Cruelty-free

Thursday, December 07, 2017

Cruelty-free Makeup Brands available in India online

Crueltyfree brands available in India online


I had a phase while transitioning into using cruelty-free products, where I wanted to quit. Because there were not many certified cruelty-free brands available in India. There were a lot of cruelty-free and vegan skincare and haircare options available but makeup wasn't easy. But now they can be accessed on various ecommerce websites. Though the prices are not exactly "drugstore",  you can always get them on discount.

I have compiled few certified cruelty-free brands that are available online in India. Sephora NNNow holds high-end brands such as Smashbox and Becca, while all drugstore brands are available on Amazon, Nykaa, Jabong and Purplle. I will be also listing down the availability of these brands on various websites. I have narrowed down all the cruelty-free, vegan makeup brands that are available online. I will be compiling different brand lists categorising  them into skincare, haircare, makeup and skincare tools and offline brands available in India.

Ardell

Ardell is well known for their lashes. Though they've led off with their makeup line recently. The brand offers various styles of lashes for every ocassion. Demi Wispies are cult favourite!
Ardell is certified cruelty-free by PETA.
Available on Amazon, Nykaa, Jabong, Snapdeal, Flipkart.

Australis

When Australis was launched online in India, the first thing I wanted to do was purchase face and body tint. But upon reading, I concluded that it is nowhere near being similar to MAC Face and Body Foundation.
Australis is certified by Choose Crueltyfree.
Available on Amazon, Nykaa, Jabong, Flipkart, Snapdeal and HOKMakeup.

Beauty Blender

I cannot imagine my makeup life without an orginal beauty blender! Set aside all those dupes and similar sponges, nothing compares this little squishy tool. Shopmissa's Wonder blender is by far the closest dupe. Beauty Blender is sold in China and is categorised as makeup tool and hence does not require animal testing.
Beauty Blender is 100% vegan.
Available online in India though there is no authenticity guarantee (unless stated). You can get it on Camera Ready Cosmetics, Beauty Bay and Cultbeauty; these websites offer worldwide shipping.

Becca

Becca is available online on sephora.nnnow.com exclusively in India. Becca is acquired by Estee Lauder, but the brand remains cruelty-free.

Ciate London

I heaved a sigh of relief when Ciate London was launched in India. I was distraught with unavailability of cruelty-free nail polishes in India. But then I already have the Ciate Advent Calender 2016. Their makeup line looks amazing and fun. Some of their products are 100% vegan.
Ciate London is PETA certified.
Available online on Amazon and Nykaa.

Catrice

I am fancying some good drugstore makeup and Catrice is on the list. Few select products are available online in India, but I believe it was launched in India? I don't know.
The brand belongs to Cosnova and most of their products are vegan.
Available online on Amazon.


Essence

I vividly remember concluding Essence cosmetics as non-cruelty-free. But upon in-depth reading, the parent company, Cosnova, although not certified by any organisation, is considered cruelty-free.
Some products are 100% vegan.
Available online on Amazon, Nykaa, Purplle.

IsaDora

A Swedish makeup brand that is affordable, but it is not quite cheap and cheerful in India.
IsaDora is certified cruelty-free by PETA.
Available on Amazon, Nykaa and Shoppersstop.

Lottie London

The packaging is bomb.com! I am in love with their packaging, and I am hoping to see their makeup line launching soon. Their duo chrome lip glosses and nail polishes are minimalistic and chic.
Lottie London is PETA certified.
Lottie London brushes are available online on Amazon, Nykaa, Habbana.


LA Colors and LA Girl

Both these brands belong to Beauty 21 Cosmetics Inc. Take my word, LA girl Pro HD Foundation is incredible and so are their concealers. Both these brands are certified cruelty-free by PETA.
Almost all the products are available online on Amazon, Nykaa, HOK Makeup, Habbana and Purplle.

LA Splash

LA Splash belongs to Jon Davler Inc. or IONI Cosmetics. The products are glutenfree and some of them are 100% vegan.
LA Splash holds PETA certification.


Iba Halal

Iba Care is certified cruelty-free by PETA. The brand offers halal lipsticks and other makeup products. The lipsticks are inexpensive for 195 INR!
Not all vegan products are halal, there is a difference between both. Halal products donot contain any animal by-product and forbidden ingredients such as alcohol.

Milani

Milani is PETA and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free! The matte lipsticks, the blushes and amore matte lipsticks are hit. Some of their products are vegan.
Available on Amazon and Nykaa.

Natio

Natio is certified cruelty-free by Choose Crueltyfree. Natio is sold in China exclusively online which does not require animal testing. You can read an indepth post on the brands statement here.
Natio offers both skincare and colour cosmetics.
Available on Amazon, Nykaa and Sephora NNNow.

Inglot

Inglot is the brand that goes unnoticed in competition to MAC. But I believe the quality is quite similar to MAC. If only their foundations and shades weren't so confusing. Inglot is available in select cities, but it can be purchased on Nykaa and Majorbrands.

The Body Shop

I am a fan of neither their skincare nor makeup, but I am just glad they are cruelty-free. The Body Shop holds cruelty-free certification by PETA.
Available on all leading websites, Nykaa and thebodyshop.in

Smashbox

Smashbox is PETA certified cruelty-free. Estee Lauder is the parent company and conducts animal testings. Smashbox entered the Chinese market but pulled out immediately.  As of now, the brand is not sold in Mainland China, which requires animal testing.
Smashbox is available on Nykaa and Sephora NNNow.

the Balm

I always thought the Balm is certified cruelty-free but I was wrong. It is not sold in Mainland China, and most of their products are vegan. phew!
Available on Nykaa.

Zuii Organics

An Australian brand I came across when I was looking at organic brands. What caught my attention was that their products are made from flower extracts and plants. Imagine a lipstick made from flowers extracts! Though I am yet to try their line, the pricing is holding me back. The products are certified vegan by The Vegan Society, and the cruelty-free certification  is provided by Choose Crueltyfree.
Available on Nykaa and Amazon.

Wet n Wild

The brand was launched on Nykaa on 1 December 2017. I jumped at the chance and placed two orders. Currently,  I am testing them and am so glad the brand is now available in India.
Wet n Wild is certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny (read their status update here).

NYX

NYX has been a cult favourite with their soft matte lip creams. NYX is owned by L'oreal, but the brands is cruelty-free and certified by PETA.
NYX is available on Amazon and Nykaa.



Most of these brands are certified cruelty-free by PETA. Other brands that claim to be cruelty-free, such as MUA, Freedom London, Makeup Obsession and I  Makeup, and are owned by Tam Beauty are not certified.
Indian brands such as Lotus Herbals, Sugar Cosmetics, Seasoul and LYN are not certified cruelty-free, but they claim that their products are not tested on animals. I am awaiting replies from Lotus Herbals and Seasoul.
I am drafting an in-depth post on cruelty-free standards by the organisations such as PETA, CCF and Leaping Bunny. 

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Five Cruelty-free, SLS & SLES Free Shampoos for Amazing Hair

best sis free paragon free sales free cruelty free shampoos for amazing hair in India


Few years back, I switched to using shampoos devoid of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), and that has made a world of difference between how my hair felt before and after. Thin hair runs in the genes, so I had to look out for products, methods and techniques to maintain the texture and volume of my hair.


The five benefits I noticed after switching to SLS free shampoo:
  • bouncier hair 
  • no clogged pores and acne due to silicones in shampoo and conditioner 
  • less amount required 
  • squeaky clean scalp 
  • no stripping off of natural oils. 
Here are six five cruelty-free, SLS-free, SLES- and paraben-free shampoos I have curated:

The Nature's Co Shampoos

The Nature's Co is PETA certified cruelty-free and contains natural ingredients. The surfactant used is derived from coconut. You can read more here. I have used Nori Hair cleanser; you can read an in-depth post here.  

The other variants available are as follows:
Barley Volumising Hair Cleanser
Apple-Guava Hair Cleanser
Marigold Hair Cleanser
Watercress Hair Cleanser
Sandalwood Hair Cleanser and Conditioner

Lush Shampoos and Bars

The news of Lush relaunching in India circulated when they had completely shut down. I wonder what happened to that! Lush Shampoos contain gentle surfactants such as ammonium laureth sulphate (ALS) and sodium alkyl sulfate. Lush claims that their shampoo bars are for people with sensitive scalp. Sigh! I want Ro's Argan and Jason and the Argan oil!

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo and Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner

These are the most amazing, refreshing shampoo and conditioner I have used ever. A soft, mild scent yet refreshing; these both left my hair feeling extremely soft. I wish these were available at Sephora India. Their shampoo and conditioner are silicone-free too.

Himalaya Daily Shampoo

I never repurchased this after 2012, I honestly felt the ingredient list was incomplete. This does contain same surfactant base (ALS) as Lush. I did try their protein shampoo and felt that it did make my hair feel a bit thicker to touch. This is by far the cheapest SLS-free shampoo available in India.

Soulflower Shampoo Bars

Rosemary and Lavender Shampoo bar is my favourite. I always stock up on the mentioned variant. Sandalwood Geranium Shampoo bar dries out my hair and scalp, and Let your Hair down shampoo makes my hair greasy pretty quickly. I have a criterion for liking shampoos: two days down and no grease; a keeper!

Kama Ayurveda Shampoos*

Update: The second ingredient on the list is SLES. Although it is SLS-free, it is not SLES-free.


*This list is updated on 22 May 2020.














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Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Is Sebamed Cruelty free?

Is Sebamed cruelty free? Sebamed Vegan product list
Souce: Sebamed


Sebamed is a pharmaceutical brand which once was Leaping Bunny certified. And then lost their certification when it started selling in China.
Perhaps a misstatement must have been floating around in some of my posts that Sebamed is cruelty-free. And I purchased few products to try under the same pretext. Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Bar and Clear Face Cleansing Foam works amazing for my acne vulgaris. Though a little drying on my combination skin.
But I did read that Sebamed is Cruelty-free. I was convinced until I read their FAQs.

Are Sebamed Products Vegan?

Sebamed products do not consist animal-derived ingredients. Except for Sebamed Visio Gentle Toner and Sebamed Hand & Nail Balsam.
Sebamed Visio Gentle Toner contains hydrolyzed silk that is derived from silkworm cocoons. And Sebamed Hand & Nail Balsam has hydrolyzed keratin which is derived from sheep.

Beeswax is used in the listed products:

Sebamed Healing & Protection Cream
Sebamed Lip Defense SPF 30
Sebamed Baby Diaper Rash CreamSebamed Extreme Dry Skin 10% Urea Repair Lotion
All Sebamed Soap Free Cleansers

Sebamed is vocal about their regulations they follow and does not brand themselves as 'Cruelty-free'.
Animal testing is not involved in the manufacturing process of the products. But they are unsure of the ingredients and their testing on animals and hence no relevant statement could be provided. The manufacturing process follows the German Cosmetics Regulation which has banned finished products test on animals.

Sebamed sells in China

Sebamed acquired the Leaping Bunny Certification in 2014 and lost soon after they started selling in China. Here is the link to the website: http://www.sebamed.com.cn
Animal Testing on Finished Products is mandatory in China.

Parent Company: Sebapharma GmbH&Co.

Conclusion: The finished products are not tested on animals but the ingredients used are perhaps tested on animals which conclude Sebamed as Non-Cruelty-free.

Friday, June 02, 2017

Cruelty free Vegan shampoo | Organic Harvest Daily Shampoo Review and Ingredients Analysis

I purchased this with a curiosity. What surfactant must be used in the formulation? Will this be my Holy Grail Shampoo which is not tested on animals and does not contain animal derived ingredients?
Here is my in-depth analysis on the ingredients. I was excited when I bought this to add to my List of Cruelty free and vegan shampoos.

Organic Harvest claims to use organic and chemical free ingredients. The products made without Parabens, Artifical colourants and animal derived ingredients. The packaging is minimal, almost ordinary.

Cruelty free Vegan shampoo | Organic Harvest Daily Shampoo Review and Ingredient Analysis
Add caption

How I use Organic Harvest Daily Shampoo?

When I first opened the bottle, the liquid with its colour and fragrance reminded me of sugarcane juice. Every time I used it, I wanted to glug down a tall glass of sugarcane juice. The image of sugarcane juice would not leave me alone.
So the first thing I did was looked up the ingredients and researched on them.
I have wasted, a lot of it by using it in exceeding amount. For three weeks I could not decipher the amount that should be used, a lot of it was wasted and lost a lot of hair every time I shampooed. In the hope of that squeaky clean feeling!
But one fine day, I used just a pump and voila there was zero hair fall while shampooing. It is as mild as Baby shampoo. All you need is just one pump for normal-oily hair and two if you have oiled them. My essential oil hair rinses work well with the shampoo. I love the volume I achieve when I use this.
To put the whole review in one sentence, OH Daily Shampoo is the best vegan and cruelty free alternative to SLS based shampoos.
My mother who colours and touch ups her hair every 45 days and thinks that her colour lasts longer.
Mostly, her curly hair is more manageable and frizz free.
I miss the slip while massaging this onto my scalp. That is the only thing I dislike about this shampoo. And missing Ingredients list too!

Sls free sulphate sulphate free shampoo, chemical free shampoo


Organic Harvest Ingredients Analysis

When I could not get the sugarcane juice out of my head, I looked up at the key ingredients mentioned on the bottle. Certified Organic Decyl Glucoside, Glucoside was all I needed.
  •  Aqua
  • Decyl Glucoside is plant derived and biodegradable, derived from corn and cane sugar.
  • Sodium PCA is a humectant; Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (hydrating agent) additionally functions as skin replenishing agent.
And the key ingredients list comes to an end. Incomplete ingredients, I don't like them!
Organic Harvest does not forget to mention that the Shampoo is Paraben free, Phthalates free, Mineral Oil free, PABAfree, Petrolatum free, Paraffin-free and free of animal ingredients.
And not to forget not tested on animals, not even the raw materials used. The ingredients used in the formulation are USDA-certified organic ingredients as well as Eco-certified ingredients.

Best sls free shampoo for color treated hair


Efficacy

  • Chemical free shampoo? Sulfate free shampoo?
  • I love the body my fine hair has achieved. 
  • My scalp does not turn oily until 3rd or 4th day.
  • I can get away with diluting the shampoo for the mildest scalp cleansing.
  • I have used 450 ml in 7 months. I am left with few more washes.
  • If you dislike the fragrance, you can add essential oils to improve its efficacy.
I don't think I have any reason except the missing Ingredient list. My mother thinks this is the best sulfate free shampoo for colour treated hair. I think this is probably the best chemical free shampoo for thin and fine hair.

Price: 795 INR for 500ml

Organic Harvest is not tested on animals and does not contain animal derived ingredients. 


Friday, May 12, 2017

Colourpop Peachy Keen Super Shock Eyeshadow Quad Review, Swatches and Photos

Colourpop Peachy Keen Super Shock Eyeshadow Quad Review, Swatches and Photos

In my mind, I have glorified the gold. I want to stockpile all the gold eye shadows that I fancy at sight. The hues of gold, champagne, golden bronze, soft gold, dusty gold, golden beige...
And corals, as much as I love the combination I always end up pairing. Coral eye shadows are tricky and I am picky and certain.
Yes, I want the Too Faced Sweet Peach in spite of its mediocrity and the Too Faced fall collection 2017 Just Peachy tops my wishlist. Enough said.

Colourpop Peachy Keen Super Shock Eyeshadow Quad Review, Swatches and Photos


While browsing, I came across this Foursome super shock eye shadows and all I could do was daydream of the makeup looks I could create. Reality check, I wore these only twice this spring/summer: two different looks. I am planning to recreate both. Currently, Colourpop Cosmetics is offering free worldwide shipping.


Colourpop Warm-toned neutral eyeshadow swatches

Colourpop Peachy Keen Foursome includes 4 warm-toned neutrals. Colour wise, they are well contrasted and undertone wise quite well coordinated. These colours are best suited for light to medium skin tones. Kennedy is quite a pastel on Olive/Tan skin tones, I am assuming it would be a bit more whitish on deeper skin tones.


Too Faced Sweet Peach and Just Peachy Affordable Dupes

Texture & Longevity


The tactile texture, to me, feels like moss. (Imagine the cleaner, greener, please.) If you've ever studied moss as a course or curiosity, you'll understand. How plush and cushiony it is to touch and at the same time not much, if you exert a little pressure to the touch, it'll lay bare its soothing dampness.

The staying power is unrealistic, stays on until I am ready to wash off my makeup- say 8-9 hours. That's how long I've let it stay on my lids, but you need a heavy duty oil balm or cleanser to take it off. The metallic and the ultra metallic shades crease on my eyelids. But if I am indoors and wearing Urban Decay original eyeshadow primer underneath, it doesn't budge at all, forget creasing. 9 of 10 times I skip primer since I am always short of time while doing the whole glam face.
Did I even mention NO FALLOUT?!


Budget Beauty Products in USA.Colourpop Cosmetics

Colours, Undertones and Blendability


Crimper: A soft warm gold with multi-dimensional reflect, a bit gritty due to the glitter in it. Metallic Love!

Crimper Soft warm gold budget eyeshadows

Colourpop Crimper supershock eyeshadow swatches review and closeup photo


Kennedy: A matte mid-tone Peach, slightly more cushiony and plush than the others.

Affordable Warm Peach Eyeshadow. Too faced eyeshadow dupe on budget

Colourpop Kennedy Supershock eyeshadow swatches, review photos


Cornelius: A matte soft brown leans caramel, mid-tone to be precise.

Cornelius supershock eyeshadow swatches review photos

Colourpop Cornelius. Best Transition eyeshadow. Affordable soft neutral brown eyeshadows


Bandit: A warm reddish brown with sparse soft flecks of pink, silver and violet.

Budget Beauty true reddish brown eyeshadow. Affordable brown eyeshadows online

Colourpop Bandit supershock eyeshadow review, photos, swatches

Cornelius works as a transition shade and blends effortlessly with any synthetic blending brush. But you would need to blend & build the depth of colour at once because once it sets it turns patchy upon layering. Crimper can be worn as a lid colour as well as a topper and works well both the ways.
Kennedy leans pastel on dark/olive/tan skin tones if worn with an eyeshadow primer performs much better. Bandit can be used to smoke out the edges and add more depth, the combination of Peach from Kennedy and the Reddish brown tint of Bandit creates quite a magical colour combination. All these colours are unique and co-ordinated at once, so many eye makeup looks can be created with just these foursomes.

With Kennedy being more plush and cushiony or mousse-like than the others; it gets difficult to either blend or layer the pigment. At once, Kennedy is both my favourite and least favourite.

Soft Peach and Peachy keen eyemakeup tutorial

Colourpop Peachy Keen Supershock eyeshadow swatches. Golds, Oranges/Corals, Neutrals


Too Faced Sweet Peach eyeshadow dupes. Too Faced Just Peachy eyeshadow dupes, Affordable eyeshadows

Final Thoughts


Anybody who'd like to add some warm-toned neutral shades from Colourpop to their collection, can go ahead and pick this right away. I like these colours, even if I fail to wear them all at once; I use Cornelius as my transition shade whenever I use all Colourpop for eyemakeup. I have to come up with using different ways to use them before they dry and die!


Price in US & India for Colourpop Peachy Keen: $18 and INR 1206

Availability: Colourpop Cosmetics Peachy Keen*

Is Colourpop Cruelty-free? Yes

Vegan? Yes

 * No affiliate link

Wednesday, May 03, 2017

Cruelty-free Skincare | The Body Shop Drops of Light Brightening Serum Review



How I discovered the magical results of this serum has a back-story. You can read at the beginning of this post here. I never was a fan of The Body Shop skincare; I tried the Vitamin E range and Aloevera Range and bought myself some breakouts. Until now...
The Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask is my H-o-l-y-g-r-a-i-l! You can read my brainwork here.

I never gave much thought to including serums into my daily skincare routine. I’m a minimalist and do away with a moisturizer, 9 of 10 times. Still, I am not a fan of layering skincare, anymore.  I do battle dry patches and dehydrated flaky skin occasionally and adding serum into my skincare routine before makeup has helped. Here is an in-depth experience of using DOL Pure Healthy Brightening serum with Clarifying Foam wash and Brightening Day cream.

What are Brightening Serums?

Brightening Serums usually focus on evening out the skintone as well as lightening hyperpigmentation. These are formulated with Light Reflectors which adds instant radiance on application. Kojic Acid, Vitamin C or Arbutin tops the ingredient lists which reduces spots and mildly exfoliates.

Texture and Efficacy

The Body Shop Drops of Light Brightening Serum is light and runny. It is almost a colourless fluid that absorbs within a few minutes on application. My skin was instantly transformed into soft velvety hydrated skin. The amount of serum you’d need is 2-3 drops, this serum has a tendency to go on sticky if used more than required. (I sense a high amount of glycerine?)

Cruelty-free Skincare | The Body Shop Drops of Light Brightening Serum Review


Drops of Light Serum with and without makeup

This serum gels well with Silicone based foundations as well as tinted moisturizers. But this serum (with primer on top) works best with powder foundations on my normal-combination skin. This or some ingredient in this does not let the mineral foundation cling to the dry patches or accentuate flakiness.

I tried mixing this serum with Chanel Vita Lumeire and it did not mix at all. I wanted to turn my foundation in serum foundation. Utter FAIL!
This serum works best upon layering rather than mixing. Is it just me? Or I thought I could create serum foundation on my own?

I use this serum exclusively during daytime and avoid using it in my evening/night time routine. It adds a subtle radiant glow to my face when used alone. And it is said already, I cannot afford to skip this under makeup.

Cruelty-free Skincare in India, Malaysia, UK, Phillipines, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia,MalaysiaThe Body Shop Drops of Light Brightening Serum Review

Products that complement DOL Pure Healthy Brightening Serum

I am starting to include all the products I use along with the Skincare products to lay down a brief idea of what goes well with the focused product.

I did not like using the Brightening Day cream from the same range with Face cleanser and Serum. The day cream with the serum is too heavy for my liking. So I either layered Clean and Clear oil balancing moisturizer or The Body Shop Vitamin C moisturizer, both of these moisturizers worked well.
Clean and Clear mattified my skin while Vitamin C added a million watts glow, good enough to go bare face.
The other products that complemented this serum are Bioderma Matte fluid and Nivea Aftershave both which I used as a primers.

Brightening Effects on Blemishes & Scars

When I bought this, all I was anticipating was-clear and even skin. And that is what it delivers. This does exfoliates, extremely mild because when I use this I feel less need to exfoliate.
Apart from adding a radiant subtle glow on application, evening out skin tone and complementing well with my base makeup, this additionally boosts the skin's hydration levels. Major love for that!
So did it work on my blemishes and scarring? No.
But on the brighter side, if wearing alone under moisturizer, the scars and blemishes do appear diffused, due to light reflectors maybe?



Crueltyfree Indian Beauty Blog, UK Crueltyfree blog


Is The Body Shop Cruelty-free? Yes

Is DOL Serum Vegan? Yes

Price In India and UK: INR 2,450 and £ 26.00

Will I repurchase? YES. Perhaps,my only restraint is Alcohol Denat, though it did initially broke me out. But I do see DOL with a potential to be my holygrail serum.



Sunday, April 30, 2017

Cruelty-free Skincare | The Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Clarifying Foam Wash Review


The Body Shop Drops of Light Skincare Range Review, Price, Buy online and Details


A quick background on how I discovered  The Body Shop Brightening Serum and bought it, I picked up  The Body Shop British Rose Shower Gel - sometime in June-July and the SA slipped in a sample of this in the bag. I was testing the Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi serum as night oil at the time. I tested this serum the next morning and my skin was instantly clarified and radiant. And I could not understand why. And I was taken by the hydration level of my skin and hence I decided to purchase the range. But I did not achieve the same clarified result with the full sized product. Fishy!
My skin at the time was not really in a preferred condition. Inflammatory acne due to the weather change and my rosacea had poked its head up and my skin was drier than usual. I have used the range for a few weeks- two to be precise and stopped using the Pure Healthy Brightening Day Cream due to acne breakouts. 

Texture & Efficacy

I find it unnecessary to spend on some clarifying cleanser that is nothing more than an ordinary foaming face wash. I had to put this range to test and hence I bought it without much thought. The clarifying Foam wash has a pearl sheen to it and foams more than an average cleanser. I find this works well with my Michael Todd Sonic Brush as well as working with hands; I tend to use a lot with the brush in compared to using it with my hands. It has extremely micro-particles, the kind you’ll only feel when you’re sensitive. I assume the creamy yet soft gritty texture is due to clay in it. I am sure the exfoliation is as micro as possible, great for sensitive skin.
Indeed clarified and non-drying results are achieved after rinsing off. At first, I disliked the overall working of the product including the texture and results. I am used to liking squeaky clean skin but I am noticing a radical change in my preference; Squeaky clean = Stripping of beneficial natural oils.
This does leave a slight veil of creaminess except for the areas around my mouth. I find it a balance of clay and creaminess that should work for both oily and dry skin.

Brightening Products The Body Shop

 

Clarifying Foam Wash with and without Drops of Light Serum and Brightening Day cream

The Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Healthy Brightening Day Cream broke me out so it was wiser to eliminate it from my daily routine. I did continue using the Serum and Face wash together and my review is entirely based on this combination.
I did notice radiance after using the Foam Wash but that did not last any long. With the continued usage of the Foam Wash and serum daily, I did notice a difference in my skin tone alone. It did fail to work on my hyperpigmentation, texture and old scars. But I did skip exfoliation or restricted only once a week.

Skin Brghtening Products by The Body Shop

Conclusion

I find it unnecessary to use the Clarifying cleanser on its own. It does not strip natural oils from the skin and leaves a healthy satin veil of moisture on the skin. I am assuming that it boost the radiance when used with the products from the same range. At times, I did keep the lather on for few minutes to notice if it works on removing suntan, sadly it didn’t but instead left my sensitive skin feeling raw after rinsing. MicroExfoliation, as I noticed. To put down in one sentence, it is insignificant on its own, unless If you’re planning to include the DOL Range in your routine. On its own, it is just another cleanser. I’d rather invest in a cleanser that doubles as makeup remover and cleanser at once.

Is The Body Shop Cruelty-free? Yes

Price In India and UK: INR 1,525 & £ 12.00

Will I repurchase? No

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Organic Harvest Green Apple Lipbalm Review: Is it EOS Lip Balm Dupe?

The Product has been provided by the brand for consideration.

I was invited to the Organic Harvest Juhu Store launch. A gift hamper was provided for consideration. I also bought their Daily Shampoo which is SLS/SLES and Paraben free, I am left with few washes and my review is due.

[Please take note that I have already finished the lipbalm (both Organic Harvest & EOS smooth sphere) and this is an incomplete draft I am determined to complete and publish, hence the tense]

 Organic Harvest Green Apple Lipbalm Review: Is it EOS Lip Balm Dupe?


Organic Harvest Green Apple Lipbalm
was the first thing I tested which of course could be assumed as EOS dupe. But wait till you hear out my conclusion.
I am left with a flattened dome, good enough to last me for a couple of weeks.

I have an anxiety-induced habit of biting my lip and the only way I can keep myself biting off my lip is by layering them with balm. And it takes reminding, to constantly reapplying the balm, out of anxiety again!

EOS Smooth Spehere Lip balm Crueltyfree option. Organic Harvest Lipbalm


Texture:

A slight waxy formula. It does instantly soften the dryness and flakiness. And to my disenchantment, it disappeared into nothingness. Who am I kidding?
The waxy formula dissipates into an invisible waxy veil with more or less shine-free finish, unlike the conventional lip balms.
I hope that I put that across decently. And if you layer, it does have a slight tendency to look whitish with visibility of the wax.
In comparison with the EOS lip balm:
EOS lip balm does not dissipate but brings out rather a healthy flush due to peppermint in it. EOS is comforting on the lips.


Crueltyfree matte lipbalm in India


Longevity:

I find Organic Harvest Lipbalm needs less frequent application in comparison to EOS lip balm. Perhaps, due to the waxy formula. EOS lip balms do not survive meals.
To put it straight, both of these need reapplication but I prefer Organic Harvest lip balm underneath my mattes and EOS lip balm on its own, mostly indoors or when I give lip colours a miss.

Price & Availability:

Organic Harvest lip balm is available across leading e-commerce website and their standalone stores. EOS lip balm is available only on selected e-commerce website with price variations. There is a colossal difference in the price points. Organic Harvest lip balm retails for 199 INR while EOS lip balm retails for anywhere between 500 INR to 600 INR depending on the re-sellers.
Other variants available for Organic Harvest lip balms are Pomegranate, Strawberry, and Shea.
EOS lip balms are available in so many other variants. Sweet mint is my favourite, though.

Crueltyfree vegan lipbalms in India

Is Organic Harvest lip balm a dupe for EOS lip balm?

No, except for the packaging there is no likeness in the texture of these two. Organic Harvest, in my opinion, has a unique texture which on application goes lustrous on application but settles into a shine-free veil. This uniqueness I find quite flattering underneath a matte lipstick due to its waxy formula which tends to go opaque if layered. Especially underneath the Colourpop Matte Lipcolours, the OH lip balm works for me.
I dislike wearing OH lip balm on its own, which is probably my only dislike with the product.

Cruelty-free status: Organic Harvest is Cruelty-free. EOS is not Cruelty-free.
Is Organic Harvest Lip Care Balm Vegan? 
Sadly, It is not Vegan. Even though the ingredient list is missing. One of the key ingredients is "ECO certified Lanolin" which makes it unsuitable for vegans.
Price: 199 INR
Repurchase: Probably not.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Is CeraVe Cruelty-Free?

Is CeraVe Cruelty-Free?
Source






I love a good, gentle and non-drying cleanser; and a search for one is unceasing. I have loved Neutrogena Foaming Cleanser for the longest time. I was searching for a cruelty-free alternative; I narrowed down on a few brands. I was adamant to buy CeraVe from Amazon US since I read it is cruelty free and hence I dropped them an enquiry email. The challenging part of finding a cleanser is it being SLS/SLES free, Paraben free and cruelty-free. And then there is no middle ground.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser had it all that I was anticipating, even though I did read that CeraVe is cruelty-free. I was unsure of it being unquestionable. So I dropped an email to enquire about their cruelty-free stance. I received two emails regarding my query.
The first did mention that CeraVe products are not tested on animals. Here is an insert of the email.

Thank you for contacting Valeant Customer Service.CeraVe products are not tested on animals.  Additionally, we have forwarded the latter portion of your inquiry over to our Medical Information Department.  This department has access to CeraVe ingredient information and will be getting back to you with additional information.

Regards,

Elly

Consumer Affairs


So it was clear then that the finished CeraVe products are not tested on animals.

And a few days later, I received an email from one of the members of Medical Information Department stating that either their products are tested on animals on some instances. I am inserting an excerpt from the email below.



Dear Pranali:Thank you for your request on product information from Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America. Please refer to the respective product package insert(s) for complete prescribing information.


Enclosed is the following information you requested:

    Animal Testing


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other worldwide health regulatory agencies currently require all pharmaceutical manufacturers to protect patients and consumers by establishing product quality, safety and effectiveness through approved and validated testing methods, which include animal testing in some instance.


Please feel free to contact the Valeant Medical Information Department at 1-877-361-2719 if we can be of further assistance.


Sincerely,

VALEANT PHARMACEUTICALS NORTH AMERICA

Even though I knew pharmaceutical skincare is tested on animals, I was hoping that it might just turn out to be cruelty-free like I read on some blog.


Conclusion: CeraVe is not cruelty-free.



Friday, January 20, 2017

elf cosmetics now ships worldwide: International Shipping, Customs duties & taxes

elf cosmetics (Eyes Lips Face), a cosmetic brand based in New York now ships worldwide. I happened to be making my birthday list, sorting through brands I want to own. Accidentally I landed on their website only to discover they've initiated Free Worldwide Shipping on the orders above $50.

So I contacted their customer support to confirm free shipping on $50, Duties and taxes. And I hurriedly added few primers into the cart. And the Customs duties and taxes were included in the total order. The option of paying the customs duties and taxes upon the arrival of the package is available as well.

I am attaching a snapshot of my order summary below.


Here is what you could pick up from their bestsellers list.

e.l.f High Definition Powder
e.l.f Lip Exfoliator
e.l.f  Baked Highlighter & Blush (e.l.f Blush gems is close dupe for MAC Soft & Gentle)
e.l.f Poreless Face Primer (a close dupe for Smashbox photo finish primer)
e.l.f blush (available in 7 shades which are close dupes of the Nars blushes.)

I personally think the international prices of the elf products defeats their ideology of premium affordable makeup. The e.l.f essential lipstick that retail for $1 is priced INR 147, a little more than converted currency. And to top that, we have customs duties and taxes.
I hastily added correcting primers and serum foundation, flabbergasted to see it exceeds the price point of a mediocre Indian drugstore foundation. After calculating the increased pricing and customs duties and taxes, I think I’ll pass.
elf is cruelty-free and PETA approved, was the only plus point that compelled me to place an order. Perhaps I’ll splurge on my birthday, better!
You can check out the link below to check the list of countries elf cosmetics currently ships. They are currently offering free worldwide shipping on the order above $50 excluding France, Australia, Netherlands, Sweden and Mexico.
http://www.elfcosmetics.com/page/international