Kat Von D Shade + Light Contouring Palette

Choosing the perfect contouring palette can be a daunting task, especially if you're not a contouring pro {like me}. In the world of contouring, Kat Von D's Shade + Light Palette is the most popular - and I must tell you it's totally worth the hype. I recently got this vegan and cruelty-free palette and am totally in love with it. It has three highlighting shades and three contouring shades to complement most skin tone. I have a medium skin (Indian complexion) and it looks perfect on me. I am not much into contouring, but even for me, it wasn't that difficult to use. The creamy matte powders are easy to use and blendable and the best part is - it doesn't leave any ashiness {problem with most powder palettes}. The black packaging is quite beautiful too. Totally recommended!

Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates and animal ingredients.

It's available at Sephora.


Anastasia Sugar Glow Kit


My 2018 goal is to really learn how to contour and highlight like a pro, and to achieve this I did my research and wanted the best products. Beauty and make-up are two things I never skimp on, and I believe in quality over quantity. I heard a great deal about Anastasia Glow Kit, tried it a few times at the store and finally got my hands on this gorgeously glowing metallic highlighting kit and highly recommend it. It has four luscious shades that are super easy to glide on and buildable - and the colors are by far one of the most versatile highlighters I’ve tried.

I don't wear much make-up, nor do I like to look too fake. But this one was too hard to resist - and it even helps with achieving a natural evening look. The Starbust is my favorite (it has no glitter so perfect for a natural look), and I tried the Butterscotch (sublime honey gold) once - and while I wasn't too comfortable in it - I did get a few compliments.

Most people don't realize, Anastasia is a completely cruelty-free brand and it is surprisingly very vegan-friendly. She has a range of vegan products, and she even mentions on the back if it is vegan. In case you are wondering, vegan and cruelty-free is not the same thing - cruelty-free means that the product is not tested on animals but it can still contain animal ingredients, while vegan means the product has no animal ingredients or by-products.




VEGAN LIPSTICKS

Kat Von D Liquid Matte Lipstick

It's not the first time I am writing about Kat Von D vegan lipsticks - the liquid lipsticks that set to a completely matte and transfer-proof finish and lasts all-day long {no kidding}. Bachelorette is my favorite pink, and I am buying this color for the third time already! This is one of the best vegan lipsticks out there {and even otherwise} that you must get the next time you're lipstick shopping and you'll thank me to introduce you to it.

Tarte Tartiest Lip Paint

I've been using Tarte products for quite some time - I got my hands on them the first time in 2012 when a friend gifted me one of the products from their vegan range and then I was hooked to its BB cream with primer and SPF. However, it is the first time I got their vegan lipsticks - the creamy liquid lipstick that sets to matte {just like the Kat Von D but this is creamier). This one is not as matte and long-lasting as Kat Von D but I loved it nevertheless. They have great nude shades - I loved the Tbt mauve color. Tarte is perfect for everyday wear and doesn't dry out the lips like most liquid matte lipsticks.


Edward Bess Eyeliner & Highlighter



I am a sucker for new brands, especially if they fall under 'chic' and 'luxury' labels. My first foundation was from Chanel - if that gives you a hint. Oh, I'd never use Chanel now - I am aware they are not cruelty-free and not vegan-friendly.

So when I recently came across the make-up brand Edward Bess at a luxury departmental store, I couldn't help but try it out and oh boy I fell in love with their products.  It's the eponymous makeup line by A-list makeup artist Edward Bess, who's created quite a ripple in beauty circle at an early age (so I read). I wanted a foundation, and unfortunately, he uses beeswax in his, so it was a complete no-no for me. But then I started exploring his range and tried his gel eyeliner (that comes n a pen), which was super good. Like its name, Perfect Line Every Time Liner, it glided on easily and with precision, which is hard for me to usually achieve. I've tried a few best names, and I have to say most pen gel liners are bad - they turn flaky, and the gel keeps breaking on application. But this one is a star and goes on so well. The black has an intense color, which I loved. Totally recommended (and the Chanel-sque packaging will be a chic addition to your makeup kit)!

My friend got their All Over Seduction highlighter and we both loved it. I tried it twice, and I have to say it's one of the best natural highlighters. Gives the skin the natural illumination and its so easy to wear. It comes in a small case, so can be carried in your bag. Once I finish my existing highlighters, I am so getting my hands on this.

Both his liner and highlighter are vegan, however, be cautious as not all Edward Bess products are vegan as his products contain carmine, beeswax and a few other animal derivatives.



Tarte Mascara and Eyeshadow

Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner

It's the funniest story. I was sitting down in Sephora while their make-up artist was trying out an eyeliner on me, the girl sitting next to me strongly recommended me that I don't waste my money and buy only Tarte's eyeliner to get the perfect wing - rest all are "shit". Yup, these were her exact words and I couldn't ignore her advice (she was Arabic wearing her make-up to perfection and there was no way I wasn't paying heed to her words - these Arab girls are pro at makeup application and invest in best products).

I tried out Tarte the next time I was in the store and instantly bought it. I am so glad I did - it's the holy grail of eyeliners. This vegan duo pen liner has both the options of a liquid and a twist-up-pencil liner and it really glides on effortlessly. I don't wear kohl usually, but I tried the pencil option on my lower lid and the liquid on upper - and it gives great results, color is intense and lasts all day long. Doing your wings is like a cake-walk with this liner, and I totally recommend it.

 Free of parabens, phthalates and animal ingredients.


Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-in-1 Mascara


I've been using Better Than Sex mascara for quite some time and needed to try something new. Like I said, I enjoy trying out new products and brands. So this time I finally got my hands on Tarte's coveted lights, camera, lashes mascara and it really is good. Gives great volume and drama, and is easy to apply. Doesn't clump and the brush separates the lashes so well. If I can use it with ease, you sure can. While I love buying makeup, I suck at applying it. No kidding!


Oh and that white bottle you see in my vegan makeup haul is the newest acetone-free nail polish remover I got from Leighton Denny. It doesn't dry the nails and takes off the polish without too much effort. However, it's not my favorite. I love the nail polish removers from Kure Bazaar and Kester Black. They're better and more natural and gentle formulas.