My latest find on no animal testing products. Palmer's Face Soap

I am a content consumer with the latest additions to my cruelty free arsenal. This new face soap deserves a mention.  I have struggled to find a face wash that is kind to the purse strings, environment and animals.  

Cruelty free mascara "Too Faced Better Than Sex", "Barry M Showgirl" and "Milani Grandissimo Lashes" review

 
My favourite cruelty free mascaras are
1.) Too Faced Better Than Sex (reviewed)
2.) Barry M Showgirl Extra Lengthening (reviewed)
3.) Catrice Lashes to Kill, Ultra black.
They are rated on look and feel, lengthening and long lasting effect.  There is one here for all budgets.  No excuses, come along the cruelty free road.

Updated Shopping Guide to Cruelty Free Brands and Products

 
Cntd: A work in progress guide for the cruelty free novice.. 

Updated shopping list as of November 30th, 2015
Makeup 

A Shopping Guide to cruelty free makeup and household products - what to buy and where

A work in progress guide for the cruelty free novice...

Updated on October 23rd 2015)

Cruelty Free e.l.f Makeup Review

elf cosmetics are a little god send. They have the PETA cruelty free seal of approval and as I am replenishing my beauty products one by one with alternatives that are not tested on animals, I need to have everyday items to reach for when beauty sleep escapes me.  E.l.f stands for eyes, lips and face and can be purchased online, at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, CVS and other retailers.  They are exceptionally cheap and affordable.  All 5 products listed cost me less than $20. My cheap side was dancing. 

A little tip on going cruelty free - It's as easy as 1-2-3 using cruelty free products

Going cruelty free really is as easy 1, 2, 3 and a-b-c and this I can promise.

For most people money at some point in their lives is a concern and a stressor.  None of us have wads of cash to throw away frivolously on the latest fads and trends.  Starting over and using only cruelty free brands can seem like a daunting step into the unknown where your wallet will be emptied of it's contents quicker than you can say "who's a pretty boy then?" Whilst being frugal and not wanting to spend your money willy nilly is a commendable trait, being animal friendly and cruelty free surely must be more so.  It will bring with it a feel good factor and an awakening of sorts. This uncomplicated endeavour to cruelty free 1,2,3, doesn't have to cost you arm and a leg.

Aspirations of no perspiration, an update. What I have found not wearing deodorant for 5 weeks

My aspiration of no perspiration began just over a month ago now, 5 weeks to be exact.  I took this leap to rid myself of my dependancy on antiperspirant and deodorant once and for all.  I must confess I did attempt this cold turkey in 2009 whilst working in Dublin and well, the results were an epic fail. Two days in I caved and grabbed a co-workers spray and doused myself. I couldn't cope with my own smell and that's saying something. I feared everyone could see this stench surround me like a decomposing discoloured aura. 

I know a few people, three in total that don't use an antiperspirant or deodorant and never have. All three claim that when they do use it they sweat more and smell worse than if didn't put it on.  My interest was triggered again  upon my first visit to Los Angeles.  I bought a cream antiperspirant stick and when I read a possible side effect being linked to kidney function and failure I thought that's a bit weird, what on earth is in this stick that would affect my kidneys? As a side note I did not think that I would be living in the beautiful La La land years later. Life is good that way.  Thinking no more about my kidneys I blindly went about my day.  I carried on as normal smelling powder fresh for the next 6 years.  

This Business of Aging and My Quest for a Cruelty Free Hair Salon

This search made me a little apprehensive.  It was the very first time in my life I had considered going to a cruelty free salon.  It never dawned on me before.  

After salon visit

I sort of welcome the transition from the Spring years of life into my Summer season.  By sort of I mean, I had a meltdown turning thirty, but now a ripe old turrteetree I'm excited to embrace societal norms and settle into married life, put roots down, get a mortgage and have children.. alright steady on.. not that excited... yet.  Lets just pause at mortgage for the time being.    

The inevitability of aging, lets get physical.   

After salon visit

I am horrified and I mean aghast at the physical changes I have to contend with on a daily basis.  I saw a picture of my 23 year old self last week and as Cher so melodically put it "if I could turn back Tii - imme".  Youth is wasted on the young for sure, staring at that photograph I appreciate now what I really didn't then.  Don't get me wrong I am absolutely grateful every day for my health but I'd like this vessel that I travel around in daily to be just a Teeny. Bit. Shinier.  

You know how it is when you stand in front of the looking glass and you don't recognise everything reflected back at you.  You can't resist leaning in bit closer to further inspect every line, wrinkle and lumpy dimple.  Poems and tomes have been written about the age old discussion on aging.   

A Meatless Six Weeks..... My Vegetarian Voyage

Pescetarianism.  

I eat fish and so it is said I'm not a vegetarian.  Some serious googling was conducted to find out what the definitions are and what the etiquette and political correctness is around all of these labels.  I think vegetarians may take up arms with my self professed vegetarian-ness, so pescetarian it is. 
I am a peaceful person see but not ready to give up fish as well. A "green-eater" I have read is a person who avoids meat for environmental reasons.  That's me. 

If asked I say "I'm not eating meat, just trying it out, it's supposed to be good for the environment" to soften the side glances, roly eyes to heaven and the audible whispers "ah jaaayysus here we go, have ya seen yer one, gone all LA she has" followed by something else profoundly articulate referencing a meat injection, "Wha'?" says I, rolling me eyes to heaven.

As of this week I haven’t eaten beef, chicken or pork in 6 weeks and eating out has been fine in-spite of the vegetarian options in most restaurants being pretty poor. With that said I have had some delicious veggie burgers and fish dishes.  Used to it by now I can pick out the veggie alternatives straight away without having to scrutinize the menu. 

In the Beginning: A New Mission... lighter footprints... softer footsteps

I am a clueless consumer, I have a new mission.  I wish to leave a lighter footprint. 

The objective: to replace my makeup, bathroom cleaner and kitchen detergents one by one with cruelty free, not tested on animals products. If someone else is considering the same and finding it difficult to find info I hope this is somewhat helpful... Here goes...  

*(I have also not eaten meat in four weeks but I can't with conviction swear to honour that forever, I am trying though)

In the beginning

This is a story and idea born out of a mixture of both concern and boredom. Paradoxical, yes.  
I am a Gemini, an unemployed day-dreamer and as I live in thirsty California the environment is on my mind.

Cruelty Free - Kinda Easy ( A Beginners Look at Brands and Products)

Updated on September 18th, 2015
The Shopping Guide

http://softerfootsteps.blogspot.com/p/the-list-animal-friendly-brands-products.html 

So far this is the list I have.  These brands are listed on the Peta and Leaping Bunny website certified cruelty free /do not test on animals.  They can be purchased in local retailers, large pharmacy chains or supermarkets, aka easy to find products.  The pics will of course be award winning and all my own.

Paint your face... cruelty free cosmetics using Ecotools and The Body Shop

The Body Shop
Eco Tools
Josie Maran Cosmetics
Physicians Formula   

The Body Shop brushes which I'm certain if you have used these before namely the Face and Body brush, the Kabuki and the Blusher brush know that they are excellent. I love them and have been using since a friend bought me a large bronzer brush for my 19th birthday. Thanks Nicola! They provide great coverage and are extremely soft.  They are easy to clean and dry as soft as when first purchased.  Prices are approximate at $28.00 / €26.00 respectively. A staple in my list and as they are cruelty free I think a must try if you haven't already. 

Ecotools Brushes, blusher, eye shadow etc. These are great and cheaper than The Body Shop.  They are 100% cruelty free and natural.  They are soft and absolutely worth buying. I love these brushes. Both the face and eyeshadow brushes are brilliant providing a good finish.  They are available almost everywhere, Boots Ireland, Tesco, CVS, Target and Ralph's.  Example: The blusher brush is €10.99 in Boots and prices start at $4.79 in Target. 

The Body Shop Shimmer Waves Highligher/Bronzer $22.00 / €23.00 approx. A

go to, I've bought this palette three times. I love the colour and I think it's similar to the Bobbi Brown block only half the price. The packaging is however useless. The plastic box even on my third one is as bad as the first. It's not durable for an on the move makeup bag within your handbag. I swore on the second one that that was it, I'm not buying this again because it breaks every time in the same place (the lid) but I'm known to be a little mouthy that way and I like the colour and the price and I may just be a cheapo!

Josie Maran Cosmetics is a cruelty free company and available from

Sephora. This was first given to me as a gift and I loved it.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil- $48.00. This is the BEST product to hydrate my skin.  I have dry skin in places and am prone to acne break outs on my chin. The argan oil helps moisturise my face and deal with any acne.  Contrary to what you would think, I know putting oil on acne feels wrong, this works wonders and is another staple in my bag.  I put it on before bed and sometimes under moisturiser.  It can be a little too oily if you use too much so a tiny few drops is enough to cover your face and neck. I have also used it on the dry ends of my hair.  A warning though, it can make your eyelashes oily if used under a day moisturiser and your mascara will make for a getaway.  Found out the hard way! I made the mistake of buying the light oil to try instead of the regular and hated it, but light is available for those who'd prefer.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturiser SPF 47 .  This has a lovely scent.  I use it every day. It provides good coverage and protection but it is hard-ish to rub in and I think it's a little expensive at $32.00 for a 2oz bottle. I haven't found another that I like enough to re-place this one yet and I'm on my second bottle. I will be on the look out for a cruelty free replacement but I may just be a loyal argan f-oillower. 

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation in fair /light.  I LOVE this! It goes on white and matches to your skin colour and tone.  It again is a little pricey at $42.00 but it gives a flawless finish and you don't need that much to cover your face, therefore the bottle lasts ages.  Be sure to try and match your skin tone to the right colour choice before purchase.  It comes in 3 different shades, fair/light, light/medium and medium/dark. One downside to this is it can get grainy near the end of the bottle. 

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free

Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30 in Creamy Natural.  $12.79 in Target.  This provides a flawless finish and good coverage without having to use a cream foundation. Especially good for the days you don't want to wear makeup but have somewhere to go or also used over a foundation for an airbrushed feel. I put it on with The Body Shop kabuki brush.  It's perfect if you are in a hurry. Nearing this end of it's life however the pressed powder breaks up (like most I think) and this can be extremely annoying. Definitely worth a try for its price point, SPF and cruelty free stamp from Peta.


All content (writing and photographs) is my own and original unless otherwise stated. Copyright © 2015. Ruth S