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:
