Here I am, hastily dipping my toes into the uncertain world of makeup, not quite a beauty blogger but ready to take her first steps into a new blogging adventure. You see when I was typecast as a ‘fashion blogger’ I felt pigeonholed, after all while I speak about fashion my posts are mostly lifestyle orientated with the odd ‘food and drink’ post. Thus it should come as no surprise for me to state that I don’t believe in blogging labels. I am able to talk about topics and review products that exist outside of the labels that the blogging world has given me. Now, those who know me might laugh, after all I am no make-up artist and under close inspection you might note that my foundation is not quite blended, my contour a little patchy and my lips being overlined. But do you know what? I couldn’t give a hoot, I never portrayed myself as a bonafide ‘make up artist’ and you don’t have to be. After all, its like finding your own style, make up is individualistic and gives you the freedom to express yourself, even if that form of expressionism is not perfect. Make up is not just about ‘face tuning’ or becoming an ‘insta-type beauty’, after all if we all looked the same we would be quite boring indeed. So imagine my delight when Vegan and Cruelty Free makeup giant Limecrime approached little old me and asked me if I wanted to unleash my inner unicorn, through their cruelty-free make-up range?
Wearing Limecrime in *Teddy Bear*
As an animal lover I have become increasingly aware over the years that many make up brands test on animals and it breaks my heart. To think that we subject animals to become our ‘playthings’ for the purpose of fashion and make-up is inconceivable and yet many brands do not disclose whether they are cruelty free, leaving me to wonder what my make-up has been tested on. I have been slowly introducing brands that are Vegan and Cruelty free into my make up bag and replacing the non-cruelty free products, even ones that were a staple in my make-up diet. It had nothing to do with watching PETA videos or becoming a vegetarian but rather my decision to try and be cruelty free was largely rooted in my guilt over buying products that were harming animals, just so I could wear make up.
In fact it makes my stomach churn just thinking about these animals being paraded around in labs and being euthanized or tortured all for the sake of a £9 lipstick. Which is why, when I found out that Limecrime was cruelty free, I knew that it was time to sort out my make up bag and dump all the lipsticks that were not cruelty free. After extensive research I was horrified to see that brands like MAC, Revlon, Benefit, Avon and more all tested on animals, as they have operations based in China where it is still legal to test on animals. This is not okay but how can I blame ourselves, when we are often misled by the companies that advertize their make up products. Or were we really aware all along and didn’t want the animals deaths on our consciences? Either way, if we continue supporting brands that think it is okay to test on animals then we are only glorifying these poor creatures deaths. That’s why I am passionate about advocating for animal rights.
Shop The Look
After reading PETA’s guide on which companies test on animals I was determined to make a change and it doesn’t just stop at make up either. From the shampoo I had been using to nail polish, I found that my make up bag had subjected countless animals to abuse, without me knowing it. It broke my heart and even my once beloved Loreal ( who coincidentally I have not used in a few years, thank god), claimed that they ‘did not test on animals’ and yet have been found to be a ‘non-cruelty free brand’. Thankfully brands that I use on a regular basis like NYX, Sleek and Lush do not test on animals and many of their products are also vegan as well as cruelty free according to BunnyFreeBlogger. Thanks to the powerful expansion of ‘online shopping’ many digital native brands like Limecrime, Cult Beauty and more have made it clearer for us to see which makeup brands test on animals and which brands are cruelty free. Because Limecrime is an American brand, shipping was always super expensive but pop up UK Sites like Cult Beauty, have made it easier for me to purchase cruelty free make up brands without the large shipping costs. Some girls like their eyeshadows but I am a lipstick, specifically matte-lippie obsessed gal with a penchant for nudes (lipsticks, get your mind out the gutter)!
Wearing Limecrime in *Wicked* as you can see the pigmentation isn’t as good as Teddy Bear & Riot but the colour is still lovely regardless.
Shop The Look
While I was originally told that I would be receiving Wicked, a deep vampish red, I also received Riot and Teddy Bear, both of which have become staples in my make up bag ever since. Not only are they cruelty free and 100% vegan but the pigmentation was far better than I imagined, although Wicked was not as long lasting as the other two shades. Wicked is easily the shade we could dub as ‘night time glam’, as the deep burgundy and purple undertones make this is a lipstick shade that is not for the faint hearted. The only issue with Wicked is that a ‘little goes a long way’ and due to its intense colour it tends to bleed out, making your lips appear overlined. I prefer to make my lips look bigger than they are anyway but the lipstick tends to crack quite quickly and is more drying than the other shades. That being said, once I had got rid of my revlon red lipsticks (as they are not cruelty free) I was happy to have a red lipstick in my collection, even if it was best suited to short rather than long term use. Teddy Bear was obviously a cruelty free dupe of Mac’s Teddy, but in my opinion a far superior option both in terms of its wearability, application and its moral ethics surrounding animal testing. Similar to Nyx’s velvet matte lipsticks, the matte finish is non-drying, soft on the lips and a rich brownish plum shade, with undertones of aubergine. Unlike Wicked, Teddy Bear was far longer lasting and easier to apply, with cracks only appearing after a full night of partying.
Wearing *Riot*
The third shade ‘Riot’ is a pinkish rose hue that would be ideal for work, as I tend to wear minimal makeup in a professional environment. You may be surprised but getting up at 5 AM does not give me the motivation to contour and bronze my face for gods so at least a cruelty free lipstick like Riot, would stop me from looking completely busted at work. Out of the three-most likely due to its neutral hue- Riot is the least drying and arguably the most wearable, although I believe that overall Teddy is my favourite shade. At £16 , the lipsticks are cheaper than MAC but more expensive than high street brands but I feel that I would pay any price to protect the welfare of our animals. Saying no to animal testing and educating myself on what happens to these animals during and post testing has made me commited to purchasing cruelty free makeup and products and I wont stop until my makeup bag is 100% cruelty free. I have replaced most of my eyeshadows already and all of my lipsticks, while my brushes are all cruelty free. The only thing to find now is a good cruelty free foundation and I am making it my quest to find a shade that both suits me and does not test on animals. Question is will you say no to animal testing too?
Shop The Look
Wearing *Riot*
What Are Your Thoughts On Animal Testing?
*PR Samples were provided in exchange for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I aim to be brutally honest and outline my experiences in detail. Should you have any queries regarding my disclosure policy please contact me using the form provided. Also Contains Affiliate Links. I will receive a small percentage of the profits through the sales made but this does not affect my opinions and all research is my own.*
I am totally against animal testing, but it’s hard to know with some companies, as a lot are owned by bigger companies.
I love the sound of this brand, cruelty-free products are really important to me.
I’ve only got one product from Lime Crime, one of their unicorn lipsticks but would like to try more.
I massively drawn to natural products as like you I adore animals. I’m increasing my stash on a weekly basis and the natural beauty scene is increasing at a rapid pace
I love the colour riot, I’m yet to try out limecrime! I’m so behind lol.
I also love how you started this post, we shouldn’t be labelled. If you want to talk about makeup then go for it, if we limit ourselves to a specific topic it can get a little boring. I love the diversity and realness of your posts x
I hate cruelty towards animals or anyone else in any form. Though have never used this brand! I loved the Riot shade most and it goes perfectly with your Quiz dress!
Oh, I recently wrote about Lime Crime too @ http://www.formidablejoy.com/2017/04/beauty-brand-crush-lime-crime.html!
I LOVE that they’re vegan and cruelty free x
You’re such a beauty! I LOVE that headband and the Limecrime colors on you! Riot is definitely my favorite.
Best,
Rebecca
We’re huge animal lovers at our house and do our best to avoid products that were tested on animals. I’m so glad for the link to PETA’s site .. I’ll be referencing it long into the future I’m sure. While I love all of the looks .. Riot is probably my favorite. Followed closely behind by Teddy Bear (ps: the lime green skirt is amazing!) Can’t wait for more beauty posts in the future
Hun, you’re such an inspiration! To be honest I didn’t really pay attention to the animal- testing factor while shopping for my makeup, not that I didn’t care, it’s just something which didn’t cross my mind at the particular moment if that makes sense? Although I do like MAC a lot, NYX is still very good so in this case supporting cruelty is just not worth it! I use very little makeup and it lasts what I consider forever but my next makeup shopping will sure be more conscious than before! Thanks for making the world a better place Xx
The colors look great. I know Lime Crime has a really bad name but I can’t help but like the products. I hate animal testing and although i don’t just buy cruelty free brands, i think animal testing in unnecessary
I have wanted to try limecrime lipsticks for so long. I am also a lipstick girl. It is the one thing that I really enjoy choosing when doing my make up and have a huge range of choices. I am awful when it comes to checking if they test on animals. I hate the thought but I think I have been so naive and hoped that most companies had stopped that by now!
You should not say, you are not a beauty blogger… Actually you are a beauty blogger. I enjoy reading your post on beauty.
By the way, seriously using animals as a test material is not good thing and I think the big brand say whatever but they use animal as a test subject and abuse them. It even broke my heart too.
Animal testing makes me SICK. I always support companies that don’t test on animals.
Oh boy. Animals testing is a bit of a loaded subject for me. While, on one hand, I am as big of an animal lover as you can get – rescue animals populate my hobby farm. On the other hand, I have been living with cancer for more than half my life. I’d be very naive if I refused to acknowledge how every single one of my medications and therapies was tested on animals. It honestly breaks my heart in many ways, but what’s the happy medium? I really don’t have the answer to that. With that said, for things that don’t require animal testing, like makeup and beauty products, I am glad there is an alternative product to purchase that hasn’t resorted to this method. The whole subject ties me up in knots a little bit actually.
Gorgeous colours and major bonus that they are cruelty free…quite frankly in this day and age that should be standard!
It’s really difficult to find – anything that is sold in China has to be tested that way. Even if the brand doesn’t, they can rely on someone else testing the ingredients for them unfortunately.
If you’re looking for nail polish, I highly recommend checking out some UK indie brands, like wikkid polish or sparkleapolish for some cruelty free brands.
Wow so many good points to comment on. Well done to you for not being pidgeon-holed. I am in the same boat, as I like to post about anything and everything that interests me. We are after all, our own USP. In a sea of bloggers your only unique point is that it is your perspective.
Secondly, I will definitely be checking these sites out. it is completely barbaric that in this day and age, animal testing exists. I had no idea Loreal weren’t cruelty free either?
I love all this outfits! You look gorgeous and always have great makeup on. I try to always buy cruelty free products.
When it comes to makeup, I always try and buy products that haven’t been tested on animals. I just can’t see the need for it x
Love all the outfits first of all they are beautiful and look great on you. The pink and the blue dresses are gorgeous. The shade riot is my favourite it’s just right shade wise for daily wear and the fact that it is cruelty free is an added bonus. I must admit I do sometimes forget to check products are cruelty free although most of mine are now. Glad to see you’re branching out you don’t need to be stuck in one topic as so many bloggers cover numerous topics now.
This brand sounds amazing and has good values, love the riot shade on you :)x
That’s so cool that someone has approached you to do makeup. It should be interesting. I do like all the shades that they gave you of the makeup. Although I do think that the deep reds look a bit nicer on you. It’s good that they are versatile and they can do it all without testing on animals.
I had no idea LimeCrime was cruelty free! That makes me want to try their products even more!
this sounds like an awesome brand. the outfits are beautiful and they look amazing on you. you do such a great job with your makeup it goes perfectly with the outfits
This is a really great cause! Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. This is so important and I’m definitely going to start monitoring my purchases for animal cruelty now. Thank you!
I have heard of lime crime but never tried it yet, thanks for the review. I am loving all your outfits as always!
im so with you on this one i try my best not to use things tested on animals but som brands are so sly to their testing
I don’t think I pay enough to animal testing. Honestly, I have no idea what goes on during it. But I don’t wear enough makeup to have a real cost issue, so I might as well go with cruelty free, thanks for doing the research for us!
I am completely against testing on animals for cosmetics and I’m disappointed at how difficult it can be to find out if a company does so. I really don’t think there is any reason why all cosmetic companies can’t be cruelty-free but in the meantime, I heartily support those companies who have made the commitment to not test on animals. I really love Limecrime’s Teddy Bear and Riot shades, they are both beautiful.
I love the shades you have on. Animal testing is never pleasant to hear.
The best part of your posts is, you touch important subjects creating a lot of awareness.. I am going to share this post with few of my friends who i am sure would be absolutely unaware of animal testing.. Thank you for the article..
Aww I love that dark Limecrime shade on you! It looks absolutely divine! <3
Cheers, Eliza | http://www.fashion-confession.com
I try to find animal friendly products where possible but I am not a fan of Limecrime! There was a huge scandal a couple of years ago regarding the company.
I am quite new to Limecrime so I have no idea what the scandal was or that there was even a scandal? What happened? x
Aw, man. It makes me sad to know that Avon isn’t a cruelty-free company – my cousin is an Avon rep, and I’ve been loving giving her my business.
I love the sound of this and remember being very anti animal testing in my teens. Wearing badges, getting petitions signed etc! Lol
I love finding brands that care about things like ethical sourcing of ingredients, fair wages for workers, and the impact a product has on the environment. Thanks so much for sharing this one with me!
It’s hard to know with some companies as they don’t make it very clear!
L’Oréal is on the non-cruelty free list, oh bother and I really liked their products. I need a new brand now
Beautiful colours, I don’t like to purchase anything tested on animals
I love the Riot one on your, such a lovely colour. I don’t often see cosmetics that are cruelty free.
Animal cruelty is disgusting, unnecessary and pathetic!! It can be hard to find out exact which products are tested on animals though 🙁
Cruelty free Makeup is definitely important and the industry is taking note. I have to admit due to the reputation of this brand I haven’t bought them but I do hear good things. x
I’m an animal lover and companies that test on animals are a big no-no in my book. I’m always talking about PETA and telling people who use those kinds of products that i’m going to sent PETA on them. Ha ha. Another interesting post.
I’m also completely cruelty free with my cosmetics, but I’ve never tried out Limecrime before. I know there was a lot of negative attention surrounding the owner of the company that put me off ever trying them, but their lip colours are just so gorgeous!
I love that you are both introducing us to new products but also discussing the seriousness of animal testing. On a side note: I want to completely steal that first look you are wearing. so cute <3
Gorgeous and cruelty free – fantastic! I love that you do/review what you like on your blog. Your blog, your space!
we use about 90 percent of cruelty-free products in our house, with the goal of making it 100 percent. My daughter is vegan and my son is vegetarian, both out of ethical reasons. While I have not made that change yet, I have so many allergies and a couple of chronic illnesses to boot, that switching completely to an animal free lifestyle is not quite possible at the moment. Yet we try to do our best as a family.
Thank you for speaking about this worthy cause. Blessings!
I used to be one of those who didn’t care if the product is tested on Animals or not until I watched a video on Youtube showing what the animals go through during the testing. Now I feel more at ease when the product says not tested on animals.
As always you look gorgeous in all the outfits, I love the hat 🙂
I’ve never heard of this brand before, but I love that it’s cruelty-free. The styles are so beautiful too.
Testing using animals are really a NO for me. Let’s respect their lives as much as we respect our lives. Thanks for sharing your insights and being brave enough to share your thoughts.
I’d always say no to animal testing! Thanks for sharing this cool brand with us!
XOXO
Great post. We need more animal rights advocates. Thank you for bringing up this very important topic.
I am against testing on animals and try to buy ethical items that have the leaping bunny symbol on them x
I have not heard of Limecrime before but am a big fan of Lush as they are a local company
My most popular recipes are those that look simple with photos that aren’t my best. A friend told me that she thought people preferred the pictures that weren’t so fancy because it made them think they could make them, too. I think the same applies to make up – it’s off putting to read tips from someone who is absolutely immaculate and produces something that looks like a make-up artist has done it! I love your make up though, so go for it!
That’s one of the wonderful things about writing your own blog – you can write whatever you want to! I’ve just recently branched out into wearing makeup again after a 20-year break and this brand sounds fantastic!
I’m really against animal testing for cosmetic products, but I think that most things have been tested at some point down the line, even if a particular company isn’t testing their products. It’s a tough area and I’m looking forward to what you have to say
Thanks for raising awareness for such a cause! I hate what they do to those poor animals!
I hate animal testing. I think its cruel and disgusting! However, its so hard to find out which of these companies are actually cruelty free. Great read!
Love this. I think it’s definitely important to branch out to find out what you are good at!
Animal testing is never pleasant to hear. I’ve never tried out Limecrime before. Animal cruelty is disgusting, unnecessary and pathetic!!
I love lime crime products, I picked up a few liquid lipsticks when I was in the States last year and the colours are amazing x
Love your ethos on this Ana – absolutely stand by what you say on animal testing. BTW – that Riot dress looks stunning on you!
How shocking it is to learn that the big name brands are the ones that test on animals! I am going to look into my make up bag and ditch those brands! I am loving the shades you’ve worn here. I will get them instead.
Riot is my favorite out of these but they all suit you really well. We must stop cruelty to animals! I can’t believe it still goes on our modern world!
Limecrime looks like a wonderful company and the fact that they are cruelty-free makes it that much better for me. I don’t believe in testing on animals, I think it is unnecessary and barbaric. More of the big name cosmetic companies need to stop testing on animals.
I agree! We do need to stop this! I have a friend who is so passionate about animals and that has made me an avid supporter of anyone who supports the cause. We need to take better care of our animals.
I have opened the Peta list on which companies test their products on animals and I was shocked to read how many known brands do this sick practice… I can’t believe that Dove is one of them, with all their brilliant campaigns about natural beauty and care…. it’s so sad to know they are just another giant lying…
That’s awesome! I love that you are using products you believe in, especially once you’ve done research about.
I’m glad that such a cruelty-free brand exists – it is wonderful!
Animal testing is NOT OK! It can be so difficult to know which brands are ‘safe’
I love this! I hate when people animal test, I always use makeup that is not animal tested.
I haven’t heard about Lime creme before and so glad that you share this awesome post
Thank you for shining a light on this issue! We all love fashion and beauty but sometimes forget the process behind it all.
You don’t have to be a Makeup artist to love make-up. Besides, practice makes perfect . Lime crime has some of my favorite liquid lipsticks. Even their metallic are freaking awesome.
I’ve never heard of Limecrime but their approach is laudable.
I do like Limecrime but they come with a chequered history, so I am perhaps more wary x
Ok, so roll on Sunday when FINALLY get to meet, so that I cn pick your brain and leanr all you fashion and now beauty secrets. People do not realise the importance of using cruelty free products. I am total animal lover and would hate to think anything I use have been tested on animals.
I love your dresses here. I, myself, and unsure where to start when exploring the world of makeup in my blogging.
we buy cruelty free and chemical free. I am so happy there are so many choices these days. My daughter has terrible reactions to products with chemicals.
I’m really starting to look for anti animal cruelty makeup, but to be honest have no idea where to start. I’ll have to take a look at Lime Crime next time I go on a beauty haul!
I love your blog and this post is really informative. I am always against animal testing and totally against animal cruelty. Some brands have changed their product testing completely but some still try them. Love the dress too!
I have never used any Limecrime products, but have liked the look of their lipsticks for ages! Anything cruelty free is great x
Oh and you care about animals too! I’ve been vegan for like fifteen years. Every time I read a new blog post I like you just that much more…I still hope to host a piece by you on my blog someday…but whether that happens or not I want to show you that I appreciate you and think you’re awesome by nominating you for the Blogger Recognition Award. Thanks for being you Ana. http://www.bettysbattleground.com/2017/05/03/blogger-recognition-award/
I think I might have left you the wrong link…if I did that one is definitely worth visiting because she’s also an incredible blogger, but here’s the right one: http://www.bettysbattleground.com/2017/05/03/blogger-recognition-award/
I’m like you and trying to switch to being much more conscious about the beauty and cosmetic products I use. You look great and it’s good to know the pigmentation holds up, too! I like Cult Beauty, so its fab we can get Limecrime products without the exorbitant costs of buying from the US! x
Kat x
The colour shades are gorgeous! I love brands that are cruelty free and Lime Crime is brilliant because they are both cruelty free, and are quite a prominent brand in the makeup industry. Great combination! Also, stunning as always Ana. x
I first got one of Lime Crime’s Velvetines when a friend gave it to me as a gift, it was Wicked and I loved it instantly! I didn’t know at that time that it was cruelty free and I loved it even more when I did! To date, it’s one of my favorites.
Nyx and Lime Crime are great brands and it’s good to know that they do not do animal testing. It makes me fall in love with the brands more. I think the shades are lovely and they’re definitely worth the purchase!
Absolutely love cruelty free brands, but after the security breach I was really put off buying LC :(. Shame cause Riot looks like such a gorgeous colour!
The make-up looks amazing and even better that it is cruelty free! Your post sent me on a mission across to the PETA website and I’m devastated to now know that I have been using some products that still test on animals 🙁 I will now be changing brands rapidly! xx
I’m trying to be more conscious not only about what I eat, but also the products I use. I’m currently using Loreal Sulfate-Free shampoo and conditioner and was so excited to find that it’s Vegan! Anyway, great post. I love your blog!
My wife uses a lot of these brands on daily purpose. Unfortunately here in India, the rules or activism against animal testing is almost negligible and hence almost all products are selling despite the fact they are doing animal cruelty or not.
I guess at least at personal level I am going to ask my wife to stop using the product names you indicated.
I have never heard of Limecrime products before, I am so out of the loop beauty wise these days. x
It is such a shame that the pigmentation is not as good for the shade Wicked, the colour is lovely on you though! I love Limecrime for being cruelty free! x
I’ve never heard of Limecrime but now I really want to support them. Love these photos of you as well!
I am against animal testing, but, to be honest, I am not sure that all my makeup products apply to that rule. Sometimes we buy products from big brands, thinking that, since they are so huge, they are cruelty free. Well, that is not always the case. I will make sure to check all the brands I use. I love the shades you are wearing! I would definitely wear them.
We should not be cruel to anything or anyone to test our brands. I lift my hat to any company that does not test on animals. Not really an animal lover but I do not see why anyone has to be cruel to them and testing on them is just downright cruel.
There’s no excuse for cruelty against animals if that’s what the testing entails. The colours look good on you, I love Riot best.
Have always wanted to try Limecrime products. Heard many good things about this brand. The shade Teddy Bear looks so pretty on you.
I’ve also just introduced myself to makeup and beauty product but am still using minimal products. I often see beauty bloggers on YouTube & Instagram using numerous products which I really don’t understand the use of. I like your sense of style and makeup. You do it so well!
It is so sad to know that the power players in make up products are the ones that do animal testing. I have been using Avon and Mac for years and now I am just about ready to dump them. Thank you for the information and for providing me with better choices.
I find matte lippie a bit dry. How did you find this brand?
I’ve never tried anything from LimeCrime, I need to try and get in to cruelty free make-up. It’s crazy the amount of brands who still condone this! xo
Cruelty Free makeup is just amazing!! I have researching a lot about the same recently. Will surely try Limecrime.
Riot got some awesome shades, and I love the fact that it’s cruelty free.
Amazing post darling! I’m also a fashion blogger so I love when I promote brands which are not cruel with animals, and not doing their tests on animal. Photos are stunning. I just can’t wait to see your next post!
So great to read you speaking out about such an important topic. I haven’t tried any Lime Crime cosmetics but I’ll certainly check them out xxx
Love the message behind this! Animal testing is used by so many companies – it’s crazy!
It’s really cruel that most of the “known” brands are using animal testing. I’m really looking forward to researching about these brands you talk about! You’ve made me wonder about all the stuff I’ve been using on my face so far. Thanks for sharing!!
I’ve never heard of limecrime before, but I’m a HUGE advocate for animals, and very against their abuse for beauty products. I’ll be checking into limecrime for sure!
Great info. Awesome. Thank you for sharing. This will help me so much.