Anxiety coursed through her veins like adrenaline, she could smell it coming. Leeching onto the fear that grappled at her skin. A prisoner of her mind, she’d lost count of the amount of times she’d cried that week. The convulsing panic attacks, she felt like she couldn’t breathe. Her stomach churning, like she’d had too many mince pies. The back, tense to the touch, the muscles rigid with stress. She closed her eyes, imagining washing the pain away. Every tear a reminder of the Christmases she’d battled and survived. The bad, the ugly, and the downright horrendous. She tried to tell herself to breathe, imagining herself surrounded by a million puppies. Squirming, little balls of energy, she grabbed onto their happiness. Tried to channel that joy into her mind, body, and soul. Her feet took her to the bathroom, decked out in feel good Christmas colours. Red and green bathmat, her feet tensing. Breathe in, breathe out. Whispering affirmations in the mirror, all part of her cruelty-free beauty routine. Beauty that started from within. Acknowledging the pain and trauma that lived inside her.
She ran the hot water, the scent of candy canes permeating the air. Sweet spice, a hint of cinnamon. Popping bubbles with child-like innocence. Watching the water rise, her body responded gratefully. Sinking into heated waters, hair fanning out like a halo. Clumps of knots huddling together, tickling her back. Mariah Carey crooning in the background, a candle on a tray. The scent of gingerbread, and all things nice, she let herself think. Was she calmer? No, desperately seeking a way out, the shackles threatening to drown her. And then, it was if everything clicked. Breathe through the nose, out through the mouth. Repeated movements, drenched in positivity. A flickering light from the candle, as she washed her hair. Sea fennel and Irish moss, natural fragrance running through each strand. A dash of avocado oil, smooth out the tresses. Slick back the frizz, another dip into the cooling waters.
She watched time pass by, the countdown until a meaningful Christmas officially begun. Trying to channel her inner Christmas angel. Whispering goodbye to the demons that tried to take over. Wiping away the tears, smiling, as she took control of her destiny. She lathered shower gel across her body, let the shower run. The bath almost spilling, but she didn’t care. A flickering light from the nearby candle, a book waiting on the side. Dystopian romance, step into the future. Flicking through the pages, scooping freshly washed hair into a bath cap. The perfect set up for a cruelty-free beauty night at home. She yawned, hand over her mouth. Eyes disappearing into her reddened face. The bath, unplugged, watching the water swirl beneath her. Lying here a moment, longing for stillness in repose. She slipped out the bath, water dripping on the mat. A towel wrapped around her. Brushing out the curls, that framed her face in a tangled heap. A black cat rubbing itself against her leg, hoping to make her smile.
Falling asleep on the sofa, watching a classic Christmas film, ELF. A orange, ginger and white cat curled up at her feet, a tabby cat watching on jealously. She woke with a start, 12am, time to go to bed. Tossing and turning, dreaming of gingerbread men. A Christmas to do list miles long. She tried to shake off the feeling, settling into a deep sleep. Morning rising, weary, back into the bathroom of yesteryear. Running her tongue over chapped lips in need of TLC. Skin peeling, tracing rough hands across her mouth. Coconut lip balm, smoothing the skin out. Adding to her morning routine, cheeks dry from the cold. Day cream rubbed between forethumb and finger, a youthful glow. Cruelty-free and vegan, good for the skin. Acting as a primer underneath her makeup, a festive look. Dewy skin, foundation gliding on like butter. Beige-yellow, under eyes concealed. Charcoal smudges rubbed away. She was calmer today, despite the lack of sleep. Realizing that she would tackle the Christmas rush, one make up brush at a time.
Blush, creamy peach suffused colour on cheeks. A icy golden shimmer dancing along her cheekbones. A fuschia pink matte lipstick, creamy, a hint of gloss on top. She pursed her lips, lined them with a darker pink. A cupid’s bow, a Christmas silhouette. A fuschia pink on the eyes, a hint of glitter. Blended with a lighter pink, a swash of shimmer. A pink Christmas tree design added to the eyes, for a dazzling effect. A swab of mascara, small eyelashes clumped with black. Gappy eyebrows filled in, layered dark brown. She wriggled her nails, a fresh coat of paint. Lilac, not a typical Christmas colour. Brightening up a gray day, toes done too. She examined herself in the mirror, and took a deep breath. Satisfied with what she saw, a spritz of her favourite seasonal perfume, heavenly delight. Christmas in a bottle, forest berries wrapped up in pine. The cats sniffing the air gingerly, wondering if they could have some too. And so, the time had come to put her Christmas cruelty-free beauty essentials together. A mini guide, with everything from shampoo, to colourful makeup, and skincare too. Dropped in a stocking, added to Santa’s sleigh. Delivering to all her loved ones, who would love the brands as much as she did.
Cruelty-Free Christmas Gift Sets
Lavera From Nature With Love Gift Set
She was learning to be proud of herself. For everything she achieved and the hardships she had encountered. Giving herself the grace that she had deserved all those years ago. Sure, it was hard, this time of year more so than others. Triggered by patterns of behaviour, words said, judgments made. The little things that would set her off, a comparison to another person. Made to feel like her issues were ‘small’, that she should be grateful for what she had. And believe me, she was grateful, recording how far she had come, even in the last few years. But she was allowed to not be OK. That was a strength in itself. To not hide how she was feeling. To not cover it up with forced smiles, and fake laughter. She would cry if she wanted to. It might seem strange, talking about mental health, when promoting a Christmas gift guide, but weren’t the two connected? The whole reason she put this guide together was to promote cruelty-free essentials that made her feel good, inside and out. After all, Christmas had many messages. To some, the gift of community. To others, celebrating religion. But for her? It was about kindness. Not just to others but to herself too. Using everything from body lotion, to makeup, and vitamins to give herself the treat she needed. Pampered from the inside, she would feel rejuvanated.
Lavera was no exception. A vegan, cruelty-free and paraben free brand that nourished her mind, body and soul. A Christmas giftset called ‘Lavera From Nature With Love Gift Set’ sitting on her doorstep. Navy blue, candy canes and Santa. Scribbled Christmas trees and mini stars, unwrapping to see what is inside. A unisex body care gift set, with a fresh sensitive fragrance. For skin and hair, cruelty-free beauty essentials that were affordable. She lathered the shower gel across her skin, running the hot water. Clearing unwanted thoughts like cobwebs in her mind. Things felt clearer, letting the hot water pour over her face. Droplets dripping down her legs, letting the worries fade away. Trying to ignore the clenching in her stomach, that tell-tale sign. Remembering that she had come a long way. Repeating chants out loud, eyes roaming across her body. Telling herself the things she needed to hear when she was younger. That she was smart. That she had achieved so much. That she was a surviver, no matter what. A small bath was forming, she sank into its comfort. Rich body milk, with healing properties of Witch Hazel and Sea Salt. The tub becoming her safe space. A refuge from the life’s frantic race.
Price: £13.56
Bloom & Blossom Merry & Bright Wellness Gift Set
A few years ago, she overhauled her life. From diet, to self-care, and friendship groups, she wanted to boost her wellness. Why? Because she was hard on herself over the years. There were times, ravaged by poverty, where she was barely eating. Unwell, battling chronic health issues, no answer in sight. Not focusing on self-care, working herself into the ground. Surrounding herself with people that drained her energy. Not realizing that she was worth so much more. A wake up call, learning how to cook healthy meals. Saying no to things that made her anxious. Cutting people out that weren’t worth her time. It was an ongoing wellness journey, but for the first time in a very long time, she was looking after herself. Delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals that soothed her soul. Making the time to eat without distractions. Trying to live without being ‘oversimulated’. Still having chronic health issues, but understanding that she needed to be kind to herself. That her body would tell her when she needed to stop. The warning signs clear as day. Learning to say no, realizing that there was power in looking after herself. Christmas was no exception. Opting for cruelty-free beauty essentials that promoted wellness at the busiest time of the year.
Bloom & Blossom‘s ‘Merry & Bright’ Wellness Gift Set fit the job description. Designed to help her unwind, while soothing the skin this party season. She unwrapped the cobalt blue box, gave it a rattle. Shiny rose gold stars twinkling mischievously at her. An award-winning Wonder Worker Multi-Tasking balm to soothe chapped skin, soften lips and dry hands. Shea butter wrapping her in a soft hug, moisturising her cracked skin. High in Vitamin E, protecting her from free radicals. Pyjamarama Dry Body Oil up to the task next. Indulgent, sinking into her skin without greasiness. Massaging out the tension and knots in her back. Reminding herself that it was OK to relax. That she deserved some TLC. Time to space out and take a breather, 1,2,3. It had been one of those nights where no matter how much she had slept, she felt weary. Exhausted, bone-deep, eye bags dragging down her face. Leaving trails of exhaustion, her muscles frozen in fatigue. So what better than the All Night Long Calming Sleeping Spray to help her sleep. Embracing tranquility as she meditated before bed. Controlling her breath, the scent of Frankincense reminding her of Christmas. Linden blossom and rose flower water. Supporting a much needed deep restorative sleep.
Price: £26
Cruelty-Free Cosmetics
Delilah Cosmetics
There was something so therapeutic about putting on makeup. Brushing away the tears, storing them in a safe box. Turning that frown upside down, a smile testing her lips. Lines smoothed away, as she painted, contoured and buffed. Minutes sometimes hours whittled away, lost in the beauty of putting on make up. Sure, some would comment that she ‘didn’t need makeup’, but she loved wearing it. How invincible it made her feel, like superwoman. She felt more confident, stronger, and self-assured. Maximalist or minimalist it could be the difference between a bad and a good day. Sure, there were a lot of days where she was make up free. But on the days where she wore it, she felt different. A simple swipe of lipstick brightening her weary face. A golden glow illuminating gray winter skin. Gappy brows transformed, a darker colour, defined shape. At Christmas, she would experiment more, play with colour. Rich red and green eyeshadows, a brighter highlighter. A deeper red, verging on burgundy. Eyes framed by large lashes, almost spiky. Brightening concealer, hiding charcoal shadows under her eyes. She hummed, collecting a new parcel, setting aside a morning to play with makeup. Taking time out to do something that brought her joy. Embracing the small things, realizing that it made her happier.
Delilah Cosmetics blessed her with natural ‘makeup joy. Cruelty-free makeup that was 100% vegan and paraben free. No testing on animals, no chemical nasties, makeup that looked and felt good on the skin. Powered by plants, she wondered what she would try first? Deliah’s Beauty Heroes Collection, with three best-selling products. Under Wear Primer gliding onto her mottled skin like butter. Smoothing her enlarged skin texture, reducing her hyperpigmentation. Prolonging foundation wear, infused with skin enhancing peptides. On bare-face days, she would wear this with Brow Line in the shade Sable. An easy to wear medium to dark brown, enhancing her primed skin. Filling in the gaps, a natural hair-like look, with a built in brush. A dab of Lip Saviour, a Colour Enhancing Lip Oil, soothing her chapped lips. A hint of personalized colour, nude-pink, a hint of brown.
But her favourite? Pure Light Liquid Resistance in the shade ‘Halo’. Ethereal, a golden glow that instantly brightened her sallowed skin. A lit from within glow, infused with Vitamin E. Half a pump mixed into her foundation for natural looking radiance. She felt like she was made of liquid gold. Was it any wonder that it was the Global Makeup Awards 2023 winner? She used the Delilah Complexion Brush to illuminate her skin. Gently layered, with easy application. Adaptable coverage, that left her skin feeling beautifully even and flawless. Two more products to complete her ‘natural look’. Colour Blush in the shade ‘Lullaby’, a mauve pink. Brightening the apples of her cheek, a flush of natural colour. Colour Intense Cream Lipstick in the shade ‘Floozy’, with a silky matte effect. Soft and creamy, in her signature red hue. Not drying out her lips like most lipsticks did. Glowing against her olive, illuminated skin. The result? A wearable day look that was easy to maintain. Coverage that lasted hours, complimented on how much she shone.
Colour Intense Cream Lipstick £26.50
Benecos Pretty In Pastels Nail Polish Gift Set
She wasn’t one to get her nails done in salons. Preferring minimal, solid colour nails that she could do at home. Sure, she admired the ornate designs on her friends hands. The candy canes on red glitter gels. The navy blue, lined with royal gold. But she was a nail biter. Someone who bit her nails when she was anxious, whose nails were short as a result of it. Nail edges frayed, the taste of worry, the grip of stress. She tried to stop and pull away. But the habit kept coming back. Subconsciously pulling at her nails, at times not realizing. Hands clenching and unclenching, triggered by life’s merry-go-round of anxiety. She looked at her nails now, blank, nail polish free. A far cry from the lavender hues she had coveted of late. Bare canvases waiting to be painted. Something that she could repaint again in a couple of days if she wanted. And that’s when she saw it. A gorgeous pastel nail polish set, that won her heart. She knew that traditional colours like red and green were preferred at this time of year. But she was never one to follow the norm. The colour theory wheel, her inspiration. Gravitating towards bright and bold colours, as well as pastels, no matter what time of year it was.
Benecos Pretty In Pastels Nail Polish made her smile. In the shades Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy and Lovely Lavender, even the names had nostalgia. Bubble gum chewed in glass, trying to blow pink bubbles. Cotton Candy at Christmas markets, sticky sweet. Lavender sprayed on her pillow, make her sleep. The nail polish would be associated with new memories. Lavender, reminding her of the fields filled with purple. A yellow labrador frolicking in the lilac meadows. Bubble Gum, just like their mini pink Christmas tree, a Barbie lover’s heaven. Cotton Candy, paler in colour, just like the pink teaset she now frequented. Nail polishes that didn’t just look good, but felt good too. The nickname ‘Happy Nails’ for a reason, free from 20 harmful ingredients. 80% of ingredients made from natural origin, obtained from naturally renewable raw materials. Apple seed oil and biotin to keep her nails happy and healthy, even when she bit them to shreds. Colourful cruelty-free beauty essentials that were just as gorgeous in winter, as it would be in Spring.
Price: £11.50 ( 3 nail polishes)
VE Cosmetics Collection
She was never one to follow the rules, preferring to go against the grain. She was loud, bold, and opinionated. She refused to be like anybody else, revelling in her individuality. When she was younger, she would have done anything to not stand out. Hiding in the shadows, uncomfortable with people’s stares. But the moment she stopped caring about what people thought, she came into her own. Bright floral print dresses, hands in pockets. Diamante court heels, and satin tights. Dungarees, and a thick wooly jumper. Chunky red boots, a signature beret. Her makeup was no exception. Rainbow eyeshadows in shades of yellow, red, blue and purple. Rosy cheeks, over-blushed, highlight on the temples. Dark brows, a red cupid bow. Whether it was fashion, makeup, interiors or food, she always gravitated towards brighter colours. Why? It wasn’t just an act of rebellion. It was a dopamine rush, especially during a cruelty-free beauty Christmas. She’d draw Christmas trees on her eyes, swirled with glitter and gold. Highlight so bright it dazzled even her. Short lashes lengthened, a sweep of black velvety mascara. More bold, more over the top, just the way she liked it. It’s why she was drawn to VE Cosmetics. A vegan, cruelty-free and female owned AuDHD brand that made her stop and look.
A parcel on her doorstop, counting down the days before Christmas. Unwrapping the surprise, seeing what was inside. Her face primed, she was ready to play God. A dash of light-weight foundation, cheeks coloured in. Eyes and lips begging to be experimented on, time to try something different. Galaxy Blue Liquid Lipstick, remembering the days where she used to wear blues on her lips. A cobalt blue matte lip, an electric blue liner, a light blue-gray, that made people’s heads turn. Was it any wonder that she wanted to delve into the nostalgia pool once more? A dark blue colour, with a satin finish. Rubbing lip balm on her dry lips, scrubbing off the dead skin. She applied the lipstick, let it dry. A fun, non-traditional colour, was she brave enough to wear it out? She wiped off her lipstick, another colour begging to be chosen. A Poisonous Lip Drip (Gloss) in the shade Cala Lily. Open the vial, high pigmented red oozing out. Bare lips, transformed into a red wonderland, her signature hue. Glossy, reflecting back in her Gingerbread mirror. Her eyes next, her favourite product from the trio. The Lovers, their brightest palette yet. Channeling her inner Barbie at Christmas, stunning neon matte shades. Rainbow shimmers, a primer applied underneath. Light pink on the lid, a swash of darker pink shimmer. Baby pink above the lid, a splash of sparkle there.
Prices:
Lovers £12 instead of £30
Poisonous Lip Drip Cala Lily £16
Galaxy-Liquid Moisture Lipstick £11.99
Be At One Cosmetics
The snow fell in a galvanized flurry, three-quarters rain. 6AM out the door, marvelling at the white drops that scattered past her face. Outside a candy striped building with Romanesque columns. A Christmas tree, decked with baubles, a tinsel filled basket. Umbrellas up, people suspended in time. Watching the world go on around them, transfixed by the spirit of Christmas. But it was cold, forgetting her gloves at home. Bare-faced, crimson red cheeks, splotchy from the wind. Scurrying home, trying to get the feeling back in her hands. Alone at home, a mug of cinnamon and apple tea warming up her soul. Remembering it was time to put the Christmas decor up. The cats determined to get involved. Headfirst into the tinsel box, a Christmas tree crashing to the ground. She found something that made her smile. The mistletoe, a surprise for her partner. Celebrating love, she imagined how he would react. His smile, reaching his blue-green eyes, tinged with hazel. Laughing at her silly nature, joining in the fun. Eyes transfixed on her pink mouth, a hint of gloss. He would ask her what she was wearing. She’d reply, kiss me, and you’ll find out. His lips smeared with pink, a kiss broken by the sound of incessant meowing. She gave him an impish wink, threw the lipstick and gloss boxes over to him.
Hunkered down, feeding cats, pink lipstick smeared down her chin. But she loved the carefree colour, Barbie pink, her favourite kind. Be Happy Lipstick from Be At One. Cruelty-free, vegan, and highly pigmented. Twist the tube, the colour bright. Enriched with Argan Oil, Aloe Vera, and Avocado Oil, smooth on her lips. In the shade ‘Think Pink’, a colour just as fun at Christmas, as it would be for Valentine’s day. Be Fabulous Lip Gloss on top, in the same colour. Non-sticky, and easy to apply. Enriched with Argan Oil, a colour popping lip gloss. For she would have her very own ‘pinkmas’. Imagining swapping out their white Christmas tree for a pink one. A pink santa hat on each cat, little mittens on their toes. White plain furniture replaced with fuschia pink, walls a baby pink. She reapplied her lips, a mischievous kiss on her partner’s cheek. A pair of sequinned slouched trousers, and a matching bomber, in, you guessed it, pink. A butterfly purse, 200o’s style, a sequin pink headband, and tassel earrings. A night out on the town with her partner, pink lipstick in tow.
Prices:
Be Fabulous Lip Gloss £13
Be Happy Lipstick £17
Vegan Skincare For Winter
Biovene Skincare
She was learning to take better care of her skin, the older she got. Fine lines appearing like cobwebs underneath her eyes. Dark shadows like gray splatter. Dry skin, with acne prone patches. Sensitive, and allergic to many skincare brands, careful what she put on her skin. Laughter lines, faint, barely there. A reminder of how she’d lived and laughed. Not caring what people thought, mouth stretched open wide. Her eyes crinkling with merriment, her partner telling her a Christmas joke. Today was one of those rare days where she would be home all day. A self-care day, feeling ill. Deciding to pamper herself, mind, body and soul. Hair brushed out, hanging loose past her shoulders. Trailing down her back, threaded with gray. Skin, olive-tinged, red cheeked. Lips almost naturally nude, a slight hint of pink. Small eyes lazily closing shut, yawning. So much to do for Christmas, but her cruelty-free beauty routine couldn’t wait. An easy to maintain, at home ritual. Whispering affirmations in the mirror. Reminding herself that it was OK to feel overwhelmed. That it was important to acknowledge the burn out, and the impact it had on her.Biovene Skincare understood the brief. Holistic, ethical beauty that was planet-friendly, and vegan.
She prepped her skin, washed cold water on her face. Bleary eyes awakened, red cheeks soothed. Patted dry with a soft towel. Applying Vitamin B5 Face Serum on her dull and dehydrated skin. Liking the way the aloe vera felt. Skin that felt less dry, and more supple the longer she used it. No reaction to the products, moisturising her face. It felt smoother, more elastic. A potion of genius in a blue bottle, used mornings and evenings. But her personal favourite cruelty-free beauty product? The Coconut SPF 50 Lip Balm. Chapped lips given a Christmas makeover. Soothing and hydrating, made with precious oils from Coconut, Almond and Sunflower seeds. Lips that felt smoother, with SPF protection, shielding them from harmful UV rays. Lips that felt velvety, without synthetic ingredients. Vitamin Day Boost Age Correcting Moisturiser, under £10. An orange tub, dive in. Infused with mango, hydrating the skin. Eliminating dullness, youthful glow restored. Reducing the subtle signs of aging, with 98% natural ingredients. She rubbed it into her skin, boosting the collagen production the ethical way. High in antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect the body from free radicals that damage the skin and induce premature aging. One more product, to soothe her tired eyes. Hydra-Power Nourish Intense 20% HA + Organic Blueberry Eye Concentrate , instantly refreshing. Like cucumber slices on her eyes, sealing in moisture. Building the skin’s protective barrier. Preventing water loss for soft and smooth skin. Puffy eyes reduced, dark circles banished. The skin under her eyes more evenly toned, glowing skin that was dewy too.
Prices:
Coconut SPF 50 Lip Balm £8.99
Vitamin Day Boost Age Correcting Moisturiser £9.99
Hydration 10% Hyaluronic + Vitamin B5 Complex Facial Serum Treatment £5.99
Hydra-Power Nourish Intense 20% HA + Organic Blueberry Eye Concentrate £5.99
Vegan Supplements
Nourished
She sank into a chair, lethargic. The toll of insomnia catching up with her, exhaustion painted on her face. Hands shaking, legs trembling. It wasn’t just the Christmas period, although that didn’t always help. The incessant planning, the never-ending to do list. But it was the plethora of health issues, that had the biggest impact. Chronic health issues for the longest time, getting worse the older she got. The tiredness, one of the biggest symptoms, despite what people thought. To others, she was a big ball of energy. Always jolly, always energetic. But that was just her personality. It didn’t convey how she felt inside. Limbs dragging themselves along, powered by the sheer force of anxiety. That’s what got her up in the morning. The never-ending adrenaline, mixed with sluggish days. Admittedly, in recent months, she’d been working herself to the bone. Unable to sit still, stuck in limbo. Whenever she tried to relax, the thoughts would creep in. The dark spiral, the obsessive-compulsiveness. Fighting off her body’s natural need to rest. Restless and agitated. It was something that Nourished knew all too well. Cruelty-free beauty supplements for personalized wellness.
The Energy Stack, sent in the post. Utilising patented 3D printing technology, creating personalised 7-layer nutrient gummy stacks. A scientifically formulated blend of high-impact nutrients, vitamins, and superfoods, freshly made-to-order for maximum efficacy and optimal absorption. Maca Powder infused with Ginseng, to support energy levels and improve cognitive performance. Enriched with Folic Acid, which could reduce chronic fatigue. It was too early to tell, but she liked the way they tasted. Reminding her of jelly gummies she would have as a kid, without the gelatine. Yet, it was sugar-free, and vegan. Best of all, it was in plastic-free packaging. Feeling good that her cruelty-free beauty supplements were kind to the planet too. Each stack delivered in eco-friendly, compostable materials. In time, she hoped she would see less energy crashes. The kind that robbed her of all energy. Sluggishly trudging through the day, the stench of nausea in her mouth. Every movement painful, from joint and muscle pain, as well as mental fatigue. Maybe it would help her sleep more too. The kind of sleep where she wasn’t up at 3AM. Where she wasn’t trying to block out the thoughts that kept whirring through her mind. She would be at peace. Enjoying her cruelty-free beauty season, fatigue free.
Prices:
£28 per month instead of £37.99 (28 servings)
One time £37.99 + £2.99
What Are Your Favourite Cruelty-Free Beauty Essentials?
*Disclaimer
Please note I was gifted products in exchange for this blog post but all thoughts are my own. I would love to know your reccomendations for cruelty-free beauty tools you use in winter!
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