This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Nottingham chapter.

Many of us use cosmetics every single day, but do we all consider the process behind the formulation of the products that we use? This process may involve experimentation on animals. These animals are confined to cages and are subject to painful procedures, all for the sake of making products for human consumption and profit. President of the University of Nottingham Animal Rights & Welfare Society, Connie Painting, told HCN that she believes that “it is morally wrong for humans to exploit animals, especially for superficial reasons.” Animal Rights & Welfare Society are about to launch a campaign aimed at raising awareness of animal tested cosmetics and showcasing the great cruelty-free alternatives. “With every cruelty- free purchase you are supporting brands which value the lives of animals.”

The sad reality is that many make-up brands continue to test their products on animals but, you may be pleased to discover that you are already using products by brands that do not. Here are products from five cruelty-free brands that will help you achieve a make-up look that’s going to last all day long.

Lush

Well-known for its glorious bath bombs, Lush are a brand that actively fight animal testing and aim to show that it is possible to make products that are safe, without testing on animals as part of the process. They also produce make-up and have a fantastic range of highly-pigmented lipsticks that also promise to moisturise your lips. This lipstick in the shade Perspective is the perfect everyday rosy-nude.

NYX You may have seen the buzz surrounding the recent arrival of NYX cosmetics to many Boots stores across the UK. It’s an affordable brand which aligns its products with the latest Instagram make-up trends. What makes NYX even better is that it is committed to producing 100% cruelty-free cosmetics. Their Cream Highlight & Contour Palette comes in light, medium and deep shades and is the perfect cheekbone-chiselling kit.

Urban Decay

Good news if you own a Naked palette – Urban Decay are committed to ending animal testing. Their make-up range is huge and caters for a range of skin complexions. Their Brow Beater Microfine Brow Pencil and Brush uses a waterproof formula that lasts all day. Ideal for long days in the library (or long nights in the club).

Kat Von D

Kat Von D has just hit Debenhams stores in the UK and we couldn’t be more excited. Kat is proud to say that her bold make-up range has and always will be 100% cruelty-free. Her ‘Lock It’ Liquid Foundation gives a velvety matte finish that will stay put for 24-hours. This product is perfect if you’re after a full-coverage look. The impressive shade range means you’ll be sure to find a match.

Too Faced

Too Faced products are totally cruelty-free. They also offer many vegan-friendly products, including their classic Better Than Sex Mascara which contains film-forming polymer for smudge-proof, durable wear. Giving amazing volume and length, this is the only mascara you need in your make-up bag.

If you are unsure if a make-up brand is cruelty-free, look out for the Leaping Bunny symbol on the packaging or check out PETA’s searchable database of cosmetics companies.

The product we’re rocking this month: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in San Paulo

Edited by Susan Akyeampong

Sources:

http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/

https://res.cloudinary.com/lush/image/upload/s–jMEWwH9e–/c_fill,h_340,w_340/v1/products/secondary/3696.png?itok=_IfoxJTz

http://cdn1.feelunique.com/img/products/65877/NYX_Cream_Highlight__amp__Contour_Palette_1464789376.png

http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1398858-main-Lhero.jpg

https://d210vlyat54t3c.cloudfront.net/media/transfer/img/web_betterthansex_composite.jpg

http://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/list-of-cruel…