What is a cruelty free brand?

Well, a cruelty free brand is a company that does not practice animal testing. This means testing their products on animals, which is very harsh and dangerous to them, and often harms them in the process. Most cosmetic and self care companies do use animal testing, although it is not necessary. At first, it seemed to me that there were very little companies did not practice this, but there is a lot more than you think. Buying from cruelty free companies gives you a clear conscious about who you're giving your money to and what they stand for, all while fighting for a great cause. Here are 11 of my favorite cruelty free brands.

1. LUSH

Lush is one of the most avid activists in the fight against animal testing. They speak up, raise awareness, and strive to end such a horrific practice. Their products are also 100 percent vegetarian, and many of them are vegan. Lush is a company that tries its best to use organic ingredients in it's products, and harms no one in the process. One of my favorite stores for my bath and hair products, Lush is fighting a great cause and smelling good while doing so.

2. Trader Joe's

So many things are great about Trader Joe's, and they just couldn't get any more perfect by being cruelty free. They sell many vegan and cruelty free lotions, hair products, organic deodorant, what could be better! Get some delicious kettle corn while keeping it cruelty free with some award winning affordable conditioner. If you haven't bought beauty products at Trader Joe's, its time you start.

3. Anastasia Beverly Hills

Founded in 1997 Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics have been gaining popularity recently. Known for their eyebrow products, they offer a wide range of variety and color for all eye brow types that need a little help. Without them, my sparse blond eyebrows would be hellish. They also have glow kits, pallets, matte lipsticks and many more things that are all made without testing on animals.

4. Kat Von D Beauty

Breaking into the beauty industry in 2008, Kat Von D has released a wide line of products that are all cruelty free. She stands by the statement that her products have never been tested on animals, and never will. The website for her cosmetics even has a list of all of her full vegan products, #VeganAlert. My personal favorite is the powder concealer and her tattoo liner that will stay for seemingly forever, whether you want it to or not.

5. ColourPop

A newer brand, ColourPop has become wildly popular for their eye shadows. And the name doesn't lie, the color really does pop. And on top of that, they're extremely affordable, all while keeping animals safe. Unfortunately, their products are sold only online, but maybe one day we will see them in stores. And almost all of their products are vegan! Colourpop is on the rise for world domination, in a good way.

6. Too Faced

Currently one of my favorite cosmetic companies, it doesn't hurt that Too Faced doesn't test on animals. From palettes that look like candy bars and actually smell like chocolate, to popping matte lipsticks, Too Faced keeps it interesting with their adorable packaging (seriously, everything is so dang cute). Their Better Than Sex mascara truly is better than sex. Too Faced is on top of it's game, all while being conscious of our furry friends.

7. ELF

Elf cosmetics are extremely affordable, and sold in local targets. They have tons of duplicates of more expensive, non cruelty free makeup brands. Why spend $34 on a Makeup Forever powder when you can get the same one for $6 and not feel guilty about it?

8. wet n wild

Sold in drugstores, wet n wild cosmetics are another low-budget affordable company that does not test on animals. Personally, I love their wide range of colorful nail polishes, all surprisingly really good quality for their low price. If you want to save money while still being a conscious consumer, wet n wild is the company for you.

9. Cover FX

Cover FX has a wide range of products, with their main focus on foundation. They have 40 different shades, and the product helps and improves your skin while wearing it. They are also a company that you can buy products from online and in your local Sephora. Their products are not tested on animals at all during the production process and they also do not buy ingredients that were tested on animals.

10. Pacifica

A company that emphasizes on it's use of natural ingredients, all of Pacifica's products are 100 percent cruelty free, vegan and even gluten free (If you like eating lotion). They strive to create products with natural ingredients that are even better than those with non-natural ingredients. Their lotions are some of the best I've ever tried, and cure any dryness your skin might have.

11. Glossier

A newer company, Glossier's goal is to create quality essentials for girls all around. Their four-piece skin care set is $80 and worth it. Unfortunately, you cannot yet buy their products in stores, and they only offer five different shades of their skin tint. Other than that, their skin care products are simple and to die for. They even offer routine delivery in case you forget to order before you run out! And all of their products are cruelty free.