[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Even if you are not vegan, you cannot deny the soar in popularity for cruelty free and animal-free products in recent years. Whether it is due to animal rights, allergies and intolerances, the environment or even just taste, veganism has risen in popularity. 

According to the Vegan Society, the number of vegans in Great Britain quadrupled between 2014 and 2019, with 600,000 vegans (or 1.16% of the population) last year. I started drinking soya milk as a young child, as my Mum always enjoyed it. We struggled to find soya milk in the supermarket, but now, fast forward to 2020, western countries have finally caught up. There is so much choice nowadays in supermarkets, coffee shops and restaurants. From classic soya milk to almond, oat, coconut and even hemp milk. 

Although many would assume that veganism is a dietary choice, it has spread its influence on many aspects of our lifestyles, from the clothes we wear to our travel choices…and our beauty regimes. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What is the difference between vegan and cruelty-free? 

This might sound confusing, but a beauty product can be vegan without being cruelty-free and vice-versa. Vegan products do not contain any animal by-products, which can be an animal ingredient or animal-derived ingredient. A product can be tested on animals and still be labelled as vegan. 

A beauty product that is labelled cruelty-free would have been produced without any form of animal testing. Since 2013, EU law states that it is illegal to sell animal-tested cosmetics in Europe. However, any company that sells their products in countries where it is still legal to test on animals may be carrying out or commissioning tests on animals. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Watch out for these animal by-product ingredients: 

Beeswax, cera alba, cera lava
This is taken from beehives and is often used in lip balms, lipsticks and body lotions. 

Lanolin
This is a fat taken from the grease in sheep’s hair. It is often found in lip balms and body lotions. 

Carmine, cochineal, cochineal extract, and carminic acid
This deep red colour is made from crushed insects. This may be used in eye shadows and lipsticks. 

Guanine
This gives extra shine to your blusher, eyeshadow and nail polish. All thanks to fish scales. 

Keratin
This protein might make your hair feel and look amazing, but keratin is often taken from the nails, hair, and horns of mammals. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Some of my favourite brands 

Now you are aware of the difference between cruelty free and vegan, we can take a look at beauty brands that cater for these needs. The products below are cruelty free and vegan, but some of the brands may have some products with non-vegan ingredients…

 

Charlotte Tilbury: I love so many Charlotte Tilbury products. Clockwise: Cheek to Chic blusher, lipstick, mascara, Lip Lustre, Feline Flick eye liner, Lip Cheat liner, Colour Chameleon eye shadow stick. 

Tarte and Anastasia Beverly Hills: I have tried and loved so many Tarte products over the years – eyes, face, and lips. All their products are cruelty-free and vegan friendly. Some, but not all, ABH are vegan friendly. This includes their Dip Brow pomade (as pictured). L to R: ABH Dip Brow, Tarte mascara, Tarte Shape Tape. 

Becca, Laidbare, Bare Minerals and Too Faced: Becca and Laidbare are vegan friendly, but you need to check the ingredient list for Bare Minerals and Too Faced. Bare Minerals Bare Pro foundation is vegan friendly, as is the Too Faced Born this Way loose powder. 

Leighton Denny, Kester Black and Nails Inc: Now for nails! Here is a very, very tiny selection from my nail collection. Leighton Denny, Kester Black and Nails Inc are vegan friendly. 

Not just makeup… Also pay attention to your sunscreen, perfume… and hand sanitiser! [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]