Happy (Almost... Kinda Sorta) Holidays and Thanksgiving Eve! As you may or may not know, vegans only purchase products that contain no animal products and also those that are not tested on animals. This can seem confusing at first if you aren't familiar with the lifestyle. But fear not! It's actually not very complicated since many companies list these now -- but to make it even easier, I will put together gift guides to hopefully make the gift giving experience smoother. Plus, even if you or the person you're buying a present for isn't strictly plant-based, it never hurts to support businesses who don't hurt animals!
The first LunaVida gift guide of the 2018 holiday season features some of my personal favorite cruelty-free and vegan beauty brands. (Keep an eye on this list on Black Friday too because many of these will most likely go on sale then if they're not already! And who doesn't love a deal?)

Stocking Stuffers
It Cosmetics Airbrush Buffing Foundation Brush I am a novice when it comes to cosmetics, and most days I don't even put makeup on. When I do go all out with foundation and all the things, this is my go-to brush to cover and smooth.
Urban Decay Beached Bronzer
Pacifica Indian Chai Lip Balm This is one of the very best flavors of chapstick, plus it's super moisturizing. I also have this lip scrub, which I've talked about before in this post, and am equally as obsessed with it.
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray As I mentioned above, I am not super into makeup; however, when I do put on a full face, this setting spray keeps all my hard work in place - no matter what the weather is outside.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara This is my all-time favorite. It gives you the longest eyelashes and never smudges - yet it's still easy to take off at night! This mascara is the only one I wear, and I've turned my mom and sisters onto it too.
ella+mila Nail Polish & Liquid Lipstick Duo
Pacifica Travel Size Indian Coconut Body Butter This scent is so delicious! This particular bottle of lotion is perfect for throwing in your purse or carry-on bag too.

Photo via Ulta

Beauty Gift Sets

Tarte Gym Bag Grabs Athleisure Essentials
Real Techniques Makeup Must Have Brush Kit I received this set complimentary from Influenster for testing, and I absolutely love it. I'm not a professional by any means (in fact, I'm not really great at makeup application at all) - but these make it easier for sure!
Pacifica 7 Free Nail Color Trio
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair Products Holiday Gift Set I love the smell of this shampoo and conditioner. It's also paraben free and color safe!
Pacifica Roll-on Perfume Trio These are perfect for tossing in a bag for on the go. I have most of these scents, and I am a big fan of them all!
5 Pack of HURRAW! Lip Balms I tried these out for the first time a few weeks ago, and it's safe to say I am hooked.
Photo via Amazon

Skincare

Alba Hawaiian Detox Renewing Lotion Volcanic Clay This is the lotion I use every single day. It hydrates so well but isn't sticky or stinky at all.
Pacifica Sheet Mask Set

Tarte Party Prep Skincare Set Perfect for all the upcoming holiday parties!
Alba Botanica Papaya Anti-Acne Sheet Mask I love this line of acne-fighting products. They're super affordable too!
The Body Shop Tea Tree Day & Night Rescue Kit

Tarte Mermaid Staycation Hydrating Skincare Set This kit is currently 25% off with code VIP25!

Youth To The People Super Glow Hydration Duo

I was sent these clean beauty products to try out, and I immediately fell in love. After just a few applications my skin already looks transformed. Smoother, brighter, and more moisturized, oh my! As I continue to use them, I have a feeling these may become some of my all-time favorites.

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You may realize Pacifica is featured a lot. That's because 1) you can always count on it being vegan, 2) everything is cruelty-free, and 3) every product I've ever bought myself has worked super well. It's a top brand for me for sure!

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What are some of your favorite animal-friendly brands? What are you giving (and/or asking for) this holiday season?
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Coral Lace Shift Dress & A "Sloan + Tommy" Giveaway

Happy Labor Day Eve!
As you know, the past week LunaVida has been celebrating its brand new blog design with 7 Days of Giveaways. Well, since I just like ya'll so much/it's a holiday tomorrow/I have some more exciting news coming up. I decided to extend the celebration one more day with an amazing giveaway from Sloan + Tommy! You can enter at the end of this post for your chance to win a darling necklace. So get to enterin' at the end of this post!

Coral lace sleeveless shift dress: Kohl's

-Similar styles: Forever 21 $15.80, Forever 21 $15.80, Macy's $16.99 (on sale from $99.50) or Kohl's $18 (on sale from $60)

Use promo code "DEALS" for an extra 15% off at Macys.com for a limited time! 

Gold studded pointed toe beige flats: Macy's $22.12 (on sale from $59)

-Similar styles: Forever 21 $16.80, Payless $16.99 (on sale from $27.99), Forever 21 $22.80 or Forever 21 $24.80

Blue, gray & yellow geometric circle necklace: c/o Sloan + Tommy

Gold & rhinestone link bracelet: Persunmall

Gold triangle bracelet: c/o Ara Nicole

You have the chance to win your choice of necklace between the one I'm wearing in this post, this gray chevron necklace, or this gray and blue hexagon necklace!

May the odds be ever in your favor. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please make sure you have your correct e-mail address in the Rafflecopter widget because that is how the winner is contacted. Also, I do verify entries so please make sure you are leaving the correct info in case you win. Thanks so much!

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While you're here, don't forget to enter all the other giveaways that are currently going on. You can enter to win a necklace from An Astrid Endeavor, $25 to Hot Southern Mess Designs, a vintage necklace from Sweet & Simple Jewelry Design, $25 to Flourish Boutique, $15 to Cozi Bear Boutique, and 1 of 2 bracelets from Charmed Obsession!

Droid Diaries: Life Lately

Hola mis amores!

You excited that it's almost the weekend?  So am I!  Especially because on Sunday I am heading to Orlando with my dad to see my very pregnant sister and [my not so pregnant] brother-in-law.  And that same evening my mom is flying in to town from Arizona because Shannon's baby is due any day now :D I haven't seen Mamacita since Christmas time, so I am beyond psyched!!  I will be taking lots of pictures [as if I don't normally] throughout the next week or so since there is so much fun and excitement to be had, so be sure to follow along on Instagram or Twitter.

An outfit post from a bit ago // Celebrating my birthday with my boo in Tampa

My best friend from grade school came down to Florida from South Carolina // The best coconut water/espresso drink ever

Another outfit post // Beautiful South Beach, Miami

My LunaTuna & my KotaGirl, both mad at me for taking yet another photo of them

Luna made herself a little hut during our road trip to Ft. Lauderdale // Luna & I have finally morphed into one being.  (It was bound to happen eventually.)

And yet another outfit post // Enjoying the South Beach sun with Matty

Dakota stole Luna's cat toy.  Kitty anger ensued. // Casual outfit post

Dakota was smiling like a kindergartner for her class photo // Nails & rings & bracelets

The prettiest ice cream I've ever laid eyes on // My attempt at a "nautical" look for the #CoastToCoastChallenge

Motorcycle boots FTW! // Bridal shower + Cake = Happy Shannon & Allie

Nail art // #ThrowBackThursday of a puppy Dakota

Want to see pics on pics on pics of my black beauty cuties, Luna & Dakota?

(Annnd maybe one or two OOTDs, my boyfriend, and some vegetarian food.)

Follow me on Instagram @alliegee319

[Link Up]

What have you all been up to lately?  Sipping sweet tea outside, enjoying the spring weather?  Still digging yourself out of the snow and cursing Puxatony Phil?  Maybe getting back from a spring break trip?  Or perhaps trying to salvage what's left of your nose through allergy season?  ;)  Whatever you've been doing, let me know and keep in touch!

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Xoxo,

-Allie

PS: Did you get a chance to enter the amazing group giveaway that I am currently apart of?  If so, great work!  If not, you need to get on that ;)  You can enter here to win a fabulous prize of five gift cards to help beef up your spring wardrobe!

Floral Fun [& Motorcycle Boots]

Welcome to the weekend everyone!

What are your plans for the most glorious days of the week?  Tonight I am going back to my old stomping grounds down in the USF area of Tampa to celebrate my 24th birthday with friends!  I am so excited to see everyone :) I am leaving in a just a few hours and still have no idea what to wear.  Maybe something like the outfit below?  Something bright, cheerful, and spring-y... yet with an edge. [Thank you, moto/Katniss boots.  You are a lifesaver.  I owe you.]

Floral print strapless dress: JCPenney for about $14 in summer 2012

-Similar styles: Amazon $9.45, Amazon $10.18, Forever 21 $22.80, ASOS $29.67 (on sale from $42.39), JCPenney $35, JCPenney $35, JCPenney $35, LuLu*s $36 (on sale from $52), ModCloth $41.99 (on sale from $59.99) or ModCloth $42.99

Black motorcycle boots: DSW $39.94 (on sale from $79)

-Similar styles: Amazon $12.50 (on sale from $24.99), Amazon $14.99 (on sale from $79), Amazon $28.99 (on sale from $59.99), Overstock $30.59 (on sale from $69.99) or Bon Ton $34.99 (on sale from $59)

Brown skinny belt: Came with the dress

-Similar style: Forever21 $3.80

Gold heart "midi" ring: Forever 21 $2.80

Thin gold ring: Gifted from my mom

Yellow flower ring: Old from Forever 21

Just take any rings you have and pile them up to add some oomph to your outfit.

Examples (both from Forever 21): $1.80 and $1.80

Do you guys hate mixing brown & black?  I used to be so scared to do it, but [as you can see here] I have gotten over the fear and now embrace the mismatch.  And are you celebrating any special occasions this weekend?  What do you plan to wear?  Please help me decide because I have no idea what to wear for my own birthday :P

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Xoxo,
-Allie

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