My Pro Kit Is Changing…And So Am I…
When I began my career as a makeup artist in 2011, I filled my kit with all the brands I’d admired as a beginner. I remember moments at the pro stores in LA, New York City and Las Vegas, proudly shopping for kit items with money I’d made from jobs. It was a whole new world, and I was so happy to be in it! Fast forward to 2022 and I still love kit shopping. I will say that I get the same feelings by pressing the “add to cart” button from home. There is one big difference from then to now, however. My kit is now completely cruelty free.
What Does Cruelty Free Mean?
Cruelty free was a term I never fully understood until last year. It basically means that a product or brand does not test their products on animals in any way. There is so much to be said about the inhumane treatment of animals for the sake of cosmetic testing, but I think it most important to say this: there’s absolutely no need to ever do it. The silence from the beauty world on this prevalent practice is deafening. It is sad to think that they either keep quiet or withhold the truth from consumers. As for me, I decided to do what I felt was right and go cruelty free!
The Process And Why
Everyone goes about their process differently when it comes to going cruelty free. What I chose to do was go through all my products and remove any brand that is currently tested on animals. It hurt a little, of course! Some of these were brands I had come to trust and rely on for years. But it had to be done. Why? Because I understand that I have the power to withhold my support from those companies who treat animals cruelly. I don’t really see what I’m doing as boycotting, though it might be in theory. I am simply deciding to align my shopping habits to my stance on animal cruelty, which is that it doesn’t need to exist.
So…Who Does & Doesn’t Test On Animals?
Thankfully, there are so many brands who actively take a stand against animal testing while creating beautiful products for consumers and pro artists! As I went through my kit and did my research, I found that many of the companies I frequently patronize are cruelty free. Hallelujah! It’s a relief to know that my kit didn’t completely change. Here are a few companies that completely refrain from animal testing:
- Huda Beauty
- Danessa Myricks
- Anastasia Beverly Hills
- ELF Cosmetics
- Charlotte Tilbury
- Makeup Revolution
I have always loved using these brands, and I feel even more loyal to them now! One the other hand, there are an abundance of brands that are actively testing on animals, either themselves or through third party companies. There are many resources you can use to find out who does and who doesn’t. My favorite resource is Cruelty Free Kitty, click the link to check out the website. Suzana has spent so much time compiling all the brands that are truly cruelty free.
Final Thoughts…
I am so glad I made the decision to align my kit with my beliefs, and I will definitely keep this lifestyle going. My hope is that one day animal testing will be in the rearview, and that companies will stop seeing it as a necessity. I truly don’t believe any animal should have to suffer so that we can have our favorite products.
What Are Your Thoughts On Animal Testing?
Get in touch with me and let me know! Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. I genuinely hope this won’t be an issue we have to talk about for much longer! Below I’ve put a compilation of favorites from cruelty free brands. I hope you’ll check it out and support them! I do make a small commission when you purchase, so thank you so much for keeping this blog going. Talk to you all soon. ♥️