Gratitude Beauty: My Favorite Color Cosmetics for Gifting, Receiving, and Glowing Compliments (Or, Colors of Gratitude in Action)

Green beauty is so much fun! It allows us to play, create, celebrate & express ourselves in so many powerful ways.
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I love green beauty! Not unlike a truffle pig, I enjoy unearthing precious delights of mind-body care. It's of utmost importance to me that the products I allow into my space are both high-performing and cruelty-free; effective and organic; sophisticated and vegan/beegan. You shouldn't settle for anything less than what genuinely thrills you, and that includes color cosmetics. I've curated a collection of some of my favorite green beauty treats that I've (repeatedly) purchased. You know something's fabulous when you put your money where your beauty is. And these goodies are magnificent for gifting and receiving. Hugs & kisses guaranteed.

100% Pure: Ah, their lip products are exceptional! Ultra-pure, beautiful, convenient. Lip Glaze is their version of a lipstick. The texture's creamy without being shapeless; the colors are naturally rich; the smell is pure & luscious. Some of my favorite colors are "Fig," a genius mauve; "Cherry," a tantalizing, instantly uplifting, and wearable pinkish red; and dewdrop "Raspberry," a sheer glee red with a gelee-like consistency (all the others are full-coverage creamy). Pure's Lip Glosses are the crown jewels of glosses in my book. Of course, the ingredients are superb; the colors range from sheer reds to more opaque pinks and mauves. Delightful.

Ilia Beauty: If you're wanting bold color, look no further. Ilia's Lipstick comes in a variety of impactful shades & sophisticated packaging. "Ink Pot" is my all-time favorite; you can build it up to an intense deep violet. If you're going for saturated color but not a full-blown gala mouth, a couple swipes will have you feeling even more cool & chic than you already are. Ilia's Multi Stick makes for a fabulous, long-lasting cream blush. "Put a Spell on Me" is a glorious tangerine that looooves warm skin tones. When I'm feeling extra fancy I like to dab a wee bit of the cool pink called "Tenderly" on the apples of my cheeks. Voilà, the axes of the color world have shifted.

Tata Harper: Tata's Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tints have quickly become adored staples in my routine. Tata made them so of course they're skin care with a French kiss of color. "Very Sweet," a soft peach with a sophisticated luminescence, works magically both as subtle blush and highlighter. Her new holiday duo "Very Nice" (matte sculpting nude) and "Very Naughty" (vibrant glossy red) is a must-have. You're welcome. Eagerly anticipating the Tata Bronzer now.

RMS Beauty: I've used RMS' Living Luminizer for a number of years. While I've test-driven other highlighters, this one is the pinnacle miracle to glowing cheekbones. Get it, you'll love it. Another RMS product I'm fond of is Un-Powder. The name says it all: it'll keep your complexion fresh and brings down the shine in the areas you want without looking as if you just ran through a lumber mill. Instead, it feels like silky petal powder air-brushed on by fairies. Finally, their Lip Shine is very comfortable to wear, lives up to its name and also comes in the signature RMS frosted glass pots. "Sacred" celebrates goddessdom in a juicy drench of watermelon pink. "Royal" packs an unexpected punch of cosmic lavender which provides a refined edge. Now if they came in a lipstick format they'd be ideal for hygienic on-the-go application.

W3ll People: Hallelujah! Their Expressionist Mascara is the best mascara I've ever come across.

Tatcha: Their Blotting Paper is the most convenient way to remove excess shine wherever you are. Clean & chic. Love that the sheets are flecked with gold. If you're in a pinch, a piece of a clean brown paper bag will do too. Not as elegant, though.

Vapour Beauty: Stratus Luminizing Primer in "902" is key to a beautifully radiant complexion in seconds and doubles as a healthy primer. It's my all-time favorite color complexion cosmetic! I also thoroughly enjoy their Solar Translucent Bronzer in "Mirage 221." Great for easy contouring.

Alima Pure: My favorite Brushes! So well-made, beautiful, and kind. Alima's offering great brush sets for holiday gifting and receiving. Moreover, some of their Satin Matte Eye Shadows double as brow perfectors. "Raven," a greyed brown, looks naturally gorgeous on brunettes.

Scotch Naturals: Finally a no-stink polish! Scotch's Water-Based Nail Polish is my most desired way to adorn my nails. Fashion colors, a sticky base coat that extends the life of your flawless hues, and a high-gloss top coat make for a luxe treat. I've played with a number of 3- and 5-free polish brands, and while some are really nice, Scotch wins my heart because it's the cleanest.

I hope you've found sparkling inspiration and/or re-discovered a healthy treat. Green beauty is so much fun! It allows us to play, create, celebrate & express ourselves in so many powerful ways. Share your favorites with me on social with #GratitudeBeauty.

Be yourself. Go organic. And keep in mind: joy is the best cosmetic.

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