Two-Types of Animal Testing?

Hey guys!

 I have a really long, complicated correspondence with Essence beauty. I received a reply from them and learned about their parent company, cosnova. Of course, I had to email them as well. The reply I got from cosnova is long and leaves me with more questions than answers. They talk about two-types of animal testing. One for testing "effectiveness of cosmetics" and one for "'toxicological profile'" of ingredients. I honestly, don't know what they are talking about. I need to do my homework, if you will, because I am confused. Would you mind if I shared this un-comprehensive reply? I think it would help me and everyone out. Maybe we can have a discussion in the comments about what this means and implies.
 
Lots of Love,
Camila

Vegetarian Food Ideas

Kinda of a different post, compared to what I usually post. I just thought i'd be fun. It is a re-post from my old blog. Spacealah.

 I just wanted to share some yummy lunch ideas with you all. This is especially great if you, like me, are a vegetarian. However, if you are not I'm sure you can still take something from this. Yes I'm talking to you! Drop the McMuffin and try something different!

Berry-Delish Salad with Asian Sesame Ginger & Soy dressing!

I like using a Spring Mix rather than your traditional Roman Lettuce mix. 

I seriously cannot stand using ranch or any mayo based dressing for salads. Don't get me wrong I love it on pizza, which might be weirder. This dressing is sooooo good!!  It's sweet, tart, and a teeny bit spicy (just a bit, probably from the ginger). 

Mozzarella Grilled Cheese!

I used the MarketSide: Garlic & Herb French Bread from Wal-Mart! Which is a great balance between the mozzarella! I used a panini griller to...grill it. lol!

 Ooh-la-lah! Look at that!!

Blueberry 'Boba': Using Tampico Orange Juice

I'm sure you'd heard & probably tried either a Thai Boba Iced Tea, Taro, etc. I don't have bobas, but I do have plenty of blueberries. I decided to added a couple of them to my drink. They are so fun, you kind of forget they are in your cup until you get a nice little tart surprise!

Lots of Love,

Camila

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Sleek MakeUp | Cruelty-Free?

Hey guys.
If you've been following my blog from the beginning, you will know that I've spent the last year trying, and trying, and trying to get a reply from Sleek Makeup. I've vented loads!

The first time I tried to contact them I couldn't even find a contact email, I did find a number but since I live in the US (and am a college student) I didn't want to pay the rate. (Sidenote: a reader who lives in the UK actually emailed me saying she called the number listed and they didn't reply, etc.) I therefore, decided to shoot them a message via my private facebook page. Again I waited....no reply for 5+ months. One day I finally got a message from them saying to email my question(s) to this email: pr@sleekmakeup.com.

(I don't share the company's email because, usually, if you want to contact a company you can google it or find it on their website, it's not exactly private information. However, seeing as it took a while to even find Sleek's contact information I wanted to share it so EVERYONE who is considering buying from them or has bought from them can email them and flood them with their question(s). You have a right to email, ask questions, and hear back from a company. )

Again, I waited 2 more months.

Eventually, they replied! Which was exciting except they avoided the China question.  So I emailed them again. I used the format I always use.

Finally, I got the comprehensive email I was looking for and here it is for you to see:

Hello Camilla,

Thank you for your for contacting Sleek MakeUp’s with your query. We would like to take this opportunity to address the points raised in your email to us. Sleek Makeup is a privately owned family business. When sourcing manufacturers make a conscious decision to work with companies who do not test on animals. We do not test any ingredients or finished products on animals nor are we affiliated with any third party that test on animals. 

Sleek MakeUP is currently sold worldwide which does not exclude China. No Sleek MakeUP products contain Palm Oil. However our hide It Concealer, Kajal, Eye Drama, Magnitude Mascara and Base Duo Kit contain carnauba wax that has been sourced responsibly. In regards to our products that are suitable for Vegans, we have attached a spread sheet that details which specific products are suitable. We hope this addresses all the points you have raised. If you have any further queries, do not hesitate to contact us. Kind 

RegardsCustomer Services

As you can see, they did not meet my criteria for determining cruelty-free status; therefore, I won't be adding them to my list. (1) Compliant parent company, if they have one. (2) Cruelty-free manufacturers of ingredients. (3) Not sold in China.  (To read my criteria in detail and to learn the "whys" click here).

If I'm honest, I was expecting this. Why else would it take them, close to a year to reply? At least now we can all stop guessing and can cross them off our list. I am disappointed, because seeing as they are a European brand and Europe has banned animal testing, I was hoping this correspondence might have been different. I don't understand how they are allowed to sell in a country that mandates animal testing. I'm not a lawyer so I'm not sure about the legality. I am going to try to find out why.

I sorry if this is a bummer! However, knowledge is power and now you (& I) can find an alternative company to support with our money.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Feel free to share how you feel about this email! Leave me feedback!!

Lots of Love,
Camila

India's Ban of Animal Testing for Household Products PROPOSED!

After reading more into this story, I found that the ban for household testing has only just been proposed. Meaning that animal testing for household products is still legal. Sorry if my facebook post was misleading. I read the email with the news incorrectly. (I'm a wishful thinker, what can I say?) I truly apologize because my intention was not to miss-inform you. However, this is still a great step!! 

source

This past June I was thrilled to share with you all that India had banned animal testing on cosmetic and their ingredients on animals. It was such a huge success and I was really hopeful that they would also ban animal testing for household products.

Well, I am excited to announce that it has been proposed to the Soaps and Other Surface Active Agents Committee to replace the current test-conducted on guinea pigs- with "a non-animal test method called "the human repeated insult patch test." 

If you recall Dr. Chaitanya Koduri -PETA's India Science Policy Adviser- has a seat on said committee, right now they are waiting for all the members of the committee to "submit their comments" for the final decision.

I'm hopefully that the proposal will be successful because they have LOTS of support. Sonia Gandhi (Congress President) along with Lal Krishna Advani (senior leader of the Bharatya Janata Party) are urging the Family Welfare and Ministry of Consumers Affairs to look at PETA's requesy. There are sooo many people who are working to make this ban happen. I will link the official announcement here, be sure to check it out for more information. 

If you want to help makes this happen click here, and sign a petition to urge the ministry to ban this test. 

Hopefully soon I will hear that the proposal has passed!  

A special thanks to Tasgola Bruner for personally emailing me about this great news!!

Until Next Time,

Camila 

Soap and Glory | Cruelty-Free Correspondence

Hey guys.
I received a reply from Soap and Glory. YAY!!
I contacted them using my NEW format. Which is basically the same as the old one, I just added a bit more information.

This is what they replied :

Hi Camila,
We understand that animal testing is a key concern for a growing number of consumers and at Soap &Glory, we can confidently state that all of our formulations are safety and efficacy tested on people. (Although you might argue about that if you’d seen the condition of some of their feet. YEEEESH.)
At Soap & Glory, we uphold very strict guidelines through our regularly audited manufacturing partners that uphold the ‘no animal testing’ policy. As well, we are fortunate that our biggest retail partner – Boots The Chemists- upholds the very same standards by funding through an organisation called FRAME, which is the FUND for the REPLACEMENT of ANIMALS in MEDICAL EXPERIMENTS) in an effort to eliminate reliance in the industry on animal testing.
That said – and because we feel it necessary to be transparent and to educate EVERYBODY- it’s important for you to know that no retailer or manufacturer can categorically state that ‘none’ of their raw materials or ingredients have –at some time in the past- been tested on animals. The majority of individual raw materials used in cosmetics today have been through some kind of animal testing process. At Soap & Glory, we absolutely do not test our formulations on animals, however we can’t say that each and every ingredient that goes into them has not, at some point historically, been cleared for human use, by animal testing.
We hope this answers your question. If you need any more information about animal testing, we’d suggest you contact Colipa, the European Cosmetics Directive association, via www.colipa.eu.
Soap & Glory is a privately owned company.
Kind Regards,

First, they explain that they uphold strict outlines for their manufactures, who uphold a 'no animal testing policy'. I appreciate them acknowledging the fact that yes, today we have some ingredients that we know to be safe because in the past they have been tested on animals. It's a bold statement. Sad, but true. They are being really transparent, which I'm sure you can tell.  However, they did not address # 6, which is:

'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?'

Therefore I emailed then again:

Hi Sopa & Glory team!Thanks for answering my questions. (I know I had tons). You forgot to address # 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?" Thanks again! -Camila

They emailed me back:

Hi Camila, We have no current plans to expand to more countries in the Asian market. Kind Regards,  (THE USUAL) Soap & Glory CUSTOMER SERVICE 

Maybe I'm just being picky, but this reply didn't really clarify much about whether or not they sell in China. TO be honest, I'm not sure about other Asian countries (expect India's) policies. I needed them to be specific. So yes, I emailed them again. I just like to be sure!!!

Hi, ?Sorry, but I don't seem to be understanding. Does Soap & Glory sale or not sale in the Chinese market? Please clarify!

To which they replied:

Hi Camila, Soap & Glory is not available in China. Nor do any of the stores that sell Soap & Glory deliver to China. Hence, one cannot buy Soap & Glory in China. Kind Regards,  (THE USUAL) Soap & Glory CUSTOMER SERVICE 

 Lol. Yup, that clarified things.

So YAY! As you can see Soap & Glory meets my three criteria to determine cruelty-free status. (1) If they have a parent company, that company must have the same cruelty-free status. (2) Compliant raw ingredient manufactures. (3) That they don't sell in the Chinese market. (Click on link if you're not sure what this means).

I hope this was helpful!

Lots of Love,

Camila 

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Light Mountain NATURAL | Hair Color and Conditioner REVIEW (LOTS OF PICTURES)

Hey guys. 

A few weeks ago, I was hunting for cruelty-free hair dye companies. I had seen Light Mountain's products in Sprouts and decided to shoot them an email. I shared my correspondence here! I was delighted to learn that they are a cruelty-free company and certified by LeapingBunny! I mentioned I wanted to try their products. 

Well, a representative from Light Mountain show my post and offered to sent me a hair dye to try. So yes, this product was sent to me for free (which trust me is hugely appreciated seeing as I'm a college student on a budget); however this review is 100% my opinion! I am not being paid for this review. I am always transparent on here with you all and hope, seeing as it's almost my 1-year blogger birthday, I have earned your trust! 

About the Product: 

I got the Light Mountain Natural Hair Color and Conditioner, in Light Red. These sets retail for $6.99 on the Light Mountain website. (Which is a GREAT price for a natural/cruelty-free company). 

Their products are super unique. The dye is actually made out of henna, yes henna! It does not have ammonia or peroxide, which is horrible for your hair and the scalp. The henna clings to the hair which causes the color change. (For in-detail info on how this works, click here). However, it does not remove color from the hair, so if you're looking for something that will lighten your hair, this is not the product for you. 

First Impression:

I was skeptical. Looking at the chart (picture is below) I knew that I wouldn't see much change, in terms of color, for my un-bleached hair -which is 95% of my hair. According to the chart the henna would give a 'conditioning effect' to my hair. Conditioning effect?! This basically means that the henna 'enhances and deepens existing color'. On the website they claim: "It can help minimize split ends and acts as "hair insurance" if you spend a lot of time in the sun, surf or wind." When I think of conditioning for hair, it think of hair conditioner, leave in treatments, etc. However, I was really open minded and soo excited to test it out!

Mixing the dye:

As you can see, the henna comes in a powder form. 

I won't go into too much about how to prepare the dye, just to save you time. It's really not complicated at all. Be sure to READ the instructions! I will warn you that it's messy process, so be sure to lay newspaper or something to catch any spills. 

Here's a video of how I mixed the water and henna powder. 

Application:

It was definitely messy. In hindsight, I should have asked for someone to dye it for me. The instructions say to use petroleum jelly to protect your skin from staining. PLEASE do so! I used lotion, which prevented my skin from staining but not from irritation. Yes, there was irritation. However, I've you've ever dyed your hair, it was no way near as uncomfortable as that. Also, test a little bit of the mixture on your skin before you apply it, just to be sure you aren't allergic to it. I applied it to ALL of my hair. Including my blonde ends. 

Before and After: 

I forgot to take a picture of my hair before! Opps!  I will add some random pictures so you can see what my hair looked like before: 

As you can see, my hombre was really blonde. I had dyed my hair black a couple of years back. (I'm not sure why, since my hair is naturally really dark, lol). 

AFTER:

(Be sure to click on the pictures, if you want to look really closely at the color and texture). 

Post-Application Thoughts:
The day after I applied it I was really disappointed. My hair felt stiff and the color was flat. I had read the instructions so I knew that it would take a couple of days for the color to fully 'develop.  Also, when you wash your hair, after the application, they recommend you not use shampoo. Considering those factors, and the fact that my hair had gone two days without washing, I decided to give it time.

I'm glad I did. It's been about two weeks since I dyed it and I think the color is beautiful. It's a coppery-red color. It's a little bit more bright, than I originally wanted, but seeing as my hair was really blonde before I can see why.

As far as the conditioning effect, I really didn't notice a difference.  I will say that I don't have as many split ends as I did before I dyed my hair. However, I have been using argan oil so I can't claim it's because of the henna.


Would I Recommend it:
Yes! It was such a fun experience and, as you can see, it totally works! If you are trying to darken you're hair, I would especially recommend it. However, if you're goal is to lighten it, I would not.
Also, it's soooo much better for the environment! I felt guilt free watching it go down the drain in my shower.

I hope this wasn't too long of a post. Seeing as this product, I would imagine, is foreign for most of you I wanted to take the time to describe what it does. I hope you enjoyed this!

What do you think? Leave me feedback in the comments below. Are you going to give this a try?

Lots of Love,

Camila

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ion Brilliance / Professionals | Hair Company

Hey Guys,
ion Professionals is a hair dye company. If you've ever been in a Sally Beauty Supply, I'm sure you've either seen their products. Please read the ENTIRE article to get the whole story.

I emailed them asking, these questions. (I always email companies asking these questions).

This is what I received in response:

Camila,
Thank you for reaching out to the Ion team. We do not test our finished product on animals and do not use a 3rd party for testing either. The answer is also no to selling products to the Chinese market. I hope this answers all of your questions.
Sincerely,
Ion Professional Products

Reading this I felt pretty good about ion. They didn't answer my question about their parent company, so I emailed them again:

Hi,I was wondering about your parent company? Do you have one, if so who are they? Also, do you use Palm oil in your product, if so is it fair trade?-Camila

Ion replied a couple of days later, saying:

Camila, Ion is its own company.  We do not have a parent company.  If Palm Oil was used it would be listed on the ingredient decks. 
Sincerely,Ion Professional Products

Okay...Well, at least we know they don't have a parent company. I thought their explanation about 3rd party testing was vague. Also, I didn't understand why they didn't become certified by LeapingBunny or PETA? If a company isn't on one of those lists it does not necessarily mean they are not cruelty-free;being certified does take time and money. I expect this from indie/new companies. However, from a company I know to be popular, it always seems strange to me. I emailed them once more to urge them to do so.

Hi,I'm just curious as to how you guys make sure your raw ingredients are not tested on animals? Do you make the manufactures sign a form? Also, why don't you become accredited by LeapingBunny or PETA? If you did, it would be a BIG help for those who only shop cruelty-free! I know the people who read my blog would appreciate it, a lot!!! Please, get back to me! Thanks again!-Camila 

I received this reply from them:

Camila, As stated in the original email, Color Brilliance's company policy is not to include any non-animal testing claims on the label. The EU Cosmetic Directive bans this claim from cosmetic labels and Ion Color Brilliance is distributed Internationally.  Although the finished product may not be tested on animals, it is difficult to guarantee the raw materials were not tested on animals.  Sincerely,Ion Professional Products

WHAT?!!! I don't understand why they can't be sure where their raw ingredients have been; whether, they have been tested on animals, humans, etc. I personally, think it's irresponsible! I would demand my suppliers (if I had a cosmetic company) prove they don't test. I would make them sign forms, audit their factories, etc. Not being able to "guarantee" is lazy.

This experience was a good lesson for me. From the first emails, things were looking good. However, as you can see they didn't specify what they meant by "3rd party testing". I'm going to ask companies to please define what they mean by "3rd party, cruelty-free, etc"; from now on.

So, ion definitely DOES NOT meet my three criteria for determining cruelty-free status. Which are: (1) ethical, non-tested on animals raw ingredients (2) a compliant parent company, if any (3) Not retailing in China.

I hope this was helpful, if not at least informative. I'm still trying to perfect the process I use to contact and determine cruelty-free status. Please, leave me feedback in how I can improve. I am working out the kinks. :P

Until Next Time,
Camila

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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