The air is fresh and crisp and the leaves are golden and falling softly. Change is in the air. Autumn has brought many challenges, but in nature I have found solace.
I’m sharing some peaceful moments that I have captured during this picturesque season in the hopes that they will bring you calm.
Until next time… ♥
Aligning my values with my actions through using my purchasing power to support cruelty-free and vegan brands satisfies my beauty obsession in an ethical way.
I prefer to support brands that are certified Cruelty-free and Vegan, however if needs be I will also support BUAV approved brands with labeling that states the product is suitable for vegans. These are my non-negotiable requirements when shopping for products and natural ingredients along with sustainable packaging are also focal points when on the hunt for the next miracle cream or magic foundation.
I really believe in the power of conscious consumerism to shift the focus of capitalism toward a model that is ethical and sustainable for our Earth and all the creatures on it. I don’t believe anyone who says it doesn’t matter – every product bought has an impact. Am I supporting a business with a transparent supply chain and values that align with my own? Have they taken the time and effort to seek certain certifications so that I can rest assured no innocent beings were used or hurt in the making of what I will use? These are some of the questions I ask myself before I buy.
Some of my favorite places to shop a wide variety of cruelty-free, vegan and natural beauty products online are Ecco Verde, Feel Unique, Superdrug and Marks and Spencer. Personally, I use a lot of PHB Ethical Beauty and B Cosmetics products for my skincare. Inika, Benecos, Rosie for Autograph, Lily Lolo and E.L.F fill my makeup bag. I find Faith in Nature, Dr Bronner’s and Superdrug own brand great for general skincare as well as most of Marks and Spencer’s own brand beauty products. There are so many wonderful brands out there that support a kinder way of living. There are many I plan on trying. Sienna Byron Bay and Flora1761 for nail polish, Biofficina Toscana for hair and skincare, MuLondon for luxurious skincare and Provida Organics, 100% Pure and Everyday Minerals for makeup. Etsy is also a wonderful place to find cruelty-free and vegan gems that are usually homemade and easily found through a quick search on the site.
Sure, I wouldn’t run in Boots anymore and pick up a concealer without a moment’s thought, but that’s the thrill of the chase. I can plan my purchase and research exactly what I will be putting on my body. Our skin is our largest organ, so when I think of things that way it reminds me that researching the ingredients in each product before I buy is so important. I want to know what I will effectively be consuming.
This extra time for thought and reflection also gives me chance to consider if I really want and need a specific beauty product. For years, I bought any new product I could get my hands on that my favorite Beauty Guru’s on Youtube were loving. Most of the items didn’t work for me, I rarely used them more than a couple of times and certainly never used them up. I was wasting not just my own money, but the resources it took to create these items and I didn’t even consider the fact there could be an innocent creature being used and abused just so I could wear a new eye shadow a handful of times. I don’t buy into it anymore.
Now I still love all things beauty. It makes me feel fab and helps me put my best foot forward every day. I love that special time I have in the morning to myself to put my makeup on and the relaxing process of taking care of my skin at night. My beauty regime is an everyday part of my life and I love it. The thought I put behind each product I use now makes my beauty time even more special, because beauty should never mean cruelty.
I would love to know what are your fave vegan and cruelty-free brands and products?
Until next time… ♥
Cocoa Clouds 