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Beauty | Going Cruelty Free
I’ve made a semi-secret resolution this year. Over the coming months – and beyond – I want to start actively buying more and more cruelty-free products. This resolution has been inspired by my favourite Youtube-‘crew’ (Lex, Rosianna, Sanne and Marion), who have all started switching out their regular beauty stash to buy cruelty-free make-up and skincare.

So what’s the definition of ‘cruelty-free’?

For the most part all beauty and skincare products in the UK and EU in general have not gone through animal testing as part of EU law. This is usually enough for most people’s conscious but there is a loophole though many companies use. If companies choose to retail their products in places like China companies still currently have to test their products on animals before selling in that country. This means even if the product is considered cruelty-free here in the UK, if they retail in China, shipments of their products may have gone through the testing process.

It’s loophole that’s exploited time and time again but many of these companies aren’t evil in any way. These companies are – for the most part – following International consumer law but if I can personally do my little bit towards the cause I’ll sleep better at night. Obviously animal testing is a hotly debated subject and in my opinion unavoidable in certain circumstances i.e. medical/scientific testing prior to human trials. But when beauty is a luxury for most of us don’t actually need it does make you think why we find testing lipstick and cleansing lotions on animals is widely accepted.

For me going cruelty-free does mean sacrificing product lust for being more self-conscious about the consequences of my beauty purchases – and when my blog is called Wishing For Chanel, the fact Chanel beauty retails in China is a bit of an awkward situation…(I guess I’ll stick to just wishing for their clothing and accessories range then?)

So what is my own definition of cruelty-free?

For me cruelty-free brands include:
1. Brands/companies that have passed the EU no-animal testing regulations for cosmetic products
2. Brands that have Peta’s leaping bunny logo on their product lines as proof of the fact they do not test on animals.
3. Brands that do not retail in China and other countries that require animal testing in order to sell those products
As I ease myself into this process, I’ll allow one exception to the rules, with brands who themselves do not test on animals but are owned by parent companies that do – these include the likes of The Body Shop – who are owned by L’Oreal, who still retail in China.

This exception is debatable though, because are you contributing to and encouraging the idea of animal testing by adding to the profits of the parent company? I’ll keep tabs on this though, as company’s tend to chop and change their definition of cruelty free as they start to expand Internationally.

So in terms of next steps, I’m currently working my way through all the non-cruelty free brands I have in my make-up/skincare collection (of which there are A LOT). But as I run out of products and get a craving to buy new beauty bits I’ll be heading to the brands that support the cruelty free message.

And though I’m not the kind of person to push others into following the same strict guidelines I’m imposing on myself, I’m also going to start actively denoting which products I review and write about are and are not cruelty-free, so you can make informed decisions too.

For a little more info and insight into cruelty free I’ll leave you with the video that got me thinking in the first place from the frankly kick-ass Lex Croucher.

And I’ve linked to a couple of resources I’ve found handy as I’ve transitioned to go cruelty free.
- DerpinaMode: Going Cruelty Free & Best Cruelty Free Finds of 2014
- LoveLeticia: Cruelty Free & Natural Make-Up
- Logical Harmony: Cruelty-Free/Vegan brand list
- The Leaping Bunny Shopping Guide
- Not Tested: Cosmetics Guide for UK products
- ‘Go Cruelty Free’s website
Feel free to weigh in on the topic in the comments below!

R.xoxo

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February 16, 2015
Grammys 2015 | Red Carpet Fashion Round Up

Arguably the most prestigious night for music, the 57th annual Grammy Awards were held this past Sunday in Los Angeles. The ceremony has a reputation of showcasing some of the most memorable looks in fashion history, so let’s take a look at some of my favourites from last Sunday night’s event.

Best Dressed | Taylor Swift

I have to admit I let out an audible gasp when I saw Taylor’s breathtaking Grammy look. My favourite girl wore my favourite designer, Elie Saab, in this knock-out teal blue gown. This hue of the blue works in wonderful contrast with the her fuchsia sandals, and I’m loving this take on the high-low skirt and the sleek shoulder cut-out details. Taylor styled this very simply with a her bob cut, natural make-up and some gorgeous matching earrings.

Squad Envy Award | Haim

Showcasing some serious girl-power styling the girls from Haim rocked up in some fantastic pieces by Chloe and Stella McCartney. Daniella led the charge in a beautiful ivory Stella McCartney suit. THIS is how you do androgynous dressing! It’s also one of the best cut suits I think I’ve ever seen on the red carpet. Baby Haim, Alana, on the other hand went for a black Chloe jumpsuit. The crop top detail is super chic and the added sparkle with her diamond choker just sets of the look perfectly. Este opted for all black netted dress, also by Chloe, with with feathered shoulder details, giving it a very modern day-boho feel. I really love how totally unique each gir’s style is and yet they all seemed tied together with similar beauty looks topped with that rare kind of indie cool.

Subtle Yet Sexy Award | Miley Cyrus

I almost missed Miley on the night, as she opted for a more subdued look for this event. She walked the red carpet in a black Alexandre Vautheir gown, with peek-a-boo cut outs across the hips, thighs and and back baring detail. The look definitely comes across as edgy without the need to be outlandish, and is so subtle-y sexy. A quiffed bob cut and simple jewelry completed this ensemble. She completely owns this look with her trademark confidence, love this side of Miley!

Best On-Stage Look Award | Gwen Stefani

Oh Gwen I adore you so. Gwen rocked the red carpet in a super edgy Versace jumpsuit, which she’s completely made her own with the styling, turning the original sleeker cut of the trousers into ‘harem’-esque pants. As much as I love this look I was blown away by her ravishing red Versace gown which she wore during her performance with Adam Levine. The thigh high split and bow detail on the hip are equal parts classic Hollywood throwback and rock chic. And she couldn’t go wrong by adding in her signature bold red lip too.

Baby You’re A Firework Award | Katy Perry

Fresh from storming the Superbowl only days before Katy shimmered onto red carpet in a haze of sequins. This Zuhair Murad midi-dress works wonderfully well on her figure and shows off her pretty silver sandals too. I also have to say I’m love this shade of lilac for Katy’s hair, the much softer look works nicely in contrast to the serious ice-queen vibes from her make-up choices.

Suited & Booted Award | Anna Kendrick

Like Daniella from Haim, Anna decided to deck herself out in an seriously slick suit with a plunge neck, this time by Band of Outsiders. Smokey eyes and tousled hair accompany what was a simple yet chic look. Can we also take note of the superb tailoring on this, the suit is cut to perfection on Anna’s petite frame.

The New Classic Award | Lady Gaga

Gaga seems to be shying away from the spotlight a little recently, but there’s no doubt her Brandon Maxwell gown caught my eye on the night. It’s a new take on a tried and tested classic Hollywood vibe, with its shimmering mermaid scales, more risque cut around the bust. Gaga also pumped up the glamour with her retro-inspired hair and smokey make-up too. I’m also equally loving her press room look with its all black feathers and glitter is just as fabulous.

Ying & Yang Award | Beyonce

Woman of the hour and the D.I.V.A. herself, Beyonce, opted for very subdued look for the red carpet on the night. Her Proenza Schouler gown is tried and tested cut for ‘Yonce but when you look this good who cares really? Also take a gander at the detail on the gown close up, there’s more to this look than it seems. I was definitely was more impressed by her on-stage look, an all white ensemble by Roberto Cavalli which was pretty heavenly.

Most Dramatic Entrance Award | Rihanna

Now THIS is why I write about awards shows like the Grammys. Rhianna pretty much blew the entire red carpet away with this dramatic, pink Giambatista Valli gown.To put it simply it’s tulle, tulle and more tulle – seriously look how swishy it is! It’s such a left-field look from the singer and will probably be the most divisive gown from the night. As a bit of a magpie for couture I’m in heaven with the sheer opulence of this dress. It would’ve been too ‘out there’ for events like the Oscars or Cannes Film Festival, and far too formal for the Brits, People’s Choice or VMAs, so it’s totally Grammy appropriate.

So what were your favourite looks from the night?

Have you spotted any of your favourites here?

R.xoxo

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February 12, 2015
BAFTAs 2015 | Red Carpet Fashion Round Up

It was the biggest night in the British film calendar this past Sunday, with the BAFTA’s held at the Royal Opera House in London. Normally a more subdued run up to the Oscars – and sadly always slightly overshadowed by the Grammys – but this year’s red carpet was particularly fantastic for fashion.

Blooming Marvellous & Best Dressed Award | Keira Knightley

Knocking it out of the park, again, was the beautiful Keira Knightley. The Imitation Game actress wore a gorgeous a-line Giambattista Valli midi-gown with some seriously breathtaking floral details. The bodice itself is honestly my favourite part with all it’s pretty white petals which works wonderfully with the floral embroidery on the skirt. Paired with simple black pumps and lightly curled, side-swept locks, Keira let this stunner of a gown do the talking. I’m hoping her winning streak extends out to the Oscars!

Best Princess Moment Award | Laura Haddock

You’d expect one of the leading actresses up for one of the awards to capture everyone’s attention on the red carpet, but Laura Haddock (actress and wife of Sam Claflin) truly blew me away. Laura was the absolute picture of elegance in this truly stunning tulle Ashi Studio gown, paired with simply with a pair of beautiful diamond earrings. I love for princess moments like this, so Laura did not let me down here.

The Valentino Daydream Award | Hannah Bagshawe

Speaking of plus ones, Hannah Bagshawe gave her equally fashionable other half, Eddie Redmayne, a run for his money in a wonderfully whimsical and fairytale-like Valentino gown. Can we seriously please take a minute to appreciate the stunning detail in this gown? From the faded feathered, gold embroidery around her shoulders to the floral detail falling into the skirt, there’s so much to look at, it’s amazing. Hannah kept this look very simple with barely-there make up, a loose up-do and small gold clutch. Beautiful.

White Hot Award | Amy Adams

Actress Amy Adams, was an absolute vision in white, wearing a custom made Lanvin gown. It’s super sleek and so refreshing on Amy, who often favours the ol’ Hollywood glamour look. The wide silver belt is just the touch to keep this look from fading too far into the backdrop. Not it would, this stark white shade works so well with Amy’s complexion and red hair.

Prada Perfection Award | Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Sweeping onto the red carpet in this gorgeous lilac hued Prada gown was Rising Star award nominee, Gugu Mbatha-Raw. This modern day take on the drop waist shape gives off a very Audrey Hepburn feel, which works so well on Gugu. I also love the contrasting detailing on the waist, shoulders and neckline for added interest.

Fiery & Foxy Award | Julianne Moore

What a knock out look from Julianne Moore! The Best Actress winner pretty much owned the night in her red Tom Ford gown. With it’s dramatic plunge neck and body con cut, it’s certainly a head-turning look. This hue looks gorgeous on Julianne and she looks like modern day Rita Hayworth with her loose locks and striking features.

Ray Of Sunshine Award | Lea Seydoux

Speaking of retro throwbacks, Lea Seydoux glided onto the red carpet in this dazzling Prada number. Normally cut-outs are more at home on edgier minimalistic looks but the ones on this gown alongside the swathes of sweeping fabric look so damn chic. Together with Lea’s bold red lip, this look is a winner for me.

Glitter And Be Good Award | Julie Walters

Last, but certainly not least! A shining star on the red carpet was the ever endearing Julie Walters, who attended the awards in a glittering, sequin ensemble by Adrianna Papell. This a sensational gown and I’m grateful Julie let it do the talking with classic jewelled earrings and bangles.

So that’s all guys, which was your favourite BAFTA look?

Have I missed any other noteworthy ensembles?

R.xoxo

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February 10, 2015