I Went Through My Makeup Bag To Find Out How Much Cruelty Free Makeup I Use

If you are concerned with the ethics when it comes to the making of your makeup, check out this list of cruelty free makeup products!

Ethical beauty is something I’ve been interested in for a while now, and whilst I would love to only use cruelty-free products, I have to admit that I am guilty of not researching brands before I buy them, so whilst I’d like to think that my beauty routine is cruelty-free, I don’t actually know if it is. So, I went through my most used beauty products to find out just how much of what I’m using is cruelty free makeup!

1. Nivea Daily Essentials Rich Moisturising Day Cream – Not Cruelty-Free

I don’t use face primer, and instead I choose to moisturise – this moisturiser has a an SPF of 15 and is made for all day wear so my skin doesn’t get too dry, which is a plus. Nivea say that they do not test on animals, and they don’t in the UK. However, unforrunately, they do sell their products in China, where animal testing is mandatory, meaning that as a brand, Nivea is not cruelty-free. I am not 100% in love with this moisturiser, so I am more than happy to replace it with another product that is just a good product-wise, and better ethics-wise.

2. LUSH Eau Roma Toner Water – Cruelty-Free

I love using toner water, and this smells amazing. Just a quick spritz on my face and I’m sinstantly relaxed and ready for the day. LUSH is known for having amazing standards when it comes to ethical beauty, and for their fight against animal testing, making this product happily cruelty free makeup!

3. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation – Not Cruelty-Free

This foundation is the closest to my skin tone I’ve gotten in a while, and has great coverage without being too heavy. Unfortunately, just like Nivea, Maybelline sell their products in china, where animal testing is mandatory, so this product cannot be considered to be cruelty free. This is disappointing, but I’m more disappointed in the company themselves than anything else. Again, whilst this is a good product, I’d be happy to switch it out for something else.

4. Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation – Cruelty-Free

This is my more heavy-duty foundation, for when I feel like I need flawless coverage or if I’m going out in the evening and need to make my makeup a little more dramatic. This foundation is a godsend and is actually not very pricey for how good quality it is. Collection say on their website that they do not conduct animal testing, nor do any other third parties on their behalf, and they will never conduct any animal testing. They also do not sell in China, so this 100% cruelty free makeup!

5. Rimmel London Stay Matte Translucent Powder – Not Cruelty-Free

I like to use translucent powder to set my makeup and to stop me from having to blot my skin throughout the day. Rimmel London sell in China, meaning that they do test their products on animals. This is frustrating, but not the end of the world as I am not married to this face powder and will happily replace it with another brand that doesn’t test on animals, like Collection.

6. Technic Powder Contour Kit – Cruelty-Free

Whilst this contour kit may seem a little basic to some people, I find it actually blends really well and is great for everyday wear, plus it was pretty cheap. Technic say on their website that they do not test on animals, and that they completely support and uphold the EU Cosmetics Regulation. In addition, they do not sell in China, so it is guaranteed that they won’t test on animals.

7. Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter – Cruelty-Free

I love this highlighter, it is really pearly and looks amazing on the skin. It can be used to give a hint of a glow, or be built up to create a super glittery look. Revolution have confirmed that they are cruelty free, as they do not test on animals and neither do any third parties as they do not have a parent company. This absolutely thrilled me, as Revolution products are so good and great value for money. Super happy this is cruelty free makeup!

8. Bonjouris Paris Blush – Not Cruelty-Free

Bonjouris have a fairly dodgy animal testing policy, and they are known for refusing to comment when cruelty-free and vegan people contact them on the ethics of their brand. One thing that is for sure is that they are not cruelty-free as they sell in China, thus meaning their products are tested on animals. Whist this blusher is fairly good, it is not worth it considering that it isn’t cruelty-free.

9. Revolution Brow Pomade – Cruelty-Free

Another great Revolution product, and an excellent dupe for Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow. I was so happy to learn that this is cruelty free, as it is one of my favourite brow products as the creamy formula lasts all day without looking to heavy or not natural.

10. Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette – Cruelty-Free

Everyone knows how good Urban Decay’s Naked Palettes are, and I have to admit my obsession with my own naked palette. On their website, Urban Decay state that they do not test on animals, they require their suppliers to confirm that they do not test on animals, and that they are dedicated to ending animal testing. They are also PETA-certifed, thus meaning that they are 100% cruelty free and do not sell in China. I have to admit that this is a relief for me, as whilst I would part with my palette for the greater good, it would’ve made me a little sad to do so.

11. Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette – Cruelty-Free

I absolutely adore this palette as it has the perfect mix between neutrals, brights, darks, matte and shimmery shades. The shade range means you can use it for virtually any look you like, so you could use every single day withiut feeling like your makeup routine is getting too samey. Revolution being cruelty free is honestly one of the best things ever for my beauty routine, as their products are so great and good value for money.

12. Seventeen Make Your Mark Eyeliner – Cruelty-Free

Seventeen as a brand is actually owned by Boots, something I did not know until I did my research into them. Boots have stated that they do not carry out animal testing, nor do they ask any other third-party companies to carry out animal testing on their behalf. They are dedicated to ending animal testing, and do not plan to sell in China because they require animal testing. This is amazing to hear, not least because this felt pen eyeliner is the blackest, most long-lasting liner I have ever used. No joke, I went to see Disney’s Coco and sobbed my little heart out and this eyeliner did not budge. This eyeliner is great, and the fact that it is cruelty free makeup makes me so happy.

13. Seventeen Falsifeye False Lash Mascara – Cruelty-Free

This mascara is so good, no other mascara has given me the length and volume that it does. I have been asked on multiple occasions if I am wearing false eyelashes when I’m just wearing this mascara. This is probably my favourite mascara of all time and knowing that it’s cruelty free makes me love it even more.

14. MUA Velvet Lip Lacquer – Cruelty-Free

MUA state on their website that they are 100% cruelty free as they do not test on animals, and only export to China via their website, meaning they do not come under the laws that would require them to test on animals. This makes me so happy as MUA liquid lipsticks are some of the best I’ve used, and at only £3 each they are my favourite makeup thing to treat myself with when I go shopping.

15. MUA Pro-Base Fixing Mist – Cruelty-Free

I am new to the fixing spray scene, and whilst I was looking for one, a friend suggested I try this one out. It works amazingly and smells great, so I was so pleased that it was cruelty free as well. I could not recommend another fixing mist more, and whilst it may only be the first one I’ve bought, I know that I will be loyal to this one, especially since I know it’s cruelty free makeup!

Results: 11 out of 15 products cruelty-free. Not bad!

One thing that surprised me in this investigation is how many products that were a.) my favourites and b.) on the cheaper end of my makeup bag were cruelty free. Whilst this does make me so happy as it means I can carry on saving money and using my faves without contributing to animal testing, it does also make me completely reconsider the way I look at brands. From now on, I will be doing more research into the products I buy, and replacing those that are not cruelty-free.