*See this article on the Huffington Post**
I’m a cosmetic junkie, but I’m also an animal lover. When I realized a few years ago my 2 biggest passions were not supporting each other, I was devastated. I loved my makeup, but I couldn’t stand the fact that many cosmetic companies test products on animals. Making the choice to go cruelty-free was initially hard, but I’m glad I did. In the past few years, a lot of companies have taken up the mission of offering cruelty-free products, making it easier to make the switch. Here are 8 reasons I went cruelty-free and the benefits of my choice. 1. The Beagle Freedom Project
This organization’s video started it all for me. Seeing the look on those dogs’ faces when they touched grass for the first time after being rescued… I lost it. I made the decision to support companies who didn’t test on animals.
2. Laboratory Chimps Released to Sanctuary Video
The first video got me interested in cruelty-free. This video solidified my stance against animal testing in general. Whenever I think cruelty-free is too hard, I just think of how hard the lives of these animals were. Spending more time choosing my products is not a major hardship compared to the hardships faced because of animal testing.
3. Overall Justice For Animals
I have always been obsessed with animals. Using products that support cruel practices toward them is unethical and goes against who I am at the core.
Supporting a mission doesn’t always mean you have to devote bundles of money or time. Sometimes it’s just about being more conscientious in your day-to-day choices. Buying cruelty-free products is a small way I can help better the lives of animals. 4. Cruelty-Free Products Are Good For Your Skin
Many of the products I use now that are cruelty-free lack harsh chemicals. Many products are vegan, so sensitive skin sufferers can rejoice at the lack of harsh ingredients.I notice I suffer from less breakouts since making the switch.
5. Many Quality Brands Offer Cruelty-Free Products
The easiest way to find a cruelty-free product is to look for the leaping bunny symbol. Some companies use a different bunny symbol, but there are sometimes questions about the legitimacy of the claim.
Be sure to look for clear markings that the product is cruelty-free. Some products will spell it out for you. Some organizations are trying to make it easier for consumers to know they are purchasing cruelty-free products. See this website for more information about the leaping bunny campaign. Some of my favorite cruelty-free brands include: Urban Decay, It’s a 10 Hair Care, Paul Mitchell, and The Body Shop. 6. Beauty Subscription Box: Petit Vour
I love, love, love getting beauty boxes in the mail but had to stop my subscription when I realized I was getting products tested on animals. Enter Petit Vour. This beauty subscription service costs $15 a month. They send you a box with four beauty products that are cruelty-free and vegan.
7. Cruelty-free is Affordable
Initially, making the switch to cruelty-free was tough on the wallet, but many low-price products are now surfacing.
Sonia Kashuk, ELF, Pacifica, and NYX are my favorite bargain-priced product, butthis article discusses several other affordable cruelty-free products as well as items to avoid. 8. Cruelty-free Products Promote a Better Global Vision
Cruelty-free Products Promote a Better Global VisionOnce I opened my eyes to the realities of animal testing, I couldn’t put mascara on and pretend it was okay. I couldn’t keep buying brands that tortured animals while I was a self-proclaimed animal lover.
Buying cruelty-free products has helped me feel better about the way I’m living and about how I’m contributing to a better global vision. Isn’t this a big part of what the beauty industry should be about? Making the Switch to Cruelty-Free Making the Switch to Cruelty-Free Beauty
Going cruelty-free is a big decision, and it does mean you’ll have to leave some brands behind. It will also mean you will make mistakes. I’m not perfect in my mission to go cruelty-free. I’ve struggled with abandoning some favorite brands.
However, making a conscientious choice to support cruelty-free brands will ultimately lead to more ethical relationships between beauty products and animals, a win-win for both areas. If we beauty junkies unite with the common mission of ethical products, perhaps the industry will listen to our goals and help us achieve them. Have you gone cruelty-free? What are your favorite products?
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I’m no beauty queen or beauty Youtube vixen. I’ve never been mistaken for a supermodel. I don’t think I’ve mastered the smoky eye.
But I’m still trying. I’m a shameless beauty product addict. I rack up more points at Ulta and Sepohra than potentially healthy in a constant search for the life-changing, game-changing product. I adore watching videos about beauty tips, reading magazines about new trends, and trying to master new makeup looks. It started in sixth grade when my mom bought me my first makeup kit. Eyeshadows, blushes, lipsticks… there was an array of colors, an array of possibilities. I was hooked on the opportunity to experiment, to play with color, to put on a slightly new face very single day. Over the years--and probably thousands of dollars I don’t want to calculate--I’ve definitely gained some beauty knowledge. Below, I’ve listed some of my favorite beauty tricks I’ve learned over the years. Feel free to add yours below. 1. Eyeshadow Primer saves...well, eyeshadow.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Potion is truly MAGIC. There are so many different types now, but I prefer the original or the Eden variety. They really do help your eyeshadow from being feathery or from smudging. Truly worth the money, especially if you're going for a dramatic eye. ($20 at Ulta)
2. Although tricky, contouring works miracles
I bought a L'orac Contour Palette last summer. I cringed when I forked over the $45, thinking I'd end up looking ruddy or like something from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It is, I'll admit a bit of a process to learn the steps. There's definitely a window of time until you gain confidence, too. I had to have a few friends swear to tell me if I looked weird. But once you get it, contouring truly does give you the Kardashian feel with your makeup. No cheekbones, no problem. Fake it! I personally don't like how wide my nose is... the contour palette helps fix this just by drawing a line and blending on the side of my nose and a dot on the tip. If you're willing to do some practice, this is definitely worth it.
3. Toothpaste clears zits
I read this tip in like seventh grade. Jennifer Lopez was quoted saying a dab of toothpaste on a zit before bed will make it go away. It definitely does work. It sort of dries up a zit overnight...as long as you can stand sleeping with some toothpaste on your face.
4. A blending brush is not optional
I used to slather on eyeshadow with one, single swipe using a flat eyeshadow brush. Then I watched videos on how to actually apply eyeshadow, and I realized everyone on Youtube was using blending brushes. I bought the It Cosmetics Blending Brush, ($14) and my eyeshadow was never the same! I never was one to invest in cosmetic brushes (dollar store ones are the same, right?). Now, I know a good brush can mean everything. this brush seriously allows you to master that eyeshadow with depth and perfection. Buy it now, seriously!
5. Black eyeliner doesn't have to be your one and only
I used to be a black eyeliner only girl...and then during junior prom, a makeup artist used turquoise eyeliner on me. I was hooked. Plum, turqoise, and navy blue are great ways to give a pop to your eyes without changing the shadow. I love Smashbox and Bare Minerals, but I've also had good luck with NYX.
Check out my March Petit Vour Box!
There's a base coat, a shampoo, a face mist, and a facial mask. I tried the shampoo tonight and already love it! I'm going to try the face mask tonight as well. Order your own Petit Vour Box for only $15 a month with shipping. I love Petit Vour because it is cruelty free and all natural. Check out the February Petit Vour box!
I love Petit Vour because it is Vegan AND (more importantly for me) Cruelty Free. All products are from companies who do not test on animals. Each box is $15 shipped and includes four products, sometimes full-sized. Here's what I got this month: 1. JUICE Beauty Stem Cellular Booster Serum 2. HAN Skin Care Cosmetics Eyeshadow 3. CHRISTY ORGANICS "Trance" Perfume 4. GRAYDON Hair Smoothie |
*As an Amazon Affiliate, I get a small fee for any books purchased through the links below.
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