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Makeup Brushes

"I've recently stepped into the arena cruelty free products and really appreciate you web site. I love that your information is supported by research etc. All of my facial products are from your list of suppliers. However, I've been trying to find out if Mary Kay brushes are animal friendly also? I've noticed a difference in application with synthetic vs. goat and pony hair brushes. Is there a way to find out where Mary Kay gets the hair for their brushes? I emailed the company and someone called me back saying the animals aren't harmed but I'd like to know where the source is and wasn't sure if you've found anything in your research. Thanks you so much for any information." ~ A., 3/12/08

Suzann: I've done a lot of research, talking to people in the industry and also scouring the web for reliable information. I'm sure the Mary Kay person believed no hard came to the goats and ponies, but usually the truth is that the animals are indeed harmed, and often killed. The safest thing to do when someone says the goat wasn't hurt in the making of the brush is to thank them and go buy a synthetic brush instead. If you want to feel a brush before you buy it, an Aveda store is a good place to start.

Cruelty-Free Companies with Cruel Parents

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"I love this! Someone who feels as I do about animals. I have a couple of concerns, though. I have heard The Body Shop was purchased by L'Oreal, who does do animal testing. And Origins, is owned by the same company who owns Estee Lauder and Clinique, so they may need to come off your list as well. Also, I think Bath and Body works buys from manufacturers that do not guarantee cruelty free. Keep up the good work, and write anytime. Thanks." ~ S., 3/12/08

"Just a suggestion- The companies that do even a little animal testing , or do not test " on some products" should come off the list, and be listed entirely as animal abusers. Either you do or you do not do animal testing, and I believe our financial support should go to those who believe it is the atrocity that we do.. I would love to hear what you think, drop me an email sometime, I would love to swap ideas with you. Take care Suzann! Thanks." ~ S., 3/12/08

Suzann: Good idea.

Actions We Can Take

"Suzann- ... Doing research on the Internet i feel like there are so many more options out there and i don't ever have to settle for a product that might harm animals. Even better when consumers unite and only purchase cruelty free products we can send a message if a company isn't willing to make what we want, we can go elsewhere even if it means paying a little more." ~ A., 3/12/08

Suzann: And the good news is, cruelty-free products don't always cost more. ColorBrushes.com has surprisingly reasonable prices, and many drug store cosmetics, with their decent prices, are cruelty-free. So we may not even have to pay more. (Some synthetic brushes are, of course, wildly expensive. But then again, so are some animal hair brushes!) But your point is well taken - if we are aware of how most of the world's animals are treated, and we are women who want to look good without killing or torturing innocent, voiceless animals, then we have no choice but to seek out cruelty-free products.

Carmine in Lipstick

"I was in the store today looking for Almay since I've seen it on many lists. The lipsticks contained carmine. Not all, but some." ~ v., 4/10/08

Suzann: Carmine is a problem. According to Wikipedia, it's a red-based coloring, often used in food cosmetics, and paints that's made from ground up insects, specifically the cochineal, a beetle. So yes, a vegan needs to be careful to avoid products containing carmine.