This brings me onto the subject of parent companies and third party testing. In the beauty industry, it’s common for brands to be owned by a larger company. These are called parent companies, and they’re often global corporations. Many of these parent companies are not cruelty-free. They may also own several brands that are not cruelty-free. This been said, some of the brands owned by these parent companies are cruelty-free and have strict policies against animal testing. Would I buy products from a company owned by a parent company like this? There are two sides to this argument, on the one hand the company can be seen to be cruelty free but on the other they are owned by a company that when required to do so will test on animals.

Some people are happy to support these companies. Personally I will not support companies owned by a parent company that tests. I regularly research companies and products to ensure I have the most up to date information on their cruelty free status. I will not use these or any products in my kit where there is any doubt as to their cruelty free status.

I think there is also a huge misconception about cruelty free products been in some way inferior to other products. This is simply not true, in my experience a cruelty free or vegan product will perform the same and in some cases better than other brands that don't have their credentials. Yes there are also some that aren't great too, as with all makeup brands. There are currently some amazing up and coming brands within the industry. Many people don't realise that a product can be vegan but not cruelty free and vice versa. A product that is vegan does not contain any animal derivatives but may still have been tested on animals. Equally a product may have not been tested on animals and be cruelty free but contain animal-derived ingredients such as carmine (a red pigment made from crushed beetles), squalene (from shark liver oil), lanolin (an emollient made from sheep's wool) Look out for alternative plant-based or synthetic ingredients such as shea butter instead of lanolin, squalane (from plant oil such as sunflower or olive) as alternatives which serve the same purpose.

Another misconception I am regularly asked about is the cost of an ethical or cruelty free product. Sometimes they are perceived to be overly expensive, yes some products can be but, no more than other high end brands that do test. There are plenty of professional quality options to suit all budgets. As demand and awareness for ethical brands grows many budget friendly brands are bringing out dupes of some well known high end brands at a fraction of the cost.

For my professional kit I would never choose a product just because it is a certain brand or based on price alone. In order for a product to be in my kit it has to perform at it's best whether it has cost £1 or £100 I will always rigorously test a product before it becomes a staple in my kit. I use products from many different brands as no one brand is able to accommodate every requirement that I need across their range of products.

Certification to Look For

As I mentioned earlier the Leaping Bunny certification, is awarded to brands that are genuinely committed to avoiding animal testing. They require companies to undergo rigorous audits and inspections to ensure that their products are truly cruelty-free. You can also take a look at their shopping guide resource here Another resource I use often is the brand guide from Cruelty Free Kitty it is regularly updated and very easy to see which brands are cruelty free, vegan and certified. In the next section, we'll dive into some of my favorite cruelty-free makeup brands I love and use in my kit.     

My Favorite Cruelty-Free Brands

Some of my favorite cruelty-free makeup brands that have passed the Leaping Bunny & PETA certifications include Delilah, Kiko Milano, Viseart, Illamasqua, Elf and Inika these all offer a wide range of products, from eyeshadows to foundations, all of which are not tested on animals and many are wholly vegan formulations. Viseart eyeshadow palettes are particularly popular among makeup artists for their high pigmentation and blendability. Delilah is also a popular choice, especially for its award winning Future Resist Foundation, which provides long-lasting wear. Finally, Illamasqua are a brand that has it's roots based in the theatre, they are one of my absolute go to brands. They offer bold and unique makeup products, some of my favourites include the eyeshadow palettes, the cult classic - ultramatter lipstick, the hydra setting spray for all day wear and who can forget the gel eyeliner, applies silky smooth, blacker than black and never dries out.

If you're looking for a great cruelty-free and ethical option for skincare, check out the brand Versed, the dew point moisturizing gel-cream is an amazing daily moisturiser and a staple in my kit. Would you like to know more? Why not book a skincare session in here By choosing to support cruelty-free brands, you can feel confident that you are making a change to help stop this practice and bring about a positive impact. These brands not only provide great products, but also prioritize the well-being of animals and the environment.

In conclusion, finding cruelty-free beauty products are so much easier to buy than a few years ago as awareness and demand grows. It may seem complicated, but once you get started it really isn't. If you would like my help to curate a collection of your favourites you can get in touch here As they say your hair is the crown you never take off the same can be said about our skin. Our furry friends are so worth it, they really don't deserved to be so mistreated in the name of beauty especially since there are such great alternatives that are easily and readily available. Understanding what cruelty-free makeup means, researching brands and supporting them you can make informed and ethical choices. As a professional makeup artist and an animal owner, I encourage you to take these steps towards guilt-free, cruelty free beauty and join me in the fight against animal testing. Remember, every time you choose a cruelty-free product, you're making a difference.