Buying Cruelty-free Makeup at the Drugstore

With all the great cruelty-free products available, you don't need to buy makeup from companies that test on animals. European companies have ceased animal testing on cosmetics, and are demonstrating that it is an unnecessary practice. No matter what your opinion of other animal rights issues or vegetarianism, I think you can agree that testing makeup on animals is unnecessary.

Don't waste your time and money on needless animal testing when there are so many quality products available from cruelty-free companies. How do you know if a product is cruelty-free? Many companies will print "not tested on animals" or "cruelty-free" on the label. Other companies require more research. Check the company's website or contact their customer service. If a company does not give a clear answer to whether or not they test on animals, skip them! Stick with companies that you can confirm as cruelty-free. You will find many products from companies that do test on animals in your local drugstore, but you still have many cruelty-free options.

Revlon: This company offers a wide range of different products, including the popular new ColorStay with SoftFlex foundation. The ColorStay with SoftFlex foundations are available in different formulas for dry/normal skin or combination/oily skin. Their Eyeglide eye shadows are an innovative type of eye shadow applied from a sponge-tip pen. There are some fun colors available in addition to the more conservative neutrals.

Almay: Owned by Revlon, but offers less expensive products. They make makeup easy by offering color coordinated sets of eye makeup and lip makeup. I particularly like their lip gloss, but sadly the color range is limited.

Burt's Bee's: This line of cosmetics only recently began to appear in drugstores, but it has been a favorite at natural grocery stores for years. Their makeup offerings are limited, but their Lip Shimmers really stand out. This tinted lip balm gives a beautiful natural hint of color and feels great on the lips.

Milani: Relatively new to drugstore shelves, this company has a cult-like following. I've heard many people compare Milani to more expensive brands like MAC. In fact, many Milani products are color look-alikes when compared to high end brands. Milani offers many fun, young, hip colors of eye shadow and glitter eye liner. The lipsticks are without a doubt the highest quality and longest lasting lipsticks at the drugstore. Milani blush in Luminous is a less expensive clone of the popular Nars blush in Orgasm.

SinfulColors: This line of nail enamel is bright and fun at a very affordable price. Neutral and conservative colors are also available, but some days we all just need glitter nail polish. The polish applies thick and opaque, giving beautiful color with the first coat.

Bonne Bell: Not just Lip Smackers anymore! Bonne Bell offers lip gloss, lip sticks, eye makeup, blush and bronzer. The lip glosses and lip colors are all very good, but the eye makeup, blush and bronzer are more sheer and natural. This line is targeted to young teens, but someone who is looking for a natural makeup style will appreciate Bonne Bell makeup.

Jane: This is another line targeted to teens, but they offer high quality products that adults will enjoy. This was my favorite brand in highschool, but sadly it has become harder for me to find. Their lipsticks are really top of the line. Eye Zings eye shadows are very popular and come in a variety of fun colors or conservative neutrals.

E.L.F: This is a very inexpensive brand that offers very small sized product packages. The lip glosses are really fantastic, shiny and long lasting. Their makeup brushes are a real treat for such a small price. The eye shadows and blushes are overly fragranced, and too sheer for my liking.

Vital Radiance: This is a new cosmetics line from Revlon targeted to mature makeup lovers. They offer a good selection of foundation shades, and their products are designed to flatter aging skin.

Physician's Formula and Prestige: I am not too familiar with either of these brands, but I have heard good reviews of their products. Prestige seems to be marketed to women with darker skin tones. Physician's Formula seems to be targeted to people with sensitive skin.

Sorry folks, these companies are still testing on animals:
Cover Girl
L'Oreal
Maybelline
Max Factor
Rimmel