What ("beauty") products do you use?

[Tigerlily]

So what do you use? Do you like it? :rubchin:

Shampoo
Aubrey Organic's rose hip shampoo. I like it a lot, it lasts for ages since I only shampoo my hair every couple of weeks and only use a small amount. It smells bad, though.

Conditioners
Since I have dry curly hair, this is an ultimate necessity! I like to use extra virgin olive oil and Jason's Apricot Super Shine conditioner. Since I'm having a hard time finding all vegan, creamy leave-in conditioners, I settled for something at least free of animal testing, some leave-in cream conditioner by Le Coupe. I really like it. I'm glad it's free of animal testing.

Soap
I only use soap for my hands and under my arm pits. I use Kiss My Face Olive oil + Aloe Vera soap. :soap: It works, it's nice. But it's pricey ($4 for a bar BUT it does last a long time if you cut it into smaller chunks).

Body Lotion, etc
Jason's Vitamin E lotion. Very very nice! Vegan, almost organic, no parabens, no mineral oil, unscented. Too bad it smells like mayonaise. :sigh: I also use Vitamin E oil for dry patches on my elbows/feet/knees.

Deodorant
Natural rock crystal. It works pretty well for several hours and even longer if I'm shaven and wearing "breathable" clothing. I might try a different brand when--if--this ever runs out.

Lip Care
Vitamin E oil to moisturize my lips! Sometimes olive oil in a pinch and sometimes some body lotion in a pinch too. Works wonderfully.

Face cleansers
Warm water. I have unproblematic skin. :wigglebutt: Na-na-na-na! :excited: Well except on my bum, oddly enough. But that's TMI! :shy:

Shaving Cream
Kiss My Face stuff. It's the best!

[Fauxmage]

I have some nice bar soaps from Jenteal Soaps. They are made from coconut and palm oils, with fragrance and Vitamin E added. I have them in Gardenia, Pomegranate, and Lavender. They have some unusual fragrances. I smelled Santa's Pipe at Christmas. It really does smell like pipe tobacco, which is rather nice when its not being smoked. www.jentealsoaps.com

I use Alba shampoo and conditioner. I have their Hawaiian formulas; Plumeria for shampoo and Gardenia for conditioner. All 100% vegetarian ingredients and no animal testing. I have to watch for beeswax in their lip balms, though. They don't seem to think of beeswax as an animal ingredient. They have two lip balms that are vegan, the Hawaiian Coconut and Pineapple flavors. Its ironic that they are located in Petaluma, CA, USA, which used to be known as the Egg Basket of the World. www.albabotanica.com

I use Shikai shower gel, because it comes in Gardenia (I love the scent of gardenias :colors:). No Animal testing or ingredients. They are based in Santa Rosa, not very far from Petaluma. www.shikai.com

I use Avalon Organics deodorant. The ingredients are not 100% organic, though, as is the case for lots of soaps, shampoos, etc., even though they claim they are. There is some loophole in labeling laws that lets them call their stuff organic when it isn't 100% organic. However, it is free of animal ingredients and not tested on animals. I like the Lemon, Lavender, and Wild Yam scents. They work well for me even if I don't shower every day. They are also based in Petaluma. I like the irony of this, so I keep mentioning it whenever I find a new vegan or environmentally conscious product being manufactured in Petaluma. I have family roots there, and my dad owns four lots up there which is where i may retire to, and take in rescued animals. www.avalonorganics.com

I also like Dr Bronners' castile soaps. Back when I first went veggie they were all there was if you didn't want animal ingredients and other crap in your soaps and shampoos. www.drbronner.com

I have just recently started using juiceBEAUTY facial care stuff. They are 100% vegetarian and no animal testing too. They are full of plant extracts, and smell good. www.juicebeauty.com

When I want to put on make-up, which isn't very often as it would just get licked off by dogs, I use Ecco Bella. They have compacts that are reusable, and you just buy the refills of blush, eye shadow, and powder when you run out, which reduces waste. Almost the entire line is vegan, except for some tints which use carmine from beetles. www.eccobella.com

[Rainbow]

No make-up on me!

[Tigerlily]

Those things aren't make up. ;)

[Rainbow]

Tom's Of Maine deodorant, I've got a nice ethical shampoo can't remember the make tho' (must be the jazz I can hear from next door putting me off!)

[moie]

i found the best soap and lotion at this little african store the other day. i am a total soap junkie

i was happy to see that the soap box said no animal by products - it smelled so good- coconut, papaya with vanilla bean. the guy at the counter said it was new and sold me on the same lotion with shea butter. it makes me want to eat my hands off :hungry: , it smells so good and works good too.

www.nubianheritage.com

[SinnerCal]

I am guided by the Choose Cruelty Free (http://www.choosecrueltyfree.org.au/) Preferred Products List when I buy any personal or household products. :thumbsup:

And I also sometimes buy through The Cruelty Free Shop (http://www.crueltyfreeshop.com.au/) website. :colors:

[Fauxmage]

I am guided by the Choose Cruelty Free (http://www.choosecrueltyfree.org.au/) Preferred Products List when I buy any personal or household products. :thumbsup:

And I also sometimes buy through The Cruelty Free Shop (http://www.crueltyfreeshop.com.au/) website. :colors:
And I thought you were guided by an oracl. :cheeky:

MONOI TIARE TAHITI is a French-Tahitian cosmetic oil consisting of pure coconut oil and the fragrance of tiare, the Tahitian Gardenia. The product is a refinement of an ancient Polynesian beauty secret and has been manufactured commercially since 1942. Centuries ago the people of Polynesia discovered that pure coconut oil is an essential secret for beautiful skin and hair. Coconut oil is a natural replacement for your body's skin and hair oils. The coconut oil used in Monoi Tiare Tahiti is so highly refined that it is quickly absorbed by your skin. This Tahitian beauty secret is now available to you.

I think my grandmother started using Monoi Tiare Tahiti in 1942! I was so exited when I saw a bottle in Wholefoods. I remembered it immediately, after not having seen it since I was 6 or 7 years old. The label really hasn't changed. I looked it up on the web, and although I couldn't verify it, I doubt that this is tested on animals, since it is just coconut oil and Tahitian Gardenia. The flower itself is floating in the bottle (when the "oil" isn't solid, that is!) and coconut oil really is the best oil for your skin and hair. You can get some here. (http://shop.store.yahoo.com/islandtrend/monoiproducts1.html)

[Oracl]

And I thought you were guided by an oracl. :cheeky:


:nahnah: :D

That Monoi Tiare Tahiti coconut oil sounds lovely! :nanakiss:

[Delicious]

That Monoi Tiare Tahiti coconut oil sounds lovely! :nanakiss:
It *is*! Fauxmage, your granny's a class act :flirt: I LOVE that product! I usually don't like flowery smelling things but I do love that! It's especially good on the thighs on hot and humid days :wigglebutt:

I see that I use the same products as a lot of you do ;)

I use a wide variety of many products because I get samples at Expos and from the companies direct several times a year and get to meet the manufacturers/creators/distributors of these vegan products and get the scoop on the ethics of each company direct. I like that :yea:

Here's a few I use regularly:

I use *ALL* Giovanni hair products and LOVE their new Spa body line. Giovanni ROCKS! Many of thier products have ingredients so natural you could EAT them and not be harmed! (I don't suggest this though :whistle: ) The creator of these products, Arthur Giovanni, is a HOOT :laugh: and I love his passion for fine organics http://www.giovannicosmetics.com/

I use Alba scrubs, cleansers, creams, massage oils and so on. The Alba Organics and the "Sea" lines are my favorites. I use the Hawaiian Coconut lip balm as do my 2 Sweeties www.albabotanica.com

I use Shikai lotions and creams with some clients www.shikai.com

I use Avalon Organics products in my business and in my home, however I do *not* care for any of the shampoos or conditioners (which sucks because I can get them for such great prices!) :sigh: www.avalonorganics.com

I also like Dr Bronners' castile soaps! I use it to wash hands and in the shower, I use it only in and behind the ears, under the arms, in the navel and bottom/crotch areas :o www.drbronner.com

[thevegantwins]

I use Trader Joe's shampoo, body wash, deodorant, moisturizer and conditioner, Dr. Bronners bar soaps at times for bathing, Giovanna lavender hair and body wash at the gym, Hemp Balm on the lips, and Jasons sea algae facial moisturizer when I remember (which is rare). I use Preserve recycled razors and toothbrushes, Jason's Co-Q10 dental floss and Nature's Gate or Jason's fluoride-free toothpaste.

I don't wear makeup or use hair products. Blech.

[Rainbow]

I don't wear makeup or use hair products. Blech.
Well why would you? Toddlers in make-up, that would be bizzarre now wouldn't it :rofl:

Oh and the make I like is Faith in Nature (http://www.faithproducts.com/index.asp) :agree:

[thevegantwins]

Well why would you? Toddlers in make-up, that would be bizzarre now wouldn't it :rofl:
:p
Seriously, I can't believe that the 2 times I took the kids to get their haircuts, the stylist wanted to put mousse or some crap in their hair. They are a 1+ old, they don't need/shouldn't use any of that crap!! :soap:

[Rainbow]

:p
Seriously, I can't believe that the 2 times I took the kids to get their haircuts, the stylist wanted to put mousse or some crap in their hair. They are a 1+ old, they don't need/shouldn't use any of that crap!! :soap:
You tell 'em. :agree:

PS Neither do I! :rofl:

[Gliondrach]

I don't need any. It would be like gilding a lilly.

[Caprita]

Currently looking for a reliable shampoo. I don't know if mine is is testing free, although it doesn't contain any animal ingredients.

[Peas'nHominy]

Lotion
I use coconut butter (aka coconut oil) or coconut water for lotion. I get the butter from Whole Foods, and I save the coconut water whenever I open up a coconut. The water (and the "meat") freeze very well, so it's not wasted. And I'm in the process of learning how to use it more in recipes, so it makes my shopping list much easier (Any little thing that can make my life more efficient is a huge blessing for me! :thumbsup: )

I also :smallheart: the way it makes me smell. It's like a naturally fragrant lotion, or substitue for regular perfumes. But if you live with cats you may get a lot more kisses!

Shaving Cream
I also use coconut butter as a shaving cream. It only takes a tiny bit to do a great job. :agree:

Lip balm/chap stick
In the a.m. I use the coconut butter since I'm already puting it on my face at that time. But if need something more later and I'm away from home I like the Hemp lip balms. Whole Foods carries it, and there are different flavors. My kids like these, too.

Makeup
I'm still experimenting with makeups. It's a slow go for me, though, because I rarely wear it. It's so hot down here that it's very annoying to me. But I do want to "doll up" on occasion, so I think I'll put it on the front burner now....I'll let y'all know if I find anything I like. I'm sensitive to the way makeup feels on me :princess: plus it would have to be able to hold up somewhat to this hot, humid climate...:rubchin:

I've read that the coconut water works well as a makeup remover, too. (I haven't personally tried it yet.)

[Caprita]

Wow!!

I will definitely keep an eye out for coconut butter/water from now on!

:excited:

[Peas'nHominy]

Wow!!

I will definitely keep an eye out for coconut butter/water from now on!

:excited:

The butter (or oil) comes in a jar, but I think you have to get the water out of the coconut yourself, at least that's how I have to do it.

I really wish we could get fresh coconut water and the "meat" just so, without having to open up a hard one ourselves. :rolleyes:

[Caprita]

The butter (or oil) comes in a jar, but I think you have to get the water out of the coconut yourself, at least that's how I have to do it.

I really wish we could get fresh coconut water and the "meat" just so, without having to open up a hard one ourselves. :rolleyes:

I've rarely bought coconuts. Maybe three times in my whole life. But they're available here.

Will have to look for the butter, though. I love the smell of coconuts. :agree:

[Caprita]

I know it! ;)

Peas'nHominy: I wouldn't know about opening a coconut, because I've never done it myself. But there is something they call "coconut dust" here. They use it for cake dressing.

[Peas'nHominy]

:smallheart: AAaaaaAAA! Y'all are SO CUTE!!!! :smallheart:

I've been notice'n you two. :popcorn:

Y'all are like the NV luv birds. :colors:

[Peas'nHominy]

Peas'nHominy: I wouldn't know about opening a coconut, because I've never done it myself. But there is something they call "coconut dust" here. They use it for cake dressing.
I haven't heard of coconut "dust". Is that the shredded and dried coconut that's put on cake?

I hate opening coconuts! :rollingpin: :order: I opened one yesterday, and scraped my wrist, then when I was peeling the meat out, a chunk of it missiled out and got me right in the eye! I thought I was going to have a black eye! (I was going to put a pic up if it had.) :dizzy: :lol:

I want a devise that will hold the coconut and cut it in half, like a woodshop kinda thing! I wonder why it hasn't been done yet? (...or has it?)

[thevegantwins]

I'm very intimidated by fresh coconuts. I feel like I need carpentry training in order to open one! :lol:

[Caprita]

Oops! Glad you didn't get a black eye, Peas!

Yes, that's the kind I was talking about. The company that makes here it also makes soy products.

[BabaGhannooj]

Makeup
I'm still experimenting with makeups. It's a slow go for me, though, because I rarely wear it. It's so hot down here that it's very annoying to me. But I do want to "doll up" on occasion, so I think I'll put it on the front burner now....I'll let y'all know if I find anything I like. I'm sensitive to the way makeup feels on me :princess: plus it would have to be able to hold up somewhat to this hot, humid climate...:rubchin:

I've read that the coconut water works well as a makeup remover, too. (I haven't personally tried it yet.)

I rarely wear makeup, too. I have Ecco Bella foundation and mascara. I wore it in 90 degree Mexico weather last month, and I think it held up pretty well. I have Beauty Without Cruelty eyeliner.

[xwitchymagicx]

Shampoo/conditioner/showergel:

I have the Original Source Almond and Coconut smell. They're ok and smell quite nice to! :agree: They also don't irritate my skin or anything like some brands! :)

Perfume:

I have the Eco Bell Bourbon Vanilla smell. I have just realised I have already used half of the 30ml bottle!! :confused: I like the smell of it I find little is best also or it just gets to over powering and doesn't smell very vanillary at all!!

Make up:

All my make up nearly is from Beauty Without Cruelty range! It is quite good actually and actually does seem to stay on my face quite a while. I have their face power, eye liner, eye shadow and blusher. I also have two nail varishes and 1 eye shadow dust from Barry M Cosmestics. Is Barry M vegan?

Deodrant:

I've used the J/A/S/A/N roll on Tea Tree deodrant but found that made me smell awful! I've used a Tom of Maines Unscented and that just makes me smell awful. And I've used a crystal deodrant which out of the I think 3 I've tried it has been the best but it does need re-applying after a few hours...

Shaving Cream:

I use the Tea Tree and Lavender(?) one from Original Source. It is good really. :agree:

Lotion:

I use the body lotion and hand lotion from the Honesty Cosmetic unscented range. I like it because I don't like smelly or too greasy moisturisers.

Hand Wash:

I use the hand wash from the unscented range from Honesty Cosmetics.

Lip Balms:

I use some in a little tub from the unscented range from Honesty Cosmetics and I use a Blueberry one from Yaoh.

--------------------------------

I still need to try and find some exfoliator as I'm supposed to exfoliate everyday because of this silly skin thing I've got, and I need a decent shaver and I need erm something else I can't remember...oh yeah deodrant.

[BabaGhannooj]

So my sister gave me some Origins products for my birthday (almost a MONTH late!!). She told the salesperson I was vegan, and was told that Origins products are 'animal friendly.' Huh?? So I got lip gloss, 2 eyeshadows and some body butter, and I KNOW they're not vegan. I'm gonna fell like crap doing it, but I'm going to use it. #1, because my sister TRIED. #2, because she lives like 2 hours away, and if she returns it, it'll be months before I get something else! #3, I would feel SO bad telling her to take it back. Is it bad that I'm gonna use it? It's not like I bought it. I don't know.

OH!! But what's really funny is that the salesperson knows I'm vegan, right? So she goes to wrap up the things to put in a box and she asks my sister, "Can she have tissue paper?":laugh: :confused:

[Caprita]

I'm suddenly in a position similar to yours, BabaGhannooj. But I want to give away the products I've received. I couldn't get myself to use them.

As for the salesperson, I've not encountered other kinds than the one you described, as of yet. They would rather sell the products to anyone, than inform one that they are not suitable for them. :no:

[Caprita]

My newest discovery!

http://usera.imagecave.com/Sophia_Weiss/sapun_vegetal.jpg

Vegan, does not induce allergies, handmade, smells great! :D

[Delicious]

So my sister gave me some Origins products for my birthday (almost a MONTH late!!). She told the salesperson I was vegan, and was told that Origins products are 'animal friendly.' Huh?? So I got lip gloss, 2 eyeshadows and some body butter, and I KNOW they're not vegan. I'm gonna fell like crap doing it, but I'm going to use it. #1, because my sister TRIED. #2, because she lives like 2 hours away, and if she returns it, it'll be months before I get something else! #3, I would feel SO bad telling her to take it back. Is it bad that I'm gonna use it? It's not like I bought it. I don't know.

OH!! But what's really funny is that the salesperson knows I'm vegan, right? So she goes to wrap up the things to put in a box and she asks my sister, "Can she have tissue paper?":laugh: :confused:
Man, I don't like 'Origins' or 'The Body Shop' either, mostly because of incorrect lableing and representation. Both companies behave as though thier products are soooo natural but they really are NOT at all :grumble:

There is no 'bad' or 'good', really. You use it if you want to or don't if you don't want to. I personally wouldn't use it. I have re-gifted or returned or refused many a non-vegan item because I won't use non-vegan items if I can humanly avoid it.

[Bowwowmeow]

I have some Aveda Desert Trio Pure-Fumes, which smell like night-blooming cactus flowers. I love them! But I looked at the Aveda website and they don't seem to have them anymore. They do have others, but its hard to pick a scent online when you can't smell it. Aveda's got a nice ingredient list, and the only non-vegan things they use are honey and beeswax. Aveda Online (http://www.aveda.com/customerservice/ourmission.tmpl)

[Tiggerwoos]

So Organic does some good vegan perfume also.

www.soorganic.com.

I can vouch for it as went round testing everything at last years Incredible Veggie Festival at their stall!

[Tigerlily]

Thank you. I'll check it out:agree:

You might also find some luck in using scented products, like scented body wash and matching shampoo and conditioner. Would that be strong enough?

I also heard you make your own perfume using essential oils and alcohol, but I never tried.

[Gliondrach]

Does anyone know if Lush do a shaving cream/soap that we can use? Their website never works when I try it. Remember, I am a male-type with a tough facial stubble, not some girly with downy leg hair.

That idea with the coconut butter sounds good, Peas. I might give it a go if Lush doesn't come up trumps. It is too hot to use my electric shaving machine. The heat from it makes my face sweat. Not good to mix moisture and 240 volts.

As you are all probably keenly curious to know my beauty secrets, here they are:

I wash my body and hair with Co-op soap. I clean my teeth with Co-op toothpaste - sometimes Kingfisher fennel. I use Co-op deoderant, the blue one (used to use Tom's). And that's it. I wash my clothes by hand in Co-op washing powder.

And, as for gardenia, I would like to smell it. Ever since I saw The Maltese Falcon. Joel Cairo wore it as a scent. Does it smell a bit like jasmine? Or perhaps Mock Orange (Philadelphus)?

As I'm warmed up now, I'll let you all into a secret. I plan to make my own scent. I will use essential oils mixed in vodka. I believe that vodka has no smell. I might mix one drop of patchouli, six of ylang ylang, six of jasmine, and some other fruity or flowery smells. Perhaps a bit of cedarwood because I like the woodshavings smell. I bought a book called Kitty Littles' Homemade Cosmetics many years ago with a view to making my own and flogging them so that I could make a fortune. I glanced at the book once or twice and then gave it away.

There is a book by Annie or Kathy Wildwood that has recipes for copies of various well-known scents but made with essential oils.

[Soynut]

:daisy: I'm using L'Occitane. Expensive (I pay about $32 for a moisturizer), but they're really good quality products. www.loccitane.com

[Caprita]

L'Occitane? I can't believe they're vegan/cruelty-free! Feeling pleasantly surprised. :agree:

Well... I do know they use milk and/or honey in some of their products and they have those tiny "pur vegetal" soaps, but I highly doubted everything else was vegan.

And also, I've read several ingredient lists on their products, and they seem to contain glycerin and other such ingredients. Is that actually "vegan glycerin"?

:rubchin:

[Tiggerwoos]

Does anyone know if Lush do a shaving cream/soap that we can use? Their website never works when I try it. Remember, I am a male-type with a tough facial stubble, not some girly with downy leg hair.

That idea with the coconut butter sounds good, Peas. I might give it a go if Lush doesn't come up trumps. It is too hot to use my electric shaving machine. The heat from it makes my face sweat. Not good to mix moisture and 240 volts.

As you are all probably keenly curious to know my beauty secrets, here they are:

I wash my body and hair with Co-op soap. I clean my teeth with Co-op toothpaste - sometimes Kingfisher fennel. I use Co-op deoderant, the blue one (used to use Tom's). And that's it. I wash my clothes by hand in Co-op washing powder.

And, as for gardenia, I would like to smell it. Ever since I saw The Maltese Falcon. Joel Cairo wore it as a scent. Does it smell a bit like jasmine? Or perhaps Mock Orange (Philadelphus)?

As I'm warmed up now, I'll let you all into a secret. I plan to make my own scent. I will use essential oils mixed in vodka. I believe that vodka has no smell. I might mix one drop of patchouli, six of ylang ylang, six of jasmine, and some other fruity or flowery smells. Perhaps a bit of cedarwood because I like the woodshavings smell. I bought a book called Kitty Littles' Homemade Cosmetics many years ago with a view to making my own and flogging them so that I could make a fortune. I glanced at the book once or twice and then gave it away.

There is a book by Annie or Kathy Wildwood that has recipes for copies of various well-known scents but made with essential oils.

Think I remember from emailing you the other month Gliondrach you have the same ISP as me.

In that case, I know from experience, it won't open up the Lush website, so leave it on, but open up your net from the Internet Explorer also and it will work, and yes they do a shaving cream there as decided to smear a tichy bit from the tester on my bf's nose when we were last in there!:D

I've become a Lush addict over the last month or so!

[Soynut]

L'Occitane? I can't believe they're vegan/cruelty-free! Feeling pleasantly surprised. :agree:

:rubchin:

Yeah, great, isn't it! According to them their products does not contain any animal products with the exception of honey in a few items. I love it!

[Gliondrach]

[QUOTE=Tiggerwoos] and yes they do a shaving cream there as decided to smear a tichy bit from the tester on my bf's nose when we were last in there!:D

QUOTE]

You must have misunderstood. I don't want to shave my nose. Is it any good for around the chops?

[Tiggerwoos]

Dunno........ Never had the need to shave mine personally!:D

I'm a layyyyyyyyydeeee!

[Caprita]

Yeah, great, isn't it! According to them their products does not contain any animal products with the exception of honey in a few items. I love it!

Thanks! That's great, Soynut. L'Occ is much closer to where I live than other stores. I'm fine with the prices. As long as it's cruelty-free. :)

[Bowwowmeow]

I got some Pacifica (http://www.pacificacandles.com/body-mediterranean-fig.asp) Body Butter today. It says "vegan" on the box; no animal testing or ingredients. There are lots of nice scents. Mine is "Mediterranean Fig", which is scented with "an earthy and green combination of palm, cyclamen, sweet fig, moss, and clove set in a base of woody sandalwood. The edge of the earth meets the sea in this sensual and full-bodied blend. The fig symbolizes the continuous flow of time and offers a wish for long life."

Wouldn't it be fun to make a living writing stuff like this? :rolleyes: :D

[Oracl]

Wouldn't it be fun to make a living writing stuff like this? :rolleyes: :D
:agree: :D

[Gliondrach]

I'm glad you liked my copy. I am the chief copywriter for that company.

That was the final version. My first attempt was:

This perfume is nice. It smells of lots of things and will leave you thinking about the sea. And the earth. That's because it smells like them.

[Gliondrach]

This could come under beauty products. I have cut my own hair. I bought some electric clippers and have made quite a good job. At least as good as a barber would do. Now that my hair is not as thick on top as it once was I may as well just do it myself. It doesn't need styling or brylcreaming or perming. I can't cut it too short, though, or I will look like a thug. My face and head wouldn't suit the half-inch crop.

I am quite pleased with my effort. I just need to tinker with the back a bit, to get a good tapered look at the bottom. I'll try to taper it to nothing.

Just call me Mr. Teesy Weesy.

[Enchantress]

I use Faith in Nature (http://www.faithproducts.com/) conditioner in industrial quantities (they're all vegan apart from the Neem and Propolis one). I think I've used shampoo twice in the past six months (yes, my hair is clean, thankyouverymuch).

For body lotion I use Lush Dream Cream (http://www.lush.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=47_51&products_id=231). For moisturiser I use Lush Imperialis (http://www.lush.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=47_51&products_id=238).

Sometimes I use Aloe Pura organic aloe vera gel and jojoba oil in my hair.

For soap I use either Oliva Pure Olive Oil Soap (http://www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgi-local/frameset/detail/894400.html) or one of the vegan ones from Lush.

I am deprived of make up :crying:.

[Tiggerwoos]

I have just bought some Faith In Nature mini soaps and am very impressed at the cost of them.

At only £1.35 a bar. I bought a hemp one, a tea tree and a ginko biloba one and have even washed my hair with it too!

It works out quite a cheap way of using a chemical free natural product as will probably last the best part of a week per bar as it seems to go a long way.

I also have just discovered Green People's hair gel which smells mmmmmmmmm and actually works!

[paul]

Does anyone know if Lush do a shaving cream/soap that we can use? Their website never works when I try it. Remember, I am a male-type with a tough facial stubble, not some girly with downy leg hair.

That idea with the coconut butter sounds good, Peas. I might give it a go if Lush doesn't come up trumps. It is too hot to use my electric shaving machine. The heat from it makes my face sweat. Not good to mix moisture and 240 volts.

As you are all probably keenly curious to know my beauty secrets, here they are:

I wash my body and hair with Co-op soap. I clean my teeth with Co-op toothpaste - sometimes Kingfisher fennel. I use Co-op deoderant, the blue one (used to use Tom's). And that's it. I wash my clothes by hand in Co-op washing powder.

And, as for gardenia, I would like to smell it. Ever since I saw The Maltese Falcon. Joel Cairo wore it as a scent. Does it smell a bit like jasmine? Or perhaps Mock Orange (Philadelphus)?

As I'm warmed up now, I'll let you all into a secret. I plan to make my own scent. I will use essential oils mixed in vodka. I believe that vodka has no smell. I might mix one drop of patchouli, six of ylang ylang, six of jasmine, and some other fruity or flowery smells. Perhaps a bit of cedarwood because I like the woodshavings smell. I bought a book called Kitty Littles' Homemade Cosmetics many years ago with a view to making my own and flogging them so that I could make a fortune. I glanced at the book once or twice and then gave it away.

There is a book by Annie or Kathy Wildwood that has recipes for copies of various well-known scents but made with essential oils.




they dont do a vegan shaving cream. they have beeswax, and or, honey in them.:grumble:

[Gliondrach]

Thanks, Paul. I've gone back to the electric shaver.

[my3labs]

I think I've used shampoo twice in the past six months


Are you using something else or does your hair just not get greasy? I can go about 5 days without shampooing and then it just looks nasty.

[paul]

when i have hair it has to be washed every other day.:troll3: :) my 2 looks hair no hair:D

[Enchantress]

I just wash it with conditioner. You have to use a conditioner that isn't too heavy and doesn't contain any silicones (basically anything ending in "cone" and a few others too) for this to work :professor:.

I wet my hair down in the shower. Then I apply lots of conditioner to my scalp and the length of my hair. Then I massage the conditioner into my scalp. Then I leave it to soak for a few minutes. Finally I rinse the conditioner out thoroughly.

It took a little while for my scalp to adjust to this method of washing, and for a while my scalp looked really greasy, but now I have a nice, clean scalp that actually gets greasy less than when I was using shampoo and my hair is so much softer, shiner and more moisturised :cloud9:.

*Is a walking advertisement for conditioner only washing* :o.

[nibelwolf]

Oh, why not? :)

Shampoo
I use Shopper's Drug Mart's Life Brand anti-dandruff shampoo. I don't have dandruff in the classical sense, but if I don't use anti-dandruff shampoo, my scalp gets itchy and oily, it's fairly disgusting. (The only other anti-dandruff shampoo that's sold around here is Head & Shoulders, so I don't have much of a choice.)

Soap
I don't really have a set soap, I use the ones I can find that are not tested on animals and that don't contain byproducts. I'm not very picky when it comes to soap.

Body Lotion
None, my skin is fine without it. Also, and this just relates to my obessive compulsive tendencies and I don't think many will understand it, I really hate putting extra things on my skin (cremes, lotions, even sunscreen), I don't feel clean when I do it, like I'm rubbing goop into my pores (I know, I know, it's unreasonable, it's just a thing I have.)

Deodorant
Life Brand deodorant. I love it.

Lip Care
Nothing really... when it's winter and my lips start drying up and cracking, I use a bit of vegan lip balm, but that's it.

Face Cleansers
Soap and water.

Shaving Cream
I just use soap or vegan body wash and lather up using it, and shave as I would normally. Having used both this method and shaving cream, I can honestly say there hasn't been a difference, and this way I spend less money and use less and create less waste, since I would lather up anyway. It seems to work for all skin types (friends and family of mine do it too). The trick is to lather like a madman / madwoman until it really foams, then shave.

[Bowwowmeow]

One of my customers runs a natural health and beauty shop, and she gave me some of this for Christmas:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/lauralb/NatureGirl.jpg

The name just cracks me up, so I had to take a picture. :lol: It smells very nice, and its all vegan. They have a website, www.nature-girl.com (http://www.nature-girl.com). They don't specifically advertise themselves as animal-free, but I took a glance at several of the different products, and I have not found anything with beeswax, lanolin, honey, or animal protein extracts. It always pays to read ingredient lists, though, as we can't depend on somebody else's definition of "vegan", or "no animal ingredients added". They do advertise not testing on animals.

[Oracl]

Ha ha! :lol: I checked out the website and the sister site: Rich Hippie (http://rich-hippie.com/)! :D

[Bowwowmeow]

I guess you've got to be a rich hippie to buy their perfumes! Still, its good that they are all organic. The bit about the history of perfumes before the World Wars was interesting. People nowadays act like "organic" is something special. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, it was the only option for everything.

[KRITER]

[QUOTE=Tigerlily]So what do you use? Do you like it? :rubchin:



Creek water.Yes

[Oracl]

Creek water.
Ah, I think that's one of my favourite products! :agree: Vegan, organic, not tested on animals, no added perfumes or colours? Is that the one? :bath:

[KRITER]

Thats the one.Not tested on, but, sumtimes tested by animals.

Everybody lives down streem.

[Gliondrach]

And, as W.C. Fields once said, when asked why he didn't drink water: 'Fish fornicate in water.'

[itsallminenowtoo]

:bath:
I recently started using a new shampoo and conditioner by Hugo Naturals that I really like!! :thumbsup: There are several different types; I get the Red Tea and Ylang-Ylang. The bottles state that they are sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and contain no parabens, petroleum products, animal fats, alcohols, artificial colors or artificial fragrances. :)

[Gliondrach]

I like ylang ylang.

[itsallminenowtoo]

I like ylang ylang.

"The essential oil of ylang-ylang is used in aromatherapy. It is believed to relieve high blood pressure, normalize sebum secretion for skin problems, and is considered to be an aphrodisiac." (from Wikipedia) What do you use it it for, Gliondrach? :cheeky: :updn:

[Gliondrach]

Well, I have normal blood pressure, normal sebaceous secretions, and I have to beat women off with a stick. I just like the smell.

[arbonne101]

Hi all,

If you are looking to try new and exciting vegan certified products, then I have them for you :cheer:

Arbonne offers a wide range of prorducts that are all natural, botanical and herbal based, hypoallergenic, free of chemicals, dyes and mineral oils, fragrance free, feel great and are an overall joy to use.

Please visit www.arbonne.ca to view any product information and the ingredients contained within.

If you would like additional information, contact me directly.

Tiziana
arbonne101@bell.net
How old you are is your business, how old you look is mine. :excited:

[LetsEat]

For us redheads, I love JustForRedheads.com.

They don't test on animals. Their colors are really really complementary on redheads. NOT made up. I highly recommend their mascara especially. I love the prices too. 8.99. woo hoo.

I don't wear much makeup. Mostly none at all. Just a very flattering mascara, theirs. :)

[Lynn]

I'm slowly but surely (and expensively!) replacing all my existing make up with vegan friendly products. I don't wear a lot of make-up, just foundation, mascara and lip gloss usually. I got a lovely toffee coloured (and flavoured) Barry M lip gloss which I'm really pleased with, but the Urban Decay lip gloss that came today, has carmine in it :no:

[EV7777]

CalistaCosmetics vegan Lip Glaze and vegan Lip stick. I also use their mineral powders. I must confess that I am a bit biased though because I just recently started working for them.

[veganbasket]

For sunscreen, I use Burn Out. I have really oily skin, and it's the only brand that doesn't make me break out.