cruelty free

20 Tips for Living a Greener, More Sustainable Lifestyle

/ Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / Leave a comment

TIPS ON LIVING A GREEN LIFESTYLE

  1. Recycle/Upcycle
  2. Reuse/Repair
  3. Buy organic
  4. Reduce plastic consumption (use wooden/fabric/glass/metal alternatives)
  5. Avoid single use plastic
  6. Support independent companies
  7. Buy local produce
  8. Campaign/fund raise for wildlife and nature
  9. Drive an electric car or cycle or use public transport
  10. Use cruelty free and natural skincare, selfcare and household products
  11. Buy from and donate to charity shops
  12. Sell quality items on Depop and donate the money to smaller charities
  13. Use fabric tote bags for shopping
  14. Grow your own veg (growing a little tomato or chilli plant or regrowing veg ends like lettuce on your windowsill counts)
  15. Avoid fast fashion as much as possible
  16. Get clothes altered and learn how to hem and use darts to alter size/shape (fairly easy but makes a huge difference).
  17. Buy your electricity and gas from Good Energy/Ecotricity
  18. Use the phone provider Eco Talk
  19. Turn off the light when you leave the room
  20. Wear another layer, rather than turning up the heating

Just do your best and don’t stress!

💚✨Chrissie✨💚

I Try Plant Menu, No Steak Bakes from Aldi

/ Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / Leave a comment

PLANT MENU, NO STEAK BAKES – ALDI

The pastry was the nicest flakey pastry I’ve ever had. Maybe vegan pastry is the way to go for everyone. Generous filing and nice texture. The flavour of the filing was so rich, with red wine and tomato, I felt it would have been better as Bolagnese sauce! This Northern lass prefers her pasties/steak bakes to taste of plain ole’ gravy. My bloke was well impressed however. Shame it wasn’t gluten free but you can rarely have everything.

Rating 4/5

🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

If I Could Only Use One Skincare Product…

/ Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / Leave a comment

    • It would have to be the Comfort + Hydrate MICELLAR CLEANSER from Neal’s Yard Remedies!

    Why?

    • Easily removes makeup and cleanses skin.
    • You don’t have to rinse it off if you are in a hurry.
    • It’s certified organic
    • Packaged in an easily recycled glass bottle (I love the look of them lined up on the window ledge).
    • Kind on sensitive skin
    • Skin is left feeling soft and replenished

  • What is your hero skincare product?

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    Unpopular Opinions Makeup Tag

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 2 Comments

    My lovely friend Heather from Just Geeking By tagged me in this a while ago but because my iPad has decided to put the keypad right in the middle of the screen so I can’t see what I’m typing!? So I have to use my laptop for blogging, (which I keep at home) on days I don’t have brain fog.

    Popular Makeup Product You Don’t Like

    Brow kits. Unlike Heather, I have found shades which work for me (usually more ashy tones, oddly) but the wax just isn’t strong enough. My brows grow along and downward. I had to brush them through with hairspray on a spooly to stop them looking like Hagrid’s! I’m so glad I wear glasses now which cover them, and eye bags too.

    Popular Makeup Product/Brand That Everyone Else Seems To Hate But You Love

    The Body Shop. I’ve used their products since I was 12 in the 90’s and still rely on the Lipbalm from their Hemp range, everyday. I didn’t buy from the brand during the time they were owned by L’Oreal.

    Yes, it can be annoying having their reps creep into your DM’s but I don’t consider them to be one of the aggressive and greedy MLM’s that screw over their reps (which is bigger concern for me).

    I’m staying out of the whole JK Rowling debacle on both sides.

    Makeup Collab You Didn’t Like or Weren’t Interested In

    I have to agree with Heather on this one, I’m not that interested in who has designed the product as long as what it does, works for me. I really like Soph from Soph Does Life but I didn’t rush to buy her makeup because I have far too much makeup already.

    Popular Makeup Step That You Never Do

    Primer as it clogs my pores terribly. Stupidly I don’t use eyeshadow primer either, even though I have very oily lids, then wonder why my perfectly blended makeup looks muddy after half an hour. Yup, I need to buy some!

    Popular Beauty Influencer You Don’t Subscribe To/Watch

    People like James Charles as I think their unnatural look and the amount of layers they use is more along the drag side of makeup. I prefer to still look like myself, even with a full face of makeup on. No shade thrown to anyone.

    Popular Makeup Product/Brand That You Dont Use/Support Anymore

    Max Factor, L’Oreal because they STILL disgustingly test on animals (and sell in China). They also buy up cruelty free brands (simply to get the competition off the market), with no intention of becoming cf companies themselves but they still profit from well-intentioned shoppers who don’t want to support cruel companies.

    Makeup Trend That You Have No Interest In Trying

    Cut-creases. I know they are more of a wildly used technique than a trend these days. My skin is so soft (because of Hypermobilty Syndrome) and I have such little space between my eyes and brows that’s it’s almost impossible, unless I used a dark, narrow, almost graphic line. I tend to graduate colour sideways along my eyes and then go upward at the edges.

    Makeup Product That Worked Better In Theory. Either Swatched Better or Worked Better On Others Than You

    All over illuminator under/over foundation, specifically Charlotte Tilbury, Hollywood Flawless Filter. It showed up ALL of my flaws! If you already have very even, smooth skin with tiny pores then it will make you look even better. If you are like me, it will throw the textures and different depths on the surface of your skin into stark contrast with each other, oh and settle into your pores too. Gold pores – awesome.

    So let me know what you think of this post and if you want to join in then please do!

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    Black Owned Brands & Bands inc. Rock, Hip-hop, Alternative Apparel & Cruelty-free beauty

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / Leave a comment

    🖤 Black Rock/Metal Playlist by Nova Twins

    🖤 I personally recommend the whole back-catalogue of Skunk Anansie

    🖤 2020 – 2021 Black Rap and Hiphop Playlist by Red Music

    🖤 General Black Owned Business Directory

    🖤 Cruelty-free, Vegan Beauty and Lifestyle List by Vegan Beauty

    🖤 Cruelty-free Beauty and Lifestyle List by Logical Harmony

    🖤 Hair and wellness family owned brand. Cruelty-free and vegan,

    🖤 Alternative Style and Makeup

    • Glam Goth Beauty
    • We Are Unapologetic
    • Gothic Lamb
    • Coloured Raine Cosmetics
    • Jada Le Bour
    • Pocky’s Shoppe
    • Hooked On Ariel
    • Via Shea
    • A Whole New Witch
    • 6t9
    • Candles With Purpose

    🖤 Kawaii and Alternative Styles

    (compiled by @foxxtailz on Instagram)

    • Otaq Apparel
    • Polka dot Cute Shop
    • Magical Boys Club
    • Dragon Dandy
    • Teal Teacup
    • Moshi Melon
    • Plushii Kawaii
    • Hard Decora
    • I Puke Kawaii

    (compiled by @yasminesumman on Instagram)

    • That’s So Kitschy
    • Default Club
    • Charmin Darlin
    • Hissyfit Clothing
    • Maurio Kart (death metal shirts especially)
    • House Of Bats

    Happy shopping and listening!

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    Trying to Get Naturally Healthy Skin in Just One Month – Week 4

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / Leave a comment

    Products

    • The Body Shop, Vitamin C, Cleansing Polish
    • Neal’s Yard Remedies, Micellar Cleanser
    • Pixi! Glow Tonic if at home or The Ordinary, Lactic Acid
    • Ecologue Bamboo Face Pads
    • The Body Shop, Vitamin C Moisturiser
    • Neal’s Yard Remedies, Rosehip Oil

    On the rare days I wear makeup I use the Vit C Daily Glow (by foaming it up, rather than massaging with the scrubby bits). I only use the Pixi Glycolic or The Ordinary Lactic Acids every other day. I use the micellar cleanser, moisturiser and oil everyday. Read previous weeks routine and diary

    Monday

    Did full skincare routine. Forgot oil before bed last night but still looking quite radiant this morning.

    Samosa for dinner and big bowl of Daal (lentil curry) and oat cakes for tea.

    Tuesday

    Used The Ordinary Lactic Acid, moisturiser and lots of oil today.

    I woke up feeling so thirsty and wanted hydrating foods so Saag Aloo (spinach and potato) with rice for lunch and aubergine curry for tea (and a random samosa for super).

    Wednesday

    When I woke up my skin felt and looked like I didn’t need to do any skincare at all! Still did my routine though. My lips are really smooth and nourished as well (I think it’s the oil).

    Had four beers but hydrated before and after drinking.

    Thursday

    My skin was dry, so more inside and outside hydration was needed.

    Had a salad for dinner with shredded carrot and beetroot, cucumber, ice berg lettuce and seeds and cashew nuts, had mushroom Satay for tea.

    Friday

    My skin felt quite grainy and looking quite matte so I applied Pixi Glow Tonic, left it on for 15 minutes, rinsed it off with a wet face pad and then moisturised. Much better!

    Having a drink again tonight so I’ve eaten a big salad and replaced my coffee with a nut milk protein smoothie instead. Left my Rosehip oil by the bed to remind me to use it.

    Saturday

    Considering I ate a huge bread crumb coated veggie burger with spicy curly fries (certainly not wheat free) I’m impressed with how I look just after waking up today. A bit pink, rather than red, my skin isn’t really dry and I don’t have loads of water retention at the side of my nose, chin or eye bags, like I normally would after drinking and having wheat. Draining massage everyday when applying skincare really does work!

    Sunday

    Here I am (with no product on my skin) in the one bit of week sunshine we had that day, before it disappeared behind clouds again. My skin would have needed a filter to look anywhere near this smooth and radiant a month before!

    The Conclusion of my Month Long Challenge

    Positive Changes

    It feels great to just be able to casually take a no-makeup selfie, without reaching for the foundation and even then, deleting so many rubbish shots. I also leave the house bare faced now and with confidence because I know people won’t be staring at my puffy, blotchy face anymore but wondering instead how I look so glowy, when it’s not even sunny!

    What I’ve Learned

    • Oil can balance oily skin as long as you find the right oil for your skin and use it at the right time of day/night
    • What you put inside of your body has a huge effect on the outside, it might just take several days or weeks to notice, which can be confusing so keep a diary.
    • Before you touch your face for any reason make sure you wash your hands first. I always forget this when applying makeup, usually because I’m in a hurry or being spontaneous.
    • Yes, you should cleanse your skin in the evening but don’t beat yourself up if you forget now and then.
    • Get used to you! Your face maybe having a bad day but that’s life and you’re still you behind it. After all, it’s your personality that’s he point!
    • All of this facial massage and staying hydrated and getting enough sleep advice actually does work, if you stick with it.

  • The Realistic Road to Success

    If you don’t have, or are already on top of a medical/allergy related skincare concern (for me it was spots, oil and a huge amount of redness in the past), then yes, it is possible to get naturally healthier looking and skin in a month! It does take patience to find the right skincare routine and diet for you and the tenacity to stick to it though.

    Do you think my experiment over the past month might help you?

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    Spring Cleaning My Makeup & Storage

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 5 Comments

    Before doing this I did have a great makeup bag but my makeup was just randomly squashed into it, the kind of squashed where you open it and it all falls out.

    I had no idea just how much makeup I actually had and what it was. Loads of eye makeup, yet no mascara!?

    Keeping

    Below is everything I’ve saved and wow, there are some gorgeous colours in there that I’d totally forgotten about.

    Chucking

    Below is everything I’ve chucked as it was either too old, too messy or the formulation never worked for me.

    Storing

    I wiped down my bag inside and out and moved the zip pocket from the middle, over to one side. Now it holds up my pallets and contains my eye and lip liners. I put my lippies in the gathered pockets and my eyeshadows and lipgloss in the main compartment. Now I can finally see everything!

    I’ve decided I have enough makeup (eyeshadow & liners basically) to wear the ‘fancy’ stuff every time I go out, anywhere. Lots of cheerful colour – yay!

    Any suggestions for a cruelty free mascara?

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    Trying to get Naturally Healthy Skin in Just One Month – Week 3

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 2 Comments

    I’ve realised that the first two weeks were about finding the best products for the job and how best to use them. See week 2 here.

    On the rare days I wear makeup I use the Vit C Daily Glow (by foaming it up, rather than massaging with the scrubby bits). I only use the Pixi Glycolic or The Ordinary Lactic Acids every other day. I use the micellar cleanser, moisturiser and oil everyday.

    • The Body Shop, Vitamin C, Cleansing Polish
    • Neal’s Yard Remedies, Micellar Cleanser
    • Pixi! Glow Tonic if at home or The Ordinary, Lactic Acid
    • Ecologue Bamboo Face Pads
    • The Body Shop, Vitamin C Moisturiser
    • Neal’s Yard Remedies, Rosehip Oil

    Monday

    I can see that I’ll be sticking to the above skincare routine from now on as there’s everything I need but it’s still nice and simple. My skin is looking slightly radiant even when I’m not standing in full sun, which is a first. Had crackers and ‘cheese’ with caramelised onion for dinner. Salt and pepper tofu for tea with chilli oil.

    Tuesday

    Had quite a few beers in the evening and forgot to take my makeup off because I forgot I was wearing any. Doh! Had veggies and cashews in black bean sauce with egg fried rice for tea. At least that was healthy!

    Wednesday

    Even though the Rosehip oil doesn’t smell great, I prefer it to the rose scent my other oils/balms have and it’s supposed to even out the texture of skin and really nourish it. We’ll see!

    Spicy beans, falafel, iceberg lettuce, humus, Violife ‘cheese’ chunks, peanuts and lime pickle for a picnic type tea.

    Thursday

    The Body Shop Vit C Cleanser removes makeup so easily and leaves my skin so soft and moisturised. Never had a cleanser as good as that before! Had mushroom and onion stir fry with Satay sauce for tea.

    Friday

    Making a bigger effort to drink enough water, not just energy drink and ‘milky’ coffees. Skin feeling very grainy today as I’ve not used either of the exfoliating acids for the last two days. So doing full skincare routine today.

    Had kebab strips with rice, sweet corn, peas and green beans with Soy sauce for dinner and then with chilly oil for tea.

    Saturday

    Before, when I’d massage in any skincare my face would get so flushed it would stay red for about 30 minutes but now it doesn’t react at all! After weeks of massaging it looks more toned, with a lot less water retention.

    Sunday

    To sum up at the end of the third week

    • A lot less redness
    • Less puffy and more toned
    • Actually radiant
    • Smoother
    • Balanced so it’s not going from dry when I wake up to slightly greasy on my T-zone before bed anymore.
  • Free-from pesto and pasta for tea.

    • If anyone has any tips, recommendations, or opinions, I’d love to hear them!

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    Trying to Get Naturally Healthy Skin in Just One Month – Week 2

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 1 Comment

    Week 2 Routine (at the start, changes through the week, see bottom of post for final product changes). See week 1 here.

    Morning I cleanse with Neal’s Yard Micellar Water, then I use the Nip+Fab Hyaluronic Acid and The Body Shop moisturiser (apart from when I’m in the sun, then I use the Murad Moisturiser). At night I cleanse with the Micellar water again and use Herbal Dynamics Beauty, Rose Balm so my skin doesn’t wake up dry. To exfoliate I’m using The Ordinary Lactic Acid.

    Monday

    Desperately need to cut my fringe and not rub my eyes when I’ve just applied products!

    I’ve been applying The Ordinary Lactic acid with a wet face pad and it really is gentler than Glycolic Acid.

    Tuesday

    Did a quick cleanse with Neals Yard Remedies Micellar Water and moisturiser combo today as I was in a rush. My skin is producing its own natural oils more, hurrah! Keeping my hydration levels up and getting lots of Omega oils in my diet so not ashamed to say I ate onion rings, baked beans and smiley faces for tea. Cleansed face but forgot Rose Balm before bed – oops!

    Wednesday

    Salad, falafel and humus for dinner and (dairy free) lasagne for tea. Gently massaged The Ordinary Lactic Acid into skin with my fingers today and left it on for 15 minutes before removing with a wet face pad. Applied The Body Shop Vit C moisturiser and Herbal Dynamics Beauty face balm.

    Thursday

    Feeling a lot more confident about just slapping on some tinted lip balm, rather than medium coverage foundation to cover redness and highlighter to make me look alive again. I’m realising my face is more neutral toned with warm yellows and natural cool pink tones mixed together.

    Friday

    My eye bags hardly exist anymore (I’m gobsmacked) and my chins are also benefitting from the massage my face gets when I apply skincare. Being a good bunny and treating myself to vegan and gluten free takeaway.

    Saturday

    This is me, shortly after waking up before my daily skincare regime. I really do need to lighten my touch when massaging around my eyes as you can see from the slight bruising under them. Had a spicy, tomato and bean salad for lunch and Daal (lentil curry) for tea.

    Sunday

    I’ve used a facemask and my pores are clear and a little smaller but still really noticeable, especially now my skin is reflecting more light. Hmmm.

    Products I’m stopping using

    Nip + Fab, Hyaluronic Acid as my skin doesn’t needs it any more, The Ordinary, Lactic Acid isn’t too drying so I have enough moisture. I’m nixing the Murad Cleanser as using the Lactic Acid instead is quicker and simpler. The Clay Face scrub didn’t work great as a mask (I admit I didn’t read it properly) and I certainly don’t need anymore exfoliating!

    Products I’m introducing

    Here’s what the Neal’s Yard, Micellar Cleanser looks like. I’m using classic face masks from Montagne Jeunesse now. Here’s a lip balm from Yaoh! as I forgot to mention this last week.

    Trying to Get Naturally Healthy Skin in Just One Month – Week 1

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 7 Comments

    My Skin History

    In my teens and early twenties I had terrible skin, with lots of tiny bumps under the surface as well many active spots. I wouldn’t say it was full blown acne but it was close enough for my GP to say it was hormone related and to put me on pills aged 16. They did nothing. Then at 28 the spots were mainly on my T-zone and only around four at a time by now but I’d still look bright red without full coverage foundation, so I went on the contraceptive pill. It helped my crazy oily T-zone and therefore my spots, as well as being a handy form of birth control. Age 30 after a lot of research online about hormones and inflammation and healthy diets etc. I took a food intolerance test. I tested a big positive to milk and gluten. After cutting way down on gluten my tummy and face was less bloated and my eyes less puffy. After cutting way down on dairy my skin cleared completely! I stopped waking up with a bright red face as well, which was such a relief!

    These days I usually have fairly blemish-free skin but it’s actually very dry and dehydrated. The texture has always felt grainy (even though you can’t see it) as if my skin doesn’t produce enough natural acids to melt away the dead skin. I also go randomly go bright red every now and then, due to dust allergies and water temperature sensitivity.

    Goals

    • Stick to my skincare routine (exfoliation/cleanse, tone, serum, moisturiser, oil)
    • Hydrate enough in general
    • Eat more fruit and veg
    • Avoid ALL dairy for a month (surprisingly tricky)
    • Blemish free skin
    • Even toned skin
    • Moisturised skin
    • Hydrated skin
    • Plumper skin

    Products

    • Murad, Age Reform, AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
    • The Ordinary, Lactic Acid 5% Superficial Peel
    • Nip + Fab, Dragons Blood Hyaluronic Acid
    • The Body Shop, Vitamin C Moisturiser
    • Murad, Essential C Moisturiser, SPF 30
    • Herbal Dynamics Beauty, Revit Age, Concentrated Face Balm
    • Love Beauty Foods, Clay Face Scrub

    [I will use The Ordinary Lactic Acid Peel if I’m too tired to use the Murad exfoliater as it takes a lot of massaging and rinsing. I also have a weird sensory-avoidance thing about splashing my face with water some days!? I will use the Murad moisturiser if I need any sun protection.]

    Week 1

    Monday

    My skin is very dry and dehydrated. My oil/balm seems to just be sitting on top of my skin. Need to keep on top of my healthy eating better.

    Tuesday

    Still feel dry and dehydrated, even though I’ve done all of my skincare routine but at least I look a little glowy. Existed on watered down energy drink and takeaway today so not the best but it was vegan and so dairy free.

    Wednesday

    I have 7 spots which could be due to previous dairy intake. After three days of gentle exfoliation, my skin is absolutely sucking up the moisturiser and facial balm. Had a big protein salad and drank all of my water bottle.

    Thursday

    Made a fresh banana milkshake with a very ripe banana, some hazelnut milk and a stick blender. Spots are still lingering and I’ve run out T-tree gel and Witch Hazel so I applied a little Savlon antiseptic cream instead!

    Friday

    It actually worked! Spots look much calmer and smaller. I somehow managed to forget to do any of my skincare. I got up mid-afternoon and just couldn’t keep track of what time or even day it was, all day.

    Saturday

    Woke up looking rather red, which I think is because I’ve been sat on the sofa that gets four hours of sun all week. This might be a little much for my skin when it’s got the Glycolic or Lactic Acid on it. I’ll be applying the Murad moisturiser with sun protection the next time I do this!

    Sunday

    Before I’ve even applied any skincare my skin feels softer and smoother (apart from my stubborn nose) than I have ever felt it before, as if I’m wearing a really good primer! I’ve (mostly) been keeping hydrated and I’ve been eating little salads before meals to get some fresh veg everyday.

    I’ve no idea what that big chunk of blonde hair is trying to do!?

    Week 1 Conclusion

    I was so sceptical that I would stick to this routine with my brain fog but I did, apart from just one day. It made me feel better about myself, because I’m actively doing something for my health and well-being.

    After just one week, I didn’t expect my skin to feel and look good before I’d applied any products but it’s already working and my eye bags (I’ve had since I was a teen) have virtually gone!

    The scar I have below my nose and mouth has flattened out more and looks smoother too.

    I’m going to introduce a micellar water from Neal’s Yard Remedies next week to be able to cleanse without water if I wish and to get rid of any left over exfoliator gritty bits left around my hairline, which is where I think some those spots came from.

    I forgot to do the face mask oops!

    As always I love hearing what you think and if you have any tips, advice or similar experiences.

    💛✨Chrissie✨💛