CRUELTY FREE COSMETICS

You may have noticed I post about skincare and beauty products quite a bit, I am no expert in this industry what-so-ever, but I do know what products I like and what works for my skin. Towards the beginning of the year I started researching what really goes into cosmetic and skincare products, how they are made and what brands still test on animals. I have started on a journey that has made me a little more aware about the way in which the products I have previously had in my home are manufactured. I guess what I have been trying to do is educate myself and within doing so have found some great healthy alternatives that I am now using on a regular basis.

I would also like to point out that there is a difference between cruelty free, organic, natural and vegan. Not all products that are cruelty free are vegan and so forth and some products that claim to be all-natural are in fact not. It really comes down to what factors are most important to you when deciding what to put on your skin and it pays to do a little bit of research.

For me the biggest thing is animal testing, we have two fur babies in our home and I hate to think what all those poor animals have gone through for the sake of a hair serum. One thing I have discovered is that many mainstream ‘big brand’ cosmetic companies still test on animals in some way, shape or form and I was actually shocked to read through the list of brands still unnecessarily doing this. The good thing is there are some amazing certified natural/organic and cruelty free cosmetic brands on the market, so instead of focusing on the negatives I would like to discuss the great brands I have come across during my discovery process, brands that test on humans – not animals.

INIKA is an Australian based luxury cosmetics brand that is completely vegan, is free from synthetic chemicals and harmful ingredients and is certified cruelty free. Inika is committed to producing high quality make-up and guarantees all its products are safe, natural, ethical and environmentally conscious.

INIKA products I tried and loved:

Light Reflect Highlighting Crème – Hands down one of the best products I have ever used, ideal along the brow and check bone to add definition and give a natural glow to the skin. The highlighting crème is so versatile and can also be used on the lips and eyes.

Mineral Bronzer – I love this bronzer because it gives a gorgeous hint of colour while still looking completely natural. This is a great product to buff on if you are after a natural sun-kissed look or don’t have time to apply a foundation. I used this as an all over bronzer on my face, neck and décolletage.

White Crystal Eyeliner– I can’t remember the last time I found a decent white eyeliner that had a great consistency and wasn’t shimmery! I applied the white liner on the inner rim of the eye to make my eyes pop and love that this one comes with a built in sharpener on the lid.

LIVING NATURE is a New Zealand born skincare and cosmetic company committed to developing products that work in harmony with our skin. The entire Living Nature range is certified natural and is completely cruelty free, providing safe and effective skincare that is free from synthetic ingredients since 1987.

Living Nature products I tried and loved:

Soft Lights Illuminating Foundation –This foundation is perfect for a light coverage and offers a lovely dewy look. I have always wanted that ‘just walked through a mist tunnel’ finish but have never known how to achieve it without looking oily. This foundation does just that as it has a very gentle shimmer, seriously amazing - I can see why it has won so many awards.

Lip Hydrator – A new product from Living Nature offering a pure-conditioning treatment for the lips. I love that this is a lip balm in a lipstick form and can be used on its own or as a lip primer. This product has a lovely consistency and is working wonders to keep my lips hydrated considering I currently have a bad cold that usually results in dry lips. A handbag essential!

Thickening Mascara – This jet black mascara adds length and thickens lashes without the clumps! It also passed the onion test with no smudging or running (cooking dinner, cutting onions - you know the drill). A great natural mascara that isn’t heavy.

KAREN MURRELL lipsticks are made from natural based ingredients, are long lasting and cruelty free. The collection includes a range of gorgeous colours and I also love that the packaging is environmentally friendly, even the canister!

Karen Murrell products I tried and loved:

Magenta Moon Lipstick - For those that know me well know that I am not usually a lipstick girl but after testing out the Karen Murrell lipsticks I have definitely been converted! I have been using KM in magenta-moon and absolutely adore the colour, a dark magenta with a blue base ideal to wear on a night out.

BECCA Cosmetics are passionate about creating a flawless look and effortless complexion, founded in Australia Becca offers an ultimate range of skin-perfecting products. BECCA does not claim to be all-natural, however most of their products are paraben-free and they are completely cruelty free.

Becca products I tried and loved:

Beach Tint in Watermelon – This award-winning crème tint can be used on the cheeks or lips and adds a gorgeous stain of colour without a heavy finish. The watermelon tone is the perfect shade of pink for the cheeks and was easy to apply using the fingertips. You only need to use a tiny amount to achieve a natural flush of colour, overall a fantastic 2-in-1 product.

E.L.F (eyes, lips, face) offers quality beauty products at an affordable price point making this cruelty free brand accessible to everyone. ELF does not test on animals or endorse such practices and are partners with PETA in the caring consumer project.

E.L.F products I tried and loved:

Studio eyebrow kit – I prefer using a power and wax finish on my brows (instead of a pencil) so this was an ideal birthday present that I received last week. I have only used this product a few times but I love that the wax itself is pigmented and it was a perfect colour match for my brows, overall a great product.

Essential Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara – Perfect for setting brows, I applied this after using the ELF eyebrow wax and found it held the shape without looking hard. Can also be used to enhance the lashes if you are after a natural look.

Other places to shop for cruelty free cosmetics:

She Lives Cruelty Free – Online boutique stocking 100% cruelty free products, they also have a great range of organic and vegan products too.

Apotheka – Based in Newmarket (Auckland) and online, Apotheka is a modern apothecary exclusively stocking cruelty free cosmetics with an emphasis on natural and organic skincare products.

You can find a full list of cruelty free cosmetic and skincare brands on the SAFE website.

Disclaimer:

You will still find the odd product containing parbens lurking at the bottom of my bathroom drawers; I am still learning and slowing ditching the not-so-nice brands. I am however making a conscious decision to use safer alternatives when it comes to cosmetic and skincare brands.

Emma

x