As you guys know I’ve pledged to start investing in the cruelty free beauty mindset and now that I’m starting to finish up a lot of my non-cruelty free make up and beauty stash I can finally start properly supporting the great companies who carry the cruelty free banner.
Now that I’m starting to research brands and products both through just Googling and by reading blog reviews, a common theme that seems to come up in the arguments about the struggle to keep up with cruelty free is that many products are insanely expensive. Whilst that is the case for some – and very often it’s a case of you get what you pay for because these products are a m a z i n g – there are still a load of brands who don’t animal test and are totally affordable.
As it’s ‘Be Cruelty Free Week‘ and as part of the little #blogforbunnies campaign I thought I’d share my own personal top 5 cruelty brands (from the UK high street) that won’t break the bank.
Barry M | I cannot be the only one who sang the hallelujah chorus at the fact that Barry M have committed themselves to be cruelty free – there’s a whole section on their website about it! I have long been a fan of their nail polish range and since they’ve branched out into cosmetics I’m keen to get my hands on some lipsticks and eyeshadows palettes once my non-cf products have run out or expired.
Recommended product(s): Obviously their entire nail polish range is amazing, but their Gelly polishes last forever and a day!
Lush | Think cruelty free beauty and the first high street brand that usually comes to mind is Lush. Long established in both the cruelty free and vegan arena for their no-nonsense and transparent ethical policies, this particular beauty brand sells everything from make up to pampering products, body washes and even toothpaste. Though some of their products are admittedly pricey, the value for money is undeniable and you just have to shop around to find ones that really work for you – ask the staff in store, Lush hire the loveliest people e v e r.
Recommended product(s): Everyone raves about their bath bombs but the lush Ocean Salt face/body scrubs and cleansers are products that I swear by and smell so incredible.
Superdrug | I’m usually wary of own brand products, like sure, they’re affordable but are they actually any good? Enter Superdrug, who rebranded their beauty offering a while back and are killing it in this market. Not only affordable with much of their range coming in under £5-10, the quality of some products comes on parr with more expensive counterparts for a fraction of the price. And of course all of their products come emblazoned with the Leaping Bunny stamped on it.
Recommended product(s): Their tea tree skin care range is rather wonderful, try their scrubs and face masks too for cruelty-free pampering on the cheap.
//Mineral moisturising lip tint, e.l.f.//Hand Food’, Soap & Glory//’Supercat’ eyeliner, Soap & Glory//
E.L.F | Cosmetics brand e.l.f (Eyes Lips Face) have built up their reputation as one of the cheapest online companies around. Quality-wise they’re a bit hit and miss, but with consistent offers, free delivery options (for orders over £30) and products starting as low as £2-3 it’s not surprising that e.l.f are a firm blogger favourite. As they’re currently listed with PETA as cruelty-free and don’t retail China, I’m happy enough to keep them on my own list of brands you can keep happily using for now. Much of their make-up range is vegan too.
Recommended product(s): Their lip cosmetics range is quite a sight to behold (so many shades!), personally I’m still in love with the moisturising lip tint I picked up in NYC.
Soap & Glory | I’ve been a huge fan of Soap & Glory since investing in their hand cream a while back and they’re still my go-to for really amazing quality make-up and skincare. Price-wise it really depends on the product you’re buying and where. Their skincare comes up a bit more expensive but sit cheaper than cruelty free brands like REN. Their beauty range probably comes in around the same price as say Rimmel but they are definitely cheaper than Mac.
At the moment Soap & Glory do not currently retail in animal-testing affiliated countries, but they are now owned by Alliance Boots (who who do have some of their pharmaceutical arm in China) so I’ll keep tabs on the status of this one for now.
Recommended product(s): You have to go with a classic, their hand cream is a handbag staple and smells like marshmallows. Make-up-wise their Supercat eyeliner has a permanent place in my handbag!
Know of any other affordable cruelty free beauty brands?
Let me know in the comments & remember to keep one eye out on the #blogforbunnies campaign online too!
R.xoxo
