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Showing posts with label cruelty free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cruelty free. Show all posts

Tuesday, 29 November 2022

Vegan Lip Balm Reviews

I am a self-professed lip balm junky. 

Strangely enough, I have found a lot of people who complain about the lack of vegan lip balms on the market. Truth be told, there's actually a lot on the market, the problem is finding them near you. Ordering online tends to be essential for something like this unless you live in a town that happens to have a vegan store, health food store with good selection or a Whole Foods near you (but even WF's isn't a guarantee since my friend that's in Vegas couldn't find any there until just recently).

I wanted to do a review of all the different ones I have used to give you my honest opinion and maybe give you an idea of where you can buy some for yourself. No beeswax, testing on animals or animal ingredients whatsoever in this blog post. 

Disclaimer: I can't guarantee all of these are still on the market. :) 

Alright, let's get started:



Hurraw!: Hurraw tends to be one of the most well known vegan balms on the market and for good reason. They have a huge selection flavours, scents and protections, including SPF. Their balms smell delicious and feel great on the lips-- non-oily and long-lasting. They also happen to be raw and organic. If you grew up on lip smackers, you won't be disappointed as a vegan with great companies like this around. They also can be ordered right from their website and they ship worldwide too!



Concord Soap Company: This is actually an indie company that I found through Etsy. It was my very first vegan lip balm I used after I first transitioned to veganism and still one of my favourites. They come in a variety of scents and flavours. With great fruity and unique scents. The consistency is smooth and non-oily which is super moisturizing. You can buy their products right from their website or their Etsy shop. They also offer vegan soaps, creams and more.


Merry Hempsters: Merry Hempsters has an extensive organic balm line, including a full vegan lip balm and healing salves. They have 7 vegan lip balm varieties in wonderful scents. They work great, are not oily and go on smooth. You can order right from their website for an affordable price but they are also sold on places like Vitacost.


Ladybug Jane:  Another organic lip balm that leaves smooth lips but what sets Ladybug Jane apart is the AMAZING flavours. Not only do they smell incredible, they TASTE good too! She has a huge selection of flavours that can be ordered from the website.



Out of Africa: Of all the vegan lip balms I have used, I have to say this one is my least favourite. They smell pretty good and the flavours sound appealing but I have never had a lip balm so grainy in my life. It leaves grainy pieces all over my lips. So unfortunately, I give this one thumbs down. If for some reason you still feel like trying them after my poor recommendation, they are available on their website as well as iHerb.com.



Epic Blend: Epic Blend is a Canadian company that offers 2 flavours of vegan lip balm. They smell and work fantastic! It is actually another one of my most favourite lip balms I have used. Soft, smooth and moisturizing for the lips. You can order directly from their website.


Hugo Naturals: Hugo offers 3 varieties in lovely fruit scents. They are mild smelling and go on smooth. I did find them a little oilier than other lip balms I have used but I still enjoyed them and used the product until finished. Hugo Naturals also makes lots of vegan body products, perfumes and more. Everything can be ordered from their website.


All Natural Face:  I am a huge fan of the All Natural Face and have used many of her products, so it was natural for me to try the lip balm. All her products are vegan and very natural. The lip balm felt great on the lips, I just wasn't overly fond of the flavour, chocolate mint, in which I chose. Other than that, it was smooth on the lips and felt great. You can order her extremely affordable products on her website.


The Fanciful Fox: I received a single lip balm from the Fanciful Fox from a Vegan Cuts box months back. I got it in peanut butter flavour which sounded awesome at the time but I didn't actually care for it. It was extremely mild. The balm itself was okay but not my most favourite I have ever used. She has 9 varieties on her website and offers them for sale there, as well as the Vegan Cuts website.

LUSH: I received LUSH's None of your Beeswax lip balm as a gift. I was extremely excited to try it but was let down severely. The balm is extremely sticky and not hydrating whatsoever. I declare a fail on LUSH's part.


Meow Meow Tweet: Another indie company that came through my Vegan Cuts box. She has 5 varieties of lip balm available, I received the cocoa. I wasn't fond of the extremely natural smell and also found the lip balm chunky and not moisturizing. You can order directly from her website or the Vegan Cuts website.


EcoLips: My dear friend Shannon sent me the lemon-lime vegan lipbalm from EcoLips and guess what? It rocks my world! Moisturizing and smooth and it smells lovely too. They have 3 different flavours of vegan balm you can try and ones with SPF as well.

Crazy Rumours: I will have a full review of the products I have tried soon but until then, I love them! Super moisturizing, they smell amazing and they have so much to choose from.

Surya Basil: I have tried all the flavours and love all but the cinnamon (I have cinnamon sensitivity). They smell great and work really well on dry, chapped lips.

Alaffia: My friend sent me 2 varieties of Alaffia's lip balms, right now I am using the Coconut Pineapple at work and it smells and works amazing, which says a lot because this dry weather kills my skin. It's super moisturizing and feels fantastic on the lips! 

Bare Bones Skincare: No nasty ingredients in this brand. Made by a girl in her kitchen, all vegan and cruelty free. Bare Bones offers a few varieties of lip balms that will get your lips kissable. I have personally tried the Spiced balm and it's lovely, smooth and smells great!    

David's Tea: I was thrilled to see David's Tea carrying vegan lip balm in lots of variety of tea infused scents. Their balm is smooth and leaves your lips feeling lovely. 


Vesper Beauty: I was given this lip balm from my friend from Iowa. I love the lemon scent and it feels great on my lips. I do find like I have to apply quite a bit but it works great otherwise.

 
Bare English & Co.: Received as a gift. The peach scent I recieved is so nice and the lip balm is smooth and moisturizing. Definitely recommend! 


Booda Butter: A gift from a friend. It has a nice smooth consistency but I do find I have to reapply often as it is more of an oily balm. It does moisturizer decently though and totally does the trick!

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1NstNjrPC8plbn23j7f-JT4W7h2cgbfLs
 
The Body Shop: I recently was visiting my mother in Moncton and I really needed some vegan lipbalm. I hadn't been in The Body Shop for many years, so I went in to see if they carried any. It turns out that everything in The Body Shop is now vegan (except old stock they haven't sold yet). I picked up this lovely tinted lip balm but they also have non-tinted options as well. I love the colour and it feels so nice on the lips! I also love the Shea lip butter! 



  Get moisturizing peaches!🍑


Sunday, 9 February 2020

Vegan Products Featured on Dragons Den (Seasons 9-14)

So Netflix added the Canadian version of Dragon's Den to their library and I quickly got addicted. I had seen episodes here and there in the past as my dad watched it and always found it entertaining but I really got into it when I could binge my life away.

I enjoy seeing all the cool inventions and businesses the people of Canada have. There's so many incredible entrepreneurs and I was blown away by how many vegan or vegan-friendly companies entered the den, many of which got deals from the Dragons too. Since I am the self-titled queen of lists, I thought I'd make a list of all the companies from seasons 9 through 14 that offer plant-based and cruelty-free goodies.

     


     
  1. YamChops- Toronto based vegan butcher shop was featured and they wowed the Dragon's with their plant meats and won a deal with Jim (owner of Boston Pizza) but they decided not to execute the deal. If you're in Toronto visit their business there but they also sell their vegan chicken at fast food franchise WokBox.
  2. Nona Vegan Foods- Creator of cheesy vegan sauces. The Dragon's didn't bite on this deal but Nona is still growing strong regardless. You can find Nona at natural food retailers nationwide.
  3. Newton's No Gluten- Family run business that creates bread and dessert mixes without the 7 common allergens. No gluten, peanuts, soy, eggs, dairy or tree nuts. Their mixes are also vegan-friendly. Newton's didn't make a deal with the Dragon's but can be found in many stores across Ontario.
  4. Happy Pop's- All natural popsicles that are naturally dairy-free and vegan. Happy Pop's landed a deal with the Dragons so I'm sure we will be seeing them nationwide soon! Currently in stores across Ontario.
  5. Grace & Stella Co.- Pamper yourself with the cruelty-free and vegan skin and hair care products from Grace & Stella. A Vancouver based beauty company landed a deal with the Dragons. You can order their products through their website.
  6. Smart Sweets- Wanna enjoy some sweet treats without all that artificial or added sugar? Smart Sweets  has you covered and are sweetened with natural Stevia. They also have a high fibre content, have no added artificial colours and free of common allergens.  The entire product line is NOT fully vegan but 3 of the 5 are which is pretty impressive. Smart Sweets got a deal with the Dragons and can be found at many local retailers include Bulk Barn.
  7. Oat-Deal- A company from Saskatchewan using the power of oats to enhance smoothies, hot or cold drinks to add extra protein, probiotics and nutrients. They made a successful deal with the Dragons. You can order their products online with free shipping Canada.
  8. Bad Monkey Popcorn- Quebec popcorn company landed a deal with the Dragons but apparently after the show they decided to go with another investor. They make vegan popcorn in varieties such as dill, ketchup, nacho cheese and caramel. You can find their products at big retailers such as Winners. Note: Their website states all their products are vegan but I found one at Winners that wasn't. Not sure what that is about but read labels. 
  9. The Green Moustache- Whistler based vegan organic juice bar and eatery faced the Dragons and won a deal with vegetarian Dragon Manjit. If you're in the Whistler area check out their restaurant.
  10. Nomz- Vegan energy ball company didn't land a deal with the Dragons but you can still order their gluten-free balls on their website with free shipping on all orders. They also have a vegan ice cream on the market too.
  11. Fatso Peanut Butter- If you are looking for healthy all natural peanut butter, check out Fatso. They stole the show and got a deal from the Dragons. Their products are vegan, gluten-free and keto and comes in cocoa and salted caramel flavours, yum! You can find their products at many health food stores across the country including many here in the HRM.
  12. Welo- Creators of probiotic bars and drinks snatched a deal from the Dragons. Their products are vegan, gluten-free and come in a variety of tasty flavours, and of course they are good for your tummy. You can find their products at many retailers including Loblaws and Sobeys stores.
  13. Pur Gum- I've been a huge fan of Pur for many years! They make awesome aspartame and sugar-free, vegan gums and mints. They made a deal with Dragons Jim and Arlene. You can find Pur all over the place including big retailers and grocery stores.
  14. BioSecrets- This 100% Argan oil beauty company scored a deal in the den with this pure cruelty-free, vegan oil. Perfect for hair, body and face.You can order straight from the website.
  15. Nova Scotia Fisherman- A couple of entrepreneurs from my neck of the woods who create skincare infused with sea kelp. Their products are cruelty-free but NOT all vegan, as they do use beeswax. However, their lotions and (most of) their soaps are vegan-friendly. They didn't make a deal with the Dragons but here in Nova Scotia you can find their products all over. You're able to order from their website as well.
  16. Tutti Gourmet- This gluten-free company got a deal with Dragon Arlene but from what I read online it didn't work out. Even so, you can find their products in retailers such as Winners and healthfood shops. Their biscotti is NOT vegan but their crackers and bites are.
  17. Naked Coconuts- Vancouver based company sells a line of coconut products, such as oil, energy balls and sauces. They are all vegan, gluten and soy free. They didn't get a deal with the Dragons but you can order their products online and find them in select retailers.
  18. Holy Crap- High fibre, gluten-free, vegan and organic healthy cereal. They visited the Den twice, not impressing the judges the first time around but they ended up being a huge success, so when they came back to the Dragons, they were ready to invest! You can find Holy Crap at many mainstream stores or order from their website.
  19. It's Not Bacon (Everyday Superfoods)- Vegan coconut bacon company faced the Dragons and won a deal with Michele. It comes in 5 flavours and can be found at health food and grocery stores across the country.
  20. SunCoat- Vegan, cruelty-free water-based nail polish and non-toxic makeup brand took on the Dragons and made a deal with Michael. You can order their products on their website or find them in health food stores and select retailers.
  21. Fiasco Gelato- Although their gelato is not vegan-friendly, they offer a line of sorbetto's that are! They made a deal with Jim and you can find their products at most mainstream grocery stores across the country including Sobeys.
  22. Walton Wood Farm- Cruelty-free beauty company that offers bath soaks, lotions, body and hair care and more. They offer many vegan products but some do contain beeswax so read your labels. They made a deal with the Dragons and you can order their products from their website or search to find a retailer near you.
  23. Grind Bar- Organic, vegan, gluten-free CBD infused energy bar company didn't get a deal from the Dragons. You can find their bars through online retailers.
  24. Truly Turmeric-So definitely not vegan specific but I really liked the sound of this product. Turmeric paste, mixed with coconut oil, salt and lime juice. Turmeric is known for its health benefits including as an anti-inflammatory. They landed a deal with the Dragons and you can order their products online or find them at health food stores locally.
  25. Lotus Liners- I've been using reusable pads for years and although they can seem intimidating at first, they are so much better for you, the environment and your pocket book. They also make periods a lot more comfortable. Lotus Liners got a deal with the Dragons and you can buy online or find it at select retailers.
  26. Wilder Harrier- Dog food company trying to take on the sustainability issues with conventional dog food. The company's main focus is cricket based foods for dogs but they also have a vegan dog biscuit made with seaweed. They snatched up a deal with the Dragons and can be ordered on their website or found at select pet stores across Canada.
  27. The Very Good Butchers- Vegan butchery shop hailing from Victoria faced the Dragons and won with their animal-free meats. The Dragons were extremely impressed with their vegan fare. They ship from their website and are carried in retailers in BC and Alberta.
  28. ReMIXed- A new healthy and vegan snack made with wholesome ingredients such as beans, dark chocolate and apple. They got a deal with the Dragons and it can be purchased on their website and retailers in Montreal and Toronto.
  29. Almondia- A new almond milk that is more sustainable as the almonds come from Spain and contains more almonds than your regular almond milk. The Dragons passed on this deal and so far I think their milks are only in Ontario but hopefully they will expand nationwide in the future.
  30. Loop Juice- Juice company creating raw cold pressed juices but what makes Loop different is they get imperfect produce that may otherwise be wasted and turn it into delicious beverages. Naturally vegan. They got a deal in Den and you should be able to find their juice is your local supermarket, including Sobeys.
  31. My Ramen- Vegan ramen that comes in 3 flavours, salt, soy sauce or miso. No MSG and a much healthier alternative to traditional ramen. The Dragons didn't go for it but you can order on their website.
  32. Tuesdays In Love- Water permeable nail polish, cosmetics and skincare that is Halal, vegan, cruelty-free and organic. They got a deal with the Dragons and you can order from their online store.
  33. Evive- A new way to have your morning smoothie. Evive creates smoothie cubes that you simply pop in a jar, let thaw and then shake for a healthy and easy preparation. They come in multiple flavour combinations and they also offer ones with vegan protein powders. They landed a deal with the Dragons and you can buy their products on their website or in Quebec retailers. I am sure they will become nationwide soon. 
  34. Eve's Crackers- If you're looking for a healthier cracker to snack on, Eve's offers a gluten-free, keto and vegan alternative. They landed a deal with Arlene but later backed out.
  35. Cheekbone Beauty- I was super impressed by this cosmetic brand which is Indigenous owned and helps Indigenous youth feel heard through education programs. They are also a cruelty-free and completely vegan company, as well as offering environmentally products, such as their less waste lipsticks. They turned down a deal with the Dragon's but I see a bright future for Cheekbone.
  36. Unscented Company- If you are scent-sensitive and have a hard time finding good products, Unscented Company is an awesome option for you. Their products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. They offer everything from laundry soap, hair care, lotion and dish tabs. After appearing on the Den, they got a deal with Canadian Tire!
  37. Good Food for Good- Looking to decrease your sugar-intake? Good Food for Good makes ketchup, BBQ sauces and cooking sauces with no added sugar. They are also vegan, keto and paleo, organic and gluten-free. Also every time you buy a bottle they donate a meal through local food banks. They also landed a deal with the Dragons!
  38. Unbelts- Ethically made, vegan belts and also very stylish and claimed to be very comfortable.
  39. Norden- If you are looking for ethical, sustainable and vegan outerwear, Norden has stylish coats for the winter and fall. They use plastic bottles that they turn into fabric!
  40. Nomad Nutrition- Are you a camper or hiker? This fully vegan dehydrated meal company is truly something I'm happy to see in this market since it's not easy to find these types of meals for vegans.
  41. Happy Gut- Fermented products are all the rage these days. Happy Gut offers water kefir grains kits that you can do from home.

I can't wait to see what new seasons of Dragons Den will offer. I am certain we will see even more vegan companies in the future.

Wednesday, 14 September 2016

The Battle of the Vegan Deodroants

 Vegan and Cruelty-free Deodorant

Still one of the biggest complaints I get from people is finding a vegan and cruelty-free deodorant they like and really works. I feel like there is 2 main components to a good deodorant.; the ability to apply the deodorant easily and smoothly and of course, the overall effectiveness of it. So I wanted to give my opinions on the many different brands I have tried and my experience with each. If I try new ones in the future, I will also add them to this list. Hopefully this will be effective in helping people find what works for them. We have to remember what works for one person, may not work for everyone. We are all made up of different chemicals and our bodies are all very different. It's also important to remember that natural deodorant are NOT antiperspirants, as those involve nasty chemicals, such as aluminum. It is natural to sweat even if it is uncomfortable for us, it's HEALTHY. Natural deodorants can still be very effective however and here are my results.

First number is for effectiveness, second is for the application quality. 

3-1 Minimo- I received this, along with a couple other items, from the creator for a YouTube review. The formula has changed since I got it, so everyone please keep this in mind. The new formula may be way better. The one I tried was extremely rough on the skin, so much so that I only used it a couple times and couldn't take it anymore. I have extremely sensitive armpits and it was hurting them badly. It also was extremely white and left a bad residue. However, I did find it fairly effective considering. I would like to eventually try the new formula in hopes of better results.


4-4 Kiss My Face- This tends to be my go to drugstore brand for deodorant. It's been tried and true for many years. It goes on smooth, clear and is also very effective for me. Kiss My Face has a few styles of their deodorants including a roll-on and stick. I prefer the stick but I do like their roll-on one as well. The scents are really nice too.


3-4 Jason- This is another trusted drugstore brand. Not quite as effective as the Kiss My Face but I do still like it but you will most likely have to reapply a couple times a day. They come in lovely scents and go on smooth.


3-5 Lavanila- I decided to try the Lavanila deodorant after my best friend told me it is her favourite. The coconut that I had smells fantastic and it's probably the nicest deodorant to apply. So smooth and easy. My only issue was that it wasn't super effective for me and I did have to reapply during the day. A stronger scent may resolve that.



1-1 Me & You Body- I hate having to say this since this is a small independent company out of BC but honestly, it was terrible all around for me. Way too rough to apply and also not effective. Sorry Me & You body. :(


4-2 Lafes- I actually got this deodorant for my husband but decided to try it for myself. Hubby said that he did find it to work quite well, for me it worked okay, not fantastic. But my biggest complaint was application. A bit rough and sticky which I didn't enjoy.


2-4 Nutribiotic- Effectiveness with Nutribiotic was not great but I did love the scent and application was very smooth and easy to apply. 

5-5 Rustic Maka- Second place for favourite deodorant has to be the Pachy by Rustic Maka. I received this as a free product to review and I fell in love. The scent is amazing, smooth application and it worked wonders. Fresh all day without having to reapply.




3-4 Crystal Deodorant- Tried and true Crystal deodorant is such a unique product and one of the first deodorants I used when I went vegan. My mother actually used it before I knowing that aluminum is so bad for us. My mother switched after having a lump in her breast and has never gone back. I give effectiveness a 3 cause I do normally have to reapply during the day but overall, you'd be surprised how well a crystal rock can work. They also have it in roll-on and spray methods now and that's even better! I really like using it between applications of other deodorants and I also keep a small crystal in my purse. I don't mind any of the methods but could see some people not liking them. It's definitely not like traditional deodorants which could be difficult to get used to.




2-3 Nature's Gate- Application of the Nature's Gate deodorant is not bad but I didn't find it overly effective. They do have nice scents and many of their other products are great.


1-2 Green Beaver- Green Beaver is a fantastic Canadian company but they fell short on the deodorant game. I found application sticky and the effectiveness bad. I had to reapply multiple times per day and the scents are nice but not strong enough.




3-3 Desert Essence- If you've followed me on YouTube at all, you know how much I love Desert Essence. Their hair care products are by far my favourite. The deodorant they make smells amazing but works just okay. Application is pretty smooth.


1-2 EO Organics: Not only did I not particularly enjoy the spray aspect, as it creates wet armpits that you need to let dry before putting a shirt on. It also didn't work well for me. :(



2-1 Hugo Naturals: I picked up a couple of their deodorants on sale. Unfortunately, I didn't care for them. The application is really rough going on and it's not all that effective either.


2-5 Nature Love: The scent was wonderful and application was really smooth but the effectiveness was not so great. I had to reapply at least a couple times a day.



3.5-5 Alaffia: Nice fresh scent and smooth application. Fairly effective as well. Sometimes I need to reapply closer to the end of the day.



3-5 Live Clean: I love the baby powder scent and how smooth the application is but I do find I need to reapply a couple times a day. I love that it's mainstream though and can be found at places like Walmart.

1-4 Natural Care: Smells lovely and applies smooth but is not very effective against odor. I have to reapply a couple times a day.



4-2 PurelyGreat:  I've used the citrus cream deodorant. It has a nice scent, simple ingredients and does work fairly well and is long lasting. My biggest complaint is the application as it's a bit messy but you do get used to it. Stir, stir, stir!
5-4 Habitat Botanicals: I got their promotional deal of 5 of their products for 12 dollars. I love the deodorant. It smells lovely and so far I've been finding it really affective. Application is rougher than I'd like but not terrible. The thing I think is the coolest about their products is the fact they are compostable and biodegradable packing, as well as being cruelty-free and vegan. 


5-5 Schmidt's: Probably my favourite deodorant I have used. Super effective, smells amazing and the application is smooth. It is nice too cause you can purchase them at mainstream stores like Walmart now. 
2-5 Pink House Organics: Vancouver based skin care company. Their pit potion goes on smooth and has a lovely scent but I do have to reapply at least once a day. Sadly it's not long lasting. 


5-5 Attitude: Smells wonderful and is super effective. Goes on smooth and lasts me the whole day. Love that it comes in biodegradable packaging as well. 

Rating system: 
Not affective 1____3____5 Very affective
 Effectiveness

Rough 1____3____5 Smooth
  Application

 Want a detailed review of even more natural deodrants? Check out my friends over at Review.com who handtested 23 natural deodorants. Click here.


Monday, 25 July 2016

Vegan Guide to the Yukon

 I lived in the Yukon from 2008 to 2013 and also visited again in 2016, so while it's hard for me to keep a completely accurate list, I do hope this can assist anyone who may be travelling to the territory. I was shocked to see how much veganism had grown there when I returned but I also went vegan when I lived there and didn't struggle to eat, so I tell people if I could do it living in an isolated Northern community, anyone can! It may seem like a strange place to be vegan but with the high concentration of tourists, I think there is a demand for vegan options. Veganism is growing everywhere and that's something to smile about. :) If anyone knows of more options in the Yukon territory, please email me here.

Vegan Guide to the Yukon Territory


Whitehorse: 

Where to eat: 

The Kind Cafe: Vegetarian cafe offers plant-based milk options, vegan protein powder, smoothies, breakfast and lunch bowls and desserts.

Alpine Bakery
: 
The Yukon's only ALL vegetarian spot. They offer an assortment of vegan milk alternatives for drinks, vegan cheesecake, pizza and other offerings daily. I have noticed a couple items saying vegan when they have honey in them so watch for that. The also stock some pantry type items. Of course their bread and stuff is normally vegan as well. They do not use eggs at all. I feel sad that I didn't go here more often when I lived in the Yukon.

Baked Cafe: They have daily soups and one is always vegan. They have vegan muffins, soy or almond milk for drinks. I recommend getting there early if you want food though cause their cases clear out really quickly.

Big Bear Donair:
They offer vegan falafel and great service!

Gold Pan Saloon: Food menu is pub food and mostly non-veg but has one black bean veggie burger, a veggie pizza, and salads. Ask which can be veganized.

Pickapeppa: Jamaican cuisine. All the vegetarian options are also vegan.

Sanchez Cantina: Mexican restaurant with vegan options.

Asahiya: Japanese restaurant with vegan gyoza, avocado rolls, tofu and daikon rolls and kappa. Willing to provide vegan accommodation on most vegetarian options. 

Wood Street Ramen: Offers miso vegan ramen, edamame and sweet chili tofu bowl.

Golden Sakura: Japanese restaurant that has dishes that can be made vegan when ordering. 

Antoinette's Restaurant: Has marked vegan options, such as vegan aloo curry, mixed fruit in ginger coconut cream, lentil dahl and papaya winter rolls. 

Sourdoughnuts:  Pre-order or find them at the Fireweed market. Offers rotating vegan options.


Where to shop:  

Superstore: Superstore has been fully renovated since I lived in the Yukon. They offer a much larger natural section with many vegan options.

Super A: Has quite a few vegan convenience foods, including ones I can't even get in Nova Scotia. Look for Gardein, Daiya and many other vegan brands.

Riverside: Huge selection of vegan options, prices are high on some stuff but they by far have the biggest selection of convenience foods and cruelty-free beauty products.

Bigway: Surprised to see Bigway even carrying more vegan products including Daiya cheese, Coconut Bliss, Enjoy Life products and more.

The Fruit Stand: Seasonal fruit stand with produce and other packaged items. 

Yukon Asian Market:  Sells vegan frozen and dry goods, including vegan seafood and meats, buns, dumplings and much more. 

Yukon Mart: Global food market offering exotic foods from around the world.

Dawson City: Most things in Dawson are seasonal so please be aware that things may be closed during the winter. 

Bonton & Company: Meat and cheese shop but they do offer plant based milk for coffee drinks. 

Annabelle's Noodle House: Asian noodle house that offers veggies and tofu for dishes like curry and pad Thai. Specify no egg or fish/oyster sauce. 

Red Mammoth Bistro: cafe that has plant based milk. 

Riverwest Bistro: Offers plant based milk options for drinks and has a falafel wrap or Beyond burger for food options. 

Pan of Gold: Pub that offers vegetarian options which can be made vegan upon request including the Beyond burger, subs and pizza.

Carcross: 

Caribou Crossing Coffee:  The daily soup is always vegan and depending on the time of day they have vegan baked goods, such as muffins and also has almond and soy milk for drinks.

Haines Junction: 

Village Bakery: Bakery and cafe that offers vegan lasagna, stuffed peppers, tofu rice paper wraps, pizza and more. They also sell Endangered Species chocolate bars. Staff was great help on pointing out vegan options. Open May through September 1st only.

The Little Green Apple: Small grocery store that carries fresh produce and health foods.

Caribou Coffee in Carcross, YT


Monday, 29 February 2016

OSEA Skincare Review


Have you been looking for good quality skincare products that are also cruelty-free and vegan? Look no further because OSEA has got you covered. In 2002, OSEA ( Ocean, Sun, Earth, and Atmosphere) signed the Compact for Global Production of Safe Health and Beauty Products. Being an industry leader, the first to sign, they lead the path that over 1000 companies followed to also phase out the use of toxic chemicals in all beauty products.

OSEA products are and have always been free of:
• Animal By-Products
• Genetically Modified Ingredients
• Gluten
• Nanomaterials
• Parabens
• PEG Compounds
• Petrochemicals
• Petroleum
• Phthalates
• Sulfates
• Synthetic Color
• Synthetic Fragrance


100% NATURAL DERIVED INGREDIENTS: Aqua, *Macrocystis Extract, Decyl Glucoside (Vegetable Foaming Agent), Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, *Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Cocoglucoside & Coconut Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Essential Oils of: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf (Tea Tree) Oil and Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf (Rosemary) Oil and Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil and Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil and Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Vaccinium Mytillus (Bilbery) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonium (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharinium (Sugar Maple) Extract, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (Natural Smectite Clay), Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract (and) Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract (and) Aqua *CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENT

I am simply thrilled to have been given the opportunity to review OSEA's products. They have been a company I have been eyeing for quite sometime since I have high respect for a company that stays true to their ethics and leave toxic chemicals, as well as animals out of their products and of course do so without testing on animals.

OSEA has given me the opportunity to try 3 of their products and I am excited to share my thoughts with you. 

Ocean Cleansing Mudd: I have this strange love with clays, mudds and basically any sort of product that contains ingredients from the earth. Being someone who has struggled with acne for years, these mudds, clays, etc. from mother earth have helped my skin tremendously. The Ocean Cleansing Mudd was an instant hit with me right from the first application. It gives your skin a little bit of a tingle and cooling sensation leaving me feeling refreshed and clean. It has a lovely minty scent that I just love. You don't need to use a lot either, a couple small pumps and a little water goes a long way. Massage your skin in a circular motion and voila, clean and ready to go! Perfect for daily use with acne/oily prone skin. I always notice an instant glow to my skin after application.


100% NATURALLY DERIVED INGREDIENTS: AQUA, ALGAE EXTRACT*, COCO CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE (Vegetable Glycerides), MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA (Macadamia) SEED OIL*, SORBITAN OLIVATE (Emulsifier from Olive Oil), CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE (Corn & Coconut Glucolipid), BUTYROSPERMUM (Shea Butter)​ PARKII​*​, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED (Jojoba) OIL*, PERSEA GRATISSIMA (Avocado) OIL*, TOCOPHEROL (Vitamin E), CALENDULA EXTRACT, L-LYSINE LAUROYL METHIONINE (Amino Acid from Plants), XANTHAN GUM, LAMINARIA ALGAE EXTRACT, ​​GINKGO BIL​OBA​ ​LEAF EXTRACT, ​​CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER EXTRACT*, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (Lavender) OIL*, PELARGONIUM (Geranium) GRAVEOLENS, MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE (Natural Smectite Clay), CITRUS GRANDIS (Grapefruit) PEEL OIL*, POTASSIUM SORBATE, GLYCINE *CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENT

Atmosphere Protection Cream: I haven't been a huge fan of moisturizers for awhile now. Most leave my skin heavy and almost filmy, which tends to make way for excess oil which leads to breakouts. But, this cream, is AMAZING! It's super light and breathable and has not caused me any extra oil. I still don't use it daily but every couple of days is perfect for me. Perfect for dryer skin types. Can also be blended with your foundation for added protection. It leaves my skin smooth and healthy.

100% Natural Derived Ingredients: *Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, *Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Thuja Occidentalis (Cedar Leaf) Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, *Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, *Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom Seed), Tocopherol (Vitamin E) *Certified Organic Ingredient

Essential Hydrating Oil: This is the only item I haven't used that much. I have times where my skin is dry but lately it has been more oily so haven't needed to use this very much. This is perfect for dry, aging or sun damaged skin. Easy application with a roll on applicator, which is fantastic and perfect for travel or keeping in your purse for quick touch-ups. I will be keeping this close for those dry days. 




I really love that they included a guide for different skin types to let you know how often products should be used.

OSEA's products are top quality. You can really feel the difference on your skin. This is what high quality products should be. No chemicals, no preservatives, only healthy rich natural ingredients. All vegan and cruelty-free.

Thank you OSEA for sharing these with me. 

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