When it comes to the beauty industry, every company, small or large, is striving to outdo the other. What's new and upcoming is what sells to consumers but ultimately they come back for the classics they love. Today, buyers are more aware then ever what companies are doing with their products. Because of this, makeup that is cruelty-free has been gaining strides and for good reason.

Cruelty-free can have a lot of different meanings and nuances within that category of the makeup industry. Ultimately, cruelty-free means that the makeup has never been tested on animals, whether that be in its individual components or as a final product. Usually smaller and more eco-friendly brands have always been cruelty-free but more and more recently there have been bigger companies (thankfully) that are as well. The bigger companies like Tarte Cosmetics and Elf have shown that it is very possible to have a large product demand while also not testing on animals. When companies like that show how its possible and keep prices down then it makes you question why every makeup company isn't as well.

In the past, Maybelline, Revlon, Rimmel London, and CoverGirl have all dominated the drugstore for having good prices and even better quality. One major flaw they all had in common was that they tested their products on animals still. That was until a few weeks away.

CoverGirl, the largest selling makeup company has been finally been recognized as a cruelty-free brand! Why is this such a big deal? Because if the largest makeup company can take the leap, any brand can. This move will pave the way for more and more brands to make the changes to their company too.

Currently, there is no standard for a brand to be defined as cruelty-free but there are some companies that help consumers tell which are safe to be defined as "cruelty-free." The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics' (CCIC) has a Leaping Bunny Program. According to MSPCA.org, "The Leaping Bunny Program gives consumers assurance that products they are buying have met the most rigorous cruelty-free standards, as licensees are required to sign a pledge not to test on animals during any stage of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers must make the same pledge, assuring that the entire product is free from animal testing. CCIC also commissions on-site audits to assess licensees' and suppliers claims of a 'no animal testing' manufacturing policy." This is why you can find the little rabbit on products that are recognized as cruelty-free.

So why are there not more beauty brands that are cruelty-free? In my opinion, they want to keep gaining more profits and recognition by selling in other countries. CoverGirl hasn't tested their products or product parts on animals in the U.S.A for a while now, they haven't been cruelty-free because they sold their products to China. In China, there is a law that all makeup MUST be first tested on animals before being sold to consumers. Whether or not you consider a brand to be cruelty-free if they don't test on animals in the U.S. is up to you. For me, and a lot of others, if a company tests any products, here or another country, on animals then I want nothing to do with them. CoverGirl being bold and pulling their sales from China allowed them to be certified as cruelty-free. It really does demonstrate on those other drugstore brands can follow suit and be open to being 100% cruelty-free.

I haven't bought makeup that is tested on animals for well over a year now. By doing this, I really have broadened my scope of makeup and found some amazing products and brands that I feel good supporting. I wouldn't have found them if I wasn't searching for cruelty-free alternatives. I haven't even looked at makeup sold by those non-cruelty-free brands in a long time so I am excited at what is out there from CoverGirl. I can't wait to support their brand again! I've linked some sources regarding cruelty-free here and I've linked all the brands that don't test on animals here!.