Moving Away From Animal Testing: A Cruelty-Free Morning Routine

 

Recently, I stepped up my efforts to create a cruelty-free home. I wanted to see if it was possible to switch all of my products to brands that don't test on animals.

I'm really excited to report that:

• It's easier than I thought it would be! I realized that there are plenty of cruelty-free products at normal stores that perform just as well as the products I used to buy.
• It's cheaper than I thought it would be.
  Some of my new favorite brands are saving me money.

I'd like to help you create a cruelty-free home, too. So, here's a blog about my new morning routine and the great products you can turn to. Next time, I'll post a cruelty-free cleaning routine.

But first, here's why you should care about animal testing:

• It's unnecessary.
  There are plenty of safe, cruelty-free brands that prove this.
• It inflicts unthinkable torture on animals -- even dogs and cats. Test animals are forced to live in cages. Chemicals are dripped into their eyes, injected into their bodies, or forced up their noses or down their throats. They suffer burns, infections, blindness, pain, and loneliness. Laws that protect pets do not apply to them -- although beloved breeds like Beagles are used for animal testing!

 

You don't have to take part in this. But unfortunately, if you're not paying attention, you probably are funding the cruelty, because the most popular brands tend to test on animals.

Make the switch.

Here's an easy and affordable cruelty-free morning.

NOTE: There are PLENTY more cruelty-free products on the market. If you download the free Cruelty Cutter app, you can scan products at the store to see whether or not their brand tests on animals. These are just the ones I've tested and recommended for you! If you have other recommendations, post them in the comments!


Shower

• Body Wash: Alba Botanica Very Emollient smells great and is super creamy for dry skin. If you like a bubbly lather better than a creamy mousse, try Jason brand. I like the apricot. You can get these at most grocery stores, Amazon, and sometimes TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
  
  
• Face: I love Alba Botanica's face washes. I'm using their Acnedote Deep Pore Wash, which is slightly minty and has a refreshing zing! It smells great.
  Update! I've had some break-outs since writing this blog, so I've sprung for Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Treatment, which is like an animal-friendly Proactiv.
  Also, my friend Amy sells Rodan and Fields, which is cruelty-free.
  
  
• Shampoo and Conditioner: My husband (who has amazing, luxurious, long curly hair) turned me on to sexyhair. Now we both have nice hair. :)  Sometimes, I like to switch to Bliss Supershine Shampoo because it smells delicious, like real lemons.
  UPDATE: I  started using Shea Moisture Curl & Shine and it is giving me seriously good hair days. 



• Shaving: Dollar Shave Club ships cruelty-free blades to my house every month, and they're WAY cheaper than the grocery store brands! Check them out by using my personal referral link, please! Blades start at $3 per month. I spring for the Executive blades, which are still cheap at $9 per month. They sell products like creams and gels, too.

Personal Care

• Deodorant: When it comes to deodorant, I'm also concerned about toxic ingredients. I like Crystal Essence brand because it's clear. Tom's of Maine has an antiperspirant and a deodorant that work for me, too. UPDATE: A friend who is an avid runner and attends spin classes recommends Schmidt's Naturals and says it keeps her dry! She likes the bergamot-lime scent.
  
  
• Toothpaste and Tooth Brush: I been using Tom's of Maine toothpaste for at least 15 years, and I've never had a single cavity. (I'll note here that Tom's is owned by Colgate, which does test on animals. As a consumer, I feel like I'm creating a market for cruelty-free by shopping Colgate's cruelty-free line, but you can decide how you feel about that.)
  Don't forget to make sure your toothbrush is cruelty-free, too. I like the Preserve toothbrush, which is made of recycled plastic and is available at Trader Joe's and some grocery stores.
  UPDATE: I started using Dr. Bronner's toothpaste instead of Tom's and I love it. Check it out here.
  
• Tampons: Natracare and Seventh Generation are great. I just learned about Lola, which ships cotton tampons to your house every month and doesn't use animal testing. I'm going to check them out!
  
  
• Lotions and Hand Cream: There are tons of options if you look. Right now I'm using Alba Botanica, and a great pomegranate body butter by Trader Joe's! They have lots of great cruelty-free products for your face, skin, and hair. I found a purse-sized bottle of Shea Moisture Brightening Body Lotion at Target. It's thick and creamy, has lots of organic ingredients (including mushroom extract!) and works great.
  
  
• Contact Lenses: I just ordered my first box of Clear Conscience contact solution. It has great reviews, so I have high hopes for it.
  UPDATE: Clear Conscience did not work well for me. But since then, I realized that Top Care, which is available at Giant Eagle, and Equate, available at Wal-Mart, make inexpensive and cruelty-free contact solutions!
  
  

Hair and Make-Up

• Styling Products: I use TRENDStarter styling paste. It's cheaper than the salon version and it works. TRENDStarter has lots of cruelty-free products.
  Update: Now I use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, available at Giant Eagle, Ulta, and TJ Maxx, because I want to avoid parabens. Check it out!
  
  
• Hairspray: Try TRENDStarter or splurge on the more expensive sexyhair.
  
  
• Face: ULTA's house brand doesn't test on animals! I've been using their foundation stick to cover under-eye circles.
  Update: I've been treating myself to nice powder and concealer from Younique, and I really like it. Check it out!
  
• Eyes: I've been using ULTA's house brand, especially the eyeshadow cream because it goes on like a stain and lasts all day. You need to try the eyeshadow primer by Elf, which you can grab for a dollar at Target.
  
  
• Nails: My search for cruelty-free lead me to my two favorite kinds of nail polish! Remember Wet n Wild, from when you were little? It turns out their nail polish lasts a really long time without chipping, costs a buck or two, and doesn't test on animals!
  I also like Julep, although their bottles are very tiny. They have really pretty colors.
  
  
• Lips: I'm completely obsessed with lip gloss. Right now my favorites are this chocolate lavender balm by Dagoba/Eco Lips and anything by Alaffia. Una Biologicals is a Pittsburgh-based line with lots of wonderful stuff, especially their smooth and glossy Chocolicious lip balm with a hit of mint. I wear Lip Smacker every day too. I used to like the little round EOS pods, but I'm sad to learn that they test on animals so that they can sell their products in China. Shame on them.

 

One more note: Brands change their stance on animal testing all the time. Lots of products I used to use in high school now test on animals, and some brands I used to boycott are now cruelty-free. It's a good idea to scan products with the Cruelty Cutter app for the latest info, even if I've suggested them in this blog.

I've purposely posted photos that aren't too hard to look at. If you do your research, you'll see examples of HORRIFIC torture on animals. Please join me and go cruelty-free! It's easy!