How I Get My Pretty On

Sorry for the radio silence, my sister’s wedding is this coming Friday and we’re all in last-minute freak out mode.  I’ve had this post nearly ready to go for a few days, so without further a due…

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In case some of you didn’t know, I am a big supporter of The Beagle Freedom Project.  They are an amazing group dedicated to rescuing “research” Beagles from labs around the world.  Some of these poor dogs have never even seen grass before.  They are used in all kinds of testing of cosmetics, cleaners, and pharmaceuticals.  Beagle Freedom Project rehabilitates these dogs and finds them loving homes, which is amazing!  It’s because of the awareness and outreach of this group that I am going cruelty free with my products.

BFP is currently celebrating their 11’th group of rescues!  In honor of the newly freed Beagles, I’m going to share with you my favorite new beauty supplies that are NOT tested on animals!  What’s even better, these are all readily available at your local Target store.  (I have not been paid by any of these companies, and I make these claims from my own research on the companies.  If I’m mistaken about any of these, please do let me know!)

For hair care, I love TRESemme.  They have all different kinds of products within their brand, I happen to use the moisturizing version.  They’re also super affordable at about $5 for the bulk bottles.

I also use the Organix Macadamia Oil to smooth out my frizzy.  They have a full line of all different organic hair products too!

Our Little Sheep is very happy with her California Baby, all natural and super sensitive head to toe body wash. 😉

As far as skin goes, I am super sensitive to I don’t even know what :P.  Some lotions just have me itching within an hour or two from applying it.  I haven’t narrowed it down to one specific thing, but I can say that the St. Ives Daily Hydrating Lotion works well for me, and isn’t tested on animals!  Unfortunately not all their products have the “not tested on animals” label on their bottles, and my online research has been a bit inconclusive.  So as far as St Ives goes, I only purchase the products that have the “not tested on animals” label directly on the bottle.   *Update* Sadly my St. Ives lotion no longer caries the “not tested on animals” label on any of their products, any new online research is pretty inconclusive.  I’ve opted for a lotion from Alba Botanica and will be writing an email to St. Ives to try and get the real scoop, and inform them that I will no longer be using their products until they officially stop all their animal testing.

My husband really likes his Every Man Jack body wash.  My dad and brother use it as well.  They also have great shaving products.

For my break out prone, and super sensitive, face, I’m totally in LOVE with Alba Botanica’s Acne-Dote line.  I use the face and body scrub every morning in my shower, put the lotion on under my make up every day, then use the astringent every evening to take off my make up.  My skin has seriously never looked better!

Tom’s of Maine has been a bit of a struggle for me.  Their toothpaste, while it seems to work great, does have a bit of an off taste compared to your usual science laced toothpaste.  Their deodorants haven’t always worked well for me, although I know some people who swear by them.  This new Naturally Dry version does work very well for wetness, which is my main concern, but a friend of mine who tried it said the scent wasn’t quite enough for her.  However, I defy you to find a cruelty free deodorant that works better than this one.

The Yes To Carrots/Blueberries/Cucumbers/… line has a lot of great cruelty free stuff.  Their berry lip balm is my go to.

I don’t use a whole lot of makeup, but I have found a few staples that I really love.  I’ve recently discovered E.L.F.  While I’ve only tried their eyeliner and shadow, I have to say, if the rest of their stuff is as good, consider me hooked!  They’re cruelty free, a really great quality, and super affordable!  That eye liner also has a shadow stick in the other end, and it was only $3!  As I run out of my old icky makeup, I’m mostly switching to them.

Almay is another affordable brand, who’s cover up has worked really nicely for me.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more about ($10-$12 a piece) Physician’s Formula has great mineral powders that I’ve been using for years.  They even have kits that include powder, blush, and a finishing powder.

Also, for my friends who occasionally like to get their hair did,  Paul Mitchell does not test on animals!  So you can easily find a salon or stylist that uses their products!

So that’s my new line up.  I’ll have to do another post on the cleaning products I’ve been using and even making, sometime soon.  Do any of you have awesome cruelty free products you’d like to share?  I’d love to hear about them.

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Also coming up, a FINISHED KNIT *GASP*, some more succulents via wedding pictures, and a new yarn in my shop dedicated to BFP!  A portion of the sale price for this new yarn will be donated to BFP so they can continue their amazing work, so keep an eye out for new colors soon!  Yay!