Tips on Going Cruelty-Free (With Your Makeup and More)

So it's 2019, and one of your new year's resolutions is to go cruelty-free with your makeup (or more). Maybe you realized that you've spent a lot on makeup or skin care (or both) last year. Maybe you've become more aware of the cruelty-free movement, and you've decided to join in. Maybe it's something you've always wanted to try but just didn't know how to start.

So it's been a couple of weeks or so, and you find that you're overwhelmed, lost, or confused on what to do. Where do you begin? How do you continue?

Well, this week's post is here to help you. First of all, congrats on deciding to go cruelty-free! It is always good to see more people making the commitment to buying only cruelty-free makeup and any effort should be met with encouragement and positivity.

Now if you're in the Philippines, it can be a bit challenging to go that route since many sources are international, and some brands may not be that accessible. But that doesn't mean that it can't be done. I think the local beauty market is slowly recognizing that being conscious of a brand's cruelty-free status is becoming important, so it's not like there is no support.

Speaking of support, I have more than a few tips to help you with that. But the biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone planning to go cruelty-free is this:

Start small.

Don't overwhelm yourself with all the information everywhere on social media. Everyone has their own way of going cruelty-free, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. What matters is that you make a gradual transition to it because at the end of the day, makeup is supposed to be fun and enjoyable.

You need to feel excited about making this change, and you should be inspired, not burdened by it. So if you decide to follow any of these tips, take your time. No one can really say if you're doing enough or not (and please don't listen to the people who do).

For Makeup Novices - Find Out What Works for You First

It was actually easier for me to go cruelty-free because I was still starting out with makeup when I became aware of the whole movement. I did as much research as I could on different cruelty-free brands, testing in China, and other factors before I began to grow my makeup collection.

Now if you find yourself in a similar position like me, I suggest that you don't go spending your money on makeup right away. If you're serious about going cruelty-free, do look into it first. You will need to consider a lot of things after all.

From base products to eyeshadows and lipsticks, it does help to decide what brands you want to use or try while building your cruelty-free collection

In addition to brand status or ingredients, also consider what brands are locally available to you. While your favorite YouTuber might rave about this certain palette or this liquid lipstick, it might not be worth trying to get if the brand doesn't ship to the Philippines in the first place.

Remember that finding cruelty-free products doesn't and shouldn't have to break the bank and being wise with what brands you want to add to your collection really helps a lot. Besides, there are a ton of affordable cruelty-free brands that you can easily buy from Watsons or online.

Start a Project Pan

If you already have a sizable collection and are currently using a lot of products from brands that are not cruelty-free, use them up first. You have already spent money on those products, and it might be better to use them up one by one instead of spending a ton of money at once on replacements.

As the Tagalog saying goes "Sulitin mo na." You don't have to throw your products or give them away if you don't want to. That's essentially what Project Panning is.

Don't act like this photo doesn't give you some sort of satisfaction

If you'd like more support to use up what you have, there is a wonderful community on social media called the Panning community who are all actively doing a project pan. Many of the members of this community are doing a project pan specifically because they have transitioned to being cruelty-free and want to finish all their makeup that isn't.

And to help with the transition, you can buy new products from brands that are cruelty-free while you're panning the ones that aren't. Eventually, you'll have a makeup collection made up of just cruelty-free brands. Plus, you have the added satisfaction of finishing up a product and getting the most use out of it.

Get Inspired by Checking Out These Cruelty-free Panning Accounts:

newbiepanner

crueltyfreepanner

panandempties

Try Local or Independent Brands

It can be hard when you walk into the mall or a Watsons and the first brands that you see are from Maybelline, Bobbi Brown, Revlon, and other similar brands. Which, among many other brands, aren't cruelty-free. Instead of falling for that trap, do a little more exploring and wander to the other aisles or kiosks.

One good thing to know is that many local brands in the Philippines are cruelty-free as we do not have the government funds to spend on animal testing and because most of these brands don't really want to expand to countries that do test. And with the emergence of new local brands like Vice Cosmetics, Colourette, and Detail Makeover, your choices aren't limited either.

Be careful though, as there are less regulations in the Philippines, some brands might only claim to be cruelty-free for the marketing aspect of it.

Though if you prefer more colorful makeup, it doesn't hurt to try an independent brand or two if you have the means to get them. Most independent brands are cruelty-free and haven't expanded that much to be able to sell in countries that do require animal testing. But if they ship to the Philippines, and there is a seller willing to help you with shipping and customs, go for it!

If You Think It's Time to Let Go - Declutter Your Makeup Collection

Lastly. there's nothing wrong with getting rid of your makeup products that aren't cruelty-free, especially if your collection is already huge. If you have a lot of friends and relatives that also love makeup, you can definitely pass on those products to them. Free makeup is always a welcome thing for anyone to receive, and you'll get to downsize your collection to just the cruelty-free brands.

Also, if you don't have a lot of loved ones who love makeup, fret not. You can always donate your makeup to charity. One popular group I continuously donate to is The Foundation Foundation - Philippines, whose main mission is to gather makeup and cosmetics to give away to victims of human trafficking, rape, and poverty.

Don't worry if you've already opened or sort of used your makeup, they'll still accept it! Just make sure to disinfect it.

We all know that there is something empowering and comforting about being able to put on your makeup and go to work, even when you're going through something horrible. It's a small thing really, but for someone who's lost so much and is trying to rebuild their lives, it means so much to them. Plus, the products that you don't want to keep anymore will be with someone who will use it and give it the love it deserves.

If you're interested in learning more about what The Foundation Foundation does, send them a private message on Facebook as it is presently their main platform.