Animal testing was something I'd never really given much thought to. Besides, what harm would putting lipstick on a bunny do?
About a year ago, I started doing a little research and found that the reality of animal testing to be much more grim. I won't get into graphic details, and if you're squeamish I don't recommend reading specifics on the lab animal treatment, but basically the animals suffer tremendously. They are tortured repeatedly, most of them dying as a result. All in the name of science, right? Well, you can hardly call it science because animals are so anatomically different from humans that most results are inconclusive anyway.
The thing is, the United States does not require animal testing for its cosmetics, however, China does, and big companies such as Loreal, Maybelline, MAC, Revlon, etc. allow their products to be tested on animals in order for them to be sold in China. Ultimately, the money is more important than the lives of hundreds of millions of innocent, sentient beings.
On the bright side, there are tons of companies that don't sell out to animal cruelty! If you're interested in learning more, or seeing a complete list of all cruelty-free cosmetic brands, I recommend checking out the "Cruelty Free and Vegan Brand List" (you may be surprised at how many brands you love are or aren't cruelty free).
For now, I've compiled a list of a few of my favorites, both drugstore and high-end that do not test on animals.
1. Wet N Wild
Definitely one of the most affordable makeup brands out there. Wet N Wild has really been upping their game. They've come out with some great products, which are available at tons of drugstores across the U.S.
2. ColourPop
At the moment Colourpop products are only available online, but that doesn't keep them from getting a ton of hype. They offer an awesome variety of colors (just check out their website, trust me) and most of their products are all under ten dollars!
3. ELF
One cool thing about ELF is that all of their makeup products are vegan, meaning no animal ingredients are used in them. They are constantly expanding and adding new products, and their makeup brushes are pretty awesome too.
4. Milani
I don't think I've tried a Milani product yet that I haven't liked. Their lipsticks are creamy and pigmented. I'm not much of a blush user, but their Baked Blush in the shade Luminoso is off the chain (is that still a phrase people use?).
5. Anastasia Beverly Hills
ABH is well-known for their eyebrow products, but they make some beautiful eye and face palettes as well. The quality of their makeup is top-notch. I'm thinking I really need to get my hands on their new Moonchild Glow Kit.
6. The Balm
The first thing you'll notice about The Balm is their witty product names and their retro styled packaging. They're such a cute brand and I adore everything I've tried from them so far.
7. Physician's Formula
Physician's Formula prides itself on using more natural ingredients than most other drugstore brands. I prefer their bronzers over most of the other high-end bronzers I've tried.
8. Kat Von D
Though I haven't tried many of Kat's products myself, I only ever hear great things about them. Kat Von D has often spoke out against animal testing and is currently reformulating her products to make her line 100% vegan.
9. Too Faced
This might just be my favorite makeup brand. Too Faced really knows how to make you want to blow your entire paycheck on makeup (they have an eyeshadow palette that looks like a chocolate bar and even smells like chocolate. I mean, c'mon!). Aside from how adorable they are, their products are a dream to work with.
10. Becca
2016 seemed to be the year everyone felt like glowing. If you're looking for the perfect highlighter, you're bound to find it in one of Becca's gorgeous shades.
