cruelty free beauty: favorite buys (summer '14)

Given my recent foray into beauty and cruelty free makeup, I decided I'd review my recent cruelty free purchases that I've been really impressed with. I definitely want to start posting more beauty related things here, and maybe even a few tutorials!

These are all super budget friendly, more in the "drugstore" category, but all very good quality for the price.

1. NYX Slim Eye Pencil in Brown / $3.49 / Ulta

I was looking for a good pencil that makes a thin line to line my lower lid for when I do black liner on the upper lid, and I really love this one. It's soft, but not overly so, and so far has been very long wearing.

2. NYX Lip Primer / $6.99 / Ulta

I will admit this is the first lip primer I've tried, in the hopes that it would a) make my lipstick color more intense, and b) make it last longer. So far I've only tried it once but it did a really good job!

3. E.L.F. Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal / $3 or less / Target stores

I loooooove this product! It's a great duplicate for Benefit's High Beam highlighter, and I've found it's a pretty good substitute for blush if you don't feel like doing both, but it also compliments blush very well. It gives your cheeks a nice dewy glow without looking too "shiny."

4. E.L.F. Moisturizing Lipstick in Ravishing Rose / $3 or less / Target stores

I really, really love this lipstick. It's a great color (definitely more of a berry color in person) and definitely moisturizing. It's been my go to for everyday lately, and definitely great quality for the price. I've paid much more for lipsticks that didn't do nearly as much as this one does. 

5. E.L.F. 3 in 1 Mascara / $6 or less / Target stores

I was looking for a replacement for my CoverGirl mascara that wouldn't break the bank (I'm saving a high end mascara purchase for Urban Decay's new Perversion mascara), and decided to try this one and it definitely exceeded my expectations. It's very lengthening but not clumpy at all. 

6. E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen / $3 or less / Target stores

I don't know why I have a semi obsession with liquid liners and liner pens but I love trying out new ones. I had pretty low expectations for this but it really surprised me—it's very long wearing (it didn't smudge much even after a long nap!), very easy to control and layer, and very good for doing wings. It's a pretty good duplicate for the NARS Eyeliner Stylo ($27) which I love (but hope it never runs out!).

All the NYX products are available at Ulta.com and in Ulta stores, but the E.L.F. products are available in Target stores on online on Amazon. So far I have yet to find a Target that has everything by E.L.F., but I keep trying and buying things as I find them. 

Have you tried any of these? What did you think?

 

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