Although we are only a few months into 2024, the term ‘cruelty-free’ is a term that has been used throughout the 21st century. Whilst we are all familiar with this term, how many of us actually invest in cruelty-free products that are against animal testing? Whilst we aren’t all great American lawyers like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, we can still do our bit to save the animals and stand against animal testing.
But wait! Aren’t cruelty-free products more expensive?
Whilst some high-end luxury brands may charge a bit more for their products, I have compiled a list of my top 5 favorite cruelty-free brands that I use as a student without breaking the bank. From skincare to perfumes and bath products, these companies have something for everyone!
LUSH
Coming in true ‘top of the pops’ style (and quite rightly) at the top of this list is the Lush cosmetics company. I consider myself the number-one fan of this company, and if you haven’t tried them yet, 2024 is the year to do so. Their product range caters to both males and females, and products can come as cheap as £3.50.
Their scents are mouth-wateringly delicious (my favorite is their bubblegum lip scrub)and will leave you feeling and smelling like the most edible person in the room! Besides this, all their products are 100% free from animal testing and vegetarian. Aromatic and cruelty-free? Yes, please!
Photo by Amy Dhannie
THE BODY SHOP
Coming in second place is The Body Shop company. I’ve used their products since my early teenage years, and I’m pretty sure I’ve been responsible for a few out-of-stock issues in their hand cream and body butter departments. They’re a little pricier than Lush, but their thick, luxurious body butter cannot be topped for longevity and hydration.
Perfect for dry skin, I adore their almond milk body butter. It has been a holy grail in my winter body skincare routine. They also have a range of skincare products, such as face masks and facial washes for oily, dry, and sensitive skin types, and, of course, none of their branded products are tested on animals.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
THE ESSENCE VAULT
In third place is The Essence Vault Company. If you’re looking for affordable perfume dupes of Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford, or any other luxury brands, look no further. I know this sounds too good to be true, but I have searched this company for faults, and they are—dare I say it—bordering on perfection.
The staple perfume that I use from this company is number 807, which is inspired by Giorgio Armani’s perfume, My Way, and lasts just as well as the real deal for a fraction of the price (£17.95 for 30 ml or £27.95 for 100 ml). The company prides itself on using vegan-friendly perfume oils, with all products cruelty-free. Is this a deal to be overlooked? I don't think so!
Photo by Amy Dhannie
NARS
While I am by no means a makeup guru, I am a proud owner of a bottle of NARS foundation, and I am in love with it. As a Black girl, it can be so difficult to find shades that match my skin perfectly, but NARS makeup cannot be topped for a flawless match and long-lasting, mattifying coverage (perfect for my dark-skin girlies). While their makeup products are quite pricey, they are worth every penny and will offer you exactly what you're looking for without compromising the health of our planet.
None of NARS's makeup products are tested on animals, and they are committed to eliminating animal testing globally. So what better way to get involved in creating a safer, better place for our furry friends?
Photo by Amy Dhannie
PIXI BEAUTY
Last, but not least, is the Pixi Beauty Company. This company beautifully combines ‘aesthetic’ with top-notch powerhouse ingredients that are non-toxic and safe/gentle on your skin. While I am not a large consumer of their beauty products, I often use their beautifEYE under eye patches, and they have worked wonders in reducing the appearance of my dark circles and brightening my overall eye area. They are definitely on the expensive side, but I'd say that their products are worth every penny, especially as none of their finished products are tested on animals. You can get that glow this summer without harming the planet.
Photo by Amy Dhannie
So what are you waiting for? Whilst these companies are by no means the only cruelty-free brands, they are good options to kickstart your fight against animal testing and help make the planet a safer and more sustainable place to live for all creatures, great and small!