Why I am Cruelty Free and Vegan Friendly

A few months ago I was invited to write a blog for The wedding bubble - a luxury wedding wedding planner based in the Midlands about the reasons I am a cruelty free and vegan friendly MUA, I hope you like it!

When I came into the makeup industry six years ago at the age of 31, I had no idea it would end up being my career but I did know that it was going to be the start of something very special and potentially life-changing. Makeup has always played a big part in my life from a very young age as I struggled with cystic acne so often turned to makeup to mask my severe imperfections. Going into my 30’s and becoming more confident in my own skin, I naturally gravitated towards wanting to help people who have encountered similar problems. I never realised how many people are so self-deprecating and self-conscious about their skin and appearance until I came into this industry, which is why I feel so grateful I can help people shift their way of thinking and feel amazing about themselves, especially on one of the most important days of their life.

In 2016 I turned vegetarian and eventually went Vegan two years later. My first love in life has always and will always be animals so it felt right and a totally natural transition. I had been in the industry for a few years, working with big names brands like Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder and MAC. I’ve always been an “all or nothing” person and post going Vegan, it was incredibly important to me that I aligned my personal beliefs with my professional ones. I knew that the company that I was working for didn’t have the right ethical stance and something just started to sit uncomfortable with me about being part of the organisation. My decision to leave felt like it had come at the right time as I wanted to grow and develop my wedding business which I would have complete creative control over and grow a brand which encapsulated all that I believed about modern makeup whilst delivering an ethical message.

I not only wanted to create a unique wedding business offering a high end service to clients who are seeking a more natural and modern approach to their wedding makeup, but also to educate and show people just how easy it is to switch to good ethically aware brands. Cruelty free makeup means that at no stage in the production has the product or ingredients been tested on animals, nor have they paid a third party to do this on their behalf.  Animal exploitation in the beauty industry is continuously being exposed as time goes on, however I found that a lot of people are still not aware of what makes a brand not cruelty free, as the confusion lies with the fact that animal testing has been banned in UK and Europe for many years. The grey area is that although this may be the case, brands (such as Estee Lauder, MAC, Chanel, YSL, NARS to name a few!) can choose to sell in countries like China, whereby law it is mandatory to test on animals before selling the products to the public. I have carried out a lot of research and really invested some time looking into brands and products to be able to offer the best advice and be an ambassador for companies which I personally believe have the right principles.

There are some AMAZING companies out there all flying the flag for cruelty free and vegan friendly as times are evolving with more and more people becoming conscious of what they are eating, looking after the environment and being more ethical with their choices. It’s wonderful to see these businesses thriving and creating a positive name for themselves however It’s important to mention that unfortunately there are companies like Unilever, Loreal and Estee Lauder who are exploiting the growing trend and are claiming that some of their products are “Vegan friendly”  to entice customers even though their company is anything but ethical. If in doubt there are some great websites I trust such as Cruelty Free Kitty and Ethical Elephant where you can do a quick check!

The rise of Vegan friendly makeup has been huge but the question I get asked the most is “Do the products last?”. There are many preconceptions about vegan makeup, some fear that they will be lacking in something or just not have any longevity, but in my opinion the truth is that the performance of the product is in no way compromised but actually improved. The biggest selling point of makeup and the key benefits which has no animal derived ingredients is that not only are they less harmful but in most cases are Paraben, gluten free and Talc free which is great if you have sensitive skin, eczema, roseacha, acne or if you are celiac.

The brands I absolutely swear by are not only mainstream brands but are great quality and my clients absolutely LOVE them! I get asked time and time again what I used so I believe the quality speaks for itself.  It's heart-warming to find so many brands choose to not test their products or ingredients on animals and a handful of those brands are 100% vegan too. These and many more are all integral to making a change in the future of makeup production and below are a few companies both high end and high street which I personally love!

Charlotte Tilbury, Bare Minerals, Urban Decay, Hourglass, Tarte Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverley Hills, Becca, Morphe, Too Faced and Revolution

I am super proud to be one of the only Cruelty Free makeup artists in the West Midlands and I do feel a sense of joy when clients connect with that side of my business! The wedding industry is forever evolving and changing for the better as more and more suppliers who are driven by positive changes and principles are becoming increasingly on the map. I regularly get contacted by ethical planners and suppliers who reach out because they are searching for companies who are actively being eco-friendly, sustainable and cruelty free. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a part of forward thinking and evolving industry.

I always wanted a company which felt right ethically but also ensuring that it doesn’t alienate anyone as I truly want to help people regardless to what they believe. I thrive on being a positive soul, super helpful and making people feel comfortable and confident. I’m lucky to have some incredible testimonials from brides who have had the best experience with me. I truly love what I do and I feel eternally grateful to be able to call this my job!

Understanding Cruelty Free Cosmetics

One of my biggest passions is animals and my love for them has completely changed every aspect of my life. Although It has been a long journey getting to where I am today personally and professionally, the fact that I am able to incorporate my passion and help influence positively through my job makes me very fortunate and is simply a dream come true. I am a cruelty free makeup artist and vegan friendly too, but that hasn’t always been the case. Up until April 2018 when I left working at Bobbi Brown most of my kit wasn’t. Before this, I didn’t know enough about what made a product not cruelty free and I had not long changed my career and just wanted well recognised brands in my kit that appealed to everyone. Something just didn’t sit right, and I didn’t feel comfortable about the products I was using so I knew it had to change. For the people who know me, know that I am an all or nothing kind of person and where a 6 months transition was more realistic, I gave myself two weeks. I spent days researching, hours of scouring the internet and testing products, reading reviews looking at ingredients, asking opinions, reading forums and blogs, visiting counters and in two weeks after pretty much using most of my savings I changed my entire kit. Finally, my business felt right. Because of this change the questions I get asked frequently via email, Instagram, past and present clients, friends and people I have never met before has given me the idea and foundations for writing this blog.

There appears to be a lack of understanding around the subject of animal testing, many don’t know what makes a brand not cruelty free (aside from the obvious) as most will claim they don’t test on animals allowing us to assume that they are safe to buy. There is a lot I found out working in this industry that I didn’t know before, so I figured if I didn’t then others won’t too. Hopefully this will help shed some light to the many people who get in touch and ask me for my advice and potentially encourage people to think about switching to brands in the future which don’t support any kind of testing on animals either directly or indirectly. 

What makes a brand not cruelty free?

When the EU banned cosmetics that had been tested on animals in 2013 animal lovers everywhere were overjoyed with the huge breakthrough. But has it put an end to the practice of mice and rabbits being used for tests to ensure make-up is safe for humans? Not entirely.

Some of the big Makeup companies claimed that they were “cruelty free” in effect of this ban and people felt confident that when they go and buy products from counters or off the shelves, they weren’t contributing profits to a company which harms animals. Unfortunately, though, with a lot of laws, there was a loophole.

 “Animal testing  for cosmetics include skin and eye irritation tests where chemicals are rubbed onto the shaved skin or dripped into the eyes of rabbits; repeated oral force-feeding studies lasting weeks or months to look for signs of general illness or specific health hazards, such as cancer or birth defects; and even widely condemned “lethal dose” tests, in which animals are forced to swallow massive amounts of a test chemical to determine the dose that causes death. These tests can cause considerable pain and distress including blindness, swollen eyes, sore bleeding skin, internal bleeding and organ damage, birth defects, convulsions and death. Pain relief is not provided and at the end of a test the animals are killed, normally by asphyxiation, neck-breaking or decapitation”

Humane Society International

So, what makes a brand not cruelty free if it’s illegal to test on animal in the EU?

Although they may not be physically be doing the testing themselves, they are paying for a third party to do so in countries where by law it is imperative. For instance, any cosmetics companies that sells their goods in China must submit them to be tested in Chinese laboratories, where more than 300,000 animals are used each year and welfare laws are notoriously slack. China’s beauty industry alone brings in figures around 25 Billion pounds a year so by pulling out of their market it would be incredibly detrimental to their profits. Most use the excuse that they feel that being in China they can help influence them to find alternative methods – not exactly inspiring.

L’Oréal has a notoriously misleading animal testing statement. They claim “L’Oréal no longer tests any of its products or any of its ingredients on animals, anywhere in the world. Nor does L’Oréal delegate this task to others.” However, as they sell their products in China where animal testing is still mandatory funds are being put towards the testing process "as required by law"

M.A.C also claims to not test on animals or ask others to test on animals for them. This is followed by “While some governments conduct animal testing to prove safety before they will allow us to sell our products, M·A·C has never tested on animals and we continue to be a leader in the movement to end animal testing globally”.  There has been no evidence of this to this day.

How are we to avoid accidentally buying into a brand which allows its products to be tested on animals?

Sadly, although it’s not that straight forward but I have done the leg work for you so you can see which brands are not cruelty free and which are so you can switch to if you wish to in the future or when your products run out. For the purpose of this blog I have listed as many brands which will be well recognised however this is by no means an extensive list.  All haircare and makeup products which haven’t been tested on animals can be found on sites such as the PETA and crueltyfreekitty.com

As a Bridal Makeup Artist, I have researched the best products for your big day. I don’t spare on quality or luxury and I pride myself on ensuring that everything I have in my kit is cruelty free and mainly vegan friendly too.

To help make it easier which brands are comparable and easy to switch to, I have made some suggestions however please get in touch for more info! All these brands have Vegan friendly options too so it’s worth asking a representative if it’s something that is important to you

For futher questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

5 Reasons why you should consider a Professional MUA for your Wedding day.

Planning a wedding can be a LOT of fun, but it can also have it’s stressful moments too. It’s important to remember that if you have chosen the right people to assist you on your wedding day, they will do whatever they can to make the whole experience easy and enjoyable. Makeup artists are absolutely no different! I only concentrate on weddings as my business and the reason why is because I wanted to be a specialist in my field and be able to give the absolute best advice I can and guide you through a process where you will feel looked after, stress free and most of all feel completely pampered using all of my tried and tested methods.

Wedding Makeup may be the last thing on your mind or you might be thinking of doing it yourself to save money and time. You may be someone who wears makeup daily so you know your comfort zones and might be thinking, it can’t be that hard, right? Or you could be someone who never wears a lot of makeup (about 90% of my clients!) and you are petrified of having someone who may not understand you and what your comfort zones are! If you are in two minds about hiring a makeup artist for your big day here are 5 reasons which might help to make your decision.

1- We know what works and what doesn’t!

You may be someone who has your routine with makeup every day, or you might feel comfortable and skilled in that area along with your day to day routine. Alternatively, you might not wear makeup and think that you just don’t feel comfortable paying for a service where you feel as though the bridal makeup artist will come in and trowel it on! Wedding makeup is a whole different ball game from everyday makeup. For example, as a Bridal Makeup artist I have tried and tested many different techniques that will keep your makeup locked down for the entire day and night through all seasons not to mention the hundreds of emotions you will feel throughout the day (and yes, inevitably you will cry with happy emotions!). I also understand how to bring out your best features and can suggest ideas that you may not have even thought of, like your wedding colour palette and what look will compliment your dress. I know exactly what to do to hide pesky dark circles which we ALL have AND how to conceal any blemishes to help create a natural flawless base without the need of truly piling on the foundation.

If you don’t wear makeup on a day to day basis then I would enlist a Bridal makeup artist even more so! I absolutely pride myself on making sure that your comfort zones are considered and if you don’t wear a lot, then I won’t put you at unease by applying an uncomfortable amount. There is a balance between flawless defined bridal makeup whilst keeping it natural, luckily that’s my forte! Don’t forget, even if you don’t wear a lot of makeup on a day to day basis, on your wedding day there will no doubt be a photographer so why not still be looking natural but “made up” at the same time for the occasion?!

2- We know what photographs well. 

Wedding Photography by Novel Focus Photography

This is such an important reason why having a professional makeup artist is essential for your big day. Although I highly endorse your makeup to look fresh and natural, it inevitably must be done differently if you want it to photograph well. On average your wedding photographer may take anything between 1000 – 3000 pictures on your wedding day. Of course, you get a lovely edited down version of pictures however they will be capturing you and your bridal party all day and night.  It’s simply not enough just making your own makeup look heavier and that’s also partly the reason why it can take a bit of time for you to adjust to the work of a professional bridal makeup artist. At a glance it may seem a tad overdone (and I will be covering this in a different blog post!) but after it sets in and later and in the pictures, it looks perfect.

I completely know and understand what needs enhancing so it doesn’t disappear in pictures and how to not bring attention to fine lines and wrinkles because let’s face it, no one has a filter 24 hours a day following them around!

You only get one set of wedding pictures so is it really worth the risk?

3- We do great work, fast!

Wedding Photography by Simon Brettell

The whole idea is that you shouldn’t be stressed or feel pressured on the morning of your wedding day. Wouldn’t you want to look back and remember just how much fun you had with your bridal party? You might be good at your own makeup but add on the time which will absolutely fly by, your bridal party and mother all wanting to chat, not to mention preparing the dresses, the arrival of the flowers, creating space to get ready, children who may be involved in the wedding and a wedding planner who needs to come in and finalise details. Before you know it, the morning will be over. Wedding makeup artists on the other hand, we do well under pressure and we certainly know how to organise people to make sure everyone is ready in a timely manner.

Although I think of myself as a laid back and fun individual, boy do I get things done in time. In the entire time I have been a Bridal Makeup artist not one of my weddings has been late because of makeup dramas! What’s also important to remember is that it’s my job to make sure the schedule is stuck to you don’t have to, giving you time to relax and enjoy your morning. I send over a schedule around 7 – 10 days before your wedding day with my time of arrival straight through to the time I will have completed the final bridesmaids. I ALWAYS make sure you have plenty of time to get into your dresses and I hang about to help with shoes, opening champagne, lipstick touch-ups, attending to the flower-girls and just generally helping in any way that I can before you have to leave.

 4- We don't take things personally!

Wedding Photography by Kate Lowe Photography

You may have a great friend or bridesmaid who is great at makeup and has offered to do your wedding makeup. I know that for a lot of people, the knowledge of having someone you already know do your wedding makeup can make you feel super comfortable. I would say though (and I speak from experience!) That having a close friend do your makeup can feel far from comfortable if you don’t like what look they have created. We are a nation of being polite when we don’t like something (this is me every time I go to the hairdressers and they give me layers I told them I don’t want..) because they don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings and this is even harder if it’s one of your nearest and dearest so would you want that pressure on your wedding day? I am guessing you really don’t!

When you pay for a makeup artist you are not only paying for their knowledge, but you can be as picky as you want. Unlike having a bad haircut you can ask them to re-do things over and over without having to worry about hurting their feelings—things you might feel too polite say to a friend or relative that you’re not compensating which could result in a sub-par makeup look on the most photographed day of your life. Me on the other hand, It’s my job to hear your feedback and make the changes needed to create the perfect wedding makeup specifically for you. One shoe doesn’t fit all most importantly too I understand that as this is all new to you and not only do you want to get it right but feel comfortable in the process. Me and you are on the same team, so not matter how many tries it takes, we will work together to get it right and it will ALL be worth it! 

5- We know how to recreate makeup from your inspirational images on pinterest but keep it still looking like you!

Wedding Photography by Kate Lowe Photography

Although I am a fan of looking at inspirational images to get ideas of how you want your wedding makeup to look, you must take into consideration that the images may be edited heavily and to remember that they look completely different to you with different features and skin tones. As an experienced Bridal makeup artist I have a lot of knowledge on how to adapt a look you have seen but making sure that the finished makeup look still looks like you. Plus, I can advise by going through what techniques they might have done to create that look in the picture so you can ask yourself if it’s something which you would consider doing yourself. I can honestly say that at least 8 times out of 10 when someone wants me to recreate the makeup in a picture, they like really don’t like it on themselves. So, bare this in mind when you are looking for inspirational pictures, if it has a Smokey eye, is it the darkness you want or do you just like the way the eye is defined? Professional makeup artist has a solution for everything so make sure there is plenty of discussion and communication beforehand! There are many blog posts about how your wedding makeup should look but essentially there is no right or wrong answer except to still feel and look like you but at your absolute best.

Another thing to mention on this topic which is key to the big day itself that you are not only paying for a professional Bridal Makeup Artist to get it right at the trial but to have the piece of mind that they can recreate it with no hassle or stress on the day of the wedding.

Want further advice on how I can help?

I am more than happy to discuss your ideas as you will inevitably have questions and I can guarantee that if there is something that is worrying you I will be able to find a solution to the problem! Never feel like you can’t reach out even if it’s to get some advice. No one is obligated to book after a friendly chat but quite often just talking openly and asking questions will make you feel a million times more comfortable with choosing to go for someone professional over any other method. For most people this is the first time you will be having your makeup done not just professionally but also for your Wedding day so lets schedule a time to chat and put your mind at rest!