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. ☼

NYX Cosmetics

UPDATE (June 19, 2013): NYX has emailed me assuring me of the compliance of their raw ingredient manufactures. This is what they said: 

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out! NYX Cosmetics is certified and acknowledged by organizations, such as PETA, as a cruelty free brand. NYX is committed to producing 100% cruelty-free cosmetics. NYX does not test any of its raw materials or finished products on animals.
Kindest Regards,
NYX Cosmetics

I will be adding them back to My Cruelty Free list.  



UPDATE: (June 11, 2013) 
I have heard some unsettling news from one of my lovely readers (Deani). Please click here, she linked me to this article. I'm going to be calling them. I will keep you all updated!!


Hey guys. 

HOORAY!! I finally received a reply from NYX cosmetics. After countless attempts, I decided to get more assertive and demand a reply. This is what I send out to them: 
     

    

 "I have read your FAQ's page and have looked the PETA's DO NOT list [click here to check it out] . I am aware your   company does not test on animals; however since I am conducting my own research I would like a reply from a representative reinforcing that fact. This is my third effort in trying to contact you guys. IF i receive a reply I will be sharing it on humanelychic.blogspot.com . I know you must receive many of these emails; but as a customer I think I deserve to have my question addressed on an individual level. -Camila A." 

Clearly, you can note my impatience, but come on, how hard is it to reply? Well, by-gones be by-gones! NYX is still one of the few big brand companies that is cruelty-free and I will forgive them just for that fact :) <3 

This is what I received in reply: 

"Hi Camila,
We do not test on animals and choose our vendors who know our commitment to being animal cruelty free. We do not sell our products in countries that require animal testing. We renewed our PETA symbol as shown on our website. We hope this helps. Sorry for the late reply.
Best,
NYX Cosmetics"

So what do I think?

I am esthetic, I held off on purchasing from NYX because I really felt that in order to make my research something "scholarly" or more credible, I needed something official from the company. I feel completely safe buying from them, and I will be doing so soon. ;)

Email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com if you want to share your NYX research or if you have a question for me. Comment below, I would love to know your opinion.


-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 

Wet N' Wild

Hey guys.

     I have tried to communicate with Wet N' Wild for some time now and have been unsuccessful. Although, I have a good idea of their animals testing policy, I want a representative to reassure me. So far this is what I know:

On WNWbeauty.com (Wet N' Wild's website), if you search under contact, you will find a Q & A section. This is their answer in regards to their animal testing policy:

"What is wet n wild's animal testing policy?

As a Peta-certified, cruelty-free brand, we're proud to say we have never and will never test on animals. We also make it a point to work with cruelty-free, third-party vendors. wet n wild loves our furry, scaly, and feathery friends!"

Wet N' Wild is on Peta's List of Companies that DO NOT!!! test on animals. They are not on LeapingBunny's list, however. When you look at Peta's list you will notice that in parenthesis it says (Markwins). That indicates the parent company. Meaning Wet N' Wild is owned by Markwins International. If you scroll down to the m's, you'll also notice that Markwins International is also on Peta's List of Companies that DO NOT test on animals. When you are fighting for animal rights and to end animal testing, you have to look at the parent company. Take a company like Burt's Bee's who claims to be natural and cruelty-free; however, it is operated by Clorox a company that does animal testing. If you are supporting one company you are also supporting its parent company. Be careful and do research, triple check if you must.

Although, I have a good feeling about Wet N' Wild I will put off buying their products until I receive proper confirmation from a representative. I also want to look into Markwins International and check out what other companies they own. If you have any information you want to share contact me at ca.alva@yahoo.com . Comment below, I would love to hear your opinion.




-Camila A.

tarte cosmetics animal testing policy

Hey guys.

I have received an email from a Tarte representative in regards to their animal testing policy. As always I will share it:

"Hello Camila,

  Thank you for contacting tarte cosmetics customer service. tarte cosmetics is not owned by a parent company. We are a cruelty free brand recognized by PETA that does not support animal testing or work with companies that do. Also, our products are not sold in China.  Please email me if you have any other questions.
Thank you!"

HOORAY!!

Finally a company that cuts the bs and gets to the point. I have watched many YouTube Beauty Gurus, that use cruelty-free makeup, talk about tarte cosmetics, so I had a good feeling about their company; however, I felt inclined to do my own research. Tarte is also in PETA's cruelty free list. (click here to access it) They are not on LeapingBunny's. It could be that they haven't gone through the process, or don't feel like they need to be certified by both companies. As of now I would feel safe about purchasing from Tarte. If you know anything, that might make me change my idea of tarte cosmetics feel free to email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com . Comment and let me know what you think.

-Camila :)

"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

Sonia Kashuk

Hey guys.

I received a reply from a representative of Sonia Kashuk. As you know, in the USA Sonia Kashuk products are sold in Target, as far as I'm aware. They have eyeshadow, brushes, blush, eyeliner the works. This is what the email said:

"Hi Camila,
     Thank you for contacting us! No, all of our products are cruelty-free and we are completely against harming any animals in any way for the production of our products.

       This stance on animal cruelty applies to our cosmetic products as well as our brushes. We also ensure our manufacturers and suppliers do not test on animals as we are extremely against it! 

    Our company is very passionate about this as I'm sure you are too and we will diligently keep our policies as such. However, our products are not vegan, since we do use animal by-products in our line. That being said, all animal by products used are still cruelty free. For instance, beeswax is used in our lipstick. This is an animal by-product making the lipstick non-vegan, but obtaining beeswax does not harm the bee. Another example is our natural hair brushes. The bristles are made of animal hair, which is an animal by-product, but the hair is obtained through a simple hair cut, just like cutting human hair, leaving the animal alive and unharmed. 

     You can go to our website, www.soniakashuk.com for full ingredient listings of all products to determine which products have non-vegan ingredients and of course, all synthetic brushes are vegan. 

     As I stated prior, we do NOT test on animals, we are extremely against this and we are very passionate about anti-animal cruelty so we always rigorously maintain these policies. You should also be happy to know we are not sold in China, currently just the US, as I’m sure you are aware of their requirement of animal testing. As for the origin of palm oil/carnuaba wax, I am not sure if we even use this in production of our product but I will look into this matter further. I hope this helps and if you have any further inquires please do not hesitate to ask.

Thanks!

 {names are omitted], Inc.

www.SoniaKashuk.com"

Although, not all of Sonia Kashuk Products are vegan, I would still feel extremely comfortable purchasing from them. They do not sell in China which is a big factor of how I decide which companies I will support. Also, they do NOT test on animals, which is my main concern. Does the fact that they are not completely vegan bother me?

No. I'm a vegetarian, not a vegan. I try to look for vegan products because I don't like the way animals are treated, They are considered merchandise and made to produce, and produce, and produce without rest. Like chickens, cows, pigs that are cultivated and feed at times their own meat, cows are given corn, pigs are given all the scraps,etc. I do believe God created animals to serve as our food, not all animals. As of now I would never go back and eat meat, because what I eat is normal to me. However, I support people who purchase grass-feed beef, and antibiotic free turkey and chicken.

Also, the fact that Sonia Kashuk is one of the first companies that explains in detail how they collect the natural hairs from the animals, shows me that they do not have anything to hide. They also talk about the manner in which they gather the honey. Quite, honestly I would research still more about their exact methods for doing so, but as of now I would definitely purchase from them.


I must confess I am really delighted with this email and feel that if more companies were like this, willing to produce awesome cruelty-free products, this country would be a much better place.




-Camila A.







P.S. What do you think?

Urban Decay Update

UPDATE: (April 28, 2013) Urban Decay was purchased by L'Oreal Paris, sometime in November of 2012. L'Oreal is NOT cruelty-free. To read all the details click here. To read my correspondence with L'Oreal click here. 

DISCLAIMER: This was published BEFORE L'Oreal purchased UrbanDecay!!!!
_________________________________________________________________
Hey guys.
 So I received a reply from a Urban Decay representative in regards to selling in China.

My question:

"[names are omitted],Thank you for your correspondence. I have one question, that wasn't addressed in the link you provided. Does UrbanDecay sale in China? If so, how does the company get around the Chinese animal testing policy? Thank you in advance.Camila Alvarez "

Response:

"Hi Camila,We currently do not sell our products in China.Best Regards,[any names will be omitted]"

So, as you can see Urban Decay is completely cruelty-free. 

1. their "raw materials" are not tested on animals. 

2. nor are their final products

3.they DO NOT sell in China 

4. they have many vegan products 

5. They are listed on PETA's and Leaping Bunny's list of Cruelty-free companies.

6. I will be adding them to my cruelty-free list, once it's done. Unless, new information arises.

For now, I would feel comfortable buying their products. Not that I will anytime soon, I'm a college student after all. This view might change if, like i mentioned new information arises. 

It's difficult to know 100%, that a company is cruelty-free. That's why it's important of us to petition and to ask, and ask, and ask, for these companies to go cruelty-free. It's the power of the many. Vote with your money for cruelty-free companies. Hopefully, someday we will live in a society that values the life's of animals. A society, that see's them as friends rather than petri-dishes.

-Camila A.  

P.S. Leave your opinion or/and feedback. I would love to hear people's opinions. 

Urban Decay

Hey guys.
I emailed Urban Decay, using the format letter. I received a reply today. I would like to share it :

"Dear Ms. Camila Alvarez,
Customer Service has forward your email to me.
    We at Urban Decay Cosmetics are extremely concerned about our customer's satisfaction and do value the input from our devoted customers, so we appreciate you writing to us in regards to the research you are doing on animal testing. Please refer to the following links on our website to answer your questions-
http://www.urbandecay.com/Animal-Testing-Policy/animal-testing-policy,default,pg.html   We hope you continue to enjoy products from the Urban Decay line as you will continue to see our quality is amongst the very best. We truly appreciate and thank you for your patronage.
   Best regards,
UD Regulatory DepartmentUrban Decay Cosmetics LLC

833 W. 16th StreetNewport Beach, CA 92663Phone: 949.631.4504"

If you go to the link provided here is what it says:

"Animal Testing PolicyUrban Decay is a cruelty-free brand and is committed to ending animal testing. We do not test our finished products on animals, nor do we allow others to test on our behalf. Additionally, we require our suppliers to certify that the raw materials used in the manufacture of our products are not tested on animals. Our practices are certified by both PETA and The Leaping Bunny Program (CCIC) as cruelty-free."

Usually when companies state that their final product is not tested on animals, it implies that their ingredients might be tested on animals. However, it specifically states that the "raw materials" meaning the ingredients are not tested on animals. UrbanDecay, also states that they require suppliers to certify the "raw materials" as cruelty-free. If you have looked at the cruelty-free lists offered by both PETA and LeapingBunny.org you would be similar with UrbanDecay as one of the few huge makeup companies that are widely known as cruelty-free. So why was I inclined to follow up on them?

Its important to conduct your own research. Its easy, specially in our society, to be gullible and apathetic in regards to facts or news. Although, PETA and LeapingBunny are both committed to helping those of us who want to go cruelty-free, they can make mistakes. In order for me to feel secure in my purchase of cruelty-free cosmetics I need to "see" the truths for myself. I encourage you to use PETA and Leaping Bunny and my blog as accessories to your research. That's another reason I strongly encourage you all to email these companies and ask them about their policies. See for yourself first, then make an educated decision. If you do contact these companies please share below in the comments or email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com.




So now, how do I feel about purchasing from UrbanDecay?

I feel more comfortable. Will I go out and get myself the Naked Palette, as of now? No. I heard many contradictory stories about UrbanDecay. From random blogs. (Read veggiebeauty.com).

Therefore, I emailed them back, asking about their policy for selling in China. Many cruelty-free companies sell in China, through the web and therefore, do not need regulate to China's required testing on animals policy. Once, I get a response I will share it here.




Comment below and tell me how you feel about UrbanDecay.




-Camila