As the editor-in-chief of a cruelty-free beauty blog, people often ask me which products are the best. Of course, that depends on your skin type, hair type and personal preferences. And, it’s amazing how one product will FAIL for me and then someone else I know will LOVE it!
That being said, I would like to share with you a few of my favorite cruelty-free products. I hope you’ll love them as much as I do.
1. Alba Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser – This is a great cruelty free cleanser available at your local drugstore! For reference, I have sensitive, combination skin with frequent breakouts. A good friend recommended this to me – she has extremely sensitive skin (more sensitive than mine) and she also loves Alba’s facial cleanser. It has enzymes to remove dead skin and dirt, but it doesn’t dry out your skin at all. It makes your skin feel super soft without leaving any residue!
2. Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Cream (10% Glycolic AHA) – if you want your skin to look good, you have to exfoliate. Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid are one of the best ways to do this. The natural exfoliation encourages new skin cell growth, which diminishes fine lines, gets rid of sun damage, erases acne scars and spots and makes your skin look brighter and younger. Plus, you can find it at your local drugstore. I can’t recommend it enough!
3. Dr. Hauschka’s Lip Care Stick – jojoba oil, shea butter, almond oil, carrot extract and other natural ingredients combine to make this super luxe, non-sticky lip balm that gives you protection without causing dependency (like lip balms that contain drying ingredients can do).
4. bareMinerals Matte mineral foundation gives me a shine-free finish (which lasts almost all day on my shiny areas), minimizes my pores, evens out my skin tone and protects my skin from sun damage (SPF 15). It is designed to be worn alone, but I usually layer over liquid foundation for more coverage.
5. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a cult favorite for a reason. Put it on your eyelids, let dry and then apply your favorite eyeshadow (M.A.C. is my fave). The primer creates a smooth base, makes the colors pop and most importantly, keeps your eyeshadow from creasing! It stay on all day – really! The only possible drawback is that you have less opportunity to blend because the eyeshadow stays where you put it. So, just make sure you stay in the lines!
6. Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash is a little too harsh for the sensitive skin on my face, but it’s perfect for my back. I started out using it every other day, and now I use it almost every time I shower. It leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth and has significantly reduced my breakouts. The main ingredient is salicylic acid, which exfoliates, clears pores and helps reduce acne. There are a ton of products out there with salicylic acid, but the trick is getting the right amount. Too much and your skin will get all irritated and peel. This product is just right for body acne (would probably be good for those with less sensitive facial skin as well). The treasure trove of other ingredients are there to help soothe, kill germs and prevent acne flare-ups: licorice, bergamot, milk thistle, lemon, arnica, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, goldenseal and matricaria.
Great list! I have been on the lookout for a new facial cleanser. I will have to try out the Alba brand.
This is the kind of update i meant in my last comment.
And, bare minerals belongs to shiseido, no? Same story of urban decay, cruelty free brand belongs to an animal testing brand. Cruelty free brand no longer considered to be so.
Alpha Hydrox is owned by Neoteric who tests on animals