From The Makeup Show: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

I attended the LA Makeup Show last weekend, which was a great experience.  Imagine Sephora with no rules, and you’ll have a good picture of the size of the event and the number of cool items available.  Naturally, I have a lot to share about specific trends, but at the moment I want to focus on one line that particularly caught my eye.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics stands out for its 100% cruelty-free, 100% vegan pledge.  That really is a big deal.  Even now that many major companies have steered away from animal testing, animal byproducts like beeswax and carmine are still commonly found in makeup.  There are a few other products manufactured to vegan standards, but since OCC has made this commitment so central to their brand, it’s a great choice if animal welfare is a top priority for you.  Likewise, their products make thoughtful, original gifts for veggie-conscious friends.

Originally, OCC was designed primarily with professional makeup artists in mind, so their skin foundations rely on airbrush application.  Obviously, that’s not happening for most of us, so I zeroed in on their bold, pretty color.  Check out my two favorite products:

Lip Tar

I’ve never seen a product quite like this.  It has very dense pigment but without the uncomfortable, dry caking that typically goes hand in hand with bold lips.  The application almost feels like lip balm, and it has a subtly glistening finish.

I found it had great staying power with no “creeping.”  There’s a nice range of colors available and because the consistency allows for seamless blending, you can combine colors to customize your shade.

It’s well-priced at $12.50 and a fabulous find for makeup junkies.

Nail Lacquer

These are definitely lacquers rather than polishes, so keep in mind that the coverage is slightly sheer.  They have a very smooth application and dry fast.

OCC offers a pretty diversity of color options, and at $8, this item is a particularly excellent gift for any vegan or PETA-friendly friends.  It will definitely make its way into my gift rotation this year!

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com and a contributor to Powder Room Graffiti.