I love animals. From the moment I was brought home from the hospital I have been around animals. There have been cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, birds and fish in my family home alone. I’ve been shopping in Lush for years, since we first got a store in Basingstoke, but while I wanted to be kinder to animals as a cash strapped teenager almost 10 years ago (man I feel old) there wasn’t a lot of affordable stuff on the market. A few weeks ago I learnt the horrifying truth about how fur clothing was made, I’d always know it was horrific but I’d never found out how much so. While I’ve never worn fur, I thought a lot about animal cruelty and decided that I wanted to try and help, by not giving money to companies who test on animals, so that meant new make up.

Now, I don’t wear much make up, I’ve never been a huge fan but this was important to me. I want to clear some things up though, when talking about this change I was challenged over the fact that I eat meat and dairy. I am not a vegan, nor am I a vegetarian and that is my choice and partly for medical reasons. I am helping in a way that I can. So, here are a few of my starter purchases. Also, this isn’t me becoming a beauty blogger, my 15 year old sister teaches me to do my make up and gives me brands to try.

Barry M Lipsticks 

I love a good Lipstick and while my favourite is MAC (see a statement about them later) so I also wanted some great new lipsticks and Barry M are cruelty free, which surprised me. While these do need care when applying and possibly a lip liner they have good colour.

Lottie Loves London Nail Varnish 

Again, something I was concerned about, nail varnish. I’ve been pleasantly surprised gorgeous colours and it holds really well (which I need because I chip my nails all the time).

Bare Minerals Set 

My skin is prone to break-outs, something I have been self concious about in the past. My Mum and sister use this so I found a set in TK Maxx and gave it a go. For the first time ever I’ve found something that doesn’t hurt my skin and it’s easy to apply, which for someone who didn’t start using make up often until she was at university is helpful.

Barry M Lash Vegas Mascara and MUA Intense Glitter Pencil 

I’ll admit I got the glitter pencil by accident BUT it’s better than almost all of the eyeliners I’ve tried. Also have no complaints about the new Mascara, looks good and doesn’t sting my eyes. Always a plus.

About MAC 

If you follow me on Instagram you will know that I have a love affair with MAC, which left me with a dilemma. Did they test, didn’t they test? I found this statement online to inform you all of their stance on Animal Testing.

Now I’ve been getting into some more research I have a list of brands I want to try next, let me know in the comments if there are any you’ve tried or any more I should add!

Elf

Urban Decay

Kat Von D

Red Apple Lipstick

B.

theBalm

Burt’s Bees

Inkia

Paul Mitchell Hair Range