Be Cruelty-Free is a global campaign that started in 2012. It is a campaign to encourage cosmetics companies to stop animal testing. Just recently, Australia's federal government took the pledge to be cruelty free, and by July 2017, the country will only sell cosmetics that do not cause any harm to animals. Many countries already have the ban in effect, such as the European Union, Israel, Norway, India and New Zealand.

Why should we care if our products are tested on animals? The animals used in the cosmetics industry end up with severe skin burns, eye irritation and are also forced to consume massive doses of test chemicals to determine the amount that can be consumed before becoming lethal. These animals do not take any form of painkillers during the tests. If the animals survive the experiments, they are then executed by decapitation, asphyxiation or by breaking their necks. The FDA does not require a company to test their products on animals and supports alternatives to animal testing.

I have linked Cosmetics Animal Testing and Animal Test from the Humane Society International that has all of the information I have learned about testing on animals.

After being educated on the reality of how cosmetics are being produced, right away I wanted to change my beauty regimen. I was nervous at first because I thought it was going to be more expensive. Luckily, there is not much of a price difference, and there are plenty of drugstore cosmetic brands that are affordable and work just as well as higher end products. I have made a list of my favorite affordable, cruelty-free brands below.

1. Pixi

This product can be found at Target and honestly what could be a better excuse to go to Target? I use Pixi's concealer stick and it works wonders, no creasing!

2. Elf

This product can be found at any drugstore. They have a great setting spray that I think is comparable to Urban Decay's setting spray (Urban Decay is also cruelty free).

3. Milani

This product can be found at any drugstore. Milani has great blush and lipsticks.

4. Pacifica

This product can be found at Target, Ulta and most all-natural stores. They also sell candles and perfumes; the blood orange fragrance is my all-time favorite.

5. NYX

This product can be found at most drugstores. NYX has extremely pigmented eyeshadows which is perfect for dramatic eye look.

The list of companies that are cruelty free goes on and on. When buying products, on the back of the packaging there should be a little bunny or vegan symbol like these ones.

If a product does not have a symbol, there is an app called Bunny Free. All you have to do is type in the company's name or scan the back of the product and the app will tell you if it's free of animal testing.

Because of this movement, many companies are on their way to stop all of their animal testing and are working with countries that require testing products on animals before buying to change.