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    Breaking News: The EU is Allowing Animal Testing in 2021

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    Is animal testing allowed in the EU in 2021?

    I’ve got some bad news guys. We already knew the EU animal testing ban wasn’t a complete ban. Many cosmetic ingredients have been tested at the chemical level under REACH laws, overriding animal testing laws. It has recently been brought to my attention that the situation is a lot worse than we originally thought. So basically, many cruelty free beauty brands (in the EU, US, and beyond) are not actually cruelty free, and the brands may not even know it.

    I’ve been discussing this with Jean of Bunny Army. She is on the front lines investigating animal testing laws. She is the lead author of the peer-reviewed paper explaining the animal testing that has been hidden from us. This is her summary of what is going on:

    Animal testing in the EU – 2021

    What’s happening?  Cosmetic ingredients in the EU are being tested on animals under the EU chemicals law, called REACH, even though a different law, the Cosmetic Regulation, bans animal testing of cosmetic ingredients. 

    Why is it happening? The Cosmetic Regulation has loopholes. The EU agency that enforces REACH says these loopholes require animal testing of cosmetic ingredients for ecotoxicity and for worker safety. The agency maintains that the Cosmetic Regulation ban applies only to tests for consumer safety.

    Why am I just hearing about this now? The testing is buried in the REACH chemical files. Official EU reports on animal testing list the tests only as “industrial chemicals legislation” tests. There has been no public reporting of these as tests on cosmetic ingredients. An analysis of REACH dossiers, just published*, revealed the extent of the REACH testing on cosmetic ingredients.

    How bad is it? A survey of products at two EU retailers, one high-end and one mass-market, found over 400 cosmetics that likely had ingredients tested on animals. The products included hair care, skin care, and makeup products. The brands probably do not know about the tests, because there is no current process in the EU to tell them.

    Can this be fixed? Yes. It must be fixed by the European Commission/Parliament, by amending REACH and the Cosmetic Regulation to ban animal testing of cosmetic ingredients for any purpose.

    A coalition of EU animal welfare groups will be launching a large campaign very soon. You can also write your cruelty-free brands to show your support for them and ask them to share any updates on social media so that we can all keep informed.

    You can visit Bunny Army for more info on this issue.

    *Continuing animal tests of cosmetic ingredients under REACH.

    Leaping Bunny Statement

    Here is Leaping Bunny’s public statement on the issue:

    “We appreciate the research and analysis that went into this report and we fully support demands in the EU, from both industry and animal protection groups, for upholding the testing ban on cosmetics. The requirements for animal testing on cosmetic ingredients under REACH are clearly counter to the intent of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, and they represent a serious betrayal of consumers and citizens.  Consumers in the US and Canada can be confident that Leaping Bunny certified companies are very much dedicated to making products free of animal testing. They submit to a careful and thorough vetting process to ensure compliance with our Standard, and we will continue to work with certified companies in the US and Canada to help them remain cruelty-free in this challenging environment.”

    My thoughts about moving forward

    Instead of going after individual companies, we really need to ban together as a community and get the lawmakers to change the laws that are mandating animal tests. Many brands have NO IDEA that the ingredients they are purchasing are being tested on animals.

    The ingredients are part of the global supply chain, so this is not just an EU issue. Many large brands are sold globally, and many brands from the US and other non-EU countries are purchasing ingredients from EU companies. For example, there are a small number of fragrance and flavoring companies that almost every cosmetic company (and food company!) purchases essential oils and aroma chemicals from (Symrise, Firmenich, Givaudin, etc). These companies WANT to remain cruelty free but are at the mercy of the lawmakers.

    I think it’s important to note that we don’t need to create hate for any particular country (China, EU, etc) or its citizens. We just need to change the laws. Side note: You can read more about Chinese animal testing laws here. The article explains why post-market animal testing in China is no longer a major concern – only pre-market testing.

    And (you might ask), how do we maintain that chemicals are SAFE for ourselves and our environment? There are alternatives to most animal tests. Animal tests are often cheaper (less training, tech, and manpower needed), but they are not ethical.

    As mentioned above, a coalition of EU animal welfare groups will be launching a large campaign very soon. As soon as this happens, I will let you know, so please stay tuned. And (nicely) let your favorite cruelty free brands know about this, and ask them to keep us informed.

    You can also share this image on social media with a link to this page to spread the word: More

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      Clean Beauty Destination: Vert Beauty Haul

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      This post is sponsored by clean beauty boutique, Vert Beauty, but all opinions are 100% mine. You know I keep it real with you guys!

      Hi, Bunnies! If you haven’t heard of Vert Beauty yet, let me go right ahead and get it on your radar. It’s an adorable Denver-based boutique and online store for clean and cruelty free beauty products. Vert Beauty was started by makeup artist, Amanda Hume, and grown out of her love to make people look and feel beautiful.

      The online store carries many clean skincare and makeup brands you know and love, like Aether Beauty, Herbivore Botanicals, Indie Lee, Kosas, Tata Harper, and Vintner’s Daughter.

      Grow to Glow

      Vert Beauty also has a rewards points program called Grow to Glow where you can earn up to $100 off. Today they are giving 200 points for new sign-ups! You’ll be well on your way to earning your first $10 discount. You can sign up here.

      I tried some cruelty free beauty products from Vert Beauty and I definitely found some winners! Here’s what I loved:

      Indie Lee Blemish Lotion

      Let me be very honest here. I thought the “pink acne drying lotion” was an old-school thing. I tried the Mario Badescu version many years ago, and I don’t remember having much luck with it. I have been breaking out like CRAZY lately and decided to give the Indie Lee drying lotion a try. I’m so glad I did!

      It’s KIND of like the Mario Badescu one you may have tried (they both contain camphor, zinc oxide, sulfur, and salicylic acid), but the Indie Lee Blemish Lotion is made without calamine and it’s talc-free. It also has magnesium and clay in the mix.

      All I can say is that this stuff REALLY helped as an overnight treatment for my oily spots and acne. It’s great (and probably mainly intended for) acne that is on the verge of erupting and has come pretty close to the surface of the skin. It also seemed to calm some of my deeper, underground zits, and some of them actually disappeared and never became massive monsters on my face!

      It’s obviously meant to dry the skin, so should only be used as a spot treatment. And if you notice too much drying, back off on how often you use it. Make sure you DON’T shake it up. Leave it on your counter and you’ll notice the ingredients will separate – that’s what you want! Dip a q-tip into the pink part of the product and dab onto your skin. Leave it on overnight or for at least two hours, so it can do its thing.

      ILIA Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment

      I’m so over those complicated, precise, or uncomfortable makeup trends! Give me easy-to-wear, multi-tasking products any day of the week. ILIA Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment is easy to wear and perfect for cheeks and lips.

      It does contain coconut oil, which may not be great for super acne-prone skin like mine, so I mainly use this on my lips. But it’s sheer and buildable, and I can apply it with my fingertip. There’s no need for lip liner and although it has a matte finish, it’s super hydrating so it doesn’t make my lips chapped and dry.

      I have yellow undertones so I love warm, reddish orange lipstick shades. The color I picked, called Stutter, is beautiful – just sheer enough to look like a natural red when I put it on – not a clownish orange. There are some other shades I really want to try next, like Temptation (coral pink) and Waking Up (warm nude).

      Milk + Honey Eucalyptus Lavender Body Cream

      This is my second bottle of Milk + Honey body cream. I bought it a while back because I love the look of the apothecary-style bottle (and I love that it comes with a pump).

      This time, I got the Eucalyptus Lavender scent and I think it’s my fave! It smells so soothing and spa-like. I put it on my hands and arms right before bed and it’s just wonderful.

      It’s not greasy at all, but just heavy enough to be moisturizing. There are some heavily scented creams that actually feel like they take moisture OUT of my skin. This is NOT that kind of cream! It’s made with natural ingredients – not artificial perfumes. It has organic aloe juice, shea butter and coconut oil to hydrate dry skin.

      This is a bit pricy in my opinion ($38), but it’s a luxury that I keep at my bed side and use only at night so it lasts a long time. I love the look of the bottle on my night stand and I love that the ingredients are good for my body.

      Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control

      And last but not least, I tried Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control from Vert Beauty. I had heard of the brand but never tried anything. There aren’t that many natural hair care brands that stay away from heavy fragrances and other additives, so that really appealed to me.

      The Innersense Curl Control is filled with organic, plant-based ingredients. It has a lovely natural, slightly earthy scent. It hydrates without weighing my hair down. There are some products that I put only on my hair’s ends, but I can use this all over.

      I wasn’t sure if this would have hold like a cream-gel, but it seems like it doesn’t (not much if any). I still need to use gel to get my hair to stay curly. My hair is wavy though, so for someone with tighter curls, this may be all that’s needed. I am intrigued and I definitely want to try more products from this brand!

      If you’re thinking of trying something that Vert Beauty carries, I definitely recommend signing up today (even if you don’t purchase anything) so you can get those extra points! Vert Beauty’s rewards points program, Grow to Glow, lets you earn up to $100 off. Today they are giving 200 points for new sign-ups! You can sign up here. They’re also going to be doing a special promo in June – I’ll share more info about that soon. More

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      Cruelty Free Holiday Gift Guide 2020

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      Some products in this cruelty-free holiday gift guide for 2020 were gifted and some were purchased by me!
      If you’re looking for cruelty-free beauty ideas for the holidays this year, I have got you covered! I put together my gift idea list with a focus on affordability and quality. Nothing is over $100 and most items are under $50. Whether you’re looking for skincare, makeup, bath & body, or hair products, I’ve got some ideas for you!
      Please note that some of these prices may change after Black Friday/Cyber Monday – click the links to see current pricing. I’ll also be adding to this gift guide as I receive more amazing cruelty-free holiday sets this season! They are still coming in but I wanted to get this guide out so you can start shopping. 🙂
      Cruelty Free Skincare Gift Sets
      BioClarity Bye Bye Blemish Bundle ($88.95 at BioClarity)

      The BioClarity Bye Bye Blemish bundle is an amazing deal for any skincare lover in your life, but especially those (like me) who deal with acne (or maskne if they are complaining about that unwanted side effect of wearing a mask)! For $88.95, you get a cleanser, body wash, serum, clay mask, acne treatment gel, and silicone cleansing brush (with 5 speeds for a deep clean). And of course, you get the green gel, BioClarity’s signature product made with Floralux, a blend made from chlorophyll, copper, and antioxidants, which helps to soothe skin, reduce the appearance of redness, and battle breakouts. This is a $148 value! All of BioClarity’s products are vegan, cruelty-free and nontoxic. Use my code BUNNY15 for 15% off!

      Bulldog Expert Skincare Set (21.87 at Amazon)
      This one is for the guys! The Bulldog Expert Skincare Set comes with shave gel, face wash, face scrub, and moisturizer. My husband loves this cruelty-free men’s skincare brand! Gregg doesn’t know it yet, but this set is going to be under the tree for him this year. Shhhh! There’s no reason women can’t use these products as well, so you can also stock up for the whole family and save! The products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of artificial colors and fragrances.

      First Aid Beauty Skin Superstars ($49 at Ulta)
      If you’re buying a gift for someone who lives in a cold or dry climate, or deals with sensitive or dry skin, the First Aid Beauty Skin Superstars set is going to be very warmly welcomed! The kit comes with First Aid Beauty’s bestsellers: Pure Skin Face Cleanser, Facial Radiance Pads, Ultra Repair Cream (my favorite – it’s a great cruelty-free dupe for Kiehl’s hand cream but can also be used for the face), Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer, and Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask. If you’re wondering about First Aid Beauty’s cruelty-free status, check this article.
      Drunk Elephant Firmy The Day Kit ($88 at Sephora)

      Who doesn’t love Drunk Elephant? They are a very popular cruelty-free skincare brand – just check Instagram and you’ll see all the love they get! The Drunk Elephant Firmy The Day Kit is great for all skin types. It comes with a full-sized C-Firma Day Serum and deluxe travel sizes of the D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, B Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, Protini Polypeptide Cream, Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30. You also get a hot pink compact mirror. The kit has a $127 value and the C-Firma alone is normally $80, so this is a great deal.
      Cruelty Free Makeup Gift Ideas
      NYX Diamonds & Ice, Please! 16 Pan Mega Shadow Palette (currently $12 at Ulta)

      NYX is probably my favorite drugstore makeup brand. High quality for a great price. Their new NYX Diamonds & Ice, Please! 16 Pan Mega Shadow Palette is sure to please any makeup fanatic on your list. The limited-edition holiday palette has 16 shades including mattes, shimmers, and glitters. These eyeshadows are highly pigmented and very blendable. The palette is cruelty-free and vegan. The regular price is $20 but it’s currently $12 at Ulta.
      NYX Shout Loud FX Lipstick ($9 at Ulta)

      Since we’re talking about the NYX Diamonds & Ice Please collection, you need to see these lipsticks! The Shout Loud FX Lipsticks ($9 at Ulta) are creamy and highly pigmented. The shimmer is actually an overspray, so they aren’t glittery, but they look beautiful and are fun to photograph! I’m always a sucker for cool-toned mauves, so I bought Royal Clapback directly from the NYX website (because that shade is currently not on the Ulta site) and I am in love!
      Milani Gilded Eyeshadow Palette ($14.99 at Target)

      I love this neutral palette so much, I bought it online, and then forgot and ALMOST bought it again when I saw it in-person at Target! The Milani Gilded Eyeshadow Palette is on the warmer side, but some of the shades are in the peachy-pink range, instead of only in the orange and brick range, which is what I’m seeing a lot lately. There are 15 shades including 10 mattes (I love when palettes include lots of mattes!), 4 soft metallics and 1 shimmer. This is a very wearable cruelty-free eyeshadow palette and the price is right.
      Too Faced Holiday Gift Sets ($36 – 49 at Too Faced, Ulta and Sephora)

      Too Faced always comes out with the cutest gift sets around holiday time! There are several to choose from – with eyeshadow palettes, blush/highlighter, and mascara. The Enchanted Wonderland set ($49) is especially cool because you can gift the whole set, or take them apart (there are three palettes) and gift each one individually!
      Physicians Formula Rose All Play palette ($21.49 at Target)

      This Physicians Formula mauve, rose and wine-colored eyeshadow palette comes with 12 shades that are packed with hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients like goji berry, rose extract, and kakadu plum. You can find Rose All Play at Target for $21.49. If you’re wondering about Physicians Formula’s cruelty free status, check here!
      Arches & Halos Ultimate Brow Hero Kit ($49.99 at Target)

      I had been hearing a lot of good things about this brand, so I was excited to try the Arches & Halos Ultimate Brow Hero Kit. This vegan, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free kit has every brow product you could possibly want! It comes with an Angled Brow Shading Pencil, Micro Defining Brow Pencil, Duo Luxury Brow Powder, Water Resistant Microfiber Brow Mousse, Natural Hold Gel, Dual Ended Blending Brush, and Surgical Stainless Steel Eyebrow Tweezers. It comes in Light, Medium, and Dark.
      Jouer Paris Lights Holiday Collection

      Jouer has a lot of beautiful cruelty-free holiday gift options this year. These are quality makeup goodies and all under thirty bucks! Check out the Best of Nudes Mini Lip Set ($28 at Sephora), Paris Lights Powder Highlighter & Lip Oil Set ($25 at Beautylish), and Best of Metallics Part Deux Deluxe Lip Crème Set ($28 at Jouer). If you want to see how the metallic lippies look on, my friend and fellow cruelty-free blogger, Phyrra, has a great try-on review.
      The Balm Schwing Trio Liquid Eyeliner Set ($14.50 at The Balm)

      Everything from The Balm is cute and SO giftable! The limited-edition holiday Schwing Trio liquid eyeliner set has two new colors – Sapphire Blue and 14K Gold. They are both so pretty and perfect for holiday makeup looks – even if they are just for Zoom parties! The formula is long-wearing and flake-proof.
      Cruelty Free Bath and Body Gift Sets
      Lip Smacker Best Flavor Forever Lip Balm Vault ($10 at Target)

      The Lip Smacker Best Flavor Forever Lip Balm Vault is a fun, inexpensive holiday gift for kids or adults. Who doesn’t love fun flavored lip balms like Cozy Marshmallows or Gingerbread Girl? Lip Smacker is a cruelty free brand, meaning they do not test on animals, use ingredients tested on animals or sell in places where animal testing is required. The lip balms do contain lanolin, which is a great lip hydrator, but not vegan. If you want a great flavored vegan lip balm, I suggest Hurraw, Crazy Rumors or Eco Lips.
      Burt’s Bees Fall Lip Balm Set ($13.49 at Target)

      For the more upscale lip balm connoisseur, check out the Burt’s Bees Fall Lip Balm Set, a limited edition 4-pack with yummy holiday flavors: Chai, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Maple and Pomegranate. Burt’s Bees is a cruelty free brand, meaning they do not test on animals, use ingredients tested on animals or sell in places where animal testing is required. The lip balms do contain beeswax, so the products are not vegan. If you want a great flavored vegan lip balm, I suggest Hurraw, Crazy Rumors or Eco Lips.
      Six Feet Away Hand Sanitizer Holder ($9.99)

      This one is so 2020! The Six Feet Away hand sanitizer keychains are handy vegan leather holsters for one of your best weapons against COVID 19 – hand sanitizer! The bottles are leak-proof and you can fill them with your own sanitizer. They come in 12 different colors with rose gold or gold accents to match your bag.
      eos Holiday Shea Better Hand Cream Gift Set ($7.99 at Target)

      I was excited to see that eos was recently added to the Leaping Bunny cruelty-free beauty list! I bought the eos Holiday Shea Better Hand Cream Gift Set from Target to try it out. The set comes with shea butter-based hand creams that are not at all greasy. They absorb really well into the skin. The set comes with Coconut, Pomegranate Raspberry and Vanilla Cashmere. They are highly-scented so may not be for those with sensitive noses or prone to migraines.
      Verabella Papaya Body Polish ($28.50 at Verabella)

      This is one of my favorite non-oily body scrubs. Verabella Papaya Body Polish is a super-luxe scrub from the celebrity-favorite spa in Beverly Hills. It leaves your skin feeling moisturized but never greasy. It makes a great hand scrub too (especially if you’re getting winter “lizard hands” like my husband!). The nontoxic sea salt body polish is made with papayas (naturally full of exfoliating enzymes) and other natural superfoods like green tea, pomegranate, shea butter, licorice, acai, mangosteen, and goji berry. Normally $38, they are having a sale so it’s currently $28.50!
      Raw Sugar Peace Love Glow Green Tea Cucumber and Aloe Vera Gift Set ($11.89 at Target)

      I love Raw Sugar! We buy their watermelon and lemon sugar hand soaps and body washes. I bought the Raw Sugar Peace Love Glow Green Tea Cucumber and Aloe Vera Gift Set at Target. The formulas are great, and these deluxe travel sizes are a good way to try out new scents. Unfortunately, the green tea + cucumber scent wasn’t my jam, but I will be regifting these to my family. Wink wink!
      Pinrose Playdate perfume gift set ($25 at Pinrose)

      It seems to me that most of the department store fragrances are NOT cruelty-free. So I’m excited when I find a brand like Pinrose. The Pinrose Playdate perfume gift set comes with 8 parfum sprays so your loved one will find something they love here! It comes with:
      Wild Child – Tiare Flower • Jasmine • Vanilla
      Mystical Misfit – Red Currant • Pink Rose • Patchouli
      Merry Maker – Nectarine • Violet • Tonka Bean
      Gilded Fox – Cocoa Spice • Buttered Rum • Amber
      Sun Saint – Lime • Sea Salt • Coconut Wood
      Pillowtalk Poet – Powder • Ambergris • Musk
      Lil’ Dipper – Lemon Peel • Peony • Sandalwood
      Secret Genius – Caramel • Madagascan Vanilla • Sandalwood
      Not sure which scent you’d like the best? You can also take the online scent quiz and get a petal starter set for $25. To save some more cash, use my code BEAUTYBUNNY for 20% off any starter set!
      Cruelty Free Nail Gift Sets
      Nailtopia Blue-tiful Daze Holiday Kit ($14.99 at Ulta)

      If you have someone in your life who is both eco-friendly and a sucker for blue nail polish, they will love this Nailtopia Blue-tiful Daze Holiday Kit. Nailtopia’s Blue-tiful Daze Holiday Kit includes a crème lacquer, a shimmer lacquer, and the first-ever biodegradable, bio-sourced glitter lacquer, which is derived from cotton. Nailtopia’s biodegradable glitter particles dissipate naturally back into nature to reduce waste, whereas most nail lacquer glitters contain tiny bits of plastic that never fully break down. These polishes are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, vegan, and nontoxic! The bag and bottle caps are made from 100% recycled materials and the bottle caps are recyclable. Not into blue? Check out their Roses Are Red holiday set.
      Defy & Inspire Duo Nail Polish Set 2 Makes 3 ($8.29 at Target)

      Defy & Inspire is another Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand. The Defy & Inspire Duo Nail Polish 2 Makes 3 Set comes with two shades (Everything’s Grape and Pretty in Pink) that you can wear independently or combine to make a third shade! The polishes are 9-free. The set is only $8.29 at Target and would make a great stocking stuffer.
      Orly Nail Lacquer – Metropolis Holiday 2020 Collection ($49.99 or $9.99 each at Amazon)

      So many gorgeous shades in the Orly Nail Lacquer – Metropolis Holiday 2020 Collection! In the pic above I’m wearing Opulent Obsession, a dark creamy wine topped off with Untouchable Decadence (gold glitter). Orly is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free and vegan. The Metropolis set is $49.99 or you can get them for $9.99 each at Amazon. Currently, there is a $6.65 each Black Friday deal going on at Orly!
      Cruelty Free Hair Gift Ideas
      Maria Nila Holiday Gift Boxes ($56)

      Maria Nila has some really cute Zodiac-inspired holiday gift boxes. I don’t have one to show you, but I can say I’ve tried a lot of their products and they are really great. They are vegan and cruelty-free, and the packaging is so chic. They smell great, but if you’re sensitive to fragrance, they may not be for you.
      Number 4 Holiday Gift Sets ($25 – $49 at No. 4)

      Cruelty-free hair brand, Number 4, has several holiday gift sets this year. The Sleigh the Season gift set ($40) comes with Mini Mighty Hair Spray, Sugar Texturizing Spray and Smoothing Balm. All products are made with high-quality essential oils and botanical extracts. They are cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
      Drybar Mix & Mingle Holiday Gift Set ($159.20)

      For those on your list who have been REALLY good this year, the Drybar Mix & Mingle gift set is an exciting one to get under the tree! It comes with the Mixologist interchangeable Styling Iron, Lil Lemon Drop Detangler Brush, a full-sized Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray, 2 Hold Me Hair Clips and 3 deluxe travel-sized products (Detox Dry Shampoo, Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist and Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray). The $287-value set is currently $199 at Sephora or you can get it for $159.20 on sale on the Drybar site!
      R+Co Holiday Hair Gift Sets ($48-76 at R+Co)

      R+Co has some seriously amazing cruelty-free and vegan hair products! There are a few gift sets with either minis or a mix of full-size and minis. The packaging is fun, the formulas smell great, and they perform well. Cooler weather means flatter hair for many of us, so check out the Wild Horses Thickening Minis Kit ($48) for thicker, fuller hair. The fragrance is what R+Co calls “Dark Waves”, described as a warm romantic scent made with cardamom, pineapple, tangerine, lavender, bamboo, and blonde woods. Note: pictured above are large sizes – not minis.
      R+Co Bleu ($52 and up)

      R+Co has a new prestige, couture hair line called R+Co Bleu. If you’re shopping for someone who has high-end taste and loves to try the newest, most exclusive brands, this is a great option. Like R+Co, Bleu is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free. The focus is on editorial, “uptown” hair. They use sustainable post-consumer recycled and recyclable packaging. The scent is similar to R+Co’s signature scent, but with a slightly different vibe. They are calling it “light waves.”
      NEUMA Hair Gift Sets ($67 at NEUMA salons)

      I’m a huge fan of NEUMA because they are cruelty-free, vegan and they don’t use artificial fragrance. I actually don’t mind fragrance every now and then, but I like to have something without it to come back to, so I don’t overdo it. My fine, wavy hair really loves the reNeu line (in the green bottles). They are sold out of these sets, but you can use their salon finder to find a NEUMA salon near you. Some of the salons will even drop off or ship to your house. You can also find a limited selection at Ulta.
      Paul Mitchell Holiday Gift Sets ($22 and up at Amazon and Paul Mitchell)

      I love Paul Mitchell gift sets because they always include FULL-SIZE items at a great price! This year there are several gift box sets to choose from. Pictured above: You’re a Class Act (shampoo, conditioner, and sculpting spray), Hello Hot Stuff (thermal protection and strong hairspray), You’re the Coolest (platinum blonde shampoo and conditioner), You Lift Me Up (Extra Body Sculpting Foam and Finishing Spray), and You’re Good People (clean beauty shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment).
      The Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty line has no sulfates, parabens, gluten, or silicones. It’s cruelty-free and vegan. The formulas include sustainably sourced argan oil and aloe vera, and the bio-based packaging is made from 90% sugar cane!
      I’ll be adding to this list as I find new cruelty-free gifts for 2020 that I think you guys will love! More

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      Amazing Cruelty Free Brands You Didn’t Know Were on Amazon

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      With so many of us shopping online these days, there’s almost no need to step into a store when everything we want and need is available at the click of a button. I don’t know about you, but I love receiving packages and relate to that meme of the lady sitting by the mailbox with her purse in her lap waiting for my goodies to arrive — maybe you do too!  That dang Amazon prime shipping always seals the deal for me!
      Cruelty Free Brands on Amazon
      To fuel your online shopping needs and keep you safe at home on your couch, I’ve rounded up some amazing cruelty free brands that you didn’t know were on Amazon!

      Pacifica Beauty
      This 100% vegan, cruelty-free, clean beauty brand not only carries skincare for the face, but a huge variety of makeup, body care, and wellness products all at affordable prices. Not to mention some of the cutest packaging that adds to the overall appeal of this compassionate beauty brand.
      Some of my favorites are the Cherry Velvet Matte Setting Powder and their Underarm Deodorant Wipes. I find the setting powder works well for minimizing pores and controlling shine on my combo skin without making other areas of my face dry. The underarm wipes are always a nice refresher to use throughout the day and smell really nice.

      Ilia
      If you’re looking for a clean beauty brand with a minimalist, skin-centric approach, Ilia beauty offers some of their award-winning products on Amazon. Ilia pride themselves on developing formulas that not only perform beautifully on the skin but offers a benefit to it as well by using natural and organic ingredients. 
      Their Natural True Skin Serum Foundation is a huge hit for clean beauty lovers with its light-medium coverage and natural skin-blurring abilities. Ilia Beauty is gluten-free, dairy-free, and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free. 

      Kosas
      Another clean beauty, skin-focused cosmetics brand is Kosas. The company believes taking care of your skin should also include the makeup you use on the regular. Their botanical formulas not only are carefully formulated to create effortlessly beautiful looks, but are designed to nourish the skin at the same time.
      I’ve yet to come across a lipstick that is comparable to their Weightless Lip Color that feels like silk on the lips with beautiful color payoff. 

      Glamcor Riki
      You can’t have flawless makeup if you can’t see what you’re doing! Access to natural sunlight is the best bet, but when you’re doing your makeup (or let’s be real – plucking tiny hairs) in the evening, a Glamcor Riki mirror is just what you need.
      You can find the Glamcor Riki Skinny Mirror on Amazon. It comes with a 5x magnifying attachment and magnetic phone clip so you can film your own makeup tutorials.

      Anastasia Beverly Hills
      If there is one brand that knows how to make brows on point, it would have to be Anastasia Beverly Hills. ABH became famous for patenting the golden ratio method for brow shaping and developed not only brow products for a customized to each person look, but a full line of color cosmetics that keep us on our toes.
      Need defined waterproof brows to get you through your busy day? Check out their Dip Brow Pomade! Or something a little softer to draw in singular strokes? Their Brow Wiz is a good choice!

      REN Skincare
      Finding skincare that works for sensitive skin types can be difficult, which is why UK-based REN Skincare came about. REN skincare uses only sustainably sourced components to produce clean formulas that avoid skin un-friendly ingredients, like synthetic fragrance or sulfates.
      What products make the brand popular and is a best seller not only at Sephora and Amazon? Their Skincare Ready Steady Glow Tonic, an AHA toner that exfoliates with the help of lactic acid and willow bark extract while azelaic acid helps impart a healthy glow. 

      Sunday Riley
      Visible results are what we all hope for when we invest in skincare and that’s what Sunday Riley strives to give. Using active ingredients at potent enough levels to produce notable changes in our complexion with science-based formulations — all while avoiding questionable ingredients and giving back through their Sunday Shares Initiative.
      Snag their famous Good Genes Lactic All-In-One Treatment (with free Amazon Prime one-day delivery!) that clarifies, smoothes and retexturizes in one easy step for plumper, more radiant, younger-looking skin. 

      R+Co
      Looking for salon-quality hair products? R+CO was developed by a team of editorial and salon stylists that know exactly what your hair needs to keep it looking gorgeous. All their products are color-safe, heat and UV protective, vegan, and gluten-free.
      Say hello, to sleek and smooth hair with their Television Perfect Hair Shampoo and Conditioner.

      Stila
      Used by celebrity makeup artists and beauty lovers all around, Stila is a brand we’ve all grown to love since the ’90s. They have so many amazing products and in my opinion, are underrated! 
      From their cult-favorite clickable lip glazes to their best-selling budge-proof Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, Stila offers something to create signature looks for each and every one of us. 

      Grande Cosmetics
      Can’t get your lash extensions right now? Tired of using false lashes and want to grow your own? Grande Cosmetics has received praise over the years for its results-producing lash and brow treatments. That further led into the brand developing other makeup hybrids that enhance the lips, hair and face!
      Get those lashes growing with their Grande LashMD Lash Enhancing Serum.

      Perricone MD
      Developed as part of a three-tier system of wellness, Perricone MD products are known for their powerful and cutting edge formulations that have gone through extensive clinical studies. Their antioxidant-rich products fight free radical damage and reduce the signs of aging due to inflammation at the cellular level.
      What product is a hot seller all around? Perricone MD No:Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner that visibly tightens pores and leaves behind a matte finish. 

      PMD
      Love tech-y beauty tools? PMD is famous for its premier at-home beauty devices like their personal microderm (exfoliation tool), PMD Kiss, and PMD Clean sonic cleansing tool.
      The PMD Personal Microderm Classic is a great place to start if you are looking to even skin tone, reduce blemishes, and reduce fine lines all without having to make a visit to a professional office. It may not create the same exact results but keeps their customers pleased making them loyal fans of the brand. 
      What cruelty-free brands have you discovered while shopping on Amazon before? Are you using any of the ones I shared above? Share in the comment section below! More

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      iHerb Beauty Haul – All This for Under $100!

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      This post is sponsored by iHerb, a retailer I’ve been using for years. All opinions are mine – you know I keep it real!
      You guys know I love iHerb.com – I talk about them all the time. I have been buying a lot of my supplements and natural products there for years. I’ve also purchased beauty products from iHerb, but I didn’t realize until recently that they carry major beauty brands, the kind you’d find at the big chain beauty stores!
      I recently bought a Strivectin skin care product at a huge discount. In today’s cruelty free beauty haul, I’ll be sharing what I got with a $100 gift card from iHerb. There is something for every budget – they also carry cruelty free drugstore makeup brands like CoverGirl and ELF.
      Before we get to my reviews, just a reminder for my international friends that iHerb ships to over 150 countries! They also carry products from the U.S., Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, the UAE, etc. You can get your favorite K-beauty and J-beauty brands here too!
      Okay, so let’s get to the good stuff! I was given $100 to shop, and I got ten beauty items!
      Unite Boosta Volumizing Spray

      It’s been a while since I’ve tried Unite hair products, but I have really enjoyed them in the past, so I was excited when I spotted their Boosta Volumizing Spray at iHerb. I have long, wavy, fine hair, but I always feel like I need more volume at the roots. This product did exactly what I wanted it to! It gave me some volume without being heavy, crunchy or greasy. I tried it as an all-over spritz on damp hair too and found that it enhanced my curls and made them more defined (when used with my regular hair gel).
      Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

      I’m never going to stop raving about Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch hydrocolloid patches. You use them after you extract (pop) a zit, and they soak up all the gunk while protecting the wound. Sounds gross, but truly a holy grail for anyone dealing with acne. They are not treated with anything that would dry out your skin. They are just magical!
      Bulldog Shave Gel

      Bulldog is a British brand that is certified animal-testing-free by Leaping Bunny. My husband and I share this rich cruelty free shave gel. It’s made with camelina, green tea and aloe to soothe the skin and prevent razor bumps. It’s also Vegetarian Society approved.
      Grandpa’s Apple Cider Vinegar Body Wash

      I took a chance on this one. I have been loving vinegar for the oily skin on my face, and I thought this might help with my bacne (back acne). So far, I’d say Grandpa’s Apple Cider Vinegar Body Wash is a winner. It doesn’t smell bad like my DIY apple cider vinegar recipes do – it smells more like apple juice than vinegar. It leaves my skin feeling super clean and moisturized – not dried out. I can actually use it all over – even on the drier areas (like my legs). It is sulfate-free, artificial fragrance-free, paraben-free and gluten-free.
      Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer

      Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Taupe is one of my holy grails, so I was happy to try the Brow Definer that I found on iHerb. It’s got a triangular tip so you can shade or draw individual hairs. And there’s a spoolie on the other end to groom hairs into place. In my opinion both products are great – it’s just a matter of the style you’re more comfortable with.
      Sierra Bees Organic Lip Balm

      Sierra Bees is an iHerb-exclusive brand, and I was thrilled to get a pack of four for $4! I got Mint Burst, but there are tons of flavors to choose from (I was torn between mint and creme brulee). The lip balms are smooth and non-greasy. They’re made with sustainably-sourced beeswax, olive oil, sunflower oil and Vitamin E. They are certified USDA organic and GMO-free.
      Auromere Ayurvedic Mouthwash

      I discovered Auromere Ayurvedic Mouthwash at iHerb a while back, and I’ve been buying it ever since. It’s alcohol-free so it doesn’t burn. It has a ton of Ayurvedic plant extracts (neem, peelu, and many more) that clean your mouth and nourish your gums. It has a licorice/herbal taste that may take some getting used to, but I love it. My mouth feels much cleaner and healthier with this brand, and I notice that my gums don’t bleed when I use it (even when I forget to floss some days – eek!).
      Hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste

      Since we’re talking about oral health, coconut oil and tea tree are also great ingredients for a healthy mouth and gums. I found these in Hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste. It whitens naturally and contains no artificial sweeteners, dyes, SLS, preservatives, etc. Hello products are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free and vegan. It has a nice minty feel but is not overpowering.
      Indigo Wild – Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soap

      I tried Indigo Wild’s Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soap recently and I loved it so much, I had to stock up at iHerb! I tried the Lavender-Mint scent, and it’s SO nice on a hot summer day! There are a lot of natural soaps that don’t lather, and I just need some lather in my life. Thankfully Zum Bar lathers very nicely without SLS! It’s a natural soap, made with 100% food grade olive, coconut, palm & castor oils, in a goat’s milk base, with pure essential oils and mineral pigments.
      Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion

      And last, but certainly not least, I picked up a refill of one of my favorite hand and body lotions. Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion in Refreshing Lemon is the perfect consistency – not too heavy or too light. And the scent is DIVINE – it’s like sugared lemons. It’s cruelty-free and vegan, and GMO-free.
      So all of that for under $100 is not bad at all! I am so impressed with how many amazing cruelty-free products iHerb carries – high-end and budget. You can find everything you need there – go check them out! More

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      The Best Cruelty Free and Vegan Beauty Products

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      in Acne-prone, Body, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Hair, Lifestyle, Makeup, Misc, Nails, Oily Skin, Skin, Vegan on 07/27/20

      My editorial content has been sponsored by RetailMeNot, however my review and opinions are my own.

      People always ask me what the BEST cruelty free and vegan product in (insert category here) is. That’s a very hard task because there are so many great products out there! And there are a lot of factors involved (skin type, hair type, scent preference, etc.).
      When RetailMeNot asked me to write an article on the best products out there, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to pick! I decided to go with my favorites, while also taking into account which products are popular with friends, family and the online “hive mind.” I also took into account which products could be purchased at major retailers like Amazon, Sephora and Target.

      In addition to sharing my favorites in several categories like “best cruelty free lipstick”, “best cruelty free hair products”, “best splurge”, “best value”, and others, I also included several of my favorite Black-owned cruelty free brands (most are woman-owned as well).
      I would love for you to check out my article, and share it if you like it! You can view it here. Let me know what you think of my top cruelty free beauty picks, and if you like this type of article, I’ll try to do more of them here on My Beauty Bunny! More

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      Cruelty Free Summer Beauty Favorites

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      Unpopular opinion – I DO NOT like summer! I am not good with heat – I feel like my brain is melting. Summer in Los Angeles with a crappy air conditioner that can’t get the room cooler than 84 degrees is such a bummer. I need a summer home in Iceland or somewhere north of the equator!
      My family and friends call me the polar bear because I can’t deal with hot temperatures. But this polar bear still wants to look cute in the summer, so I’ve rounded up some of my favorite cruelty free summer beauty must-haves for ya!

      When it’s hot, and I’m dehydrated, my hair gets super dry and easily tangled. I have fine hair and don’t want to weigh it down, but I also have curls that need a little more moisture. I have found the Ivy & Elder Wave Spray and Leave-In Hair Mask to be the perfect combo.
      The Wave Spray is a quick and easy way to get those beachy waves without a lot of fuss. And the Leave-In Hair Mask feels like a body cream in texture, which scared me at first. I put about a nickel-sized amount on damp hair from mid-shaft to ends, and surprisingly the cream is EXACTLY what my hair needs! It curls up beautifully and is not weighed down in the slightest.

      Since we’re talking about hair products, I also have to mention R+Co Thickening Spray and Dry Shampoo Mist. I DO NOT want to break out the hair dryer and diffuser when it’s hot. And with the quarantine, I’m not doing much hair styling anyway.
      The Thickening Spray is easy to use and smells good (kinda earthy). I spritz it on the crown of my head when my hair is wet for some extra volume up-top. Sometimes I use it all-over if I want really big, Texas-sized hair!
      The R+Co Dry Shampoo Mist is my favorite dry shampoo at the moment because it’s got a gentle floral/citrus/vanilla scent that is not overpowering. There’s no heavy aerosol spray to make me choke or give me headaches. And it doesn’t leave a white mess. My hair actually feels clean when I use it – not perfumed.
      I’m definitely hooked on this Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free hair brand and I want to try more of their products. Their Watermelon Wave Spray looks amazing!

      Since it’s summer, a lot of you are on team oily skin. Welcome! I live here year-round! Farmacy Deep Sweep is a deep pore cleaning toner with salicylic acid, moringa seed extract and papaya enzyme to exfoliate and clean out those pores!
      I also really like their Daily Greens Oil Free Gel Moisturizer. As an acne-prone gal, I have never been a big oil-fan, and if I do use oils, there are only a few I trust. So in general, I like a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer like this one. It has moisturizing and exfoliating ingredients to keep pores clear.
      Farmacy is clean, cruelty free and these products are vegan.

      The COOLA Scalp and Hair Mist is one of those “why didn’t I think of that” type of products. You spritz it on your scalp (your hair, your part or wherever you’ve got skin showing) to keep it protected from sunburn. It’s easy to use and not greasy.
      It’s vegan, reef-safe, broad-spectrum, 70% organic, water-resistant, and made with natural oils to protect your hair and your scalp from UV rays. It’s a chemical sunscreen (not a physical sunscreen), so just something to be aware of.

      Since we’re on the topic of non-greasy sunscreens, Verabella’s MoistureScreen SPF 45+ is at the top of the list! It is waterproof, broad-spectrum, non-greasy, and smells like cucumbers. Most importantly it leaves ZERO white cast so it’s great for all skin tones.
      It is an underground cult favorite of celebrities and supermodels. I know this because I help the company with their social media (give them a follow!), and I hear about the A-listers who swear by this stuff!
      It comes in tinted and un-tinted varieties. The tinted version goes on easy and doesn’t look like makeup. My husband uses both, and it’s so thin, you’d never notice, even if he applied it in a hurry.

      Milani Fruit Fetish lip balms come in several delicious flavors. They aren’t sticky, but they do feel like a balm (if that makes any sense). They are cruelty free and vegan. They have a sheer tint of color (some darker than others) but not very noticeable once you put them on (for me anyway).
      My favorites are Dragonfruit Peach and Strawberry Lemonade. You can find them at Ulta (but they are sold out as I’m writing this).

      My face is oily year-round, but ESPECIALLY in the summer. Too Faced’s Primed and Poreless powder keeps my skin looking matte and blurs my pores (which is good because I have very textured skin).
      It’s very finely milled and translucent and doesn’t make me look “over-powdered.” Definitely a fan of this one!

      I guess no summer must-have list during the times of COVID-19 would be complete without hand sanitizer. Wild Pure by Ellis Day is the BEST SMELLING hand sanitizer I’ve come across (and I’ve tried many)! It is scented with bergamot, which I think is one of the best scents on the planet.
      It’s cruelty free, vegan, non-sticky and made with 70% ethyl alcohol to keep the germs away.
      I’m also trying out their Phage Serum, which kills the bad bacteria on your face while keeping the good ones happy. I’m hoping it can help clear up my cystic acne, because let me tell you – it sucks to be 40 years old and still dealing with acne! More

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      Black-Owned and Cruelty Free Beauty Favorites

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      I’ve been doing my part to learn more about who actually owns the brands I buy from, and particularly which brands are owned and run by men and women who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color). I think it’s important to support these entrepreneurs, CEOs and their employees with my dollars, and not […] More