Trends come and go but the decision for many fashion and beauty brands to go cruelty-free is more of a movement. Veganism has become quite popular over the years and it hasn’t just affected people’s diets. Brands have finally become more aware of where and how their products are being made at the demand of consumers. Netflix documentaries and Facebook posts have brought light to the cruelties animals face on a day to day basis. Liking, sharing and commenting on these media coverages has taken our generation through an ethical and sustainable journey that no other has been on before.
Faux furs and vegan leathers are hot right now and there are many alternatives to choose from so you don’t have to cramp your style while transforming into a conscious shopper. There are vegan handbag companies such as Veggani and Urban Expressions who use recycled plastics to line the interiors of their bags and they use faux furs and faux leather to make for some amazing pieces. Their backpacks are to die for and you can find a few of their selections at Free People! If that doesn’t convince you to go fur and leather-free, you should check out the project a woman who visited the Philippines is working on. She discovered that it is possible to restore pineapple waste into leather goods and the final result doesn’t look much different from regular leather.
We don’t have to harm animals for the sake of better skin. It has been proven that natural products are quite healthy and have a faster ability to improve the looks and texture of your skin. Instead of buying unknown skin products and bath bombs from drugstores, opt for products by Lush. Lush offers vegan goodies that don’t test on our furry friends. They also donate to a plethora of charities that help with poverty, hunger and of course, animals. Lush has something for every skin type and their prices are college student friendly. The most I’ve spent on a product there was around $15 and it lasted me months. I can attest that their products truly work and it is helpful to meet with one of the associates if you are unsure of what to try out. They give free samples too!
This past month, Gucci vowed to go fur-free for their 2018 collections and beyond. This is one of the biggest steps in high fashion because there are limited designers willing to do this. Stella Mccartney is another designer known for paving the way toward vegan fashion. Makeup brands are really delving into the cruelty-free world as well with names such as Kylie Cosmetics, Hourglass Cosmetics, Kat Von D., and Urban Decay. Whatever your style is, there is an animal-friendly alternative somewhere out there in the ever-changing world of beauty and fashion.