Before I went vegan, I stuck to the same make-up, the same beauty products, the same hair stuff for years. And I mean years. I had found stuff that worked (or so I thought. I'm looking at you, oil-free, chemical-laden face wash that bleached our towels) so I had no reason to explore other options. Then I went vegan and I realized that everything I used contained animal products and/or was tested on animals. I had to try new stuff. And thus the adventure began.
At first, the process was arduous. I spent countless dollars on different products, just to test them out. To see if that conditioner left my hair as soft but not heavy. To see if that new concealer worked with my skin tone and would last all day. To see if this deodorant actually does anything. The journey has led me to try a lot of stuff and also to start making some of my own. Now all of this experimenting has come to be something I enjoy. When I was asked to try the Petit Vour beauty box, I of course accepted enthusiastically.
Petit Vour is a company that focuses on curating high-end vegan and cruelty-free products and sharing them with the world. In addition to being animal and cruelty-free, these products are also paraben, phthalate, formaldehyde, and sulfate-free! Normally, trying these products would mean forking over a lot of cash to gamble on a product that you may or may not like. Petit Vour makes these incredible products very accessible by offering a monthly beauty box (that's only $15!) filled with generous samples or full-size luxury beauty products so you can try before you buy. If you like something, you can purchase it at their online shop and earn PV points (every $1 you spend gives you 20 PV points. Once you have 1500 PV points, you get $15 off your purchase).
In my May box, I got 4 items:
AROMI lippie- this lip color goes on like a gloss, but dried like a matte lipstick. The color if rich, bright, and vivacious and lasts for awhile. I probably would've loved this product in a different color but I got a very bright magenta color which did not do me any favors. I'm giving it to my younger cousin who is in her early 20's and can get away with such colors. I did like the way it finished and it was hard to get off, so if you're looking for dramatic lips that stay put, this one is your girl.
Deep Steep- This hand cream. Oh my god, guys. My hands have never been so soft. It even seemed to smooth some of the calluses I have on my palms. I even used it on my legs one day because I was out of lotion and all day, I kept feeling up my own legs just because they were so damn smooth. This one is definitely a winner.
Harvey Prince Fragrance- I do not like perfume. It gives me an instant headache. But this light, citrusy, floral fragrance actually smelled refreshing. And, dare I say, energizing. These are not adjectives I normally attribute to perfume and I may just be changing my mind about wearing perfume in the future. Thanks, Harvey!
Paula's Choice Resist C15 Super Booster- In my pre-vegan days, I'd tried skin-tightening, anti-aging products before but they never seemed to really do anything. This one, I can feel it working immediately and for several minutes afterwards. When I use it at night, my skin is gorgeous the next morning. When I put it on before my make-up (and before my SPF 15 moisturizer), my skin is tighter and brighter all day long. It's like a miracle booster and I think I'm addicted. I think I know where I'll be earning my PV points!
Madeline Alcott, the founder of Petit Vour, is being generous enough to offer one of you wonderful readers the June Beauty Box! The giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only and will run until 11:59 pm PST on 6/24/14. Please use the box below to enter.
Thank you to Petit Vour for letting me try their beauty box and thank you to all of you for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!
What is your favorite vegan & cruelty-free beauty product find?
Photography by Chris Miller
Disclaimer: I was given this product to review but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
Shannon
My favorite vegan brand is Pureology. I have been using it for YEARS, and my hair has never been happier, healthier, shinier, or thicker 🙂
Jenny
It's so basic, but I really coconut oil. As a moisturizer, as makeup remover...what can't it do?!?
Robin
I love anything from Suki - smells great and works great!
saniel
100% Cocoa butter in the yellow tube use as moisturizer on face, scars, cuts, eczema, stretch marks(when I was pregnant)and chapped lips. Thanks
Kristy
My favorite cruelty free and vegan beauty find right now is DeVita's solar body moisturizer SPF 30. It goes on so smooth and sheer!
Shannon
I love everything by Meow Meow Tweet Tweet.. especially their lip balm. For my face, I swear by jojoba & castor oil.
Nicole
I love the Hurraw! lip balm. I have them stashed everywhere! Arcona products are amazing too, and *most* are vegan.
Amy
My favorite recent find is Badger rose facial oil- I love it!
Cadry
I really love the lotions from 100% Pure. They smell delicious, and I love the all-natural ingredients.
Alex
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics lip tar!
Heather
I like Weleda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion
Meghan
I am a brand new vegan and don't have any experience with any vegan products yet so I don't have a favorite but am excited to try some new, cruelty-free items in the future. My sister just bought me a cruelty-free mascara so that's first on my list to try! I'm happy to hear any suggestions!
Jess
I've become a big fan of of the HURRAW lip balms, especially the fragrant chai. Also, I think I seriously need to give this miracle serum a try!
Kirsten Henrickson
I like coconut oil, but I'd also like to explore more options.
Amber
Physician's Formula Organicwear Mascara has been a fabulous find for me. This was the first purchase I made when I started shopping for cruelty-free makeup and I was hooked! :]
Kimberly Hattaway
Looks great!
dana
coconut oil!
joan colleen
Jason C effects moisturizer
michelle
Lush
KMM
Witch hazel as a toner.
Kristina
DevaCurl products! Specifically the One Condition conditioner and the Ultra Defining Styling Gel. Absolutely the biggest effect on my everyday life that a change in beauty products has ever produced. I used to only get compliments when I straightened my hair; now I get compliments on my curls multiple times per day. They've never been softer or looked better, the rain and Florida humidity doesn't turn me into a frizzball anymore, and the fact that they're cruelty-free makes it that much more satisfying.
Haley Gallerani
Coconut Oil is my favorite beauty product!
April Deters
I really like pacifica lotions. They smell so delicious!
laura z
Good old fashioned coconut oil. So many uses!
Bonita
Green Beaver Boreal Face Cream
diana @ veggienextdoor
Merry Hempsters lip balm!
Amanda T.
Crazy Rumors lip balm!
Glogirl
I like the Gabriel Skincare line and especially the Sea Fango Mud Mask.
Camille
Right now my favorite is Nature's Gate shampoo and conditioner!
Jessica
I love using essential oils. If you feel good, you look good.
Becca F
I love Dr.Bronner's soap. I don't buy make up nearly as much as I used to
sarah sar
I love to use Lush Cosmetic's moisturisers....they do not test on animals and are a very ethical company.
Cassey C
My favourite is coconut oil to use on my face.
Lydia Claire
Andalou Naturals Mandarin Vanilla Body Lotion. It smells divine and works really well!
Lydia Claire
I tried tweeting but it won't work because it is 41 characters too long.
Mae
I've been loving my St.Ives moisturizer
Marina
While I don't have a favorite vegan beauty product yet, I would love to experiment with some!
Jessica
I Love Makeup! Urban decay any if the Naked Palettes! They are gorgeous!
Beth
I don't know! Feel overwhelmed on which to try first!
Meredith @ Unexpectedly Magnificent
I love Kiss My Face products. 🙂
Sheila W.
Sibu
Eldon
Lush is my favourite
Nicollette
I can't say it's my favorite but I am glad that Loreal has a vegan line. It makes vegan products so much more accessible.
Heather
Derma-e facial cream.
Yoojin
i don't know if this would be a "product find," but i must say coconut oil is definitely a top beauty product that i use! if that doesn't count, i love josie maran's 100% argan oil moisturizer 🙂
Marie
coconut oil and essential oils (favorite: lavender)!
Jessica Eagle
Thanks for this wonderful giveaway !!!
Heuuuu...hard to say but recently I discovered Rose Floral Water in spray as a toner for the face and Blueberry Floral Water for the eyes. It's wonderful !!!
Julie
Lavera body washes and lotions in Europe!!! This is the best lotion (and the most natural, amazing rose scent) that I have ever found. Why is this not in the US????
kim l
I dont' have a favorite yet since I am new at this but I think natural is better so I am in search of a favorite!.
Corrine
Nature's Gate is a great cruelty free and vegan brand!
jessica z
I love coconut oil!
Christine
I like that Lush's vegan items are marked as such.
Janel M.
My favorite is LUSH's Happy Happy Joy Joy conditioner.
Megan M.
I like Avalon Organics because it's easy for me to find and not too expensive.
Carla
Tom's of Maine spearmint toothpaste. People say my smile is my best feature so I do my best to make it shine. ; p
Bonnie Johnson
"Yes! to Carrots" face wash!
Nirvana
I love Alba Botanica Pineapple Face Wash! It smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and clean 🙂
Julie
Kiss My Face pomegranate skin lotion
Caitlin
Beautiful pictures and the box looks really well curated and presented! 🙂 Luxury vegan product box - such a great idea!
Laurie
I love Purelogy for my hair. I have been vegan for 2 years but honestly haven't taken the plunge to search out new vegan skin products . . . so I'm excited to GET ON THAT!! Thanks for the ideas, guys!
Laurie
Acure Organics Marula Oil, as well as several other of their products. It's a lovely line that's affordable to boot!
Erin Salisbury
Glam Naturals mascara!