So it's been around a month since I decided to make the change to cruelty-free and it's definitely a long process but, actually, one I've been enjoying; discovering new products and brands to spend money I don't really have one has been great. While they are still a few products I haven't found the perfect CF replacement for, I finally have an all CF everyday make-up look to share with you.

Starting with foundation, I've switched out my usual L'oreal favourite for a new find; The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation for an everyday base. Being own by L'oreal I was hoping for a similar formula yet cruelty-free and soo far I feel that's what I've got. I'm still in the trial period but so far so good; I'll be sure to keep you updated on my thoughts! To apply this, I've been using, non-stop, my very worn B.Beauty By Superdrug Beauty Blender; at only £3 when I bought, it's an absolute steal ! Concealer has stayed the same as The Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. This is the only product that I'm unsure whether it is CF. I read a post that said it was but I know a few people disagree. Let me know if you have any information on this or any definite CF alternatives!

Barry M was a brand I always knew was cruelty-free and, while always a lover of their nail varnishes, I hadn't delved into any of their make-up before. You may have seen me haul this(here) a few weeks ago, but the Barry M Strobe Cream Highlighter has become a staple of mine. I'd never have thought I'd be one to wear highlighter on the daily but I love the added glow it gives especially when I'm half asleep. From new to old, The Sleek Face Form Kit is, and always will be, a staple in my everyday look. It has the perfect matte bronzer along with a great everyday blush and even more highlight if wanted. I'm so glad I can carry on using one of my favorite products. Another old favourite that I recently repurchased was the Soap & Glory One Heck Of A Blot Powder which I reviewed a while back here but since then has become an all time favourite setting powder that I will always reach for. 

The same could be said for eyebrows. My highly used and highly talked/blogged about Freedom Eyebrow duo is an affordable, CF eyebrow powder that gives me enough 'eyebrow' a day. I sometimes also use the Soap & Glory Brow Archery which I would recommend if you prefer a pencil. 

Lips. One of my favourite cruelty-free finds is the Gosh Velvet Touch Lip Liner in Vintage Rose which is the perfect base for lipstick but also a stand alone lip shade that, while doesn't last forever, has great staying power and isn't too drying on the lips. While great on its own, I pair it with a rediscovery of mine; Soap & Glory Sex Mother Pucker Lip Laquer which adds great gloss to the lips. 

One aspect I've struggled with is Mascara. The ELF Beautifully Bare Lash Tint Mascara which I received as a free gift with my last order. It says what it does on the tin; a simple mascara that adds colour and a little lift. What I love most about it, is the small wand which is great for bottom lashes. The only downside is it's prone to rubbing off and leaving that panda looking black line under the eyes that looks like I've been crying. Sadly, because of this, I've been using a non-cruelty free mascara so any affordable recommendations would be appreciated!


So there's my updated everyday make-up routine that is, hopefully(if my information is correct), allcruelty-free!

Do you have any fab cruelty-free make-up recommendations?
Hope you're doing great,

Sarah x

Dear Jacob,

Thank you for being there- your constant comic relief was always needed even when I said it wasn't. 

In primary school, you were always the one I wanted to be the best friends with and while we were friends, it wasn't until leaving high school that our friendship really started. Both you and Jade have been the best friends I could ask for. You were there to get me out of my comfort zone after shying away from life for far too long. I finally understand why having friends is so great, so amazing. Even the small arguments and disagreements end in fun and laughter. 

With previous friendships, at any point of disagreement, I'd give up and label that friendship void. But, when it comes to our friendship, it's always worth the energy to make things right because I honestly don't know how I'd cope without you and the dramatic, funny tales and times you bring with you. 

You were always a kid with big dreams in mind, especially when it came to acting, and seeing you continue to be your own drama queen, while sometimes over the top, is one of the reasons I love you. 

You don't need you head to grow any larger but I honestly do admire you. The shit you dealt with from people in high school... and to see you now- being who you truly are, embracing who you are and not being too shy to put yourself out there. That makes me proud to call you a friend. 

When you text me saying you were gay, I didn't believe you. I thought you were joking as you had before. I told you to ring me if you were telling the truth. And you did. And I cried; cried for being proud and happy and relieved that you finally felt like you could openly be you.

I have had some of the best times with you and it's the little moments I appreciate- the puns, the jokes, even the bitching is what tells and shows me how much of an amazing friend you are. 

This is a friendship I don't want to end. I want you to feel you can still come to me when you're in a sticky situation, I want to come home and still have the amazing times we had before we left for uni. While we might go our separate ways, our friendship stays. 

Jade, you and I; the three amigos/bitchachoes. We are a like a pack of KitKat- come together and can't be sold separately!


Thank you so much for everything and anything you've done for me- you've done more than you can imagine.

Love you,

Sarah x

30TH SEPTEMBER 

So I've arrived at Uni. After saying goodbye to my dad and unpacking my stuff and a few nights being surrounded by boxes of belongings I didn't know where to place, I finally feel I've got my own little space. Sharing with 10 other people seemed daunting at first(and it still is a little) but slowly I'm adjusting to a little more each day. I'm yet to have any lectures and am still wrapped up in fresher's week complete with the cliche flu-like symptoms.

Day by day I'm feeling more settled, feeling even more eager to throw myself into uni life and experience all that it has to offer.

2ND OCTOBER

So I had a little breakdown. Speaking to a friend from home made me realise where I was and the little bit of pressure it brings with it. It's been a week and I'm worried I'm not making friends, not understanding the work etc. For a minute it felt too much. But then, the next morning I got up, got ready, said hi to my housemates and then headed to a lecture where I sat and was educated on the brain. While at points I was lost and at points I was falling asleep, I know, that with a lot of work, I'm just as deserving being here as the other  250 people in my lecture and they're probably facing the same problems I am right now. 

6TH OCTOBER

I don't think I'm ever going to get the sleep back I've lost over the past couple of weeks from Freshers and the time sat up late talking to housemates and watching Chicken run among other films instead sticking my head in the crap ton of books I have to get through. The lectures are getting better and even found two today interesting. It's just now focusing on getting everything organised and being able to tackle a social life and making sure I get all the work and more done. 


I'm sorry I've been absent over the past two weeks but I will slowly get into a routine where, hopefully, blogging will return to a more regular thing again because I do miss it; I've just had my mind in other places and on other things. This is a new stage of my life that I'm excited to experience and share with you.


Hope you're doing great,

Sarah x