Don't Be Cruel ( Cruelty Free Cosmetics)

Products used . Bare Minerals foundation ,
Eye Shadow : Wet n Wild  Color Icon Pallet Plum ,
Eyeliner : Wet n Wild Gel Noir
Lipstick : Elf  Essential Lipstick fearless .
Mascara : Elf  Volume  Plumping  Mascara  black 

I have received allot of requests for this post on cruelty free cosmetics. My Beauty Bunny has gathered the most comprehensive lists and information when it comes to cruelty cosmetics. I was very sad to hear Estee Lauder removed its cruelty free label from its brands. This is really a big in the cruelty free world. Estee Lauder owns allot of cosmetic companies. Smashbox, Bumble n Bumble , Clinque to just name a few. The reason for this is to sell in China which requires animal testing. The good news is by late summer China will implement there first range on non animal cosmetic testing. Peta scientists have been working with Chinese officials to change the requirement of animal testing. This is good news that will hopefully return some of our favorite brands back to cruelty free. I chose not to post pictures of suffering animals in this post. I have always felt opening a dialogue about issues is more effective in some cases.

  

So you have decided that you want to go cruelty free. Here are some tips for the transition. I am also making the transition too.  If you aren't interested in converting fully just replace a couple of items.The makeup look in this post is all cruelty free. In the upcoming weeks we will be looking at Vegan cosmetics. Also cosmetic lines that also support charities,ways you can give back just buying lipstick.

Q: I bought all this expensive makeup, what do I do with it ? 

A: Still use what you have already purchased. I would say take this time to look into the cruelty free alternative to what you use currently. Little by little you'll be closer to cruelty free. Just by changing out a few things can make a big difference.

Q: What are some popular cosmetic companies that don't test on animals ? 

Abercrombie & Fitch

Almay

Burts Bee's 

E.L.F 

Hard Candy

John Frieda
Jolen Creme Bleach

OPI 

Physicians Formula
Prestige Cosmetics
Queen Helene

Wet n Wild

Complete list here : My Beauty Bunny 

Also additional lists of reference :  

PETA : cruelty-Free Companies and Products

Leaping Bunny 

Bubba and Tracey  he wasn't a happy camper
Me before makeup 

10 minute Blog Post : Coffee

"If I asked for a cup of coffee, someone would search for the double meaning."
~Mae West

When I was a little girl the first smell in the morning was coffee. I love the smell of coffee even before it became my morning beverage. Watching my mom have her friends over for coffee was my favorite as a child they brought cookies. Would gab about things they would laugh. Though Id be sent out to play as it got interesting. When I was 17 I went to Seattle my cousins were already coffee snobs. They took me for my first Starbucks. I had to order in a different language which made me laugh. In a summer where I was introduced to so much. Manic panic hair dye, Seattle Sound , Art , Birkenstock with socks. When I flew home I had to get an espresso maker for it wasn't available in my town. As it was in seattle where even in Burger King you could get a cappucino. Well in my family when your coming over to visit we put the coffee on. I have been making allot of changes in my life. This is very scary yet exciting in the aspect that it is all new. I am sharing my artistc side with family and friends which is always a risk. Yet I think it is a comfort . Well as I sip my coffee get my day started . I hope that I can make the best of the day. Well that was another off the cuff 10 minute post. Its strange what comes out when you have no idea what your going to write about. Have a good day !

Beauty of Blueberries

When I was a little girl one of the most precious memories I had. Was going through the woods near my Auntie and Uncles home with my cousins. We'd have little dixie cups set off to gather blueberries. Our reward would be blueberry pancakes. I loved the early morning summer air , the way the sunlight hit the tree tops. My cousins and I laughing and running through the brush. My cousin Amy who is more a sister to me. Went blueberry picking at a farm in central Massachusetts. It was such a wonderful day. Now that we are grown it still brings a smile to your face. Especially with her kids who I call my niece and nephew underfoot. So lets take a look at this fruit who makes an aperence  every summer. Its qualities make you beautiful on the inside and out. I've included the pictures from our excursion so its like you came along with us.

Blueberries work as natural antioxidants and help to dispose of the free radicals in the body which are the main causes of various cancers and life threatening issues.

" Lund University in Sweden, shows that eating blueberries can ease and protect against intestinal inflammation. They also found that these beneficial effects on the body are increased by the consumption of probiotic bacteria along with the berries."
(  via  Global Healing center )

Eating berries regularly can give you radiant skin and can erase years from your age without plastic surgery. And they taste great too!

We have a history here of having you put food on your face. Cranberries , Kitty Litter , Snail Slime . We love DIY masks here at PTB . So while I was making some yummy blueberry tarts . I decided to cook up a mask for all of us to try . I did have some reservations seeing that it may turn my face blue. Who didn't watch Willy Wonka as a kid.  Id liken the fear to Violets fate. Here at PTB we push through the fear .

Ingredients
1/2 cup of blueberries
1/2 cup of yogurt
1 table spoon of honey ( i used agave nectar )

I used this youtube to guide me . You can mix it up if you like. I used agave nectar and green tea bags for my eyes instead of cucumbers . I steap the green tea bags in water just until the water turns. Then I put them in the freezer for a couple hours. There a miracle on puffy eyes . Take a look at this video , if you have long hair make sure it is tied back tight. For the seeds and skins will work there way up to your scalp.  I liked this recipe beacause its simple and easy. My skin is super soft and glowing.  For the men that read this blog which there are allot. You promise me you'll give this a try also.








Here are a few more pics of my excursion at the blueberry farm. Hope you are enjoying the summer with the beauty of blueberries

Pop Trash Beauty Inspirational FB Posts

Since starting our wonderful facebook page. I noticed other pages that had pictures with quotes, poems, jokes on them. After months of sharing these posts with my friends. I knew it was a matter of time before I made my own. With a photo library of many many makeup looks coupled with a head full of random information. I set fourth to create my own this was really scary for me. I was going to put words of wisdom with my picture. I thought the reaction would be negative ( never listen to that negative dialogue that creeps in )  With the many risks I've taken lately I thought why not. My facebook family has embraced these little posts have wanted one each day. This is why I encourage you to come over . I do quirky things live daily. So here is a look at some of my inspirational posts.

I was listening to the furs and this happened 

I love this quote by Man Ray . 

This one didn't go over so well . I was feeling love
even I get a little romantic now and then.

This kind of says it all 

Where are you Mr. Knightly ???? 

To our dearest Nora ..

Join us over at Facebook be happy to see all of you :)  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pop-Trash-Beauty/154202761304268

A Kiss of French Culture ( Bastille Day )

Bastille Day 2012  Paris France  photo by Taliassima

I wrote a post celebrating french style and culture . When I first started Pop Trash Beauty . To this day it has received the most hits then any other post I've written. This leads me to believe that we truly love the french way of life. All the fun we have been having on the Pop Trash Beauty facebook page has been tres chic. So to end this Bastille Day lets celebrate french style and culture . Id like to thank my friend Talia for inspiring this post today.  I will say this is just a taste of french culture. Like a sip off a good french wine.

Music 

Total Radio UK gave me the french top 100 Singles .  Here is a look at Shy'm was on the list of hot french singles.  Tamara Marthe (born on 28 November 1985), better known as Shy'm  She released her debut album,Mes Fantaisies, in 2006 which rose to #6 in the French chart. To date, four songs from the album have been released as singles, all of which charted in the top 10 in France. The song has Fashionista in it that is a universal word on this blog. 

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We asked Julian Lennon via his fb  about Paris food , culture
He summed it up in one perfect sentence
"  I think Paris is the most Beautiful city in the World... ;) "

Many gifts come from the world of blogging two years ago . I started a friendship with an amazing american writer living in Paris Talissima. She has been one of the biggest supporters of PTB. Has most imporant become a friend. Someday we will hang in Paris together create some crazy art. I thought it would be fitting to ask her about Paris beauty seeing she has her hand on the pulse of it in her daily life. Talia our paris corespondent gives us the low down on Fashion and beauty in Paris .

An everyday French look:

Photo by Taliassima

1) Nice-fitting jeans - preferably dark blue - crisp white shirt or slouchy t-shirt, blazer.
2) Fifites style bubble skirt, simple but bodycon tee or crisp shirt.

For both, accessories make or break the outfit:
Heels or low boots - both work!
Scarf is a must accessory! 
Handbag is classic: Longchamp tote, Chanel 2.55 or a Hermes Kelly or Birkin (most people can't afford Hermes, of course! But there are a lot of good knockoffs by nice brands). 
Jewelry is understated yet makes a statement: stud or simple loop earrings, stacked bracelets, large watch. Bracelets can be replaced by a statement necklace. Never both at the same time!

They manage to take all this and make it look "just thrown on" and subtle!






Beauty products

BB creams are all the rage right now. L'Oreal makes a good, affordable one, but Dior has received the best reviews.

No one can survive without their water spray! There's Evian, Avene and La Roche Posay, of course, but my favorite is by a brand called Uriage. I remember the Pussycat Dolls telling me that they stocked up on Uriage products (paraben free!) every time they came to Paris! It also makes a great face wash that I use! 

Nails are coral this season, and bright red is still very hot! Most popular polish brand is Essie, followed by OPI. 

Mascara is a must. Diorshow is a favorite. 


Liquid eyeliner gives feline eyes. It's a whole statement in itself so mascara is very subtle. 

Make-up for day is basic earth tones; for night it's smoky. 

Lips are bitten (I love Dior's Glow lipstick) or siren red.

Blush is subtle - used to highlight. Coral or pink are popular. Terracotta is now very subtle. It's used to 


highlight. Otherwise it looks like a (bad) fake tan!

Photo by Taliassima " women usually have one statement bag and stick with it. Gerard Darel's bag is very popular amongst all age groups as are the Longchamp totes. They're affordable, are excellent brands and last for years.
Marc By Marc Jacobs is popular too."   Talia 

Hair is simple by day and glam by night!


L'Oreal's EverLast is popular now because it's silicone-free. 

They're also big on hair masks here, like Kerastase. 

There's also a hair oil by Leonor Greyl that's expensive but a best-seller. 

Photo by Taliassima 

Street Art  One thing that I love about any city is the street art. I like to think of it a modern cave paintings. Telling us the real story of a city. No glossy tourism brochure will ever reveal to you a cities beating heart like street art will it tells the story.

So this was your kiss of french culture in honor of Bastille Day .I really wanted to explore more, indeed there is so much more . A simple kiss always has you wanting more. Speaking of kisses  I asked some of our Facebook followers what they liked about French culture . Never do you disappoint my little vixens . Shelly Williams and Maggie Bridges both told me Kissing .  oh la la my beauties . We shall do another post about food and art like I said a kiss with that I say au revoir  beauties.  

10 Minute Post : Good Morning

I sit here at ten minutes to 7 (est)  . Smelling the freshly brewed coffee coming from my kitchen. The outfit I layed out carefully is not looking so enticing .My after work check list is in my brain grocery , pharmacy . Clean the bathroom , make dinner. I gave gratitude for feeling good today. I hope the bus comes on time today. When you're late the day seems to be off . I have been thinking allot about synchronicity as of lately. Then you wonder if your thinking about it then maybe your seeing connections that aren't there. I have a bird that walks me to the bus stop in the morning . A little robin that hops aside of me for part of the way. I say good morning to him. He makes me smile in my brisk pace towards my destination. Do we ever truly know our destination in life. Well its been interesting to say the least . I think I may be too funny at times , some people say you can't be enlightened and funny. I find this to be untrue on so many levels. Maybe Im zen in a different way. With a little bit of sassy accented with hot pink. I often contemplate my love of music. How my heart at times dictates how I listen.   A fellow blogger suggest I do this you write for ten minutes then stop. I hope you all have a wonderful day . We have a fab post coming tonight .  I have no idea what I just wrote but this was interesting

Art : Coffee with Man Ray ( Dada)

I was on a facebook page that seems to give me the best ideas for blog posts ( Julian Lennon's ) . I was talking to some fellow Lennon fans about the film A Midnight in Paris got me thinking of Dada. We were talking about if you could time travel. What time would you go to ? I would go hang out with the Dadist for certain. You were thinking Warhol's factory right. If your not familiar with the Dadist movement we will take a little look at them. Like I said I'm your friendly neighborhood art pusher. Though Dada started in Zurich we will be time traveling to 1920's Paris. We will be meeting Man Ray for coffee he was a major contributor to the Dada movement. Dada was born from artists disgust with World War I. Dada is not what some would say is pretty art though it's evolution gave birth to Surrealism even Pop Art. So without further adue won't you come with me to 1920's Paris. 

What is a Dadism ?
Let's take a look at this youtube explaining Dada . I must mention Tristan Tzara was one of the key figures in the Dada movement.. He was a playwright , actor , poet , performance artist, Journalist he was also instrumental in the the evolution of Dada to Surrealism.

 Man Ray

 I fell in art geek love with Manray for the mere fact he was an innovator. Though we are talking Dada in this post. He was a key contributor to many movements in art surrealism, cubism to name a couple . Extremely multi dimensional in he his depth as an artist. He is mostly recognized for his photography. Which even today the most accomplished tech savvy photographers are in awe of his work. Did you know that he invented Solarization .

  "Together with Lee Miller, who was his photography assistant and lover, Man Ray reinvented the photographic technique of solarization. He also created a technique using photograms he called rayographs, which he described as "pure dadaism". "

 Over the course of his lifetime Manray had many lovers. There is one that is in my eyes the most iconic. Kiki Montaparse ( Alice Prin) She became the subject of some of his most famous photographic images and starred in his experimental films. There love affair would only last through the twenties though it produced some amazing art.  Lets take a look at this passionate collaboration of a Dada artist and his muse Kiki ( I must add got to love a man who appreciates curves.)

* There is nudity in this video*

 This was a very brief look at Dada its a prime example of how out of ciaos sometimes things of great beauty are created. I know if you look at pieces from the movement they are shocking dark thought evoking. I think it would be fascinating to sit down in 1920's Paris have coffee talk about the movement. People desperate for change in a world that had gone mad. Use there creative artistic souls to incite change. I think even today we can relate to that. So now that you know about Dada. Makes me wonder what art movement will be born in our time?

If you were to time travel to witness an artistic movement. Which one would you visit ?

American Pinup : Makeup Look

Happy 4th of July to all of my American beauties. Happy Wednesday to the rest of our global audience. I thought for the 4th of July Id do an Pinup look. Pin up is interesting in how many ways you can achieve it. You can make it look subtle or rock out some really funky eyes. Since I was going to a cookout subtle was more of a way to go.

Products I used : 
Bare Minerals foundation
Avon Liquid Eyeliner - Cobalt
Eye Shadow -Jemma Kidd Backstage Makeup Kit
03-Chic / Lid Color/ Light Peachy Pink
06-Vanity Fair/ Crease Color / Dark Chocolate Brown

The key to a pin up look is to get your skin as close to flawless as possible. Make the skin look clean. I would recommend not wearing eyeliner under the eye. Lots of mascara is needed you want that pop effect. This is the makeup tutorial I used two years ago to learn the pinup look. You can modify the colors like I did.



Yes in keeping it real being a part of the Real beauty movement here I am without makeup.
























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