Looking after the planet and all the animals on the planet is something that is really important to me, hence my decision to go Vegan and cruelty free. It has been around a year now since I started implementing these small changes into my life. These kind of changes are motivating and make you want to do more. It's a personal win, a small gain which you know is also doing fab things for the environments and the animals.

So I finally reached the point where I felt like I needed to do more. Like ok, yes, being vegan is great for the environment but what more can I? I am a religious recycler (ask my flatmates!) and I try to re-use things like old jars, plastic bottles and take my tupperware everywhere. I carry around a refillable water and coffee bottle. I take my own bags shopping and do my best to not buy the plastic ones. But... there's still a lot of room for improvement. I have recently stepped up my tooth brushing regime so I have a full compostable bamboo toothbrush and powdered toothpaste from Lush which is much more eco friendly. As I'm learning new things and the googling/ tweeting began (by far the best way to get tips), I have come up with a few ideas that I will implement in the coming months.

1. Reusable sandwich bags instead of plastic food bags. 

2. Composting food waste 

3. Stainless steel razor 

4. Taking my reusable items EVERYWHERE. 

• Educating myself. 

Here it is finally... My big, fat Greek skincare haul. You know you're a beauty blogger when your holiday destinations revolve around what purchases you can get there! Nothing excites more than Greek skincare products. Although we can get some of these brands in the UK, they're not as easily accessible or affordable. So, when i go to Greece i like to do a massive stock up and spend all my euros on skincare products.

 Here is what i got...  

Korres

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Superdrug Vitamin E Range 

Vitamin E Moisture Mask - A must for those with dry skin or those who just need a little bit of a moisture surge. I thought this would be a perfect treat for post-Greece skin as, it is important to keep your skin hydrated after a lot of sun exposure. So far, i like this, i don't LOVE it. I haven't seen a huge difference but it is a nice little treat nevertheless.

Vitamin E Toning Mist - Again another one to hydrate the skin in the summer months. Plus, i just really needed a new toner - i haven't used one in months to be completely honest. I feel like a toner is an essential part of the cleansing routine and i have actually missed not using one. It just finishes off the skin perfectly and gets rid of any last grubby bits. This makes your skin feel SO clean but not too dry or tight. Plus you can use it as a refreshing spray or before makeup to get that glowy feel.

Vitamin E All Over Body Cream - Not something you can live without post-holiday! This is so thick and creamy, perfect to hydrate even the driest areas of your skin. I love slapping this one morning and evening plus it isn't a strong scent so it doesn't clash with perfumes or body sprays. This is just a good moisturising base that you can use anywhere. I think i will definitely be repurchasing this, even if it is slightly time-consuming to rub in.

Faith In Nature

Green Tea and Aloe Natural Deodorant - One thing i have never bought cruelty free. After reading blogposts and getting recommendations (#cfbloggers on twitter) i settled for this one as it was something i could pick up in town quite easily. It's the most expensive deodorant i've ever purchased, not gonna lie! I still don't love it, it's OK, it does the job, but still isn't Sure (unfortunately!). I think i will preserve with it for now, but i'm hoping to find a better one. Hit me with suggestions!

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Range

Glycolic Overnight Peel - This i've been dying to try. I have heard so many good things about it. For a glycolic peel it is an insanely good price and a little bit really does go a long way. I haven't been using this regularly so i can't comment on how effective it is. But so far, so good, it leaves the skin feeling really smooth. 

Moisturising Day Cream - I like a face moisturiser with spf in, especially in summer time and this is specifically for my skin type (combination/oily). I really love this moisturiser, for the price you cannot fault it. I have a feeling this is going to last my a loooonnggg time. One pea-sized amount really does the whole face. It's the perfect base for makeup so i use this in the morning but, not at night.

Moisturing Facial Oil - Again i have heard a lot of positive things about this. Another bargain considering the great ingredients and the amount you get. I love using a facial oil at night and i can't fault this one. It isn't too heavy and doesn't block your pores. Put this on at night and you will have super, soft, smooth skin in the morning.

Barry M

Waterproof Lash Vegas Mascara - Hello holy grail! This was the thing i was most nervous about when it came to cf/vegan cosmetics. I wear mascara every single day and i'm very picky about it too. After searching a few Vegan Facebook pages this recommendation came up tops! Everyone seemed to rave about it and for £6.50 it wasn't worth not giving it a try and... I LOVE IT. It's just as good as my favourite Lancôme Hcpnôse at the fraction of the price. And it's waterproof.. it does not budge, you can wear it for days (yes, i've tried) and it survives a good gym session. What more could a girl want?

The Body Shop - I often use The Body Shop for shower-gels and body lotions/moisturiser already. They're the products i most often get as gifts and the shop i have been visiting since i was a wee child. I use a lot of their body butters, body lotions, shower gels and dry oils as my go-to daily options. As far as i am aware the products i use most often (some pictured above) are vegan - based on this list here.

Nip + Fab - Another cf brand. Unfortunately their Pistachio body butter isn't vegan but, they do not test on animals. This is by far my favourite smell body butter wise, it is a much better alternative to the Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache range. I also have their 'Dry leg fix' which is vegan. They have a list on their FAQ's of non-vegan products which is amazing. I will be trying more from this brand, i'm particularly interested in their glycolic range.

Lush - Another 'go-to' for shower products. I use 'Snow Fairy' (obviously, my favourite) and the 'Comforter'. I know lush do many more products such as face masks, makeup, haircare and bath bombs which i have used before. But my favourites are the shower gels/soaps.

L'oreal Ever Pure - I use the conditioner from this range. It is my favourite and the best i have ever used. Unknowingly, i got this because it was sulphate free. I know it's controversial because the brand does test on animals but, this line is cf and vegan and very affordable which is great. I will probably try out some other cf/vegan conditioners now though but, i do like this haircare line.




NYX - This is a brand i honestly adore and have done for years. I've been ordering their products from America before they were so easily available in the UK. So my excitement is real now i can just get it from Boots. I use their lip products regularly, their brow gel and 'above and beyond' concealer. In my stash, I also have their 'Stay matte but not flat' foundation and translucent powder. So i'll be using these products from now on. I'm hoping this foundation will fulfil my foundations dreams so i can use it to replace my non cf foundations. If not i'll be on the search for a new cf foundation. But, overall a great cf and very affordable brand. Vegan list here.

Illamasqua - I use a few products from this brand. On a daily basis i use their brow gel - it's amazing, long-lasting and easy to apply (and vegan). So i have no problems with finding a cf eyebrow product. I have this lipstick palette which I can use instead of MAC whilst travelling. I'll look forward to trying more products by them. Full vegan list here. They will email you a list if you ask.

Wet n Wild - I don't use a lot of their products but, their eyeshadows and nail polishes are pretty great. Full vegan list here. So i may look into buying some more of their products.


The Balm - Oh yes, hell yes, the best highlighter and it is vegan/cf. Like many other #bbloggers i adore my 'Mary Lou Manizer' so, this makes me happy. Check out this list for vegan products from this brand. I think i'll definitely stick to their highlighters.

Sleek - Another brand that commonly pops up in my makeup bag, especially the contour/face form palette, blushers and eyeshadow palettes. So i have no worries that i'll be able to find a ton of great cf options quite easily. The eyeshadows/true colour lipsticks are not vegan based on this blog post but, i will definitely keep repurchasing the contour kit.

Barry M  - Another affordable cf brand which is featured in my collection quite a lot. Especially their lip liners and nail polishes. They do label their products so you can check they're vegan online easily. Most of their 'Nail paints' and 'Gelly Hi-Shine' polishes are vegan - my favourite. So i'll have no problem when purchasing cf nail polish especially with the large range of colours available. I'll be looking to try the 'Coconut infusion' ones soon.

MUA - I am over the moon to find the brand on this cf list. I own so many products from this brand already. Like so many. Their lip products, blushers, eyeshadow palettes, concealers.. The list goes on. Again not all of their products are vegan. So this is something to think about when i consider repurchasing.


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