c. Booth Bath and Body Oil || Bubble Bath Time :: REVIEW

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Hello guys.

So, I have something to tell you. I'm a bath person. 

Meanwhile, most of the time I don't have the privilege of taking 45 minutes to soak in bubbly warm water.  I know that a lot of you like me, if you find that half an hour out of your day to soak in a bath, you want to do it right.  Though, now that I'm on Summer Vacation *yay* I have some much more time to relax and pamper myself. 

Doing it right. What does that mean to me?

Easy:

1. light candles  

2. Your Favorite Drink 

(seeing as I am under 21, I refer to a Starbucks Valencia Orange Refresher with Passion Tea rather than water. All my Starbucks obsessed readers either know what I'm talking about, or need to right away. Talk about a delish summer drink. And no I am not being paid to talk about SB. I work for them and genuinly love all the drinks. I have a couple of my favorites from the 'secret menu'! Let me know if you'd like me to share! :D )

3. A good book, or Netflix. We've all been there. Don't try to deny it.

4. A good body scrub, wash, and a good moisturizer. 

5. Sometimes, chocolate! 

I really value my bath products. I am quite picky and when I find something I like I want to share it.

I picked this c. Booth Bath & Body Oil at Rite Aid more than a month ago. I saw this and really wanted to try it. I wasn't sure about c. Booth (I've never heard of them before). However, I noticed that their parent company is Freeman Beauty. If you check on Leaping Bunny's list, you'll notice Freeman Beauty is cruelty-free. Therefore, I thought it safe to go ahead and buy it. 

According to the bottle, this is free of parabens, sulfate, mineral oil, and petrolatum. I'm not exactly an expert of the effect these ingredients have on the skin; I am sure they're not good. 

How to use:

I had never used a bath oil before and so I wasn't exactly sure what to do. The bottle says to add 3-4 cap fulls to your bath. I have a small tub and so I used 3. It works to give your skin extra moisture. Something, I really need and appreciate. My skin gets really dry!  

You can also use it directly on your skin. It's definitely oily, so I would only use it directly in the bath, that way it is easily rinsed off. 

Scent:

It's such a nice scent. It's very warm, like vanilla without being too artificial or sickly. It also has notes of amber. It does linger on the skin, but not so much that it will you nauseous.  

Overall: 

I really love this product. I got it on sale that day at Rite-Aid. I think it was like $4 bucks. It normally retails for $9.99. (According to the Ulta.com site). 

It's an 16 oz bottle and so I'm sure it will last me a while. Even for it's regular price I would re-purchase it. It makes your Bubble Bath Time a different very pleasant experience! 

Do I recommend it: YES! 

I hope you guys enjoyed this review. I decided to do it in a different more silly style of writing. I really enjoyed it! I hope it wasn't too random! Love you guys all!

Lots of Love,

Camila

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** I was not paid or sent this product to review. I bought it with my own money and my review is honest. 

Snatch-It-Up Sunday :: Flower Beauty || Extreme Measures: Lengthening Mascara

Hey guys. I wanted to share one of the greatest purchases I've made this month : 

Flower Beauty's Extreme Measures|| Lengthening Mascara. 

I honestly haven't found the best inexpensive, cruelty-free mascaras. Not that I haven't used some great ones. (Mainly from NYX). I just find that among non-cruelty-free brands there is a bigger array of "good" mascara to choose from (mainly from my drug-store). I've tried many of Wet N'Wild's mascaras and did not like them. Also, Milani and Jordana they were too wet. 

(Who wants a cruelty-free mascara post/video?)

This is the first Flower Beauty product I've purchased. I spend at least 10 minutes every time I go to Wal-Mart gawking at their stuff. I always pass them up (a) I have enough lip-stick (b) I have too many shadow palettes (c) don't know what foundation shade suits me best. I caved and am so glad I did. (It was about time). 

I really like the formula. With the first application I was scared it was too wet. Though, it is a "wetter" formula mascara, I find if I leave enough time between applications I got a beautiful length and separation. I don't recommend more than three applications, at least that was the limit on me.  (Meanwhile, the key is leaving enough time between applications! So keep that in mind! ) 

If you will notice by the picture below (sorry for the terrible quality, yikes!) the brush is shaped like an hourglass figure. I truly believe the shape of the mascara helps get the perfect application. My thin (almost invisible) inner corner lashes get coated with the rest of them. 

Flower Beauty claims to have high-end products for affordable prices and I really felt this mascara was very luxurious-feeling, from the tube, the picture doesn't do it justice. It's a grey-metallic-y, almost reflective tube. Also, it simply says "FLOWER Extreme Measures: Lengthening Mascara" on it. I love the minimalist packaging. 

Be sure to give this mascara a chance next time you're at Wal-Mart. I found it's the perfect lengthening mascara and gives you good volume. 

**I bought this with my own money. 

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Wild Fire Magazine Issue Five || I'm featured on page 39!

Cover of Wild Fire's 5th issue. All credit goes to Missy! 

This past December the beautiful Missy from Wild Fire Magazine asked me to write an article about animal testing on cosmetics for her magazine. 

If you've never heard of WildFireMagazine it's this AWESOME online 100% vegan magazine! You need to check them out, they are amazing. Check out all five issue here! ] Wild Fire has over 2,000 likes on Facebook! It's just an awesome resource and such a unique awesome magazine! Also, Missy has a blog! Be sure to subscribe to it!!! 

Well, I'm so happy to announce Issue Five is out! Please check it out! Read all the articles because they are all great! Be sure to check mine out, it's on page 39! So grateful & proud of Missy and all those who were part of this issue!!! Send them love!!   & thank you for reading my blog! I love you all!!    *cyber hug*

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Snatch-It-Up Sunday || NYX's stay matte but not flat powder

Hey guys!

So I decided to feature NYX's stay matte but not flat powder foundation for this week.

I think this powder is awesome but sadly, it does not get mentioned much among the beauty community. If you are new to cruelty-free makeup, I know how hard it is to find inexpensive powders at the drug-store. Granted this powder does retail for $9.99 at Ulta, so it's definitely higher up there, but trust me it's worth it. Please, save yourself some grieve and give this powder a try!

It gives your skin a skin like look. Yes, your skin looks matte but not dry. (As the name suggests). I don't know how to explain it better than that. Also, it will maintain that freshly applied look for a good five hours. I run around a lot through the day, but I find that I only have to re-apply once a day; on particularly hot days maybe twice. You might be able to wear it longer! Consider your skin-type.

While mattefying your skin, it will give you extra coverage. Some might find you can get away with just this powder. Meanwhile, if you are like me and want those spots to be concealed, you will appreciate the extra coverage. Don't use a heavy hand if you have applied liquid foundation, as you might get a cake-y look. Definitely do not use the sponge it comes with! Use a powder brush. I think the Real Techniques Buffer Brush is best for foundation-powders. Use a brush with more compact bristles. It gives you the perfect look.

The reason I realized how much I loved this powder this week, was because I  ran out (I still have a bit to use up) and got a new one. When you re-purchase a beauty product you know you like it. I did get a lighter shade the one I had before worked for me, but was a tiny-bite too dark. Be sure to get your correction shade! That's the good thing about Ulta, they have testers.

I hope you found this post informative or at least fun to read! I wish you a wonderful week! I'm going back to the grind of life, my Spring Break week is over! Oh well!

Lots of Love, 

Camila

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*I bought this with my own money. But if NYX decided to send me stuff to try, I would not mind! ;) 

Nature's Better Body || Animal Testing Inquiry

Hey guys! I received an email, a month or so ago from a representative of Nature's Better Body. They wanted to send me samples of one of their products to review.

However, I had never heard of their company before. Therefore, I inquired about their animal testing policy, using the format I use to contact all companies.

I would like to work with Nature's Better Body, but first I would need you to answer questions (provided below). Once, I determine if Nature's Better Body meets the criteria I look for determining a company's cruelty-free status, then we can discuss my reviewing your product. Thanks for thinking of me.

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

2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party? If your answer is no, how do you ensure that your manufacturers do not test?  

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 have a parent company? If so who are they?  

6. 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? 

7. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source?  

8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase?

I received a reply, a couple of days later.

1. Does your company test ingredients or/and finished products on animals? We never test on animals 

2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party? If your answer is no, how do you ensure that your manufacturers do not test? No, all of our products are designed and made in Los Angeles in our own facility.  We test our products with our family and friends exclusively. 

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 have a parent company? If so who are they? No 

6. 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 

7. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source? We do not use either of these ingredients in our products. 

8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase? Our eye cream is currently our only product, we will be releasing more soon. 

As you can tell, they meet the criteria I look for when determining a company's CF status.

I rarely get emails from companies seeking to send me products to review. Which doesn't bother me (sure it'd be nice) because I started this blog to share information and meet people who had similar interests, not to get 'stuff' out of it. I'm excited to be working with Nature's Better Body!

Leave me any feedback you'd like!

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Snatch-It-Up Sunday : Wet N' Wild's || Walking on Eggshells

Hey guys! I'm sure you've you been part of the beauty-community on YouTube you've heard the buzz about this trio. I'm of course talking about Wet N' Wild's Walking on Eggshells. It retails for $2.99.

I've had this one, as you can tell, for a while. I've always loved the shades, not only do they work great together but they are also super pigmented and smooth.

I love using the pinkie-shade all over the lid. I then use a bit of the bronzy-brown on my crease. Finally, I will use the lighter-pearly color in the inner lid. It's great for making you look wide awake! It's such a basic eyeshadow look, a classic. It won't go out of style and it complements whatever you might be wearing. This is the trio I would recommend to anyone who is just starting to wear makeup.

I've been loving it in particular this week, because I found myself waking up super late! I mean I barely had time brush my teeth let alone do my makeup! (Sorry if that's TMI). This made me look (at least on the outside) wide-awake and put together.

If you've passed this one up at the drug-store be sure to pick it up next time! I'm sure you won't regret it.

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Humane Cosmetics Act || USA to ban animal testing? MUST READ

Hey guys.

I got an email on March 6, from a PETA representative. I haven't been able to share it because I've been really busy with school. I'm sure you guys, by now, must of read or heard of the law that had been proposed to make animal testing required in the USA.

Well, this is what I received in the email:

March 6, 2014 Re: Congress Member Jim Moran's Humane Cosmetics Act PETA applauds Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) for introducing the Humane Cosmetics Act, which would ban tests on animals for cosmetics and phase out the sales of animal-tested products. Poisoning an animal for a human product makes about as much sense as using a map of Paris to find your way around New York. Animal tests are scientifically baseless and ethically wrong, and consumers have made it clear that they should be illegal, too. Since September, more than 72,000 people have contacted their congressional representatives through PETA's online action alert and urged them to ban these cruel tests. We urge Congress to pay attention and pass this bill. For information on the more than 1,300 companies that have banned tests on animals, please see PETA's online Beauty Without Bunnies cruelty-free database.

 From what I have researched, this act hasn't passed, yet! Imagine if animal testing became illegal? WOW!!!!! This would make not only all those beautiful creatures free, help our planet, but make it so much more easy to shop. (Which, of course is the least of the advantages of this law. But still just picture it!)

I urge you to contact your the Congressman that represents you! The HumaneSociety, allows you to use a template to contact your representative to urge them to support this act. You can call, send emails, or even tweet them.

 If you are like me, and didn't know who represents you can find them -using your zip code- on House.gov (the site for the US House of Representatives).

I know that with all our voices this act won't be a dream for long but rather became a reality.

Lots of Love,

Camila

Snatch-It-Up Saturday || Tree Hut's Shea Sugar Body Scrub in 'Coconut Lime' YUMM!

I wanted to start a new weekly thing on my blog. I wasn't sure what, but I knew I wanted something fast and straight-forward.

I thought Id be an awesome idea (if I do say so myself) to let you know of something I've been really loving that you NEED to get a hold of. It doesn't have to be beauty-related at all. It could be anything. (I'm sure most of it will be beauty-related, though).

The Tree-Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub. Can we please have a minute of silence, for the amazing-ness of this product!

Scent: 
The scent was the first thing to "sucker" me into buying this guy. It is not overly coconut-y, the lime really balances the scent. It's yummy! It made me crave summer so bad! (Mind you I got this in the beginning of January -which was still chilly even in California. ) It lingers on your skin! It's not a scent that is overwhelming, it's more like your get whiffs of it throughout the day.

If you really can't get past anything remotely close to the smell of Coconut, they do have other "flavors". (It does smell delicious, but it's not edible so try not to snack on it). They have Brazilian Nut, Mango, etc (those are the ones I can remember off-the-top of my head.)

Application:
It is rather thick which makes it easy to apply, as it does not run between your fingers. The sugar is just rough enough to exfoliate the skin of your body. However, do not use it on your face! It would be too rough for that skin.

I used this especially for my legs, and they have NEVER felt smoother! It's been a month since I've run-out and I can definitely tell the difference. If you are someone, like moi, that gets in-grown hairs on your legs easily after shaving, please give this a go! I also used it on my arms (I used it everywhere) and ughhh it's just soooo good! I really think it's worth your time.

Price:
It retails at Ulta (I'm sure at other places) for $7.49. Which I think is a great bargain, it's a wonderful product and you get a 18 oz tub of it.

I hope you enjoyed this post. I'm excited to do another one next Sunday! Hopefully I'll get it up a little bit earlier!

Lots of Love, 

Camila

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Bubble T Cosmetics | Animal Testing Inquiry

I've become paranoid about using companies logos. I don't want to get in trouble, so for now I'll either not post a picture to accompany an article or will s a pic of their site & link them. If you are a lawyer, let me know what the legal wrought to take. :) 

Hey guys! THis is going to be a fun & different post. I have wonderful readers that email with the information they have found about companies. Which I appreciate a lot, seeing as if more of us email a company the more that company is pressured into answering our questions.

Well, a beautiful reader named Adele (not sure if you want your last name displayed) sent me her correspondence with Bubble T Cosmetics. It is very thorough & awesome so I asked her if I could share it with you all. I had never heard of this company until she messaged me about it.

She used the template posed on this blog. (click here & feel free to use it)!

Here was their reply:

Dear Adele,
I hope you are well.
I am happy to answer your questions.
1. Does your company test ingredients or/and finished products on animals?Our company does not and will not test on animals in terms of ingredients or finished product 

2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party? If your answer is no, how do you ensure that your manufacturers do not test?We don't use a 3rd part at all - we use a small manufacturer in the south of England where all our products are hand made - we have quality control employees who will assess the production line once our products are being made in bulk.

3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals?Our manufacturers don't test on animals for us or for any other brands that they provide for - we take pride in the fact that we are against animal testing and were BUAV approved until it was compulsory in the UK to not test on animals 

4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals?We are affiliated with our sister brand 'Nougat London' who also have the same morals and ethical view on animal testing - using the same manufacturer and supplier. 

5. Do you have a parent company? If so who are they? 'Nougat London' 

6. 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? 
Bubble T and Nougat both do not sell products in China currently - prior to selling in the market each and every formulation needs to be registered with a fee which is why we are not considering this for the moment. 

7. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source? 
We do not use either of those ingredients 

8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase? We cannot verify if any of our products are vegan -
I hope i have answered your questions and if any further questions come to mind please do not hesitate to ask.
If you planning on ordering from our site we would be happy to send you a free gift on top of your order to thank you for your interest in our beautiful range.

Kind Regards,

What awesome research! Adele sent me this a while back, but I haven't had time to post anything until today. So, sorry about that. 

I would definitely feel safe purchasing from them. I will email their company: Nougat London,;just to make sure there are no contractions with what is listed above. (I'm a perfectionist what can I say?) 

Other than not testing their raw ingredients on animals, having a compliant parent company with the same views on animal testing, and not selling in China; I think it's awesome that they are accreddited by BUAV. 

What do you think about their reply to these questions? Let me know your thoughts! & Thank you Adele if you are reading this :)

Lots of Love,

Camila

ELF's Moisturizing Lipsticks Swatches and Review ||

Hey guys! I wanted to share some pics and my thoughts on ELF's Moisturizing Lipsticks. 

They retail for $3 on the ELF site! 

I've had them for about a month. 

I picked up: 'Red Carpet', 'Velvet Rope', 'Ravishing Rose', and 'Coral Cutie' ! 

On the packaging they originally come in, it says:

"The velvet, satin texture glides on lips with vibrant color and luminous shine." 

I would agree with this. They are creamy and really opaque, and leave your lips with a nice shine. However, I noticed that 'Ravishing Rose' is more matte and less shiny. Compared to the others, it does not leave my lips feeling as moisturized. I say 'as moistuized' because these lipsticks do leave your lips feeling nice and plump. They feel nice and comfortable! I was really surprised and pleased because my lips seem to always be dry, especially during these cooler days.  

They are so nice and creamy!  I can't stress that enough. They apply nicely and consistently, not patchy at all. 

They are also supposed to be 'long-lasting'. I agree completely. However, if you plan to spend 12-hours out (like me on the weekdays at school) you will need to reapply. If you don't, you'll have a nice stain! It's lovely! 

Going back to 'Ravishing Rose', I love this color. It's my favorite of the bunch and I find myself wearing it the most. It's such a beautiful color and if you like berry-rosey lipies you won't be disappointed. Having said that, this one is more like a regular lipstick. It's not as moisturizing. It's definitely not uncomfortable to wear but I just thought I'd mention it.

SCENT: They have a subtle vanilla aroma. I like it a lot! 

Overall I am very very please, and wish my Target sold more ELF products so I didn't have to order them online. Also, ELF when are you planning of setting up a store in California? Please make my wish come true! 

Definitely small enough to fit in your bag for travel. They come in a square tub, rather than your traditional round one. I think it's really different and nice. It also looks very chic and expensive! 

With FLASH 

Without FLASH in natural lighting. 

SURPRISE Product. 

ELF's $1 Lipstick in 'sociable'.

HAHA! *Insert evil genius laugh!*

I also picked this guy up along with the other lipies! I honestly haven't worn it yet, but I thought it'd be fun to share some swatches!

So far I can tell it's very opaque, but unlike the Moisturizing range this lipstick has tiny speaks of silver!

Usually I stay away from glittery or frosty lipsticks but I couldn't tell on the site. Also, it's really not as annoying as other lipsticks that have glitter. It's very minimal. (As far as I can tell). 

It's nice and sturdy packaging. Not as chic-looking but for a $1 lipstick, it's fine!

no flash

flash

Hope this was helpful or fun to read. I don't like making my reviews too long! I like to get right to the point, hope that's ok! Leave me feedback or just say Hi, if you'd like!

Lots of Love,

Camila

***Diclaimer: I bought these with my own money. However, if ELF sent me some stuff I wouldn't complain. 

Lorac Cosmetics | Animal Testing Info

Hey guys! I received a reply from Lorac. I emailed them using the format I always use.

I'm not going to say much about this, I'm typing this in a hurry. (I've got class in a couple of minutes). I will say that I'm not 100% happy with it, but it does answer a vast of my questions. Be sure to leave your comments, tell me what you think.

Dear Camila,
Thank you for contacting LORAC Cosmetics. LORAC does not support the testing of products on animals and we ask all suppliers to support this point of view and all suppliers state that they do so. LORAC does not use a third party to test on animals. LORAC does not sell in countries requiring animal testing. Please note, LORAC cannot warrant or certify that all suppliers who say they do not test on animals in fact do not test on animals. Additionally, notwithstanding the statements of suppliers to LORAC, LORAC has no way of knowing what the “suppliers of the suppliers” are doing. In regards to the vegan ingredients there is no way to know for sure due to the lack of control over raw ingredients.

Please let us know if LORAC can further assist you!
Sincerely,
LORAC Customer Care

Lots of Love,
Camila

URGENT Animal Testing Law Info in USA | MUST READ

Hey guys!

Please, PLEASE read this article by Leaping Bunny I will link, here. I would publish it here, but I just heard about it and don't have permission to post it. It's about a new law (not yet passed, but under consideration) that would make animal testing required by law in the US. Costing millions of animals lives and millions of dollars. It's crucial we unite to make sure this does NOT pass! We have tremendous say and must ask quickly. I will try to find out how we can make this law disappear.

Lots of Love,

Camila

♥ derma e : Evenly Radiant Makeup Remover | Review

Hey guys! Today I wanted to review the derma e : Evenly Radiant Makeup Remover. I gave you a peak of my opinion of this product in my Skin Care Tool Kit post. 

However, I received a comment from the beautiful Shawna Del Real  (BTW she makes YT videos & they are soo amazing, so check her out) explaining to me a more effective method of using this product.

I took her advice & sure enough she was 100% right! 

♥ My Routine:

I prep my eye with luke warm water, just to get the makeup moving. Then I go ahead with my cotton pad and apply makeup a teaspoon amount of this product. I hold it against my eye for 10-seconds (maybe less). I gently scrub and BAM! it's gone. I repeat this with my other eye. Finally, I apply a pea sized amount to remove my foundation & face makeup. 

I'm so shocked at how this technique has changed how I feel about this product! I use less of it and it removes more of the gunk. 

I've also used it on the delicate lower lash line of my eyes and it does not irritate them at all. 

It does not cause me to break out; however I do not have sensitive skin. 

Meanwhile, they do use some of the best ingredients out there (as you can see from the picture below). For a list of the ingredients click here. 

I'm so glad I gave this product a second chance & will continue to purchase it! It is kinda on the more pricey side of the spectrum, retailing at $12.75 for 4 oz. I was lucky to pick it up (Ulta was having a sale ) for $6.00ish dollars. If you know where to find this product for a more budget-college-student-with-a-minimum-wage job-friendly price PLEASE let us (me) know. Haha. ;) 

If you have recommendations of other derma e products please let me know. 

I am currently using their Vitamin E Severely Dry Skin Creme & am liking :) 

Lots of Love,

Camila 

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*disclaimer: This product was not sent to me. I bought it with my own money. If derma e wants to sent me products to review, I'd be more than happy to accept them. I pride myself in giving an honest opinion. :) 

L.A. Colors and Beauty 21 | Animal Testing Inquiry

Hey guys! Have you heard of L.A. colors? or I'm sure you've seen Beauty 21.  If you've never heard of them, they do a lot of things: eyeshadow, nail polish, face products, etc. I usually find them in Dollar Tree and drug stores. I own a few of their products & am impressed. (Especially with the lipies).

I emailed LA colors about their animal testing policy. I used the format I always use.
This was their reply:

Thank you for contacting L.A. Girl USA Cosmetics.
In regards to Animal Testing, please be certain that our products are NOT tested on animals. None of the raw materials or manufacturing process through finished goods are tested on animals. Our parent company, Beauty 21 Cosmetics Inc. is also part of the cruelty-free PETA program. 
L.A. Girl and our parent company, Beauty 21 Cosmetics, do not offer/sell our products in China. Some of our products do contain Carmine (which is derived from an insect) and Lanolin which is derived from sheep’s wool.  If you are interested in a specific product, please let us know and we can specify for you. Hope this helps! Thanks for writing to us. Sincerely,Customer Service Dept.of L.A. Girl Cosmetics

YAY! It's nice that they address the China question, but they can vouch for the policy of their parent company. Also, they are on PETA's list, which is always reassuring.
They did not address every single one of the questions I asked, but as far as my criteria for determining CF status, they meet all the points.

I feel safe buying from them & will do in the future <3

Lots of Love,

Camila

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BECCA Cosmetics | Animal Testing Inquiry

UPDATE: Thank you guys for helping me figure this puzzle out. A wonderful reader (see comments) gave me this link where it states BECCA's parent company(Cosmetic Developments Limited). I will be emailing them! Also, I'm not 100% how the regulations go for Hong Kong (i've heard repeatedly that they aren't the same as those for mainland China). I'm not expert on this & will have to contact LeapingBunny to ask them about this. I will keep you guys posed! I valve you're input tremendously!



Hey guys.
I emailed BECCA and received a reply. They answered all my questions and I find that the information provided is useful. However, I was left with more questions! Ok, enough teasing, this is what I received:

Hi Camila,
Happy Wednesday and thank you for writing in with your BECCA inquiry!
1. Does your company test ingredients or/and finished products on animals? No2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party? If your answer is no, how do you ensure that your manufacturers do not test?  No. We have documentation that states such under EU Law.3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals? No4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals? No5. Do you have a parent company? If so who are they? Yes we do have a parent company6. 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? We don’t have a distributor that specifically covers Mainland China. However, our international Distributors cover Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan that service many tourists from China.7. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source? We have Carnauba Wax in mascara, compact concealer, pressed bronzer (duende), nude lip liner .8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase?
Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Opal, Moonstone and TopazBronzing Skin PerfectorUltimate Color GlossRadiant Skin Creamy ConcealerMatte Skin Shine Proof FDTResurfacing Primer 

Thoughts:
1. Why didn't they state their parent company? I actually googled it but haven't found a name. If you know let me know!!
2. Their answer to the China question. WHAT?! I am typing this rather late at night, maybe I'm reading it wrong, but I don't understand their answer. I will email them back and ask for clarification.

Let me know what you think!! If you know something, share with us!

Lots of Love,
Camila

Benefit Cosmetics | Animal Testing Inquiry

UPDATE: A lot of you are letting me know (in the comments) that benefit sells in China. Which in itself tells us that animal testing has occurred. I will not be supporting them! Check out their site. 

Hey guys!

I contacted Benefit some time in December. I got a reply from them. I stalled in sharing it because I found it rather vague. However, I thought you'd like to read it and I would also share my thoughts. 

I emailed them using the same format I always use. 

This was their reply:

Hi Camila,
Benefit does not test our cosmetic products on animals. When selecting the ingredients to be used in our cosmetic products, Benefit requires raw material suppliers to provide safety information based on scientifically accepted alternative testing methods that meet international safety standards and regulations. Benefit products must meet both consumers’ needs and consumer safety, while respecting animal life. Benefit continues to strongly support & favor alternative testing and is committed to following all animal testing laws and regulations in order to ensure our products’ safety for the end consumer. 

First of all, they did not address all of my questions. Secondly, as you can tell (I'm sure), the part I've bolded is the definition of vague. They claim to use alternatives to animal testing, but also follow "animal testing laws and regulations". I don't want to speculate too much, but I have a bad feeling about this. I certainly would not purchase from them at this time. I will try to contact them again, asking them to be more specific. I will keep you guys updated. 

Lots of Love,

Camila

Sigma Beauty | Animal Testing Correspondence

Hey guys! I got a reply from Sigma. I wanted to share it right away because the correspondence I had with them was smooth! I didn't have to email them more than once, which is nice. 

I emailed them using the format I always use.

This was their reply:

Hello Camila,

Thank you for your email. I am happy to help you with these questions. I have provided the questions and answers below.

1. Does your company test ingredients or/and finished products on animals? NO
2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party? If your answer is no, how do you ensure that your manufacturers do not test? 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 have a parent company? If so who are they? NO, Sigma does not have a parent company.
6. 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
7. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source?

 Yes, extracted from the leaves of Carnauba palm. Yes the Carnauba wax is sustainable and organic.
8. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase? All of our Synthetic brushes are Vegan and can be found here http://www.sigmabeauty.com/category_s/50.htm

Please let me know if you have any other questions I can help you with.

Best Regards,

I'm excited share this with you all. You can imagine I was quite happy when I received this reply. 

As for what I look for when determining cruelty-free status, Sigma Beauty meets my criteria. I look for three major factors when determining the animal testing status of a company: parent company , suppliers of raw ingredients, and if products are sold in China. To read more about why I look for these criteria, click here. 

Share your feedback! 

Lots of Love,

Camila