Navigating the Drugstore Makeup Aisle—Without Harming Any Bunny

You've decided to go cruelty-free. You head to CVS for a new mascara. Now what?

If you’re anything like me, that aisle is about to get pretty depressing. It’s a major bummer to see other women standing in front of the L’Oreal and Maybelline sections, clueless, or worse, indifferent. And frankly, it sucks to have your options limited. But on the bright side, more and more brands are becoming certified cruelty-free, and while you may have less companies to choose from, you still have high quality, affordable options.

Even better? Bargain brands Jordana and Wet n Wild are both Leaping Bunny certified. Personal faves from Jordana include their Fabuliner Bold Felt-Tip Liquid Eyeliner (seriously, what could make a cat-eye easier than a marker?) and their Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain. And trust me when I say affordable: either one of those will only set you back $3.99.

As for Wet n Wild, I feel like their products keep getting better and better. They now offer a full line of vegan makeup brushes, and I love their 1 Step WonderGel Nail Color. I usually get a good two weeks out of just two coats and trust: I’m no manicurist. Bonus? It’s only $4.99 a bottle. Their MegaLast option is only $1.99, and Wild Shine is just 99 cents!

Another common cruelty-free drugstore brand is Milani, which is one I’ve been using since high school. Right now, I’m really digging their Lash Trifecta mascara, which definitely delivers on its triple-threat promise of lengthening, curling and definition. Milani comes in at a slightly higher price point than Jordana and Wet n Wild, but still very budget friendly (think $5.99 vs. $3.99 for a tube of lip gloss, for example). In the last year or so, I’ve noticed that they’ve been updating their brand and adding more to their collection, which is awesome. To see what they have that best fits your beauty needs, check out their cute Beauty Identities feature.

If you’re looking for natural ingredients, Physicians Formula has signed the PETA cruelty-free pledge, though they are not Leaping Bunny certified. I'm a fan of their Mineral Wear Loose Powder, which provides really good light-to-medium coverage (plus SPF protection), and doesn't clog your pores.

Pacifica, found at a variety of natural grocers, as well as Target, offers organic products, gluten free products, and they’re 100% vegan. Their offerings include makeup, body care and perfume. (When I’m looking to splurge a little, I love their Stellar Gaze mascara, $14.) Pacifica is also Leaping Bunny certified.

Both Pacifica and Physicians Formula come in at a higher price point than the other three, but they offer quality products that are definitely worth your money.

To assist your next cruelty-free purchase, download the free Leaping Bunny app for your phone, and just scan the barcode of whatever you’re looking to buy.

As for popular drugstore brands that DO test on animals, check out the graphic below:

Healthy Fats for Healthy Hair: Giovanni’s Ultra-Moist Shampoo & Conditioner

When it comes to cruelty-free hair care, Giovanni definitely tops my list.

As mentioned in my previous post, my husband and I moved from NYC to Colorado at the beginning of June. In addition to the totally new landscape and lifestyle, I’ve also had to learn how my hair and skin respond to the significantly drier climate. Having had dry hair to start, the endless 90+ degree heat, sun, and total lack of humidity has really taken its toll on my locks.

Enter Giovanni’s 2chic Ultra-Moist shampoo and conditioner with avocado and olive oil. Doesn’t it just sound good enough to eat?

Okay, so while I don’t recommend eating it, it smells great, and after a week’s use, my hair and scalp already feel improved. It’s also worth mentioning that I swim laps about three times a week, so my hair is marinating in public pool levels of chlorine, and is still getting hydrated from this stuff. All without making it greasy or heavy, to boot.

Giovanni has two different haircare product lines: Eco Chic and 2chic, with the Ultra-Moist product suite falling under the latter. 2chic now offers six different hair and body care profiles. I’ve used four of the six, and I bet you can find the right thing for your needs no problem. To explore the 2chic line, click here.

Thankfully, Giovanni is making its way into lots of popular stores. Most major grocers and pharmacies, as well as places like Target and Walmart, offer their products. To find Giovanni in a store near year, check out their retailer list.

An 8.5 oz. tube of either shampoo or conditioner retails for $8.99, though I was lucky to get both for under $10 at a local natural grocer in Longmont, CO, thanks to both an in-store sale, and $1 off coupons attached the bottles.

Giovanni is Leaping Bunny-certified, and nearly all of their products are vegan – including Ultra Moist.

Have you used any Giovanni products? Let me know what you love in the comments below!

Summertime...and the Cruelty-Free Living Is Easy

As we head into the end of June, one thing is certain: Summer is officially here!

My husband and I recently relocated from Brooklyn, New York, to Erie, Colorado, just outside of Boulder. While there’s a lot of things to explore and adjust to, one of the biggest things for me is being a heck of a lot closer to the sun! Having lived close to sea level my entire life, I was pretty stunned at how quickly I turned from white to red out here.

But whether you’re at a high altitude or splashing in the sea, you need protection from the elements. Read on for my top picks for staying cruelty-free while having fun in the sun!

Best Sunscreen: Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen

There are more and more cruelty-free sunscreens popping up on the market, but my favorite -- and the brand I see most often at different stores -- is Alba Botanica. Whether you want a spray or a tube, Alba Botanica has an option -- and a scent -- to match any need. They offer a range of SPFs and make a lotion gentle enough for baby’s skin. My go-to is the fragrance free spray (linked to above), which stands up to a sweaty all-day hike and never clogs my pores. Prices vary between sizes and types, but the aforementioned spray retails for about $16, though I’ve had no trouble finding it on sale for $10 and under.

Best Facial Sunscreen: Kiss My Face Face Factor SPF 50

Kiss My Face also makes a great body sunscreen, but I particularly love them for their face-specific lotion. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I have really sensitive skin. Growing up, I always had to be careful about putting any sunscreen on my face, lest it feel like it was on fire the entire day. This stuff is super lightweight and non-greasy, but surprisingly effective and sweat-resistant. A 2 oz. tube retails for around $14, but I’ve gotten it for as little as $9 or $10.

Best Swimmer’s Shampoo: Aubrey Organics Almond Apricot Swimmer’s Shampoo

Maybe you’re more of pool than an ocean person. As a blonde who swam competitively in high school, I know chlorine can wreck your hair (and turn it an interesting shade of green). When I looked at getting back into lap swimming, I knew I was going to need a swimmer’s shampoo, but I was worried there wasn’t a cruelty-free option on the market. Alas, there is. Not only is it gentle and effective, but it smells delicious. My only complaint is that the formula is a little runny, so you have to be careful when pouring into your hand. This is my first bottle, though, so fingers crossed it’s normally a little more viscous. Do a quick Google search to find your best price  -- a 16 oz. bottle will run you about $10 or $11.

Best Insect Repellent: All Terrain Herbal Armor

Forgot your Off! and all those other DEET-loaded brands: This is the best bug repellent I’ve ever used. We first picked this up for a trip to Costa Rica -- we knew we were going to be doing a lot of hiking in the rain forest and wanted to be prepared. I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical about the all-natural approach -- I grew up in a time when those chemical-saturated repellents were pretty much the only effective thing on the market, but trust. This stuff stands up to mosquito season in any tropical paradise -- including your backyard. A 4 oz. bottle retails for $9.99. Additional sizes and varieties available.

Best Bug Bite Relief: All Terrain Bite & Sting Soother Spray

Perhaps less surprising after you see how well the repellent works, is the sting soother. There’s always that one sucker that gets through, or, as is more likely with me, bug repellent isn’t all that effective unless you actually put it on. So, for those times when a bug has an unstoppable thirst for human flesh -- or you just got lazy -- this stuff will take the bite right out of that welt. A 2 oz. bottle retails for $7.99.

What's your favorite  cruelty-free summer product? Let me know in the comments!

What’s Inside the December 2015 Vegan Cuts Beauty Box

My favorite beauty boxes are cosmetics-heavy, and the December Vegan Cuts Beauty Box didn’t disappoint. Curated specially by the Leaping Bunny, every product is vegan and guaranteed cruelty-free. Though I liked everything in this shipment, I especially fell for the eyeshadow, lip balm and blush. I also really loved the bonus gift that came as part of a “Cyber Monday” deal. Read on for an unpacking of the December box, and a review of the bonus products.

Concrete Minerals eyeshadow: “A silky soft and super pigmented eyeshadow made with purest mineral ingredients.” $8 value

Crazy Rumors lip balm in Hot Cocoa: “Cruelty-free lip balms in a variety seasonal scents and flavors.” $3.50 value

Demes Natural Products: “Makeup dissolving facial cleanser that lifts dirt and debris from skin naturally.” $6 value

Auromere: “Fresh mint toothpaste featuring 23 botanical extracts.” $1 value

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques: “Soft and subtle pressed cheek color in shade ‘Sweet Sixteen’.” $14 value

Acure Organics: “Cell stimulating facial mask to remove toxins and regenerate, firm, and soften skin.” $7 value

Total $39.50 value

For signing up or renewing a subscription on “Cyber Monday,” Vegan Cuts offered a bonus gift which included three items that have become part of my daily rotation:

Pacifica Power of Love Natural Lipstick in Firebird, $10 value

I love this lipstick! I’m very pale, and this is such a flattering shade of red. It’s bright without being garish and it doesn’t crumble into the corners of your mouth or fade quickly into a garish line. It’s also “neutral” enough to be worn daily, so long as you keep your eye makeup tame.

Dew Puff Original Konjac Sponge, $8 value

Dew Puff, where have you been all my life? I’ve traded in my washcloth for the Konjac Sponge, and my skin couldn’t be happier. With just a drop of cleanser, this sponge transforms into a pore cleaning machine. I need to hoard these in bulk.

Vegan Cuts makeup bag

What woman couldn’t use another little cosmetic bag? Love this canvas beauty for toting around my daily essentials, and the “Vegan & Cruelty Free Beauty” tagline makes for a great conversation starter in the ladies room!

Take It All Off: Two Cruelty-Free Nail Polish Removers We <3

One thing that I promise will continually surprise you along your cruelty-free journey is the kinds of things still tested on animals. Topping that list for me? Nail polish remover. It breaks my heart to think that something (traditionally) so harsh and, in my mind, nonessential, can cause immense suffering for our animal friends.

Thankfully, we can say “no” to a cruel mani with these two great options from No Miss Cosmetics and Mineral Fusion. Rest-assured that both brands are 100% cruelty-free, safe for vegans and certified by the Leaping Bunny.

Almost Natural Nail Polish Remover by No Miss Cosmetics

This is the first nail polish remover I tried after going cruelty-free. It has a fruity, vanilla scent, and is the nicest smelling nail polish remover I’ve ever used. No more stinking up your bathroom with gross acetone! I found that while this formula did the job, I needed to soak the cotton ball more than I would have for a traditional remover, and had to scrub a little extra to completely remove the nail color -- likely because it’s ethyl acetate-free. But don’t worry -- I’ve found that it stands up to even the most stubborn of glitter polishes, so it’s a great option for someone looking for an all-natural option. 2 fl oz. bottle $4.99; 4 fl oz. bottle $7.99

Acetone-free Nail Polish Remover by Mineral Fusion

I’ve only just recently tried out Mineral Fusion’s nail polish remover, but it really works like a dream. It has a more chemical smell than No Miss (this formula DOES contain ethyl acetate), but is still far less offensive than any non-cruelty-free option out there. I find that this brand takes off polish faster and with less effort than anything I’ve tried. I can clean one hand easily with a single cotton ball no problem -- even the dark stuff! Also, given the bottle size, it offers a little more bang for your buck. 6 fl oz. bottle, $7.99

Don’t Flake Out! Pacifica Body Butters for Winter’s Dry Skin

I know, I know, it’s only October -- let’s not start talking about winter yet! But with chillier temperatures fast approaching, we’re all about to spend a lot more time inside with the heat cranking -- and consequently drying out our skin.

[Source: PacificaBeauty.com]

Lucky for us, Leaping Bunny-certified Pacifica makes 14 scents of body butter, many of which sound like they can transport you to someplace tropical whenever the winter weather starts getting you down (Malibu Lemon Blossom, anyone?).

In a recent wandering through a Harmon’s in Chelsea, I picked up the Tahitian Gardenia scent. I’ve been using it for about a week, and almost instantly, my skin felt softer. I like that this particular body butter is rich and thick, but doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy. I’m almost always in a rush on a weekday morning, so I like my body lotions to soak in quick.

How does it smell? Delicious. As a former Bath and Body Works addict, I’m always on the lookout for fresh new scents. I’m not too crazy about perfume, but I feel a scented body lotion can go a long way in getting the job done. I’ve been receiving tons of compliments whenever I wear the Tahitian Gardenia, so I think it’s safe to say this one is a hit. Hoping to give French Lilac and Waikiki Pikake a whirl next.

Pacifica’s Body Butter comes in two sizes, 8 oz tubes for $15 (all scents), and mini 2.5 oz tubes for $6 (5 scents).

ALL Pacifica products -- including these Body Butters -- are free of gluten, parabens and are 100% vegan.

Pacifica is a common find at brick and mortar stores like Target and Whole Foods, but you can also order directly from their website. Be sure to poke around -- they offer everything from home goods (like soy candles) to 7-free nail polish.

Holy Schmidt, Dry Pits!

I don’t know about where you live, but it’s been HOT in New York City this summer. Multiple-official-heat-waves hot. So hot the breeze from an approaching subway train provides zero relief. So hot -- well, you get the idea.

With this in mind, I think it’s pretty fortuitous that I signed up for a three-month subscription of the Beauty Box from Vegan Cuts at the beginning of the summer. In my first box that arrived in June, I received a sample of Schmidt’s Deodorant in Ylang Ylang + Calendula. At first, I was a little leery of it. It came in a jar, not a nice, familiar stick, and forced me to apply it with my fingers. But if I’m going to do something, I’m going to go all in. I took the leap and test-drove it on the very first 90-degree day we had, and hot damn, was I impressed.

Before I went cruelty-free, I tried a lot of your average NOT cruelty-free drugstore deodorant -- Degree, Dove, etc. Most deodorants are actually antiperspirants which use aluminum that prevents you from sweating. As much as we might not like it, humans are supposed to sweat, because it helps us rid our bodies of toxins. I’ve tried a lot of deodorants with varying success throughout my cruelty-free journey, but now that I’ve had Schmidt’s, I’ll never go back.

Here’s why: Schmidt’s holds up on the hottest, sweatiest of days. I apply a tiny bit each morning and I’m dry all day long and even better, all pit-stank is neutralized. No fears of lifting my arm to hang onto a subway pole. Pretty impressive for “just” a deodorant.

According to their FAQ, Schmidt’s keeps you dry because it contains “natural plant powders to absorb wetness, so even though Schmidt’s doesn’t prevent you from sweating, it will still keep you dry.”

I was sold from day one, and went and ordered a full size jar of the Lavender + Sage scent as soon as I neared the end of my sample. Even though Schmidt’s is across the country, my order arrived in about three days. I’ve been using my jar for a month now, and it’s not even close to finished. I’ll probably have it until the end of the year, which I think is incredible for just $8.99.

Schmidt’s Deodorant (a homegrown operation based in Portland, OR) offers four scents plus a scent-free option. Your pits can smell like Cedarwood + Juniper, Lavender + Sage, Bergamot + Lime or Ylang Ylang and Calendula, or you can get real crazy and order a Deluxe 5-Pack to try them all.

You can order here on the Schmidt’s site. As of this post, they’re offering 10% off your order with the code “HEATINGUP.” Give them a try -- I bet you’ll never look back.

Cruelty-Free Bag of Tricks: Six Beauty Samples from Whole Foods

I was pretty stoked to find this bag of goodies while on a recent food shopping trip at Whole Foods. It’s rare that I can find a whole bag of samples that are cruelty-free, so it seemed a no-brainer to pick up this 7-piece “Hello Beauty” promotion for $18 (and retailing at $60).

First up, Giovanni 2chic Blackberry & Coconut Milk Ultra-Repair Shampoo. According to the product sheet that came with the bag, this shampoo’s “botanical compounds pamper damaged, overprocessed hair.” I’ve been using Giovanni products for a while now (a different formula of shampoo and conditioner, as well as a volumizing mousse) and was pretty pleased with this shampoo, although my hair is normal and healthy. I washed my hair with this a couple times in the past week, and each time it left my hair feeling clean but very moisturized – so much so that I decided to forgo conditioner. If you’re looking for a product that can treat damaged or dry hair, this could be the formula for you. I’ve been very pleased with the Giovanni brand in general, and happily, Giovanni is Leaping Bunny-certified.

Next, Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub, which is described as “salon-quality skin treatment with Dead Sea salt and volcanic sand.” I’ve used this twice in the last week, and I really love it. A small dollop is more than enough for my face and neck, and it left my skin feeling remarkably smooth and even. I’d be willing to shell out the bucks to buy a regular size tub when the sample runs out. It reminds me a lot of a similar product Mary Kay made that I had tried out many years ago, except cruelty-free and with a lot less chemicals. Derma E does not appear to be certified by Leaping Bunny; however, according to their website, “Derma E does not test, and has never tested on animals, and Derma E skincare formulas do not contain animal by-products of any kind. As such, the entire Dderma E line of products is vegan and cruelty-free. You will find a cruelty-free symbol on all of our boxes and labels.”

A full-size tube of Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream was also included, and is described as a “versatile moisturizer with rosehip seed oil, marula oil and orange flower.” The formula gives this lotion an herbaceous scent, which is light and not overwhelming. It’s also a richer, thicker cream than the Alba Botanica Sea Moss moisturizer I swear by, so you’ll use less lotion to get the job done. My biggest complaint is that it doesn’t have any kind of SPF – something that I desperately need, especially since I’ve switched my powder foundation to something without sun protection. While Trilogy is not Leaping Bunny-certified, they are a Choose Cruelty Free accredited company.

Also included were two makeup samples: A Pacifica Eye Shadow Duo (in Unicorn and Moonbeam) and a tube of Gabriel Mascara – the latter of which I’ve been meaning to try for some time. I thought the eyeshadow colors looked better on my skin than anticipated – the Moonbeam appearing more golden than white as I had expected. The Gabriel Mascara was the real treat for me, however, and has replaced the Milani Grandissimo Lashes that I’ve been using for the last month. Though I prefer a bushier brush for volume, the Gabriel brush seems designed more for length and I can see more eyelash than I thought I had. The formula also doesn’t appear to flake, which is awesome. Gabriel is a Leaping Bunny-certified company (and 100% vegan and gluten-free). Pacifica, while not a Leaping Bunny-certified company, does claim to be 100% vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free as well, and I’ve found no evidence contradicting the claim.

The only product I’ve yet to try is the Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask, which claims to “purify, moisturize and renew with French green clay, sea buckthorn oil and Moroccan argan stem cells.” According to the Leaping Bunny-certified company’s website, Acure Orgnaics is “a family owned and operated company founded on sustainable principles to provide the highest quality fair trade, natural and certified organic personal care products. Our products are created with great care and are a reflection of our values. Each of our products is free from animal testing, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, harmful preservatives and artificial colors.” I’ve definitely got a date with this and some cucumber slices in the near future.

All in all, $18 was not a bad deal for 6 products plus an organic cotton makeup pouch made by RIJIGreen, “a company committed to ending human trafficking.” Below, I’ve linked out to each company’s website so you can explore their range of cruelty-free products, along with the retail price for the full size product reviewed above. As always, do a little searching to see if you can find a coupon or sale at your favorite retailer.

Giovanni 2chic Blackberry & Coconut Milk Ultra-Repair Shampoo ➤ 8.5 oz. tube, $8.99

derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub ➤ 2 oz container, $32.50

Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream ➤ 1.69 oz. tube, $44.00

Pacifica Eye Shadow Duo ➤$20 for an eye makeup trio, including mascara, eye pencil, and eyeshadow duo

Gabriel Mascara ➤ $15.20

Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask ➤ 1.75 oz. tube, $15.99

RIJIGreen Beauty Bag ➤ $9.99-$11.99