It's been almost a year since I started my transition into cruelty free beauty and over the year I have definitely experienced some ups and downs with choosing to do this. While, now, I couldn't imagine going back to purchasing products from brands that do test on animals, I know it has it's challenges. So, I thought, for those looking for some help in deciding whether cruelty-free beauty is something you can do, I'm going to share with you some of the problems I found a long the way, how I solved these as well as some of the fabulous perks to cruelty-free beauty!

"THERE'S LESS CHOICE"

When it comes to trying to find the perfect foundation, cruelty free or not, I struggle. Therefore, when searching for one that was not just pale, hydrating and good coverage but was also cruelty free, this was something else to add to my tick list of things I needed. 

SOLUTION: Yes, your choices are narrowed but I actually found it made my decisions a lot easier. When toying between two foundations, one cruelty free and one not, it helped me make that choice much quicker and I ended up with a fab foundation! 

"IT'S MORE EXPENSIVE"

This was my biggest worry when stepping into cruelty free beauty. All the blogs I was reading seemed to be including fabulous products from brands such as Anastasia, Urban Decay, Kat Von D etc. But, these were products I just can't budget for as a nineteen-year old student. 

SOLUTION: If you're in the UK, you should count yourself lucky! There are so many cruelty-free brands waiting for you to discover them on the high street. Brands such as Make Up Revolution, Freedom, Sleek, Collection, Barry M; They're all brands that you can find in your local Boots and Superdrug and all are cruelty free. If it's skincare you need, of course there's lush and the body shop but Superdrug's own ranges in skincare, haircare etc. are all fabulous and all cruelty free with many even vegan and all reasonably priced. 

"I CAN'T FIND AN ALTERNATIVE"

This one's been the trickiest for me and for things such as toothbrushes, toothbrushes, feminine care, razors etc that are cruelty free are hard to come buy unless you're looking at certain stores online. But, if you're anything like me, some products you can't find a suitable alternative that cuts it as well or that you trust. 

SOLUTION: When in doubt; Superdrug. Everything from their razors to toothbrushes include a cruelty free logo on the back of their products and work just as well as big companies such as Colgate and Venus. You may also be surprised to find that a lot of these are cheaper than big name brands while working just as well. 
Sometimes, there is a lot of trying and testing but it's definitely worth it! If you're going try one thing from Superdrug, I have a real love for their own brand aerosol deodorants; I'd definitely give them a shot! 

These are just some of the worries I had when starting out eliminating products that test on animals. I do still have a way to go in eradicating all traces of products testing on animals but it's not something I can do overnight. The positives to cruelty-free living are endless and maybe I'll share those with you soon!
Do you have any worries about cruelty-free beauty? Do you have any positives to share about shopping cruelty-free?
Hope you're doing great,
Sarah x

In this What I Ate In A Day, you can see what I eat when all I want are some fail-safe favourite comfort foods. 

BREAKFAST

To start this day I had one of my Tesco dairy free mango yoghurts along with sainsbury's simple granola and a nectarine. While it may not look like it, minimal effort is needed to make this super summery, simple breakfast that will keep me full all the way to lunch. 

LUNCH

I've been having a constant obsession with the Covent Garden Slow Roast Tomato Soup; it's definitely more of a luxurious soup and I always snatch it up when it's on offer as it's the only soup I like. This doesn't scream summer but it's a fab one for the english summer day's when it's on the cold side and a little rainy out as this day turned out to be. I also make my own crouton style-bread bites. I do this by cutting, usually, 2 slices of bread into square shapes which I place in a shallow pan along with some melted butter, garlic and mixed herbs. I wait until the bread started to crisp and brown before turning them out and serving with my soup.



TEA

For me, this is the star of the show. I shared my quick chilli recipe in my first WHAT I ATE IN A DAY. So, I took that fail-safe chilli recipe and instead of just serving it with rice; I added a few tacos as well as some lettuce. On other occasions I add more veg such as carrot and pepper. Along with a small portion of rice, I assemble my so-called tacos. It's such a fun twist on a plain chilli and with those little extras making it my chilli version of a Buddha bowl, it's become my go-to easy meal and is definitely a favourite. 

Hope you enjoyed reading a little about what I've been eating recently. 
Hope you're doing great,
Sarah x

kat von d lock it foundation bottle and packaging

The Kat Von D "Lock It" foundation has been a cult classic within the beauty community. A vegan, full-coverage foundation that has a strong shade range, with many shades great for the paler person. I've had my struggled with colour matching my pale skin for years but, the Kat Vo D foundation has become a staple for a full-coverage, night out look Read on for my full Kat Von D Lock It Foundation Review

Lock It Foundation Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Isododecane, Sodium Chloride, Methicone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Calcium Carbonate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trihydroxystearin, Potassium Sorbate, Methylpropanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium Edta, Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone. May Contain (+/-):CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide).

There is nothing that really screams "bad" and the ingredients suggest that it would be suitable for those with sensitive skin but, do take the time to look through the ingredients in case any of these may irritate your skin personally. It is also clean of any animal-derived products and therefore a vegan formula. Kat Von D is also a certified cruelty-free brand as well. There are some key ingredients I think are worth looking at specifically:

Glycerin

The Kat Von D Lock It foundation contains Glycerin. Glycerin is an ingredient that, when used in skincare and makeup can help your skin feel healthier, smoother and more supple. While it doesn't list the amount or percentage of Glycerin used, it is the first indicator to me that suggested it's a suitable foundation for dry skin and may cause less flaking and drying than other foundations.

Silicones

Some silicones are used within this foundation formula and be something you are personally sensitive to. Some have believed that silicones have to lead to breakouts but actually, the silicone molecules are too large to cause your pore to clog and can form a barrier over your skin to stop any hydration from escaping. This is another sign to suggest it is suitable for those with dry skin but also oily skin who are worried about clogged pores and excess oil.

I think if you do experience breakouts from this foundation, I'd maybe look for the answer in your skincare routine and the way you choose to remove your foundation - this is potentially the source of your breakouts after wearing makeup.

Kat Von D Lock It Foundation Shade 44 Cool

My Review

The Lock-It foundation promises 24-hour transfer-resistant coverage and a smooth finish. With high pigment levels to boast full coverage to even out your skin's complexion. 


I have had this foundation for many years now. As a pale girl with dehydrated dry skin that also can be oily over time and have the odd breakouts, this hasn’t caused my skin any issues and has become a firm favourite of mine for the full coverage looks. 


I purchased the shade Light 44 Cool and it’s a perfect match to my skin, very similar to my previous L’oreal True Match in 1C Rose Ivory (before I went cruelty-free). It was described as having a matte finish which is something I usually stay away from. But, from trying it on in the store, to experimenting with coverage and layering at home, with a good moisturiser and primer, this wouldn’t be a problem for my skin. 


If my skin is overly dry one day, there is some visible clinging to dry areas but, as my skin produces more natural oils, it becomes more natural and less noticeable.


Is the foundation full coverage? 


It's an easily buildable foundation and, while the formulation is thicker than any other foundation I've used before, it doesn't feel heavy on the skin but instead feels surprisingly lightweight. 


I also believe this foundation stands the test of time. When on a night out with this one and, 8 hours or so later, the only thing to have budged was my eyeshadow; everything else was intact and not much shine was showing through. While I can’t vouch for the 24-hour claim, I can definitely say it will last your nights out or long days. The claim of “transfer-resistant” I think is hard to know. I would say there is transfer but nothing dramatic and with a high-quality powder to set it in place, it passes the test. 


With it being a full-coverage foundation, I definitely recommend removing this with an oil-based make-up remover. The Body Shop Camomile Butter has been a staple for me to remove full coverage foundations. I also think it’s necessary to make sure to double cleanse; follow up with a cream cleanser, toner and your favourite moisturiser to make sure all makeup has been removed and avoid breakouts the next day. 


Is Kat Von D Foundation good for oily skin?


My skin is combination and becomes oilier over time. I think this is a foundation that is good for both oily skin and drier skin types. For those with oily skin, using a oil balancing face wash and mattifying primer before applying this foundation will definitely give you the best wear and coverage out of the foundation.


Does Kat Von D Lock it foundation oxidize?


I have noticed on occasion a slight darken of the colour of the foundation but nothing so dramatic that you would need to go a shade down to reach your natural skin tone. There great range of paler shades means that you can easily match to both your skin shade and tone, with cool, neutral and warmer under tones. This foundation is definitely lacking on the other end of the colour range and could do more to expand the darker shades to make this an accessible foundation for all. 


Overall Conclusions


Value: 5/5 If you’re looking for your first higher-end foundation, Kat Von D is a great place to spend your money. The product lasts for ages and the packaging is of good quality. I think it’s definitely worth paying for. 


Quality: 4/5 It’s definitely a foundation that performs well and ticks all the right boxes for a full coverage foundation. With some oxidisation and not always working with your skin, there is definitely room for improvement. But, again, a solid foundation choice to try. 


Overall: 4.5/5


All in all, I feel this is a fabulous foundation that I will definitely be reaching for whenever I want a full coverage base and it was worth spending the extra money on a high-quality foundation.


Hope you're doing great,

Sarah x

I'm constantly discovering new faves on the internet and so I thought it would time to share some of those with you. 

SOUL PANCAKE: TELL MY STORY

One of the episodes to this series popped up onto my suggested on YouTube and I quickly found myself watching each episode in the series. The premise of this is a blind date where one has to guess the other's answers to the questions presented before they answer for themselves. I love seeing the variety of answers and it's such a great way to get a feel for different people's stories from all different backgrounds. 

@ATTNdotcom

This is an online magazine but I personally love their Instagram. It documents the kind of stories I love and promotes positive messages of equal rights and environmental issues which I am always willing to take some time to read. Their Instagram posts and stories are always worth a read and gives a short snippet of stories. It's definitely an account to give a follow.

FURRY LITTLE PEACH

Also know as Sha'an, she is what is inspiring me this summer to crack out my paits that I haven't reached for in a while and get creating. Her work is unique and lovely and her youtube videos give us a glimpse as to what it is she's been up to They also proved a nice little watch to keep me inspired and smiling.

BOOKSANDLALA

If you're as much of if not more of a book enthusiast than me and want to stay on top of bookish news, I always find myself looking towards the fabulous Lala. I particularly love her "Bookmark'd" series; she releases a video each month giving a run down on all book news she's interested in as well as book adaptation news. While she just includes the books and films she's interested in herself, I am thankful we have similar bookish interests so I get up to date through her on a lot of the authors that I love. Lala has really nailed it with this series and, along with all her other videos, she's become my favourite book related youtuber.

So here are just a few internet bits I've loved and I hope you enjoy them too; let me know your thoughts if you check any of them out!
Hope you're doing great,
Sarah x 

It's taken a while but here some mini reviews for the books I've been reading. 


follow me on goodreads for more recommendations and reviews! 


A QUIET KIND OF THUNDER // SARA BERNARD 

 ★★★☆☆


This was the perfect book to pick up after being deep in uni work and reading. A story of a girl who doesn't like to speak and a boy that can't hear, they're little journey is sweet and makes for a great twist to the usual young adult fiction. I have to take points off it though for being highly predictable and clichéd in some aspects. Overall, I loved this book, the little bit of sign language seen throughout added a extra quirk to the book that I really appreciated. If your up for some lighthearted teen romance this summer, I'd give this one a try. If you were a fan of Jennifer Niven's Holding Up The Universe  I think this would be a great one for you.

HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE // J.K ROWLING

★★★★☆

This one took me a while to get through and not the fault of the books but more my timing of reading it. However, once I hit a hundred pages I could not put it down just as I'd found the early books. It was super fast paced which I liked as well. After seeing the size, I wasn't too sure whether it would live up to being my favourite of the books as the film does. I do think I actually think I preferred previous books as there wasn't much extra in here than that of the film but I still loved the extra Dobby action that was thrown in.  I definitely preferred the portrayal of Cedric Diggory more in the film than in the book; I didn't feel he had enough of a role in the book which I would have loved. However, the final few chapter were my favourite. I'm not usually one for action but the way this was written was perfect and, overall made for a great ending to a fab book. 

FRESHERS // TOM ELLEN & LUCY IVISON* 

★★★★★

I don't want to say too much about this book just yet as, from what I gather, it is not out until August but I absolutely loved it! It's the first book in a while that had me laugh out loud. It was such a fun read and I ended up finishing it within a day because I enjoyed it so much. Weirdly, I connected to this book because the writers went to the University of York where I go and they drew upon things that, as a student there, I understood. My friend asked me if I would have enjoyed just as much had I not gone to the uni it basically surround? That, I can't really answer but I think the universal nature of Freshers is one that all students can relate to and I think it would be a great one for those wanting to feel nostalgic of their first term at university or want a tiny insight into some of the shenanigans that go on. This is not Ellen and Ivison's first book so I will no doubt be pick their other book soon. Watch this space for a more in depth look of this book in a future post. 

So there are some reviews of the books I've read recently. What books would you recommend I check out next?

Hope you're doing great, 
Sarah x 

Those products marked (*) have been kindly gifted to me. However, as always, all opinions remain my own! 


Until a few months ago, I felt I was doing so well in keeping up to date with my monthly favourites posts. However, this didn't last but I still want to share with you some fab things I've found recently that I think you may like.


PS... DOUBLE ENDED MAKE UP BRUSH

I've always loved my angled brush for everyday contour and bronze, it started to look a shabby and when I saw this in Primark for just short of £2 I thought it was worth a go. Not only is the bristles super soft, you get two brushes for the price of one. I use the angled side for bronzer and contour while using the other for highlight. This is a perfect little compact brush that I'd recommend to anyone. 

REVOLUTION BAKED HIGHLIGHTER IN PEACH LIGHTS

I'm usually one to reach for a golden/yellow-toned highlighter but I thought this would make a nice change for nights out. The pigmentation is perfect and gives me that bit of shimmer we all love. It's another cheap alternative to a lot of more pricey highlighters. I mean, why waste your money on something better when you can get just as good at a fraction of the price. 

SUPERDRUG FACIAL WIPES FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

A bit of a boring one but a definite necessity. As the end of uni grew nearer, I got lazier and lazier with make up removal and these were my trusty sidekick to make sure I got it off. They are the perfect wipes for me as they don't react with my skin like a lot of wipes (including others that are supposedly sensitive), the remove my make up quickly and easily and are another cheap purchase. 

THE BODY SHOP VITAMIN E HYDRATING SLEEPING MASK

Boy does this hydrate. I've not woken up with softer skin as I have since using this product. While the moisture I find only seems to last a day, the effects are the best. From someone who struggles to get a perfect base to apply my make up on top of, this has really aided my smooth base perfect to apply make up on top of the next day. Beware, it is quite heavily scented but I don't find it to react with my skin in a way that is harmful or annoying. This is quickly becoming a skin care saviour. 

TOY STORY MOLESKIN // BULLET JOURNALLING

I saw these in the Moleskin store in London back last year and, while the colours are a bit out there, I fell in love with it. My sister held on to this and went back to pick it up for my birthday. That was in January and now, months later, I decided to start a form a bullet journalling. While it's not as strict as some people's are with day to day logs, I'm more using it as a way to bullet point weekly to-dos as well as tracking things such as blog posts and reading; if you're interested to see some of the other page ideas, I'd be happy to make a post!

MISSGUIDED MAUVE MIDI SKIRT

When it came to my end of term ball, I was a bit stuck on what to wear that wasn't too expensive. I've recently been obsessed with clothing that are a mauve colour and so when I saw this on Missguided I thought it would be perfect. While the pictures aren't the website didn't look exactly like that of what I received, I loved it either way. To see what it really looked like, here are some photos from the ball. (I'm going to be posting about first year very soon so more photos to come then!)



So that's all I've been loving for now but they'll definitely be more to come over the next few months which I'll be making sure I share with you!
Hope you're doing great,
Sarah x 


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