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. 

Holiday Season Makeup Looks: Color Block Inspired Cheeks, Eyes & Lips

Not sure when it happened, but color took an unexpected style sabbatical a few years ago. Perhaps the gloom and doom of the recession served as the inspiration, as muted went mainstream in all aspects of our lives--fashion, nails and cosmetics. In fact, the smoky eye/nude lip craze underscored the trend.   

Thank goodness for Gucci and other iconic designers. They created a style sensation when they began combining hot hues that complement each other, such as orange, purple and emerald green. It didn't take long before fashionistas hailed the trend, and bold colors returned to the style scene in a big way.

During holiday party season, it's a bright time and the right time to rock the night away with color block inspired cosmetics. They're designed to help you jingle around the clock while mixing and a-mingling. Check out our latest, greatest finds. 

SHINE: 100% Pure by Purity Cosmetics Fruit Pigmented Blush in Peppermint Candy (shimmery pink), Fruit Pigmented Satin Eye Shadows in Maui (shimmery golden plum) and Star (shimmery gold), Fruit Pigmented Pot Rouge in Posey (coral) and Fruit Pigmented Satin Eye Shadow in Halo (shimmery pearl). BEAUTY: All is calm and all is bright with this colorful collection, which gets its intensity from fruit and vegetable pigments. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free.

SHINE: Elizabeth Grant Eyeshadow Palette in Shades of Romance and Light Up Your Lips in Shimmering Red. BEAUTY: Get in the holiday spirit as a dancer, prancer and vixen in these stunning shades. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Hollyrod Foundation, Fashion Cares and Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Jesse's Girl Cosmetics 9 Pan Eye Shadow Compact in The Eyes Have It. BEAUTY: This palette of similar colors has fun, flirty and festive written all over it. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Luna Star Fancy Fairy Dust Blush (top), Bubble Gum Shimmer Lip Balm, Very Violet Eye Shadow and Midnight Blue Eye Shadow. BEAUTY: Your young daughters will feel like they're walking through a winter wonderful with these mom-approved, kid-safe mineral powders designed specifically for pre-teens who like to play dress up. BEACON: Free of synthetic dyes, parabens and artificial colors.

SHINE: Mineral Fusion Blush in Flashy (top), Lip Gloss in Captivate and Eye Shadow Trio in Imagine. BEAUTY: You'll be dancing through the snow and laughing all the way with these sparkling shades. BEACON: Free of gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. Supports the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

SHINE: Purely Pro Cosmetics Five Well Eyeshadow Pallet in Precious Metals, Lipstick in Glamour Puss and Blusher in Curvy. BEAUTY: Make memories underneath the mistletoe with this medley of merriment. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Dress for Success.

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Lip Thick Gloss in Empress, Perfect Performance Lip Color in Glamour Red and Long Lasting Blush in Pomegranate. BEAUTY: 'Tis the season to sparkle with these captivating colors. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Noreen Fraser Foundation and Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: VMV Hypoallergenics Glitz Lipstick in It Girl (top), Two True Hues Eyeshadow Duo in Bardot (Princess and Misty) and Velvet Matte Lipstick in Bikini Machine. BEAUTY: Your days will be merry and bright with these hot holiday hues. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of fragrances, phthalates, dyes and parabens. Supports The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

Face Lift-Like Skin Care: Paradise on Mother-in-Law Day

The coastline of Kona, Hawaii.

My mother-in-law grew up on a coffee plantation in Kailua (Kona), Hawaii. The good news is she spent her entire childhood living in paradise. The bad news is her skin took a beating from overexposure to the sun, which prompted signs of environmental damage later in her life.

The latest tightening and brightening formulations rescue loose, lackluster skin typically suffered by more mature women. Many contain plumping peptides, healing antioxidants and hydrating hyaluronic acid, which are designed specifically to promote a smooth and supple appearance. They provide face lift-like results without the pain or expense.

This Sunday, October 28, marks Mother-in-Law Day. Give your significant other's mom the gift of lift in a jar with the following firming formulations. These moisturizers, serums, gels and peels seek to repair and renew, which are benefits that may extend to your relationship with her after she experiences their transformative powers.

SHINE: Abrioné by VB Cosmetics Face Lifting Serum. BEAUTY: Minimize sagging and wrinkled skin with green tea and marine extracts, peptides and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Elizabeth Grant Collagen Re-Inforce Intensive Face Lift. BEAUTY: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and aloe vera leaf juice promote suppleness and firmer skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the HollyRod Foundation and World Society for the Protection of Animals.

SHINE: Éminence Organic Skin Care Bamboo Firming Fluid (for normal to dry skin types). BEAUTY: Soften wrinkles and crow's feet, and strengthen skin with bamboo, apple plant stem cells, and coconut and neroli oils. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and American Cancer Society.

SHINE: Garnier Ultra-Lift 2-in-1 Wrinkle Reducer Serum + Moisturizer. BEAUTY: Shea butter and vitamin E provide healthy hydration to smooth wrinkles and boost firming benefits. BEACON: Supports TerraCycle. Carries the Forest Stewardship Council logo.

SHINE: HydroPeptide Anti-Wrinkle Polish & Plump Peel System. BEAUTY: Experience microdermabrasion-like results without irritating crystals with orange peel and lime oils, peptides, alpha hydroxy acid and green tea extract, which enhance elasticity and smooth skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, synthetic fragrances and phthalates. Supports American Cancer Society.

SHINE: Innovative Skincare Instant Smoothing Gel. BEAUTY: Apple and watermelon fruit extracts, peptides, and vitamins A and E help tighten skin, and strengthen and repair the dermal structure. BEACON: Contains no parabens. Supports Washington Cancer Institute, Revlon/UCLA Breast Center and Stars For Stripes. 

SHINE: Lily Herbceuticals Goji Berry Youth Restore Complex Firming Serum. BEAUTY: Accelerate skin cell turnover and restore a youthful looking appearance with goji berry, green tea extract, peptides, hydrolyzed silk and vitamin E. BEACON: Free of petrochemicals and parabens.

SHINE: Luzern Laboratories Serum Absolut Clinical Collagen Booster RX. BEAUTY: Aloe vera leaf juice, peptides and hyaluronic acid help hydrate skin and stimulate new collagen. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no parabens, preservatives, fragrances, dyes, glycols or petrochemicals.

SHINE: Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Décolleté and Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles. BEAUTY: Restore suppleness of skin, and minimize crepiness and sagging with peptides, vitamin E and pomegranate extract. BEACON: No animal testing. 

SHINE: Pevonia Ligne Esthébuste Restore Neck and Bust Concentrate and Cream. BEAUTY: Chamomile flower extract and kigelia africana fruit extract smooth skin's texture and renew youthful elasticity. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Beauty Bus Foundation.

SHINE: Somme Institute Neckline. BEAUTY: Promote tone, texture and clarity of the skin with marine extracts, peptides, and vitamins A and C. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens. 

SHINE: Sumbody Antioxidant Lifter. BEAUTY: Argan, carrot and jojoba oils, black, white and red teas, and coenzyme Q10 act as hydration boosters and anti-wrinkle actives. BEACON: Contains no parabens, animal oils, sodium laurel/laureth sulfates, artificial preservatives or synthetic chemicals. 

SHINE: VENeffect Anti-Aging Intensive Moisturizer. BEAUTY: Reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by hormonal aging with resveratrol, grapefruit seed extract, peptides and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: Free of parabens.

Pink Power: Support BCA Month with Nail Lacquer

SHINE: Dermelect Cosmeceuticals ME Nail Lacquer--Provocative (fresh fuchsia). BEAUTY: This peptide infused color treatment strengthens brittle nails, and helps resist chipping, peeling and splitting. BEACON: No animal testing. Donates 30% of net proceeds this month to Cancer and Careers, a CEW Foundation program, which is the charitable arm of Cosmetic Executive Women. Also contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde. 

Spa Week 2012: Soothe, Scultp & Shield Your Skin

Take a long, deep breath--Spa Week has finally arrived. It gives cost-conscious consumers the opportunity to relax, refresh and rejoice during October 15-21. Treatments, such as facials, massages and body wraps, become more affordable by being marked down to $50 at participating facilities. 

People have different reasons for visiting a spa. Some need to escape the stress of work, family or school, while others just want to relieve sore muscles or repair skin with the help of a qualified esthetician or massage therapist. Relaxation lounges, saunas and steam rooms also factor into the experience.

Whatever the reason, many spa-goers ultimately seek a radiant, healthy glow. However, if you don't have the time or budget to make an appointment during Spa Week, you can still achieve a flawless appearance at home with the right products. The following cleansers, moisturizers, eye creams, body lotions, SPFs and serums soothe, sculpt and shield skin for spa-like results. 

How do you plan to celebrate Spa Week?

SOOTHE

SHINE: Clarisonic PRO Sonic Skin Cleansing System For Face and Body with Refining Skin Polish and Refreshing Gel Cleanser. BEAUTY: Gently remove impurities and oily residue with sonic micro-massage action, which helps keep your skin looking softer, smoother and more supple. BEACON: Polish and cleanser contain no parabens. Box material and plastic packaging enclosure can be recycled. 

SHINE: Éminence Organic Skin Care Sweet Red Rose Whip Moisturizer. BEAUTY: Pamper your senses with the fresh, floral fragrance of red rose extract and oil, and restore dehydrated skin with vitamins A, C and E, coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid. BEACON: No animal testing. With each purchase of the product this month, $5 will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

SHINE: Malie Organics Plumeria Body Cream and Wash. BEAUTY: Nourish and refresh skin with the uplifting aroma of the plumeria flower, along with aloe vera leaf juice and vitamin E. BEACON: No animal testing. Donates 20% of the sales of the Plumeria collection this month to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

SCULPT

SHINE: Pevonia Lumafirm Eye Contour Lift & Glow and Lumafirm Repair Cream Lift & Glow. BEAUTY: The eye contour minimizes puffiness, and fine lines and wrinkles, while the repair cream increases your skin's elasticity. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Beauty Bus Foundation.

SHINE: Refineé Anti-Aging Eye Treatment. BEAUTY: Green tea extract, peptides and aloe vera leaf juice help smooth signs of aging and revitalize the eye area. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

SHINE: Sanítas PeptiDerm Anti-Aging Serum. BEAUTY: Firm and tighten the skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles with peptides and sweet almond seed extract. BEACON: Supports the Cinderella Foundation. 

SHIELD

SHINE: Ava Anderson Daily Moisturizer with SPF. BEAUTY: Zinc oxide, aloe vera leaf juice and shea butter help combat sun damage and keep skin hydrated. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of parabens, PEGs, SLS, synthetic fragrances and dyes, and phthalates. 

SHINE: CellCeuticals Photo Defense Color Radiance SPF 55+ (medium). BEAUTY: Minimize signs of aging, and protect against UVA and UVB sun exposure with sweet almond and avocado oils, aloe vera leaf juice and titanium dioxide. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Contains no artificial colorants and fragrances, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates or parabens.

SHINE: Murad Lustre Day Moisture SPF 15 and Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15. BEAUTY: Avocado oil and vitamin E restore suppleness, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and shield skin from the sun. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Naturopathica Lavender Protective Moisturizer SPF 17. BEAUTY: Nourish skin and prevent sunburn with lavender, olive fruit and jojoba seed oils, and zinc oxide. BEACON: ECOCERT seal. Free of sulfates, PEGs, DEA, parabens and glycols. Supports the Natural Resources Defense Council.

SHINE: VENeffect Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 15. BEAUTY: Peptides, aloe vera leaf juice and broad spectrum SPF 15 maximize collagen production, skin tone and protection from sun damage. BEACON: Contains no parabens. 

Pink Power: Support BCA Month with Mineral Makeup

SHINE: Raise breast cancer awareness and your allure appeal with La Bella Donna Linea Minerale Petal Pink Compressed Mineral Eyeshadow, Caterina Loose Pure Mineral Foundation SPF 20, Pink Sand Mineral Light Up Colour Lipstick and Prism Baci Baci Moisturizing Lip Sheer. BEAUTY: Donates 2% of proceeds from sales this month to the Elizabeth Center For Cancer Detection in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of FD&C dyes, oils, talc, alcohol or artificial fragrances.

Oil-Free Skin Care Steps Into the Reality TV Spotlight

The moisturizer behind Kourtney Kardashian's man. 

Is Scott Disick leaving reality TV to become a skincare crusader? Probably not. But the main squeeze of Kourtney Kardashian and father of their two children recently became an unlikely hero in the beauty world. 

In the season finale of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," Disick made a random comment about skin care that set social media ablaze. The buzz came about when he and Kardashian started making overnight hospital plans for the impending birth of their daughter Penelope, who arrived last July. 

Kardashian: "What are you going to pack?" 

Disick: "A tuxedo...toiletries and probably an oil-free moisturizer."

The exchange created such a stir on Twitter and Tumblr that beautynistas urged Disick to run for president. However, before anyone starts actively campaigning, we think it's the perfect opportunity to underscore the benefits of oil-free skincare products. These water-based formulations help regulate oil production and soothe inflammation. They also keep the skin from drying out, prevent pores from clogging, and minimize breakouts for people with oily or acne-prone concerns. 

We don't know Disick's skin type or which oil-free products he uses, but we've compiled the ones that deliver the best results. They include top moisturizers, SPFs, serums, mattifiers and peels. Keep in mind, if you suffer from acne, you may need to experiment with different oil-free products before you find the ones that suit your skin the most.

SHINE: Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30. BEAUTY: Provides defense against the sun, and prevents shine without powdery residue with caffeine, grapefruit peel, yeast extract and vitamin E. BEACON: Free of artificial fragrances and colors. Supports Skincare for Kids in Need and joinFITE (Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship). 

SHINE: Elizabeth Grant Exclusives Light 99% Oil Free Moisturizer. BEAUTY: Algae extract, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera leaf juice promote radiant skin without the use of additional oils. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Children's Diabetes Foundation and Hollyrod Foundation.

SHINE: Kate Somerville CytoCell P299 Oil Free Anti-Wrinkle Serum. BEAUTY: Counteract signs of aging by strengthening and smoothing the skin with hyaluronic acid, peptides and algae extract. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: LATHER Blemish Control Cleansing Gel (for oily or problem skin) and Shine Control Face Lotion. BEAUTY: Witch hazel and aloe vera extracts help balance and soothe skin to prevent blemishes from forming. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no sulfates or parabens.

SHINE: M-61 Hydraboost Oil Free Firming Serum. BEAUTY: Plump and replenish skin with tamarind seed extract, peptides, aloe vera leaf juice and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances and dyes. Supports Action Against Hunger. 

SHINE: Murad Clarifying Cleanser, Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel and Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15. BEAUTY: The cleanser maximizes antibacterial protection with salicylic acid, the gel reduces breakouts with glycolic acid, and the mattifier controls oil production with willow bark and argan extracts. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Naturopathica Glycolic Purifying Peel (normal to oily skin) and Rosemary Oil-Reducing Moisturizer (normal to oily skin). BEAUTY: The peel minimizes irritation with glycolic, salicylic and hyaluronic acids, while the moisturizer nourishes skin with rosemary leaf oil and aloe vera leaf juice. BEACON: ECOCERT seal. Free of sulfate detergents and parabens. Supports the Stop Global Warming Virtual March. 

SHINE: Phytomer Hydra Original Non-Oily Ultra Moisturizing Fluid. BEAUTY: Algae, glasswort oil and vitamin E maximize the skin's resilience and water-retention capacity. BEACON: No animal testing. Collects seaweed from natural forests to respect periods of reproduction and local regulations.

SHINE: Sanítas Oil Free Moisturizer. BEAUTY: Promotes supple skin and a non-shine finish with vitamin A and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: Supports the Cinderella Foundation. 

SHINE: SkinCeuticals LHA Solution (for oily or problematic skin). BEAUTY: This toner removes dead skin cells and excess residue to help decongest pores with glycolic and salicylic acids. BEACON: Free of parabens.

SHINE: Soy Doctor by Nature Pure Labs Oily Skin Rectificator. BEAUTY: Increase the skin's natural resistance to inflammations with cranberry extract, hyaluronic acid and a patented soy complex. BEACON: Contains no parabens.