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Animal testing was first used by the makeup industry in the 1920s, when it was erroneously believed that gauging a substance’s effect on a rabbit or a mouse could accurately predict that same material’s fitness for human use.

Currently, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the cosmetic industry in the United States. While the FDA requires cosmetics manufacturers to market products that are nontoxic, there are no specific guidelines that define appropriate testing procedures.

Basically, the FDA says that companies are responsible for ensuring the safety of their ingredients and products, but does not command animal testing as part of the process.

Aside from inflicting intense pain, permanent disfiguration and even death on living subjects, animal testing of cosmetics is an obsolete, unreliable science. In fact, products that have been proven toxic to animals in lab tests can still be legally marketed for human use. Furthermore, there is no proof that results of animal testing have any relevance to human consumption.

Kinder, more effective methods include research done with cell and tissue cultures, in vitro procedures and computer-generated models.

The driving force behind consumer outrage over animal testing methods has been well-funded outreach and educational campaigns launched by animal rights groups around the world.

Thanks to the vigilance of activists, working together with scientists, researchers, legislators and product manufacturers, there are now more than 500 personal care and makeup companies that have forever banned animal testing.

Such a dramatic turn-around begs the question: How have public demand and consumer habits changed the way cosmetics companies develop products?

In the US, The Human Society of the United States (HSUS) has worked tirelessly for more than forty years to advance the cause of cruelty-free product testing. Following the guidelines presented in a study by the US National Research Council and several European scientific research organizations, the HSUS advocates humane product testing and has lobbied international cosmetics manufacturers to commit to the Corporate Standard of Compassion of Animals. This policy represents a company’s pledge to use only cruelty-free materials and testing methods in all phases of production.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) also has a long tradition of promoting awareness and consumer education regarding cruelty-free cosmetics and skin care. PETA regularly arranges boycotts of products and companies that do not adhere to humane testing and research methods. The organization also maintains a comprehensive list of cosmetics that use no animal by-products or ingredients to help consumers make informed choices.

The work of organizations like HSUS and PETA has put intense pressure on cosmetics manufacturers to cease outdated animal testing and to begin using more technologically advanced and animal friendly procedures.

The growing popularity of the green movement has also heightened consumer consciousness and has increased demand for cosmetics and skin care products that are environmentally responsible and cruelty-free.

Industry watchers predict this trend will persist as consumer awareness continues to grow over the next several years.

While cosmetics and skin care products that boast organic, natural or vegan ingredients share some common characteristics there are distinct differences between brands.

Organic makeup is that which consists of at least 95% organic ingredients. These cosmetics use no petrochemicals, sulfates, hydrogenation or artificial preservatives, and all cleansing agents, pigments and moisturizers are made with materials that have been grown or produced using organic methods.

The easiest and most definitive way to determine a product’s organic content is to look for the USDA Certified Organic seal. Cosmetics and skin care that have been certified by the USDA undergo the same stringent inspections as organic foods. The seal ensures that products have been thoroughly analyzed for organic content and that manufacturers are required to comply with rigorous federal guidelines to maintain the recognition.

Natural cosmetics generally incorporate ingredients like plant-based dyes, essential oils, herbs and mineral powders. Many natural skin care and makeup lines use organic materials, but not always. Truly natural cosmetics use at least 95% biological ingredients and are free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic preservatives and artificial chemicals that pose potential risks to the body.

There is currently no federal regulation of natural skin care or cosmetics, so some companies that label their products as all-natural may use many of the same petroleum-based mineral oils, binders and emulsifiers found in traditional cosmetics, along with natural botanicals and plant extracts.

Veganism is a lifestyle that has far-reaching implications in all aspects of daily living, including cosmetics and skin care products. Vegan cosmetics are all-natural and can be organic, but the main characteristic is a complete absence of animal ingredients in both the products themselves and at all points in the manufacturing process, and a commitment to cruelty-free materials that are never tested on animals.

Vegan Cosmetics is a non-profit organization that exclusively applies certification to vegan skin care products. Brands that carry the group’s Vegan Certification Trademark have been thoroughly evaluated by an independent laboratory and are guaranteed vegan, using no animal ingredients or animal testing.

There is much conflicting media coverage about the myths and facts surrounding the organic, natural and vegan cosmetics movement. Critics insist that these products are strictly a marketing ploy that preys on consumer’s increasingly prevalent fears about the negative effects of synthetic materials and chemicals on the body. Supporters claim that natural skin care and cosmetics improve the look and feel of the skin, and are more environmentally responsible than traditional skin care products.

The debate over natural skin care may continue for some time, but the fact is that there are several brands working hard to develop organic, vegan and all-natural cosmetics that are both eco-conscious and aesthetically beneficial.

Loving and caring for your skin is the key to maintaining a youthful and healthy glow. Your skin is an organ of the human body, and just like other organs, your skin requires nutrients. Just as your body relies on the vitamins and nutrients from the foods that you eat, your skin relies on the vitamins and nutrients you apply to it. Organic skin care products are comprised of vitamins, moisturizing oils, antioxidants, and all natural ingredients. Choosing the right organic skin care products can help reverse the signs of aging, moisturize, and give your skin an overall even skin tone.

With products to cater to every skin type, proper caring of your skin has never been easier. Whether your skin is normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, a full line of organic and all natural skincare products is now readily available to improve your skin. Your daily skin care regimen can range from serums and lotions to skin moisturizers, skin creams, skin peels, and body washes.

If anti-aging is your goal, then you’ll want to choose products that are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to repair your skin cells and maintain you skin’s health. The most visible signs of skin aging include wrinkles and dark spots, which can be treated by using organic skin care products. Also, many scrubs and body washes are developed for anti-aging as they remove the dead and flaky skin cells.

Skin care protection from the sun is a must. Without the proper coverage and SPF, you’re exposing yourself to the harmful rays that cause skin cancer, dark sun spots and peeling. Organic sunblock is made of the safest ingredients; giving your skin the protection it needs while also providing it with safe and natural vitamins. In addition, your daily moisturizing cream or lotion should have at least 15 SPF to protect you from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

The key to applying your eyeliner is to keep it light. Your eyeliner should highlight your eyes, while making it appear natural. Most women feel pressure to use a black or dark coal color. While there is a time and a place for darker eye makeup, your everyday eyes should look natural, and your eyeliner should simply accent your features. Whether you’re using a liquid or pencil eyeliner, some basics apply. There is no “right” way to applying it, as many women find different methods work best for them. Some application methods include:

• Start with the inside of the lashes on the top lid and move to the outside with one stroke at eyelash line.
• Draw dashes across the top lid at the eyelash line, then once dashes span the eyelid, use eyeliner to fill in dashes to complete the line.
• Pull upper eyelid taught and then start from the outside of the eye and draw a line in, towards your nose.
• Start in the middle of the top eyelid, then draw the line towards your nose, then outwards to the outside.

Applying eyeliner to your bottom lid is a personal preference, and if you like the way it looks, you should apply it. However, many makeup experts suggest that eyeliner on the bottom rim should only be applied 1/2 way from the middle towards the nose.

Your mascara can give your eyelashes a longer, fuller look, and this simple application can truly bring out your eyes. As a simple rule, going with a black mascara is a safe route. However, fair-skinned blondes might benefit more from a dark brown or charcoal color. In addition, there is a multitude of colored mascaras available, and you shouldn’t entirely shy away from them. Choosing a brighter, different color mascara, can really bring out the color palette you’ve chosen for your eye makeup. To apply your mascara, regardless of color, follow these steps:

• Step 1:  Wiggle your mascara wand left to right at the base of lashes. This step is crucial because it’s the mascara applied to you roots that makes your lashes look longer.
• Step 2:  Pull the wand up, to the end of your lashes. Make sure to continue wiggling the mascara wand to separate lashes.
• Step 3:  Close your eye, place the mascara wand on the top of your lashes, and then pull it through your lashes. This step will help separate lashes and remove any clumps.

Your foundation is your base. It’s the key to whether your makeup will look good or bad, and what you apply your other make-up on top of. Your organic foundation will help to smooth out uneven skin tones, conceal blemishes and give you a healthier glow. This all over base creates the perfect canvas for you to accent the rest of your face. Since your foundation covers every centimeter of your face, you’re going to want the most gentle and natural organic foundation. By using all organic foundation you can benefit from using makeup without the drawbacks usually associated with the chemicals found within most makeups, like dry skin, wrinkles, and discoloration.

Picking your shade

Choosing your foundation color is one of the biggest decisions while making your makeup purchases, because it sets the tone for the rest of your colors. Be careful not to go too dark or too light. You need the color to closely match your natural skin tone. Another thing to consider are different shades for different seasons. Typically, during the summer, your skin tone is a little darker due to a tan, so you should purchase a slightly darker foundation than one you might have purchased during the winter when your skin tone was lighter.

Organic Liquid Foundation

An organic liquid foundation base boasts many benefits, like quick application, easy to apply, and an overall more natural look. Organic liquid foundation bases also blend easily with your own skin tone, giving you that nice even all over skin tone. Your skin will tend to absorb the foundation, instead of it just sitting on top, which is a good thing, as it will help it to appear as if you have none on. When applying your organic liquid foundation base, it’s best to use a makeup sponge. Using your fingers might leave streaks or prevent an even distribution of makeup.

Organic Powder Foundation

Organic powder foundation is easy to apply and requires less blending. It’s also great for those with oily skin. Organic powder foundation helps eliminate shine and gives your skin and all over evenness. It also makes for a great daily compact in your purse to even out skin tone and eliminate greasiness throughout the day. Many women will apply an organic liquid foundation base in the morning and then keep an organic powder foundation on them to freshen up their makeup later in the day. Be careful not to apply too much powder foundation as wearing to much can make it appear to be caked-on and cracked.

Lipstick

Organic lipstick is comprised of several natural minerals and ingredients that will replenish your lips while tinting them, giving your lips a nice full look. Picking which color can be overwhelming considering all of the options, but its not all that complicated. A simple rule of thumb to follow is to choose a color that is one or two shades darker than your natural lip color. However, sometimes you want a more dramatic color for a night out or a dressy outfit. Don’t shy away from reds and pinks altogether, it’s just important you choose the right one for you. If you’re fair skinned, go with more of a cherry red. If you have olive skin, you might be better off with a fire engine red, and darker skin tones look best with dark reds. Lipstick is all about experimenting with what makes you look and feel best.

Lip gloss

Lip gloss is a must have for every girl’s purse. Just one application of organic lip gloss can instantly freshen up a face, giving it a finished look. Many women prefer lip gloss for the shine, while others because it’s more casual than lipstick, and both are true. Luckily, the guidelines that are listed above for lipstick can be easily applied to lip glosses. Again, stay within one or two shades of your own lip color for a sure thing.

Lip care

Whether you want to take daily care, moisturize, or plump your lips, it’s imperative that you choose all natural organic lipstick and lip gloss products. Other lip conditioners and products contain chemicals and can often have the reverse effect that you are looking for, leaving your lips dry and cracked. Our lip care products are the top of the line, made from organic ingredients, natural minerals and vitamins, and you’ll see and feel the difference.

Your eyelids are a blank canvas that when accented properly can enhance the natural beauty of your eyes dramatically. Since your eyes leave a lasting impression on those who see you, picking and wearing the right eye shadow is a crucial decision. With so many choices of eye shadow on the market, choosing which eye shadow is best for you can be an overwhelming task; However, there are several factors to consider when selecting your eye shadow. Some of which include: your skin type, skin tone, and the occasion for which you are wearing it.

Skin Type

When picking out an eye shadow, it’s especially important for you to pick a gentle product. Since the area around your eyes is the most sensitive on your face, your eye shadow should be comprised of only the safest ingredients, and organic and all natural eye shadow products offer you the safest and most natural products for your face. By selecting organic makeup products for your face, you can avoid allergic reactions including itchy, dry skin, as well as peeling brought on by chemicals. Using the right types of organic products can also be helpful in avoiding the onset of signs of aging that are expedited by using harsh products.

Skin Tone

When selecting your eye shadow, it is important to select colors that best compliment your skin tone, and there are a variety of different color palettes to choose from. If you have a fair complexion, your eye shadow palette should include soft browns, soft violet, and beige’s. Avoid using too dark of shadow and shimmer to help optimize your skin tone. If you have an olive complexion, you should use darker tones. For instance, deep browns, purples, and eggplant can really illuminate your eyes. If you’re an African-American with a cool complexion, you have the freedom to use more brilliant shades, like teal, royal blue, purple, and eggplant. Warmer complexioned African-Americans should work with colors like bronze, gold, mahogany, and various shades of green.

Occasion

One set of colors that might work during the day won’t necessarily have the same effect at night, and vice versa, so your eye shadow collection should have both daytime and nighttime color spectrums. During the day, less colors and lighter shades should be used. As a rule of thumb, try not to use more than two colors during the day. Makeup worn at night however is meant to be more dramatic, so additional colors should not be ruled out. Darker shades and additional colors can be used at once, as long as you stick to the complementary colors of your skin tone.