Going Cruelty Free

Something I’ve been hearing about for a couple years now was the cruelty free movement. Like a lot of people, I naively believed that animal testing was some far off issue reserved for China, or only the most diabolical super villains, or for 1960s psychological tests. But unfortunately, it’s still a widespread practice that is poorly regulated by government agencies. But as I did my own research on the matter, I came to the realization that it is very real, and very present.

 

cruelty free

Why I’m Going Cruelty-Free

As I realized that what I thought was a minor issue was not in fact minor at all, I had to come to terms with the idea that what I believed in and how I was spending my money simply wasn’t lining up. As much as I said I loved animals and for all my efforts to follow a plant-based diet, as well as to remove leather and similar products for my life, I was still contributing to them directly suffering. There is no benefit at all that I can see to animal testing for cosmetics.

There are so many other alternatives, and even in medicine there are efforts being taken to limit, and ideally eliminate, animal testing. If scientists can acknowledge and pursue other avenues, why can’t beauty companies? Besides, there are so many cruelty-free options at every price point, from drugstore to luxury. Why should I support companies that could easily choose an alternative?

What I’m Changing

There is a lot to know when going cruelty-free, and there are different ways to do so. Some advocate for the strictest guidelines, and others are more flexible. And it’s always a sensitive subject, understandably so. Status is constantly shifting as well, as brands can change policies. But I do sincerely believe that however one chooses to do so is a very personal choice.

For me, I will not require that the parent company not test on animals. I feel that it is important to vote with ones dollar, and you can do that in many ways. I want to show these companies that cruelty-free matters. That they can do right. Some make the same choice as me, and some require that the parent company be cruelty-free as well. I respect both sides, as both have valid points.

Going with that, I require that the brands I purchase from do not sell in China. This means that they will have to have animal testing conducted before they can import to China and sell their goods. As far as animal testing from suppliers goes, I am still unsure how to determine that status.

To note, many eyelash companies that use mink for their lashes claim cruelty free status. However, there’s too much conflicting evidence for me to consider authentic mink to be cruelty free.

Moving Forward

Unfortunately, I have quite a few Maybelline lipsticks. Much of my collection is cruelty-free already, which I’m ecstatic about, but many of my lip products aren’t. Nor is some of my skincare. For some of them, I will donate them to women’s shelters as they are unused or swatched only. For the ones that cannot be sanitized or are too used, I will use them up. So if I post a look using one of those products, I will either not mention it or I will mention it with a disclaimer.

I will also only work with cruelty free brands. That means I will turn down collaborations from non-cruelty free companies, or from eyelash companies that only use mink.

This is a journey. One that will require diligence, research, and commitment on my part. I will likely make mistakes, as we all do. If I make one, I will be honest about it. I ask that if you ever see me support a non-cruelty free brand, please tell me. Don’t be hateful, be kind and educate me. I’m working on going back to a fully plant-based diet, which I have struggled with recently. That was my own failing.

If you have any favorite resources for cruelty-free products, or any favorites brands, please let me know down below. Let me know how you feel on the subject! Or any restrictions you have for companies you purchase from.

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Just to be clear, I have zero, zip, nada, no interest at all in shaming those who aren’t making the same choice as I am. I’m still trying to determine where I stand on many issues and how I want to move forward with them, as many of us are. This is just my story, and my feelings.

12 Comments

  1. Vanessa 08/09/2017

    I’ve also set a goal to go cruelty free with my makeup within the next year. It’s awfully hard isn’t it? So many companies test on animals or have parent companies that test on animals. Luckily my favourite skincare products are from The body shop so I’m safe there. But makeup, especially lip products like you said, are difficult!

    Reply
    • makeupbykaelin 08/14/2017

      Some of it is difficult! I’m struggling most with fragrances, honestly. I’m so excited for you that you’re going CF! If you find anything really fab, let me know!

      Reply
  2. Freya Fleming 08/10/2017

    I’m going to start my journey to going cruelty free as well! my take on it is that I will use up any non-cruelty free products I still have, and then when they’re finished I’ll substitute them for a cruelty free one. 🙂 I definitely love your approach of everyone getting to make their own choices; what bothers me most about becoming part of the ‘cruelty free community’ is that there’s so much pressure to do it perfectly and so much shaming when someone isn’t doing it “exactly right”. everyone’s journey is different and we’re all just human!

    xoxo
    Freya
    tgifreya.wordpress.com

    Reply
    • makeupbykaelin 08/14/2017

      I definitely feel you on trying to do everything “just right”, and some people are so vocal about it that it’s nerve-wracking! For me, as long as kindness is the reason and the goal, there are very few “wrong” ways to do it!

      Reply
  3. Madiha 08/12/2017

    I’m in the process of going cruelty free too! It’s a lot more difficult than people think. my fave brand was nars but they’ve reverted back to animal testing. its all okay though, my new found love for kiko milano makes up for it
    http://www.mevstheodds.com

    Reply
    • makeupbykaelin 08/14/2017

      I need to check out Kiko! Some of it is coming really easily for me, there’s just so much research to do 😛 I’m struggling most with fragrances tbh

      Reply
  4. Casey Street 08/25/2017

    This was such a beautiful post, I really really want to go cruelty free and I want to transition from veggie to vegan in the near future. There are so many brands that test on animals and it’s truly heartbreaking. My favourite cruelty free brands are Lush Cosmetics and The Body Shop. Love Casey x http://casestreetx.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
    • makeupbykaelin 10/20/2017

      I want to transition to a vegan diet too! It frustrates me how so many companies continue to test on animals 🙁 I need to try the body shop!

      Reply
  5. Sebastian Proch 08/28/2017

    I’m fully supportive for going ‘cruelty free’ – I believe, testing on animals is not only cruel but also in most cases not effective. Humans are different from animals and react differently. So testing on animals usually doesn’t make much sense.

    Reply
    • makeupbykaelin 09/09/2017

      I absolutely agree, especially considering all the alternatives that currently exist. To willingly continue animal testing, particularly for cosmetic purposes, is inexcusable.

      Reply
  6. Katie 08/29/2017

    I’ve also too trying to do the switch to cruelty free. I’ve been rotating my products once I’m done them, I’m replacing them with the cruelty free alternative. The one thing I’m having a hard time finding is cleaning products for my house or even ones nicer for the environment.Thanks your sharing your journey !!

    Reply
    • makeupbykaelin 09/09/2017

      I’m struggling with that too, I’m going to check out Target and see what they have!

      Reply

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