I think it’s not news to anyone that a lot brands test cosmetics on animals, right? As I have been commenting on some posts, the concern about a healthier and politically/environmentally correct life is increasingly evident in the world today. Technology in the beauty around the world is evolving and I believe that in a not too distant future perhaps the animal tests will be exceptions. In today’s post, I point out some cruelty-free brands – but remember that there is much more, however, I prefer to indicate some that I know.
Dose of Colors – with only three years, Anna Petrosian’s brand is popular among makeup lovers. The product mix is still small – but the quality is amazing. The highlight is the matte liquid lipsticks – in fact, it is worth remembering that the items to the lips are also vegan – highly pigmented, long lasting and amazing colors. The highlighters are also worth mentioning, beautiful.
Where to buy? Ricky’s – Union Square: 7 E 14th St.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics – founded in 2004 by makeup artist David Klasfeld, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics began with the goal of providing products that met the need of the professionals who were not satisfied with the traditional options. OCC began with some lip balms and innovation commitment in colors and textures. One of the most successful product of the brand is the Lip Tar, famous for high pigmentation and matte finish with over 20 shades – including blue! OCC is also a brand 100% vegan.
Where to buy? OCC Store 174 Ludlow Street.
Moroccanoil – if today you know argan oil and its wonderful benefits to the hair, thank Moroccanoil, brand pioneered the use of the ingredient in hair care products that have become the favorites of celebrities like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez. I think 90% of women wanted the brand’s products – and, particularly, I have to agree that it is amazing. The oil is the best!
Where to buy? Ricky’s (check all the locations here).
Dry Bar – Drybar is a “blow dry bar” concept created around a very simple idea: No cuts. No color. Just blowouts! The idea worked so well that the chain has its own hair care line, with hair dryers, brushes, curling, shampoo, dry shampoo, leave-in and more.
Where to buy? Sephora and Dry Bar Locations.
Wet N Wild – I bet you never imagined that this cheap drugstore brand was cruelty-free, right? Yeah! Wet N Wild is one of the cheapest makeup brands here in the United States. And contrary to what many people think, it’s not always that cheap means no quality. Nail polishes, bronzer, matte lipstick and eyeliner brand deserve your attention.
Where to buy? Harmon (22th St & 6 Ave).
Velvet 59 – this vegan, cruelty-free, paraben and gluten free was created by Paris Manning, raised by makeup industry veterans. She is from Brighton, England, and now she resides in upstate New York where she has tirelessly researched and refined a revolutionary approach to maximizing long-wear and pigment while minimizing her footprint on the planet. Velvet 59 is the mix from her visionary approach to marrying modern ideals with vintage glamour. The makeup line includes matte liquid lipsticks, creamy lipsticks, mascara, contour palette and eyeshadow palette. Besides the amazing colors, the packaging is super cute.
Where to buy? Ricky’s (check all the locations here).
Verb – Verb’s concept is very interesting: products created by stylists looking for high-quality products their clients could afford.. The products are also vegans – except Sculpting Clay and Fiber Forming. The line includes items for treatment – such as shampoo, conditioner and mask – and styling – as forming fiber and volume spray. The dry shampoo is fantastic and worth taking a look at the Sea Spray too.
Where to buy? Ricky’s (check all the locations here).
Yes to – do you know quotation that says that you have think outside the box? Yeah. On your next visit to Harmon or a drugstore, what do you think to pay attention to brands that you never heard about it? I bet you’ve seen Yes to products out there, but didn’t give importance for not knowing right. The brand is a global leader in natural beauty products, with winning formulas and exclusive collections. 95% of the formula is natural and products carry ingredients such as carrots, cucumber and coconut. The mix includes items for the body, face and hair. Keep an eye on Yes to Cucumbers Gentle Milk Cleanser with practical packaging and effective formula that removes up waterproof mascara.
Where to buy? Harmon (22th St & 6 Ave).
Physicians Formula – I don’t think that everybody knows, but Physicians formula started with Frank Crandall. He was an eminent allergist and his wife had sensitive skin. He created a unique line of cosmetics for her. Today, the brand offers the latest, innovative products made especially for sensitive skin. Physicians Formula is the America number 1 bronzer, brand, Premium Face Powder Brand, Mineral Makeup Brand, Natural / Organic Face & Eye Makeup Brand and Premium Cosmetic Kit Brand. The formulas don’t contain fragrance, PABA, or any of the 100+ known skin irritants.
Where to buy? Harmon (22th St & 6 Ave).
The Balm – at first, The Balm may reminds Benefit, because of the cute packaging. But honestly, I prefer The Balm! Packaging is super fun and it has a vintage footprint, you know? The focus of the brand is makeup – but there are products pro face and hair.The philosophy of the brand is “Beauty in five minutes” – the products have the premise of offering quick and wonderful solutions. The bronzer, Bahama Mama, is very good!
Where to buy? Some Duane Reade locations (like Herald Square) and Ulta (Queens).
Bonus! Some weeks ago, I received some products from this skin care brand, PurErb, to try. While we’re on the subject, the brand is also cruelty-free. Its products have over 100 antioxidants, vitamins and botanical extracts carefully selected from around the world, such as Africa, Asia, Australia and South America. The products serve a variety of skin problems and include tonics, moisturizers, serums, among others. The highlight is the Deep Cleansing Oil, a wonderful cleansing oil to remove makeup. The products are even suitable for professional use. For now, you can buy them at the brand website.
Laura Peruchi is a Brazilian blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She has lived in Manhattan with her husband since 2014. Since then, she has shared on her blog varied content about the Big Apple. From travel tips, including unusual things to do, shopping tips, etiquette, restaurants, and a lot more, her blog has become a reference in Portuguese (also available in English) for anyone planning a trip to New York City.