My top 5 make-up products – are they cruelty-free?

I change favorites as quick as I change my clothes cause there is always something new and exciting to try out. And even though I want to minimize my make-up collection I still have some trys and errors left. With that being said I want my make-up to be ‘cruelty-free’, and that’s why I’ve made it a goal for me to check out every brand before I buy it. I’ll start with make-up and slowly move over to hair products, perfume, shower gels – you name it. It is in fact 2018 and I can’t believe this isn’t a law already that applies to every brand out there. But I must say there are surprisingly a lot of brands that already have joined the movement.

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I’ve picked out my TOP 5 FAVORITE make-up products at the moment, and these are my go to products whenever I wear make-up.

L’Oréal True Match Foundation & L’Oréal Volum Mega Lashes

Founded in 1909 by Eugene Schueller, Loreal is most likely the biggest name of them all. They have it all, from make-up to hair products to sun lotion and protection to skincare. Other products within the L’Oréal family are: Kerastase, Garnier, Redken, Maybelline, Lance, YSL – just to mention a few.

On L’Oréal’s frequently asked questions they claim not to test any products or ingredients on animals. Never the less, L’Oréal still sells in China and by law all products must be tested on animals there. To be included as ‘cruelty-free’ with PETA for instance, is a requirement that the company does not and will not conduct, commission pay for, or allow tests on animals for any of their ingredients, formulations, and products, anywhere in the world.

From what I understand from my research is that L’Oréal only tests on animals in China. Non the less, if I where to continue to buy from them I would in a way support their actions.

Maybelline Strobing Stick

Maybelline was founded by 19 year old Tom Lyle Williams in 1915 and his first products was a modern mascara inspired by his sister. The company was bough up decades later by L’Oréal, in 1996.

Maybelline does not test their finished products or ingredients on animals except where animal testing is required by law, as it is in China. They have not made it to PETA’s ‘cruelty-free’ list, possible because of their parent company L’Oréal, and the fact that they both still sell in China.

Gosh Anti Redness Mix & Fix Colour Drops

Gosh Copenhagen founded in 1945 in Denmark by Einer Tjellesen. The goal was to focus on business opportunities within pharmaceutical companies, but quickly moved into the cosmetics industry. Today Bo Tjellesen, son of founder, is the director of Gosh Copenhagen with products sold in more than 80 countries.

The company claims to not use animals to test any products or ingredients. Neither do they commission others to perform animals tests. They also have a new vegan friendly list where products do no contain any ingredients derived from or produced by animals.

It is prohibited to test on animals in Europe which is great news. Non the less, now I have to think about what ingredients there are in all of these products.

Fenty Beauty Killawat / Hu$tla Baby Highlighter
Fenty beauty was established in 2017 by non other than Robyn ‘Rihanna’ Fenty. You probably know this company because it’s been all over social media whenever there’s a new product. Great reviews and amazing products for every skin type and tones. Her slogan is: «Beauty for all».

Fenty Beauty is cruelty-free and never tests on animals, nor do they allow suppliers or affiliates to conduct animal testing on their behalf. Most products are free from animal byproducts, but it’s not considered a vegan line.

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2/5 of my favorite products where from a ‘cruelty-free’ line, and I must say I’m disappointed. I never though L’Oréal wasn’t considered a cruelty-free brand, and because they still sell in China they aren’t considered one. My next move is to use up the products I’ve already purchased, like L’Oréal and Maybelline, but try to find alternatives whenever I’m out shopping for make-up.

‘Cruelty-free’ drugstore make-up: 

– Ardell

– e.l.f

– GOSH

– NYX (Owned by L’Oréal though)

NOT ‘cruelty-free’ drugstore make-up:

– Rimmel London

– Revlon

– Bourjois

– Cover Girl

– L’Oréal

– Maybelline

Just to mention a few. I hope this guide was a bit helpful for you who is interested in supporting brands who do not test on animals.

Elizabeth

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My daily make-up

I recently purchased some new make-up because I’m desperately trying to find the right kind of brand and shade for my skin tone. I am very fair skinned so finding something that suits me is quite difficult since almost all the foundations or concealers I’ve tried are always too dark.

I went to H&M not planning on buying anything but walked out with three new make-up products. All of them are actually meant for concealing but I’ve used them for highlighting and as a full face foundation. I thought I’d do a little review and also show you what my go-to make-up look is.

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I had heard so much good things about Maybelines Anti-Age concealer and was so happy when I finally found one cause I’ve been looking for ages. I was a little disappointed when I only found two shades but I immediately took lightest one, hoping that this would in deed be light enough. I love how creamy it feels and how easy it is to apply on my skin. The only negative thing is the color. For me this is not light enough and almost looks like a sand tone on my skin. I can definitely not use this as a concealer under my eyes, but instead I use it on my forehead, my nose, chin and the bottom part of my checks.

The second concealed I bough was NYX Sculpt & Highlight Face Duo. I was pleasantly surprised when I tested this on my skin. The highlighting part is light enough for me to use under my eyes and the dark part, which at first looked too dark, is perfect to sculpt your face. A little goes a long way, and I usually use this on my cheekbones and on both sides of my nose to contour.

Lastly I bought Sleek Correct & Concealer Palette. I actually though I bought the one on the packaging but when I opened it there where too light creamy concealers and one in a powder format. Powder does not work on my skin cause it only makes me look even more dry so I was left with the other two. The lightest one, on the left, I use as a highlighter down my nose and over my upper lip. And the one in the middle I use on the corner of my eyes to cover up any redness, or even a little bit under my eyes as well if I look extremely tired. Overall, this palette is fine, I love the creamy texture, but they should have labeled it better so that you know what you are buying. I don’t really have a lot of use for it, but I guess it’s handy to take with you on the go or when you need to cover up any spots or redness.

I finish of with INGLOT Make-up Fixer (read review here) and a little mascara and I’m good to go. I hope this was somewhat beneficial for those of you looking for the right kind of make-up brand for you.

Elizabeth

Review: Everyday make-up products

NYX matte lip cream 

Easy to apply, non sticky with a matt finish.The only reason this didn’t get a five star rating from me was that it’s not that long lasting, and it can dry out your lips a little.

BareMinerals powder foundation:
This foundation works with your skin and gives you a natural look, perfect for those lazy days where you only need a light coverage. Doesn’t give you a full coverage and  I have gotten some dry patches when using this is curtain areas.

BareMinerals bronze powder:

This is the best contouring powder I’ve every used and it deserves a five star rating. Easy to apply, you don’t need much product and it has lasted me for years.

Smashbox contour trio:

I was really exited to try this, but truth be told, smash box disappointed me. The lightest color, which is ment for highlighting, is even darker then my regular foundation. The only good thing is the two different shades of darker contour pens. But then again, they are hard to blend.

L’orèal perfect liner:

By far the best liner I’ve tried. It has a small tip which makes it easy to apply a nice winged liner and you don’t necessarily need a eyelid primer beforehand cause it will stay in place all day.

BareMinerals complexion rescue

This is a light coverage BB/CC cream. Like all the other Bare Mineral products, it works with your skin and gives you a really nice glow. The only down side is that you don’t get a lot for you money. It’s quite expensive and doesn’t last more then 4 months.

L’orèal volume mascara

I’ve always gone back to this mascara after trying several different once over the years. It gives you length and volume, and it doesn’t clump. However it doesn’t give you the perfect curl to your lashes even if you use an eyelash curler.

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I hope this review was helpful for up and coming beauty products you want to buy. These are products I’ve mostly used over the last year and they are all my honest opinion.

The winner is definitely BareMinerals bronze powder & I will also go back and buy more of NYX matte lip cream.

Elizabeth