Necessary News: Some updates to Icky Institutions list

Hi all!

I have made some changes to the Icky Institutions list originally posted on this site (the second entry written, posted in October 2009). Unfortunately, I have done further research and discovered that some companies I thought - and have promoted on this site - were cruelty free are not. For example, although Burt's Bees claims not to test on animals, it is actually owned by Clorox, which is well-known for its animal testing habits. So by purchasing Burt's Bees products you are still, ultimately, funding the giant that owns them - and that is one big, cruel giant.

Some other stunners were revealed to me - Estee Lauder and MAC, for example. And people, DON'T be distracted by The Body Shop's once animal-saving message! It has been bought out by L'Oreal and its products are no longer free from animal testing.

Science Diet, a pet food, was bought by Colgate-Palmolive, which tests its products on animals and everyone knows about IAMS and its outrageous animal testing facilities - and these are pet foods!

Of course I am here to blog about cosmetics and fashion, but let me add one more note: I often editorialize on magazine fashion and beauty features in my posts. I tend not to discriminate when it comes to choosing magazines to feature, as most of them are advertising-driven and will almost never ban a product or company from its pages. That being said, I will NEVER EVER support or editorialize or promote or comment on any feature from the pages of VOGUE magazine. Anna Wintour is one of the worst perpetrators of fur promotion in the fashion industry and unfortunately, for some who-knows-what reason, she is respected (or, more likely, feared but still - think of Hitler - the effect is often the same) so people listen to her. I don't. But some do. So for that reason, I won't touch that magazine with a 10-foot pole.

Take a look at the lists and try to remember it's not all doom and gloom - I have also discovered some lines that don't test on animals that I have also added to the Caring Companies list, so please peruse that and see what product lines you can support and use to replace those items you have abandoned knowing the truth behind their creation.

Stay glamorous but most of all, stay guiltless.

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

Guiltless Goodies: Wardrobe staples from an elegant Caring Company!

Hi all!

SHAPE Magazine featured an article on essential clothing staples a while ago, and I am revisiting its lists in this post to showcase suggestions for products that fulfill each of the magazine's recommended 'staples' (for the original magazine article, click here).

This post features products from TULLE clothing line (leather- and fur-free) as well as other vegan and fur-free lines/stores. TULLE is a line I have recently discovered that features cruelty-free products at reasonable prices and with a classic design (making it the ideal line to represent wardrobe classics!). For more on TULLE visit their website here and find out about the company's cruelty-free policy in my post here.

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

The Basics
1. Classic trench
A basic belted trench is versatile and comes in a variety of fabric and colour options. To avoid looking like a secret agent: Choose a well-tailored option that hits right at (or below) the knee for a polished look.

Canvas trench, $93 reduced to $37.20 (tulle4us.com)

2. Sexy bikini
The most flattering two-piece is one that's not too skimpy; pick a halter or bandeau top with a hipster bottom for just enough coverage. Or play up curves and make legs look longer in a one-piece suit with a high-rise cut.

Ombre leopard triangle top, $29, and string bottom, $20, victoriassecret.com

3. Stylish pair of flats
Give your feet a well-deserved break; try a knockout colour like red. Heels aren't the only way to fancy up your feet. From preppy-casual to peep-toe sexy, you'll love the way the right flats look with jeans, dresses and trousers.

zoe&zac Snapdragon ballet flats, $19.99, payless.com

4. Sophisticated white shirt
Think of a white button-up blouse as your upper body's version of black pants - it's versatile enough to wear anywhere, with almost anything. Pair it over a bikini for a weekend getaway or with your favourite pants for work.

Cotton sateen button-front shirt, $69, LizClaiborne.com

5. Cashmere sweater
Invest in a classic style in a statement-making, vibrant colour to brighten up your wardrobe. Cashmere is luxurious and versatile - you can wear it to the office, for an evening on the town or just chilling out at home.

Mitered V-neck Cable Cashmere, $475, RalphLauren.com

6. Sexy camisole
For a hint of sexiness and sophistication, wear this essential underpinning with a jacket or a cardigan. With several flattering styles from silky to lacy, it looks super-stylish on its own too.

Try a slip - you can still let the top peek through as a camisole: Slip, $33 reduced to $16.50, tulle4us.com

7. Slimming A-line skirt
From mid-thigh to knee-skimming or longer, a skirt with just enough volume to move with you is always feminine and fun.

Printed lawn flared skirt, $85 reduced to $34, tulle4us.com

8. Fabulous-fitting jeans
Whether faded or tailored, the right pair of jeans will make you feel super-sexy every minute.

Belle flare with flap - Spruce jeans, $175, WilliamRast.com

Career Must-Haves
9. Signature scarf
The right scarf can add instant impact to a suit or a crisp white shirt. Pick one in a bold colour or vivid pattern; tie it around your neck or onto your purse handle, or twist it and wear it as a simple, but vibrant belt.

Sky fashion scarf, $24.99, designed by Fran Whinnery, available at KittyGallery.com

10. Confidence-building suit
From boardroom to bistro, an up-to-date, well-fitting suit flatters any shape. And it offers endless style options: Wear blazer and pants with a blouse for that impress-everyone meeting; pair the pants with a crisp white shirt and cashmere sweater for everyday; or ad a camisole to the suit (along with a sexy pair of heels) for that evening event.

Lightweight wool blazer and straight pant, $198 for jacket, $98 for pants, BananaRepublic.com

11. Sophisticated belt
A well-crafted faux leather belt looks polished and completes your look. Pair it over a long blouse, with a suit or to dress up a basic tank.

Truth "red planet" unisex belts, $52, truthbelts.com

12. Face-flattering shades
The easiest way to class up any outfit - for work or weekend - is with a super-classy (and UV-protective) pair of sunglasses. A general rule of thumb when shopping for the perfect fair: Rounded frames soften a square jaw line, square frames slim cheeks and rectangular frames add width and dimension to your face.

Annabel sunglasses, $108, TommyHilfiger.com

Evening Essentials
13. A clutch
Accessorize your evening wardrobe with a sleek, compact bag that's just big enough to hold your keys, cash and cell phone.

The Polo clutch, $42 reduced to $10, by Parapette (available in metallic white, ivory and brown), amazon.com

14. Strappy high heels
A pair of dressy-looking heels (silver, gold or black are always good choices) can be worn year-round to the office - as well as out on the town.

Bat shoes, only available through special order, MinkShoes.com

15. Basic black dress
Dazzle in a classic black cocktail dress with a sexy neckline. The look is simply stunning - now and for years to come.

Shimmer linen dress (available in BLACK also), $73 reduced to $29.20, tulle4us.com

Caring Companies: TULLE is a great new find!

Hi all!

When researching the use of fur in the companies included in FITNESS Magazine's Jacket Jackpot feature (which I blogged about here and which can be viewed in full here), I came across a design company I was not familiar with - maybe I'm behind the times, or perhaps they are brand new - but after emailing TULLE to find out what their policy is I was delighted when I received the below response. It seems that not only are they fur-free but also leather-free, so feel free to shop away at TULLE! I have updated the jacket post to include the TULLE jacket that FITNESS was showcasing and a post on the necessary wardrobe staples for every woman is upcoming, featuring all TULLE clothing!

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

TULLE's response:

No we do not use real fur or real leather.

Thanks!
T U L L E  .  C L O T H  L O G I C
Product@tulle4us.com

Caring Companies: LUSH comes up clean!

Hi all:

Lush Cosmetics have one of the strongest-smelling stores you'll ever enter, but once your nose adjusts, you won't need to worry about your conscience.

At www.lushusa.com, the company lays out all of its policies for the conscious consumer to appreciate. I have put them below for ease of reading! Let's all encourage Lush in its efforts to make our world better!

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

Our Core Beliefs

We believe in making effective products from fresh, organic* fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics.

We invent our own products and fragrances. We make them fresh by hand using little or no preservative or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients, and tell you when they were made.

We believe in buying ingredients only from companies that do not commission tests on animals and in testing our products on humans.

We believe in happy people making happy soap, putting our faces on our products and making our mums proud.

We believe in long candlelit baths, sharing showers, massage, filling the world with perfume and in the right to make mistakes, lose everything and start again.

We believe our products are good value, that we should make a profit and that the customer is always right.

* We also believe words like fresh and organic have honest meaning beyond marketing.

Guiltless Goodies: Fair Isle cardigans are yum for winter warmth

Hi all!

I love cardigans; they've always been a weakness. Living in the Caribbean, the one thing I do miss is the chance to wear these knits more often, but they are a staple when I travel. Wraps, scarves, pashimnas, cardigans ... but especially Fair Isle-print cardis.

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

Wear with leggings, a light turtleneck sweater underneath and knee-high boots a la Kate Hudson:

People Style Watch's November issue featured a few that were sported by celebs in recent months and I have featured a few from their selection plus a couple of my own below - all sold or made by fur-free retailers/designers. Wrap up with these Ideal Investments!

Eddie Bauer's "Owl Creek" merino wool-lambswool cardigan, $99 ($109 for tall version), eddiebauer.com:

The Gap's Fair Isle hooded sweater - for those of you who want the traditional type of sweater in this cozy hoodie, $98, gap.com:

Urban Outfitters Fair Isle cardigan (seen on Diane Kruger), urbanoutfitters.com:

Victoria's Secret Fair Isle cardigan on Vanessa Hudgens, victoriassecret.com:

Caring Companies: Everyday Minerals' make-up rocks!

Hi all!

Everyday Minerals provides quality, mineral make-up with a refreshing, cruelty-free outlook (see below for excerpts for their policies as a vegan line).

The best thing about this company? Try it out with sample sizes. The company is realistic: it knows that people aren't going to just abandon their current make-up products to try something new - especially a mineral make-up, which for many has the reputation of not being as potent in colour as some of the regular make-up - so it has offered low-cost make-up samples (you pay $5 plus shipping, or if you are placing an order anyway you get one free).

I love the Everyday Minerals lookbook - check it out for fresh, natural make-up ideas. I personally love the first and third ones!

Check out the link here and get ordering. If you don't want to commit to replacing all your make-up at least go for the basics - laying your base foundation or concealer with mineral make-up will ensure a healthier complexion in no time!

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

PRODUCTS

Cruelty Free & Vegan

We do not conduct animal testing on any of our products. To show our dedication to Animals, we have signed on with Peta.org to make sure that we continue to produce our products to this high standard. Please note that Everyday Minerals and Everyday Naturals only offers vegan products.

Brushes

We are proud to offer vegan bamboo handle brushes. Our brushes are super soft, we invite you to compare the price and quality of our brushes to others – they are simply, amazing for makeup application. The brush handles are made from bamboo, which is a renewable source and vegan synthetic bristles.

Nanotechnology

Everyday Minerals and Everyday Naturals products are free of nanotechnology, carmine, dimethicone, fragrance, animal by products, bismuth oxychloride, silicone and lake dyes. We are a vegan line and do not believe that the above ingredients should be included in any products.

Caring Companies: Expensive Elegance from fur-free designers

Hi all!

Sorry it's been a while since my last post - I had a long weekend away shopping (which gave me some great ideas for blog posts which will be upcoming shortly) but unfortunately when I got back I was struck with a bad stomach virus - no doubt from travelling - and have been pretty much out of commission since. I still am bed-ridden, but you can always type on a laptop in bed!

So while away one of the main malls we went to is the Dolphin Mall in Miami, a fantastic outlet mall where bargains are rife. However, heading into the Saks outlet store (Off 5th Avenue) I realised that with department stores and other retailers that sell multiple brands, it's important to go in armed with your list of safe designers, otherwise you'll easily get distracted - there are so many brands under one roof. In general I try to discourage department store shopping because they do, ultimately, sell fur and brands that incorporate fur because they sell so many brands. But, if you do need to shop at them, just make sure you make guiltless decisions by ignoring products made by designers who can't seem to distance cruelty from glamour (attention chief offender: Michael Kors, who is the reason I don't watch Project Runway anymore).

The designers listed below (their names are linked to their own websites) are all cruelty-free, so click away for guiltless glamour galore!

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

Ashley Paige
Ashley Watson
Bahar Shahpar
BCBG Max Azria group
BCBGeneration (part of the BCBG Max Azria group)
Benjamin Cho
Betsey Johnson
Calvin Klein
Charlotte Ronson
Cole Haan
Ed Hardy
Eddie Bauer
Gary Harvey
Guess?
Henri Bendel
Herve Leger (part of the BCBG Max Azria group)
Jay McCarroll
John Varvatos
Juicy Couture
Karen Walker
Katharine Hamnett
Kenneth Cole
Lara Miller
Lauren Conrad
Leanne Marshall (Project Runway season 5 winner - clearly did not emulate judge Michael Kors, thankfully!)
Linda Loudermilk
Liz Claiborne - please note, however, that Isaac Mizrahi, who has designed a discounted line of clothing for Liz Claiborne, DOES use fur in his designs
Lucky Brand Jeans
Mac & Jac
Malan Breton
Mango
Marc Bouwer
Matt and Nat
Nicole Miller
Olsen Haus - no leather either (vegan shoe line)
John Patrick - organic line
Paul Frank
Polo Ralph Lauren
Rebecca Beeson
Rebecca Taylor
Sheila Frank
Stella McCartney
Steve Madden
Stewart + Brown
Timberland
Todd Oldham
Tommy Hilfiger
Victoria Bartlett/VPL
William Rast

Caring Companies: Parapette has beautiful bags, and an animal- and eco-friendly standpoint

Hi all!

Parapette is a company dedicated to providing functional and fashionable options that are friendly to both animals and the environment - can you get much better than that?

Below is the blurb on Parapette's website that describes its ethos. See if you can find a fault with it - I can't! Then still below, take a look at my picks of Parapette's vegan purses, all available through Amazon.com.

From Parapette.com:
Originality – The designs are unique, functional and allow YOU to show your true style colors!
Intelligent Pricing – Seriously, who needs a ridiculously priced handbag? We know, that you know, there is SO much more you can do with that kind of cash. [Let the philanthropist in your soul soar!]
Plus there is no beating the tingling sensation we get when there is serious value for your money, right?
Vegan – Whether you choose to be vegetarian, vegan or neither, we believe that by giving YOU - our customer an option to purchase an animal-free accessory, we are contributing to the promotion and development of an animal free lifestyle - our way of being the change we want to see!
What about the Environment you ask? - Good question. Did you know that the UN’s latest report on global warming states that factory farming of animals is the single biggest contributor to greenhouse gases and therefore to global warming? Yes, more than all the hummers and concords out there in the world!
Aha! See, another solid reason to not use leather. We also choose to use PU leather as opposed to leather or PVC as it is the least pollutant of the three.

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

Called "The Dada", this bag is designed as a cross between a traditional doctor's bag and a 'sexy chic' urban bag. Retails for $45.00 through Amazon.com, see Parapette.com for more options.

Fantastic vegan hobo "The Aaks", $35.00 reduced from $45.00, available in black, preppy canvas and canary, from Amazon.com or details from Parapette.com.

 

Slim, tailored clutch, $30.00 reduced from $42.00, also available in prints, from Amazon.com, or details from Parapette.com.

Caring Companies vs. Icky Institutions: FITNESS award winners - who is safe?

Hi all:

Browsing through the October issue of FITNESS magazine, I came across a great feature: "Fitness beauty awards 2009's beauty all-stars" ... so, before getting excited and rushing out to buy every product it lists, I've done the research so that I can pass on the beauty winners who deserve their prize: those made by companies that refuse to test on animals.

I will post the winning products next but this post will list the companies included in the winners and what their stance is on animal testing.

YAY means go ahead - no animal testing here!
NAY means the company or its parent company does test on animals.

For further information, I have linked each company name to an actual web page, if available, which states its company's animal testing policy so you can read more information about it and decide if you want to buy in spite of or because of its policy.

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

Face Finds:
Olay - NAY (Procter & Gamble is parent company)
Biore - NAY (Kao Brands is parent company - click on link and search for Kao to see what the update is on Kao's animal testing)
Estee Lauder - NAY
Philosophy - YAY
Wet N Wild - YAY (no specific policy page on website but each product description says it is PETA-approved cruelty free) - please note that for human safety reasons and eco-friendly reasons, I personally recommend purchasing nail polishes that are formaldehyde free. So this is in support of Wet N Wild's other products, rather than its nail varnishes.
Clean & Clear - NAY (Johnson & Johnson is parent company)
Blistex - NAY

Complexion Correctors:
HydroPeptide - YAY (parent company is Azure Cosmeceuticals - click on name to view post with their response)
Michael Marcus - no information could be found on the company's website (www.michaelmarcus.com) and its Contact Us form does not work. Please comment if you know any information about this company's policies.
Boscia - YAY
RoC - NAY (Johnson & Johnson is parent company)
Clarins - YAY
La Roche-Posay - NAY (L'Oreal is parent company)

Best Base:
CoverGirl & Olay - NAY (Procter & Gamble is parent company of both)
Neutrogena - NAY (Johnson & Johnson is parent company)
Shiseido - NAY
Essie - YAY
N.Y.C. - YAY
Maybelline - NAY (L'Oreal is parent company)
Physicians Formula - YAY

Body and Sun Standouts:
Nivea - NAY (Beiesdorf is parent company)
Jergens - NAY (Kao Brands is parent company - click on link and search for Kao to see what the update is on Kao's animal testing)
Banana Boat - NAY (Playtex is parent company)
Sephora - YAY (PLEASE NOTE: This refers to Sephora Brand cosmetics, not all cosmetics sold from Sephora stores)
Aveeno - NAY (Johnson & Johnson is parent company)
Softsoap - NAY (Colgate is parent company)
Murad - YAY
Vaseline - NAY
Schick - NAY (Warner-Lambert is parent company)
C.O. Bigelow - YAY

Hair Helpers:
Pantene Pro-V - NAY (Procter & Gamble is parent company)
Neutrogena - NAY (Johnson & Johnson is parent company)
L'Oreal Paris - NAY (please note that not only does L'Oreal test on animals, but it bought The Body Shop, so The Body Shop - the pioneer of cruelty-free products - is now no longer safe to buy).
Nexxus - YAY
John Frieda - NAY (Kao Brands is parent company - click on link and search for Kao to see what the update is on Kao's animal testing)
Garnier Fructis - NAY (L'Oreal is parent company)

Workout Bag Winners:
Harajaku Lovers (by Gwen Stefani) - no information could be found about this product. Please comment if you know the manufacturer or any other details.
Fekkai - NAY (Procter & Gamble is parent company)
Smashbox Cosmetics - YAY
Degree - NAY (Unilever is parent company)
Ban - NAY (Kao Brands is parent company - click on link and search for Kao to see what the update is on Kao's animal testing)
mark - YAY (Avon is parent company)

For full feature check out www.fitnessmagazine.com. 

Guiltless Goodies: Forever 21 steals are Bargain Buys

Hi all!

Here are my picks from the Forever 21 site, focusing on tops and hot jackets and blazers for fall, with a couple of extras thrown in (ponchos anyone? boots? and, of course, a fabulous skirt).

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

P.S. Update: I totally came back from my Miami shopping trip with the teal V-neck dolman-sleeve top, whispy metaliic back cardigan and the gabardine blazer - they're all flattering cuts and look great on, not just on the Internet!

Take a look and enjoy the bargains! At these prices, you can buy more than one of everything.

Button tab slub top, $9.50, in burgundy (pictured), black, blue, navy and cream, Forever21.com

Fab plaid woven shirt, $12.50, in green (pictured), teal, black, navy and purple, Forever21.com

V-neck dolman sleeve top in teal only (pictured), $11.50, Forever21.com

Floral front dolman top, $22.80, Forever21.com

Front panel drape top, $19.80, Forever21.com

Sequin T-strap top, $24.80, Forever21.com

Whispy metallic back cardigan, $19.80, Forever21.com

H81 drape poncho, $16.90, Forever21.com

Gabardine blazer, $29.80, Forever21.com

Crinkled faux leather jacket, $39.80, Forever21.com

Velvet blazer, $27.80, Forever21.com

Satin tiered skirt, $19.80, Forever21.com

Dakota velvet boot, $30.80, in olive (shown here), brown and black, Forever21.com

Caring Companies: Forever 21 is safe!

Hi all!

Good news to all who love Forever 21 - like me. It's a fantastic source of low-cost dresses, swimsuits, tanks, tees and the accessories are fab. Here is what PETA had to say five years ago, when Forever 21 first made the switch to banning fur:

Forever 21 Drops Fur for Good!

In Late 2004, PETA2 asked you to take action against Forever 21 by writing to demand that the store stop selling clothing made of fur. The response from activists was overwhelming, and Forever 21 contacted us shortly after we called for a boycott of the chain to start negotiation talks. Following the day of action on Fur-Free Friday, we received a letter signed by Forever 21 Senior Vice President Lawrence H. Meyer stating that the company will remove all fur from its stores and will never sell it again.

Forever 21's commitment not to contribute in the future to cruelty to animals used and abused in the fur industry is the latest victory for animals in the fashion world. With this decision, Forever 21 joins retailers Topshop, Zara, and countless others that refuse to sell fur. Compassionate consumers who might otherwise decide not to patronize Forever 21 can rest assured that fur will never again be sold in its stores. We encourage you to let all your family and friends know about this exciting news and to write and call Forever 21 today to thank the company for taking a stand against cruelty to animals:

Don Chang, CEO
Forever 21, Inc.
2001 S. Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90058
1-800-966-1355
customerservices@forever21.com

You don't have to be cruel to be kind - and Forever 21 show that!

GiGi

Guiltless Goodies: Shop at Micio Mambo: It's Cool to be Kind

Hi all!

MicioMambo.com is a fab online boutique which features products in a range of categories - all of which are made without cruelty. Below are some of my favourite picks from the site.

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

Made from pure, natural and organic soy wax, these candles are sootless and biodegradable. A portion of each candle sold is donated to charities selected by the company's employees and customers. No animal testing involved.  

DIRT Soy Candles (choice of 7 scents), $24, MicioMambo.com

Nail polish made without formaldehyde, toluene or pthalates - good for you as well as the environment!

Beauty Without Cruelty nail polishes, $10.95 each, MicioMambo.com

Faux leather upper on this wedge sandal as well as faux precious stones:

CL by Laundry summer flats with faux stones, $40, MicioMambo.com

A great 4-inch heel black strappy sandal for evening, made with faux black patent:

Strappy black sandal, $48, MicioMambo.com


If you're all about the new crocodile-print effect, the next two items are for you. One can even go inside the other :).

Faux croc passport and ticket wallet, $32, MicioMambo.com

Faux croc retro bag, $72, MicioMambo.com

This day satchel comes in black or white, so buy both and choose according to your mood!

Shiraleah day satchel, $55, MicioMambo.com

Guiltless Goodies: AVON beauty buys are Bargain Buys!

Hi all!

AVON's make-up items are one of its best-kept secrets. However, with spokesmodels like Lauren Conrad (for its mark line) and Reese Witherspoon, its make-up probably won't be secret for long. It always surprises me because, at the prices you pay for it, I always expect it to be fairly low-quality. And yet, as I said before, the brow pencil is one of my make-up bag must-haves (I included it below in case anyone was curious).

See my fave picks from the newest catalogue below. I haven't tried all of these but some of them look too cool not to feature!

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

This eyeshadow glides on cool with a smooth applicator but lasts for hours. Looks super cool! The shades are beautiful too - try Waterfall for a crisp blue or Bronze for a flattering-for-every-eye-colour shade.

Perfect Wear Extra-lasting Powder Eyeshadow, in bronze, champagne, coral beat, mocha, pearl, soft mint, steel, sunshine and waterfall, $8, Avon.com

I'm not one of those people who ever really looks for a mascara to thicken or curl my lashes - thicken? What's the point? I never understood that. And as for curling - well, isn't that what eyelash curlers are for? No, I always want them to make them unbelievably long. And that's something this mascara claims to do (it says they can look up to 65% longer) - but please note, I haven't tried this one myself...YET...

Astonishing lengths mascara in brown, brown-black or black, $7.50, AVON.com

These next two products make at-home manicures a breeze...though note that the corrector pen doesn't last too long. I LOVE the smell of the quick dry spray though, don't ask me why! (It works great too!)

Nail Experts liquid freeze quick dry spray, $6, Avon.com

Nail Experts Neat Nails nail enamel corrector pen, $6, Avon.com

Back on the topic of mascara, this new Avon product (I haven't tried it) looks perfect for those rushed morning mascara jobs which leave more of it on your eyelids than your eyelashes...

MistakeProof Mascara, $9.50, Avon.com

I just thought these were a great idea - you can never have too many nail files lying around and how cute are they for gift tags for the holiday season? Plus, at this introductory price they really could be gift tags...

Gift tag nail files, $0.99 each for a limited time (regularly $1.99), Avon.com

And saving my favourite product for last, it is my can't-live-without brow liner. It sounds like such a simple product but it's actually remarkably hard to find a brow liner that will give you an accurate shade while not being too heavy or too light. Obviously-drawn-on or filled-in brows are never a good look. This one gives just the right amount of pigment. Myself, I use the dark brown shade but there are lighter and darker shades for those who need them. Heck, at this low price, buy all shades and experiment till you find your best match. Maybe it's blending two together?

Ultra Luxury brow liner in blonde, light golden brown, dark brown and soft black, $5, Avon.com