A few weeks ago I posted about the Lights Laquer YNBB launch, I spoke about how the launch and the inclusion of an array of nude shades really made me think about the lack of inclusion I was seeing from the rest of the beauty industry. I posted about how I wanted to do better as a consumer, and support brands that celebrated diversity. ...And then I went silent, I took a little break from my blog over the past few weeks and instead have tried to be vocal when appropriate on Instagram. I've talked about my intention and where I want to take A Cruelty Free Me in the future, but I didn't want to post this immediately.
Like many Americans, I've had a tough few weeks of anger and reflection. As a child, race wasn't really spoken about at home, and it wasn't until college that I really understood my environment and how redlining affected my neighborhood and the ones I hung out in. I used to struggle internally with race as a kid, being half white and half Puerto Rican, I wasn't really sure where I fit in. I experienced some microaggressions through the years and recognized these behaviors as early as elementary school but as I got older I also began to realize the privilege of being white-passing.
In many ways, quarantine has been a blessing in disguise as I've used it to slow down a bit and to reflect. Covid-19 brought about more change than I anticipated, some good and some of it an opportunity to learn. I've realized the importance of self-care now more than ever. Like many, I've also used this as an opportunity to learn more-- about being an ally, diversity, and finding my voice in other aspects of my life. I still have work to do, but I'm thankful that I am in a place where I recognize that. and that I am alive during a time where there are so many resources.
While I know shade inclusion in the beauty industry may seem small to some-- it's important! I want everyone to see someone that looks like them in beauty marketing and retail advertising. Beauty is not something that's limited to one race or gender and I think it's time that beauty manufacturers step up. Much like my approach to my cruelty-free stance, I believe that as consumers we 'vote' with our dollars. By choosing to support brands that align with my ideals, I'm casting my vote for the brands that I would like to see thrive and bring more fun and creative options to the table. While I'm working on myself I also want to inspire change in the industry I'm spending so much of my free time in.
After some research and thought I decided to purchase from was The Lip Bar. The Lip Bar is vegan, cruelty-free, and the founder, Melissa Butler is dedicated to inclusivity. I decided on two products for my first order Skin Serum Foundation, and a lipstick.
Ok, I admit I messed up a little here. The Lip Bar provides the option to test out 3 shades so you can find your perfect match. I bypassed this step and instead used the shade match tool and attempted to match my Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation (in shade 200) by Fenty Beauty. I've had this foundation for a while and it is my go-to for medium to high coverage days. 1:04 is not an exact match to 200, however with some kind-of intense blending I was able to make it work. On my next application, I plan to use a bit less, or mix with a skincare oil to see how the shade would fare. Keep in mind The Lip Bar mentions in their FAQ that you can exchange for a better match, I didn't feel this shade was far enough off for me to justify an exchange.
Overall I really like this foundation! It felt more like skincare as it contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Irish moss extract. Unlike my fave Fenty foundation, this formula is dewy, but it stayed put just as long! I like the click pen style dispenser, after clicking the base a few times I used the brush end to apply a few streaks to different zones of my face. I then used my ecotools blending brush to blend into my skin and create a flawless base.
As you will see in the pics below. I had a bit of sunburn left on my face from a beach outing the week prior, and I found that this foundation clung to those dry patches, but I wasn't overly concerned as that isn't usually a factor for me. I've used matte foundations in the past while my skin was on the dry side and I was generally impressed with how the skin serum foundation sat on my skin. Not perfect, but as good as I think it would get over dry sunburned skin.
I was happily surprised by the coverage of this foundation. While it is serum-based, it's buildable to a medium to high level of coverage.
Trying out lipstick in June, let alone a time when we're all wearing masks out and about has its challenges. The Lip Bars lipsticks are paraben-free, and packed with shea butter, avocado oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E. Not even being dramatic, these may be the only lipsticks I purchase again. My lips felt moisturized throughout the day, and the color stayed consistent and didn't go patchy. As you may have guessed by the ingredients this is a very shiny looking lipstick, which I love especially in summer, but if mattes are more your thing this formula may not be for you.
Are there any cruelty-free and inclusive brands you think I should try? Leave me a comment below and I'll add them to my shopping list!
What's your opinion?
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!