LA Girl PRO HD Concealer || REVIEW

Hello guys!

So today I really wanted to mention the LA Girl Pro.Conceal HD Concealer. I did mention it a little in my Shopping My Makeup post; however I felt inclined to feature it individually. 

I've heard many birdies say good things about this product. They retail for $5.00 on LA Girl's site. I got mine off drugstore.com for $2.99! So you can find them really affordably. 

The one I got is in 'pure beige'.

I think the coverage is great. You can cover pimples, redness, and discoloration really well. It's definitely a creamy concealer. It comes in a squeeze-y little tub which makes getting the product out easy. You can build up the coverage. I have used it under my eyes for dark circles and it works well! I like it because it does not crease!

The shade I have is yellow toned so I like using it to, well conceal. If you want a more pink concealer to cover blueness under the eyes be sure to get a more "salmony" shade. 

I don't care much for the brush applicator yet I don't hate it. Don't expect to blend the concealer out using the applicator. You will need your fingers or a brush. I like it because it's more hygienic than concealers that come in a jar. See, I really hate jar like products! I will use them but I'm always weary of germs! 

Finally, I really really like it because it has not broken my skin out. 

** I was not sent this product!

I hope you liked this review. What is your favorite cruelty-free concealer? Have you tried this concealer? 

Lots of Love,

Camila

facebook | twitter | instagram | bloglovin'

January Wish List |

Hey guys!

I love reading Wish List posts, so I thought I'd be fun to share what I'm been wanting this month.

♥ 1. Too-Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

It looks wonderful! I've seen a couple of reviews & it's being raved about. I love my neutral shadows & this would be a great addition to my collection. Those of you who've picked it up, does it smell like chocolate?

♥ 2. NYX Butter Lipsticks

Specifically these three: (L to R) 'Deep Burgendy', 'Blue Violet', & 'Coral-Red'!

I swatched them at Ulta & I was throughly impressed.

♥ 3. Emani Brow & Liner Trio

I actually lost the one I had! I'm so sad! :( I love this, I actually did a review of a bunch of Emani stuff a while ago. My sister and mom always ask to borrow it, so they miss it too. 

♥ 4. New Real Technique Brushes & 'miracle complexion sponge'

Left to Right: 'Blush Brush', "Miracle Complexion Sponge' & 'Stippling Brush'

I have the 'starter kit' and the 'core collection'. These brushes are vegan and cruelty-free & AMAZING!!! I use them everyday & I really want to expand my collection.

♥ 5. Floral Skater Dress:

I have this same dress, so I'm not sure it exactly counts as a wish item, but I do LOVE it. I want to pick up the same one in navy. It's only $8.80! 

♥ 6.Buckled Cutout Booties:

Ahhh boots! I'm definitely a boot kind of girl. I saw these and fell in love. I think it's a fun pair of shoes, because you can then play around with your socks and make them part of your outfit. 

♥ 7. Daisy Floral Tights

I love wearing tights with my dresses! Especially during the cooler months. (I'd still wear this during summer though, shhh!) I thought these were super fun! 

♥ 8. Disney's Tangled!

I remember watching this movie a few months after it came out. I didn't really think much of it at the time. This past December it was on on DisneyChannel and I watched it again and BECAME OBSESSED! I watched it everyday during finals week & It got me through. I love it & need to own it :D

Well, that's pretty much it! I've been really wanting all of these things for months now. Maybe next month I'll own a few of them ;) Let me know what you've been wishing for this month!

Lots of Love,

                                                                   Camila

facebook | twitter | instagram

Laura Geller | Animal Testing Info.

Hey guys! I contacted Laura Geller!
I know a couple of you really wanted to know what they had to say. I promised to have this up by tomorrow, or Friday! I'm not crazy busy & have a few hours to kill and decided to post it early!! :D

That reminds me!! "Like" me on facebook, thats where I let you know which companies have gotten back to me!

Anyways!! I emailed them using my newly tweaked format! It still has all the questions, I just made it more personal.

This was their reply:

Hello:
Thank you for your email.  Laura Geller Beauty, LLC and our Manufacturers do not test our products on animals.  The outside sources, however used by our Manufacturers may test raw ingredients on animals. We do not have a distributor in China.  We do not have a list readily available of all vegan products.  If you provide a specific list of products you are interested in (including shade) we can provide a more immediate answer.
If we can be of any further assistance please feel free to contact us.  Thanks again for your email and for your interest in Laura Geller Beauty.
Kind Regards,
Customer SupportLaura Geller Beauty, LLCinfo@lauragellerbeauty.com

They did not answer all of my questions. Usually, I would email them again asking for all my questions to be address, but in this case I feel it is unnecessary. They admit to being ignorant of whether their raw ingredients manufactures test on animals. This is always a BIG no-no for me!(check out my cruelty-free criteria).

I like to support companies that are ethical about everything (ingredients, production, animal testing, packaging) and are knowledgeable about their product. I can see Laura Geller is not one of those companies (this is my opinion).

Hope this answers your questions! If not, don't be shy & leave a comment. I will try to help answer your question to the best of my knowledge.

Lots of Love,
Camila

emani vegan cosmetics | cruelty-free inquiry

http://www.emani.com/

Hey guys.
     About two months and a half or so ago. I was contacted by a PR from a company called emani vegan cosmetics. They wanted me to review their products. I emailed them back inquiring about their cruelty-free status.
      They send me three products to review. Yeah, that was almost three months ago. It's taken me a long time to get a comprehensive review for your guys (which I'm wrapping up) and also to present to you guys my research on their cruelty-free status. In all honesty, the reason it's taken me so long to talk about them is because I know a lot of people are weary of reviews where products are sent to bloggers. I have been a reader of blogs for a year now and a subscriber to beauty vlogger for YEARS and I understand the concern. If you notice I don't have a PR tab on my blog because for a long time I didn't want to deal with that. However, I have been blessed with a growing audience and as a result companies have contacted me. I decided that as long as I stay true to my passion for animals and to my blog, my integrity as a blogger won't be compromised. Yes, review meaning I will give you my honest opinion about any products; whether it is sent to me or I purchase it. :D

Now that I got that out of the way! This was emani's reply to me.

Hi Camila,
Thank you for contacting EMANI. The answer to all of your questions is no. We do not test ingredients and/or finished productson animals. We do not test our ingredients or products on animals via our manufacturers or through a 3rd party. Michelle the owner and founder of EMANI works very closely with our labs and has final approval on all of the products we sell. We are notowned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals. We do not sell any of our products in Chinaor have any plans to sell our products in China. We only use natural organic ingredients in our makeup. Our products do notcontain paraben, gluten's, gmo's, propylene glycols, petroleum or toxic chemicals. At Emani, we use naturally occurringminerals, organic extracts and pigments perfectly designed and painstakingly selected specifically for their regenerativeproperties. EMANI is owned and operated By Michelle Doan Who personally sees to it that her products are of the highestquality.  We are a cruelty free, vegan company and are certified by PETA. You can find a complete list of all of our ingredients on our website. www.emani.com.
I hope I have answered all of your questions and I look forward to reading your review on your blog site.

I just love when I receive an email that gets right to the point!!! As you can see they meet my three criteria for determining cruelty-free status. As long as a company answers those three questions, I'm satisfied. (click here to read by).You will notice, that I do inquiry about palm oil and vegan products in the format I use when first contacting companies. They forgot to answer # 7: "Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source?" The PR took the liberty of addressing that question in a separate email:

Hi Camila,
Just realized I missed answering the palm oil/carnuaba wax question. Yes, we put carnuaba wax in our concealer and hybridcreams, but it is from a natural source. As I mentioned in my earlier email, here at Emani we only put natural and organicingredients in our product.

I will be adding them to my cruelty-free list. I hope you enjoyed this post and check out their products! They have stuff I'm so excited to try!

Lots of Love,
Camila

ion Brilliance / Professionals | Hair Company

Hey Guys,
ion Professionals is a hair dye company. If you've ever been in a Sally Beauty Supply, I'm sure you've either seen their products. Please read the ENTIRE article to get the whole story.

I emailed them asking, these questions. (I always email companies asking these questions).

This is what I received in response:

Camila,
Thank you for reaching out to the Ion team. We do not test our finished product on animals and do not use a 3rd party for testing either. The answer is also no to selling products to the Chinese market. I hope this answers all of your questions.
Sincerely,
Ion Professional Products

Reading this I felt pretty good about ion. They didn't answer my question about their parent company, so I emailed them again:

Hi,I was wondering about your parent company? Do you have one, if so who are they? Also, do you use Palm oil in your product, if so is it fair trade?-Camila

Ion replied a couple of days later, saying:

Camila, Ion is its own company.  We do not have a parent company.  If Palm Oil was used it would be listed on the ingredient decks. 
Sincerely,Ion Professional Products

Okay...Well, at least we know they don't have a parent company. I thought their explanation about 3rd party testing was vague. Also, I didn't understand why they didn't become certified by LeapingBunny or PETA? If a company isn't on one of those lists it does not necessarily mean they are not cruelty-free;being certified does take time and money. I expect this from indie/new companies. However, from a company I know to be popular, it always seems strange to me. I emailed them once more to urge them to do so.

Hi,I'm just curious as to how you guys make sure your raw ingredients are not tested on animals? Do you make the manufactures sign a form? Also, why don't you become accredited by LeapingBunny or PETA? If you did, it would be a BIG help for those who only shop cruelty-free! I know the people who read my blog would appreciate it, a lot!!! Please, get back to me! Thanks again!-Camila 

I received this reply from them:

Camila, As stated in the original email, Color Brilliance's company policy is not to include any non-animal testing claims on the label. The EU Cosmetic Directive bans this claim from cosmetic labels and Ion Color Brilliance is distributed Internationally.  Although the finished product may not be tested on animals, it is difficult to guarantee the raw materials were not tested on animals.  Sincerely,Ion Professional Products

WHAT?!!! I don't understand why they can't be sure where their raw ingredients have been; whether, they have been tested on animals, humans, etc. I personally, think it's irresponsible! I would demand my suppliers (if I had a cosmetic company) prove they don't test. I would make them sign forms, audit their factories, etc. Not being able to "guarantee" is lazy.

This experience was a good lesson for me. From the first emails, things were looking good. However, as you can see they didn't specify what they meant by "3rd party testing". I'm going to ask companies to please define what they mean by "3rd party, cruelty-free, etc"; from now on.

So, ion definitely DOES NOT meet my three criteria for determining cruelty-free status. Which are: (1) ethical, non-tested on animals raw ingredients (2) a compliant parent company, if any (3) Not retailing in China.

I hope this was helpful, if not at least informative. I'm still trying to perfect the process I use to contact and determine cruelty-free status. Please, leave me feedback in how I can improve. I am working out the kinks. :P

Until Next Time,
Camila

UPDATE: MakeUp Geek | My decision : cruelty-free?

UPDATE!!!!(please read before you read the article below) 

I have received an email from a representative from Sugarpill. He wanted me to correct my information about their cruelty-free status. I do not have an official post about Sugarpill. He was referring to my post on MakeUp Geek.
Please click this link to see their PETA certification. I was surprised to learn that most of their products are vegan. They also have won a Libby award.

I have emailed said representative back, asking the questions I always ask.

Lots of Love,
Camila

Hey guys.
Read this first! If you don't you'll be confused with this post.

I've thought about MakeUp Geek for a few days now. I was honestly really confused about my feelings, but at last I have come to a conclusion.

I have decided to add them to my cruelty-free list.

This is my reasoning:

I know I always talk about (type- about?) not supporting a company that claims to be 'cruelty-free', when it's parent company conducts animal testing. I think it's wrong because you don't know where your money is going.

I held tight to this way of thinking, while I was considering what to do with MakeUp Geek. However, if I'm honest you can't really tie that way of thinking with MUG's situation. It's not like they have a non-compliant parent company, which you would be supporting if you purchased from them. They do however sale brands that PETA has not found compliant: Palladio & Sugarpill.

However, think about this for a second.

Even when you buy from a 100% cruelty-free, where does your money go?
A good amount goes into manufacturing the product. Meanwhile, another chunk goes to pay for factory workers, company executives, supervisors, the girls that sell them at the counter, etc. You can't be sure that those people only buy cruelty-free cosmetics. Do you see where I'm going with this? You can do the best you can do but at some point, you have to accept that you are no longer in control.

I think of my blog as a small fairy-light in this world. Which brings light to a very HUGE issue. This light can help others see and might even inspire others to turn on their "fairy-light". (I love fairy-lights, so I felt they would make a good metaphor).

I'm honestly scared some of you might think of me as being compromising on this situation. However, let your conscious be your guide. I always give my opinion about whatever I share on here, but that's just it-it's my opinion.

I will make it clear on my Cruelty-Free list that MUG sells Palladio & Sugarpill.

I hope you're not discouraged! Keep buying cruelty-free & keep boycotting companies that sell in China or have non-compliant parent companies! I know I will!

Lots of Love,

Camila

facebook | twitter | instagram

UPDATE: theBalm | Leaping Bunny

Hey guys!
Do you guys remember my post of theBalm? I was excited to learn that they are cruelty-free! However, I really urged them to become certified by either PETA or LeapingBunny. Which, I'm sure you can agree, would make shopping SOO much easier! Well, I have exciting news!!

Today, I emailed them urging them to take a look at the comments of that post! THis is what I said:

Hello [I've omitted any names],I emailed you back in March about your cruelty-free status. Being an animal lover, I was so thrilled to find that theBalm is cruelty-free! I even wrote an article on my blog. I have emailed you guys before urging you to become accredited by PETA or leapingbunny. I would like you to take a look at my article and read the comments. You will find that when a company is accredited it makes it soooo much easier to shop. I'm not the only one who thinks so. I love your company! Especially because you stand up for the furry ones, but not everyone knows that. Please consider it. 

They emailed me back! Take a look for yourself:

Hi Camila, Thank you for reaching out again!  We completely understand you concerns and are working to become part of the Leaping Bunning list. If I can help answer any further questions, please let me know.

How exciting is this!!!???? I am beyond thrilled! This is a huge milestone! I can't wait to hear back from them once (fingers crossed) they become certified. Which, like I've mentioned before, just because a company is not on a list it DOES NOT mean they aren't cruelty-free. However, it does make life easier for the cruelty-free community! 

Lots of Love,

Camila 

UPDATE: Flower Beauty Inquiry (Drew Barrymore's line @ Walmart)

UPDATE: (August 6, 2013)

*A representative from Maesa has emailed me back explaining the China issue:

Hi Camila,
We have an office in Hong Kong, but we do not sell product in Hong Kong. Simply, we do not test on animals as our products are sold in the US and Europe.
Maesa is the parent company for FLOWER.
You can visit our Web site for any additional information.
Thank you,
[I've omitted any names]

Also, they wanted to clarify for all of you:  

I already stated that Flower does not partake in animal testing nor done on any formula or ingredient.  This includes raw materials for our formulas.  We are not affiliated with any companies that tests product ingredients on animals. Our products do not contain any animal-derived ingredient.  Our cosmetics lab has signed a Statement of Assurance through PETA.  Our ingredients are non-toxic according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.   

This is all good news guys! Flower Beauty has signed with PETA which in addition to not testing raw ingredients, having a cruelty-free parent (Maesa Engineering Beauty), and not selling in the Chinese market makes me feel 1000% more safe in purchasing from them! YAY!! &  I will be adding them to my Cruelty-Free list. 

  

(flowerbeauty.com)

UPDATE: FLower Beauty has clarified that they do have an office in Hong Kong but DO NOT sell in China. They only sell in the US and Europe. 

Hey guys. When Drew Barrymore came out with this line, I was excited but hesitant. I actually wrote an article on here about my concerns.

I did receive a reply from Masea Engineering Beauty which is Flower's parent company. Of course, I wanted to share it with you guys, but I held-off because I do have some concerns.(This have been cleared up with the new information).   Anyways, I used the format I always use. (I used the old format).

A representative got back to me, with:

Hi Camila,
Please see the answers below.
Thank you for your interest in FLOWER.

 [I've omitted names]

www.maesa.com

To Whom It May Concern:I am doing research on animal testing, and I need to verify a few key points about your company. 

1. Does your company test ingredients or finished products on animals? There is no animal testing done on any formula or any ingredient used by Flower factories in these formulations. 

2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party? There is no animal testing done on any formula or any ingredient used by Flower factories in these formulations. 

3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals? The raw material manufacturers do not test any ingredients on animals. 

4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals?  NO 

5. Do you/your parent company currently or have plans to market and sell your products in the Chinese market, which requires animal testing by law to sell in that country?  NO 

6. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source?  NO 

7. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase?  All products are vegan 

Thank you so much for the information.   Please note, that any correspondence I receive will be published on humanelychic.blogspot.com, which is my own privately owned blog. -Camila 

I was at first relieved to receive this reply. However, after looking at Maesa website I had some doubts. First I was confused at what exactly they do. Are they the manufactures of the raw ingredients for Flower or just provide the packaging design? 
Well according to the Maesa website(Under the "Our Business tab) :

"Maesa partners with over 100 leading retailers and beauty brands worldwide creating exclusive beauty and home fragrance programs.Maesa launches more than 3,000 proprietary products a year ranging from fragrance, color cosmetics, bath & body, skincare, haircare, and home." 

Also under "Expertise" you will see a list of what they do.

This is a screen-shot from their website. (http://www.maesa.com/) 

Feeling overhelmed and confused I emailed them back. 

[I've omitted any names],
Thank you for your reply. I have some questions I would appreciate you cleared up. I understand the manufacturers of Flower are Maesa Engineering Beauty. I was looking at Maesa's website and found that they also manufacture for Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, etc. Those two companies are owned by Coty which does test on animals, at least for retail in the Chinese market; which as you might be aware of requires animal testing for cosmetic products.

• Is Maesa Engineering Beauty the parent company of Flower Beauty? 
• Does Maesa provide the raw ingredients or just package design? 
• Does Maesa test ingredients or finished products on animals?
• If you sell in the Chinese market?

Thank you for your time,
Camila

They replied with: 

Hi Camila,
Is Maesa Engineering Beauty the parent company of Flower Beauty? YES
Does Maesa provide the raw ingredients or just package design? Maesa provides the package design and we work with a factory who provides the raw ingredients. Neither Maesa or the factory tests on animals as stated in my previous answers to your questions.
Does Maesa test ingredients or finished products on animals? NO
If you sell in the Chinese market? WE DO NOT SELL FLOWER IN THE CHINA MARKET

UPDATE: FLower Beauty has clarified that they do have an office in Hong Kong but DO NOT sell in China. They only sell in the US and Europe. 

_________________________________________________________________

*****DISCLAIMER: Everything in grey is old information. I have updated this. Scroll up to see!

This sounds good and all, but I came upon Maesa's Organization Profile. Where it clearly states: 

"The Maesa Group is the fastest growing and most comprehensive resource for "Beauty on Demand" products and services. With branches in Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Shanghai..." 

So far things are looking bad for Flower Beauty. You guys know that I do not support companies who have a parent company that test on animals**. How can I? I have no idea where my money would go, it might even go to fund animal testing. 

 I have emailed them back, asking about their selling in Hong Kong.
**(If a company sells in China, they are required to test their products on animals.) 

I am waiting for his reply and I will update you guys once I receive it. If I was you I would definitely HOLD OFF on buying from Flower Beauty. 

Please leave me your feelings about this mess! What you do you think? 

Until Next Time,

Camila

Models Own | Animal Testing Inquiry

I contacted Models Own and received a reply. I actually received this reply this past May! I think it got lost in my email. I have a "companies" file and I guess I miss placed it! Opps. My hope is to keep you updated with the latest information, so I've contacted them again to make sure their policies have not changed. Sorry guys :P 

Anyways. I used the format* I always use. 

To Whomever it May Concern:
I am doing research on animal testing, and I need to verify a few key points about your company.
1. Does your company test ingredients or finished products on animals? 2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party? 3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals? 4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals? 5. Do you/your parent company currently or have plans to market and sell your products in the Chinese market, which requires animal testing by law to sell in that country? 6. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source? 7. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase? 
Thank you so much for the information. Also note that any reply I receive, I will be sharing on humanelychic.blogspot.com . Which is my blog.

A Models Own representative emailed me back with:
*To make it easier for you to follow along, I've added the original question in pink. That way you don't have to scroll up and down! Whatever is in black is originally from the email. I didn't change anything, all I did was add the questions.

Hello,Thank you for your email.Models Own takes the welfare of animals very seriously, and we have never tested any of our products or ingredients on animals, either directly or through third parties.To answer your questions directly:1. [Does your company test ingredients or finished products on animals?]  No 2.[Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party?]  No 3.[Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals?] No 4. [Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals? ]  No 5.[Do you/your parent company currently or have plans to market and sell your products in the Chinese market, which requires animal testing by law to sell in that country?]  No 6.  [Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source? ] Yes (in pencils), from organic and sustainable sources 7. [Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase?] The vast majority of our products are vegan, including all 130+ of our nail polishes, all nail art pens, all standard lipsticks, all eyeliners and the majority of our brushes (see below). Non-vegan products include bronzers, mascaras, Hyper Brite lipsticks, cream eyeshadow, Smokey Eye Kits, and the blending and shading eyebrow brushes. While these products use animal-derived ingredients (typically waxes), no animals are harmed during this process, and everything comes from sustainable sources. Hope that answers your enquiry. x Regards, Models Own Models Own is owned by Harlow & Co. They are manufacturer "indie nail polishes". As far as I know they don't sale in China.   As you can see they meet my three criteria for determining is a company is cruelty-free.  I would feel safe purchasing from them as of now. TO check out other cruelty-free companies click here!  If you have ANY concerns or questions about this inquiry feel free to ask me! Just leave me a comment below. The entire point of this blog is to help YOU! So don't be shy!! Until Next Time, Camila Like HumanelyChic on facebook! To get updates!

Kinky-Curly | Hair Products

Hello guys! I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Today, I received a reply from Kinky-Curly. If you've never heard of them, they make hair products specifically geared towards women (&men) with luscious curly or kinky hair.

I've heard some cruelty-free YouTube gurus talk about their products and I've seen PETA's bunny logo on their products; however, I felt the need to email them myself.

I emailed them using the format I always use. Click on here to see it.


They emailed me back within a couple of days:

Hi Camila 

Thank you for emailing us.Kinky-Curly Hair Care does not test on animals.
Also we do not work with any 3rd parties who test on animals.
We have no plans to sell our products to a market that requires our products be tested on animals.

As you can see they meet the three criteria that I look for when I add a company to My Cruelty-Free List. They are also verified by PETA. I also appreciate that they got to the point! Many companies babble about their "efforts to end animal testing", yet they sell in the Chinese market (which requires animal testing).

As of now I would feel safe purchasing from Kinky-Curly, especially as someone with curly hair!

Let me know if you've tried Kinky-Curly products! Leave me any feedback you'd like!

Until Next Time,
Camila

LimeCrime

Hello guys. I'm really excited to share with you all my correspondence with LimeCrime. If you have never heard of LimeCrime, you need to listen up! They sell really vibrant cosmetics. For example, you can find red lip stick and blue lipstick on their site. Shades you might expect high-end companies, such as Mac or Nars to sell. Except --as you will soon find--cruelty-freely.

I first "heard" (read?) about LimeCrime, when I was looking through PETA's DO NOT test list. I checked them out & knew I had to find out their cruelty-free status.

Of course, I first emailed them using the format I always use. (Click here to see it).

To Whomever it May Concern:

I am doing research on animal testing, and I need to verify a few key points about your company.

 1. Does your company test ingredients or finished products on animals? 

2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party? 
3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals? 
4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals? 
5. Do you/your parent company currently or have plans to market and sell your products in the Chinese market, which requires animal testing by law to sell in that country? 
6. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source? 
7. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase? 

I received a reply a few days later:

Hi Camila,
1-6 the answer is no
7 currently all products on our site are vegan.

I'm glad they replied, but --as you can see--their reply didn't leave me much to go on. Being very as partial to detail as I am, I decided to email them again, urging them to explain further:

 Hi [names have been omitted], 

Thank you for your prompt reply. I would appreciate it if you elaborated. How does LimeCrime ensure that the manufactures of their ingredients do not conduct animal testing? Does LimeCrime have an audit process? Second, from what I understand LimeCrime does not retail in the Chinese market because it requires animal testing; am I right in this statement? 

Also, thank you for becoming affiliated with PETA. There is a fast growing market of makeup enthusiast who only shop cruelty-free. I know I really appreciate it and so do the readers of my blog, it just makes shopping easier for us. -Camila 

 I received a second reply about a week after:

Hi Camila, 

I've just spoken with our Inventory Manager, sorry for the delay. We do have signed pledges from all of our manufacturers stating that our products and ingredients are completely vegan. We ensure vegan/cruelty-free claims by working with manufacturers who are reputable and willing to provide sworn written statements about the sources of their ingredients.

Well, as you can see: LimeCrime does not have a parent company; meaning we don't have to worry about what would be that company's cruelty-free status, Lime Crime does not support 3rd party testing & have a specific audit process to ensure their manufacturers are reliable, and finally, LimeCrime does not sell in China. These are the three specific criteria I look at when determining a company's cruelty-free status & deciding whether to add them to my list. (To see my criteria more in detail click here). 

I would feel safe purchasing from LimeCrime & am excited to do so!! 

Also, if you are interested about purchasing from LimeCrime, I really recommend you check out Friends of the Lagomorph, which is an online site that retails ALL cruelty-free cosmetics, beauty products, etc. And, no I am not being paid to talk about Friends of the Lagomorph, I just truly LOVE that site. It's easy to shop & I don't really know of any other online site that only sells cruelty-free beauty products. 

Let me know what you think. Leave me ANY feedback you would like. 

Until Next Time,

Camila 

Zoya, Qtica, Smart Spa (Art of Beauty)

Hello guys! I'm going to be honest. I had contacted Zoya almost exactly a month ago, everything went smoothly they emailed me back, I didn't feel the need to email them further--as I felt their email answered all my questions--but for some reason I had yet to share my correspondence. I'm going to blame it on lack of sleep! 
Anyways, I emailed them using the format I always use. (To see that format click on "How I Contact Companies"). 
I received this email a couple of days later:

Good morning! 

No problem! We actually are known as Art of Beauty, and are the parent company and manufacturers of Zoya, Qtica, and Smart Spa and aren’t affiliated or owned further with any other companies. We are a cruelty free company and none of our products or ingredients are tested on animals nor do we use any 3^rd party testing for our products. We don’t currently have any official distributors in China or sell there direct. Regarding the ingredients I will have to double check with the science department about those specific ones. I don’t have a specific product list of our vegan friendly products but the Zoya Nail Polish and Treatment line is entirely vegan friendly, and then the Zoya Hot Lips and the Qtica lines are not vegan friendly as some of the items use carmine, lanolin, or other animal based products. Hopefully this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and have a great day!

            thank you,

I appreciate the clarity of this email and that Zoya (Art of Beauty) addressed all my questions directly. Zoya's parent company is Art of Beauty where both Qtica and Smart Spa fall under. They affirm to the cruelty-free status of their raw ingredient providers, etc. Lastly, they do not retail in the Chinese market! 

I'm excited to hear this news. If you shop cruelty-free only, I'm sure you are aware that finding high quality nail polish companies is difficult. However, I have emailed Art of Beauty back urging them to become affiliated with either Leaping Bunny or PETA. If Art of Beauty did this, first it reasures us that what the company claims is true and secondly, it makes it easier when shopping. I will update you guys once they email me back. 

Personally, for now I would feel safe purchasing from Zoya, Otica, or Smart Spa. I will be adding them to my list. 

Please let me know what YOU think about this correspondence. Leave me any feedback you'd like! I love hearing--reading?-- your opinions and addressing your concerns. 

Until Next Time,
Camila 

stila

Hey guys.

Maybe a week or so ago, I got in contact with stila. I emailed them using the usual format --which is will link here if you are interested. I received more than a handful of emails, so sit tight this is going to be a rather long post.

The first reply I received:

Hello,Stila does not use animals for any type of testing on our products and also choose vendors that follow the same business standards.
Kind Regards,
Stila Cosmetics Customer Care custcare@stilacosmetics.com(866) 784-5201makeup your own rules

As you can see, they did not address the China questions, whether their raw ingredients are also certified cruelty-free, and whether or not they have a parent company.
I emailed them again:

Thank you for your promote reply. I have a couple of other questions which were not directly addressed. 

1. Do you sell Stila products in China? (retail not just online).
2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party?3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals?
4. Do you have any vegan products, if which ones?
5. Do you use palm oil/ carbuna wax in your products? If so are they from an organic and/or sustainable source?  

I have one comment. Why doesn't stila become certified as cruelty-free by leaping bunny or peta? There is an entire market of people who only shop for cruelty-free products, being certified will reach that demographic.
Thank you once again.
Camila
I will publish any reply I receive on my personal blog, humanelychic.blogspot.com   

I then received a 2nd email from stila: 

Hi Camila, stila cosmetics offers high-quality products that are not animal tested.  However, we cannot certify that our products are vegan because we are not in control of the preliminary ingredient source or tools in which our products are produced and cannot ensure that they have not been used for other products that are not vegan.  You can always find a list of ingredients for all of our products on our website at www.stilacosmetics.com.  We do not authorize our products to be sold in china. As previously stated, stila does not use animals for any type of testing on our products and also choose vendors that follow the same business standards. Our customer care team will inform you comment to our public relations department. 

Kind Regards, Stila Cosmetics Customer Care custcare@stilacosmetics.com(866) 784-5201makeup your own rules 

Rather than clearing up concerns, this second email left me more confused. If stila cannot certify that their products are vegan, as they are not in control of "preliminary ingredient"; I wonder how stila certifies that the manufactures of their raw ingredients "follow the same business standards"? Also, they did not address my question about China. Therefore, I emailed them again hoping they could clear up my question:

Thank you for replying to my emails promptly and kindly. You stated : "we cannot certify that our products are vegan because we are not in control of the preliminary ingredient source or tools in which our products are produced and cannot ensure that they have not been used for other products that are not vegan." 
Can Stila certify that the ingredients they use are also not tested on animals? Also, does Stila have retail stores in China that sell the products? I know you have previously informed me that you do not "authorize" Stila products to be sold, exactly what does that mean? 
Do you only sell online? How does Stila ensure that no animal testing occurs? As you know China's law requires animal testing for beauty products to be sold in the country. 
I will be looking forward to your email. 
Camila
I will publish any reply I receive on humanelychic.blogspot.com. Which is my privately owned blog. 

I then received this 3rd email:

Hi Camila,Stila does not use animals for any type of testing on our products and also choose vendors that follow the same business standards. Stila cosmetics products are not registered to be sold in China which means we also do not have any authorized retailers located in China.An authorized retailer is a company who purchases our products directly from us through our sales department and sells our products directly to consumers. Since our products are not registered in China, this means that stila cosmetics also does not have any authorized retailers located in China.We hope this new information has been helpful and you have a wonderful day filled with lots of smiles and blushes!  

Kind Regards, Stila Cosmetics Customer Care custcare@stilacosmetics.com(866) 784-5201makeup your own rules 

Well, at least they cleared up the China question. However, I have a couple of problems with this correspondence. First, I don't understand why stila can't certify what products/ingredients are vegan.  If they are unable to certify that, how can they be sure that the manufactures of the raw ingredients also don't test on animals?

I won't be adding stila to either my cruelty-free list or my not-cruelty-free list. I need more clarification and will be calling them soon.

I was hesitant about sharing this correspondence, but I figured it would be helpful (maybe partly) to some of you. I personally, will hold off on purchasing from stila for now, I would advise you to do the same.
Meanwhile, if you have information that might clear things up, or maybe you have been in contact with stila, I would appreciate you share what they told you or share just leave me a comment about your opinion. Thank you for supporting my little o'l blog.

Until Next Time,

Camila