the blog.
Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Mascara Review
It's time for my second vegan and cruelty free mascara review! As you may remember, I'm doing research into animal and animal-testing free makeup for my upcoming nuptials, and finding the perfect mascara is definitely at the top of my list! If you missed the last one, for Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, click here! I also reviewed e.l.f.'s mad for matte palette, which you can read here.
Let's get to the review of Pacifica's Aquarian Gaze Mascara!
It's time for my second vegan and cruelty free mascara review! As you may remember, I'm doing research into animal and animal-testing free makeup for my upcoming nuptials, and finding the perfect mascara is definitely at the top of my list! If you missed the last one, for Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, click here! I also reviewed e.l.f.'s mad for matte palette, which you can read here.
Let's get to the review of Pacifica's Aquarian Gaze Mascara!
What Pacifica has to say about its Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mineral Mascara...
'Amazing lengthening brush makes your lashes insanely long and gorgeous as it separates to build volume. Our nourishing formula is infused with coconut oil, kelp extract and vitamin B to hydrate each lash as it lengthens and strengthens.'
Cost: $14 US
Vegan? Yes!
Cruelty-Free? Yes!
Formulated Without: Animal Ingredients (including carmine, beeswax, and lanolin). Animal Testing, FD&C Colors, Mineral Oil, Parabens, Phthalates, Petroleum, Propylene Glycol, SLS, Gluten, Peanut Oil, and other ingredients you don't want on your skin.
Ingredients: Water (aqua), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax (Thickener), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (Thickener), Acrylates Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyisobutene, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Steareth-21, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Panthenol (Vitamin B), Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disodium Edta, Hexylene Glycol, Iron Oxides CI 77491, 77492, CI 77499
What I have to say about it...
The Good
- Gives beautiful length;
- Contains wholesome ingredients;
- Doesn't smudge;
- Very natural-looking (especially with one coat!);
- Doesn't tend to clumping;
- Separates the lashes;
- Leaves the lashes soft;
- Lightweight and flexible brush;
- Does not come off in water;
- Applies easily and the formula is not too wet;
- Is easily removed with almond oil and aloe vera gel.
The Bad
- Doesn't volumize;
- Doesn't hold curl exceptionally well over the course of the day and won't give your lashes a nice curl if you don't use an eyelash curler before and/or after application.
RATING: 4.5/5
Final Thoughts: This mascara is absolutely wonderful! I love using it day to day for a natural look, and love not having to worry about smudging or flaking. The length it gives is beautiful, but I do wish it volumized just a tiny bit more. It gives a slightly more dramatic look with further coats, but I'm not sure it gives enough punch to be worn alone on my wedding day. Perhaps combined with individual false lashes it would do the trick!
Would I recommend? 100%! The only drawback for me is the lack of volume, so if that isn't a concern for you I'd say go for it!
Have you tried Pacifica's Aquarian Gaze Mascara? What did you think? Is there a vegan and cruelty-free product you'd like me to review? Let me know in the comments below!
Also, be sure to check out my list of cruelty-free beauty brands before you head on your next shopping trip!
Until next time,
Vegan At Sea: My Top 10 Tips!
You know how to be vegan at home. You’ve learned what you like, found a local farmer’s market, frequent your favourite restaurants and have a routine. So what happens when everything gets shaken up? Maintaining a vegan diet in restrictive circumstances can be difficult, something I know all too well from working on cruise ships!
I have spent a cumulative 7 months at sea, and I can tell you it hasn’t always been easy. I hope that my top ten tips for maintaining a vegan diet at sea (or wherever you may find yourself) can help you on your journey. Let’s get started!
You know how to be vegan at home. You’ve learned what you like, found a local farmer’s market, frequent your favourite restaurants and have a routine. So what happens when everything gets shaken up? Maintaining a vegan diet in restrictive circumstances can be difficult, something I know all too well from working on cruise ships!
I have spent a cumulative 7 months at sea, and I can tell you it hasn’t always been easy. I hope that my top ten tips for maintaining a vegan diet at sea (or wherever you may find yourself) can help you on your journey. Let’s get started!
1. Take a deep breath. More damaging than all the eventualities you have begun imagining is the stress and anxiety that worry brings. You are vegan for a reason, and you have the fortitude to remain true to your values no matter the obstacle. The more you get centred, grounded, and believe in yourself the easier it will be! Try meditation. I am definitely no expert, but I find even a couple of minutes a day make a huge difference in my ability to handle stress and anxiety! (Headspace is a great introduction to meditation!)
2. Ease up. I understand that 100% vegan is the only way for you, it is for me as well. But is oil free just as important? Or high carb? You may need to take a step back from your ideal dietary habits when you’re away from home and focus on keeping it vegan. I’m not saying you should through nutrition and health out the window, but don’t hold yourself to such a high standard that everything falls apart!
3. Remember why you’re vegan. When times are tough, it’s important to keep your motivation in plain view. My favourite way to do that is to continue to work on my blog and to listen to vegan podcasts (check out my resources page to see my recommendations). Perhaps for you it’s bringing along your favourite book on veganism, loading up a hard drive with documentaries, or volunteering in your free time. Whatever it may be, keep your inspiration close! You could even make a page with all of your reasons and put it up where you’ll see it everyday. Here are my reasons as an example!
4. Take it back to the basics. The longer we’re vegan, the more our tastes evolve. We become more adventurous, try new ingredients and combinations, and get into the latest superfoods. When you don’t have access to these foods it may feel restrictive. I suggest you take this as an opportunity to go back to basics. Simple is definitely the way to go! When I’m on the ship I eat a lot of whole fruits and vegetables, both raw and steamed. A typical day would be lots of whole fruit for breakfast, a large salad with beans and some fruit at lunch, fruit for snacks, and rice and beans with vegetables and a salad for dinner. It may not be exciting, but it’s healthy, satisfying, simple, and nutritious. (Feel free to print out my vegan food pyramid to keep with you!)
5. Remember to practice self care. it can be difficult to be constantly surrounded with people consuming animal products, believe me, i know. Remember to be kind to yourself and take time for yourself to deal with the stress tat can bring. Be understanding and gentle with yourself, and try to focus on what you're doing to help rather than on the suffering on others’ plates. I love to maintain a daily yoga and meditation practice while living on the ship to feed my soul and find peace amongst many stressors. // I personally recommend Banana Blondie's yoga videos and Claire from Self Taught Yogis!
6. Take advantage of opportunities. Have a day off? Find a vegan or vegan-friendly restaurant and treat yourself to a great meal! Grab a smoothie or fresh juice on your break. While these may be costly and feel like a luxury, it’s important to treat yourself and reward your dedication!
7. Find like-minded individuals. There are more vegans, vegetarians, flexi-tarians, and dairy-free folks than it may seem. Focus on your similarities rather than your differences and engage in meaningful discussions about the things you’re passionate about! You never know when something you say in passing may plant a seed in someone’s mind or heart!
8. Eat enough! This one can be tough, but is so important! I don’t need to tell you that as a vegan you need to eat a higher volume of food than someone eating a standard omnivorous diet, but for some reason we forget when we’re dropped into a new environment (me included!) It can be almost embarrassing to eat far more than your peers at every meal, I completely get it. But it’s also kind of awesome! Not only can you eat far more than them consistently and maintain your weight (or even lose), you are promoting far greater health! Once again, you never know what kind of interest you may spark in someone else by eating huge quantities of fresh, healthy, delicious looking food and maintaining a slim figure and vibrance!
9. Be prepared. If you can, always carry fresh fruit or another whole-food plant based snack with you. It’s far better to be prepared than to end up hungry with no vegan options!
10. Keep it in perspective. For most of us, a change to our routine such as working on a cruise ship is not a permanent one. Remember that, while it may feel difficult in the beginning, slight inconvenience for you is nothing compared to the suffering you are preventing! Hold your head high and keep on making that difference!
And there you have it! My top ten tips for keeping veganism simple while in less-than-ideal circumstances. I encourage you to print the resources I created for this post to keep with you. You never know when they may come in handy!
I also ask that if you have any further questions that you leave a comment below or email me at plantbasedbride@gmail.com so I can help you out!
Until next time,
Cruise Capsule Look Book
Hello from Miami!
This week I'm sharing a quick video showing my packing process as well as some outfit ideas from my cruise capsule wardrobe. There also may or may not be kittens being adorable. You'll have to watch to know for sure!
Hello from Miami!
This week I'm sharing a quick video showing my packing process as well as some outfit ideas from my cruise capsule wardrobe. There also may or may not be kittens being adorable. You'll have to watch to know for sure!
Watch the video on YouTube HERE!
LINKS TO THINGS I TALKED ABOUT...
Cruise Capsule Wardrobe: http://plantbasedbride.com/blog/cruise-capsule-wardrobe
How To Build a Capsule Wardrobe: http://plantbasedbride.com/blog/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe
Fall Capsule Wardrobe: http://plantbasedbride.com/blog/fallcapsule2015
Winter Capsule Wardrobe: http://plantbasedbride.com/blog/winter-capsule-wardrobe
Earth Science Mint Rosemary Deodorant: http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Science-Natural-Deodorant-Rosemary/dp/B000Q3Y9X0
Vegetology Omega 3: https://www.vegetology.com/collections/vegans/products/opti3
Vegetology Vitamin D3: https://www.vegetology.com/collections/vegans/products/vitashine-2500iu-tablets
Why I add a B12 Supplement to my Vegan Diet: http://plantbasedbride.com/blog/b12
I hope you enjoyed it!
Until next time,
Have you ever travelled for work? How was it for you?
Cruise Capsule Wardrobe
Last year I spent 8 months working for the mouse. Mickey Mouse, that is! I completed a contract as a performer on the Disney Wonder and had a ball of a time.
The only problem? I packed WAY too much. To my credit, I had no idea what one should pack for 6 months at sea… but a guitar, a backpack, and two huge suitcases weighing in at over 70 lbs each? Just a little bit of overkill. (I did eventually get the suitcases down to under 60 lbs each, but it was painful. And believe me, lugging those babies around in the bowels of a ship was NOT a cake-walk).
So as I prepare for my second contract, a quick month, I know I can do better. I am a minimalist now, after all. I have Marie Kondo on my side. I have KonMari in my blood. Ok, maybe I’ve taken this a bit too far… Anyway, I am definitely better equipped this time around to pack minimally for maximal impact.
As I still vividly remember how painful it was trying to decide what to bring and what to leave behind last fall, I thought I would take you along for the ride in the hopes that you can learn from my mistakes and be ready for any opportunity that comes your way!
Last year I spent 8 months working for the mouse. Mickey Mouse, that is! I completed a contract as a performer on the Disney Wonder and had a ball of a time.
The only problem? I packed WAY too much. To my credit, I had no idea what one should pack for 6 months at sea… but a guitar, a backpack, and two huge suitcases weighing in at over 70 lbs each? Just a little bit of overkill. (I did eventually get the suitcases down to under 60 lbs each, but it was painful. And believe me, lugging those babies around in the bowels of a ship was NOT a cake-walk).
So as I prepare for my second contract, a quick month, I know I can do better. I am a minimalist now, after all. I have Marie Kondo on my side. I have KonMari in my blood. Ok, maybe I’ve taken this a bit too far… Anyway, I am definitely better equipped this time around to pack minimally for maximal impact.
As I still vividly remember how painful it was trying to decide what to bring and what to leave behind last fall, I thought I would take you along for the ride in the hopes that you can learn from my mistakes and be ready for any opportunity that comes your way!
My Top 3 Tips for Practical Packing
Packing sucks.
The majority of the population (including myself) hates doing it. I know quite a few people who would rather trash all of their worldly belongings and start again rather than pack for a move. But what about when your packing for a trip? You’re going somewhere potentially unfamiliar, where you may be unable to purchase necessities (especially if you live an ethical lifestyle). You need to bring the basics with you, at the very least.
So how can we make packing more palatable? With my top 3 tips for practical packing, of course! (Can you tell I love alliteration? I thought so.)
I also created a Packing Checklist to help you remember every important item!
Building a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a small, intentional, daily wardrobe made up of pieces you love, fit you and your lifestyle, and all work together.
I wrote a detailed post explaining the capsule concept as well as a thorough how-to for building your own, go read it HERE, get familiar, then come back and read on!
If you’re already on the capsule wardrobe train (Hi, my name’s Elizabeth. Let’s be best friends.) I’ll get right into my streamlined capsule process!
To begin the curation process for my third capsule wardrobe I sat down, asked myself a few simple questions, and put pen to paper. Here are the 7 questions and my responses to help you get a fuller picture of the process:
- How long will I wear this capsule? One month.
- What will the weather be like? Temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees celsius, mostly sunny, possible rain.
- What will my typical day look like? (Consider formality, dress codes, activity level and type) Exercise and rehearsals (requiring active wear), time spent in crew areas and in my cabin, time spent in guest areas (comply to dress code), time spent at the beach and swimming, time spent in port.
- What types of special events and activities will I be participating in? Crew events, special events in guest areas.
- 3 words that describe my ideal style: Minimal, Neutral, Light
- What kind of outfits do I love/inspire me? Pin em! Capsule and Style Pinterest boards
- What is my colour palette? Black, white, grey, and beige (neutrals) with a few pops of colour and pattern
Want to use these questions to build your next capsule? Use the form below to join the Plant Based Bride community and get your download link for the free printable!
Once I answered these questions, it was time to shop my closet!
The Cruise Capsule
You may recognize some pieces from my fall and winter capsule wardrobes in here, but there are also some exciting new items!
With warm weather on the horizon, I turned my focus to lighter pieces - both in weight and colour. While black is and always will be a staple colour in my wardrobe, white, grey, and shades of beige have made their mark on this capsule. I also brought back a touch of colour and pattern that was completely lacking from my winter collection as statement pieces that stand out on the backdrop of neutrality.
As you saw in my answers to the planning questions, I was hoping for a minimalist, neutral, and light feel in my capsule. Flowy fabrics, long cuts, draping, and soft tailoring pull everything together for me.
For anyone interested in the pieces featured, the following is a list of exact or similar items:
TOPS (16)
- white tee - aritzia
- white v neck tee - urban outfitters
- white button down - anthropologie
- beige trench - similar
- beige vest - similar
- long grey cardigan - similar
- grey cropped tank - brandy melville
- long grey tee with slits - similar
- grey tee - aritzia
- black & grey reversible cami - similar
- black sleeveless swing blouse - zara
- black sleeveless v neck blouse - aritzia
- black deep v neck tee - similar
- black t-shirt - aritzia
- black blazer - similar
- black cropped tee - similar
BOTTOMS (5)
- black track pants - gap
- black maxi skirt - brandy melville
- a-line skirt - american apparel
- high waisted jeans - urban outfitters
- high waisted shorts - similar
DRESSES (2)
SHOES (6)
I have to say that I am absolutely LOVING building and wearing capsule wardrobes. This is becoming a way of life. I’m hoping to progress to the point where I can let go of everything not including in the past 4 capsules (not worn in a year) and reduce my entire wardrobe to under 175 pieces total! (That may sound like a lot to you, but to me that’s TINY! I started out with over 500 EASY before my KonMari purge!)
I am so excited to try out the capsule model while working at sea, it feels like the perfect time to utilize this kind of dressing as you’re already limited by what you can fit in your luggage.
Well, my bags are packed. I have a backpack, my guitar, and one suitcase weighing 57 lbs (darn having to pack enough vegan and cruelty-free skin care, hair care, and body care for a month!) and I have to say I am very pleased. I don't claim to be the perfect minimalist. I definitely don't have it yet. But it feels so good to be on my way!
What would are the three words you would use to describe your ideal wardrobe?
Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time,
