Current cruelty free skincare & make-up 


I’ve always been a big lover of skincare and make-up but since going cruelty free I’ve noticed that I definitely buy less, but buy better. These are some of the brands and products that I would definitely recommend you trying out.

First up is Glossier. I fell for this brand hook, line and sinker. I’d literally been waiting for them to arrive in the UK (no US trips for me!) and I think my order was placed at 9.03am on the day they launched. I made quite a big first order (for me anyway) and I’m pretty pleased with everything I bought.

Balm dotcom is great, a better version of the Kiehls lip balm for me (which I now don’t buy anyway). I got the plain version purely for the packaging, but will definitely be picking up some of the other flavours. I always tend to forget which bag I’ve left it in, so it will be good to have a few knocking around.

I’ve read a couple of reviews about the priming moisturiser not being great but I really like it. It’s a good layer of moisture in the mornings and in the evenings I use beneath a heavier cream or an oil.

The milky jelly cleanser is what surprised me the most. The first time I used it, I hated it – it made my eyes sting and my skin feel quite tight. I was tempted to give it away and not try again but I’m glad I didn’t. It is now my go-to cleanser to take off my make-up!

By the way – if you’re about to make your first Glossier order, you can use my link for 10% off http://bff.glossier.com/gHs5r – you’re welcome!

 

I had to buy the mask duo; I love a facemask more than most things in life and the lovely Kate La Vie raved about them so I knew they must be good! The mega greens mask is as good as I thought it would be, clay-based masks are my usual go-to anyway. But the surprise to me was the moisturising moon mask; I don’t tend to buy moisturising masks as they don’t do much for me so I was blown away when I used this for the first time. It really chucks some moisture on your face and definitely gives your skin a glow. I’m a convert and I try to use it once a week now without fail.

Speaking of masks, I can’t write a post about skincare and not mention these beauties. This brand makes hands-down the best face sheet masks ever!

I bought it on a whim from Superdrug when I couldn’t find their own-brand sheet masks (which are very good too). I checked the backs of most masks on the shelf and was surprised to see these were cruelty free! They cost more than I would usually pay (£4.99) for a one-use thing, but I was clearly in a ‘treat yo self’ mode. I am SO glad I tried it! It doesn’t irritate my skin at all when it is on and it leaves quite a thick layer of moisture once you’ve taken it off that you can either leave to sink in or gently rub-in yourself. I bought one for my friend and she compared it to having a facial, which is a pretty good compliment. They have a few different versions, my favourite is the purple packet – nourish and hydrate – but I don’t have a bad word to say about any of them! You can buy packs of 4 or 5 different ones, which are cheaper per packet and would make great Christmas gifts!

I was really excited when I heard ASOS were bringing out a line of cruelty-free make-up and I wasn’t disappointed when I finally got my hands on some of it. One thing that I have struggled with since going CF is finding a good mascara (I was very loyal to Rimmel Lash Accelerator) but this ASOS beauty is the best I’ve found. It has a pretty big wand but doesn’t clump your eyelashes and does make them look longer. The lipstick is a really cute colour and has a good pigment, not too drying either. The liquid lipstick is a perfect orangey-red, it doesn’t last all day and does flake a bit if you eat & drink but reapplying during the day is no big deal to me. Would definitely recommend you checking the range out for yourself, if only for the mascara alone!

I’ve included these two products even though I’ve had them a while now because I have been reaching for them more and more in the last couple of months. The MOA green balm is incredible, it makes my skin feel so soft and I love the smell of it (which I never usually do with cleansers). It really helps take make-up completely off, which I don’t find with all solid based cleansers.

The Pixi Rose Oil Blend is easily one of my top 3 oils; doesn’t feel too greasy and guarantees to make my skin feel super smooth the next morning. I got two of these in gift packs at Christmas last year so I’m set for a while yet!

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                              Alchemy Grapefruit Hair Remedy

And lastly but definitely not least is the Alchemy Grapefruit Hair Remedy. The lovely guys at Alchemy were kind enough to send me a bottle to try and I’m so pleased they did. I don’t tend to use a lot of products on my hair; it’s very fine and can often look limp – I don’t even use conditioner regularly (I’m not sure I’m even meant to admit that?!) So when my hair is feeling a little dry I rub some of this through at night and it makes my hair feel much softer the next morning. I don’t need to use much, a pea sized amount will do as my hair is so fine, so I have a feeling this bottle will last a while!

 

I would love to know what cruelty free products you’ve been loving lately, let me know in the comments!