Cruelty-free

Wednesday, January 04, 2017

Is Lakme Cruelty-free?


Is Lakme Crueltyfree?
source

My first ever Lipstick and Polish were from Lakme, both true red and I was only ten. Lakme was my favourite brand while I was in school mostly because of easy availability and perhaps, naiveness?
Then there was Elle 18, Revlon, Tips and Toes. Revlon had quite a cult following, I remember the round black packaging with gold ring around that did look as good as an Estee Lauder lipstick!
When I started discovering new brands, I never looked back. Lakme Lip and Cheek tint from their 2012 limited edition bridal collection was my last product ever, I'll hold on to it ever.
And now they've launched their Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Lip & Cheek Color and honestly they look irresistible.
The products are affordable and tailor-made for brown/olive skin tones. But a question always echoed in my head: Is Lakme Cruelty-free? or even Vegan? Any products!
And I was never answered upon asking. Infinite unanswered emails later, I decided to dig deep since the search queries have overwrought my blog search. So I finally sat down to research the brand's stance on animal testing.



So my conclusion: Lakme conducts animal testing either on the finished products or on the raw materials.

Why?

  • Never have I heard Lakme promoting their products as cruelty-free or being against animal testing.
  • Hindustan Unilever is the parent company, one of the miscreants (if I could put across ever so politely) of the animal-testings.
  • Lakme is an Indian brand and is largely exported to Malaysia apart from Nepal and UAE,  Though I could not trace China.

    I have already filtered the brand from my essentials or lust list, no matter how alluring the new launches seem to me.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

12 Cruelty-Free Matte Liquid Lipsticks

12 Cruelty-Free Matte Liquid Lipsticks


Liquid Lipsticks carry my strongest interest when it comes to lipsticks. I have a drawer full of them and no amount could suffice my inordinate desire for them. This post is an abridgement of all Cruelty-Free Matte Liquid Lipsticks in one.

the Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick ($17.00)
Available in 12 shades
Paraben Free

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream (
$6.00)
Available in 34 shades
Cruelty-Free but not Vegan

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick (
$20.00)Available in 21 shades
Cruelty-Free but not Vegan

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick ($18.00)
Available in 23 shades
Vegan. Paraben and Gluten Free

NYX Liquid Suede Lipstick ($7.00)
Available in 24 shades

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick ($28.00)
Available in 9 shades
Vegan. Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Fragrance Free.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick ($5.00) [Review HERE]
Available in 47 shades
Also available in Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick ($5.00) in 16 shades
Vegan. Sulphates and Paraben Free

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick ($20.00)
Available in 28 shades
Vegan. Paraben Free

Ofra Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick ($19.90)
Available in 48 shades

Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick ($21.00)
Available in 17 shades
Vegan. Paraben Free

Gerard Cosmetics Hydra-Matte Liquid Lipstick ($20.00)
Available in 15 shades
Gluten Free

Ciate London Liquid Velvet Moisturizing Matte Lipstick ($19.00)Available in 13 shades
Parabens, Sulfates & Phthalates Free


Wednesday, May 04, 2016

Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer - Paris: Review, Swatches & FOTD

Bronzing is my newfangled Fancy!

Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer - Paris: Review, Swatches & FOTD

I went into The Body Shop the other day to purchase the Dry shimmering Oil but that thing stained. I want something Neutral-Glistening-Dewy-Nonstaining to wear on my face.
When I ordered this, I wasn't sure if it would be pigmented enough for my Brown-Tan Skin. So if it wouldn't, I would just use it as Face Powder rather than Bronzer. Because if you observe the pan or swatches, they're barely pigmented or visible.
But when I swirled and layered once, I was bemused with the glow. But but the Glowing Cityline disappeared. sigh!



What does Physicians Formula claim

Paraben Free, Oil Free, Gluten Free, Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-Free and Dermatologist approved.

Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer - Paris: Review, Swatches & FOTD

Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer - Paris: Review, Swatches & FOTD on Olive/Tan/Brown Skin

Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Inactive Ingredients: Talc,  Dimethicone, Mica,Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate,  Butylene Glycol,Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract,  Triglyceride, Caprylic/Capric, Cetyl Dimethicone,  Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Disiloxane, Propanediol,  Sodium Dehydroacetate, Smithsonite Extract, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract,  Fluorphlogopite, Synthetic, Tocopheryl Acetate,  Phenoxyethanol, Water, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Zinc Stearate,  May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Manganese Violet, Ultramarines

Price: $14.99 (approx 1040inr)
Is Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer Cruelty-Free? Yes Physician Formula is Cruelty-Free.

Bronzers for Olive Tan Brown skin. Bronzer for Indian Skin
Left to Right Swirled, Lower & Upper shades

This dual coloured bronzer has a powdery almost dry texture. A lot of fall out was noticed, I think it runs with all Physicians Formula Powder forms. I do not use the colours individually, I prefer swirling the brush into the pan. I use one layer from the cheek bones to temples and rest of the product on my forehead. Since I do not like contouring much, I prefer Bronzing. I do not use Bronzers to sculpt but to add warmth.
The longevity is average, it starts to fade after 3-4 hours, and if I pat my face with tissue or blotting paper,  the bronzer transfers. Though I have not noticed separation even on my sweaty-oily cheeks.
Though the shimmering city line fades away, the bronzer is not flat matte, but it has a slight sheen to it, almost like mineral foundation.

Bronzed Olive Skintone. Bronzers available in India
Indoors around 10 am

How to apply bronzer. Bronzer for Olive/Medium/Indian Skin
Afternoon glow, around 12.15 pm

On my face:
Philosophy No Reason to Hide Moisturizer
Rimmel Stay Matte in 003
Eyes: Buxom Full & Fabulous Mascara
Brows: Benefit Gimme Brow Eyebrow Gel in Medium/Deep
Cheeks: Bourjois Cendres De Roses Brune Blush
Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer
Lips: Nivea Fruity Shine Watermelon


How I use this Bronzer

I prefer applying bronzer or blush after setting my base makeup and then setting with the same setting powder again. This blends blush, highlighter & bronzer seamlessly into each other.

Availability is an issue though I might not repurchase. I have other Physicians Formula Bronzers trying to connect with my psyche. =D
Besides, This Philosophy No Reason to Hide Moisturizer is incredible. Can you see, I have redness on my right cheek and one active acne and patchiness here and there?
Obviously, it did not hide my dark circles, so psyched that I might pick that up next.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review

Eat. Sleep. Shape Brows. Repeat - Anastasia Beverly Hills
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review for Olive/Medium/Indian Skintones


My brows are sparse, possibly worse. Back in days, I remember women drawing their brows with pencils. As funny as it could be, I disliked everything about the trend.
I didn't start shaping my brows until I was 22-23 simply because the pain was unendurable. But by the time, I started with eye makeup and smokey eyes. And it became a necessity.
Wisdom, I say =]

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review for Olive/Medium/Indian Skintones

For longest period, I would use Brow powders and clear pomade or even eye shadows to fill in my brows.
When I got hold of this, even the brow powders started to seem dull and unnatural.

Selecting the Brow Wiz Shade:
I settled down for Dark Brown.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown is a deep brown with a neutral undertone. Dark Brown is ideal for Medium Brown to Black hair.

Price: $21 approx. 1449 INR

Is Anastasia Beverly Hills Cruelty-Free? Yes

Quantity: 0.08grams

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review


Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil is a dual ended. But coming to the spoolie part; the spoolie is unique and the bristles are bent inwards which really buffs the pigment, making it look more natural.
The Texture of wiz crayon is dry, somewhat powder finish. The pigmentation is excellent and the ultra fine tip actually mimics as brow hair if drawn using light strokes.
I don't like the fact that this is so expensive.
But it stays on until I remove my makeup at the end of the day ( approx. 7-8 hrs). This did not smudge or rather melted off in Mumbai heat. Nor it did transfer on my face or tissue while patting the sweat.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review
Bare Brow


Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review Softly filled in with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review
Bold Brow using Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown


Recommendations: Purchase if you don't mind splurging, but I think the longevity validates the price tag. NYX microbrow pencil is exactly the same formula, except for the spoolie which makes a lot of difference in terms of finish.

Repurchase?: No. Since I don't simply rely on this single Brow wiz to fill in or define my brows.

Tuesday, March 01, 2016

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in 1st Base, Donut, Ouiji, Mars: Photos, Review & Swatches


ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in 1st Base, Donut, Ouiji, Mars: Photos, Review & Swatches on Olive Indian Skin tone
L-R  ColourPop Ultra Matte Ouiji, Donut, 1st Base & Mars
I wanted ColourPop since November 2014, I wanted their 1st Anniversary LE Super Shock Eyeshadow: Birthday Girl. I wanted ALL My Favourite Colour in ColourpPop Cosmetics.
I was irresolute about their products except for Super Shock Eyeshadows. So I decided to pick these for trials: Two Soft, almost pastel colours and Two Brights, just how I love them! ;-)

Where to buy ColourPop Cosmetics in India

I have tested these more than thrice and I am glad I just picked only 4. [Hello Satin Mattes! I'll rescue you soon- The Li Girl. ;)]
1st Base is my most Favourite Colour out of these, And second favourite is Mars, Donut being my least favourite of them.

Colourpop Ultra Matte in 1st Base, Donut, Ouiji, Mars Swatches on Indian Skin, Olive Skin, Neutral Undertone
L R: ColourPop Ultra Matte in 1st Base, Donut, Ouiji, Mars
The swatches are clicked with Bare and Prepped Lips, Unlined and are Uncorrected with concealer.

Above: Direct Light. Below: Indoor

ColourPop Ultra Matte 1st Base is a Mid-Tone True pink, as described by ColourPop.
1st base is a Neutral Pink and almost looks subdued Mauve. With one single layer of this, looks amazing. My camera could not pick the right hue, I shall use this in one of my makeup looks.
I wore this first time to T's Birthday Dinner and every time, I want a soft Pink Lip. This mid-tone pink come forth as a cool toned Pink on my Neutral under tone. The warmer the undertone, the pinker it shall be.
ColourPop Ultra Matte Donut Lipswatches on Indian Skintone
Above: Direct Light. Below: Indoor

ColourPop Ultra Matte Donut is a Bright Peach, as described by ColourPop.
I picked this on whim, a warfare between Solow & Donut. ColourPop Ultra Matte Donut is almost Pastel Peach with warm Brown undertone. This clashes with my neutral undertone and washes me out, or so I think. I think, this should be a great colour for summer.

ColourPop Ultra Matte Ouiji Lipswatches on Indian Skintone
Above: Direct Light. Below: Indoor
ColourPop Ultra Matte Ouiji is a Bright Coral Red, as described by ColourPop.
If there is, out there, a theory like: Love at First Sight. This will be it for me. It was decided, Bright Corals warped in Pastel would define my liking?
The Colour is as described A Bright Coral with Red undertone. This is brings out more brownness indoors and more yellow outdoors, either in my skin or in itself?


ColourPop Ultra Matte Mars Lipswatches on Indian Skintone
Above: Direct Light. Below: Indoor
ColourPop Ultra Matte Mars is a Red Fuchsia, as described by ColourPop.
I have Hues of pinks in my wardrobe, and I always pair Pinks with Bold Lips ofcourse Pink!
So I was torn between Highball and Mars, I was sure Highball would turn Violet-ish on me, so I skipped and friendzoned Mars.
I love the Planet too, fiery & misconceived. And so is the colour, Can I just not tell you how much I love this colour?

Cruelty-Free Status: Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Price: $6 for 3.2g/0.11 oz

Texture & Application:
ColourPop Ultra Matte are 100% Matte Liquid Lipsticks. These Dry completely and does not transfer once they set/dry.
They did crack on my lips in winters, irrespective of the lip balm underneath. And it turns streaky and patchy, if you layer or reapply. But ColourPop Ultra Matte Mars is the only colour that refused to crack or turned streaky on application. I should've bought ColourPop Lip Pencils too.
The battle would've been much easier, I assume.
ColourPop Ultra Matte Donut on the other hand, cracked, turned streaky and worn off patchy.
Reason? The Darker shades stain deeper than the soft ones.
You CANNOT apply and expect flawlessness without prepping or conditioning lips.
I use a Lip mask, a night prior and then exfoliate and heavily moisturize them. Before applying, I wipe off everything, every trace of balm or else these ( esp Bright/ Soft Colours accentuate, every thing.)
Bare but Prepped Lips is what makes it long lasting. Any trace Lip balm underneath degrades the longevity and I find it absurd.


ColourPop Ultra Matte Donut Review Swatches on Medium Neutral Skintone
Colourpop Ultra Matte Donut with Lip Balm underneath: Takes away the intensity!

Recommendations: Not for Dry, flaky unprepared Lips. These are not really uncomfortable, but these do crack if you have dry lips. On the other hand, Deeper staining shades are blessings!
I surely love these for occasions where I don't want to touch up. My lips are not dry unless the weather. Own these if you could, at least one to not curb your curiosity.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub Review.

I bought Forest Essentials since it was on my "To Try: Cruelty-Free Brands in India" List. You can read what I purchased to try.
I do not use granular scrubs or had a scrub free 2015 until I switched to using Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub and I have been using this one for 2-3 weeks twice a week. But what compelled me to write a review is my sneaky suspicion that this contains alcohol (in great amount.)

Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub Review

Why I stay away from Alcohol:
Terribly dries out my skin
Causes itching on spots and acne
Rashes
Redness

Price: 1095 INR. ( I reviewed the 25 grams deluxe size jar in a gift box.)
Quantity: 50 grams

[ Backstory: The last time I went to my Dermatologist was when my face infuriated with ugliest possible rash & Acne due to Sebamed Deep Cleansing Toner in August/September 2015. ] 

Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub Review, Swatches, Price, Buy online India

The patch test behind my ear turned out just fine so I decided to finish it off this January. The first time I used this scrub, I was startled with the brightened skin and removal of slight Tan. I jumped at the conclusion of purchasing the full sized jar. I used twice that week and since I had few acne that next week, I abstained from scrubbing.
And while my acne healed and the stage commenced where I actually need a good facial scrub. I let this Walnut Gel Scrub sneak into my simple skincare routine. [You will see my January Project Pan.]
It was that horrendous night of 23rd January when I cleansed my skin with Forest Essentials Cleanser and I scooped out scrub with my fingers, I weirdly smelt of Alcohol. I followed with my Almond Oil and retired for the day.
The morning that followed I woke up with four Bean sized rashes two on the left cheeks, one on the right and one hiding under the chin. See the Picture below. And they were itching and so were my acne, by the mid morning I had got red bumps and blotchiness. I continuously sprayed my face with Rosewater and skipped anything except my night time almond oil. Next day, I woke up just fine, my rashes were gone but not the redness.
Right at this moment, My skin is still dry and inflamed and I have used up the Forest Essential Walnut Gel Scrub for my feet last night!
Alcohol in Skincare, Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub Review, Inflamed cheek
My Inflamed Left Cheek
What made me conclude Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub contains Alcohol:

~ I stay away from Toners. Toners infuriate my facial skin, no matter how gentle or 'Alcohol-free'
~ I can smell Alcohol. Reminds me of Isopropyl Alcohol I use for sanitising my makeup & stuff.
~ If this contains Aloe vera Gel, it should either pill or stay moist holding the granules. BUT instead, it dries completely in few minutes and leaves the walnut shell powder behind. ( Check the image below.)
~ The first time when I used it, I had a weird feeling that it numbed my skin a little. Since the scrub granules are harsh. And I made sure, I don't  over scrub.
~ Key Ingredients? We know the Key ingredients from the very Long products names too.
It's not like you are using Mashobara, Lemon Honey face wash WITH Coconut, Pineapple & Lavender on the Key ingredients list. -_-
Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub Review India, Price, Swatches, Buy online India
No Pill or moisture just evaporated gel & dry walnut shell granules
This loathsomeness is limited to Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub. Other Products I am currently using are working fine for me (no rashes at least.)
Moreover, I began my fact finding with the Ingredients which should be concluded soon.

And here is why I am so no fandangle with respect to the Ingredients List.



Saturday, January 02, 2016

My Anastasia Beverly Hills Haul


I floundered to think of any other way to embark the year 2016 & my 101st blog post. So I am initiating my year with something I lusted all along 2015. And I wanted e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g Cruelty-Free.

Anastasia Beverly Hills is Cruelty-Free. ( Leaping Bunny Certified. )


I was lovestruck with these... Liquid Lipsticks!
Carina had held me for so long but it wasn't available. I had to wait, A Macy's Exclusive and My Secret Santa (A friend from the US) bought me these. Thank you! =)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Palette in Self-Made (Limited Edition)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade in Ash Brown

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Carina & Electric Coral


Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick Carina is Macy's Exclusive could not even locate on the brand website. These aren't available on Sephora either. And Macy International don't ship them.
Taken together, It is pretty hard to get hold of these. But the Liquid Lipsticks are gifted!
The Palette, Brow wiz, & Dip Pomade are from Sephora. Though the Palette is out of stock everywhere now.


I am excited to create infinite looks with Self-Made, the colours are admirable. I solely picked this for the incredible colours. Swatches, Review and Looks will be up soon.
I haven't even opened anything yet, let alone first impressions. I see myself using these pretty occasionally or so I think!

Anastasia Beverly Hills will be my momentous indulgence!

Wednesday, November 04, 2015

Is Colorbar Cruelty-Free?



I had read in the past, one million times: Colorbar is cruelty-free. But I wasn't going to settle for that. So I dropped them an email, some long time back when I was considering purchasing cruelty-free, for the rest of my life. The girl gotta have options. ;-)


I never received a reply from them.
I copy and pasted the same email, again.
No reply.


This time I was raged with their insolent attitude towards an emptor. So I did what I should, I stated clearly that I would stop purchasing their products.

After 3 days, I got a reply from one of their representatives. I'm posting the reply here.


The Colorbar product line offers products which have been created with International experience, knowledge, passion, creativity and innovation. These facilities are spread across France, Greece, Germany and Italy. The products conform to all European Union and FDA Regulations and are benchmarked against the most prestigious brands available worldwide. Extensive R&D goes into bringing out a Colorbar product line, with new product categories and SKU’s within categories introduced month on month. Constant product innovations have ensured that Colorbar is a favorite with the modern working woman of today. We are socially responsible and do not test our products on animals. None of our vendors conducts animal testing.
No, we do not sell in China.Could you please specify what you mean by Vegan?


I explained her what exactly Vegan meant in terms of cosmetics/products. And I never received any reply from the representative again.
And I am compelled to disbelieve them on the grounds of the facts mentioned below.

1) Let us assume, Maybe the representative was a wrong choice or even unaware. I expected a confirmation from the brand, on either behalf.

2) Nowhere on their websites have mentions of the Brand or Company being against Animal Testing or Cruelty Free. Except for Few blogs, I came across claims Colorbar being Cruelty-Free without an in depth idea about the parent company.

3) Colorbar is manufactured in Thane. [That is exactly where I am located.]

4) Modi Enterprises is the Parent Company/Owner of Colorbar Cosmetics. Modi Enterprises is owned by K.K Modi of Modi Revlon while Colorbar Cosmetics is owned by Samir Modi [his youngest son]
Oriflame is also a part of their enterprise.
Revlon's animal testing policy is as and when required by regulatory authorities.

And here is what Revlon made an official Facebook status in June 2014:
Please be assured, Revlon does not test on animals and has not done so since 1989. We sympathize with your concerns, but, as a global brand, we must comply with the local rules and regulations of each market in which we sell our products. In a very limited number of countries, including China, these registration requirements may include the government conducting animal testing prior to approving registration. We support the advancement of non-animal testing alternatives globally, including in China, and we continue to work with other organizations to encourage the advancement of these cruelty-free alternatives.

But...
There are a handful of brands that DO NOT Test on animals but the Parent Company does. Even if we assume Colorbar being Cruelty-Free, they don't stand strong or are vocal about being Cruelty-Free.

The Indian Beauty and wellness market would double to Rs 80,370 crore by 2018. Do you see the influence of Makeup?
And just a handful of people are perceptive about Animal Testing & Cruelty.
It scares me, one more brand I perceived as Cruelty-Free turned out deceptive. I am unwilling to sit tight with their claims.
When I got a reply from them, I set out with joy to get their newly launched Lip Tints. But I am appalled at their ignorance of I wouldn't be serious about my homework.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Is Natio Cruelty-free? UPDATE

I discovered Natio in late August while surfing through Amazon & Nykaa. The Brand sparked an inquisitiveness and I began researching on Youtube. I was flabbergasted to know the brand is Plant based and Cruelty-free. I wanted a statement, so I dropped Natio an email inquiring about their stance on being Cruelty-free. Here is the reply.


Dear Pranali

Thank you for taking the time to contact us. Natio is always striving to produce the very best quality products for our customers and feedback such as yours helps us in this process.

Natio does not conduct or condone animal testing. Neither our ingredients nor manufacturing processes harm animals. We actively support and have been accredited since 1996 by 'Choose Cruelty Free', an Australian organisation screening beauty care companies and helping consumers recognise genuine cruelty-free brands. We assure you that Natio very firmly opposes the testing of products on animals.

Natio does not currently export to mainland China due to mandatory animal testing to register products.  Natio is available in Sasa stores in HK, Malaysia and Taiwan where animal testing is not required to register products.

I trust this assists. Once again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and for supporting Australian made products, which are not tested on animals.



Best regards

Sheridan Wright
Export Manager

I had already placed an order for Natio Mineral Crystal Loose Foundation & Natio Pure Mineral Foundation (packaging replicates MAC Face & Body Foundation.) But unfortunately, the latter product went out of stock.
I had Acne back in August/September and I was and I am still psyched about the Foundation. I was planning to create a tutorial on my Mineral Foundation routine, but I think I'll skip it.
You can read more about Natio on their Website.

UPDATE:


As on 13 June 2017

I was going through all my non-cruelty-free makeup sorting out listed and non-listed makeup products. I cannot find "No animal testing" or "Cruelty-free" mentioned on the packaging. Also, I checked on SaSa, they do have number of stores in Mainland china. So technically, if all the products listed on the websites are sold in China that means Natio is sold in SaSa stores (through online retailers perhaps third party retailers) in Mainland China as well.
Here is the link: http://corp.sasa.com/en/store-locator/china/


Monday, September 28, 2015

Is The Body Shop Cruelty-free?

I am so glad I did not purchase 6-8 months supply of Bath and Body works from the US. Just few days before placing my order, after shortlisting my preferences; the news broke.

Cruelty-Free Bath and Body, Cruelty-Free Brands in India, Cruelty-Free Indian Blog,

What did I use before?
I keep Lotus Herbals Licorice Bars, always stocked. I love the fragrance; mystically woody and induces a warm fuzziness in the bath.
Aroma Magic Shower Gel, The Body Shop Vitamin E bars and Dove Cucumber and Green Tea Body wash for summers.
The summer of 2015 had to face a wind of change, I decided never to return back to Dove Cucumber and Green Tea Body wash. The simple reason: Unilever is testing on animals as and whenever required by law. (sic). I was contemplating to purchase The Nature's Co Spearmint Body Wash, but then I had not used them before. So I comfortably chose The Body Shop over The Nature's Co. But then I am going to purchase it now after I am done with The Body Shop Shower Gel.

The Body Shop is Cruelty-Free even when the Parent company, L'Oréal continues to tests on animals. With all the thoughts running amok in varied directions and with opinions, I decided to take a standpoint for myself whether to support or boycott The Body Shop.
With the meagerness of Cruelty-Free Cosmetics in India, I decided to prioritise with respect to their parent companies.
For instance: A is Cruelty-Free but with a non-cruelty free parent company while B is Cruelty-Free and Independent. I will always choose B over A. A will always have the last priority will be singled out only if I find no replacements.

Here is what they replied to me about my letter to them.

Dear Pranali

Greetings from The Body Shop India.

Thank you for taking out time for us. As requested, please find below a statement on our Cruelty-Free stance:

Here at The Body Shop we've always been passionately against animal testing. It means that none of our products has been tested on animals. All The Body Shop® products are certified by Cruelty Free International as meeting their Humane Cosmetics Standard. We comply with the very strict requirements of the Humane Cosmetics Standard. This standard is set by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) and is regarded as the highest standard for animal welfare in the cosmetics industry. Today, under the name of Cruelty Free International, they audit us regularly to ensure we comply. We also audit ourselves. Every two years we check our policies and compliances to ensure we're adhering to the latest animal-welfare guidelines.


So there are other Cruelty-Free brands I am waiting to get back from. The list of all with their respective replies will be added to the list. If you love The Body Shop, you can read this write to them. Even though it mentions for Europe, a little change in the world could actually prove beneficial overall.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

A Turnabout Chapter in switching Cruelty-Free

And I french kissed Winnie Cooper under the bleachers of 4th of july fireworks.
Things were changing.


Remember Kevin's voice-over in Season 4 of first episode?
The Wonder Years has to be my favorite coming of age series apart from Heartbreak high (I watched when I was 11 and restricted) and Dawson's Creek.

The Course had really begun unconsciously; I always favored certain kind over the ones laced with fanciness.
The conclusion of turning cruelty-free was not and is still not really easy. I was unsure of the temptations I will have to over throw. Nobody’s forcing me nor am I trying to convert people into buying Cruelty-Free. Back in the day I actually followed the cult. But now I restrict buying Chinese products, fireworks and all those things that lay any Child's labors.
I had to take my stance and proceed with practicality.
Things were changing.
My primal fear lied in parting with certain products and slim pickings of Cruelty-Free Makeup. I was not strictly Cruelty-Free then but chose them over the others.

How did I make a change in turning Cruelty-Free?
I abstained myself from buying any new products and concentrating on using all that I already have.
I will be discarding them with time, making room for more cruelty-free products. And now certainly I am going for paraben free, vegan and cruelty-free options. I am trying to really narrow down the options to the best I can.

Why Paraben Free and Vegan?
I was reading about Parabens, researching rather while I came across a Research Thesis by Ragnhild L. Aarflot where he initiated an instance that hormonally related diseases like Breast, Prostrate and testicular cancer, diabetes, obesity and reproductive disorders can be caused by prolonged effect of Parabens happened orally, dermally or by inhalation. My skin is prone to pigmentation and this has been  recently noticed. And to add it is due to hormonal imbalance, I am trying to take measures to see the effects of ceasing dermal exposure to paraben. I have been noticing my moods and state of mind as well. I would like any inputs if anyone knows more about them as well.

Reorganizing and Planning
I have shortlisted the brands and the products I would try and substitute with the ones I wanted to try. I want to get few more YSL Rouge Volupte but I am trying to find substitutes for them as well.
Over the age, I have been more profound towards Life and everything else. I have been putting more thought into everything that I am a part of and moreover even with those things that hold less importance seem equally important now. I have accepted and adapted to the change as easily as I could.