I do not purchase makeup made by companies that test on animals. My dilemma lately isn’t over what’s bought by who, but rather how effective and rational my ideology is. I have begun to realize that I am a hypocrite.
Background first: I went vegetarian when I was 13-years-old until almost age 21, when I stopped because I was sick every month and malnourished. I began eating meat for about a year, then cut back to only fish until this past May when I returned to being a full-fledged vegetarian. I originally started because my older sister didn’t eat meat. I continued on because it became habit. Since quitting meat again in May, my reasons for being a vegetarian have changed: I care about animals and do not want to eat them.
I’ve been incorporating my beliefs over what goes into my body to what goes on my skin. I’ve made a conscious effort not to purchase cosmetics made by companies that test on animals.
A word on this before you say “BUT!”: I do own Maybelline products. I bought them based on mis-information provided in the book Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, which listed them as a company that does not test finished products on animals. With some very quick research, I realized that Maybelline is actually one of the biggest animal testing offenders. I will continue to use them but will not repurchase. Secondly: If I am given by friends and families products from companies that test on animals, I do use these products but will not purchase them myself.
How useful is this strategy? That’s what I’ve been asking myself lately. Let’s take Procter and Gamble (P&G), a huge company that makes everything from diapers to mascara. P&G is the parent company for many brands including CoverGirl, one of the bestselling makeup lines in the drugstore.
As you can guess, I haven’t purchased any CoverGirl products in well over a year due to the fact that P&G tests on animals. However, I have bought Dawn dish soap, Bounty paper towels and Charmin toilet paper. So while I’ve been actively boycotting one brand, CoverGirl, I’ve been throwing money into other P&G brands.
Tell me: Is it okay if the right hand knows not what the left hand does?
@La Pepite Madeuse–thanks for stopping by!
@Ilona–You're welcome. Thank you so much for your kind compliment!
I totally agree. In this era of technology, there really is no need to animal test.
@Leia–I'm a vegetarian for the same reasons, too! I feel horrible, especially with my Maybelline slip up. I literally went out and bought 5 things from their line when I thought they didn't test on animals. Now I know better.
It's hard being a responsible consumer. I guess if you want to be one, though, you just have to go above and beyond just strolling the grocery store isles.
great blog !
Thank you so much, I have to say, I love your articles, very informative! I used to be a vegeterian as well, now I occasionally eat meat, but still don't buy from companies who are known for animal testing. That's just wrong and we should all know better.
I've been vegetarian since age 12, and my reasons have always been because I love animals and can't bear to see living creatures hurt or killed. For that reason, it would make sense for me not to wear any animal products or use any make-up tested on animals. But, like you, I've been guilty of sometimes using products only to find out later that they do test on animals or use animal products – I have just learned that it's better to do my research before buying something (and I'm sure I still slip up sometimes). Besides, I continue to wear leather because I find it extremely hard to find shoes that are vegan *and* aesthetically pleasing… so I'm definitely a hypocrite!
I think that individuals should no longer have to do the research themselves. I think that there needs to be more pressure put on companies like P&G, by stockholders, investors, consumers, etc., to change their business ethics and morals, so that we *don't* have to feel guilty if we buy Bounty paper towels!
? Leia
@ Sophie–Thanks so much for your kind comment! My parents tried to force me to quit and my mom told me I would die if I didn't eat meat. But, I am fueled by drama and controversy, so it just made me go on–for 9 years! Now it's more of a personal choice and less of a political statement for me. I hate getting into conversations about what I eat, to be honest.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving me a comment
@Citizen Rosebud–I think the way I feel about all this is that I have to start somewhere. If I begin to cut out P&G products out one brand by one brand, the slowly I can convert. I'm not solely speaking out on P&G–there are certainly other companies that test, but they are just of the largest and one of the first ones I knew about from a young age. Like I said, I have to start somewhere.
Thanks for the compliments! I was very excited to make it to Links a la Mode this week.
Darling I couldn't agree with you more. I was a vegetarian in my teen years (until my parents forced me to eat meat again) and I do believe in animal rights and products that are tested on animals are out of my list. It's lovely to know that other girls out there are doing the same.
xo
Sophie
Good God is this a juicy topic!
I try not to buy any P&G brands, for over a decade. But you do what you do, and like you, I'd probably use something someone gave for free. Maybe.
Your question: is is okay if the the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing? Okay is a relative term.
I use the term "effective." If you want to actually make a difference in the lives of animals, I applaud you on taking a stand. Now the only way a powerful corp will THINK to change it's profitable strategy would be if it stopped being a profitable practice. So until en masse people stopped buying P&G, they probably don't notice.
But you do.
I personally vote with my dollar. I choose to support small and local business when possible. I say no to most big Corporations in favor of the ma & pop stores.
Which mean I pay more, and buy less.
But this has inspired me to look again at what's in my cupboards. I don't want to inadvertently "vote" its okay to test on animals. I feel prettier with my ethics attached. So thank you for bringing this up!
AND: thank you for visiting my blog! V is such a goddess and any friend of hers is a friend of mine! So hello!
Congrats by the way on your recent Links ala Mode. Top notch.
That's awesome to know! I really want to buy it and try it out before I decide which one use to the big day. We're getting married next summer! It's good to know it lasts long.
hey! i LOVE pro long wear. it really lasts for 15 hours. i finally wore it for a full 15 yesterday. the coverage is amazing (i have acne scares and redness) you dont need many pumps to get full coverage. its worth the money. congrats on the wedding, when is your lucky day?