Milani Eyeshadow Primer–for Vibrant Eyeshadow that Lasts All Day

Eyeshadow can be quite a time-consuming step in the makeup application process, so you want it to last as long as possible! Sometimes it doesn’t work out, for various reasons. Oily eyelids, dry eyelids, rain, maybe you rubbed your eyes a couple of times, all of these things can ruin your beautiful eye look!

In my recent post about the e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadows, I recommended eyeshadow primer for the best possible longevity. Eyeshadow primer is often overlooked and many think it’s unnecessary. Even though it seems like an insignificant step, it can really make a big difference in the longevity and appearance of your eyeshadow.

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

My go-to product for making my eyeshadow last all day is Milani Eyeshadow Primer. I know I can always count on my eyeshadow looking great all day long with this product, so this is the only primer I use on my eyelids.

Milani Eyeshadow PrimerProduct claims directly from MilaniCosmetics.com

Oily eyelids are over! Intensify the color of your favorite eyeshadow and increase its wear from day into night with our lightweight, crease-proof Milani Eyeshadow Primer. Our lightweight, invisible eyeshadow primer goes on nude and dries invisibly — you’ll know it’s working by the professional and smooth look of your eyeshadow. Fallout? Forget about it. Our eyeshadow primer works on all skin tones and is never drying, giving you the perfect base for electric eye looks. Go for flawless style fearlessly — this eyeshadow primer is influencer & fan approved!

Other product details

  • Price: $6.99
  • Net weight: 0.30 oz.
  • Made in the USA
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Shelf life: 12 months
  • Where to buy: MilaniCosmetics.com
    • Milani ships internationally!
  • Overall rating: 9/10
    • Tackiness: 10/10
    • Anti-crease: 10/10
    • Ease of application: 10/10
    • Color-correction: 5/10 (doesn’t claim to do this)
    • Price: 10/10

Tackiness

For eyeshadow primer to be effective at gripping eyeshadow, it must be slightly tacky. While the Milani Eyeshadow Primer does not feel sticky by any means, it has the perfect amount of tackiness to grip your eyeshadow and hold it in place all day. 

eyeshadow swatches with vs. without primerIn the swatches to the right, the bottom swatch had Milani Eyeshadow Primer underneath, whereas the top swatch was applied directly to my skin. You can see that the eyeshadow applied over the primer appears vibrant and smooth. The eyeshadow applied directly to my skin doesn’t have the same color saturation and it appears patchy.

Anti-crease

I have hooded eyelids that are also oily, so creasing is a major concern for me with eyeshadow. I originally tried powdering my eyelids before applying eyeshadow and that prevented creasing for a little while, but it didn’t last.

I wasn’t able to stop the creasing entirely until I started using Milani Eyeshadow Primer. It’s able to prevent creasing by providing a barrier between the skin and eyeshadow. Oils aren’t able to break through the primer to disturb the makeup. I was so thrilled to finally have a solution to this problem!

As you can see in the photo below, the eye with no eyeshadow primer is creased and smudged like crazy. Most of the eyeshadow lifted off of my eyelid right up into the crease. The side with eyeshadow is smooth, vibrant, and free of creasing. 🙂

eyeshadow applied with vs. without primer

Ease of application

You only need a tiny amount of this product and since it is packaged in a squeezy tube, it’s easy to get exactly the right amount. I start in the middle of my eyelid and work it up into the crease and over the rest of the eyelid. You can take it all the way up to the eyebrow, but I choose not to since I don’t usually go very far above the crease with my eyeshadow. 

This eyeshadow primer has a very light and smooth texture which makes it very easy to apply. You can use either your fingertip or a small brush to blend it out. I usually use a brush because I don’t like having product residue on my fingers, but that is just my preference.

Color-correction

Many people look to eyeshadow primers for color-correction on their eyelids if they have redness or discoloration. Most eyeshadows will cover that without help from a tinted primer, but some formulas are more sheer and any discoloration could show through. 

While the Milani Eyeshadow Primer works very well in all other areas, it does nothing to cancel out any discoloration on the eyelids. It is a light beige color that sheers out as the product is blended into the skin. Milani does not make any claims that this product should color-correct, but I think this is something they should give more consideration.

I understand why Milani chose to make this product a less pigmented shade that dries to be nearly invisible. This product is meant to be effective on any skin tone. I think it’s great when companies make their products more inclusive. However, I think it would be great if Milani would add more eyeshadow primers to their collection of products and offer more pigmented shades for various skin tones. 

Price

$5.99 might seem slightly pricey for this tiny tube of product, but it will last you a very long time. This is a product trusted by many, that delivers on product claims very well. I think it is a “dupe” for Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I’m really not sure why people are still spending money on Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion when it is $24.00 and Milani Eyeshadow Primer is only $5.99. I think $5.99 is a steal for this product given its effectiveness and similarity to the high-end alternative.

Please note that while Urban Decay is a cruelty-free company, it is owned by L’Oréal which is not cruelty-free. Therefore, I do not view Urban Decay as a cruelty-free company. I tried UD’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion before I found out about their parent-company.


Milani Eyeshadow Primer is one amazing little product. It has made such a difference for me! I am on my second tube and will continue to repurchase it in the future.

I would recommend this product to anyone that enjoys wearing eyeshadow. Eyeshadow primer isn’t just for oily eyelids. It can benefit anyone by providing a smooth canvas and a surface that is tacky enough to hang on to your eyeshadow all day.

Have you tried Milani Eyeshadow Primer? If so, do you also feel that it’s made a big difference in the longevity and vibrancy of your eye looks? Let me know in the comments!

Lauren

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Cruelty-Free Shopping at Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty August 30-September 19, 2020

Ulta logo

Twice a year, Ulta Beauty has a sale event called “21 Days of Beauty.” The second 21 Days of Beauty event of 2020 starts tomorrow, August 30! The sale will run through September 19. 

What to know about this sale

  • Each day of the sale, there are different “Beauty Steals,” prestige products (announced in advance of the beginning of the sale) marked down 50% off
  • In addition to the Beauty Steals that are announced in advance, Ulta also offers weekly “Hot Buys”
  • Some deals are only available online and some are only available to Platinum and Diamond members
  • All Beauty Steal purchases ship free to Platinum and Diamond members

online shopper

We all love a good sale, but if you have made the decision to go cruelty-free, there are many products in this sale that you will want to avoid. I went through the entire August 30-September 19 Beauty Steals calendar and made a list of every product that is 100% cruelty-free.

You will notice that some cruelty-free brands included in this sale, like Tarte, are not included on my list. That is because I only promote products from cruelty-free companies that are either independently owned, or owned by a company that is also cruelty-free. Don’t fret, there are plenty of cruelty-free options!

Please note that there were a few brands that I could not find conclusive information to determine cruelty-free status of the company itself or of the parent company. I left off those companies that I was not sure about. Please see below for my list of all 100% cruelty-free Beauty Steals included in this Ulta 21 Days of Beauty event. 

Cruelty-free Beauty Steals by day

8/30: No 100% cruelty-free products

8/31: Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solids

         Grande Cosmetics GrandeBROW Brow Enhancing Serum online only

9/1: Mario Badescu Regimen Kits

       Lime Crime Wet Cherry Gloss online only

9/2: KKW Beauty eyeshadow palettes

       Kopari select self-care items online only

       Patchology select self-care items online only

9/3: PÜR Cosmetics select skincare online only

       Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows online only

9/4: Makeup Eraser select accessories online only

9/5: Tula Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel

9/6: Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation

       Perricone MD Cold Plasma

       Dermadoctor Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad with Ferulic Acid & Vit E online only

9/7: No 100% cruelty-free products

9/8: House of Lashes faux-mink lashes

       Blinking Beauté faux-mink lashes

       Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum

       Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer

9/9: Indie Lee entire brand online only

       Jane Iredale entire brand online only

       UOMA Beauty entire brand online only

       Zoeva entire brand online only

9/10: Cover FX Monochromatic Blush Duos

         Cover FX Monochromatic Bronzer Duos

9/11: No 100% cruelty-free products

9/12: Mario Badescu Grab & Go Travel Set

9/13: Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels 4 ct. or 8 ct.

9/14: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner

         Ofra select lip products online only

9/15: Cover FX setting powders online only

         Sunday Riley select skin kits online only

9/16: COSRx entire brand online only

9/17: No 100% cruelty-free products

9/18: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Starter Kit

         Perricone MD High Potency collection online only

9/19: No 100% cruelty-free products


I hope this list is helpful to you over the next few weeks as you shop the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale! I do not have experience with most of these brands, but I have heard great things about cruelty-free brands Mario Badescu, Kopari, Patchology, Jane Iredale, UOMA, Zoeva, Cover FX, and Ofra. 

My #1 recommendation from the Beauty Steals calendar is the Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows. These make great toppers for other eyeshadows that need a little extra sparkle and since it is a liquid formula, there is no glitter fallout. Also, it is very rare to see Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows go on sale at Ulta. If you’ve been eyeing these, now is the time! 😉

You can see the full August 30-September 19 calendar for this 21 Days of Beauty event on Ulta.com.

Do you plan to purchase anything from this 21 Days of Beauty event? Please let me know in the comments below!

Lauren

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e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadows–the $3 Palettes with Color Combos for Every Eye

I believe wearing makeup is something we should do for ourselves, on our own terms. Not to hide our faces, because we’re all uniquely beautiful. Not to impress others, because anyone judging our worth based on our makeup isn’t worth our time. Not to look younger, because wisdom and experience comes with age.

Makeup should be a fun opportunity for self-expression. For me, applying makeup can be quite therapeutic! I don’t usually do looks that are very bold, but I love the process of choosing colors and deciding how I want to apply them.

Where am I going with this rambling? I want to share my favorite step in my full makeup routine, and that is eyeshadow! I think that eyeshadow allows for self-expression and creativity more than any other part of a makeup routine. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of it, but I think eyeshadow is special because there are so many different colors, textures, and techniques that can be used. 

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

I’ve accumulated quite a collection of eyeshadow palettes over the last couple of years. The one I purchased most recently, is a great choice for anyone wanting to try e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadow in Rose Watereyeshadow for the first time, or anyone that is intimidated by some of the giant palettes out there. E.l.f. Cosmetics recently released EIGHT tiny Bite Size Eyeshadow palettes. That is literally what they’re called: e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadows! Each one is a quad and each has a unique combination of colors and textures.

I love playing with all kinds of colors, but I chose the Rose Water palette because I like the way pinks look on my hazel eyes. I also think pinks are so versatile; they can be treated as neutrals to be worn with nearly anything.

Please note that since I only own the e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadow in the Rose Water shades, I do not have experience with the other palettes. Also, I am not a makeup artist. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, as a regular person that loves makeup. 😉

Product claims directly from ElfCosmetics.com

These palettes deliver mini eye magic in a perfect size. The luxe formula is creamy, blendable, & ultra-pigmented.

  • 8 ultra-pigmented palettes
  • A mix of matte & shimmer shades
  • Easily blendable formula
  • Perfect size for your purse and travel

Other product details

  • Price: $3.00
  • Net weight: 0.12 oz.
  • Made in China
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Shelf life: 12 months
  • Eight color options:
    • Cream & Sugar is a standard neutral palette
      • 2 mattes (cream and dark brown)
      • 2 shimmers (champagne and gold)
    • Rose Water is a pinky neutral palette
      • 1 matte (light taupe/lavender)
      • 2 shimmers (pale pink and medium pink)
      • 1 matte with some gold glitter suspended (dark brown)
    • Berry Bad has a mix of coral, copper, and berry shades
      • 2 mattes (pale coral/pink and deep burgundy/brown)
      • 2 shimmers (copper and berry-pink)
    • Pumpkin Pie is a warm-toned neutral palette
      • 2 mattes (medium brown and taupe-brown)
      • 2 shimmers (copper and gold)
    • Hot Jalapeño is a fun green-themed palette
      • 2 mattes (medium green and black)
      • 2 shimmers (yellow gold and medium green)
    • Açaí You is another colorful palette, this time blue and purple
      • 2 mattes (light periwinkle and dark blue)
      • 2 shimmers (both shades of purple that are difficult to describe)
    • Truffles is a darker neutral palette with shades great for doing a smoky eye
      • 3 mattes (medium brown, dark brown, and black)
      • 1 shimmer (champagne)
    • Carnival Candy is a very interesting mix of neutral and bold
      • 3 mattes (cream, medium brown, and red/brown)
      • 1 shimmer (electric blue)
  • Where to buy: ElfCosmetics.com
  • Overall rating: 9.4/10
    • Inclusivity: 10/10
    • Texture: 7/10
    • Portability: 10/10
    • Staying power: 10/10
    • Price: 10/10

Inclusivity

Rose Water eyeshadow swatches

I give e.l.f. a solid 10/10 for inclusivity for these Bite Size Eyeshadow palettes for a couple of reasons. Most importantly, the shades are pigmented enough that they will show up on any skin tone! I can attest to the pigmentation based on my experience with the Rose Water palette, as well as photos I’ve seen of swatches from the other seven palettes. 

These little palettes are also highly inclusive because there are options for almost every color preference. Want to wear a subtle look? Easy, with Cream & Sugar, Rose Water, or Pumpkin Pie. In the mood for a bold look? E.l.f. has you covered there too, with Hot Jalapeño, Açaí You, or Carnival Candy. Honestly, I think these palettes are so versatile you could go pretty subtle or bold with any of the eight options.

Texture

The Rose Water palette is unique in that it has three different textures instead of only two like the other palettes. I’d like to share my experiences and opinions of each texture in the palette:

  • Matte (light taupe/lavender shade) is quite powdery and a bit chalky–it requires a lot of building to show up well on my fair skin, but blends pretty easily
  • Shimmers (pale and medium pink shades) are literally where this palette shines–these shades are highly pigmented, buttery smooth, and apply more easily with a fingertip than a brush
  • Matte with suspended gold glitter (dark brown shade) is very soft and you must be cautious to avoid fallout–glitter disappears as this shade is blended

Despite the minor difficulties I’ve experienced with this palette, all four eyeshadows can be used to create a beautiful cohesive look. In this look that I created today, I used the matte shade in my crease, the medium pink shade all over my lid, light pink in the center of my lid, and I used the dark brown as eyeliner. Another great option is to use the shimmers alone or paired with shades from other palettes.

After seeing swatches from all eight of these e.l.f. palettes it is clear that the shimmers are the standout eyeshadows. Some of the mattes appear to be better quality than others, but my advice would be to choose one (or more) of these palettes based on which shimmer shades appeal to you the most.

Portability

A downside of many eyeshadow palettes is that they are bulky, due to a wide variety of shades, or excessive packaging. Others might be made with flimsy packaging that’s easily broken. Either of these things can make eyeshadow difficult to travel with, or keep in your purse if you are one to apply your makeup on-the-go.

The e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadows are an excellent option for travelers or anyone that likes to carry makeup with them. All of the palettes are all extremely small, so they can easily fit into any bag. I included the photo below showing my Rose Water palette with a standard size pen to show just how tiny it really is! Also, even though the packaging is plastic, I feel that it is heavy enough that it would not break easily. 

e.l.f. palette size comparison with pen

Staying power

Eyeshadow is definitely not the easiest thing to apply and can take considerable time and effort to apply well. For that reason, I value eyeshadows that stay put all day long. I have never had a problem with this e.l.f. eyeshadow fading throughout the day. The rest of my makeup may wear off, but this eyeshadow will still be going strong when it’s time to wash my face at the end of the day. 🙂

For the best longevity possible, I highly recommend using an eye primer!

Price

You really can’t beat the price of these little $3.00 e.l.f. eyeshadow quads! Some other drugstore brands charge two or three times this price for a single eyeshadow. Even with two of the four shadows in my Rose Water palette being slightly disappointing, I think it’s a great value and don’t regret buying it. I also appreciate that e.l.f. is keeping the price of these palettes so low because I think they’re a great non-intimidating option for someone just dipping their toe into eyeshadow for the first time. Eyeshadow palettes can be quite expensive and these are a good place to start without spending too much money.


I am so impressed with my e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadow in Rose Water, I am very excited to be sharing my thoughts here! I would highly recommend these cute palettes to anyone, despite the cons I mentioned about some of the shades. I enjoy the shimmers so much, I’d really like to pick up the Pumpkin Pie palette, and possibly others!

I also think that e.l.f. will continue to improve upon their formulas since they are an innovative company that makes changes based on customer feedback. I love that about e.l.f. Cosmetics! I look forward to seeing what they do next with their eyeshadows.

Which one of the e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadow palettes appeals to you most? Do you prefer more subtle or bold eye looks? The possibilities are endless!

Lauren

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e.l.f. Oil Control Primer Mist–Say Goodbye to Unwanted Shine

Shiny car. Shiny jewelry. Shiny hair. Shiny nails. “Shiny” is usually a good thing, right? 

Right…unless it’s your face that’s shiny! Those of us with oily or combination skin usually want to say goodbye to shine. Excess oils can ruin a perfect makeup day, and nobody wants that! Read on for tips to combat shine that comes from excess oil.

setting powderThe most common method people use to control shine from oily skin, is by applying powder. Some people with normal or combination skin may only want to apply powder to the t-zone since that is the area that most commonly gets oily.

If you really need your makeup to last and stay matte, you can use loose powder to bake. No, I’m not talking about baking cookies! :p If you’re unfamiliar with the term “baking” in terms of makeup, this technique involves packing a heavy layer of powder on the skin, letting it sit for about 10 minutes, and then brushing away the powder. This method works because your body heat allows the base makeup and powder to meld with your skin and excess oils are absorbed. Once the excess powder is brushed off, you’re left with a high-coverage, long-lasting look.

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

I like my makeup to last all day if I take the time to apply it. Unfortunately, powder doesn’t quite cut it and the only baking I want to do is in the kitchen. A great compromise that I found is in the form of the e.l.f. Oil Control Primer Mist. Continue reading to learn more about this amazing product!

Product claims directly from ElfCosmetics.com

elf oil control primer mistCut oil and ban shine with this water-based primer mist that preps skin for a smooth, matte finish.

  • Water-based primer
  • Preps skin for a smooth, matte finish
  • Enriched with purified water, cucumber extract, Vitamin E and Vitamin B to hydrate skin

Other product details

  • Price: $8.00
  • Net weight: 1.01 oz.
  • Made in China
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Shelf life: 6 months
  • Where to buy: ElfCosmetics.com or Amazon.com
  • Overall rating: 9/10
    • Mister: 5/10
    • Oil-control: 10/10
    • Ingredients: 10/10
    • Fragrance: 10/10
    • Price: 10/10

Mister

Mister who? Just kidding! One thing I take into consideration with any type of product that comes in the form of a spray bottle, is the quality of the sprayer or “mister.” I prefer a mister that dispenses an appropriate amount of product with each spray, and evenly disperses it over the skin. 

The mister on this product is quite aggressive! It actually dispenses too much with each spray, in my opinion. It also sprays in a fairly concentrated area, so it is easy to accidentally use too much of this product. It’s important to remember to hold the bottle 8-10 inches from your face and keep your eyes closed while spraying.

Since I have combination skin and the main areas that need oil control are my forehead and nose, I spray each of those areas only once. That provides more than enough product. I wait for the primer to fully dry before applying makeup on top. That usually takes 3-5 minutes.

Oil-control

I tried mattifying primers in the past, but they were too heavy and didn’t actually help to keep my face looking matte. This primer mist is different. Like the product description states, it is water-based and truly feels just like water going on the skin. It does an amazing job of controlling my excess oils throughout the day, especially when paired with a light dusting of setting powder over my foundation.

You can see in this photo that my face was still looking very matte 6 hours after I applied my makeup. I usually start looking oily after only 3-4 hours, so this is impressive! 🙂

elf oil control primer mist 9 am VS. 3 pm

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate (Ve), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Extract, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Coceth-7, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cyclodextrin, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2- Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol MAY CONTAIN: Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red Iron Oxide (CI 77491)

At first glance, you might think the ingredients list for this oil control mist looks intimidating. I know I was a little bit worried. I wondered “am I going to stop using this if it’s full of bad stuff?” Fear not, my friends. This product contains some real powerhouse skincare ingredients and one that is responsible for the oil-controlling property of the primer:

  • cucumbersSodium Hyaluronate is the sodium form of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a humectant that keeps the skin hydrated
  • Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a real superstar ingredient that has multiple functions including
    • Improves appearance of enlarged pores
    • Regulates oil production
    • Evens skin tone
    • Softens fine lines
  • Tocopheryl Acetate (most common form of vitamin E) is an antioxidant that moisturizes and strengthens the skin barrier
  • Cucumber fruit extract and coffee extract are antioxidants
  • Silica mattifies the skin

The rest of the ingredients provide support by improving product texture, emulsifying, and improving shelf life. The three “may contain” ingredients are all safe, and if they are present they only serve as coloring agents.

Fragrance

If you’ve read some of my other product review posts, you might already know that I think added fragrance is a bad idea (at least for face products). Fortunately, this product is completely free of added fragrance! This also means that the product doesn’t have the most pleasant scent, but it is very mild and fades as soon as it dries. I can’t take any points away for this because I’m so pleased that e.l.f. made the choice not to add fragrance to this product.

Price

Like all products from e.l.f. Cosmetics, this oil control spray is very reasonably priced. A little bit goes a long way, so this will last most people a very long time, making it a great value. Honestly, the fact that this product works so well for me and I haven’t seen anything like it from other brands, I would probably pay a little more than $8.00 (don’t tell e.l.f. I said that!). 

Companion products

If your skin is ultra-oily and you need to touch up after wearing your makeup for several hours, e.l.f. makes a couple of other products that will refresh and mattify your makeup. Their Shine Eraser sheets and Blotting Papers can be used to remove your excess oils without disturbing your makeup. The e.l.f. translucent Matte Blotting Powder can then be applied afterward to make your makeup look more matte. 


I used to always struggle with my nose and forehead getting shiny by mid-day and hated how it looked. I’m so glad that I don’t have that problem anymore thanks to the e.l.f. Oil Control Primer Mist! There are a lot of e.l.f. products that are designed to combat excess oil and shine, but this one works so well for me I don’t think I’ll ever be without it. 

Have you tried this product or something similar? Did it work well for you? Please let me know by commenting below!

Lauren

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Cruelty-Free Beauty on a Budget ft. e.l.f. Cosmetics

There is a common misconception that quality cruelty-free beauty products can only be found at high-end prices. That may have been true many years ago, but there are many budget-friendly cruelty-free brands available today. When I think of high-quality cruelty-free beauty brands that are also affordable, e.l.f. Cosmetics is always the first one that comes to my mind.

e.l.f. Cosmetics assorted products

e.l.f. Cosmetics history

E.l.f. Cosmetics was founded in 2004 with the goal to produce high-quality cosmetics at affordable prices. There were many “drugstore” brands available before e.l.f. Cosmetics’ debut, but none of them could boast the very low prices that e.l.f. was offering. At that time, all e.l.f. products could be purchased for less than $5.00 each! 

While e.l.f.’s prices have increased through the years, they are still lower than all of the more well-known competitors’ prices. E.l.f.’s overall quality and variety have also improved greatly, which explains the need for price increases. 

E.l.f. is an innovative company that is always growing. The company has expanded rapidly over the past sixteen years and e.l.f. products are now available in eighteen countries!

Cruelty-free beauty products that won’t break the bank

How does e.l.f. continue to keep their prices reasonable while making such high-quality products? They were kind enough to provide a little insight on their website:

  • E.l.f. states they “take a small, indie approach to working, learning, and testing. fast.”
  • They also have relationships with some of the best manufacturers in the world, to meet demand and support their ever growing collection of products. 
  • E.l.f. listens to customer feedback to improve formulas that need some help and to bring us new products that we want!

E.l.f. also keeps prices low by using more basic/inexpensive packaging than other brands. I enjoy nice packaging, but it isn’t necessary for me. I don’t see e.l.f.’s lower-end packaging as a bad thing because it is still perfectly functional and helps me spend less money on products I enjoy.

What kind of a name is “e.l.f.” for a cosmetics company? 

I went many years seeing e.l.f. products at every drugstore and grocery store without knowing the origin of the company’s name. You might be in the same boat, so I have to mention that “e.l.f.” stands for “eyes lips face.” I think it’s brilliant and memorable! 

E.l.f.’s name alludes to the idea that they make products for all of your face’s needs. They definitely deliver on that expectation!

e.l.f. Cosmetics’ wide range of makeup and skincare

E.l.f. Is a great company to check out, particularly for young people just starting a collection of products, or anyone shopping on a budget. At elfcosmetics.com, you can find everything you need to build a whole makeup collection or skincare regimen, all at affordable prices.

E.l.f. has all of its makeup products categorized on the company’s website by “eyes, lips, and face” to be consistent with their name. It is very easy to find any type of product you might be looking for. As e.l.f.’s formulas have evolved, their makeup is now most well-known for primers, concealers, and blushes. Don’t let that keep you from trying other products, however. There are all kinds of unexpected and amazing finds within e.l.f.’s makeup collection.

e.l.f. brushesDon’t forget tools! E.l.f. is also known for their high-quality brushes. They offer a wide range of face and eye brushes to blend all of your liquid, cream, and powder products. I currently have six brushes from e.l.f. and they are all very well-made (see photo to the right). In addition to brushes, e.l.f. offers other tools like sponges, tweezers, bags, brush holders, and more!

E.l.f. originally only offered makeup and tools, but in recent years they have launched many interesting skincare products. I was skeptical at first, since I always knew e.l.f. as a makeup brand, but I have heard many promising reviews for their skincare. 

E.l.f. includes a lot of ingredients that can be found in much more expensive brands’ skincare products. All of their skincare is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. They even have a wide-range of fragrance-free products that are great for anyone that has sensitive skin. I have not tried any of e.l.f.’s skincare products yet, but I definitely plan to! I will be sure to provide reviews of any e.l.f. skincare products that I test.

e.l.f. Beauty Squad

E.l.f. has a loyalty program called “e.l.f. Beauty Squad” that offers some great perks and opportunities to save even more money on their already affordable products! There are several ways to earn Beauty Squad points:

  • Create an account (that’s right, you get points just for signing up!)
  • Complete your beauty profile
    • This is to your benefit because e.l.f. will be able to provide a more personalized shopping experience if they know more about you
  • Subscribe to e.l.f.’s email list
  • Subscribe to receive text messages from e.l.f.
  • Purchase e.l.f. products (2 points earned per dollar spent)
    • You’ll get bonus points for ordering from elfcosmetics.com four times per year
  • Refer friends to elfcosmetics.com
    • You get a lot more points if they make a purchase!
  • Add products to your wish list
  • Connect on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
  • Write a product review

A unique thing about e.l.f. Beauty Squad is that you can earn points from in-store purchases in addition to purchases made on elfcosmetics.com. There is a “receipt upload” feature that allows you to take pictures of your receipts. I’ve never seen this option from any other beauty brand, so I think this is very cool!

What can you use all those points for? Points can be redeemed for rewards that are worth increments of $2.00 off. Rewards range from $2.00 off (100 points) to $10.00 off (300 points). $10.00 off doesn’t sound like much, but when you consider how inexpensive e.l.f. products are, $10.00 really is a good discount.

There are three tiers in the Beauty Squad program, called “extra,” “epic,” and “icon.” These levels are based on the number of points you’ve accumulated. There are special perks for each of these tiers:

  • Birthday gift (all tiers)
  • $5 off $20+ purchase (bonus offer for epic tier)
  • Double point events (epic and icon tiers)
  • Early access to sales (epic and icon tiers)
  • 25% off purchase (bonus offer for icon tier)
  • Early access to new products (icon tier)

I signed up for the e.l.f. Beauty Squad today and look forward to enjoying the benefits!

e.l.f. Discovery

E.l.f. has a very cool page on its website called “e.l.f. Discovery.” This page includes the following resources that are great for those discovering e.l.f. products for the first time or anyone that is new to the beauty world:

  • Tutorials for a variety of makeup looks
  • Lookbooks provide an overview of product collections and some individual products
  • Quick tips are recommendations for the best ways to use e.l.f. Products
  • Skincare finder will help you select the right skincare products for your unique skin type and concerns
  • Primer finder suggests primers based on your skin type and preferences

e.l.f. Cares

e.l.f. toolsE.l.f. Is dedicated to supporting diversity, communities in need, and animals! They are doing a lot of great things and I’d like to share a couple of statements directly from their website.

“Celebrating the beauty of every eye, lip and face is fundamental to our DNA. It’s in our name and inspires us as a company. 

We are committed to creating a culture internally – and in the world around us – where all individuals are encouraged to express their truest selves, are empowered to succeed and where we do the right thing for people, the planet and animals.”

These are some of the steps e.l.f. has taken to make the world a better place:

  • Partnered with the “It Gets Better Project” to empower and bring together LGBTQ+ youth around the world
  • Donated to several civil rights organizations working to support black communities
  • Donated to food banks across the United States
  • Donated $15,000 in profits from Jkissa’s “To the Rescue” eyeshadow palette to Angel City Pits which is an advocacy group for pit bulls
  • All e.l.f. products are, and always will be, vegan and cruelty-free!

E.l.f. Cosmetics is close to my heart for many reasons, but the biggest reason is their business model. E.l.f. continues to make high quality, innovative products, while keeping their prices affordable. I appreciate that they keep their prices low to make their products accessible to all…every eye, lip, and face

I recognize that many people do not have room in their budgets for makeup or skincare items. While many see these items as “frivolous,” I see them as self-care items that shouldn’t be out of reach to anyone. E.l.f. makes that possible, without compromising on quality.

I’ve used many e.l.f. products through the years, and I look forward to trying more! I’d love to hear what you’ve been enjoying from this amazing cruelty-free brand. Please comment below to share your thoughts!

Lauren

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Face Sunscreens to Approach with Caution

DISCLAIMER: At the time this blog post was written, Paula’s Choice was owned by TA Associates, a private equity firm. Unilever, which is not cruelty-free, announced on June 14, 2021, that it would be acquiring Paula’s Choice. Since I do not support cruelty-free companies owned by parent companies that are not cruelty-free, I will no longer purchase or review Paula’s Choice products.  I am not removing this review since I know many of my readers will still want to support Paula’s Choice.

In my previous post, I discussed the importance of wearing sunscreen daily. I also provided a thorough review of my favorite face sunscreen, Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion. That is a mineral sunscreen that I would highly recommend!

sunny forest

Even though the Australian Gold sunscreen works very well for me, I became curious about a couple of non-tinted face sunscreens earlier this year. I decided to try them and see if they might be good additions to my skincare collection. These are both highly rated products, but unfortunately they did not work well on my combination skin. 

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

The products I will be sharing with you today are the MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50 Non-Tinted and Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50. These are two very different products despite the fact that they are both liquid formulations and both have an SPF of 50.

Since I would not personally recommend either of these products based on my own experiences, my reviews of each will be shorter than what you might expect based on previous review posts.

Please keep in mind that while these products performed poorly on my skin, they work well for many others and may be a good option for you. It is always a good idea to keep an open mind. 🙂

Please note that I am not a skincare professional. I am simply an individual that enjoys learning about and using skincare products. Speak to your dermatologist or esthetician if you have any concerns.


MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50 Non-Tinted

Product claims directly from MyChelle.com

Non-tinted formula with 100% Zinc Oxide mineral broad-spectrum protection. Blends weightlessly and seamlessly for a smooth, matte finish.

Other product details

  • Price: $24.00
  • Net weight: 1 oz.
  • Cruelty-free
  • Reef-friendly
  • Unscented
  • Not water-resistant
  • 100% mineral sun protection
  • Non-tinted (there are two tinted options: light/medium and medium/dark)
  • Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20.5%
  • Inactive Ingredients: Bentonite, Bisabolol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Diheptyl Succinate, Galactoarabinan, Glycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Jojoba Esters, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Water
  • Available at Ulta.com and Amazon.com

My opinions and experiences with MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50 Non-Tinted

Sun protection/Ingredients. This sunscreen has a lot of good things going for it! The #1 ingredient is zinc oxide, which in my opinion is the best sunscreen ingredient available. There are no other active sunscreen ingredients. Zinc oxide provides broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. The SPF level is 50, and that is excellent! The inactive ingredients list includes ingredients that moisturize, as well as mattify the skin. 

Using the product. After cleansing my face each morning, I apply toner, serums, and moisturizer before applying sunscreen. I usually don’t wait more than a few minutes between my other skincare steps and sunscreen. When I applied this sunscreen on top of those other products the way I normally would, I immediately started having problems. 

Attempt #1: The product was extremely difficult to blend into the skin and leaves a white cast no matter how much time is spent blending. Once I sufficiently blended the sunscreen on my skin, it still looked streaky with a lot of pilling (if you’re not familiar with this term in regards to skincare, it’s the same as pilling on an old sweater…it’s very annoying!). Foundation also balled up when applied on top of the sunscreen.

I wanted to give this product a fair shot, so I tried it a couple of other ways. 

Attempt #2&3: I waited 20 minutes after applying my other skincare products, before I applied the sunscreen. It was much easier to blend in this time, but still had some pilling. It was still quite streaky as well. I applied foundation 30 minutes later and there wasn’t as much pilling this time but some places looked streaky or cakey.

Attempt #4: “For science,” I decided to see what would happen if I applied this sunscreen to freshly washed skin (no other skincare products). This time, the product performed very well. It was easy to blend into the skin and absorbed quickly. There was also no pilling, streaking, or caking! I applied liquid foundation 30 minutes later and it blended seamlessly. 

It is important to note the directions for this product on MyChelle.com: SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE (I did this each time I used the product). For daily use, apply to clean, dry skin and allow to absorb completely before applying makeup (I allowed plenty of time for absorption with every attempt but the first). 

Since many of us include more products in our skincare routine than just face wash and sunscreen, I don’t think it’s fair for MyChelle to expect its customers to only apply this product to completely bare skin. You also shouldn’t have to wait 30+ minutes before applying makeup. That is just my opinion, but I know most of us don’t have that kind of time to wait between steps.

Conclusion

After testing this sunscreen every way I could think of, I determined that this product is simply a dud for me. I ended up returning it to Ulta.

I had very high expectations for this product, given the many great reviews, quality ingredients, and high price tag ($24.00/oz. YIKES!). I was very disappointed that I could not make it work for my skin. 

It is very possible that the tinted versions work better than the non-tinted one, as most of the reviews I saw were for the light/medium shade. However, both of the tinted versions of this product are too dark for me. 

I hope that MyChelle will improve this formula and consider adding a “fair/light” shade to the range to be more inclusive for all. Most non-tinted sunscreens leave a white cast, but on the face it is very off-putting. I think it might be better if they remove the non-tinted option entirely.


Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50

Product claims directly from PaulasChoice.com

An innovative water-light formula that contains a vital selection of antioxidants and broad-spectrum sun protection to fight visible signs of aging and prevent premature aging of skin.

  • Promotes a healthier, younger-looking appearance
  • Fights against environmental stressors
  • Fluid formula leaves a matte finish

Other product details

  • Price: $33.00
  • Net weight: 2 oz.
  • Made in the USA
  • Cruelty-free
  • Unscented
  • Not water-resistant
  • 100% chemical sun protection
  • Non-tinted
  • Part of the brand’s Resist line of anti-aging products
  • For normal, oily, and combination skin types
  • Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.0%, Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 2.0%
  • Other Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Silica (absorbent agent), Dimethicone (hydration), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (Matricaria), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (antioxidants), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidants), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract(antioxidants), Peucedanum Graveolens (Dill) Extract (antioxidants), Sambucus Nigra (Black Elderberry) Fruit Extract (antioxidants), Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract (skin-soothing), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract(antioxidants), Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract(antioxidants), Hydrogenated Lecithin (skin-restoring), Titanium Dioxide (texture-enhancing/texture-enhancing), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer (hydration), Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate (hydration), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (film-forming/suspending agent), Xanthan Gum (texture-enhancers), Sodium Carbomer (texture-enhancers), Benzyl Alcohol (preservative), Sodium Benzoate (stabilizer), Potassium Sorbate (stabilizer), Phenoxyethanol (preservative)
  • Available at PaulasChoice.com and Amazon.com

My opinions and experiences with Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50

Paula’s Choice is a brand that I trust. All of their products are backed by years of thorough research. I have tried at least five of their products in addition to this one and they are high quality. Unfortunately, this Paula’s Choice face sunscreen was a “no-go” for me.

Sun protection/Ingredients. This sunscreen does a great job of protecting skin from the sun. It has an SPF of 50 and is broad spectrum to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The biggest problem I have with this product is that it is a 100% chemical sunscreen. The active ingredients are Avobenzone 2.0%, Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 5.0%, and Octocrylene 2.0%. 

I am skeptical about the safety of these ingredients. They work by absorbing UV rays instead of reflecting them like mineral sunscreens would. These ingredients are being researched for safety, and I prefer to avoid them until I know they are safe. There are currently claims that chemical sunscreens may cause hormonal disruption or cancer.

Paula’s Choice was kind enough to provide descriptors for many of the ingredients in the inactive ingredients list. There are a lot of beneficial ingredients included. There are many hydrating ingredients and so many antioxidants! Antioxidants are great for preserving skin’s youthfulness.

Using the product. This sunscreen is easy to apply and it sinks in quickly without leaving an unattractive white cast. It also feels very hydrating! My first impression based on these things was “wow, this is a great sunscreen!”

As I blended the product around my eye area, however, I noticed that my eyes felt irritated. I thought that feeling would probably fade, but it doesn’t. I believe this eye irritation is due to the chemical sunscreen ingredients (the active ingredients that provide UV protection). This is a pretty big issue for me because I want to make sure my whole face is protected, but not at the cost of irritating my eyes.

Foundation blends very easily on top of this Paula’s Choice sunscreen. It looks flawless from a distance, but I always find that it does not look so good up-close! It appears flaky, kind of like “skin dandruff.” Those little pieces can be carefully brushed away, but you risk disturbing the foundation. This is an inconvenience that completely turns me off to this product.

Conclusion

I tested this sunscreen for several days and decided that it is another flop for me, in the face sunscreen category. I am not returning this one, however. I have been keeping it in my purse to use on my hands in the car (on the rare occasions that I remember I have it).

Just like with the MyChelle sunscreen, I had very high expectations for this one from Paula’s Choice. It has an impressive list of (inactive) ingredients and the Paula’s Choice name behind it. I also thought that for $33.00 ($16.50/oz.) it should be pretty good!

Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 is not a good product for my skin, but it has received many fantastic reviews from others. I look forward to trying more of their products to find out what works for me and what doesn’t. At some point, I will probably try their Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 which is a tinted mineral sunscreen. It looks like it could be similar to my favorite face sunscreen from Australian Gold!


I love sharing positive product reviews here on IntegriBeauty, so this post was a little bit difficult for me. I hope it was helpful and informative! If nothing else, it might give you more insight into what you want to look for in your next sunscreen.

If you’ve tried either of these face sunscreens from MyChelle or Paula’s Choice, please share your thoughts below!

As always, thank you for reading. 🙂

Lauren

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Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion–Mineral Face Sunscreen for Combo/Oily Skin

Have you been spending a lot of time outdoors enjoying the warm weather and sunshine this summer? Or maybe you’re a homebody and you enjoy the indoor comforts of home. Either way, it is important to wear sunscreen daily, rain or shine.

It is difficult for many people to understand why sunscreen would be needed if they aren’t planning to spend time outside. However, one must consider that while windows block some UV rays, they are not blocked entirely. Therefore, if you spend the entire day at home but you are near windows, your skin is still being exposed to UV rays. Time spent in the car should also be considered for the same reasons.

sunny sky

Why should you be concerned about exposure to UV rays? First, it is important to note the two types of UV rays that reach us on Earth’s surface. The following information is cited from www.cancer.org:

  • UVA rays have the least energy among UV rays. These rays can cause skin cells to age and can cause some indirect damage to cells’ DNA. UVA rays are mainly linked to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles, but they are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers.
  • UVB rays have slightly more energy than UVA rays. They can damage the DNA in skin cells directly, and are the main rays that cause sunburns. They are also thought to cause most skin cancers.

UVA and UVB rays are very damaging to the skin in various ways. You can go about your days with peace of mind that you are protected if you wear broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply as needed.

Unfortunately, the majority of sunscreen products on the market are not cruelty-free. It can also be difficult to find face sunscreens that actually work well on your face!

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

I was very lucky to find a face sunscreen almost two years ago that works extremely well for my combination skin. Read on to let me introduce you to Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion!

Product claims directly from AustralianGold.comAustralian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion

The Australian Gold® Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion is more than just powerful sun protection – it’s gentle care for your skin. This non-chemical sunscreen lotion delivers a refreshingly luxurious, powdery-clean feel, while the subtle tint seamlessly blends into most skin tones and washes away with water. Specially designed for sensitive facial skin, this lotion won’t clog pores and is fragrance free. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from native Australian botanical ingredients, it allows you to enjoy the sun, protected from both UVA and UVB rays, and water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Important note about this product

There are currently two versions of this product. The original formula, which is only available in one shade, is still available as of the date of this post. Australian Gold recently reformulated this sunscreen and it is now available in three shades. You can easily identify the new formula if there is a skin tone colored stripe near the bottom of the tube which specifies one of these three skin tones: fair to light, medium to tan, or rich to deep.

I think it’s wonderful that Australian Gold decided to make this product more inclusive by adding shades for deeper skin tones. The tint on the original formula definitely won’t work for everyone.

I have the original formula of this product, which is very similar to the “fair to light” shade in the new formula. I have not tried the new formulation, so this review is only on the original formula. 

Many of you might be wondering if it would be worth it to read this review since it pertains to the original formula which may eventually be phased out. I might be biased, but I think you should keep reading because, good news, the new formulation contains all of the same ingredients as the old one! So, how is this a new formula? It is likely that they reordered the ingredients to subtly change the formula without changing it drastically. I am unable to determine the exact differences because the ingredients on the old formula are listed alphabetically, while the ingredients on the new formula are listed by highest to lowest concentration.

Other product details

  • Price: $13.99
  • Net weight: 3 oz.
  • Cruelty-free
  • Reef-friendly
  • 100% mineral sun protection
  • Tinted to counteract Zinc Oxide’s white cast
  • Oxybenzone Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, PABA Free, Petrolatum Free, SLS (Sulfate) Free, Dye Free and Oil Free
  • Where I prefer to buy: Amazon.com
  • Overall rating: 9.2/10
    • Sun protection: 10/10
    • Ingredients: 9/10
    • Makeup-friendly: 10/10
    • Ease of removal: 7/10
    • Price: 10/10

Please note that I am not a skincare professional. I am simply an individual that enjoys learning about and using skincare products. Speak to your dermatologist or esthetician if you have any concerns.

Sun protection

The most important things to look for in any sunscreen are SPF of 30 or higher, and the term “broad spectrum.” Broad spectrum means the sunscreen will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.

This Australian Gold face sunscreen provides a great SPF of 50 and is also broad spectrum. This product provides excellent sun protection!

Ingredients

Active ingredients (physical/mineral sunscreens): Titanium Dioxide 4%, Zinc Oxide 4%

*Inactive ingredients: Alumina, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Hexyl Laurate, Iron Oxides, Panthenol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Porphyra Umbilicalis (Red Algae) Extract, Silica, Squalane, Stearic Acid, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate*, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water

*Australian Gold listed the inactive ingredients alphabetically rather than by highest to lowest concentration.

Australian Gold tinted sunscreen with turtle

There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays, and physical (mineral) sunscreens that reflect UV rays from the skin. I prefer mineral sunscreens because there is a lot of uncertainty about the safety of chemical sunscreens for humans and marine life. Both of the active ingredients in this sunscreen are mineral sunscreens, so we are off to a great start with safe ingredients!

There are a lot of intimidating looking inactive ingredients on this product’s label, but do not fear…the inactive ingredients range from “neutral” to “awesome!” You’ll find the following beneficial properties from this product’s ingredients:

  • Moisturizing (shea butter, glycerin, panthenol, and squalane)
  • Antioxidant-rich (shea butter, red algae extract, kakadu plum fruit extract, and vitamin E)
  • Mattifying, which is great in a sunscreen (alumina and silica)

Australian Gold lists eucalyptus as an antioxidant botanical, but this is actually the one ingredient that is questionable to me. While it is true that eucalyptus is high in antioxidants and it adds natural fragrance to the product, it can also cause skin sensitization. A low concentration of eucalyptus should be fine for most people. Unfortunately, it is unknown how much is used in this product.

Makeup-friendly

A lot of sunscreens, even those designed to be applied to the face, are greasy and do not work well with makeup. This is especially true for those of us that have combination or oily skin. 

I don’t always wear makeup over sunscreen, but when I do, I need a sunscreen that sets to a matte finish and doesn’t move around when makeup is applied on top. This Australian Gold face sunscreen does exactly that, plus it has a slight pore-filling and smoothing property which is a nice added bonus.tinted sunscreen on half of Lauren's face

Since this sunscreen is tinted and helps to even out skin tone, it could work as a BB cream for many people! The tint in this sunscreen is actually a little bit dark/orange on my fair skin, but I make it work by blending it down my neck and frequently skip foundation. In this photo from this morning I am wearing the Australian Gold sunscreen on half of my face with only my other skincare products on the other side. It is a subtle difference, but you can see that this product covers a lot of my redness and discoloration.

Ease of removal

Water resistant sunscreens like this one are often difficult to remove, which is both good and bad. It’s good that this sunscreen is effective at resisting water, but you also have to work hard to wash it all off at the end of the day.

I usually have no problem removing this sunscreen with my Pacifica Coconut Milk Cream to Foam Face Wash that I reviewed last week. However, many cleansers will not be so effective at removing this stubborn sunscreen. I would recommend doing a double-cleanse using a cleansing balm or oil before cleanser, if your cleanser won’t do the “heavy lifting” needed to remove this product.

Price

Sunscreens are often on the pricey side. I recently tried two face sunscreens from other brands that were $24.00 (1 oz.) and $33.00 (2 oz.)! I was very disappointed by both of those products, especially since they had such high price tags. 

I am very pleased with the price of this face sunscreen from Australian Gold. It is a fantastic value at only $13.99 for 3 ounces! 


Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion is the best face sunscreen that I have found so far. I am getting ready to start my third or fourth tube! I am generally someone that likes to try new products rather than repurchasing something even when I enjoy it, but I will never be without this sunscreen. Once I use up my current tube, I will definitely purchase the new formula in the “fair to light” shade.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone with a combination or oily skin type. I think people with dry skin types might enjoy it too, since it is not only mattifying, but also moisturizing.

Please comment below if you have a favorite cruelty-free face sunscreen!

Lauren

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Pacifica Sea Purify Balancing Clay Mask–Clearing Clogged Pores Naturally

Washing your face twice a day and still feel like it’s not quite clean enough? Maybe your skin is excessively oily or you have blackheads? If this sounds like you, a product designed to help with clearing clogged pores might be your answer.

Clay masks are a great choice for clogged pores. The product deep-cleans pores to remove that “gunk” you can’t reach with face wash. Plus, you don’t need to use a mask every day for it to be effective!  One to three times per week, depending on your skin’s Pacifica Sea Purify Balancing Clay Maskneeds, is recommended for this type of mask.

I have combination skin with an oily T-zone and large pores on my nose, so I really enjoy using clay masks. My clay mask of choice is Pacifica Sea Purify Balancing Clay Mask. My skin always feels ultra-clean and fresh after using this product!

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

Product claims directly from PacificaBeauty.com

Clay and marine extracts come together to deeply clean skin, help draw out impurities and balance skin. Great for combo skin types, clogged pores and blackheads. Powerhouse nutrients and minerals provide antioxidants.

Other product details

  • Price: $15.00
  • Net weight: 1.7 oz.
  • Made in the USA
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Shelf life: 24 months
  • Formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, or mineral oil
  • Where I prefer to buy: PacificaBeauty.com and Amazon.com
  • Overall rating: 8/10
    • Cleansing: 8/10
    • Ingredients: 9/10
    • Fragrance: 8/10
    • Ease of removal: 6/10
    • Price: 9/10

Please note that I am not a skincare professional. I am simply an individual that enjoys learning about and using skincare products. Speak to your dermatologist or esthetician if you have any concerns.

Cleansing

You can feel this clay mask going to work on your pores almost immediately upon application. There is a slight tingling sensation that isn’t unpleasant, but tells you that something is happening! As the mask dries, it tightens up and feels like it’s suctioning all the impurities right out of your pores. 

After washing off the mask, my face feels very clean and smooth. Unfortunately, I don’t actually see any visible difference in my pores with this product. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work, though. I can always feel a difference after using it.

Ingredients

aqua, kaolin, bentonite, glycerin, macrocystis pyrifera (kelp) extract, gelidiella acerosa (red seaweed) extract, monostroma nitidum toallus (green algae) extract, spirulina maxima extract, camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, charcoal powder, DL panthenol, melia azadirachta leaf extract, melia azadirachta flower extract, potassium sorbate, xanthan gum, sodium citrate, citric acid, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, parfum (natural).

Pacifica Sea Purify Balancing Clay Mask is packed full of effective and gentle skincare ingredients! Many of the ingredients are also natural and plant-based.

Two of the top three ingredients are kaolin and bentonite, which are two types of absorbent clay. These clays, along with the charcoal powder, work together to deeply clean pores.

Going further down the list, you’ll see many beneficial ingredients with the following properties:

  • Moisturizing (glycerin and aloe)
  • Antioxidant (red seaweed extract and green tea extract)
  • Anti-inflammatory (spirulina maxima, green tea extract, and aloe)

The only ingredient standing out to me that might cause irritation for some, is parfum (fragrance). The source is not disclosed, so it is impossible to know if it is a harmful ingredient.

Fragrance

Pacifica Sea Purify Balancing Clay Mask has a light clean scent that is difficult to identify. As mentioned in the previous section, the added fragrance could be problematic for some people. Luckily, parfum is the last ingredient on the list and therefore there is only a very small amount.

The fragrance in this product does not bother me. However, it might be best for people that are usually sensitive to fragrance, to avoid this mask.

Pacifica mask appliedEase of removal

I enjoy using this mask, but I must say that it is a bit difficult to remove. If you try to wash it off with water, it takes a very long time because the product is so thick. The best method I’ve found is to wet a washcloth and use that to wipe off the mask. However, even that can be difficult if you allow the mask to fully dry (the mask will turn white as it dries, as you can see in this horrible photo!). If the mask dries completely, it takes some scrubbing to remove.

Price

Pacifica Sea Purify Balancing Clay Mask is $15.00 which is a fair price for any kind of face mask. Considering the large number of amazing ingredients in this product, a more luxury type of brand might have given it a much higher price tag. That being said, I think the size of the product is on the small side and for that reason I think it is a bit overpriced.


Despite the slightly negative attributes I mentioned, I would highly recommend the Pacifica Sea Purify Balancing Clay Mask to anyone looking for something to help clear congested pores. You will not be disappointed by the clean feeling you’ll have after using this clarifying clay mask! 🙂

Lauren

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Pacifica Coconut Milk Cream to Foam Face Wash–for a Tropical Bubbly Clean

Between excess oil, sweat, dirt, and makeup, our faces collect quite a lot of nasty stuff that needs to be removed. Without proper cleansing, pores become clogged which Woman washing her faceleads to breakouts, pores appearing larger, and dull skin. Face wash is the most basic step in any skincare routine. Clean skin is the foundation necessary for effective skincare.

Face wash is essential, but it doesn’t have to be boring…

Delicious coconut scent…foamy bubbles…refreshing hydration. That’s what I call a good face wash experience! I’m describing my current go-to face wash, Pacifica Coconut Milk Cream to Foam Face Wash.

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

Product claims directly from PacificaBeauty.com

Superfood for your skin. Pacifica’s innovative Coconut Milk Cream to Foam Face Wash gets perfectly bubbly to help lift dirt, makeup and debris to the surface so you can wash it away. A go-to in your skin’s age fighting arsenal. Plus, it smells like a day at the beach.

Other product details

  • Price: $10.00
  • Net weight: 5 oz.
  • Made in the USA
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Shelf life: 24 months
  • Formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, or mineral oil
  • Where to buy: PacificaBeauty.com and Amazon.com
  • Overall rating: 9/10
    • Cleansing: 9/10
    • Ingredients: 9/10
    • Fragrance: 7/10
    • Texture: 10/10
    • Price: 10/10

Please note that I am not a skincare professional. I am simply an individual that enjoys learning about and using skincare products. Speak to your dermatologist or esthetician if you have any concerns.

Cleansing

I’ve never been one to take the time to “double cleanse” so I look for face washes that will remove everything in one step. This face wash does a great job of removing all excess oil, sweat, and dirt from my combination skin.

It is very effective at removing makeup as well, but I would recommend using a separate eye makeup remover or another extremely mild cleanser on the eye area as this face wash will cause irritation if it gets into your eyes. I like to use baby shampoo to remove my eye makeup.

Ingredients

aqua, myristic acid, potassium hydroxide, palmitic acid, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, glycerin, glycol distearate, cocoyl methyl glucamide, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, benzyl alcohol, parfum (natural), cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit powder, sodium phytate, cocos nucifera (coconut) water, ethylhexylglycerin, tocopherol (vitamin E), sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, sodium chloride.

Pacifica coconut milk cream to foam face wash bottleOverall, the ingredients in this face wash are very safe, effective, and gentle. The majority are cleansing agents or preservatives.

There are only two ingredients that seem likely to cause problems for some people:

  • Myristic acid is a foam-building cleansing agent that can be drying to the skin
    • I do not notice any drying from this face wash and it is intended for all skin types, but it could cause extra dryness for someone that already has very dry skin
  • Parfum (natural) is added fragrance, but since the source is not disclosed, it is impossible to know if it is a harmful ingredient

Pacifica Coconut Milk Cream to Foam Face Wash does contain a few ingredients that are especially beneficial to the skin:

  • Coconut fruit powder is a mild physical exfoliant that makes the skin feel soft
  • Coconut water is moisturizing and nourishing
  • Vitamin E is an antioxidant that also strengthens the skin barrier

Fragrance

As mentioned in the previous section, parfum (a.k.a. fragrance) is added to this face wash. For many people with sensitive skin, added fragrance is a big problem and should be avoided. That is the only reason I took away three points from this criterion. Those that do not have sensitive skin and enjoy coconut, will probably enjoy this product! I think it smells wonderful and beachy.

Texture

This face wash has a milky creamy texture. It feels smooth and moisturizing as it’s applied to the skin and lathers up quickly to be very bubbly. The foam feels refreshing and also makes the face wash more effective at removing all excess oil, makeup, etc.

Pacifica Coconut Milk Cream to Foam Face Wash is like a light airy dessert for your face! 😀

Price

This face wash is an excellent bargain at only $10.00. There are face washes out there at slightly lower price points, but none of them that I have tried are as good as this one. Honestly, I don’t like spending too much money on my face wash since I prefer to spend more of my skincare budget on the steps that I apply after cleansing. 


coconutIf you really like coconut…

Pacifica has many collections of products based on scents. There is a large coconut collection, so if you’re interested in the Pacifica Coconut Milk Cream to Foam Face Wash, you might also want to try some of Pacifica’s other coconut products! 


There are a lot of really nice face washes out there, but Pacifica Coconut Milk Cream to Foam Face Wash is tough to beat. It’s such a pleasant product to use because of the scent and texture, but I also love how clean my skin feels after I use it.

This is a product that I would definitely recommend. It was originally recommended to me by my mom and now I’m happy to be sharing it here!

There will be many more Pacifica product reviews in the future here on IntegriBeauty. I wanted this one to be the first because I think it’s so important for everyone to have a good face wash. 

Wishing you all good health and happiness,

Lauren

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Mindful Beauty ft. Pacifica Beauty

Recyclable packaging. Free recycling program. Cruelty-free. Vegan. Clean ingredients. 

Pacifica logo

All of these things and more can be found in one affordable,accessible, and often overlooked brand–Pacifica Beauty. Pacifica is all about mindful beauty and offers a wide variety of products. Pacifica has been one of my favorite independently-owned cruelty-free brands for years. I love what they stand for and have enjoyed using many of their products. Not only are Pacifica products high quality, but they also come in cute packaging that looks great sitting on your bathroom counter or vanity! 

Pacifica products

Pacifica is a very impressive beauty brand. Not only do they maintain high ethical standards, but they have created a line for almost every beauty product you could imagine. You can find all of the following types of products on PacificaBeauty.com:

  • Skincare
  • Suncare
  • Makeup
  • Lip care
  • Nail care
  • Hair
  • Bath & body
  • Perfume
  • Wellness

I have not tried Pacifica products from all of these categories, but I can tell you that I have enjoyed the products that I have tried so far. I mainly gravitate toward their skincare, bath, and body products.

Pacifica’s FREE recycling program

I always knew Pacifica was a great company, but they are doing more than I realized! I recently learned about an amazing program they offer to make their products easier to recycle. Not only is their packaging recyclable, but Pacifica also offers a free recycling program that comes with perks! I am so excited to try this program for the first time soon.

This is how Pacifica’s recycling program works:

  1. Gather empty Pacifica containers
  2. Go to https://www.pacificabeauty.com/pages/recycle and enter up to eight products that you want to recycle
  3. Fill out your name, email, and address to get a prepaid shipping label
  4. Return your containers to Pacifica using the prepaid shipping label
  5. Receive 100 loyalty points once package is received (you must be logged in to your account to receive loyalty points)
  6. Plastic containers will be recycled and given new life as Preserve brand razors and toothbrushes

I was particularly excited to see that Pacifica’s containers are being recycled to make Preserve razors and toothbrushes, because I made the switch from my old Gillette razor to a Preserve razor a couple of months ago! (Fantastic product, by the way.)

If you wish to take advantage of Pacifica’s recycling program, please ship your empty containers within 30 days of receiving the prepaid shipping label. Otherwise, it will be voided. 

Girl Code Rewards Program

It seems like every company has a rewards program these days and Pacifica is no exception! Pacifica’s is called the Girl Code Rewards Program. It is a fairly straightforward program with many ways to earn points:

  • Create account
  • Make purchases on PacificaBeauty.com
  • Refer a friend
  • Birthdays
  • Follow Pacifica on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
  • Participate in the recycling program
  • Write a product review

Points can be redeemed once you reach 100 points or you can let them accumulate for a larger discount later. Points are redeemed for vouchers that are worth increments of $3 (that is the smallest voucher that you would receive with 100 points).

Pacifica has three different levels within the Girl Code Rewards Program:

  • Friend status – no minimum amount spent
    • 1 point per $1 spent
  • Girl crush – spend at least $200pinky promise
    • 2 points per $1 spent
    • Early access to new products
    • Free gift ($10 value)
    • Two vouchers for free shipping
  • Bestie forever – spend at least $500
    • 3 points per $1 spent
    • Free shipping on all orders
    • Early access to new products
    • Access to exclusive events and private sales
    • Free gift on birthday

While the name of this program and the names of the three levels within the program are quite silly, the rewards are actually pretty generous!

Keep in mind that you will only be able to earn points for the Girl Code Rewards Program if you purchase Pacifica products directly from PacificaBeauty.com.

Where to find Pacifica products

Pacifica Beauty was formed in 1997 and has gained a reputation as an innovative and sustainable company. As they have grown, their reach has also expanded. Pacifica Beauty products can be found in Ulta Beauty (of course!), Target, Whole Foods, and Sprouts stores in the United States. Pacifica has a store locator on their website if you want to find your nearest Pacifica retailer. You can also purchase some Pacifica products from Amazon! To shop the full range of Pacifica products, you’ll need to visit PacificaBeauty.com.

Unfortunately, Pacifica’s products are currently only available in-store in the United States, and online orders from PacificaBeauty.com can only be shipped within the United States and Canada. My apologies to international readers!


I appreciate the wonderful things Pacifica Beauty is doing, and also the fact that their products won’t break the bank! Every time I go to Ulta or look at the “new” section of Pacifica’s website, I find more products I want to try. I look forward to supporting their efforts by recycling my empties and purchasing more products in the future.

Please comment below if you’ve tried any Pacifica products!

Lauren

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