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.

Models Own | Animal Testing Inquiry

I contacted Models Own and received a reply. I actually received this reply this past May! I think it got lost in my email. I have a "companies" file and I guess I miss placed it! Opps. My hope is to keep you updated with the latest information, so I've contacted them again to make sure their policies have not changed. Sorry guys :P 

Anyways. I used the format* I always use. 

To Whomever 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? 2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party? 3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals? 4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals? 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? 6. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source? 7. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase? 
Thank you so much for the information. Also note that any reply I receive, I will be sharing on humanelychic.blogspot.com . Which is my blog.

A Models Own representative emailed me back with:
*To make it easier for you to follow along, I've added the original question in pink. That way you don't have to scroll up and down! Whatever is in black is originally from the email. I didn't change anything, all I did was add the questions.

Hello,Thank you for your email.Models Own takes the welfare of animals very seriously, and we have never tested any of our products or ingredients on animals, either directly or through third parties.To answer your questions directly:1. [Does your company test ingredients or finished products on animals?]  No 2.[Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party?]  No 3.[Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals?] No 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? ] Yes (in pencils), from organic and sustainable sources 7. [Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase?] The vast majority of our products are vegan, including all 130+ of our nail polishes, all nail art pens, all standard lipsticks, all eyeliners and the majority of our brushes (see below). Non-vegan products include bronzers, mascaras, Hyper Brite lipsticks, cream eyeshadow, Smokey Eye Kits, and the blending and shading eyebrow brushes. While these products use animal-derived ingredients (typically waxes), no animals are harmed during this process, and everything comes from sustainable sources. Hope that answers your enquiry. x Regards, Models Own Models Own is owned by Harlow & Co. They are manufacturer "indie nail polishes". As far as I know they don't sale in China.   As you can see they meet my three criteria for determining is a company is cruelty-free.  I would feel safe purchasing from them as of now. TO check out other cruelty-free companies click here!  If you have ANY concerns or questions about this inquiry feel free to ask me! Just leave me a comment below. The entire point of this blog is to help YOU! So don't be shy!! Until Next Time, Camila Like HumanelyChic on facebook! To get updates!

UPDATE!!

If you've messaged me or emailed me recently and I have not replied FORGIVE ME! I relied on google to alert me when I received a new comment, but for some reason I have not received any alerts. Don't shy away & feel free to email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com !

I've contacted a bunch of companies but have not received a reply. I wanted to focus on contacting at least four companies per month, please leave in the comments what company YOU would like me to contact, I will chose the top 4. I think this new system will make you and me happy. I hope you are all doing well. Also LIKE this blog on facebook to receive updates & extra information!

Until Next Time,
Camila

Kinky-Curly | Hair Products

Hello guys! I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Today, I received a reply from Kinky-Curly. If you've never heard of them, they make hair products specifically geared towards women (&men) with luscious curly or kinky hair.

I've heard some cruelty-free YouTube gurus talk about their products and I've seen PETA's bunny logo on their products; however, I felt the need to email them myself.

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


They emailed me back within a couple of days:

Hi Camila 

Thank you for emailing us.Kinky-Curly Hair Care does not test on animals.
Also we do not work with any 3rd parties who test on animals.
We have no plans to sell our products to a market that requires our products be tested on animals.

As you can see they meet the three criteria that I look for when I add a company to My Cruelty-Free List. They are also verified by PETA. I also appreciate that they got to the point! Many companies babble about their "efforts to end animal testing", yet they sell in the Chinese market (which requires animal testing).

As of now I would feel safe purchasing from Kinky-Curly, especially as someone with curly hair!

Let me know if you've tried Kinky-Curly products! Leave me any feedback you'd like!

Until Next Time,
Camila

India Bans Animal Testing!!

petaindia.com

Hey guys! I have revolutionary news for you. 

Yesterday, I received a wonderful email --from Tasgola Bruner (Media Coordinator, Laboratory Investigations Department - PETA)-- which informed me that as of June 28, 2013 India will no longer permit the "testing [of]cosmetics and their ingredients on animals." This was announced during the Burea of Indian Standards PCD 10 Cosmetics Sectional Committee meeting. 

How do I feel about this news? 

This ban encompasses not only cosmetics but also their ingredients!! Which is so huge! However, PETA India now has to campaign to end animal testing on household products (including the ingredients used). So, please support their efforts!!

A few months ago, we were celebrating Europe's ban on animal testing, now we are celebrating India's. I'm not sure if you are aware but Israel had also banned animal testing on their cosmetics and household products. Imagine if the Chinese government followed this trend and decided to ban animal testing? This should be our goal for the upcoming year. PETA is campaigning for that ban as well, make sure you keep yourself informed and support their efforts. Remember, you don't have to donate money to support them, just by getting the word out there you are helping the cause.

This wouldn't of been possible without PETA's campaign and the work of MP Maneka Gandhi (Drug Controller General of India). They worked with "high-profile" politicians; such as Sonia Gandhi (Congress President), Santosh Chowdhury (Minister of  Healthy & Family Welfare), Lal Krishna Advani (senior leader of the Bharatiya Janasta Party); and retailers; such as LUSH, The Body Shop, Omved Lifestyle, Shahnaz Husain. Oh, but the list of the support for this campaign doesn't end there! According to PetaIndia.com, "Officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Mahatma Gandhi–Doerenkamp Center for Alternatives to Use of Animals in Life Science Education and the Animal Welfare Board of India, a statutory advisory body, had also all expressed support for the ban." WOW! 

To read more about this story click on the sun : ☀ . Please comment below to let me know how you feel about this news!! Leave me any feedback you would like! Lastly, SPREAD THE WORD!

Until Next Time,
Camila

P.S. Thanks Tasgola for informing me & thank you for you work!

NYX Cosmetics UPDATE:

CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE!!!

Update (June 26, 2013): I received another reply from NYX, where they further explain about their manufactures, China, etc.. I wanted to share it just so you can have more reassurance when purchasing from NYX.  

Hi Camila,

NYX Cosmetics does not test on animals and we do not contract with any 3rd parties who test on our behalf. We will not sell into a market that requires that products be tested on animals, for which we were awarded PETA’s Courage in Commerce Award. We also receive certifications from our manufacturers that they do not test on animals and that they do not contract 3rd parties to test raw ingredients on animals. In addition, we are committed to making sure that raw materials used in our products are tested using approved alternative methods implemented to protect and respect animals. NYX as a brand is also part of the effort to ensure that new ingredients are never tested on animals.
http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/2012/11/15/nyx-cosmetics-receives-peta-s-courage-in-commerce-award.aspx
- NYX Cosmetics Feedback

UPDATE (June 19, 2013): NYX has emailed me back, assuring me that their raw ingredients manufactures animal testing policy complies with NYX's. This is what they emailed me: 

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

LimeCrime

Hello guys. I'm really excited to share with you all my correspondence with LimeCrime. If you have never heard of LimeCrime, you need to listen up! They sell really vibrant cosmetics. For example, you can find red lip stick and blue lipstick on their site. Shades you might expect high-end companies, such as Mac or Nars to sell. Except --as you will soon find--cruelty-freely.

I first "heard" (read?) about LimeCrime, when I was looking through PETA's DO NOT test list. I checked them out & knew I had to find out their cruelty-free status.

Of course, I first emailed them using the format I always use. (Click here to see it).

To Whomever 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? 

2. Do you test ingredients or products on animals through a 3rd party? 
3. Do your manufacturers test ingredients or products on animals? 
4. Are you owned or affiliated with any companies that test products or ingredients on animals? 
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? 
6. Do you use palm oil/carnuaba wax in any of your products? If so, is it from an organic and sustainable source? 
7. Could you provide a list of all of your current vegan items available for purchase? 

I received a reply a few days later:

Hi Camila,
1-6 the answer is no
7 currently all products on our site are vegan.

I'm glad they replied, but --as you can see--their reply didn't leave me much to go on. Being very as partial to detail as I am, I decided to email them again, urging them to explain further:

 Hi [names have been omitted], 

Thank you for your prompt reply. I would appreciate it if you elaborated. How does LimeCrime ensure that the manufactures of their ingredients do not conduct animal testing? Does LimeCrime have an audit process? Second, from what I understand LimeCrime does not retail in the Chinese market because it requires animal testing; am I right in this statement? 

Also, thank you for becoming affiliated with PETA. There is a fast growing market of makeup enthusiast who only shop cruelty-free. I know I really appreciate it and so do the readers of my blog, it just makes shopping easier for us. -Camila 

 I received a second reply about a week after:

Hi Camila, 

I've just spoken with our Inventory Manager, sorry for the delay. We do have signed pledges from all of our manufacturers stating that our products and ingredients are completely vegan. We ensure vegan/cruelty-free claims by working with manufacturers who are reputable and willing to provide sworn written statements about the sources of their ingredients.

Well, as you can see: LimeCrime does not have a parent company; meaning we don't have to worry about what would be that company's cruelty-free status, Lime Crime does not support 3rd party testing & have a specific audit process to ensure their manufacturers are reliable, and finally, LimeCrime does not sell in China. These are the three specific criteria I look at when determining a company's cruelty-free status & deciding whether to add them to my list. (To see my criteria more in detail click here). 

I would feel safe purchasing from LimeCrime & am excited to do so!! 

Also, if you are interested about purchasing from LimeCrime, I really recommend you check out Friends of the Lagomorph, which is an online site that retails ALL cruelty-free cosmetics, beauty products, etc. And, no I am not being paid to talk about Friends of the Lagomorph, I just truly LOVE that site. It's easy to shop & I don't really know of any other online site that only sells cruelty-free beauty products. 

Let me know what you think. Leave me ANY feedback you would like. 

Until Next Time,

Camila 

Follow me on Bloglovin' or You might lose me

Hello guys. 

So I've been hearing that Google with Friends, which is how most of you follow me, is being eliminated within days. I've heard many bloggers talk about this. I honestly didn't pay it much attention at first, but as the day approaches, I want to let you all know. The best solution I have found is to join bloglovin'. If you've never heard of bloglovin', it's a site where you can keep track of all the blogs your heart desires. It will update you when I post. If you wish to continue following me please head over HERE or click on the blog lovin' button to your right. I hope to see you all there!! 

Humanely Chic on Facebook

Hello guys!
I wanted to create a page where I could communicate more quickly with you all; to share news and updates. Like it, if you'd like. (See what I did there ; P ) Feel free to ask me questions, share with me your concerns, what you have heard back from companies, etc. I want it to be a place where we can interact efficiently. (Just click on the pic)

Zoya, Qtica, Smart Spa (Art of Beauty)

Hello guys! I'm going to be honest. I had contacted Zoya almost exactly a month ago, everything went smoothly they emailed me back, I didn't feel the need to email them further--as I felt their email answered all my questions--but for some reason I had yet to share my correspondence. I'm going to blame it on lack of sleep! 
Anyways, I emailed them using the format I always use. (To see that format click on "How I Contact Companies"). 
I received this email a couple of days later:

Good morning! 

No problem! We actually are known as Art of Beauty, and are the parent company and manufacturers of Zoya, Qtica, and Smart Spa and aren’t affiliated or owned further with any other companies. We are a cruelty free company and none of our products or ingredients are tested on animals nor do we use any 3^rd party testing for our products. We don’t currently have any official distributors in China or sell there direct. Regarding the ingredients I will have to double check with the science department about those specific ones. I don’t have a specific product list of our vegan friendly products but the Zoya Nail Polish and Treatment line is entirely vegan friendly, and then the Zoya Hot Lips and the Qtica lines are not vegan friendly as some of the items use carmine, lanolin, or other animal based products. Hopefully this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and have a great day!

            thank you,

I appreciate the clarity of this email and that Zoya (Art of Beauty) addressed all my questions directly. Zoya's parent company is Art of Beauty where both Qtica and Smart Spa fall under. They affirm to the cruelty-free status of their raw ingredient providers, etc. Lastly, they do not retail in the Chinese market! 

I'm excited to hear this news. If you shop cruelty-free only, I'm sure you are aware that finding high quality nail polish companies is difficult. However, I have emailed Art of Beauty back urging them to become affiliated with either Leaping Bunny or PETA. If Art of Beauty did this, first it reasures us that what the company claims is true and secondly, it makes it easier when shopping. I will update you guys once they email me back. 

Personally, for now I would feel safe purchasing from Zoya, Otica, or Smart Spa. I will be adding them to my list. 

Please let me know what YOU think about this correspondence. Leave me any feedback you'd like! I love hearing--reading?-- your opinions and addressing your concerns. 

Until Next Time,
Camila