Friday, October 30, 2009

Icky Institutions: Shiseido is another company using the "except when required by law" excuse

Hi all:

I gotta tell you, I'm getting a bit tired of receiving these replies from companies who claim they care very much about animal welfare and animal testing, and avoid it wherever possible, only using it when the law requires.


First of all, you know my opinion on animal testing by now. Every species has a different biological system - something that proves toxic - or safe - to an animal may have the opposite effect on humans. Put it this way: had we tested chocolate on dogs before releasing it to humans, we may never have got it! Chocolate is toxic to most dogs, causing them to foam at the mouth and vomit ... can you imagine a life without chocolate?


The other pet peeve of this argument that companies put forth is the most obvious one: if law is requiring them to test an ingredient on animals to deem it safe for human use, then that company probably shouldn't be using that ingredient at all. Clearly, there are ways to make products - cosmetic, cleaning, whatever - that render them safe without testing as there are many companies who have committed to selling cruelty-free products. Perhaps companies should consider banning those ingredients from their products, rather than subjecting lab animals to cruel testing procedures.


I've said before that I'm not a shock merchant, so I won't go into any gruesome details, but please understand that animal testing is not how you might imagine. The animals are not well looked after; often they are crammed in filthy cages and subjected to painful tests, after which they are not treated adequately so are either put down or allowed to suffer. If you want details there are plenty online - just google "animal testing".


So for now, enjoy Shiseido's response to the animal testing question; just the latest in a long line of nonsensical responses:


"At Shiseido, we believe that providing customers with safer, more
effective products is an important mission as well as complying with
cosmetics regulations enacted by countries worldwide. At the same time,
we respect the spirit and intent of ensuring animal welfare.

In order to fulfill this mission, Shiseido has not conducted animal
testing unless otherwise determined indispensable, including cases as
required by laws and regulations or in which alternative methods have
not been validated.

Additionally, Shiseido has been actively involved in the development of
alternative methods for  safety testing since 1981 and we publicize the
results of associated research at meetings of Japanese and
international scientific societies and have undertaken concerted
efforts to share those results widely.

Consequently, alternative methods developed by Shiseido are highly
regarded both domestically and abroad. Recognition includes having
received 11 awards since 1991 at annual meetings of the Japanese
Society for Alternatives to Animal Experiments. This is the most ever
awarded to any Japanese company.

Shiseido will continue to actively undertake efforts to develop
alternative test methods, including joint research extending beyond the
framework of a company with the goal of eliminating all animal testing
at the soonest possible opportunity.

We ask for your understanding and support with regard to the Shiseido
Group’s stance on product safety and truly appreciate your continued
patronage.

Sincerely,

Shiseido Consumer Center, Tokyo"



You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Necessary News: Azure Cosmeceuticals is SAFE!

Hi all!

Azure Cosmeceuticals, makers of Hydropeptide, one of the winning face products in the FITNESS awards, are safe. As a small company, or at least an obscure one, I was unable to find much information online so I emailed them and this was their response:

We do not conduct any animal testing or utilize any ingredients which
conduct any animal testing.

My best,

April Zangl
Azure Cosmeceuticals
1085 12th Ave NW, Ste. D5, Issaquah, WA 98027
Phone/Fax:  1.800.932.9873
Direct Extension:  4926
Cell:  425.829.4917
www.HydroPeptide.com



Yay for Azure Cosmeceuticals!



You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Caring Companies: Parapette has beautiful bags, and an animal- and eco-friendly standpoint

Hi all!

Parapette is a company dedicated to providing functional and fashionable options that are friendly to both animals and the environment - can you get much better than that?

Below is the blurb on Parapette's website that describes its ethos. See if you can find a fault with it - I can't! Then still below, take a look at my picks of Parapette's vegan purses, all available through Amazon.com.

From Parapette.com:
Originality – The designs are unique, functional and allow YOU to show your true style colors!
Intelligent Pricing – Seriously, who needs a ridiculously priced handbag? We know, that you know, there is SO much more you can do with that kind of cash. [Let the philanthropist in your soul soar!]
Plus there is no beating the tingling sensation we get when there is serious value for your money, right?
Vegan – Whether you choose to be vegetarian, vegan or neither, we believe that by giving YOU - our customer an option to purchase an animal-free accessory, we are contributing to the promotion and development of an animal free lifestyle - our way of being the change we want to see!
What about the Environment you ask? - Good question. Did you know that the UN’s latest report on global warming states that factory farming of animals is the single biggest contributor to greenhouse gases and therefore to global warming? Yes, more than all the hummers and concords out there in the world!
Aha! See, another solid reason to not use leather. We also choose to use PU leather as opposed to leather or PVC as it is the least pollutant of the three.


You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi



Called "The Dada", this bag is designed as a cross between a traditional doctor's bag and a 'sexy chic' urban bag. Retails for $45.00 through Amazon.com, see Parapette.com for more options.


Fantastic vegan hobo "The Aaks", $35.00 reduced from $45.00, available in black, preppy canvas and canary, from Amazon.com or details from Parapette.com.
 

Slim, tailored clutch, $30.00 reduced from $42.00, also available in prints, from Amazon.com, or details from Parapette.com.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Necessary News: BIC keeps moratorium on animal testing but refuses to take a stance against it

Hi all:

BIC is committed to providing consumers with the highest quality products.
BIC has been working with experts in product safety testing to evaluate reliable alternatives to animal testing in the development of new products.
By working with product safety experts, BIC can now take advantage of today's technological advances, which include in vitro (non-animal) testing, computer modeling, and historical databases. These methods have achieved the level of reliability needed to uphold BIC's rigorous product safety requirements.
BIC's goal was to thoroughly evaluate its product safety testing and, if possible, to utilize non-animal testing alternatives. In 1997, we completed this evaluation and declared a worldwide moratorium on all animal testing. While this is a significant achievement, it should be noted that animal testing may be necessary in the future if alternatives cannot provide sufficient assurance that a new product is safe for consumer use.
BIC also continues to support legislation that eliminates testing on animals, while providing non-animal testing alternatives that still ensure the safety of consumers.


You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Guiltless Goodies: FITNESS award winners - the 'safe' products




Read full feature at www.fitnessmagazine.com


Hi all!

Here are the details of the products that passed GiGi's safety test!


You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi



Face Finds:
BEST SERUM - Estee Lauder item removed because company tests on animals.



BEST MOISTURIZER - Philosophy Divine Illumination, $85, qvc.com - This antiager contains light-reflecting mica for instant radiance. "It gave a dewy glow without too much shine," says Judi Roode of Wrentham, Massachusetts. Over time, ingredients like niacinamide work to wipe out wrinkles.



BEST MAKEUP REMOVER - Wet N Wild Eye Makeup Remover, $1.99, drugstores - Oil-free and enriched with aloe vera, this gentle formula whisks away waterproof mascara from lids and lashes. Bonus: "I love that it comes in a small, easy-to-pack bottle," says Abigail Oesterling of Butler, Pennsylvania.


Complexion Correctors:
BEST PORE MINIMIZER - Boscia Skin Perfecting Primer, $28, sephora.com - Pores look larger when they're filled with oil, which temporarily stretches them. This gel is made with peppermint and vitamin B5, which absorb sebum, leaving a "matte surface that lasted all day," says Cassandra TenBrink of Goodrich, Michigan.



BEST MASK - Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask, $35, clarins.com - Hyaluronic acid helps prevent moisture loss, restoring your glow, while sorbier, a tree-bud extract, boosts circulation, helping sun-damaged skin look even more vibrant. It can even bolster your budget: "It softened my skin so much, I was able to use less night cream and save money," says Izabela Szabo of Chicago.



BEST SKIN REFRESHER - HydroPeptide Polish and Plump Peel, $68, hydropeptide.com - In this two-step treatment, peptides reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while lactic acid and vitamin C whisk away dullness. "It left my skin smoother and visibly brighter," says Susan Payment of Colorado Springs.







Best Base:
BEST NAIL POLISH - Essie Spring 2009 Color Collection, $8 per bottle, essie.com - Finally - a one-minute manicure. These shades looked perfect with just one quick coat. "My usual polishes chip within days," says Andrea Woodward of Omaha. "This one lasted nearly a week."



BEST EYE DEFINER - N.Y.C. New York Color Metro Quartet, $3.99, drugstores - This smart eye quad, smaller than a credit card, clears up the what-goes-where confusion. The four long-lasting powders - designed for lids, creases, brow bones and lash lines - "come with how-to-apply instructions, making them oops-proof," Warren says.



BEST BLUSH - Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Blush & Highlighter, $11.95, drugstores - This palette works several ways. Blend the five waves of color for a sun-kissed glow. Or "use them separately as highlighter or even an eye shadow," says Alina Yakovenko of Vancouver, Washington.


Body and Sun Standouts:
BEST CLEANSER - Nivea item removed as Nivea is owned by Beiersdorf, who do test on animals.



BEST FOOT FIXER - Sephora Super Foot Scrub, $22, sephora.com - Get silky spa-pedicure soles at home. The sugar scrub, paired with its brushlike applicator, makes it a cinch to slough off dead, dry skin from heels and toes. "It's instant callus control in a bottle," says Daphne LaSalle of Altus, Oklahoma.



BEST EVERYDAY FACE PROTECTOR - Murad Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15, $39.50, murad.com - This broad-spectrum UVA/UVB shield is infused with willow-bark and argan extracts, which reduce oil production all day. Plus, "it's a great primer for makeup," says Caitlyn Beacham of Oklahoma City.



BEST SCRUB - C.O. Bigelow Lemon & Pomegranate Body Scrub, $15, bathandbodyworks.com - Skin-brightening lemon extract and pomegranate, a super-antioxidant, join forces in this cream exfoliator, which "leaves skin looking radiant from neck to toe," says dermatologist tester Hema Sundaram, M.D.


Hair Helpers:
BEST SHAMPOO - Nexxus Dualiste Color Protection + Volume Shampoo, $11.99, nexxus.com for info - This wash coats hair with shine-inducing ginseng and flaxseed oil. And its hydrophobic formula prevents water from sinking into the shaft and washing away dye. "It also removed all traces of styling product," says Caron Gross of Hagerstown, Maryland.




Workout Bag Winners:
BEST PALETTE - Smashbox Cosmetics Beauty Guru Palette, $47, smashbox.com - This houses three swiveling tiers, packed with 10 makeup must-haves, from bronzer to gloss. "It has everything I need, including a mirror," says Bobbi Wessels of Jacksonville, North Carolina.


BEST CLEANSING WIPES - mark Make It Go Away Makeup Remover Wipes, $8, meetmark.com - Use these cloths before hitting the gym to wipe away potentially pore-clogging foundation, and afterward to erase sweat and oil "They left my face feeling refreshed," says Aronda Dent of Stafford, Virginia.


Caring Companies vs. Icky Institutions: FITNESS award winners - who is safe?



Hi all:

Browsing through the October issue of FITNESS magazine, I came across a great feature: "Fitness beauty awards 2009's beauty all-stars" ... so, before getting excited and rushing out to buy every product it lists, I've done the research so that I can pass on the beauty winners who deserve their prize: those made by companies that refuse to test on animals.

I will post the winning products next but this post will list the companies included in the winners and what their stance is on animal testing.

YAY means go ahead - no animal testing here!
NAY means the company or its parent company does test on animals.

For further information, I have linked each company name to an actual web page, if available, which states its company's animal testing policy so you can read more information about it and decide if you want to buy in spite of or because of its policy.


You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi


Face Finds:
Olay - NAY (Procter & Gamble is parent company)
Biore - NAY (Kao Brands is parent company - click on link and search for Kao to see what the update is on Kao's animal testing)
Estee Lauder - NAY
Philosophy - YAY
Wet N Wild - YAY (no specific policy page on website but each product description says it is PETA-approved cruelty free) - please note that for human safety reasons and eco-friendly reasons, I personally recommend purchasing nail polishes that are formaldehyde free. So this is in support of Wet N Wild's other products, rather than its nail varnishes.
Clean & Clear - NAY (Johnson & Johnson is parent company)
Blistex - NAY

Complexion Correctors:
HydroPeptide - YAY (parent company is Azure Cosmeceuticals - click on name to view post with their response)
Michael Marcus - no information could be found on the company's website (www.michaelmarcus.com) and its Contact Us form does not work. Please comment if you know any information about this company's policies.
Boscia - YAY
RoC - NAY (Johnson & Johnson is parent company)
Clarins - YAY
La Roche-Posay - NAY (L'Oreal is parent company)

Best Base:
CoverGirl & Olay - NAY (Procter & Gamble is parent company of both)
Neutrogena - NAY (Johnson & Johnson is parent company)
Shiseido - NAY
Essie - YAY
N.Y.C. - YAY
Maybelline - NAY (L'Oreal is parent company)
Physicians Formula - YAY

Body and Sun Standouts:
Nivea - NAY (Beiesdorf is parent company)
Jergens - NAY (Kao Brands is parent company - click on link and search for Kao to see what the update is on Kao's animal testing)
Banana Boat - NAY (Playtex is parent company)
Sephora - YAY (PLEASE NOTE: This refers to Sephora Brand cosmetics, not all cosmetics sold from Sephora stores)
Aveeno - NAY (Johnson & Johnson is parent company)
Softsoap - NAY (Colgate is parent company)
Murad - YAY
Vaseline - NAY
Schick - NAY (Warner-Lambert is parent company)
C.O. Bigelow - YAY

Hair Helpers:
Pantene Pro-V - NAY (Procter & Gamble is parent company)
Neutrogena - NAY (Johnson & Johnson is parent company)
L'Oreal Paris - NAY (please note that not only does L'Oreal test on animals, but it bought The Body Shop, so The Body Shop - the pioneer of cruelty-free products - is now no longer safe to buy).
Nexxus - YAY
John Frieda - NAY (Kao Brands is parent company - click on link and search for Kao to see what the update is on Kao's animal testing)
Garnier Fructis - NAY (L'Oreal is parent company)

Workout Bag Winners:
Harajaku Lovers (by Gwen Stefani) - no information could be found about this product. Please comment if you know the manufacturer or any other details.
Fekkai - NAY (Procter & Gamble is parent company)
Smashbox Cosmetics - YAY
Degree - NAY (Unilever is parent company)
Ban - NAY (Kao Brands is parent company - click on link and search for Kao to see what the update is on Kao's animal testing)
mark - YAY (Avon is parent company)

For full feature check out www.fitnessmagazine.com. 

Guiltless Goodies: Forever 21 steals are Bargain Buys

Hi all!

Here are my picks from the Forever 21 site, focusing on tops and hot jackets and blazers for fall, with a couple of extras thrown in (ponchos anyone? boots? and, of course, a fabulous skirt).


You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi

P.S. Update: I totally came back from my Miami shopping trip with the teal V-neck dolman-sleeve top, whispy metaliic back cardigan and the gabardine blazer - they're all flattering cuts and look great on, not just on the Internet!


Take a look and enjoy the bargains! At these prices, you can buy more than one of everything.



Button tab slub top, $9.50, in burgundy (pictured), black, blue, navy and cream, Forever21.com



Fab plaid woven shirt, $12.50, in green (pictured), teal, black, navy and purple, Forever21.com



V-neck dolman sleeve top in teal only (pictured), $11.50, Forever21.com



Floral front dolman top, $22.80, Forever21.com



Front panel drape top, $19.80, Forever21.com



Sequin T-strap top, $24.80, Forever21.com



Whispy metallic back cardigan, $19.80, Forever21.com



H81 drape poncho, $16.90, Forever21.com



Gabardine blazer, $29.80, Forever21.com



Crinkled faux leather jacket, $39.80, Forever21.com



Velvet blazer, $27.80, Forever21.com



Satin tiered skirt, $19.80, Forever21.com



Dakota velvet boot, $30.80, in olive (shown here), brown and black, Forever21.com

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Caring Companies: Forever 21 is safe!

Hi all!

Good news to all who love Forever 21 - like me. It's a fantastic source of low-cost dresses, swimsuits, tanks, tees and the accessories are fab. Here is what PETA had to say five years ago, when Forever 21 first made the switch to banning fur:



Forever 21 Drops Fur for Good!

In Late 2004, PETA2 asked you to take action against Forever 21 by writing to demand that the store stop selling clothing made of fur. The response from activists was overwhelming, and Forever 21 contacted us shortly after we called for a boycott of the chain to start negotiation talks. Following the day of action on Fur-Free Friday, we received a letter signed by Forever 21 Senior Vice President Lawrence H. Meyer stating that the company will remove all fur from its stores and will never sell it again.
Forever 21's commitment not to contribute in the future to cruelty to animals used and abused in the fur industry is the latest victory for animals in the fashion world. With this decision, Forever 21 joins retailers Topshop, Zara, and countless others that refuse to sell fur. Compassionate consumers who might otherwise decide not to patronize Forever 21 can rest assured that fur will never again be sold in its stores. We encourage you to let all your family and friends know about this exciting news and to write and call Forever 21 today to thank the company for taking a stand against cruelty to animals:
Don Chang, CEO
Forever 21, Inc.
2001 S. Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90058
1-800-966-1355
customerservices@forever21.com

You don't have to be cruel to be kind - and Forever 21 show that!
GiGi

Friday, October 23, 2009

Guiltless Goodies: Shop at Micio Mambo: It's Cool to be Kind

Hi all!

MicioMambo.com is a fab online boutique which features products in a range of categories - all of which are made without cruelty. Below are some of my favourite picks from the site.


You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi


Made from pure, natural and organic soy wax, these candles are sootless and biodegradable. A portion of each candle sold is donated to charities selected by the company's employees and customers. No animal testing involved.  


DIRT Soy Candles (choice of 7 scents), $24, MicioMambo.com

Nail polish made without formaldehyde, toluene or pthalates - good for you as well as the environment!



Beauty Without Cruelty nail polishes, $10.95 each, MicioMambo.com

Faux leather upper on this wedge sandal as well as faux precious stones:


CL by Laundry summer flats with faux stones, $40, MicioMambo.com

A great 4-inch heel black strappy sandal for evening, made with faux black patent:



Strappy black sandal, $48, MicioMambo.com


If you're all about the new crocodile-print effect, the next two items are for you. One can even go inside the other :).



Faux croc passport and ticket wallet, $32, MicioMambo.com


Faux croc retro bag, $72, MicioMambo.com

This day satchel comes in black or white, so buy both and choose according to your mood!


Shiraleah day satchel, $55, MicioMambo.com

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Guiltless Goodies: AVON beauty buys are Bargain Buys!

Hi all!

AVON's make-up items are one of its best-kept secrets. However, with spokesmodels like Lauren Conrad (for its mark line) and Reese Witherspoon, its make-up probably won't be secret for long. It always surprises me because, at the prices you pay for it, I always expect it to be fairly low-quality. And yet, as I said before, the brow pencil is one of my make-up bag must-haves (I included it below in case anyone was curious).

See my fave picks from the newest catalogue below. I haven't tried all of these but some of them look too cool not to feature!


You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi


This eyeshadow glides on cool with a smooth applicator but lasts for hours. Looks super cool! The shades are beautiful too - try Waterfall for a crisp blue or Bronze for a flattering-for-every-eye-colour shade.



Perfect Wear Extra-lasting Powder Eyeshadow, in bronze, champagne, coral beat, mocha, pearl, soft mint, steel, sunshine and waterfall, $8, Avon.com

I'm not one of those people who ever really looks for a mascara to thicken or curl my lashes - thicken? What's the point? I never understood that. And as for curling - well, isn't that what eyelash curlers are for? No, I always want them to make them unbelievably long. And that's something this mascara claims to do (it says they can look up to 65% longer) - but please note, I haven't tried this one myself...YET...


Astonishing lengths mascara in brown, brown-black or black, $7.50, AVON.com

These next two products make at-home manicures a breeze...though note that the corrector pen doesn't last too long. I LOVE the smell of the quick dry spray though, don't ask me why! (It works great too!)




Nail Experts liquid freeze quick dry spray, $6, Avon.com



Nail Experts Neat Nails nail enamel corrector pen, $6, Avon.com

Back on the topic of mascara, this new Avon product (I haven't tried it) looks perfect for those rushed morning mascara jobs which leave more of it on your eyelids than your eyelashes...


MistakeProof Mascara, $9.50, Avon.com

I just thought these were a great idea - you can never have too many nail files lying around and how cute are they for gift tags for the holiday season? Plus, at this introductory price they really could be gift tags...

Gift tag nail files, $0.99 each for a limited time (regularly $1.99), Avon.com

And saving my favourite product for last, it is my can't-live-without brow liner. It sounds like such a simple product but it's actually remarkably hard to find a brow liner that will give you an accurate shade while not being too heavy or too light. Obviously-drawn-on or filled-in brows are never a good look. This one gives just the right amount of pigment. Myself, I use the dark brown shade but there are lighter and darker shades for those who need them. Heck, at this low price, buy all shades and experiment till you find your best match. Maybe it's blending two together?





Ultra Luxury brow liner in blonde, light golden brown, dark brown and soft black, $5, Avon.com

Guiltless Goodies: AVON goodies are Bargain Buys!

Hi all!

A friend of mine messaged me today to recommend I feature some AVON products: her sister is a representative and she informed me they don't test on animals. I had read that elsewhere as well, and am supportive of AVON as AVON, mark (its cosmetics company) and Lauren Conrad (the official face of mark) are all animal-testing and fur-free. The other great thing about AVON? It's really reasonably priced - and, if you use your representative, the stuff is delivered right to you! Plus, it's great quality. My brow liner - now sharpened down to just a stub - is AVON and I would never use another (clearly, though, I need a new one).

The brow liner and other AVON beauty product goodies will be coming up, but for now, I am featuring some AVON fashion. They've stepped it up in the fashion stakes lately ... taking a gander through its latest catalogue I noticed double-page spreads devoted to a 'look' that the company has put together, from clothes to accessories, jewellery to handbags. No longer just selling straw totes for the beach and decorated flip flops, AVON has really branched out! So check out my picks below...all available at Avon.com or from your local representative (to find yours, visit www.avon.com).


You don't have to be cruel to be kind,
GiGi





Shades of Grey long necklace, $14.99, Avon.com



Multicoloured acrylic weave fashion scarf, $9.99 for a limited time (regularly $14.99), Avon.com



Sitting Pretty slingbacks (3.5-inch heel), $34.99 for a limited time (regularly $39.99), Avon.com



Soft sequin slippers with faux fur trim, in ivory (pictured), purple or grey, $9.99 for a limited time (regularly $14.99), Avon.com



Coil metal pendant necklace gift set (with earrings), $19.99, Avon.com