The last few years have seen so many brands turn away from animal testing. Although it might surprise you to know that some of the most popular brands are still producing with this practice. Of course, you can check out a list of cruelty-free products at https://www.petitenpretty.com/. It is worth noting that cruelty-free and vegan are different things, so you’ll still need to check the labels if you want to be sure.
You don’t need to make the switch overnight either. Use what you currently have until it is empty so that you aren’t wasting your money. Select a few products at a time, and make the switch. Swapping from standard lip gloss to a cruelty free lip gloss is a great place to start.
Research
Like anything, before you start, put some leg work in. Sometimes we are surprised by just how much makeup we own, so make a list of the products that you use the most. The ones you use the most are the most likely to need replacing soon. So put them in some sort of order too.
Try not to get overwhelmed. It is a process.
Learn as much as you can about where some ingredients come from, and you likely find that many items in your stash are animal testers, and some will contain animal products too. Don’t worry and don’t get mad with yourself (both are common reactions), now you know you won’t make the same mistakes in the future. Knowledge is power, and making informed decisions is your right.
Oh, and you might be happy to find that you already use a lot of cruelty-free stuff!
Habit
Think of it as a habit. They aren’t formed or broken overnight, and your efforts to go cruelty-free will be them. Transitioning slowly will allow you time to gather samples too. Swapping brands can sometimes give you breakouts and allergic reactions.
Replacing
When you are replacing items, it is likely that you might not find the shades you need straight away. There are so many brands that are now cruelty-free that you are not likely to take too long to find your new holy grail products. When you notice that you are getting to the end of your current products, head to your local beauty counters and ask for samples – and always check for that little bunny.
Social
One of the best ways to get suggestions for big brands and indie brands that do cruelty-free and/or vegan makeup is social media. Twitter has a really great cruelty free community, and you can do the same on Instagram too. The support as you make the switch can make a lot of difference. An element of accountability is there also.
Experimentation
Do you know what the most fun thing about it is? You can start playing with new makeup and feel pretty cool about it too! Remember the first time you opened an eyeshadow palette and just wanted to test the formula and pigmentation? You get to recreate those moments.
Oh, and don’t forget your brushes!