Anyone who knows me personally knows I’m a huge animal lover – to the point where my Facebook newsfeed is saturated with animal rescue stories, and my boyfriend likes to poke fun at me for all the “sad” animal stories I’m always bringing up. I’ve been a member of the ASPCA for several years now and after rescuing my dog Nina (an adorable Dachshund/Jack Russel Terrier mix) nearly 3 years ago, I’ve done my best to advocate for pet adoption vs. buying from a pet store. I’ve also tried to make an effort to find other ways to fight for animal rights in my every day life, one of which is making a slow transition to solely using cruelty free makeup and beauty products.
Now before you make any assumptions of my level of animal rights activism, I do want to preface that when it comes to something like this I don’t think it’s fair to be “all or nothing”. Despite my love of animals I’m not a vegetarian and I definitely have way too many leather bags and shoes in my closet. All this being said there are small changes that I think are more feasible for everyone to make in their every day life, and certain animal causes I believe in more strongly than others. One of the biggest causes I believe in is ending unnecessary animal testing, especially for cosmetics and other beauty products… and here’s why:
- The Humane Society estimates that 100,000-200,000 animals suffer and die just for cosmetics every year around the world
- Europe, the world’s largest cosmetic market, Israel and India have already banned animal testing for cosmetics, and the sale or import of newly animal-tested beauty products.
- Several cosmetic tests commonly performed on mice, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs include: skin and eye irritation tests where chemicals are rubbed on shaved skin or dripped into the eyes without any pain relief.
- Animal tests also have scientific limitations because different species can respond differently when exposed to the same chemicals. Consequently, results from animal tests may not be relevant to humans.
Read more on animal testing facts here and here.
Sorry for the depressing upfront! Now on to the fun stuff. 
The following are a few of my personal favorite cruelty free makeup that I use every day and are uh-mazing!
Nars 
Blush in Torrid
This blush is one of my favorites because it’s super sheer and looks incredibly natural. It wears well all day and can be layered for a more intense “night out” look.
Milani Even-Touch Powder Foundation in Natural
This powder is lightweight, evens out my skin tone and doesn’t clog pores. I like to use a separate powder brush for application instead of the included sponge applicator, just to avoid any chalkiness. I tend to use this after applying a BB cream for more coverage.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown
This is seriously a life changer! It’s super easy to apply when using the right kind of small angled brush and a little bit goes a long way. It lasts all day and gives eyebrows the perfect sculpted look.
BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop
Talk about highlight on fleek – this peachy gold powder looks super gorgeous and provides lots of light-catching shimmer. I apply it right above cheekbones whenever I’m in need of a little extra “glow”.
Urban Decay Naked Palette
If you haven’t used any of UD’s Naked Palette collections you’re seriously missing out. These 12 neutral shades are highly pigmented, easily blended, and just oh so pretty. I pretty much live for the “half baked” and “sin” shades for every day use, but love creating a subtle smoky eye with “hustle” and “toasted” for a date night or girls night out!
it Cosmetics Blurred Lines Smooth Fill Lipstick in IT Girl
Every girl needs a go-to red lipstick for an extra boost of confidence and this one is simply divine! It provides great coverage, glides on super smooth, and leaves lips super moist.
If you have any tried and true cruelty free beauty products that you swear by, please share in the comments below! I’d definitely love to check them out :). For a full list of cruelty free makeup brands, click here.
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