Vegan Cuts Beauty Box!

You may have noticed that I've been painting my nails lately. It started out as just a nice thing to do with my mom—I wanted to treat her to a manicure because I know she loves them, but it wouldn't have been any fun if I hadn't gotten mine done right next to her. So I did it, even though manicures have always seemed like a waste of money (and a waste in general, not to mention the squicky chemicals in the nail polish remover).Once I had my sparkly sun-colored nails, though, I felt better about my appearance. I no longer bit my nails and cuticles (a nasty long-term habit of mine, alas), and I felt like a grown up for once. I realized that feminine doesn't have to equal frivolous. So I got myself some "eco-friendlier" polish and remover, and I put on a podcast while I do them, and it feels like a relatively quick yet nurturing thing to do for myself.This is how I came to appreciate the idea behind the Vegan Cuts Beauty Box, which is available by monthly subscription for only twenty bucks: "The easiest way to discover cruelty-free brands without committing to full-size products or prices." Also: SURPRISES!    Most lip balms are made with petroleum and/or beeswax, so I was very pleased to find this in the box. (Still loving the mint and cinnamon lip balms from North Coast Organics though!)  If this seems like an incredible deal for $19.95, I should note that the Fanciful Fox soap and Vegan Cuts cosmetic bag were bonus items. They'd originally said they'd give them out to the first fifty people to order a three- or six-month subscription, then apparently they extended it to everyone. Lovely customer service, and still a good value even without the soap and cosmetic bag!  Also, on the topic of feeling guilty for wanting to wear makeup, a thoughtful piece on Salon.com by Megan Mayhew Bergman: 

1st column is on my tenuous relationship w/ makeup, as a feminist & environmentalist.But it's human to self decorate. http://t.co/Xl8GCq9Xxz— Megan Mayhew Bergman (@mayhewbergman) January 5, 2014