After my son was born, I became hyper-aware of what we put on and in our bodies. While I haven't fully converted to an organic lifestyle (money and time are the main barriers), I am trying to make better choices. Moving to "cruelty free" products is an easy enough switch that allows me to make small steps toward creating a better world for those who will inherit it.
I have come to realize that no bunny needs to die in order so that I can cover up a pimple. That said, I am too economical (some may say cheap) to go in whole hog, tossing every product I own and immediately replacing it with a new one. Instead, as products run out, I search for a cruelty free option.
It turns out that much of what I use, including Unite (I use the volumizer and leave-in conditioner), Eos (shave cream), Carol's Daughter (body lotion), and Cerave (day and night face cream), do not condone animal testing. Yay! That means a few less products I need to research and replace.
When it comes to makeup, though, I need to make a change. I am a third generation Lancôme customer (my grandmother started using their product when she still lived in France), and, alas, they are guilty of animal testing. Brand loyalty means nothing when I think of what animals might suffer so that I can be empowered to achieve "Beauty, Femininity & French Elegance."
First, I ran out of concealer, and the foundation and face powder will soon follow. I have sensitive skin. I know I may have to sample a few brands before finding what works. I decided to start my research at my local Whole Foods. While it feels awkward buying make-up at the grocery store after years of visiting a department store, I have to be honest that, as the mom of a toddler, it's way more convenient to pick up make-up when I'm also picking up dinner ingredients.
I started with Mineral Fusion concealer, and so far I really like it. It feels nice on my skin, offers good coverage, and at $24.99 costs a smidge less than the Lancôme product. Ooh, and I discovered Amazon caries the product for around $22. Score! I'm making a choice that feels right and saves money.
We only use one product on Ari, and that is his shampoo/body wash. We have been using the same bottle Johnson & Johnson's for almost two years, and it's nowhere near gone. With all of the noise around formaldehyde, I decided to immediately make the switch to Burt's Bees, even before we ran out of body wash.
All told, I know my small step will not immediately change the world, but it's a step, and I feel like I am modeling ethical choices for my son. Yes, yes, I know that some of the ingredients in the cruelty free products I buy exist because of years of testing that prove they are safe. I can't change the past. I can vote with my wallet and will encourage others to do the same.
If you would like an easy source for searching for cruelty-free products, consider exploring PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies site and database.
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