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    Breaking News: The EU is Allowing Animal Testing in 2021

    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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    The Best Cruelty Free Korean Skincare Brands For 2021

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    The Best Cruelty Free Korean Skincare Brands For 2021

    Korean skincare has been all the rage these past few years. In fact, the Korean beauty market is among the top 10 around the world. With the rising surge of Kdrama and Kpop, many people have started to notice the porcelain-like glass skin of Korean actors and singers. While it may have a lot to do with professional makeup artists and lightning, skincare also plays a major role. As a result, the demand for Korean skincare products has skyrocketed.

    If you’re looking for a Korean skincare brand that is effective as well as cruelty free, there are so many good options out there in the market that can help you achieve smooth and glowing skin. We contacted each brand and asked our standard cruelty free questions (you can see more here). Here are my faves!

    KraveBeauty

    KraveBeauty is a popular Korean skincare brand that is also vegan and cruelty free. This brand focuses on creating simple innovative products that are easy to use, without causing any confusion. Their goal is to challenge the fast-paced beauty industry in order to help people slow down and reset their mindset towards skincare.

    Glow Recipe

    You might have seen Glow Recipe products before in Sephora. They are the ones with brightly colored packaging that are too cute to resist! This Korean skincare brand is full of natural ingredients that make your skin soft and glowy. On top of that, their products are all Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free. What more could you ask for?

    Peach & Lily

    Peach & Lily has a wide variety of skincare products containing formulas that deliver effective results with no harsh chemicals, dyes, alcohol, parabens or sulfates. One of the most popular skincare brands in Korea, their mission is to transform your skin with products that are affordable and cruelty free. The brand is Leaping Bunny certified.

    Dear, Klairs

    Dear Klairs‘ brand philosophy is using no harsh ingredients, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Their products are simple and soothing for irritated skin that will ultimately improve the health and elasticity of the skin. They value the beauty of the environment and of course, they are cruelty free. Many of their products are also vegan.

    Then I Met You

    Then I Met You is an environmentally conscious brand as their products are all vegan and cruelty free in addition to having recyclable packaging. Then I Met You is rooted in Jeong, a Korean concept about a deep and emotional connection filled with empathy and affection one can develop for other people, places, and things. Their goal is to deliver products that will deeply affect our skin in a positive way. They use clean and natural formulations that are free of artificial colorants, parabens, silicones, and alcohol.

    Kaja

    Kaja is a Korean skincare and makeup brand that features innovative products for all skin types and tones in adorable packages. Kaja, meaning “let’s go”, is the first co-developed k-beauty brand with Sephora, so it is easily accessible all around the world. Their products are also cruelty free.

    Dana Bazerbachi is a Korean Skincare freelance writer. She loves everything about Korean culture and is passionate about introducing people to Korean skincare. She also enjoys reading, trying out new skincare products, and watching way too many K-dramas. You can find her on LinkedIn, Instagram, or visit her website. More

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    Which Brands are Cruelty Free at SkinStore? Plus a Haul!

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    If you’re familiar with SkinStore, you probably know them as the place to find great skincare. But, did you know they have makeup too? I was surprised to see it! SkinStore let me pick out some items to share with you, and I noticed they carry high-end, clean makeup like RMS, REN, Vapour Beauty and Inika, as well as more affordable makeup brands like Eyeko, Pixi Beauty and Revolution Beauty.

    Before I go into the reviews, are you wondering which cruelty free brands are at SkinStore? This is not an exhaustive list (there are so many) but these are some of the more popular ones and some of my faves. You can see a complete list of all the brands they carry here. You can use my code BEAUTYBUNNY for 25% off your purchase at SkinStore.com (some brand exclusions apply).

    Cruelty Free Brands at SkinStore:

    AesopAHAVABeauty BlenderChantecailleCosMedixColorescienceDaily ConceptsDECIEMDERMAdoctorDermalogicaDr. HauschkaElemisEyekoFirst Aid BeautyGrande CosmeticsIlike Organic SkincareINIKA OrganicJan MariniJuice BeautyKORRESKevyn AucoinMuradNUDESTIXNCLAPerricone MDPaula’s ChoicePixi BeautyRevolution BeautyRMS BeautySkin AuthoritySkyn IcelandSigmaStila CosmeticsStriVectinSukiSunday RileyThe BalmTrilogyVapourAnd many more!

    SkinStore Cruelty Free Beauty Product Reviews

    Okay let’s get on to the reviews, shall we? I got a refill of one of my holy grail skincare items, and I picked out some cruelty free makeup goodies that I thought you guys would love.

    StriVectin Tighten & Lift Peptight

    Okay, let’s start with skincare! SkinStore has SO many great brands. I got a refill of my favorite face serum (that I use as a day and night cream), StriVectin Tighten & Lift Peptight. I was originally gifted this amazing face serum by the brand, and I posted a before and after here. I’ve continued to purchase it because it’s really amazing.

    Peptight brightens and tightens the skin with peptides, Vitamin C-rich kakadu plum, ginger, licorice root, and a long list of other great skincare ingredients. I’ve definitely noticed my acne scars lightening as long as I’m consistent with this product. It also moisturizes nicely (it’s fairly thick – not like a typical thin serum) and doesn’t cause me to break out (which is a huge deal for me)! They also make a nice eye serum.

    Vapour Beauty Lipstick – Chere

    Let’s talk makeup! As I mentioned, SkinStore surprised me with the number of makeup brands they carry. I got Vapour Beauty’s cruelty free lipstick in Chere and I was not disappointed! This is a higher-end, clean beauty line, and the price tag is a bit on the higher side ($30). But, the quality is SO good, and I love that they use a lot of plant-based, organic, hydrating ingredients. The formula is highly pigmented, wears well, and feels good on the lips. The shade called Chere is sort of a peachy-mauve, and I am loving it! I don’t wear lipstick every day, so, for me, they last a very long time and the investment is worth it.

    Grande Cosmetics Plumping Lipstick – Dulce de Leche

    I picked out the Grande Cosmetics Plumping Lipstick in Dulce de Leche because it looked like an easy to wear lipstick that has the added benefits of a lip plumper. The website pics made it look more orange/coral and less brown. Maybe it’s my skin tone but it appears more brown on me. There are a couple of shades that I think would look better on me, but I do love the formula.

    It DOES sting a tiny bit when you put it on, but that is mostly hidden by the pepperminty feeling. I am uber-sensitive and my lips are usually dry, which makes them even more sensitive. So I did notice a tingle, but it wasn’t bad at all and went away quickly. The swatch pic above looks matte, but it looked glossy on my lips and it felt very hydrating. I love that it has Tripeptide-38 which repairs and plumps skin, and has the potential for long-term skin benefits. I would definitely purchase another shade from this line.

    INIKA Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Duo – Black Sand

    I tried the INIKA Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Duo in Black Sand. I swatched them for you in the shade and in direct sunlight so you can see how the color changes in the light. I thought this would be a great little eyeshadow palette to do a quick all-over shimmer (up to the crease) and then to use the black/charcoal shade as a smoked-out eyeliner. For 2021, I’m going with quick and EASY when it comes to makeup! You could also use the black as a lid shade and put the shimmer in the middle or below the brow as a highlight. I love that this formula is mineral-based.

    Revolution Beauty Colour Book Eyeshadow Palette CB04

    I am such a fan of purples, mauves, and pinks. I could NOT resist picking up the Revolution Beauty Colour Book Eyeshadow Palette CB04. It’s a budget-friendly line (this giant palette is only $20). I did notice a lot of fall-out, but the pigmentation is great. I LOVE that there is a matte shade to match each shimmer shade! And there are SO many colors – a really great color story and range. I think some of the colors are pretty similar to each other, and maybe unnecessary. But that does allow you to create a perfect gradient if you have the patience to do so! The colors are just gorgeous and fun to work with. It seems like warm, earth tones have been all the rage for a long time now, so I was pretty excited to find this one!

    See something you like? Use code BEAUTYBUNNY for 25% off your purchase at SkinStore.com! (Some brand exclusions apply.) More

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    StudioMakeup Serum, Primer and Foundation Swatches, PLUS a Giveaway!

    STUDIOMAKEUP recently sent me a full set of their Flawless Skin Foundation, Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Serum, and Silk Hydration Face Primer to try out. You guys know I’m always looking for products that will make my skin look great, so I was excited to try them!
    All of the STUDIOMAKEUP products are cruelty free. They are not tested on animals, the ingredients are not tested on animals and they are not sold in China. The hyaluronic acid line discussed here is vegan, with the exception of the primer.

    Let’s start with the STUDIOMAKEUP Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Serum. It’s important to start with clean, hydrated skin before you apply foundation. This is a simple formula with one main, hydrating ingredient that works on all skin types: hyaluronic acid. I appreciate the small number of ingredients in this oil-free product because I have sensitive, acne-prone skin that reacts to SO many things! Whether you have dry, normal, or oily skin, this is a great hydrating serum that you can use alone or layered under heavier creams. It made my skin feel soft and clean – no heaviness or greasiness whatsoever.

    After hydrating your skin and adding your sunscreen, you can apply the STUDIOMAKEUP Silk Hydration Face Primer. It’s a lightweight silicone-free primer that helped to fill in some of my larger pores for a smooth look under foundation. Most primers contain silicone, but for those who avoid it, this is a great alternative. It pairs perfectly with the Flawless Skin Foundation. This one is cruelty free, but not vegan (contains some enzymes from eggs).

    STUDIOMAKEUP’s Flawless Skin Foundation is a lightweight foundation that comes in 10 shades. It’s a thin formula that you need to shake before using. Normally I don’t love thinner formulas because I have large pores that need filling and acne scars to cover. However, I found that pairing this with the primer solved the pore issue. And I was able to layer it for medium coverage. I found that “Oat Soft” was my closest skin tone match. It gave me a nice “no makeup, just clean skin look”, which is what I am always going for! It doesn’t contain any ingredients that trigger acne for me (yay!), and it has hyaluronic acid for lightweight, oil-free hydration. Unlike the primer, it does contain dimethicone.
    Want to win these products for yourself? You could win your choice of shade of Flawless Skin Foundation, Silk Hydration Face Primer and Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Serum ($105 value)! Just visit this post on Instagram and follow the directions. Super easy to enter! More

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    #StyleYourMask Beauty, Style and Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

    I’ve got a really sweet giveaway for you guys! It’s the perfect 2020 haul – makeup, skincare, mask, mask chain, and a $50 Amazon gift card! Keep reading to find out more.

    There is so much misinformation about the coronavirus out there. Let’s hear it straight from the doctors on the front line. The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds & Flu by pulmonologist, Dr. Neil Schachter, MD, is being updated in January to include info on COVID-19. This book has a lot of great tips about protecting yourself and treating colds and flu. For example, maybe this seems obvious now in the COVID-19 era but he says to never borrow a pen during cold and flu season. Bring your own pen to sign receipts or to check in at your doctor’s office. I’m totally on board with that now! There’s also some great advice on home remedies and pharmaceuticals.
    The good doctor himself has decided to donate ALL of the proceeds from this book to patient advocacy organizations to help keep us safe! Dr. Schachter is sponsoring today’s giveaway to encourage more people to wear those masks!
    So let’s talk about masks. I’ll be the first to admit – I do NOT look cool in a mask! LOL! The only good thing is the masks cover up most of my acne. You guys are complaining about maskne, but I’ve been dealing with that stuff since puberty! Welcome to the club!
    I am definitely going to need to keep wearing masks for the rest of the year and probably most of 2021. I have preexisting conditions that put me at high-risk for COVID-19 (POTS which causes shortness of breath – and thyroid cancer). So if I have to go to a store, I am masking it up. BUT, I have found some ways to make masks more fashionable and a lot easier to wear.

    I have recently started wearing my blogger friend Lara’s mask chains. You may know her as @prettyconnected on Instagram. Her mask chains are all the rage right now and loved by celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker (the queen of fashion herself!).
    In these pics I’m wearing the short Mermaid Mini chain along with the leopard print Simple Satch mask that I was sent for this giveaway, but I just bought the long version of the mermaid chain too.

    They are SO CUTE you guys! And so useful – when you’re not wearing the mask, it’s ready and waiting around your neck, and when you are wearing it, the chain loops give you a little extra style! There are lots of styles to choose from – and they can be worn by men or women.

    When I’m wearing a mask, I try to play up my eyes a bit more, since that’s pretty much all you see. Those that follow me know I love Glo Skin Beauty. I’ve been using their cruelty free mineral makeup and skincare, and they have a lot of really great products.

    For this post, I’m wearing their Cool Smokey Eye Kit. It comes with a full-sized cool smokey shadow quad and a full-sized Cream Stay Shadow Stick in Orbit (matte charcoal). There’s also a warm version of this set. The products are mineral-based, clean and talc-free. The shadows are highly pigmented and very easy to blend.

    I also love their skincare – especially the exfoliating AHA products. For this giveaway, I’ll be including the Smokey Eye Kit ($40) AND the Retinol Plus C Smoothing Peel in a Box ($75)! If you can’t go to a spa or dermatologist right now, this is a great at-home, professional-level kit for glowing skin.
    But that’s not all folks! In addition to the Pretty Connected mask chain, Simple Satch mask, Glo smokey eye kit and Retinol + C skincare set, I’m also including a $50 Amazon gift card! We could all use some holiday cheer right now, am I right?
    To enter, wait for the Rafflecopter widget to load below. You must be 18 or older, US only. We are not responsible for prizes lost in the mail. Giveaway ends December 21st at 12 am PST. The winner will be contacted via email.
    a Rafflecopter giveaway More

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    How to Find Affordable Cruelty Free Gifts

    On a Budget? Let’s Talk About eCosmetics!
    This post is sponsored by eCosmetics. All opinions are 100% mine – you know I keep it real with you guys!
    I know a lot of us tend to shop at the same places online. It’s easy to get into the habit of doing that. I tend to mindlessly frequent Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta when it comes to beauty products. But, if you’re on a budget, I want you to stop and take a look at eCosmetics.
    At eCosmetics, you can find the same drugstore and high-end cosmetics that you’d find at the major retailers, but up to 50% off. If you find a cheaper price on an item, they’ll even match it! There are some budget beauty retailers out there that sell knock-off, counterfeit and expired products. That is NOT what eCosmetics is all about! Everything they sell is new and authentic – the same products you’ll find in the big-name stores.
    You can even add code Velvet10 on top of the deals for an additional 10% off your order at eCosmetics!
    Cruelty Free Gift Guide for Budget Shoppers
    eCosmetics gave me a $100 budget to find some great cruelty free gifts to share with you guys. I think I did pretty well! $100 wouldn’t go as far in other stores. I picked items for all budgets, and focused on makeup and skincare, but they also have hair, nail, and fragrance products.
    Shipping was quick – I got my items in about a week. I ordered on Nov 13th and got part of the order on the 19th and the rest on the 23rd.
    Okay, so let’s get into it! Here are some cruelty free holiday gift ideas that the beauty fanatics in your life are sure to love!
    Sunday Riley Flash Fix Gift Set ($20)

    The Sunday Riley Flash Fix gift set comes with smaller sizes of their Good Genes lactic acid treatment and Ceramic Slip cleanser. The set normally retails for $25, but it is $20 at eCosmetics. Sunday Riley is a HOT brand right now, so I think most skincare aficionados would be excited to receive this. It’s also a great gift for someone who wants to graduate from a basic routine to a more intensive anti-aging and skin-smoothing routine but doesn’t know where to start. The lactic acid in Good Genes is one of the more gentle alpha hydroxy acids, and good for all skin types. And Ceramic Slip is a great all-purpose cleanser that removes makeup, dirt and oil. It hydrates without being greasy or over stripping the skin.
    NYX Swear By It Palette ($28)

    The NYX Swear By It palette is so much fun! There are FORTY shades here – mattes, metallics, and satins. Whether you’re buying a gift for someone who tends to stick to neutrals or likes to experiment with bright colors, this has it all. The majority of shades are on the warm side, with some blues, greens, and silver/grays to round it out. This palette is normally $35 but you can get it for $28 at eCosmetics. The formula is highly pigmented and very blendable. For a drugstore brand, NYX makes some pretty great products! They are definitely one of my faves.
    Stila The Highest Realm Liquid Eyeshadow Set ($20)

    The Stila The Highest Realm liquid eyeshadow set is for the glitter lovers in your life! It retails for $25 but it’s only $20 at eCosmetics. These brush-on shades are great as eyeshadow toppers, or you can build them up to full coverage with two or three applications (just let it dry in-between to avoid streaks). The set comes with three shades: a champagne beige with gold and silver sparkle, a plum multi-color sparkle, and a caramel/gold sparkle. You can apply with the applicator or a brush, but I find it easiest to dab on with my finger.
    e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadow Palettes ($2.40)

    When you’re on a budget, you can’t really go wrong with these e.l.f. Bite Size eyeshadow palettes. They are small, but they would make great stocking stuffers or coworker gifts. Want to give someone a cozy, happy Winter gift? You could wrap up a good book or DVD and tie one of these babies to the outside with a pretty bow. I got Cream & Sugar, which is a warm-toned neutral palette, and Acai You, which has light blue and purple tones that you don’t see every day! These go for $3.15 so they are already inexpensive, but at eCosmetics they’re $2.40.
    First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Mango ($27.20)

    First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is one of my newfound favorites! This cream is a really great cruelty free dupe for Kiehls Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (which is not cruelty free). I keep this First Aid Beauty cream by my bed so I can give my hands mega-moisture at night. You know how some creams are either super greasy, or they smell good but they don’t make your skin feel hydrated? This is the opposite! It feels super-rich, but absorbs easily and leaves my skin feeling baby soft. The mango scent is light and not overwhelming. Colloidal oatmeal helps protect and calm irritated skin. My skin type is acne-prone and oily, so I mainly use this for my body, but normal to dry skin types will love using this on the face as well. Normally $34, this tub of magic is only $27.20 at eCosmetics! For those of you curious about First Aid Beauty’s cruelty free status, click here for more info. More

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    2020 Cruelty Free Concealer Guide + Swatches!

    Best 2020 Cruelty Free Concealer Guide and Reviews
    Let me start by being real with you guys. My skin has been a mess since the pandemic started. Stress, poor food choices (hello bread – welcome back to my life!), and less exercise, combined with a hormone imbalance (PCOS), has led to some pretty gnarly cystic acne in the last 6 months. And, for me, once a zit is gone, it leaves a scar that doesn’t go away for months and months (sometimes years).
    I’m always big on skincare, so that hasn’t really changed, but lately I’ve been focusing on finding the perfect cruelty free concealer. Here are my particulars:
    I’ve found that it’s very hard to match my skin tone perfectly.
    I’ve learned that my neck, face and swatching arm are all very different colors!
    My increased acne has made my face redder, so instead of leaning yellow, I’m now starting to lean slightly pinker than normal.
    I need a concealer formula that doesn’t clog pores and make acne worse.
    In addition to a concealer, I need a green color corrector for the redness.
    I’m big on coverage but only if it blends well and looks natural, like skin.
    So, because I can’t currently swatch concealers in stores, I had to look online for cruelty free concealer swatches, pick some shades, and hope for the best. Thank goodness for Sephora’s return policy!
    I’m sharing my concealer swatches below in the hopes that it can help if you’re close to my shade. I have a light olive skin tone, but now with all the redness, it seems like it has changed slightly! I received a sample of Fit Glow Beauty Conceal+ in C2.5 (Light Medium) and was shocked to see that it blended pretty well even though it was a lot more peachy-pink than my normal yellow-based concealers. This made me question EVERYTHING I EVER KNEW, so I went online and bought shades I wouldn’t normally use.

    Best Concealer for Under the Eyes?
    To be honest, I have pretty much given up on using concealer under my eyes. I am 40 years old, and I think my eyes actually look fine without it. My lines aren’t that noticeable but I do have some loss of volume under my eyes that creates dark “troughs” that weren’t there 5 years ago. But when I use ANY concealer (and God forbid – powder), it emphasizes wrinkles and dryness that is normally invisible. I swear it adds lines and textures and ages me like 10 years. It’s just not worth it for a bit of brightening. I’ve watched a million YouTube videos (by YouTubers of all ages) and tried so many products, but I’ve just decided I’m going to use concealer for my acne scars and leave my undereye area bare for now!
    Should I Match My Face to My Neck?
    My advice – do what YOU think is best. Ignore the beauty gurus. So many YouTubers and bloggers insist that you should match your foundation and concealer to your neck and chest. I agree that may work if you have a darker chest, and you want to go a shade or two darker with your foundation. But for me, my neck is just lighter and pinker than my face and going lighter with my foundation/concealer never works for me. It would just make me look like a patchy Casper the Friendly Ghost. I also prefer to just cover acne with concealer and not do a full face of foundation on most days, so it HAS to match my skin tone exactly. If I put self tanner on my chest, I’ll usually just add a bit more bronzer when I do my makeup to even things out. Seriously – just do what makes sense for you.
    Cruelty Free Concealer Swatches
    So, without further ado, here are my swatches. I did a wet swatch and a dried swatch so you can see how much darker some of the shades get when they oxidize. I don’t know if I’ve found my holy-grail-exact-match concealer yet, but I’ve found some really great ones.

    Cruelty Free Concealer Reviews
    Below, I’ll talk about the pros and cons of each one. And please note that I’m telling you what I think the coverage level is – not necessarily what the company says it is!
    I plan to add to this list as I try new concealers, so stay tuned – I may find my holy grail out there!

    Beauty Blender Bounce Airbrush Liquid Whip Concealer
    Shade Pictured – 2.10 C Light Buff in large swatch photo; Shades 1.3W Light Sand and 1.4N Light Neutral in second photo
    Price – $26
    Coverage – Medium to Full
    Where to find it? Sephora
    Pros
    Huge shade range (even though the three I picked out didn’t match me – there are still many I haven’t tried yet)
    Price is reasonable for a prestige (non-drugstore) concealer
    Hyaluronic acid to hydrate, peptides to brighten and reduce puffiness (if you use it under your eyes)
    Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free
    Cons
    Contains dimethicone – silicones have never been a problem for me and they don’t seem to trigger my acne, but some people avoid them

    Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer
    Shades Pictured – 140C, 160C and 170W
    Price – $19
    Coverage – Light to Medium
    Where to find it? Sephora
    So far, this is the winner for me. I also like the Tarte Shape Tape (better coverage but not an exact shade match) and the FitGlow Beauty concealer (covers large pores easily but not an exact shade match), but I have found that I’m reaching for the Rare Beauty concealer most often (closest shade match so far).
    I found that 170W (which leans yellow but isn’t CRAZY yellow) worked as one of the best shade matches so far for my face. And 140C is pinker and perfect for my neck (yeah believe it or not – I get breakouts there too sometimes). My only complaint is that I’d like a bit more coverage.
    Pros
    Huge shade range
    Great price
    Looks natural – like skin – no caking
    Has brightening properties but isn’t shimmery or oily
    Vegan and cruelty free
    Cons
    It has light to medium coverage and is buildable but I could never get it to completely cover my scars (to be fair – my scars are pretty tough to conceal)
    Contains dimethicone – silicones have never been a problem for me and they don’t seem to trigger my acne, but some people avoid them

    Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer
    Shades Pictured – 130 and 140
    Price – $26
    Coverage – Full
    Where to find it? Sephora
    I didn’t find a shade match but I do like the consistency of the formula. The fuller the coverage, the closer you have to match the shade to your skin tone. Sorry, I forgot to take a close-up photo of the applicator before I sent the shades back to Sephora but you can see my swatches at the top of the article.
    Pros
    Huge shade range – I didn’t find my match but I haven’t tried them all
    Price is reasonable for a prestige (non-drugstore) concealer
    Sweat-resistant and long-wear (may be a plus or a minus for you!)
    Cruelty free
    Cons
    Not labeled as vegan which will be an issue for some
    Contains dimethicone – silicones have never been a problem for me and they don’t seem to trigger my acne, but some people avoid them
    Contains talc – not an issue for me, but some are bothered by it

    Tarte Shape Tape
    Shade Pictured – Light Sand
    Price – $27
    Coverage – Very Full
    Where to find it? Ulta, Tarte.com
    This has been my holy grail for a very long time. I just wish there was a shade that was a bit more light olive and a little less yellow. The coverage is amazing – a little goes a long way!
    Pros
    Decent shade range (but not as extensive as some of the others)
    Blends easily and doesn’t settle into large pores
    Hydrating and has licorice root to brighten
    Great coverage
    Vegan and cruelty free
    Cons
    Some people don’t like the citrus scent (I don’t have a problem with it)
    The coverage is EXTREMELY full so a little goes a long way – might be too much for some people
    Contains silicones, which have never been a problem for me and they don’t seem to trigger my acne, but some people avoid them.

    Kosas Revealer Concealer
    Shade Pictured – 02
    Price – $28
    Coverage – Medium
    Where to find it? Sephora Kosas.com, Credo
    Pros
    Clean beauty brand
    Looks natural – like skin – no caking
    Has a lot of added skincare ingredients which helps to support the higher price point for me: arnica, panthenol, caffeine (for tightening), hyaluronic acid, peptides, pink algae (note: the jury is out for me on whether this ingredient aggravates acne…I don’t think so but it’s hard to be sure)
    Vegan and cruelty free
    Cons
    Weak shade range
    Higher price point

    Fit Glow Beauty
    Shade Pictured – C 2.5
    Price – $42
    Coverage – Full
    Where to Find It? FitGlowBeauty Detox Market Amazon
    This one really surprised me! The formula feels heavy and thick, but magically covered my acne scars and large pores. With a bit of blending, it far surpassed my expectations. I was also shocked to find the shade C 2.5 (which is peachier/pinker than I normally wear) matched fairly well.
    The shade was slightly too dark for me though and the lighter shade (C2) wasn’t quite a match either. I think I need a lighter, more yellow/olive option. If they added shades to this line, I’d be VERY excited about this one! The price point is very high, but a little does go a long way, and I’m personally willing to pay more for a great concealer (especially with anti-aging and brightening skincare ingredients) but I realize not everyone can afford a $42 concealer.
    Pros
    Organic ingredients, clean beauty (0 on EWG scale)
    Great for covering acne scars and large pores
    Tons of brightening and anti-aging skincare ingredients: phyto elastin, organic green tea, Vitamin K, licorice root, caffeine (to tighten), etc
    Vegan and cruelty free
    Silicone-free
    Talc-free
    Cons
    Highest price point
    Not available in the major beauty retail chains

    It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness
    Shade Pictured – Transforming Porcelain Beige
    Price – $34
    Coverage – Full
    Where to Find It? Sephora Ulta QVC ItCosmetics.com
    This stuff is amazing and would be my holy grail if only they would come out with A LOT more shades. As you can see in the swatch photo, the Porcelain Beige is a perfect match for me – that is until it oxidizes and turns about 3 shades darker! The lighter option is too pink/peach for me. And if I had darker brown or black skin, I think I’d be completely out of luck. The formula really does reduce redness and the coverage is amazing. It is perfect for acne-prone or rosacea-prone people, but they just need to add more shades!
    Pros
    Has a built-in color corrector to fight redness
    Full coverage but blends easily – looks natural
    Has peptides for anti-aging, licorice for brightening, colloidal oatmeal to soothe, and many other high-end skincare ingredients
    Talc-free
    Cruelty free
    Cons
    VERY weak shade range
    Not vegan (has collagen and silk)
    High price point
    Has avocado oil (3 on the comedogenic scale) which could trigger breakouts – I haven’t noticed worsening of acne, but it’s possible
    Contains dimethicone – silicones have never been a problem for me and they don’t seem to trigger my acne, but some people avoid them. More

  • in

    My Interview with Leaping Bunny

    All the questions you wanted to ask about the Leaping Bunny program!
    Leaping Bunny is known as the gold standard of cruelty free beauty lists. They certify cruelty free brands, and they’re the ones behind the jumping bunny logo you have probably seen on your favorite beauty and cleaning brands. You can see a full list of Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free brands here.

    Recently I interviewed a senior VP from PETA to learn more about their methods. I wanted to compare and contrast a bit and learn more about how Leaping Bunny differs from PETA, so I interviewed Kim Paschen, the Program Manager for Leaping Bunny to find out more about how they certify brands, and what their stance is on China and post-market testing.
    In my interview, I included the questions you guys wanted me to ask, as well as some questions of my own. Whether you’re a cruelty free consumer or a brand who is wondering how to get certified with Leaping Bunny, this should help.
    Kim Paschen works for the American Anti Vivisection Society. As part of the CCIC, they have been chair of the Leaping Bunny program since 2007, and they oversee its administration. Kim is the Program Manager for Leaping Bunny.
    I conducted a phone interview with Kim (who I have known for years!) and these are my notes from that call (not her words verbatim).

    Kim Paschen, Program Manager, Leaping Bunny
    Which organizations make up Leaping Bunny? 
    By 1996, cruelty-free shopping had become popular, but it was also confusing, sometimes misleading, and ultimately frustrating. Companies had begun designing their own bunny logos, using their own definition of ‘cruelty-free’ or ‘animal friendly’ without the participation of animal protection groups.
    In response, eight national animal protection groups banded together to form the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). The CCIC promotes a cruelty-free standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo. They work with companies to help make shopping for animal-friendly products easier and more trustworthy.
    What does a brand have to do to become Leaping Bunny certified?
    When a brand contacts Leaping Bunny, they ask some preliminary questions. They create an account via their website and ask them to apply. The company fills out the Application for Approval which asks them in-depth questions about their operations.
    Brands need to have a “fixed cut-off date” after which time they agree to have no ingredients or finished products that have been tested on animals. Pretty much all ingredients have been tested at some point (even water), so the fixed cut-off date ensures there will be no testing in the future.
    You’d think because many ingredients have been tested, there would be no need for animal testing today. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of cosmetic testing on animals being done around the world today.
    The company that is applying for Leaping Bunny certification is the one to complete the application. They also must get signed declarations from each supplier after the company’s fixed cut-off date. Or, they can submit amended purchase orders which contains language requiring that the supplier will not test on animals.
    If a company has distributors that sell in countries outside of the US, the brand must also include language in their contracts that says they cannot sell to any countries that require animal testing.
    I have read their application but they asked me not to make it public. I can tell you it’s VERY thorough. You can learn more about the application process here. You can read about their Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals here.
    An important note – if a brand is using a third-party manufacturer, only the manufacturer has to submit a declaration (not the ingredient suppliers themselves), though the manufacturer is required to implement its own cruelty-free Supplier Monitoring System independently. Leaping Bunny would ask the manufacturer to sign a declaration saying they are only working with cruelty free ingredient suppliers. Most of the time manufacturers will not reveal who their ingredient suppliers are – they consider that proprietary information.
    Is the Leaping Bunny logo recognized in countries outside of the US? Are the standards for approval different outside of the US?
    The North American brand of Leaping Bunny covers US and Canada. Their partner is Cruelty Free International (CFI), based in the UK. CFI certifies all other countries. Leaping Bunny and CFI share the same cruelty free brand list, so if CFI certifies a brand, they can add them to their list and vice versa.
    Do brands pay to join the Leaping Bunny program or to license the logo? If so, how does that work? 
    Leaping Bunny certification in North America is free. Companies do not have to pay to be listed as cruelty free. The only cost associated is for brands to license the logo for packaging and/or website. 
    But, Leaping Bunny certification outside of North America (via Cruelty Free International) DOES have an annual listing/administrative charge.

    Does the EU’s animal testing (because of REACH laws) have any effect on the Leaping Bunny list?
    The particularities are slightly different in regard to CFI’s process in the UK and EU vs Leaping Bunny’s process in North America. Safety rules (such as the EU’s REACH laws) can mean that some EU ingredient suppliers are being forced to test on animals. Leaping Bunny doesn’t allow REACH tests for North America but CFI does have some exceptions. More and more chemicals used in cosmetics are being tested under REACH, and there is currently no way to avoid it.
    Their shared goal is to do as much research as possible and find alternatives to chemicals tested under REACH. So if an ingredient supplier (who makes raw materials) has never tested on animals, but REACH required one test, that could be an exception for CFI. This is not common and doesn’t happen often.
    Important food for thought: As I often say, the world of cruelty free beauty is never black and white. If an ingredient supplier in the EU is forced to test on animals, a cruelty free brand and their manufacturer might not even know about it! That brand might even be a US brand (the supply chain is becoming more and more global). Another caveat is that one ingredient supplier may be asked to test a chemical on animals, and other suppliers may use that safety data going forward. They didn’t conduct the test but they used the data…so are they innocent? You can read more about how murky the definition of cruelty free can get here.
    Is there a specific number of years required for a fixed cut-off date for animal testing by ingredient suppliers? What about for brands (i.e. if a non-cruelty free brand stopped testing TODAY, how long would you want them to wait before applying)? 
    There is no specific timeline, but a fixed cut off date for animal testing is required. There is no waiting period, so if a brand said their fixed cut off date was today, they could potentially be Leaping Bunny certified tomorrow. But Kim said that doesn’t happen often.
    How is the Leaping Bunny cruelty free brand list different from the PETA brand list?
    They require companies to recommit annually. They check with each brand and if info is not up to date then the brands can’t stay on the list. They also do in-person audits to 20 random companies each year using a third-party auditor (more on this below).
    Do you note if a brand is vegan? Is there any specific requirements to be listed as vegan?
    No, they do not mention if a brand is 100% vegan or not, and it is not required for Leaping Bunny certification.

    Do you note if the parent company is cruelty free or not?
    Yes, when you view the list of Leaping Bunny certified brands, you will see a symbol to note if a parent company is not cruelty free.
    Are companies required to recommit each year? 
    Once a year, brands have to go through the recommitment process. The Leaping Bunny team re-checks their status and looks for things like being acquired by another company, selling in China, changing or adding ingredient suppliers or manufacturers, etc. If anything changes, new declarations are required.
    How often do you audit brands? What does an audit entail?
    They do in-person audits to 20 random companies each year using a third-party auditor (who is an independent consultant). They make sure purchase orders and records correspond to manufacturers and suppliers that they have declarations for. The auditor meets with the brand to discuss China, parent companies, supply chains, etc – making sure what is in the system is correct and hasn’t changed.
    How do you assure that brands are not conducting pre-market and post-market testing when entering China?
    Currently, the North American arm of Leaping Bunny does not allow companies to sell in mainland China (except via cross border e-commerce – which is not regulated by the Chinese government – no registration or tests are required). It’s important to note that pre-market animal testing requirements for imported goods in China continues to be a big problem. But, we discussed and agreed that post-market testing on animals just isn’t happening. Kim also agreed that in the event of a complaint, a recall is more likely than animal testing.
    However, all that being said, CFI (the UK arm that approves Leaping Bunny applications for the UK and EU) started a Leaping Bunny pilot program for EU brands to sell in China. It includes a small handful of brands such as Bulldog Skincare, 7th Heaven, Brighter Beauty and Neal’s Yard Remedies. The companies in that program are able to bottle and/or manufacture their finished products in China and are selling non-special-use cosmetics (using the same standards as PETA).

    My final thoughts
    I think most people will agree that Leaping Bunny is truly the gold standard, and the best cruelty free list out there. They go the extra mile to make sure brands are cruelty free, and they re-check every year.
    But, there is no way for the Leaping Bunny list or ANY cruelty free list (including mine) to be 100% airtight. It’s just not possible. Ultimately, we all have to take what the brand representatives say at their word. Whoever is filling out the questionnaires could be ignorant or even lying. Just as an example, I’ve had so many brands tell me they are Leaping Bunny certified, and when I go to the site to check, they aren’t listed. I’ve talked to a lot of people in the beauty industry and it seems that everyone wants to believe their brand is cruelty free (even if it’s not).
    At some point though, you just have to rely on the brands being honest and truthful (and knowing what their ingredient suppliers are doing), and there have to be repercussions for the ones who are caught lying.
    Exceptions also have to be made for government laws because at this time, there is really no way around it. That is why I have changed my views on post-market testing in China. I have learned that they are not so different from Western laws (including REACH laws in the EU). You can read more about that here.
    We just need to keep being LOUD and telling brands that we want them to pledge to go cruelty free! I can tell you that a lot has changed since I started this cruelty free blog in 2009. There is a lot more interest in cruelty free cosmetics from consumers and that has made brands take notice. More