cruelty free
Fight the good fight against animal cruelty in the beauty world; a roundup of cruelty-free makeup and skincare brands and how-tos to become a more conscious consumer.
The Science of Beauty: Why We Can’t Help But Judge a Face
Beauty. We’ve all heard the saying: “Beauty is skin-deep.” But let’s be honest, no matter how much we claim to value personality over appearance, our brains are wired to notice looks first. From the moment we meet someone, we subconsciously categorize them as good-looking, average, or unattractive. It’s an unavoidable truth of human nature.
By Areeba Umair10 days ago in Blush
My Honest LUSH Review Part Four
It's time again for a LUSH review. In this installment, I'm sharing my honest thoughts on a handful of balms, cleansers, conditioners and shampoos, so think about your current haircare/skincare concerns and what you want LUSH to address. Afterward, you can head to your nearest store to grab a sample--or maybe a full-size product if you're feeling lucky.
By Kaitlin Shanks11 days ago in Blush
A Smile That Stayed
Hania had always been careful with her heart. She laughed easily, she talked freely, but she had never let herself feel the rush of something deeper—something that made her cheeks warm for no reason. Life was busy with school, friends, and family, and there had been little room for distractions like crushes or flutters. That is, until the new boy arrived in her class.
By Sudais Zakwan17 days ago in Blush
My Honest Youth To The People Review
With three free samples per visit, Sephora is quickly becoming my favorite place to browse. On a recent trip, I thought Youth To The People looked promising, so I brought a few products to an employee. She gave me each sample in an individual bag, which seemed a little odd because the previous store had given me samples in small containers.
By Kaitlin Shanks18 days ago in Blush
My Honest LUSH Review Part Three
I might be a broke author, but the LUSH reviews will continue as long as they keep offering free samples--and, as an unexpected bonus, I've learned a few things about skincare along the way. Here's my honest, non-sponsored LUSH product review for anyone who's thinking about refreshing their beauty routine.
By Kaitlin Shanks2 months ago in Blush
My Honest LUSH Review Part Two
LUSH might be out of my price range, but they're still one of my favorite stores to browse. The bright colors, bold fragrances and varying textures make LUSH a dream for people who value sensory experiences. For fellow LUSH enthusiasts, here's my honest, non-sponsored review of a few products I tried recently--including a limited-edition formula that we might not see again for a while.
By Kaitlin Shanks2 months ago in Blush
My Honest LANEIGE Skincare Review
After having some success with LUSH, I decided to drop by Sephora and see if they give free samples. Sure enough, the employee told me that they offer three samples per visit, although you're limited to products they can scoop or pump out of a container. I don't wear makeup or perfume anyway, so this seemed like a great opportunity to try some new skincare formulas.
By Kaitlin Shanks2 months ago in Blush
My Honest LUSH Review
LUSH is way out of my price range, but whenever I visit the mall, I have to stop by because their selection is the definition of "forbidden snacks." I love the scents, fragrances, bright colors and ability to test nearly everything in the store. What I didn't know until recently is that you can get a sample of most of their products and try them at home for free.
By Kaitlin Shanks3 months ago in Blush
Australia Luxury Cosmetics Market: Premium Beauty, Clean Formulations & Shifting Consumer Aspirations. AI-Generated.
Australia’s luxury cosmetics market is entering a new phase as consumer expectations evolve, global beauty trends influence local demand, and premium brands invest in sustainability and high-performance formulations. The Australian luxury cosmetics market reached USD 701.6 million in 2024 and is expected to climb to USD 1,066.8 million by 2032, driven by a CAGR of 5.50% during 2025–2032. This upward trajectory signals the rising popularity of premium beauty, “clean luxury” skincare and makeup, and a growing preference for prestige brands that deliver both results and experience.
By Rashi Sharma3 months ago in Blush
The Final Cut: How King Charles Ended the Sussex Era
The decision came not with a public address or televised decree, but with the silence of a signature. On a crisp November morning, King Charles III placed his name beneath a document that would end five years of chaos and speculation — and with it, the royal titles of his youngest son and daughter-in-law.
By Behind the Curtain4 months ago in Blush
Salsa Dancing into the Social Sciences: How Passion and Structure Meet in Research
In *Salsa Dancing into the Social Sciences*, sociologist **Kristin Luker** redefines what it means to do research in the social sciences. Rather than treating research as a cold, mechanical process, Luker compares it to salsa dancing — a creative, passionate, and fluid art form that requires both discipline and spontaneity. Her book, published by Harvard University Press, serves as both a methodological guide and a call for intellectual freedom. She speaks to students, early-career researchers, and even established academics who feel constrained by the rigid norms of modern research.
By America today 4 months ago in Blush









