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

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

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

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

Lots of Love,
Camila

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

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

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

This is my reasoning:

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

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

However, think about this for a second.

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

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

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

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

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

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Quick Resource

Hey guys!

As you can see this is a screenshot of my phone.
It makes shopping WAY easier! 

If any of you are smartphone users, you need to check out LeapingBunny's App. I recently (this past month) I became part of this iPhone obsessed society. Although I LOVE my LeapingBunny little book of cruelty-free companies I find that my app is way more convenient! Just go here to download the app! It's free!!
BTW. This is not sponsored or anything (i'm not that cool). I just really find this app helpful!

Lots of Love,
Camila

Makeup Geek | Animal Testing Policy Information

**Update (November 22,2013):
I have received an email from a Sugar Pill representative. He assures me that SugarPill is PETA certified. In fact here is a link so you can see. In fact the majority of their products are vegan. I have emailed them back, asking the questions I always ask companies. 


UPDATE(August 14, 2014): I have decided to add them to my cruelty-free list. Click here to read my reasons why. 

Hey guys!

I contacted MakeUpGeek a week ago. If you've never heard of this company, it was started by Marlena who actually makes YouTube videos. Their eyeshadows have been compared (some say they're better) to MACs. Which doesn't really mean anything to me -I've never tried MAC nor do I ever plan to. However, seeing as I am a makeup junkie, but first an animal lover, I of course wanted to check out their cruelty-free policy.

Seeing as I have received a couple of new followers this past month. I wanted to explain how I go about emailing a company. I always use this format (which I updated recently). I will sometimes -if I'm lucky- receive a reply within the week. Other times, I never receive a reply. Which is really unfortunate!! That's why I encourage you to email companies as well! Maybe one of us gets lucky!

Anyways. This is what I receive from MUG:

Hi there,
Thanks for contacting us.
The entire Makeup Geek product line is cruelty free. We don't do any testing on animals. Our lab and their ingredient supplier don't test on animals.
All of our products are vegan except for the lipsticks (they contain beeswax) and these eyeshadows: Bitten. Country Girl, Cupcake, Drama Queen, Mango Tango, Razzleberry, Twilight, Unexpected, Unicorn, and Simply Marlena (they contain carmine).
We have actually discussed with PETA and they were ok to give us a certification, the reason they did not is that we resell Palladio and **Sugarpill products that are not PETA certified, but for MUG products we are compliant with PETA requirements.
We don't have a parent company and are not doing business within China.
Hope that answers your questions!
the MUG team

**Please scroll up to read update!!! 


As you can see they didn't answer question # 7, which says: "Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source?"

(P.S. I'm trying to implement this question more in my correspondences. I have received a couple of emails from you guys asking me to do so. I'm still reading up on palm oil and its effect on orangutan in Indonesia, our Amazon, and Malaysia . So please be patient. I just do the best I can :D 

Therefore, I emailed them again asking them to please address this question. 
I received this reply, literally in a couple of minutes:

Hi
There is no palm oil in our lipsticks (and obviously not in our eyeshadows either).
Best regards,
the MUG team

Well that's pretty self-explanatory. :P

So let's review:  

I really appreciate their honesty! From the looks of it they meet the criteria I look for when determining a company's cruelty-free status.
(1) They do not test their products on animals nor do their suppliers.
(2) They do not have a parent company. So we don't have to look into another company's cruelty-free policy to completely determine their status. If you are new: I do not support a company whose parent company does not comply to a cruelty-free status. Such as in the case of Burt's Bees(Owned by Clorox) or UrbanDecay (Owned by L'oreal).
(3) They do not sell in China.

However, they do make it clear that on their site they sell Palladio and Sugarpill products. They explain that PETA did not certify them because those two companies don't meet PETA's requirements.
I don't know anything, in terms of animal testing- about Palladio or Sugarpill. The fact that PETA didn't want to certify them makes me feel really uneasy.

I don't know how to feel about MUG. You guys know I do not support a company, whose parent company does not comply with a cruelty-free, animal friendly policy. I always say that you have no way of knowing where that money is going! It might be funding animal testing. Which, ugh is just so disgusting to me. Just thinking about it makes me feel saddened and angry.

I honestly couldn't tell you if I'd purchase from them. At least not now. I think you have to let your conscious be your guide for this one guys.

I fear that I might be coming off as either compromising or too "hard". These thoughts bother me, but my hope with all blog is to be transparent. These are my honest feelings.

I won't be adding them to my cruelty-free list right away. I need to think about this one & I would REALLY appreciate your opinions and feedback! I'm always honest with you all so PLEASE be honest with me. What do you think?! HELP!

Until Next Time, 

Camila 

P.S. HELP! 

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UPDATE: theBalm | Leaping Bunny

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

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

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

They emailed me back! Take a look for yourself:

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

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

Lots of Love,

Camila 

First Impression/ Haul | Cruelty-Free Body Butter. Body Wash, and Hand Lotion

If you've ever been to a Marshall's, TjMAX, or Ross (a discount store like that) you would be familiar with their messy beauty/body/hair/face displays. If you ever decide to taken the time to dig through the mess, you might be surprised at some of treasures that are hidden. You will often find cremes/lotions/&potions that are marketed down at 50% or 75%! It's a dream for those wishing to save some dinero!

On my last trip to Marshalls I found these three little guys whilst digging through the display. (When I say digging I mean digging, I even sat down to look through the lower shelves.)

Seeing as I only buy cruelty-free products, I'm sure you'd be glad to know that everything I purchased is cruelty-free*! YAY!! For more information on cruelty-free companies check Humanely, Chic out!

I. deep steep: Argan Oil Body Butter warm vanilla coconut

First Impression: I usually hate vanilla scented sprays, candles, shampoo, etc- I often find it obnxiouslyly sweet! This scent -however- is very pure and pairs well with the coconut. 

Cost: $3.00

II. Greenscape: Organic HOMEMADE multigrain skin care  

for hands and nails is made of Apple, Carrot, & Oat Milk. 

First Impression: Such an odd combination of ingredients but it SMELLS delightful! It wasn't at all greasy on my hands! 

Cost: $ 4.00

III. Desert Essence: Organics ( Green Apple & Ginger Body Wash)

First Impression: I thought it was a scrub until I got home! Opps! I love anything that has ginger in it so I was naturally drawn to the scent. I've tried other Desert Essence products (their face washes) and loved them. 
Cost: $5.00

I'm planning on posting a review of each, that goes just a little bit deeper. So far I'm pleased with the three!

What treasures have you found in these displays?

Lots of Love,

Camila

instagram

*Repost from Space-A-Lah

 

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

UPDATE: (August 6, 2013)

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

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

Also, they wanted to clarify for all of you:  

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

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

  

(flowerbeauty.com)

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

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

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

A representative got back to me, with:

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

 [I've omitted names]

www.maesa.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feeling overhelmed and confused I emailed them back. 

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

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

Thank you for your time,
Camila

They replied with: 

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

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

_________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until Next Time,

Camila

e.l.f. Haul | Cruelty-Free Blog

I was walking through Walmart the other day and was shocked (I yelped, nope I'm not exaggerating) when I saw this beautiful, magical, glowing (I swear I heard music playing) ELF display. With their new studio blushes, new brushes, lip-glosses, mascaras, etc. Why is this significant you might be asking? Well, usually you can only find ELF products at Target or sometimes at DollarTree but they never have a big selection. Also, if you've ever order from the ELF site and live in the Western part of the US you know it takes FOREVER to get your stuff! I'm actually proud if myself for only picking three things. I wanted to share with you guys some swatches and my first impressions of these products. Later I went to CVS, where I picked up the derma E Creme. 

Disclaimer: Everything in this Haul is cruelty-free, at least to the best of my knowledge. For more info on which companies are and aren't cruelty-free check Humanely,Chic out. 

I. ELF: Flawless Eyeshadow in "Beautiful Browns"
First Impression: I'm surprised with the pigmentation! They are a bit dusty & do have some fallout.

 I love that crease color. It's a penny-bronzy color.

 II. ELF: Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick in "Movie Star"
First Impression: The color wasn't as opaque as I was expecting. It's smooth though & not drying at all.

Good for just a flush of color.

III. ELF: Small Angled Brush
First Impression: It's sooo soft without being flimsy.

IV. derma E :Tea Tree and E Antiseptic Creme with Tea Tree and Vitamin E

First Impression: Definitely has that Tea Tree scent, which is herbally. I LOVE Tea Tree products for controlling breakouts and keeping my skin clean. It's surprising thick!! 

 It's soo thick and feels cooling on your skin. 

I can't wait to review these products! Let me know if you're excited to see ELF at Walmart. Also, what are some of your favorite cruelty-free brands?

Lots of Love,

Camila

Light Mountain | Natural Hair Color and Conditioner | Cruelty-Free Inquiry

Hey guys. Someone on my facebook page requested that I look into cruelty-free hair color companies. I had seen Light Mountain in Sprouts and decided to go ahead and email them. I received a reply within 24-hours, which is always great & doesn't happen often! 

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

Light Mountain replied saying: (They went ahead and just answered directly from my email. Which I appreciated.)

To Whomever it May Concern:
I am doing research on animal testing, and I need to verify a few key points about your company. Please be sure to answer each question.  

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.  we are party to the convention of Leaping Bunny which sets up protocols for both supplier declarations and for ongoing assurances that no animal testing is being done. 3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals?   NO.  We actually do our own blending and we buy directly from the grower for all our raw materials, which are certified organic and monitored by 3^rd party certification organizations.  There is no intervening manufacturer. 

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

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

6. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source?   NOT USED. 

7. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase? Our entire product line is Vegan.  You can see it at www.light-mountain-hair-color.com  we have 20 shades of hair color, 12 “regular” and 8 “color the gray” in the line.
Thank you so much for the information. Also note that any reply I receive, I will be sharing on humanelychic.blogspot.com, which now has over 20,000 views! -Camila A.

YAY!! They meet my three criteria! They are also 100% vegan which I know a lot of you will be really happy about! I'm actually thinking of lightening my hair, so I might be reviewing their products.

Until Next Time,
Camila

Cruelty-Free Blog & Your Opinion!

Don't you guys hate the fact that a lot of the YouTube beauty community isn't cruelty-free? I know I find it sad and annoying to hear about all these products that, yes might be good, but at what cost? Also, I always consider that fact that there are GREAT cruelty-free companies that don't get enough recognition. Well, for maybe six months now I have been running my own Beauty-Blog. Where I review cosmetics & skin car stuff, etc. Basically only cruelty-free beauty-stuff!! It's called Space-A-Lah.

I have hesitated on sharing it on here, just because it took awhile for me to grow into my cruelty-free activist shoes. Meaning, I often found out some companies I thought were cruelty-free, were not. I was scared of swaying you to -potentially- buy stuff that has been tested on my furry friends. Now that I feel more confident about what companies are truly cruelty-free I have decided to share it here.

You might be wondering why I didn't post reviews, hauls, and such on here. I actually have been thinking about it, but I wanted to have your support first.

So, I would really appreciate your feedback! Should I stay or move my reviews, etcs. here? Be honest! I know it would be easier to maintain just one blog and have all the info. easy to find in just one place. Thank you for allowing my little 'ol blog to blossom! I can't believe I have over 25,000 views! WHAT??? I have so much more planned! I love you all! <3 <3 <3

Lots of Love,
Camila

HumanelyChic now on Twitter

Hey guys!

HumanelyChic is now on twitter! I know some of you follow this blog on facebook, bloglovin', or google-plus! This is just another option for you to stay in touch with updates, new posts, some news, etc.