When I first started looking into Indian cooking techniques and recipes, I kept coming across this elusive ingredient known by many different names: asafoetida, asafetida, and most commonly known as hing. I looked up a picture of the plant and realized that my grandmother used it to make homemade pickles! Hing is used in many recipes that I wanted to try, so I decided to order some online from My Spice Sage (they have the most elusive ingredients, so if you can’t locally source something, check this site first). It an ingredient that has no substitution, so its worth the hunt if you enjoy authentic Indian cuisine.

The most intimidating thing I discovered about working with hing is its strong, pungent smell. Some would describe it as foot odor, but I don’t know if I’d go that far. It definitely is an evasive smell, so its best to keep hing in an air tight container or double bag, or your spice cabinet may take on its odor. This smell goes away when hing is added to cooking oil, and develops a similar flavor profile similar to a combination of leeks, onions, and garlic. It is a great flavor substitute if you are sensitive to any of those particular ingredients.

I have been using it lately with a cooking technique known as a chaunk. A chaunk, also known as a tarka or tadka, is a common technique used to impart flavor from whole spices. I heat about 2 TB of vegetable oil (a replacement for ghee, which is clarified butter) and heat on medium heat. I usually add cumin seeds to my chaunk, so I add one seed into the pan to see if the oil is hot enough. If it pops and sizzles, the oil is ready for the cumin seeds. I add hing towards the end of the cooking of my chaunk, which never takes more than 30 seconds or the spices will start to burn. You then pour the chaunk into your gravy or dal (lentils), you can even add it to basmati rice! It imparts such a depth of flavor that is essential to Indian cooking.

Indian food is all about spice blends and balancing strong flavors so that not one element overpowers another, which is not as easy as it seems. Enter in the mysterious ingredient that melds flavors and aids in digestion, hing. If you have trouble digesting legumes, try adding a pinch of hing to your recipe! It is my secret ingredient in making authentic, restaurant quality Indian food at home. I also don’t mind the smell of raw asafoetida anymore, although I still don’t risk leaving it out too long uncovered.

The post What is Hing (Asafoetida)? appeared first on Veggie Beauty.

Some tips though, because if you are new to using it, it may confuse or freak you out.

Tip #1: Don’t mix with water for facials! It turns into a big ole’ clumpy mess. I use Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and it makes the clay smooth and creamy.

Tip #2: Apply in a thin layer. The jar of Aztec Secret I have says to put it on in a 1/2 inch layer which is ridiculous and would be almost impossible to remove. I literally only use 2 tsps mixed with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar for my whole face.

Tip #3: Mix with a non-metal utensil and in a non-metal container. The clay reacts to metals.

Tip #4: Your face will get red as a lobster after you remove it. Don’t worry…its totally natural and will fade in 20 minutes. That’s why I do my masks at night anyway. It has this pulsating feeling because it brings blood to your face and removes toxins and impurities from the skin. My face gets very creamy and glowing after 20 minutes…so awesome!

Tip #5: If you have dry skin, I would blend in a bit of oil like jojoba, grapeseed…something light that won’t clog pores. It will make the mask more comfortable for you.

Tip #6: Use toner afterwards to make sure you remove all residue and make sure to moisturize! This stuff is powerful and can be drying, so this step is crucial, especially if you already have dry or combo skin.

Tip #7: It is great at stopping the itching from bug bites and soothes burns when applied as a poultice. This stuff is amazing.

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I wear a liquid foundation in winter because where I live, the climate gets very dry and cold in the blustery months. I need a more moisturizing base during these months, as mineral foundation tends to make my skin look older and drier. If I were to stick with a moisturizing liquid foundation in the summertime, my face would be an oil slick and my makeup would not last more than a couple of hours. Not only that, but too much oil on acne prone skin is a acne flare-up just waiting to happen.

I love the longevity of mineral foundation and how it melds overtime with the oils of my skin (actually looking better as time goes by! The only downside to switching to to mineral foundation is that it places limitations on the products I use. I adore cream blushes and the bright, yet natural finish they impart. If you apply cream blushes on top of mineral foundation, however, the affect is patchy and very hard to blend out.

In this photo, I use a technique that allows me to wear all of my cream blushes and my mineral foundation together. I will also throw in my everyday skin prep and foundation routine, I hope it helps!

Step One: I only wash my face once a day, at nighttime when I remove my makeup. I find my skin is more balanced and and has a nicer glow when I don’t strip my skin of natural oils. I swear by prepping the skin for makeup and moisturizer with Thayer’s Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner. Then, I apply my eye treatment (I enjoy using Andalou Naturals Eye Brightening Serum) and my daytime moisturizer (Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30).

Step Two: Once skin is prepped, I apply a cream concealer (Beauty Without Cruelty Super Cover Cream Concealer Fair) to any acne scars, under-eyes, active breakouts, around the nose, and any other discolorations. I use the Everyday Minerals Eye Kabuki brush and pat in the concealer until its well blended. This gives me great coverage, but still allows my skin to breathe.

Step Three: I apply my cream blush heavily with a stippling brush above my cheekbones (I used Pumpkin and Poppy Incognito Cream Blush from the Little Black Dress Collection). It may look scary at this point, but its better to over-apply than under-apply with this technique.

Step Four: Next, I use a synthetic flat topped powder brush to lightly apply my mineral foundation (I use Emani Minerals Perfecting Crushed Foundation Ivory 270). Make sure to tap off excess powder and build up your coverage gradually as you need it. This will even out your skintone and tone down the cream blush you applied. You will have a natural, flush of color this way…no scary clown makeup!

Step Five: I finish up my face routine by applying bronzer. I don’t use the same bronzer all of the time, I change it up depending on what kind of look I want to wear. I have neutral undertones in my skin, so I can play up my cool or warm undertones. In this photo, I used Pumpkin and Poppy Tara Moisturizing Bronzer which is a warmer, semi matte shade. I applied it lightly underneath my blush to accentuate my cheekbones. I also applied it to my temples, nose, and my jawline. I really like using the ELF Complexion Brush for this, as it doesn’t apply too much products and it blends out easily.

Step Six: I set everything with Audrey Organics Mineral Water Complexion Mist, but you can also use toner if you transfer it to a spray bottle.

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Sorry for the hiatus, life has been crazy and things are finally looking up for me again! Check out the video for more details:(

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For many of you long time subscribers, you are aware that my husband lost his job last July. We thought it was only a temporary setback, but it took him over eight months before he was able to find a reliable job. He had several interviews, but that only added to the frustration somedays. It would build up my hope for our future, only to dash it back down after a few weeks went by and no job offer. He has, thankfully, found a job he loves in his field as of April, so that is a huge relief in our household. I am now able to breathe and allow myself to feel something other than panic and desperation.

I already had anxiety issues, depression, and self-doubt before all of this happened, but it definitely intensified the effects by 10x. It all I could do to motivate myself to make new collections for Pumpkin and Poppy Cosmetics and be the sole income in our family, let alone work on my own personal and non-financial pursuits. My studio became a dreaded place for me because I felt guilty when I wasn’t working on a new project so that we could pay our rent. It became a very toxic environment for me, and that made me sad because I had always loved my job before all of this happened.

In the last several months, I have diagnosed myself with being a highly sensitive person. The book, The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron, Phd. was a great help to me. It made me realize that my physiology is quite different from many around me; I sense and feel everything with a great intensity so I easily feel overwhelmed by too many noises, people, sensations, and distractions. It physically and mentally affects the way I function.

So of course the stress of being in a situation that already completely vexes those in a similar circumstance really did a number on me. We are in the process of relocating to a new city for his job, which is a difficult process in itself, but a hopeful one. I have taken what I call a “limbo” period to refocus my energy and to heal. A lot of my apartment is packed up in boxes, so I decided that I would focus on other creative pursuits than cosmetic formulating.

This does not mean that I don’t have great plans for Pumpkin and Poppy Cosmetics, because I definitely do, it just means that I need to recharge my batteries. As an artist, I found that if one medium was frustrating me, I could switch to another way of approaching my idea and find my enthusiasm restored. I also think its important, for my own process, that I find joy and fun in whatever I’m working on. When I’m in a good place mentally, physically, and creatively, I create my best ideas and material.

I have actually been motivated to start a project that has long been on the backburner, my book! I don’t have a title yet, but the focus is going to be a vegan starter kit type of book. I’m going to have essays on my own vegan philosophy, “cheapskater” tips on how to save money, nutritional information, DIY beauty recipes, and of course tons of recipes that I’m testing out and creating in my own kitchen. The main theme of the book is that Veganism is attainable, fun, and well worth the effort. I already have quite a bit of it written, and I’m very excited about how it is evolving. I’m going to be doing everything for it: editing, photography, writing, recipe creation/testing, and doing original artwork for the book, so it is taking up a decent portion of my time. It will take at least a year to finish and I don’t want to burn myself out, but I really hope you all enjoy it.

I really appreciate all of your support and patience over the years. I know many of you relate to and understand my issues with anxiety and how it affects my ability to achieve everything I set out to do. I’m realizing that I’m not in a race and that if I don’t take care of myself, I will have nothing to give anyone else. Its hard for me to accept because my whole life was focused on academia and being the best at everything. I’d rather just be the best at things that are important to me and the rest will fall into place. As always, helping animals is always at the core of whatever I’m doing. As long as that focus is always in place, it doesn’t matter if I decide to draw, paint, sing, write, or create cosmetics. I’m still helping, even if I touch just one person and they decide to explore Veganism in their own life.

The post UPDATES: Where the Heck! have I Been? appeared first on Veggie Beauty.

FTC: Pumpkin and Poppy Cosmetics is owned, run, and operated by me and my husband. Our cosmetics are all vegan and cruelty-free.

“Boob Tubes” are a fun and campy lip butter collection, inspired by the dynamic leading ladies of classic television. The colors range from classic mod nudes, hot pinks, to lavender purples…its like a trip back in time to the glory days of television and all of the fabulous mini skirts, bouffant hair, and go-go go boots! This collection features the much loved Pumpkin and Poppy Lip Butter formula featuring organic butters and oils; a moisturizing formula…long lasting, and works with the color of your own lips.

Boob Tube Lip Butters: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/pumpkinandpoppy/0/0/308524

The post Pumpkin and Poppy Presents Boob Tube Lip Butters appeared first on Veggie Beauty.

I have a love and hate relationship with eye makeup because I have the curse of oily eyelids. The one benefit to oily lids is that it will take longer for me to develop deep crowsfeet around the eyes; I look at that as a good enough reason to put a little more effort into my makeup routine. I have found many tips and tricks that I would like to share that help keep my products in place longer and keep them from creasing. I’m not going to lie, natural products are not 24-7 kind of makeup items…they use natural waxes and oils that will breakdown throughout the day, but it is my belief that makeup shouldn’t be bulletproof. Who knows what chemicals commercial products have to keep them on the skin all day long? The skin naturally cleanses itself with oils throughout the day, which is healthy. Here are my own personal do’s and don’ts to help lessen the dreaded racoon eyes and keep your makeup in place.

Tip #1 Don’t Put Liquid Foundation or Concealer on the Eyes
Liquid foundations are not developed as primers for the eyelid…most are oil based and quite thin, so they tend to be the #1 culprit when it comes to eyeshadow creasing.

Tip #2 Powder as a Primer
I used to use liquid eye primers, but I never found a natural primer that was vegan that I really loved using. I stopped using liquid eye primers, and switched to simply powdering my lids prior to doing my eye-makeup. You want to create a barrier between the oils of your lids and the oils in whatever cream products you are using. If you are using cream eyeshadow, lightly blend a powder foundation or neutral eyeshadow onto the lid. You can also use Pumpkin and Poppy Oil Absorbing Mineral Veil…you will need to pack a bit more of it on the lid than with a titanium dioxide based foundation or eyeshadow, as titanium dioxide drinks up oils and moisture.

Tip #3 Never Use Cream Eyeliners with Cream Eyeshadows!
I’m an oil painter and in college, the first thing my professor told us when it was time to clean up our brushes was to use cooking oil! Oils break down oils, it is also the concept behind the oil cleansing method. I only use cream eyeliners on top of powdered eyeshadow; on the rare occasion that I’m feeling like tempting the makeup gods by wearing this combo, I will set my cream eyeliner with an eyeshadow and then lightly dust my finished creation with a translucent powder, like Pumpkin and Poppy’s Oil Absorbing Mineral Veil. For cream eyeshadows, I use a powdered eyeshadow with a stiff precision brush as my eyeliner.

Tip #4 Translucent Powder is Your Friend
You know how mid-day you go to the bathroom and powder your nose? Why not apply this concept to your eyeshadows? Take a translucent powder (opaque powder will dull and obscure your eye-makeup) and using a fluffy brush, lightly dust some over your eyelids. I swear, this really helps!

Tip #5 Use Powder Eyeshadow in Your Crease
My eye-makeup tends to crease right wear my eyelids meet my socket bone. To help prevent this, if I’m wearing cream eyeshadow on the lid I will wear a powdered eyeshadow right in the crease prone area.

Tip #6 Less is More
Always apply cream eyeshadows in a thin layer. Some recommend applying cream eyeshadows with a brush, I only use my fingers. I feel like I’m able to work the product into the lid with the heat of my fingers more effectively than with a brush. Do not over apply, it will definitely crease.

Tip #7 Wear Creams as Bases for Powder Eyeshadows
I find that this is my favorite way to wear cream eyeshadows; I use them to enhance my powdered eyeshadows. I will use a darker cream base if I want to do a smokey eye or want to darken up my eyeshadow color; I use white or skin-toned bases when I want bright and vibrant colors to stand out. I also find that my eyeshadow lasts longer when I wear a good cream eyeshadow base, especially one with oil absorbing ingredients built in. I developed the Pumpkin and Poppy cream eyeshadow pencils with kaolin clay, titanium dioxide, and arrowroot powder to help absorb oil from the lid. You can purchase Wipeout and Baby Eyeshadow Pencils with my Summer Love Collection.

Baby Eyeshadow Pencil on the lid, paired with Wipeout in the Browbone area. I used very light layers and blended them thoroughly into the eyelid; I prepped the eye first by applying Pumpkin and Poppy Oil Absorbing Mineral Veil.

The post How to Keep Eye-Makeup From Creasing (Oily-Lids) appeared first on Veggie Beauty.

Summer Love Collection

Song: No Frills Salsa by Kevin MacLeod, www.incomputech.com

FTC: I own, run, and operate Pumpkin and The Link Poppy Cosmetics. Everything I sell is vegan and cruelty-free.

The post Pumpkin and Poppy Summer Love Collection appeared first on Veggie Beauty.

In honor of my new summer collection, Summer Love, (based on the 1987 romantic film Dirty Dancing), I decided to do a photo tutorial using products from the collection. Everything in this look is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, as always! I posted this look a few days back on my facebook fan page and got positive feedback on it. If you are not subscribed to my Facebook page, go check it out! I always post my lastest collections, sales, ideas, recipes, and any other random interest that I want to share. I’m quite an eclectic individual:)

I also decided to focus more on blogging rather than vlogging via youtube. I am very busy with Pumpkin and Poppy related business, which is a wonderful thing…but it also leaves me less time to film and edit videos. Also, I feel that my camera quality is better than my video quality when it comes to detail oriented makeup tutorials. I will still film the occasional video, especially if I feel I have something important I want to share, but I think I will be able to stick to blogging than youtube a bit more consistently.

Step 1: Apply Wipeout Eyeshadow Pencil in a thin layer all over the lid, into the browbone. Pat into the eye area until absorbed and ready for eyeshadow application. This step ensures that you have a blank canvas to work on and that your minty green pops! Think of it like priming a canvas for painting.

Step 2: Apply Watermelon eyeshadow pigment with a flat concealer or shader brush to the lid for maximum color payoff. I am using the ELF Studio Concealer Brush here.

Step 3: Apply Wipeout Eyeshadow Pencil directly to the bottom lashline.

Step 4: Run Wipeout Eyeshadow Pencil along the lower waterline; this will help the eyes to appear more wide open and larger, which is key to the 60′s mod look.

Step 5: Using a small shader or precision brush (I am using a brush from an Ecotools kit), apply Watermelon pigment onto the lower lashline. Make sure to blend it it out a little bit so it doesn’t look quite as harsh. You can use your finger or a brush.

Step 6: Apply your favorite black pencil liner unto the upper waterline (I’m using Zuzu Luxe Pencil Liner in Obsidian). This step makes the lashes appear fuller and eliminates gaps when we go to do our liquid liner.

Step 7: Starting in the middle of upper lashline, create a thick, tapered 60′s inspired eyeliner. I’m using Zuzu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner in the shade Raven (its my favorite liquid liner!) If you start in the middle, its easier to get that retro, tapered tail. I like to apply mine in short strokes until I achieve the right shape. Take your time, its worth a little patience for this look!

Step 8: Here is what the finished eyeliner should look like!

Step 9: Softly blend Couturier eyeshadow (from my Au Naturel Neutrals collection) into the crease (I’m using a brush from Real Techniques called Base Shadow Brush).

Step 10: Apply a volumizing mascara to the upper lashes (I am using Zuzu Luxe Mascara in Black). We aren’t applying any to the lower lashes because this look is focused on keeping the eye wide open and innocent.

Step 11: I filled in my brows with a natural brow color for my red hair (Baguette) using an ELF Angled Eyeliner brush. Blend in a cream concealer with your ring finger to cover dark undereye circles and any blemishes you may have. (I’m using Beauty Without Cruelty Cream Concealer in Fair).

Step 12: Yes, I have roscea and sensitive skin, hence all of the redness. I’m not ashamed to admit that I don’t have perfect skin, nor do many of us. I use Gabriel Moisturizing Liquid Foundation in Pale Ivory to provide the coverage I need without looking cakey. Its my holy grail natural foundation and the most gentle vegan formula I’ve found, great for those with similar skin issues! I buff in my foundation with a flat top powder brush (I’m using one from Everyday Minerals).

Step 13: I lightly dust on Honeybee Gardens Pressed Powder Foundation in the shade Geisha. It gives lightly coverage, and has no talc, bismuth oxychloride, and gives a natural finish. I am using the Ecotools Powder Brush to apply the powder.

Step 14: I want to keep this look soft, so instead of applying blush, I am going to contour my face with a cool toned contouring powder. I am using Pumpkin and Poppy Oak Bark Contouring Powder with my Cozzette Round Blush Brush. I like to tap off excess powder on the back of my hand and then contour my cheek bones, temples, nose, and under my jawline.

Step 15: Apply Pumpkin and Poppy Cardigan Lip Butter to the lips until you reach the desired opacity.

Step 16: Because I have pigmented lips and this is a lighter lip color, I do what I call a reverse lip liner. I use my Beauty Without Cruelty Cream Concealer in Fair to line around the lips to eliminate any redness. I use this trick often with lighter lip colors because my lips are so pigmented.

Step 17: Blend in the concealer and you are done. Here is the finished look!

Summer Love Full Collections and individual items from the collection can be purchased here!

You can purchase Pumpkin and Poppy Cosmetics through my artfire shop!

The post Photo Tutorial: Fresh Mint and Lilac appeared first on Veggie Beauty.

3 TB creamed coconut (reconstitited with 1/2 cup hot water)
1 TB extra Virgin coconut oil
1 cup cashews soaked, drained, and blended until smooth with 1/4 cup water
2 TB Jamaican curry powder (I used a homemade blend from Vegan Eats World by Terry Hope Romero)
1 TB all purpose seasoning
1, 4oz can diced green chiles
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 cups peeled and chopped sweet potatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
3/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 1/2 TB fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

1. The creamed coconut I use in this recipe comes from this brand (Edward and Son’s Let’s Do Organic)
Take 3 TB and mix together until disolved with half a cup of hot water and set aside.

2. Prep onions and sweet potatoes. Heat a TB of extra Virgin coconut oil and sauté onions on medium heat for 5 minutes.

3. Add sweet potatoes and mix into onions. Cook covered for 8 minutes and add salt and pepper to taste, along with the rest of the seasonings.

4. Add vegetable broth, cover, and increase heat to medium high. Cook covered until sweet potatoes are soft, about 15 minutes.

5. While cooking, blend soaked cashews with 1/4 cup water until smooth in a blender or food processor.

6. When sweet potatoes are soft, blend half of the soup in your blender and add back to pot.

7. Add diced chiles, creamed coconut and cashew cream into the soup pot and turn heat to low to heat through and develop flavor.

8. Before serving, mix in lemon juice and add cilantro.

9. Serves 6

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