It’s been a while since I wrote a #FridayFive! I’ve written tons of them in my head, but this is the only one that made it all the way to “sitting at the computer” status so it must be good. Some of these are new-new while others are new-to-me, but either way, here are five vegan-friendly personal care items I’ve been into lately.
1. Tarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen
A few months ago I signed up for Sephora’s Free Flash Shipping program ($15/year for free 2-day shipping, kinda like Amazon Prime but cheaper, and for makeup). So, when I’m bored sometimes I just search “vegan” on Sephora and see if there’s anything new. On a recent search I found Tarte’s Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen. At $22 it was definitely a splurge, but I use Rakuten so I get 4% cash back when I buy stuff – at least that’s how I justified it to myself.
Anyway, I saw a difference on the first day. I know that sounds like some influencer horseshit written by a skinny blonde with a blue light contraption hanging out of her mouth but legit, it works. And, unlike whitening strips I’ve used before it doesn’t fill my mouth with bleach-spit that makes me want to barf. I brush it on after I brush my teeth in the morning and just go about my business for 15 minutes. It’s really not necessary to rinse it off, but I usually do just out of habit.
2. Pacifica Glow Baby Booster Serum
At under $20, Pacifica Glow Baby Booster Serum isn’t necessarily a splurge, but considering how many lotions and potions I already own, adding another one felt a bit indulgent. But, I apply a few drops right out of the shower in the morning, before I moisturize or put my makeup on, and I’ve noticed a brightness and glow I didn’t see before. Use my link for 10% off your order, or grab this the next time you’re in Target.
3. Noto Multi-Benne Stain Stick
I received this product a few years ago in a sample box and it literally lasted until earlier this summer. I immediately loved it as a lip balm – it’s made with jojoba, coconut oil and olive oil so it’s super hydrating. But the addition of peppermint oil for a slight tingle, and a sheer red tint (I use the shade Oscillate) is what sold me. I’ve only ever used it as a tinted lip balm, but it’s a multi-use stick, so you can use it as a cheek color, or even on your eyelids for a wash of color or as a base for powder shadow. At $18.50 it’s the most expensive lip balm I own, but considering I wear it instead of lipstick most of the time it’s not that extravagant.
4. Lush Rose Jam Body Spray
We found ourselves at the mall one day this summer, so I went to Lush looking for toothy tabs because they’re great for travel. There was a display of body sprays near the check out and I was drawn to their all-black, utilitarian packaging. I sprayed myself with Rose Jam while I waited, but walked out without buying it. A few hours later when the candy-rose scent was still lingering, I stopped at a different Lush on my way home and bought a bottle. Depending on your body chemistry, two sprays will last for hours, so $39.95 for just under 7oz. isn’t wild, but as someone who doesn’t own any other perfume, it was a splurge.
5. Oway Glossy Nectar
OK, I know I keep saying “but for this reason this isn’t really a splurge…” but this one is a splurge. For real. This is a $60 hair serum. I’m not going to pretend like that isn’t totally wild. I spent two years growing out an undercut and when it was time to make the big chop – a short bob – I went to a kind of fancy salon to do it. My stylist used a serum that smelled amazing, and also made my hair softer and shinier than I’d ever seen it. She also mentioned that it helped reduce drying time, which is great because I am very lazy about drying my hair. So why it is so expensive? The company grows a lot of their own organic ingredients, the packaging is glass, and the formula is concentrated (shipping a lot of water or filler ingredients around is wasteful) so, pardon me while I say this again, but this bottle is going to last me for years.
I hope you found something new to splurge on in this post – you deserve it! Have you discovered a vegan beauty product I should try? Let me know in the comments!
Please note: This is NOT a sponsored post, I purchased and used these products and this is my honest opinion of them. Some of these links are affiliate links, which means if you click and purchase I might earn the smallest amount of money imaginable.
