MAC

Hey guys.
I finally received a reply from a MAC representative. I'm not sure if you are aware of  it but MAC is actually owned my Estée Lauder ( read my correspondence and you will see.)  I knew what was coming. Though, I am not surprised, my passion for blogging about companies like these has grown. Read for yourself.

"Wednesday, November 7, 2012 8:49 AM

Dear Ms. Alvarez,

Thank you for your interest in M.A.C, a brand of the Estée Lauder Companies. We apologize for the delay in our response.

Providing consumers with products unsurpassed in quality and safety, while strictly adhering to legal requirements wherever we do business, is part of the deep heritage of the Estée Lauder Companies.

Our longstanding commitment to end animal testing has not changed: we do not test our products or ingredients on animals, nor do we ask others to test on our behalf, except where required by law.

We were one of the first cosmetic companies to demonstrate that cosmetic product safety can be achieved by non-animal testing methods. We are proud of the role we have played in advocating to regulators and industry participants worldwide, that cosmetic product safety can be proven by means other than animal testing. We have consistently supported the research program coordinated by the European trade association, Cosmetics Europe, for the replacement of animal tests since its inception 20 years ago. This broad program includes projects co-funded by the European Commission such as SEURAT (Safety Evaluation Ultimately Replacing Animal Testing). We are also members of the European Partnership for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EPAA), an initiative launched in 2005 by stakeholders from various industries, including the European Commission, to promote the sharing of knowledge across industries and facilitate the validation and acceptance of alternative test methods and strategies.

We are proud of our role in the great progress that has been made in eliminating animal testing around the world. Given, however, that there are still countries that require some animal testing, we have an opportunity to encourage global acceptance of scientifically validated non-animal testing methods. We are increasing our efforts and investments to make this goal a reality. Our activities toward this end include:

• Hosting industry dialogues and consortia to discuss the promotion of non-animal testing, state-of-the-art research and new breakthroughs in in vitro and other advanced testing methods, to regulators throughout the world

• Contributing funds to the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), a US-based non-profit research and testing laboratory dedicated to the advancement of in vitro (non-animal) methods worldwide

• Developing and implementing programs in China and other markets where in vitro testing is not accepted in order to educate scientists on the scientifically validated safety record of these methods

• Continuing to support innovation at maximum speed and sharing protocols with regulators and industry participants worldwide

In addition, I appreciate the opportunity to explain that I do not have a comprehensive list of products that contain or do not contain specific ingredients. However, if you would kindly provide me with the specific names of products with which you are interested, I will be happy to have our chemist check for each of them.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[I omitted the name, just for privacy, I don't want this person who is just trying to survive to get a bunch of haters]
Consumer Response Representative" 

   

    MAC is stating how much they have tried to end animal testing, apparently for 20 years now,by partnering with SEURAT (Safety Evaluation Ultimately Replacing Animal Testing). I have no doubt this is not true, and I applaud their efforts, but it does not change anything. Why can companies like Urban Decay, Wet N' Wild, Tarte, Sonia Kashuk, etc. deliver amazing quality products without having to resort to those inhumane means, especially when they are completely unnecessary? They chose to.

  

  Remember there are 1.3 billion people in China, that is a huge market. Companies like MAC, Revlon, and Maybelline are not stupid, they know what 1.3 billion people means for their pockets. The world would be a nicer place if these CEO types, who make millions of dollars, would considered stuffing their pockets with some humanity.

    

    I know many of you are not sure what to think when you investigate these companies and receive replies, like the one above, that are inconclusive.

   

    There are "signs" of trouble that you can look out for, when you are in contact with a company. First, if they say something a long the lines of: we don't test on animals.....unless required by law. It just means: we test on animals. Also, any company that sales in China, at specific retail outlets (its different with selling online); it just means : we test on animals.

     I'm sorry if it seems like I'm just ranting. But I have to be honest with you guys and myself about how I feel. How would it benefit anyone if i tried to be "politically correct"? 

    

    The only MAC product I own, my sister actually "borrowed" from a friend; then I "borrowed" it from her. All, I can say is that my Cruelty-Free Wet N' Wild eyeshadows give those a run for their money. They are as pigmented, and dare I say more buttery. If you are a MAC-die hard user, know that behind their "oh-la-la" look, stands a dark reality. Behind, the glitter and the red lips, is the scarlett blood of innocent creatures. Ask yourself, is the status I get from my peers by showcasing my "MAC" compact worth it? I know what my answer is.
 

-Camila A. ☼

Sleek Makeup

April 23, 2013 UPDATE: I published the article below on October 19, 2012. After at least five + attempts to try to contact them, I don't know how I would feel about supporting such an inconsiderate company, even if they are cruelty-free. I will however, keep you updated. 




Hey guys.

     I've been relentless in trying to contact Sleekmakeup.com and have been unsuccessful. Big surprise!! Since the people at Sleek are ignoring me, I have taken my own measures. I have been snooping around, checking their status with animal rights organizations. What I have found is...well you decide for yourself. 
     First, they are not listed in either PETA's DON'T list and PETA's DO list; or on LeapingBunny's list. Wanting to give Sleekmakeup a chance to redeem themselves I ventured on to Nottested.co.uk ; which is a UK animal rights website, that gives list of various other company's animal testing policies.
   Companies that are highlighted in orange, are those : "Companies yet to respond or who have ambiguous policies (i.e. Those that do not clearly state that both the finished products and ingredients are not tested on animals)" 

     When you scroll down to Sleekmakeup, there is a statement from the company ; which is: ""[We] confirm that we do not test any of our products on animals during any phase of the product’s development, and therefore declare that all cosmetic products comply with the EEC Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC that are not tested on animals."

    They do not have a parent company. 
     If this is true, why not become certified by a credible organization, like PETA or Leaping Bunny???
     Companies like this make me think "SHADY!" Although, I hate companies like Revlon, Maybelline, Burt's Bee's (Clorox), etc... but at least those companies, in their conservative ways, either state they are testing on animals, or "indicate" they are. 
     It's really disappointing. I have tired three times now to contact them, no reply so far. I will keep trying! Even if it means taking a trip to the UK. 
     Leave your opinions below, or contact me privately at ca.alva@yahoo.com 

"Tell Revlon to Come Clean About Animal Testing in China" PETITION

Hey guys.

        Yesterday, I posted my correspondence with Revlon. If you read the email I received, you will note that Revlon did not directly answer my question. I was doing more research when I came across this page. It's called The PETA files. I do not have permission from them to share the info but I HIGHLY recommend you check it out. (click here).
     
       In the article they discuss Revlon's "shaddy" behavior, for lack of a better word. Revlon sales in China, and in order to sale cosmetic products in China, companies must test on animals. There is a LINK to sign a petiton, basically telling Revlon you will boycott their products if they continue to sale in China. In a few days I will have an opinon post on another aspect this website addresses. However, please take one minute and sign this petition. The more people who stand for animal's rights, the louder of a voice they will be given.
To sign the petition just click on REVLON STOP SELLING IN CHINA.


-CAMILA A. 

Revlon

Hey guys.

Sorry, it's been a while. I've emailed Physician's Formula, Wet N' Wild, Sleek Makeup, and a few more but haven't received a reply.

I did however, receive a reply from a Revlon representative. I would like to share that email here:

"Dear Ms. Alvarez:
Thank you for your recent comments from the Revlon website and for voicing your concern to us.
Revlon is in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to animal testing. All ingredients used by Revlon and all products manufactured and sold by Revlon comply with both U.S. and European Union laws and regulations, including full compliance with all Europe-wide bans on testing of cosmetics and cosmetics ingredients using animals, which are part of the European Cosmetics Directive.

Revlon has long been an industry leader in the elimination of animal testing. In 1986, Revlon was the first beauty products manufacturer to close down its animal testing facilities completely. In addition, Revlon holds its suppliers of ingredients and components to the same standards. All chemical supplier purchase orders require confirmation by the supplier that it does not perform animal testing on materials supplied.

To assure product safety, Revlon relies on the judgment of pharmacologic, toxicologic and medical experts, non-animal alternative test methods and the established safety of formulations and ingredients. Revlon is committed to providing safe and effective products and will continue to comply with all government laws and regulations necessary to assure the quality, safety and efficacy of its products.
Thank you for your interest in our company. If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Please do not reply to this e-mail. Replies sent to this email address cannot be answered. If you have additional comments about this issue, please click here:
http://www.econsumeraffairs.com/rev/contactUsFollowUp.htm?F1=002648819A&F2=RE&
If you have comments on a separate issue, please return to our corporate website: http://www.revlon.com
Sincerely,

[names have been omitted]Senior Consumer Information Representative"

     

This email reminds me a lot of the reply I received from Maybelline. While, it's very factual and gives a lot of "history" it evades most of the questions I asked.

Why do they insist on running away from my question? Its a simple question, the answer is either YES or NO.

My Q: So does Revlon test their final products on animals?

Their Answer: "Revlon is committed to providing safe and effective products and will continue to comply with all government laws and regulations necessary to assure the quality, safety and efficacy of its products."

When companies claim that the government has regulations about animal testing, when the FDA's website (click to go to site) clearly states that animal testing is not required it makes me distrust them. They are evading the question, instead of telling me " Yes, we test on animals." I feel like they are trying to excuse their behavior and make themselves feel better about the horrors they commit.

In regards to whether they do third party testing, meaning if their suppliers test their products on animals, Revlon claims to ensure the suppliers do not. However, even if is true, how is it benefiting animals, when the product that is sold is tested on them? IT DOES NOT!

I will not be purchasing from Revlon. I had a feeling about them in the past, this correspondence just confirms my fears.

Please let me know what you think. Comment below, and contact Revlon for yourself. If you do share it with us. It's important to look at how they respond to different people, which might say more about them as a company.

Email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com






-Camila A