UrbanDecay purchased by L'oreal aka "The KING of ANIMAL TESTING"

Hey guys.

    I just want to put this out there. I will have a more in detail post later. However, you know what I stand for. Like Burt's Bees, that claim to be cruelty-free but is owned by Clorox, but of course Clorox tests on animals. That same thing is happening to Urban Decay. L'oreal is infamous among us animal rights activist, because they test on animals. L'oreal owns half of the drug store. (Click link to find out) !
  
   Basically STOP supporting Urban Decay. If you support Urban Decay you also support Animal Testing!!! 
    
    Please watch these videos to learn more. These ladies know what they are talking about.
Remember: I will keep you updated.

-Camila

Physicians Formula

Hey guys.
     I guess the people at Physicians Formula, and many other companies are just too busy. I've emailed them maybe three times now and have not received a reply. Yes, I know I know. That is why big companies have FAQ pages, but is a personal correspondence too much to ask for? I think not. 
     I decided, in as a desperate measure to in fact discuss what is one the Physicians Formula FAQ page. (Click the link if you wish to check it out.) 
  
 "Q. Does Physicians Formula test on animals?

    A. Physicians Formula Inc. does not conduct tests, or commission any outside facility to conduct tests that involve the use of animals. The safety of our products is determined using such alternate methods as "in-vitro" testing, human clinical evaluations and human use-trials under the supervision of a Board Certified Dermatologist." 

         The only problem I have with this is the use of "commission". If we want to get annoying technical, the definition for commission is: "the authority to perform a task or certain duties." 

      

      What does commission mean here? Does it just mean: 'We do not permit/allow "outside facility to conduct tests..." or 'We do not require "any outside facility..." See the difference? 

      

       As I am one of those, very technical persons who notices the slightest change, of course I must question the use of that word, commission. I'm sorry if that annoys you, trust me it annoys me too, but it's in my nature!!! I can't help it :( 

       

       This is where a personal correspondence with a company is important. If they took two seconds to reply to my questions the whole mystery would come to light. (Yes, I will blame them for my OCD) 

       

        In all seriousness, the use of the word commission is important to me. Animal testing is not a topic I take with a light heart. It's horrific and because it is so cruel, it must be treated in such a manner. Remember these animals are poked, cut, blinded, burned, etc. They are put in cages 24 hours of the day, feed little or nothing. No living thing deserves to live that way. When I think of these things, my OCD is very much justified. 

       Aside from that, I'm extremely happy with the rest of the answer to the Q: " Does Physicians Formula test on animals." I truly appreciate when a company tells you how they conduct their testing. They discuss the "in-vitro" method they use instead of animal testing. To be completely honest I have no idea what that is, but I now plan to find out. ;) *wink wink, hint hint* I advocate human use-trails as an alternative to animal testing. They are humane and in turn create jobs. What is there to lose?  

        Note: I will post an update, when my "commission" question is answered :) 

      

        I am, as of now, not afraid to browse the products on the Physicians Formula counter. However, I would appreciate a reply. Physicians Formula, answer my questions pretty please.!!!!

        I have used their products in the past and really enjoyed them. I encourage you, if you are interested, to join me in relentlessly emailing and trying to contact PF. If you do please let me know. Either comment below or email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com :) 

--Camila A. ☼

Real Techniques

Hey guys.

I have to be frank. I received this correspondence sometime in October. October 24th  actually. I honestly have no idea why I didn't talk about it. Might of been that I was busy with a midterm or something of that nature. Regardless, here it is. And being that I am a huge fan of the Pixiwoos sisters on YouTube I am so excited and not disappointed. This brand carries synthetic make up brushes. Read for yourself. 

"Dear Camila,Real Techniques does not subscribe to animal testing on our finished products or individual ingredients. With today’s huge bank of safety-tested ingredients and several alternative methods to animal testing available, we find it unnecessary to conduct animal safety studies on our products or ingredients. In those cases where chemicals may have never undergone safety screening, and we believe there is a reasonable basis to question the safety of such an ingredient, we take two paths. First and foremost, we try to avoid the use of such an ingredient. In some instances where the ingredient is vital to the performance of the product, we conduct other types of laboratory testing, but do not conduct testing on animals.It remains our goal to provide quality, safe, and environmentally and socially responsible products for you and your family.The FDA does not have any regulations for items which are classified as “vegan.” The term “vegan” refers to food items, and our products do not fall into that category. We do consider our products earth-friendly and we do have very natural components, such as: 100% cruelty-free synthetic Taklon bristles. We hope that you decide to purchase Real Techniques to complete your makeup looks.Thank you for your interest!All our best,Real Techniques"

     Similar to Sonia Kashuk's email, they give details to their alternative testing methods. They also state that they consider animal testing "unnecessary". Not one correspondence I've received from any other company, regardless of whether they do or do not test on animals have given a statement close to that one. It truly shows this companies ethics. 

     I'm ecstatic!! I wish that every reply I received from a cosmetic company was this honest and clear. Real Techniques gets right to the point. The first sentence is "Real Techniques does not subscribe to animal testing...." I does not get more honest than that. In fact, the entire tone of that email is friendly. 

     Not only do I recommend checking out this brand but I also recommend checking out the Pixiwoo's YouTube channel. They are Sam Chapman and Nic Haste. They are beautiful and so talented. 

     I'm planning to buy the core collection and posting a receive. Let me know if that is something you'd be interested in. Also, just a comment would be fun. I haven't received a comment yet :( *wink wink* *Hint hint* 

     Lot's of love and stay strong in the quest of making the world a little bit of a better place, with one small act of kindness each day. 

--Camila A. ☼

My Cruelty-Free

So I've contacted a good hand full of companies, enough that I feel comfortable starting my list. Of course company policies are changing daily, none that I know of as of now, so that list will possibly change. This is just letting you guys know what is to come. I still have many to contact. These are the ones I've received a reply so far:

KEY:

BLACK : NOT cruelty-free

yellow ☀ :Cruelty Free

Fushia : haven't received a reply

(P:___) Parent Company is...

✘: Parent Company DOES NOT comply

_______________________________________________________________________
1st List (Cruelty-Free Companies)

***As you can see there are a LOT more non-cruelty-free companies vs. cruelty-free (or at the ones I've researched). I recommend you check out LeapingBunny's list, where they have PLENTY of more companies you can choose from. I'm sure having a list of non-cruelty-free companies is just as helpful as GOOD companies.

Desert Essence☀

NYX☀

Physicians Formula☀

Real Techniques☀

Sonia Kashuk☀

tarte☀

Too-Faced☀

theBalm☀

Wet N' Wild☀

_______________________________________________________________________

2nd List (NOT cruelty-free COMPANIES)

(a)

Adidas (P: Coty)✘

Astor(P: Coty)✘
Almay (P: P&G companies) ✘

(b)

Burt's Bees (P: Clorox) ✘

Balenciaga (P: Coty)✘

Beyonce (P: Coty)✘

Bottega Veneta (P: Coty)✘

bareMinerals (P: Shiseido) ✘

Biotherm (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

(c)

CCB Paris (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Cacharel (P: Coty)✘

Chloe (P: Coty)✘

Calvin Klein Fragrances (P: Coty)✘

Celine Dion (P: Coty)✘

Cerruti (P: Coty)

CK ONE Color (P: Coty)✘

Chopard (P: Coty)✘
Covergirl (P: P &G companies)

(d)

Diesel (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

David Beckham (P: Coty)✘

David Off (parfume) (P: Coty)✘
Dolce & Gabbana Fragrances (P: P&G companies)

(e)

Essie (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Elite Models (P: Coty)✘

Esprit (P: Coty)✘

Estee Lauder 

(f)

Faith Hill (P: Coty)✘

(g)

Garnier (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Giorgio Armani (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Guess (P: Coty)✘

(h)

Halle Berry (P: Coty)✘

Heidi Klum (P: Coty)✘

(i)

inneov (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

(j)

Jennifer Lopez(P: Coty)✘

Jil Sander(P: Coty)✘

Joopi(P: Coty)✘

Jovan(P: Coty)✘

(k)

Keraskin Esthetics (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Kate Moss (P: Coty)✘

Kylie Minogue (P: Coty)✘

(l)

L'Oreal Paris

L'Oreal Professional (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Lancome (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

La Roche Posay (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Lady Gaga (P: Coty)✘

Lancaster(P: Coty)✘

(m)

MAC (P: Estee Lauder)✘

Maybelline (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Matrix (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Maison Martin Margiela (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Madonna (P: Coty)✘

Manhattan ✘

Marc Jacobs (P: Coty)✘

Miss Sporty (P: Coty)✘

(n)

NYX 

N.Y.C NEW YORK COLOR (P: Coty)✘

Nautica (P: Coty)✘

Nicole by OPI (P: Coty)✘

NIKOS (P: Coty)✘

Nars (P: Shiseido)✘

(o)

OPI (P: Coty)✘

(p)

Pantene (P: P&G Companies)

Pureology (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Philosophy (P: Coty)✘

Pierre Cardin (P: Coty)✘

Playboy (P: Coty)✘

(q)

N/A

(r)

Revlon (P: Estee Lauder)✘

Ralph Lauren (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Roger & Gallet (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Rimmel (P: Coty)✘

Roberto Cavalli (P: Coty)✘

(s)

Sonia Kashuk 

Softsheen (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Shu Uemura Art of Hair (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Shu Uemura (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Stella McCartney (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Skinceuticals (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Sanoflore (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Sally Hansen (P: Coty)✘

Sarah Jessica Parker (P: Coty)✘

Stetson (P: Coty)✘

Shiseido 

(t)

Tim Mcgraw (P: Coty)✘

Tjoy (P: Coty)✘

Tonino Lamborghini (P: Coty)✘

(u)

Urban Decay (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

(v)

Viktor & Rolf (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Vichy (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Vera Wang (P: Coty)✘

Vivienne Westwood (P: Coty)✘

Venus (P: P&G companies) ✘

(w)

(x)

(y)

YSL Beaute (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

YUE SAI (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

(z)

_______________________________________________________________________

Disclaimer: I look at three factors to determine if a company is cruelty-free.
1. I look at their parent company. I do not believe in supporting a brand which is under a big company that does not also have a 100% cruelty-free status. I believe this because in those situations you often don't know where your money is going. Often, it might be funding animal testing.

2. I look at the suppliers of the company's raw ingredients. Companies I consider to be 100% cruelty-free will have verified that they make sure the manufcatures of the raw ingredients comply. They are often also accredited by an animal rights organization such as PETA or LeapingBunny. This gives me more reassurance that the suppliers are also cruelty-free.

3. I look to see if the products are sold in China. I do this because for cosmetic products to be sold in the Chinese market cosmetic companies must test their products on animals. Meaning, that if a company sells it's products in that market it cannot be cruelty-free. [Disclaimer: Although I ask about vegan products, I do not use that criteria exclusively to determine whether a company is cruelty-free. I just do it for the convenience of my vegan friends. :) ]

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.