There are lots of odd things you come across when going cruelty free or are trying to use vegan products. Nail polish remover was one i didn't think about even checking into for a while but it turns out there are lots of options out there and i'm about to share some with you!






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Ella & Mila | Soy Nail Polish Remover - $11.50- 29.50
(find them here)
This vitamin enriched soy-based remover contains lavender oil and vitamins A, C and E. The packaging is really damn cute and comes in 4oz or 16oz options.
Ella & Mila also have awesome nail polish options and some really lovely lip products, you can find my video featuring them here. Discount code "Ella40" gets you 40% off.

Sienna Byron Bay | Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover & Polish Remover Wipes - $18-30
(find them here & here)
If you desire nail polish remover in the swankiest packaging ever, this one is for you. It comes in a bottle or in wipe form and contains soy and vitamin e. Super Swanky.

Lauren B | Nail Polish Remover & Cuticle Treatment - $18 
(find them here)
This cute little bottle contains Geranium and Petitgrain oils to moisturize and invigorate nails and cuticles. Lauren B is also the maker of one of my favorite cuticle oil treatments too.

Aila | Nail Colour Remover - $22
(find them here)
This soy based formula with argan oil not only removes your nail polish but also treats skin with Vitamins A, C & E (vitamin E being a personal favorite of mine 😎)! It also has 5 stars on Petit Vour, one of my favorite vegan and cruelty free sites that has some of the most thorough reviewers out there.

NCLA | Take It Off Remover Sheets - $19
(find them here)
Another soy based remover that strengthens as it works and this time in handy little individual packs perfect for travel or quick removal on the go. NCLA also have a great range of vegan and cruelty free nail polishes that are 5 free (so, no formaldehyde, DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor) and are bringing out new shades all the time. Their nail wraps are also super fun!

Madam Glam | Express Polish Remover & Remover Wraps - $10-12
(find them here & here)
Now time some less botanical options! Madam Glam offer a handy little pot of remover you just put your nail into, twist and your polish is removed. They also have wraps that i use to remove both gel polish and glitter polishes!
If you want products to build nail enhancements that are vegan and cruelty free, MG is the place to go. I've used their gel polishes, gel builder and also polygel to sculpt my nails and LOVE their products. I also have a 30% discount code for their site which is just "Rhian30" at checkout.


(note: affiliate links and codes are used, these help support my blog and channel)

What are the best practices and products to use to get that Summer glow year around?
Let just say not all products are created equal when it comes to achieving smooth skin especially when color is an issue. For all my dark skin girls out there, I sometimes struggle to get the results I want especially if those products are also non-toxic and vegan.

(editors note: can we just appreciate this gorgeous ray of sunshine that is Mika?)


Before we move on chatting about products recommendations and discuss what does what, let me tell you about myself. By now you should realize it is not the beautiful Rhian.

I am Michaelle, Rhian was so kind to invite me to her blog today. Isn’t she the best? (note: i swear i didn't make her say that) I am also a blogger @ethicalandchic.I love talking about food, makeup, and green beauty products. I am vegan, of course!

Since I love makeup and like any other girl, I always like to look my best, I tend to try out a lot of products. Sometimes it tends to get out of hand. My bank account sometimes looks like it has been on a-crackers-and-water diet only!

I for one love glowing skin all year around. Ashy skin is so out! After tons of trials and errors, I have a routine and a few products that not only make my skin look healthier but gives it a beautiful glow. Don’t worry, it’s nothing high maintenance! You are probably doing most of them already!

You want your best skin ever? Here are my top ways to get that Summer Glow now! Women of color friendly.


  • Realistically, good skin starts with what we put inside our body and our environment. If you are into eating dairy and no actual healthy food, you need to get on that shit like yesterday! Load your plates with greens foods, fruits, and vegetables. Eating them in season is cheaper, more accessible, and they taste better!
  • Drink plenty of water, get some appropriate shut eyes time and get your body moving. I personally do yoga and kettlebells. I also love walking and biking when the weather allows.
  • Also stay away from the harsh sun and stop touching your face! I am guilty of those last two. The warmth of the sun feels so good especially when I haven’t been out in a while, I like just to soak it all up like a lazy feline! That's why a great SPF is necessary.

What’s in your skincare and beauty routine?

To get that summer glow, I tend to favor products with simple ingredients, targeted toward my needs. No sulfates, hard perfumes, and pore-clogging ingredients.

I use a cleanser, a toner, an essence, a serum, and a moisturizer. Petit Vour has products for all these categories. They have samples available! I also browse Ulta, Sephora, and The Detox Market for new finds.

I am a strong believer in the virtues of acids (AHA, BHA). I use them all over my body. I find chemicals exfoliant give the skin a smoother appearance faster and long-lasting.


Some of Mika's top picks!

Products recommendations.

To get that summer glow year around while I keep my skin even, I use a tanning lotion. Yes, you heard me right! A tanning lotion helps me fake it until I make it! Tanning lotion does necessarily make your dark skin dark instead it evens out the complexion and hide imperfections like stretch marks, scars, etc... It’s not going to be perfect unless you already have great skin, but it will be close enough!

My go-to tanning lotion is the Loving Tan mousse. It applies evenly, leaves my skin smooth, and gives me that chocolate glow. I use the dark in Winter and the ultra-dark in Summer. Don’t forget to exfoliate, shave, and hydrate your skin the day before you use the Loving tan mousse for a perfect application!


You probably see the Fenty beauty lava body luminizer everywhere now! While it looks quite nice, I must say it has nothing on the Prtty Peaushun skin tight body lotion. It’s 100 percent natural, vegan, fragrance-free, non-toxic, paraben free, and gluten-free. It gives the skin a natural looking glow, no glitter chunks, no greasy residue. It’s also lightweight. I sometimes use it on my face as a primer before foundation and concealer for a natural, soft makeup look. It’s just so beautiful!


For bronzer, I usually use the 100 Percent Pure Cocoa Pigment Bronzer. It’s enough to warm up my face for a natural look. If I am looking for something dramatic, I use the Alima Pure Powder Foundation in C9. Just a little bit! The Au Naturale Organic Bronzer in Warm is a great one too. It never makes me breakout.

For highlight, I use the Au Naturale Luminous Crème Bronzer Stick in Trailblazer. A little goes a long way. Always make sure it’s well blended to avoid weird patchy looking spot of glitters. For a smooth and natural look, I always reach for Antonym Baked Blush in Copper. That’s a holy grail product right here ladies! The Milani Baked Bronzer in 05 Soleil is quite similar and more affordable although a bit more shimmery.




I tend to stick with what works for my complexion and skin type. I am pretty sure you have different products in your arsenal and a different approach when it comes to getting that summer glow. What are your go-to products to get that Summer glow? What is your skincare routine? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comment below!




 (editors notes: Affiliate links are used. A huge thank you to Mika for contributing to my blog, she was a joy to work with and i really hope you'll all check her out in her social media links.)


I'm seeing yellow nails everywhere lately and during my yellow-nail-polish online window shopping sesh, i figured why not share some of my top vegan and cruelty free yellow nail polish finds with you?!

(note: affiliate links and codes are used)

As you'd probably expect from me, lets do Madam Glam first who have 2 (maybe more) gorgeous gel options for your yellow nail needs. When i say "regular gel" i just mean that you need a base and top coat to go with it. The "one step gel" needs no friends and stands alone. Their site has lots of swatches of their colors too so you can see the shades on a variety of hands. As always, i do have an affiliate code you can use for 30% off: Rhian30 
Regular gel in Mimosa, One step gel in Pale Yellow


Next up for yellow gel options we have a brand i've not tried before but found listed on the Logical Harmony Cruelty Free Brand List and that is, Dimension Nails. Obviously i can't say how they perform but this color is GORGEOUS!
Regular gel in Save The Bees



Moving away from gels, for those who prefer regular polishes, we have some beautiful options from Ella + Mila! Again, you can use Ella40 for $$ off and you can find them at Target too. These three have subtle differences but as a nude lipstick collector, i feel i can say "but the undertones are totally different".

Sunburst, Copabikini and Limoncello

Speaking of subtle, these next two from LVX are much more subdued yellows. Whether you just want a lighter, more spring color or maybe a stepping stone to a brighter shade... these are GORGEOUS!
Primrose and Lemondrop

Lastly from Deco Miami is this beautiful summer shade, Tequila Sunrise. Not only is their packaging gorgeous but their colors come in two sizes for those of us who love collecting polishes and never use them up, the minis are perfect!
Tequila Sunrise


Anyone else call anything yellow a banana-something when they were a kid? "Banana-car" etc? Just me? 

Be sure to sign up for email notifications of new blog posts and let me know your favorite yellows in the comments below.
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