

Not only that, but your body will be strengthened on the cellular level. It will be easier to curb bad addictions and unhealthy habits, your skin will radiate and glow, your bowel movements will be smooth and regular, you will drop unwanted pounds, diminish cravings and get a boost of pure, natural energy that will sustain you throughout the day. Although many people make the green smoothie an AM routine, it can also be great when used as a pre-workout shake to provide you with lasting energy (when combined with fruits to up the caloric value and supply us with simple sugars to burn immediately as fuel).

Green Drink Detox

All in all, green smoothies are a cheap, quick and extremely effective way to provide your body with pure nutrition and achieve optimal health. They are low in calories, filling, easily digested, refreshing, hydrating and packed full of vitamins and minerals. I could continue on with the list of benefits for days, but if you are interested in learning more about the science behind the green smoothie, please feel free to go through the links below. They provide some great additional information and will put you on a path to becoming the healthiest, most vibrant and beautiful you in 2014! Cheers :-)!

Freeze Now, Blend Later

What are some Basic Tips and Guidelines for Green Smoothie Drinkers?

1. Consume your green smoothie first thing in the morning before eating breakfast and on an empty stomach to receive full benefits. Try to enjoy your green smoothie alone and not mixed with a meal.

2. Drink slowly and enjoy!

3. Prepare your smoothie first thing in the morning and keep extra in the fridge to enjoy later on.

4. Stick to the basics: Try to use only fruits, vegetables and water in your green smoothie. 

This will prevent anything from slowing down the assimilation into your digestive tract or from causing stomach upset or gas.

5. Keep it simple: Don't add too many ingredients to your smoothie at one time. 

This makes your smoothie easier to digest.

6. Practice makes perfect: Try different recipes until you find one that you really love!

And Don't Forget!: 

It's Not a Diet, It's a Lifestyle :-)!

Read more:  

8 Benefits of Drinking Green Smoothies

Top 10 Benefits of Green Smoothies

Guidelines for Green Smoothie Consumption

Green Smoothie Health Benefits and Recipes

Health Benefits of Green Smoothies

How To Make The Perfect Green Smoothie 

My Very Own: Coconut water, Frozen Pineapple and Mango, Kale, Banana

Brooklyn Goes Vegan

The V-Spot Cafe in Park Slope, Brooklyn

I have found my first little slice of vegan heaven in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood! I stumbled upon it while waiting for my husband to finish an interview in the area and boy am I glad I decided to give it a try! The cafe is Latin, Vegan and Kosher (what a combo!) and has been advertised on Telemundo, Brooklyn News 12, El Diario, Daily News and CBS.

The atmosphere was warm and cozy (especially coming from the freezing temperatures outside) and the staff was very friendly. The place was on the small side but there was plenty of room for all the happy guests to fit comfortably. I was unsure what to order since everything looked really great, but ended up going with the host's recommendation of their Chick'n Parm Hero.

Eggplant Parm

The food was ready in approximately 10 minutes and when I opened it up, it looked much better than I was expecting. For just over $10, I got a huge hero wrapped up in aluminum foil and a nice side salad with some kind of delicious house dressing (Italian, I think).

Granted, I have never had vegan chicken parm before, but it was always one of my favorite foods before going vegan and I was beyond excited to try it. To my relief, it tasted even better than it looked! I know that it's more of a comfort food and not exactly the most healthful meal, but for an occasional splurge, it was absolutely delicious. I'm so glad to see vegan places like this catching on throughout New York and I can't wait to return again in the future :-)!

V Spot Cafe Website
VSPOT - 156 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217

The 10 Best-Selling Juices From The Top Juice Brands

After quite a long hiatus, I am very glad to report that I have finally made my way back to New York! Although my travels have been life-changing and eye-opening in countless ways, I honestly couldn't be more thrilled to be back home with family and friends. I undoubtedly have a new appreciate for all the blessings in my life and truly hope that the future will hold new adventures! For now, I am simply enjoying this moment and can't wait to explore the endless vegan options that NYC has to offer!

Since returning home, I have mostly been hiding from the cold but hope to venture out into NYC once the weather is a bit more tolerable. The last time I was living in this area, I was not yet fully committed to following a vegan lifestyle and so I know that much discovery awaits me. 

 Overall, I would definitely have to agree with those who argue that New York City has the greatest vegan options in the country, if not the world. It really all comes down to options, and New York definitely has no shortage of those. You can find juice trucks on street corners and vegan restaurants for every budget and taste. It really is a vegan paradise! 

 Living in conditions where my options were limited really gives me a deep appreciation for the choices here and I can't wait to share all of my discoveries with all of you! Below are just 10 of the wonderful fresh juices sold in health food stores in the NYC area. They are first on my list of things to try :-)!

 

BluePrint "Green Juice"
Creative Juice "Easy Being Green"
Dig Inn "Serious Green"
Evolution Fresh "Sweet Greens and Lemon"
Juice Generation "Supa Dupa Greens"
Juice Press "Doctor Green Juice"
Liquiteria "All Greens with Apple, Lemon, and Ginger"
Organic Avenue "Green LOVE*"
Pressed Juicery "Greens 3"
Suja "Vanilla Cloud"

 

Well and Good NYC-10 Best Selling Juices

       

The Worlds Sexiest Vegetarian Over 50

You'll never guess the actual age of Mimi Kirk,
 PETA's "Sexiest Vegetarian Over 50." 

As the oldest person to enter PETA's contest by nearly a decade, Mimi competed for "Sexiest Vegetarian Over 50" with no intention of winning. She was by far the oldest person to enter the contest and says that the youngest contestant was young enough to be her daughter. Can you guess how old she might be? Prepare to me amazed. Mimi is now 72 YEARS OLD! 

PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Over 50

She looks absolutely fantastic and shows little to no signs of aging. Good genes? Of course. However, Mimi largely attributes her ache and pain-free 72-year-old physique to her mostly raw food vegan diet. She claims to have endless amounts of energy and feels better than she ever has in her life. She also admits to not exercising much and therefore really believes that her switch to a vegetarian and eventually vegan diet is what has kept her young all these years. 

Mimi is now a published author (Live Raw Recipe Book) and is truly an inspiration to the vegetarian community and to people of all ages. Her motto is: "Enjoy life, try new things, and fulfill your dreams. Don't let anger, judgement, or stress take over a day of your life. Give love, show compassion." 

More Info on PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Contest

Box Chocolates For Your Vegan Valentine

With Valentines Day coming up, you might be stressing out about what in the world you're supposed to buy your vegan Valentine (No chocolate = No Valentines Day, right?). Well don't fret, being vegan doesn't mean giving up chocolate and there are plenty of box chocolate options for you to choose from!

 If you're not quite adventurous enough to put your vegan baking skills to the test (or lets face it, if you're a guy), then Vegansaurus has posted some vegan-friendly chocolates that won't break the bank. I have also added a few of my own favorites, so between all of these yummy treats, there's no way your vegan Valentine will be disappointed! 

Vegansaurus Vegan Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Dairy-Free Valentines Day Chocolates

Rose City Chocolates Vegan Selection

Ten Chocolate Companies That Offer Vegan Chocolates

1. Vegan Milk Chocolate Hearts From Farm Sanctuary (Vegan, Fair Trade, and Organic!!)

2. Chocolate Decadence Worlds Best Lover Chocolate Bar

3. Vegan Organic Valentines Day Caramels (From Member Feedyourface)

4. Vegan Organic Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels (From Member Feedyourface)

5. Vegan Valentine Box Chocolates (From Etsy Member MissVeganTreats)

6. Vegan S'mores Kit: Valentines Edition (From Etsy Member IheartVeg)

7. Vegan Whipped Cream and Chocolate Sauce

8. Allisons Gourmet Vegan Chocolates Gift Box

9. Artisan Vegan Truffles From Allisons Gourmet

10.  Allisons Gourmet Vegan Milk Chocolate Rasberry Hearts

11. The ULTIMATE Vegan Valentine Chocolate Box!