I did the thing, guys. I went to university. I got a degree. And I found myself in a job in a completely different field.
I'm a proper adult now with a nine to five(-thirty). I work on a Windows desktop (*cries*). I shuffle to the office kitchen to make myself a tea. And I'm fortunate enough to really enjoy what I do and the people I work with. But the first couple weeks adjusting to a new routine took a toll on my body like I never could have predicted.
I remember having to wake up for high school, my first lesson starting at 7:45. Then university—9am was the worst it could be, there were breaks in between most days, and sometimes I could even squeeze in a midday nap in my dorm (how cool!).
So there I was, brain excited to do all these awesome-woo-proper-job tasks and my body like hah cute nice try but nope.
I did the thing, guys. I went to university. I got a degree. And I found myself in a job in a completely different field.
I'm a proper adult now with a nine to five(-thirty). I work on a Windows desktop (*cries*). I shuffle to the office kitchen to make myself a tea. And I'm fortunate enough to really enjoy what I do and the people I work with. But the first couple weeks adjusting to a new routine took a toll on my body like I never could have predicted.
I remember having to wake up for high school, my first lesson starting at 7:45. Then university—9am was the worst it could be, there were breaks in between most days, and sometimes I could even squeeze in a midday nap in my dorm (how cool!).
So there I was, brain excited to do all these awesome-woo-proper-job tasks and my body like hah cute nice try but nope.
Pretty much everyone has their thing. Their cause. Their crusade. Striving to switch to cruelty-free cosmetics became that for me this year.
I've been a vegetarian since high school but I never considered myself a shout-it-from-the-rooftops animal activist. Obviously unnecessary harm to a living, feeling creature — bad. Not a fan. But you also won't find me spending my free time at a petting zoo. And if there's a spider in my room, I'll be cowering on the other end of the flat until someone chucks it out the window.
I've been a vegetarian since high school but I never considered myself a shout-it-from-the-rooftops animal activist. Obviously unnecessary harm to a living, feeling creature — bad. Not a fan. But you also won't find me spending my free time at a petting zoo. And if there's a spider in my room, I'll be cowering on the other end of the flat until someone chucks it out the window.
I have total respect for the people at that do actively fight against animal testing. And I mean the shouty, getting arrested (maybe not paint throwing but to each their own) activism. What I do want to say is that you don't have to strap yourself to a tree facing a bulldozer to make a difference in the world.
Pretty much everyone has their thing. Their cause. Their crusade. Striving to switch to cruelty-free cosmetics became that for me this year.
I've been a vegetarian since high school but I never considered myself a shout-it-from-the-rooftops animal activist. Obviously unnecessary harm to a living, feeling creature — bad. Not a fan. But you also won't find me spending my free time at a petting zoo. And if there's a spider in my room, I'll be cowering on the other end of the flat until someone chucks it out the window.
I've been a vegetarian since high school but I never considered myself a shout-it-from-the-rooftops animal activist. Obviously unnecessary harm to a living, feeling creature — bad. Not a fan. But you also won't find me spending my free time at a petting zoo. And if there's a spider in my room, I'll be cowering on the other end of the flat until someone chucks it out the window.
I have total respect for the people at that do actively fight against animal testing. And I mean the shouty, getting arrested (maybe not paint throwing but to each their own) activism. What I do want to say is that you don't have to strap yourself to a tree facing a bulldozer to make a difference in the world.
I got a surprise parcel of some very deliciously smelling things. LUSH was generous enough to send me a preview of some of their limited edition Valentine's Day items so I thought I'd do a little wintery morning photo sesh with 'em.
I got a surprise parcel of some very deliciously smelling things. LUSH was generous enough to send me a preview of some of their limited edition Valentine's Day items so I thought I'd do a little wintery morning photo sesh with 'em.
Jesus, what a title. Let's brake that down a bit.
It sounds like I am asking for a lot here. And after spending a couple hours researching through Paula's Choice and blog recommendations, it was becoming more apparent that maybe this is a lot to ask for. There are of course a lot of products that tick all the boxes except cruelty-free. Then some that are cruelty-free but don't have high enough SPF. Or are marketed as a beauty balm, not a sunscreen. Or marketed as a moisturiser with SPF rather than a just pure and simple sunscreen.
Putting an all-call out on twitter did yield some results. Bless you, Twitter. So here's what I've narrowed my options down to.
- cruelty-free? Made by a brand that does not test on animals (ingredients & final products), does not sell in the Chinese market (where it is required by law to test), and is not owned by a parent company (L'Oréal, Shiseido, Kosé) that sells in China or might test for other "reasons"
- UVA? From Hirons: "UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, gradually destroying elasticity and causing premature ageing." I'm 23 and getting older. I want my skin to look like it does now when I'm 43. I want this stuff in my skincare regimen. If a product contains SPF, it protects for UVB but not necessarily UVA (source).
- SPF30+? I need a sunscreen that has a protection factor of 30 or higher because I am pale-ass-pale. Also I have a family history of melanoma so the more I can do to ward off that, the better.
- facial? No, not the one where I get pampered sitting in a chair. I want a sunscreen product that's formulated to be used on the face. Or at least claims to be suitable to both body and facial use.
It sounds like I am asking for a lot here. And after spending a couple hours researching through Paula's Choice and blog recommendations, it was becoming more apparent that maybe this is a lot to ask for. There are of course a lot of products that tick all the boxes except cruelty-free. Then some that are cruelty-free but don't have high enough SPF. Or are marketed as a beauty balm, not a sunscreen. Or marketed as a moisturiser with SPF rather than a just pure and simple sunscreen.Putting an all-call out on twitter did yield some results. Bless you, Twitter. So here's what I've narrowed my options down to.
Jesus, what a title. Let's brake that down a bit.
It sounds like I am asking for a lot here. And after spending a couple hours researching through Paula's Choice and blog recommendations, it was becoming more apparent that maybe this is a lot to ask for. There are of course a lot of products that tick all the boxes except cruelty-free. Then some that are cruelty-free but don't have high enough SPF. Or are marketed as a beauty balm, not a sunscreen. Or marketed as a moisturiser with SPF rather than a just pure and simple sunscreen.
Putting an all-call out on twitter did yield some results. Bless you, Twitter. So here's what I've narrowed my options down to.
- cruelty-free? Made by a brand that does not test on animals (ingredients & final products), does not sell in the Chinese market (where it is required by law to test), and is not owned by a parent company (L'Oréal, Shiseido, Kosé) that sells in China or might test for other "reasons"
- UVA? From Hirons: "UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, gradually destroying elasticity and causing premature ageing." I'm 23 and getting older. I want my skin to look like it does now when I'm 43. I want this stuff in my skincare regimen. If a product contains SPF, it protects for UVB but not necessarily UVA (source).
- SPF30+? I need a sunscreen that has a protection factor of 30 or higher because I am pale-ass-pale. Also I have a family history of melanoma so the more I can do to ward off that, the better.
- facial? No, not the one where I get pampered sitting in a chair. I want a sunscreen product that's formulated to be used on the face. Or at least claims to be suitable to both body and facial use.
It sounds like I am asking for a lot here. And after spending a couple hours researching through Paula's Choice and blog recommendations, it was becoming more apparent that maybe this is a lot to ask for. There are of course a lot of products that tick all the boxes except cruelty-free. Then some that are cruelty-free but don't have high enough SPF. Or are marketed as a beauty balm, not a sunscreen. Or marketed as a moisturiser with SPF rather than a just pure and simple sunscreen.Putting an all-call out on twitter did yield some results. Bless you, Twitter. So here's what I've narrowed my options down to.
Short hair is in. At least in the YouTube-world I reside in. It was Ingrid and Estée and Sanne, and by jove Zoella's followed suit (kinda sorta) only yesterday. The last time I got a similar chop was back when I was trying to rehab my bleached platinum hair.
I was undoubtedly partially inspired to cut off all my hard work by the ladies linked above. But I also have to credit Anna Karina, my forever girl crush. Ever since first seeing her in Alphaville in my first year at film school in LA, I've been mesmerised by that woman's style. And having moved to London, though she is not pictured, some credit has to go to the glorious Brit hair icon, Alexa Chung. Just look at the picture below and you'll see what I mean.
The above pictures were what I brought to my hair stylist. My instruction were: give me Rebecca's fringe and colour, Emma's length and angle, and if I come out as Anna Karina after the many hours in this chair, you've done a good job.
Short hair is in. At least in the YouTube-world I reside in. It was Ingrid and Estée and Sanne, and by jove Zoella's followed suit (kinda sorta) only yesterday. The last time I got a similar chop was back when I was trying to rehab my bleached platinum hair.
I was undoubtedly partially inspired to cut off all my hard work by the ladies linked above. But I also have to credit Anna Karina, my forever girl crush. Ever since first seeing her in Alphaville in my first year at film school in LA, I've been mesmerised by that woman's style. And having moved to London, though she is not pictured, some credit has to go to the glorious Brit hair icon, Alexa Chung. Just look at the picture below and you'll see what I mean.
The above pictures were what I brought to my hair stylist. My instruction were: give me Rebecca's fringe and colour, Emma's length and angle, and if I come out as Anna Karina after the many hours in this chair, you've done a good job.
LUSH Eau Roma Water Toner Water ◇ £4.25
I've been using this product a little over two years now and always find myself going back to it whenever I've strayed. I do the Hiron's regime so this baby gets used in my morning and night time skincare. I do three or four spritzes directly to the face and let the soothing hydration commence. Heads up—this does have parabens in (methylparaben). My skin has never been bothered by it; like I said, this is a product that calms my skin, not aggravates it.
LUSH Eau Roma Water Toner Water ◇ £4.25
I've been using this product a little over two years now and always find myself going back to it whenever I've strayed. I do the Hiron's regime so this baby gets used in my morning and night time skincare. I do three or four spritzes directly to the face and let the soothing hydration commence. Heads up—this does have parabens in (methylparaben). My skin has never been bothered by it; like I said, this is a product that calms my skin, not aggravates it.
I don't think I've said this explicitly here on the blog, but roughly around April this year, I decided to go cruelty-free. Basically what that means, for me at least, is that with all new cosmetic and skincare purchases, I'm pledging to only buy products not tested on animals.
Since creating derpinaMODE, a beauty and fashion YouTube channel I share with my friend Sanne, my interest in makeup and skincare has skyrocketed. What first got me thinking about the effects my new-found hobby had on animal testing was a video made by my friend Lex.
I've been a vegetarian for nearly five years. I never considered this dietary lifestyle choice of mine exclusively for the sake of animal welfare. It was a balanced combination of that, the environmental impact of the meat industry, personal health and just not enjoying the taste of meat. I'm by no means judgemental of people who eat meat, fish, or what have you. And I'm not offended by going out for a meal with a friend and them ordering a steak. I'm of the opinion that you do you and I'll do me. You respect my decision and I'll respect yours. Right, so vegetarian morals aside—I began looking into the realities of animal testing in the cosmetic industry. Bottom line, it brings unnecessary suffering upon a living creature. A living creature that is never going to wear that kissable balm stain. There are alternative methods to testing the designer toning water on rats, rabbits, and dogs. Makeup, skincare, body wash—yes, this is stuff I use every day. But it is a luxury. I don't need these things to keep me alive. They are nice to have but I could live without them (contrary to the popular beauty blogger tag :P). So I'm voting with my money. And with my voice. Here's how I've approached the cruelty switch in my life:
Since creating derpinaMODE, a beauty and fashion YouTube channel I share with my friend Sanne, my interest in makeup and skincare has skyrocketed. What first got me thinking about the effects my new-found hobby had on animal testing was a video made by my friend Lex.
I've been a vegetarian for nearly five years. I never considered this dietary lifestyle choice of mine exclusively for the sake of animal welfare. It was a balanced combination of that, the environmental impact of the meat industry, personal health and just not enjoying the taste of meat. I'm by no means judgemental of people who eat meat, fish, or what have you. And I'm not offended by going out for a meal with a friend and them ordering a steak. I'm of the opinion that you do you and I'll do me. You respect my decision and I'll respect yours. Right, so vegetarian morals aside—I began looking into the realities of animal testing in the cosmetic industry. Bottom line, it brings unnecessary suffering upon a living creature. A living creature that is never going to wear that kissable balm stain. There are alternative methods to testing the designer toning water on rats, rabbits, and dogs. Makeup, skincare, body wash—yes, this is stuff I use every day. But it is a luxury. I don't need these things to keep me alive. They are nice to have but I could live without them (contrary to the popular beauty blogger tag :P). So I'm voting with my money. And with my voice. Here's how I've approached the cruelty switch in my life:
Use up what you've got.
I haven't thrown out every single product I own that comes from a company that tests. Because if I did, my makeup and skincare and haircare collection would be pretty much gone. I already spent that money. And I'm not made of money. Throwing it out on principle is wasteful. So I am using up what I have and will replace it with a cruelty-free equivalent when I run out. I also won't honour the product with a review. And if I do mention it, on whatever platform, it'll be prefaced by the fact that it is not cruelty-free.
Don't cut the parent company any slack.
There is debate within the CF community about brands like Urban Decay and NARS. They themselves are cruelty free. But their parent company (often big names like L'Oréal, Shiseido, Unilever) do test. My thought process is that the money that goes to the smaller, cruelty-free brand benefits their parent company. And a benefit to the parent company allows it to continue testing. So I'm choosing to not buy from these companies – parent or subsidiary – period.
And in the future? I want to buy vegan products when possible. I want to integrate buying cruelty free beyond simply my makeup collection. With continued research, I'm looking for alternatives for toiletries and household goods as well. Last month, I attended the LUSH Prize Conference in London. Scientists from all over the world gathered to present research and discuss the state of toxicology and how far we still need to go to eradicate animal testing in the cosmetic industry. Basic takeaway from that day: the technology is here. Bureaucracy and laboratory politics is holding us back.Try to give brands the benefit of the doubt.
Just like with my vegetarianism, I don't want to spiral into militant cruelty-free whistleblowing, on a crusade to expose all companies as bad. The golden CF hallmarks are generally: 1. brands that do not sell in China, 2. brands not owned by a larger, testing parent company, or 3. brands circulated in the EU (where there is a ban on testing of all ingredients and finished products on animals). When a brand ticks those three boxes but don't reply to emails, or perhaps have unclear answers on their website, I still want to believe they aren't testing. I want to believe they just haven't picked up on the cruelty-free movement and the transparency it seeks.
I don't think I've said this explicitly here on the blog, but roughly around April this year, I decided to go cruelty-free. Basically what that means, for me at least, is that with all new cosmetic and skincare purchases, I'm pledging to only buy products not tested on animals.
Since creating derpinaMODE, a beauty and fashion YouTube channel I share with my friend Sanne, my interest in makeup and skincare has skyrocketed. What first got me thinking about the effects my new-found hobby had on animal testing was a video made by my friend Lex.
I've been a vegetarian for nearly five years. I never considered this dietary lifestyle choice of mine exclusively for the sake of animal welfare. It was a balanced combination of that, the environmental impact of the meat industry, personal health and just not enjoying the taste of meat. I'm by no means judgemental of people who eat meat, fish, or what have you. And I'm not offended by going out for a meal with a friend and them ordering a steak. I'm of the opinion that you do you and I'll do me. You respect my decision and I'll respect yours. Right, so vegetarian morals aside—I began looking into the realities of animal testing in the cosmetic industry. Bottom line, it brings unnecessary suffering upon a living creature. A living creature that is never going to wear that kissable balm stain. There are alternative methods to testing the designer toning water on rats, rabbits, and dogs. Makeup, skincare, body wash—yes, this is stuff I use every day. But it is a luxury. I don't need these things to keep me alive. They are nice to have but I could live without them (contrary to the popular beauty blogger tag :P). So I'm voting with my money. And with my voice. Here's how I've approached the cruelty switch in my life:
Since creating derpinaMODE, a beauty and fashion YouTube channel I share with my friend Sanne, my interest in makeup and skincare has skyrocketed. What first got me thinking about the effects my new-found hobby had on animal testing was a video made by my friend Lex.
I've been a vegetarian for nearly five years. I never considered this dietary lifestyle choice of mine exclusively for the sake of animal welfare. It was a balanced combination of that, the environmental impact of the meat industry, personal health and just not enjoying the taste of meat. I'm by no means judgemental of people who eat meat, fish, or what have you. And I'm not offended by going out for a meal with a friend and them ordering a steak. I'm of the opinion that you do you and I'll do me. You respect my decision and I'll respect yours. Right, so vegetarian morals aside—I began looking into the realities of animal testing in the cosmetic industry. Bottom line, it brings unnecessary suffering upon a living creature. A living creature that is never going to wear that kissable balm stain. There are alternative methods to testing the designer toning water on rats, rabbits, and dogs. Makeup, skincare, body wash—yes, this is stuff I use every day. But it is a luxury. I don't need these things to keep me alive. They are nice to have but I could live without them (contrary to the popular beauty blogger tag :P). So I'm voting with my money. And with my voice. Here's how I've approached the cruelty switch in my life:
Use up what you've got.
I haven't thrown out every single product I own that comes from a company that tests. Because if I did, my makeup and skincare and haircare collection would be pretty much gone. I already spent that money. And I'm not made of money. Throwing it out on principle is wasteful. So I am using up what I have and will replace it with a cruelty-free equivalent when I run out. I also won't honour the product with a review. And if I do mention it, on whatever platform, it'll be prefaced by the fact that it is not cruelty-free.
Don't cut the parent company any slack.
There is debate within the CF community about brands like Urban Decay and NARS. They themselves are cruelty free. But their parent company (often big names like L'Oréal, Shiseido, Unilever) do test. My thought process is that the money that goes to the smaller, cruelty-free brand benefits their parent company. And a benefit to the parent company allows it to continue testing. So I'm choosing to not buy from these companies – parent or subsidiary – period.
And in the future? I want to buy vegan products when possible. I want to integrate buying cruelty free beyond simply my makeup collection. With continued research, I'm looking for alternatives for toiletries and household goods as well. Last month, I attended the LUSH Prize Conference in London. Scientists from all over the world gathered to present research and discuss the state of toxicology and how far we still need to go to eradicate animal testing in the cosmetic industry. Basic takeaway from that day: the technology is here. Bureaucracy and laboratory politics is holding us back.Try to give brands the benefit of the doubt.
Just like with my vegetarianism, I don't want to spiral into militant cruelty-free whistleblowing, on a crusade to expose all companies as bad. The golden CF hallmarks are generally: 1. brands that do not sell in China, 2. brands not owned by a larger, testing parent company, or 3. brands circulated in the EU (where there is a ban on testing of all ingredients and finished products on animals). When a brand ticks those three boxes but don't reply to emails, or perhaps have unclear answers on their website, I still want to believe they aren't testing. I want to believe they just haven't picked up on the cruelty-free movement and the transparency it seeks.
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