Natural Teeth Whitening

I was asked to try out this Black Is White vegan teeth whitening toothpaste by Curaprox...and here is my result after using it for a few weeks.

I didn't dive right into using this toothpaste the minute I received it. I was told before they sent it is vegan, but I had to do research to make sure - I know, I know...trust issues. I also researched the company to be certain that Curaprox does not test on animals. There's some old info confirming that they do not test, however there's not really anything about that fact on their website, which I think is important for them to include because a lot us animal lovers and activists care about that - and also base our decisions to purchase products on that knowledge.

Their website does state that their fluoride is not of animal origin and is a naturally derived fluoride, unlike many of their competitors. They also state that their ingredients are free of harmful chemicals or anything that can be dangerous to you. So I like that a lot.

So without the chemicals, how does the whitening happen, you ask? Active carbon. So as you guessed it, the toothpaste is black, but ultimately leaves your teeth whiter. My teeth were pretty white to begin with, so this is not a dramatic reveal, and I do think my teeth appear whiter after using the product, so it does seem to work nicely. I would say that although this is not a professional whitening treatment (like getting laser teeth whitening at a doctor's office or something), this is a great solution for coffee or tea drinkers in order to maintain those pearly whites.

My teeth felt cleaner after using Curaprox, Black is White...they look whiter as well. 

So that's all for now, Folks! And the Dirty Vegan is signing off - I hope your day sparkles like my teeth.

The Most Rad Vegan Soap, EVER!

So I got this package in the mail. You could smell it from a mile away - not a bad smell at all - it smelled like there was a giant godzilla made entirely out of natural soap lurking around. I checked every corner, nothing. Then I looked down and realized the delicious smell of cleanliness was coming from the box within my hands. Rad Soap Co. I should have known.

Upon opening the box, I noticed the beautiful and thoughtful packaging. Oh, who am I kidding - I noticed the photograph. Pictured is Rad Soap Co. founder Sue Kerber and her hot sons. I'm a marketing expert and I'd like to commend you, Sue; smart move putting those handsome boys in the box.

Then I got distracted and I forgot what I was reviewing here. Oh, yes, of course, the soap. 

This soap smells good, like really truly heavenly. Then I found myself going back to the photo...those are really good looking humans you made there, Sue. Oh, gosh, yes, the soap, let's get back to the soap.

How do you insert the heart eyes emoji into your blog post?

The kind folks at Rad Soap were so kind to send me their Kryptonite and Chaga soap, as well as their Project Hemp Cream. I was so excited by the smells of these soaps, I couldn't wait to try them out!

Chaga has a beautiful sweet smell. It is an antioxidant soap, which I absolutely love, and it is made with wild chaga mushroom. There's also scents of primrose, sweet orange, tangerine, clementine and patchouli. I can see this becoming my go-to soap and it is a perfect way to start the day. This soap reminds me of the way we should all be waking up and getting the day started. Now I'm wondering how anyone ever lived without starting the day with Chaga soap.

Kryptonite is also a skin detox soap with matcha tea, reishi mushroom and tea tree. Amazing ingredients for healing the skin! This is why Sue started the company, to heal her son's eczema, which is really a beautiful and amazing thing. I love companies that have a purpose that's not driven solely by making money - companies fueled by love. I dig it. 

This soap instantly brings me back to childhood. It brought back memories I thought I'd forgotten about. Being outside all day, exploring nature. I smell the trees, grass and leaves in this soap. I slightly smell mushrooms but the kind that you smell among nature on a warm foggy day after the rain has stopped. I smell camping and I smell the times my father would make furniture out of wood and when my grandfather would be cutting wood for the fireplace, while I was a kid outside playing with my brother and cousins. I was suddenly brought back to the home I grew up in, in a small town in Connecticut, by a smell. This was so unexpected. Now I'm wondering what my family would feel smelling this soap, if they'd recall the same memories and feelings that I had. I'll buy them all a bar, it is certainly worth a shot. Beautiful soap - very well done, Rad Co.

Next I rushed to trying the Project Hemp Cream which is the company's first product. My hands are really dry right now because I've been working on my vegan cookbook, doing tons of cooking and food styling, and lots of hand washing; my hands have been dry and uncomfortable. I used a few other creams and they always left my hands burning and getting red afterwards. I was so eager to try Project Hemp Cream because these products are designed specifically to heal and nourish your skin. This package couldn't have arrived at a better time!

WOW! I haven't seen my hands this moisturized in a while! I thought I had to wait for summer for them to get back to normal, I didn't think it would take one application of this scent-free wonder cream! I should have taken before and after pictures.

I'm loving these Rad products, truly! Everything is Vegan, Plant-based, Cruelty-free, Pet-friendly (YES! So when my dog gets sprayed by the same skunk for the millionth time, I can use this soap on her too!), and made by a wonderful (and good-looking) family company. 

When this stash runs out, I will be replenishing my soap and skin care needs with Rad Soap Co. for sure. Thanks so much for sending this to me!

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. I didn't frame the photo of Sue's sons, what are you talking about... *whistles*

Hellooooo, Ink Nurse!

Lots of us vegans have tattoos. It just is. So whether you are looking for aftercare directly after getting your fresh tattoo, a cream to keep it hydrated and nourished or just a daily moisturizing cream, I think I've found the product for you!

Cruelty-free (that's right, NEVER tested on animals, just on humans), vegan, organic and earth-friendly ingredients, Ink Nurse is a fantastic remedy cream for tattoos and for the skin in general...and I am mad that this was not available when I got my tattoos! Especially since it is only $20 for a 100ml jar! Sweeeet.

So I wanted to try this cream out for a while before writing about it, and I'm glad that I did because it has been proving great on my skin. Here I chose to photograph one of my tattoos. This one is the oldest and my first tattoo and is located on my ankle. This one could appear the most faded, that's why I chose to use the cream on this one for test purposes.

There's a funny little story about this tattoo. I was 13 years old and my older cousin had gotten a bottle of India Ink. He gave it to me, and I did a homemade tattoo on myself...of a boy's initials who I was seeing at the time. Yes, I know...DUMB, DUMB, DUMB. So, when my mom finally found out, she flipped out and was mad about it every single day. Then when I was 15 years old, we went on vacation to a beach town in Maine. There was this really cool tattoo parlor and I had convinced my mom that if she signed for me for a tattoo to cover this boy's initials (who I was now no longer seeing), that she wouldn't be so mad anymore. She agreed. I got this rose tattoo with my name, "Katie" on it and it is still my favorite. The tattoo artist was awesome, this cool old guy, he reminded me of Steven Tyler, and knew everything there was about tattoos.

Here is the "before" putting Ink Nurse on my rose tattoo...

Here is the "after" and as you can see, visible difference and improvement. It doesn't look brand new, because it is like a 20 year old ink, but it looks pretty decent right? Imagine what this cream can do on a fresh tat.

And I love the philosophy over at Ink Nurse. This is how they describe their company and brand:

"Anti-authoritarian, untamed and reckless, we exist to disrupt the industry that has been plagued by products without integrity and quality. Besides, we love animals, human beings (most of them) and Mother Nature. So we put it all together and created Ink Nurse. A badass, ethical, cruelty-free, product that no one else compares to when it comes to tattoo skin care. Our core ingredients are special because they revitalize and rejuvenate existing faded ink pigmentation, eliminate itching, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, free radical reduction, rich source of vitamins A, C & D, softens skin and restores elasticity and has wonderful healing properties for just about any skin irritation under the sun! Our brand and product are second-to-none. It's not cool to harm your bodies, Mother Nature and its inhabitants. Now you have a choice of a high-end product with a positive ethos!"

Very cool! So check them out at InkNurse.com...

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. I hope your day smells like roses...just NOT 20 year old roses, those wouldn't smell nice at all after all that time! Byeeee!

The Taste of Her Cherry Hurraw!

Vegan? Check. Organic? Check. Cruelty-free? Check. All-natural? Check. Fair-trade? Check. Raw? Check. Delicious and delightful? Check and check!

I have recently gotten my mitts on the fabulous Hurraw! vegan lip balms and I am in love with them!!! Now that I have experienced Hurraw! balms, I'm not certain how people lived without them before. The flavors are fantastic! The ones that I have tried so far are Grapefruit, Almond, and Green Tea, however Hurraw! has just about any flavor to tickle your fancy. Here are some of their scrumptious lip balm flavors...

• Coconut
• Vanilla Bean
• Black Cherry
• Mint
• Orange
• Almond
• Grapefruit
• Licorice
• Lemon 
• Cinnamon
• Chocolate
• Lime
• Root Beer

And coffee house inspirations such as...

• Coffee Bean
• Chai Spice
• Earl Grey
• Green Tea

They also make lip treatments of sorts...

• SPF 15 Sun Balm (for day)
• Moon Balm (a night treatment for your kisser)

These vegan lip balms are pretty darn amazing and probably the only ones I will ever use. I am determined to own one in each flavor! I like that this is finally a vegan and all-natural lip balm that is not in a tin where you have to stick your germy finger in and smear it all over your lips only to have a goopy mess, a dirty finger, and possibly the flu. Also, I love the shape of the stick (which is easy to twist and has a great feel), they are not round but a nice oval-like, lip shape. It goes on cleanly, especially if you are right out of the shower and putting this on before you apply your makeup. I can see this being my everyday, all-day balm as well as a beauty item as well. I would recommend any makeup artist have this in their kit to apply before lipstick, as it makes your lips so super soft! These balms feel so good on your lips, making them super addicting.

It is nice to see a petroleum-free, no bees wax, truly vegan and truly healthy balm. The ingredients aren't scary, they are recognizable and nourishing for those lovely lips of yours. So here is what I thought of my flavors...

Grapefruit: refreshing, sweet, and reminds me of spring! This actually brings me back to childhood because I got a fruity lip gloss palette as a small child in my Easter Basket and this is my all-natural, vegan chance to relive that wonderful memory. This also gave me a little hint of healthy pink on my lips (but in a nice tiny way, this one is mostly clear). Gorgeous!

Green Tea: as soon as I opened this one a really pretty scent came rushing up to my nose. This is a really nice, fragrant, balm that makes me feel spunky. With hemp oil and matcha, this is high in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and nourishment for your lips. Love it!

Almond: what a treat to wear on my lips! This balm is like wearing a dessert. It makes me feel sweet and girly too. This is a great kissing lip balm - you know for when you are on a date and you want your lips to be inviting (basically looking healthy and natural enough to be kissable, but then have a real delight for the senses). Yum, my favorite!

These extraordinary balms can be found in natural stores all over, just check out the store locator on the Hurraw! website to find a retailer near you, or just shop online right on their site. It will be a challenge not to purchase them all and have them in each and every flavor, but if you wanted to it wouldn't put a dent in your wallet. These balms are such a great price for such a special vegan and all-natural product. What a treat, seriously! So when you see me around town, chances are I will not be without a Hurraw! lip balm in my pocket - I am honestly loving these so much. Try Hurraw! out, you will adore them too.

I say Hurraw to these!

Spring Beauty and Fitness Favorites

Happy Spring! Spring is in the air and now that the cold winter is over, we want to be out and about in minimal clothing, at least I do! Two important factors in looking good in warmer weather is your skin and your body. So it makes sense that everyone is thinking about skincare and fitness. Over the winter I tested two products to see if they worked and share them with you. I wanted to use them most of the winter in order to prove that they work, and for me they did. So here is my opinion on a couple cool products that are getting me ready for beach and bikini season.

For skincare, I've been using products from Juice Beauty and I am pretty impressed! For one, they are a 98% organic skincare line and they do not test on animals. Also, it looks like pretty much everything they offer is vegan-friendly, or at least the stuff that they sent to me. I'm loving their Cleansing Milk and am almost done with the bottle. I use this as a cleanser and also as a makeup remover. It removes better than any other makeup remover I've used before and is tough on eye makeup but gentle on your skin. Other oil-based removers have made my skin breakout in the past, but after using this vegan cleansing milk this winter, my skin has stayed hydrated and clear. I also used my samples of their serums (I love their Soothing Serum), cleansers, and moisturizers and love them! So if you are looking for gorgeous glowing skin this spring, Juice Beauty just might be for you.

For fitness, I have been using a workout DVD from Collage Video. They offer a HUGE variety of workout videos that can satisfy anyone's fitness needs, no matter what your taste or fitness level is. The workout I've been hooked on is Ellen Barrett's Live, Grace & Gusto. And what this workout is, is pilates and ballet with a little bit of yoga. In my opinion, this is the perfect workout to achieve a toned and lean figure, along with your vegan diet. In fact, my body has responded so well to this workout and I have not changed anything in my Dirty Vegan diet and lifestyle. I have been doing this workout consistently for about one month (I wanted to be sure I tried it in order to give you guys an accurate review), and I have seen changes in my weight (small loss of a few lbs - but I would probably see more if I replaced my cookies with salads, not happening!), in the way my clothing fits, and in the way my body looks. I feel great and look toned and leaner. I love ballet, pilates, and yoga; this workout is perfect for me for this reason! It is also important to do something you truly enjoy, or else you might not stick with it. So be sure to check out collagevideo.com because they really do have everything when it comes to fitness. The prices are awesome too. I plan on doing an update sometime this summer because I plan on stepping up my game with this workout and will let you know if I see any more results, maybe even a before and after picture, we will see. Here is a video clip of this workout so you can get an idea of the exercises and energy. I really like Ellen Barrett because she is not annoying, which is also another important thing to me in a workout DVD.

What are you doing to prepare for the upcoming skin-baring seasons? Have any good tips? And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Namaste.

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Vegan & Eco-Friendly Mineral Make-up

Picture taken from Mixology's website - look at that stunning look created with mineral make-up!

We've talked about vegan beauty products before (here and here about Tarte). Today I wanted to talk specifically about mineral makeup. I received some samples from Mixology Makeup to try out. Their mineral makeup is all vegan, all natural, and eco-friendly (they were voted Best Green Make-up in the 2009 Beauty Olympics); I just adore Mixology! Their products are free of chemicals, dyes, and any other harsh ingredients that are responsible for causing breakouts or allergic reactions. I love that their stuff is vegan friendly. That makes it easy because you don't have to seek out what is and what isn't vegan, you can shop with peace of mind. Please keep in mind that this is my very first time using loose mineral makeup like this. I didn't know what to expect whatsoever.

The same look in artificial (indoors) light

Mineral makeup look in natural light

As you can see, this look is very light and pretty.

So here is what I did with Mixology to achieve this flawless yet natural, beachy, and fun look!

Once cleansed and moisturized, I applied my first Mixology sample, which was their Mineral Foundation called Sand Girl. A little bit goes a very long way with this. I used a complexion brush (E.L.F's Studio Complexion Brush - and I love how on their website you can search "vegan" or research brushes and it says "vegan" if the brush is - amazing!) and lightly dipped it into the foundation. It's buildable coverage, but I found I didn't need much at all! After trying the product it really justifies the price - if something is quality and goes a long way, I think it is totally worth it. This foundation felt weightless on my skin and almost like my skin felt better after putting it on.

Next, I used their Paste Eye Primer on my lid. I used my finger and it definitely feels like paste. It went on well and was sticky at first, but I think that helps the shadow stick better. I found that I used too much on the first lid. A tiny amount definitely can go a very long way with this also.

Then I used Dune shadow (a pretty light sandy color - pigmented with a slight iridescent sheen) all over the eyelid, building more color on the lower lid and inner corner. I used Parlay shadow (a brown with a little plum or purple - very pigmented with a little shimmer) in the crease and blended that in. The two colors complimented each other beautifully and created a gorgeous natural beachy look that can be kept light or made glam by adding more Parlay and lots of liner.

I used their Jet Liner with a liner brush and smudged it into the top and bottom lash lines. It created a very natural look on my dark eyes, accentuating features without looking too dramatic. The liner has a little sparkle to it when you look closely, which I like for twinkly looking eyes.

Last out of my Mixology samples was the Rosy Cheeks Blush in color Rosy Cheeks. This was also buildable and a little bit on my blush brush went a long way. You can use a little on your apples for some rosiness or build the color on your cheekbones. This can also be used very lightly on the face to add warmth and color. A very beautiful blush.

I really like mineral make-up! For my first time using it, I felt it was easy to use. I can't believe how much of the samples I have left, really demonstrating that a little does go a very long way. I would say it is worth it when you find a product like this that you like, since it will probably last you a long time. I love the way the make-up felt on my face after wearing it for a long period of time. It felt almost like I had no make-up on and somehow made my face feel enriched. I think I just found my new fave make-up! Thank you Mixology, I'm sure I will be ordering in the future (it may not be anytime soon since it seems I can use what I have from these samples for a while)! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

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Go Green, You Vegan Beauty!

"Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art". -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy St. Patrick's Day all you Naughty People! Today, some people are turning their beer and food green. That is fun, but I wanted to talk about cosmetics being green! So, as I become aware of more and more vegan friendly beauty products and cosmetics, I am definitely going to talk about them with all of you fabulous people. 

Recently, I received some products from Tarte to try (thank you, Tarte!). I am falling in love with their cosmetics and I adore how they are conscious of their vegan customers. None of their products are tested on animals, however for the vegan products, they work with PETA to ensure they are truly vegan and even have a vegan section on their website in which you can view all of their vegan products easily on one page. Thank you Tarte for really taking the guesswork out of cruelty-free beauty products. Sometimes it can be tricky, especially for those of you who are just beginning to familiarize yourself with ingredient lists, so I really like when companies accommodate their vegan customers like this.

From Tarte's Vegan section of their website

Bravo Tarte, for making glamorous products that are not tested on animals and for providing so many cool vegan options. I really admire companies who are natural focused and conscious of animals and the environment (a lot of their product components are recyclable or post-consumer recycled materials!), while still being stylish and hip. Also, this is professional quality and natural! You just can't beat that! I really love the way Tarte's natural products feel on my skin, and they look just as nice; bonus! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Stay gorgeous!

A beautiful and natural look from Tarte's website

What are some of your favorite vegan beauty products? Also, what's on your St. Patrick's Day food and drink menu today?

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Haute Couture Makeup Being Haute Compassionate: Be Kind & Look Good Doing It!

"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows." -Audrey Hepburn

Hair done with vegan brand, Pureology. Makeup mostly Too Faced Cosmetics applied with their cruelty-free Teddy Bear Hair brushes. Adorable Willi Smith jacket made from polyester and viscose; all man-made synthetic fibers.

I would like to share this website link from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). This is an awesome search tool for companies that do not test on animals. You will also find a list of animal ingredients, coupons, and more on their page. I will talk about some products in this blog, but please do use this search tool to inform before purchases. There is also a printer-friendly list available on the site, so you can bring it to the store with you, if you wish so. There is a special feeling in being your best possible self and not harming anyone else in the process, not to mention it is also GOOD karma! The horrors involved in animal testing are unthinkable, so please do not support companies who test. When you are kind, you can be more beautiful than you ever dreamed that you can be!

PETA's Search Tool for Cruelty-Free Companies & Products

Hair Products: 


Like I was mentioning earlier, Pureology is a 100% vegan product that make hair products. Their shampoo and conditioner is simply the best! Their product smells so amazing and like all their ingredients, they are completely cruelty-free, so no animal testing. That's what I love to hair hear! Pureology made my hair super soft, shiny, and great smelling...but of coarse if you are vegan, those things come naturally to you, right?


I also adore Paul Mitchell products. I received a beautiful telephone message years ago from John Paul DeJoria in reply to an e-mail I sent to him about his people and dog products. In the message he shared some history about his company. John shared that his company was one of the first companies in the early 1980s to protest and be against animal testing. He shared, that at the time, his competitors were all conducting animal testing, however John's company stood their ground and refused to test. A bold move back in the 80s when cookie cutter companies were most successful. I love that the Paul Mitchell brand was thinking outside of the box and being compassionate, bravo! 


*Dirty Vegan Blurb! Now just because a company does not test, does not mean they are completely vegan either. Be sure to always read your ingredients list. If ingredients are unfamiliar to you and internet research proves unsuccessful, call or write the company! Use the PETA search tool and take a peek at their Animal Ingredients List. Its a simple task and if we all did it, the demand would decrease for products tested on animals and for animal ingredients, thus decreasing needless animal suffering.*


Skincare:


I used to use Clinique and Clarins since their products do not test on animals, however I switch up my products a lot and like to try different things. I still use Clinique and Clarins cosmetics stuff sometimes, but right now I'm hooked on Lush for skincare. I use their Coal Face cleanser, which has lasted me so long, probably close to 6 months, great bargain right there! I also like their fresh face mask called Cupcake, that one is vegan. A few of their others are and one of the masks that is not fresh, but still so awesome, called Mask of Magnaminty. This mask is minty and cool and lightly exfoliating and just plain awesome! I use their Tea Tree Water toner. I switch between their moisturizers, sometimes depending on the season or the need. During the winter, I use Skin Drink. Personally, my face just soaks it up nicely and it is especially nice for me in the winter when skin tends to be its driest. All Lush stuff that is vegan has a nice green "V" on it, so they've made it easy.


Makeup:


I am in love with Too Faced Cosmetics! I love the fact that they make professional quality make-up brushes and promote them as cruelty-free! Bravo, Too Faced! Their Teddy Bear Hair brushes are made with fine quality synthetic materials and were purposely made that way to spare animals from the cruelty involved in obtaining their hair for makeup brushes. Word on the street is that their founder, Jerrod Blandino (sounds Italian, just like me!), helped develop these fabulous brushes. Thank you Jerrod and Too Faced for being conscious and kind about animals. Too Faced also makes lots of vegan friendly make-up products, which I love to use (always read those labels for ingredients list). To achieve my look above I used a combination of Too Faced products and since the quality is very good and professional, it came out really nice. I enjoy using this brand.


Other makeup brands I like to use are Stila, Clarins (they are big on vegan products and are against animal cruelty), Tarte, Bare Escentuals, and other products that when I see them I ask if they test or about the ingredients. Always check labels, even if you use the same product, because ingredients can change, or their animal testing policy may change. Always try to be aware and have the most up-to-date information.


I would like to say that being beautiful comes from within. Makeup is definitely fun and helps you achieve the high fashion look that is so popular in our society, however being the best possible you, being compassionate and kind to all walks of life, being happy, being positive, and being good natured is always in style, is always sexy, and is always glamorous! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

PS - how fun would it be if the Dirty Vegan was ever in the running for PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian contest? Just sayin'....





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Vegan Newbury Street

"Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination".  -Oscar Wilde

Newbury Street in Boston: Fabulous Vegan Fun!

If you have never been to Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts, you are really missing out. From the chic designer boutiques, trendy cafes, delicious dining, to the spas, salons, and bath and body shops, Newbury Street is your one stop shop for fabulous.

Johnny Cupcakes always has vegan cupcakes! LOL

Beginning at Betsey Johnson, I scored some cute pink lace tights and some useful vegan advice from a very helpful sales professional. I raved about the vegan friendly fashion at Betsey Johnson boutique (has some cute non-leather handbags and tons of vegan friendly items), and the saleswoman sang like a canary. I totally got the scoop on where to find the best vegan stuff on Newbury, and she was such a cool chick! She also mentioned the Hempest, but she obviously doesn't know the Dirty Vegan very well. While the Hempest's vegan and natural fashions are all well and good, it really isn't what I was looking for in terms of couture.

Next stop, Juicy Couture's chic boutique (yay I rhyme!). Juicy has really expanded their vegan options over the years. And the more you buy them, the more they will sell them. They had the cutest fleece hoodie that was so soft you would swear some innocent bunny lost his life over it...WRONG....all man made materials! They even have some canvas and pleather handbags and accessories. If you like something trendy at one of these boutiques, be sure that no animals had to suffer for your happiness (which is BAD karma), and make your values known in the stores. Trust me, it will get around. Lead by example...and your platinum charge card! If these stores sell enough of something man-made, they will make more like-items.

I wouldn't be the Dirty Vegan if I didn't eat every few minutes; that just wouldn't be me. One of the many beneficial tips from Betsey Johnson's sales gal, was a bakery called Sweet Newbury Street. They have some vegan options for cupcakes and select goodies. I enjoyed this yummy Vegan Chocolate Cupcake. The frosting was OUT OF THIS WORLD! Best vegan icing I have ever tasted. Rich, creamy, sweet, and perfect. The nice gal who worked there also helped me take the photo and was really cool. Too bad the whole bakery wasn't vegan...I would have purchased so much more!

If you would like to be beautiful on Newbury Street, there are several cruelty free options. MAC Cosmetics does not test on animals and has great stuff. Also, my personal favorite, Lush! Lush stuff is all natural, handmade, and mostly organic and vegan. Lush does not test on animals. Trust me, once you step foot in a Lush store, you will be addicted, I don't even have to go any further with it, just trust me.

After a long day of shopping out in the cold (burning mega calories, I assume), it was time for lunch. Newbury Street eateries have vegan options in almost every single one. Boloco is a fresh burrito joint that will make yummy burritos however you like them. Lots of vegetarian options right there. Thai Basil is a Thai restaurant that has amazing veggie options and a nice chill atmosphere. It is a hidden gem since it is lower street level, so look for it. I have eaten on Newbury so many times, and have found vegan options at each restaurant I tried, so please don't fear. If you don't see something already made vegan on the menu, just ask and most likely you will receive.

Give Peas (and Peace) a Chance!

We finally decided on Other Side Cafe. Super trendy bar and restaurant located on...wait for it...the other side of Newbury. The atmosphere is chill, anti-establishment, and very rock-n-roll. The music is awesome too. The food is even better! Pretty much everything on their menu can be made vegan (little "v" next to things that they can make vegan). They make vegan BLTs, grilled cheese, chili, raw dishes, and tons of vegan desserts! The desserts range from bon bons, cheesecake, to delectable chocolate mousse. This place is truly amazing and has something for everyone.

                                                              Nature Boy - raw starter

 Vegan Chili and Grilled Cheese Combo....warm and comforting

 Vegan Chocolate Mousse fruit plate - AMAZING!

Vegan Bon Bons! Woah!

So whether it is cruelty free fashions, treats, eats, or cosmetics you are after, Newbury Street in Boston has it all! Such a cool place that welcomes the vegan diva in us all! Happy shopping Naughty People! For now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off...