Support National Be Kind to Animals Week with Cruelty-Free Cosmetics

Photo by Michael Day

Can a zebra change its stripes?

Figuratively, it's now happening in the beauty industry. After more than 20 years of campaigning by ethical retailers and organizations, the European Union recently banned the sale of cosmetics and personal-care products that have been tested on animals. The union includes 27 member nations, which represent a major portion of the beauty market.

“This is a great opportunity for Europe to set an example of responsible innovation in cosmetics without any compromise on consumer safety,” said Tonio Borg, the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Affairs, in a statement last March. 

Although opponents of animal testing hail the move as an historic event, no ban exists in the United States. Given the anti-regulation climate on this side of the pond, legislation seems highly unlikely. However, the European ban sends a strong message worldwide in support of cruelty-free initiatives, and many makeup manufacturers voluntarily institute no animal testing policies.

May 5-11 marks National Be Kind to Animals Week, which was started by the American Humane Association (AHA) in 1915. The annual event commemorates the role animals play in our lives and promotes ways to continue to treat them humanely. The AHA also encourages people to appreciate wildlife, report animal abuse, be a responsible pet owner, and adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue.

In honor of National Be Kind to Animals Week, we have assembled our favorite cruelty-free cosmetics. They not only enhance your look, but they also change your outlook about how you can make a difference as a compassionate consumer by purchasing products with no animal testing. 

These beauty items have definitely earned their stripes. Enjoy!

SHINE: Emani Crushed Minerals Color Dust (Goldfinger). BEAUTY: You're as good as gold since this pigment can go on sheer or be applied with a wet brush for a more intense finish. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Contains no parabens, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, FD&C dyes, glutens or talc.

SHINE: Éminence Organic Skin Care Kiss Lip Gloss (Plum Kiss). BEAUTY: Shimmer your smooch with a soft mauve shade. BEACON: No animal testing. The company plants one tree for each product sold.

SHINE: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness. BEAUTY: This correcting cream camouflages redness from rosacea, broken capillaries and blemished/irritated skin to promote a flawless finish. BEACON: No animal testing. Paraben and fragrance free. Supports Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Jesse's Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. BEAUTY: A Japanese calligraphy-style brush allows you to define your eyes with precision application. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: (Clockwise from the top) Mineral Fusion Sheer Tint Foundation (Neutral), Pressed Powder Foundation (Olive 1), Loose Powder Foundation (Cool 2) and Concealer Duo (Warm). BEAUTY: Create a seamless smoothness and an even skin tone. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. Supports the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

SHINE: Purely Pro Cosmetics Blush (Orgasmic) and Gel Liner Pencil (Mallard Green). BEAUTY: Enhance your cheekbones and eyes with colors that transition well from day to evening. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Dress for Success. 

SHINE: RevitaLash Volumizing Mascara (Raven) and Raven 12-hour Eyeliner (Raven). BEAUTY: Dramatic duo--A high-performance formula finish for your lashes and a retractable pencil with the precision of a liquid liner for the edges of your eyes. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure and Cancer and Careers.

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Mineral Botanicals Eye Color (Amethyst) and Extreme Volumizing Mascara (Black). BEAUTY: Glam up your glance with lush lashes and luscious lids. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Noreen Fraser Foundation and Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: VMV Hypoallergenics Two True Hues Skintelligent Eyeshadow Duo (Rule of Plum). BEAUTY: Enjoy a concentrated pop of pigment for your peepers. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of fragrances, phthalates, dyes and parabens. Supports The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Ultimate Concealer (Deep). BEAUTY: This creamy corrector banishes blemishes and diminishes dark circles. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no alcohol, artificial fragrances and dyes, parabens, petroleum, mineral oil or talc. 

2013 Spring Follower Giveaway: Fresh Start Cosmetics

The month of March represents renewal--spring arrives and flowers begin to bloom. Plus, our clocks advance forward for Daylight Savings Time on the 10th.

We'd like to embrace this season of fresh starts. Our latest giveaway showcases makeup from GloMinerals, Sormé Treatment Cosmetics and Smashbox valued at approximately $330. These eye shadows, lipsticks and blushes allow you to create your own new beginnings with captivating colors.

The deadline to enter is Friday, March 29, 2013, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to follower Vicki (Spartan Wife)! She's the lucky winner of all three prize packages in our Fresh Start Cosmetics Giveaway. 

THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: GloMinerals GloLip Plumper (Sheer Berry--light raspberry), GloLiquid Eye Liner (Coal--rich black), GloRoyal Lip Crayon (Countess Coral--glimmering apricot-coral) and Alloy Eye Collection (Silver Streak, Universe, Storm, Jet, Buff, Cappuccino, Enigma and Tuxedo). BEAUTY: A mesmerizing medley of mineral-based makeup. BEACON: Free of talc, perfumes and chemical dyes. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $95.

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: Smashbox Blush Rush Flush, Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, Photo Finish Lipsticks (Stunning and Splendid), Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio (Light Speed--Butter, Peacock and Azure) and Lip Enhancing Glosses (Pixel and Siren). BEAUTY: A crazy cool collection of cosmetics colors. BEACON: Cruelty free. Packaging is recyclable and made using Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified paper. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $130.

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Extreme Volumizing Mascara, Bio Natural Eye Shadows (Amethyst, Arena and Suspense), Long Lasting Blush (Pomegranate), Lipstick (Glamour Red) and Brow Lift Brow Highlighting Pencil. BEAUTY: Pop goes the color with these pretty pigments. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Look Good...Feel Better. RETAIL VALUE: About $100.

THE RULES

Three Steps To Enter:
1. If you're a legal resident of the continental USA, become a follower of SHINE Beauty Beacon via Google Friend Connect (GFC).
2. In the "Post a Comment" section below, tell us your email address and which prize or prizes you're interested in winning (i.e., Prize #1; Prizes #1 and #3; or Prizes #1, #2 and #3). NOTE: You'll be disqualified if you comment more than once.
3. Finally, please let us know which social media platforms you posted this giveaway (see "Entry Key" below). 

Entry Key
Please provide appropriate links for verification purposes.
--One entry: Become a GFC follower of SHINE Beauty Beacon.
--Two extra entries: Post this giveaway on Facebook.
--Three extra entries: Follow SHINE Beauty Beacon on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ShineBeautyBcn and/or tweet (or retweet) a link to this giveaway.
--Four extra entries: Follow SHINE Beauty Beacon on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/shinebeautybcn/ and/or pin a photo from this giveaway.
--Five extra entries: Post this giveaway on your own blog (must include our URL).

THE FINE PRINT

This giveaway is open only to legal residents of the continental USA. Winners must be able to supply a residential address, as merchandise cannot be delivered to a P.O Box. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. The giveaway will end on Friday, March 29, 2013, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). More than 15 entries must be received by this date in order for a winner to be selected. A winner will then be chosen by Random.org and notified via the email address provided in the "Post a Comment" section of this post. Odds of winning depend upon the number of entries received (see "The Rules" above). No cash substitutions allowed. The winner must respond within 48 hours of being notified or a new one will be selected. Void where prohibited by law. Any tax is the sole responsibility of the winner. By entering the giveaway, you release SHINE Beauty Beacon from any liability whatsoever, and waive any and all causes of action, related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the giveaway or delivery, misdelivery or acceptance of any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light, whether intentional or unintentional), whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty or other theory. SHINE Beauty Beacon isn't affiliated with GloMinerals, Sormé Treatment Cosmetics or Smashbox, but we purchased or received complimentary samples for review purposes.  

We look forward to your participation. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at shinebeautybeacon(at)gmail(dot)com.