My switch to cruelty-free products

A few months ago I was horrified to see a photo circulating around Facebook with a list of all the beauty, hair, and skincare brands that still permit their products to be tested on animals. 

Originally found here

It's funny how blind we are to an issue when it is not blatantly advertised. I had no idea so many brands that I use either test on animals directly, or sell in markets that require products to be tested on animals prior to the use of human consumption (mainly China).

One of my goals for the new year (see full post here: https://goo.gl/f41RgK) was to only purchase cruelty-free products. I am so happy to say that I've made a successful transition! All of my purchases have been cruelty-free! To be clear, I am still (unfortunately) using some products that are not cruelty-free because I had previously owned them before I made this revelation and I didn't see the sense in being wasteful and throwing them away. Once I use them up or once they expire I will definitely not repurchase.

Some resources that I use to check if a brand is cruelty-free:
PETA
Cruelty-Free Kitty
I also just google "[brand name] cruelty free" if I'm struggling to find a definite answer.

Something I was shocked to learn is, in addition to makeup & skincare products, other things like toothpaste and household cleaning products are tested on animals as well! I am currently doing research on this so that I can be as cruelty-free as I can. Animals are not tools for humans to use, they are other living, breathing, and feeling beings!

I did not find the transition to cruelty-free makeup and body care to be very difficult. I was already using a good chunk of cruelty-free products (shoutout to NYX) and the products that I was using that were not cruelty-free were easy to find quality replacements for. The only thing I'm struggling with is replacing my coveted, tried & true Maybelline mascara that I've used since high school. I have super straight lashes and even after I curl them, any other mascara that I've used other than any waterproof Maybelline formula straightens them! I've tried a lot of Tarte ones (Lifted Sweatproof, Tarteist Lash Paint, Lights Camera Lashes) as well as the Physician's Formula Organic Wear Curl + Care mascara and I've had no luck with maintaining the curl of my lash. If anyone knows of a good waterproof mascara made by a cruelty-free brand please leave me a comment below!