Yes, this photo was taken in front of Sephora last Saturday; and yes, as a VIB Rouge, I took advantage of the early access and did pick up few items which I shared in this haul video. Wish I can tell you how easy it is to navigate the aisle, browse online, or ask a sales associate but unless you come prepared as a well-informed prospective consumer, finding vegan and cruelty-free products at a beauty junkie’s mecca can be overwhelming and at times confusing. But here are some helpful tips to make your trip satisfying at the very least (read How to Veganize Your Beauty Stash):
Follow vegan and cruelty-free bloggers and/or social media influencers. My Beauty Bunny, Phyrra, Logical Harmony, Cruelty-free Kitty and Ethical Elephant are household names in the context of beauty world. Their list are constantly updated, making it easy for everyone to stay in the know.
Familiarize yourself with the most common cosmetic ingredients that contain animal or its byproducts (I listed top 10 here). Carmine, collagen, retinol, musk, squalene, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid are some but if you want a more comprehensive “watch” list, PETA is another resource listing A-Z.
Download apps such as Code Check and Bunny Free or copy paste ingredients to Double Check Vegan. While these don’t completely guarantee 100% accuracy, at least you know you’re not “alone” shopping.
Ask the company direct if they are vegan and cruelty-free. However, please note that some companies like L’Oreal may claim that their products are vegan but in the true definition of veganism (no animal, byproducts, testing, cruelty involved), they are not because they test on animals! Also, a product may not always bear the vegan, leaping bunny or cruelty-free logo so it’s always best to do your background check.
Join Facebook groups, it’s the best way to connect with people who share the same preference.
Why you should not rely on search function of Sephora (online). Well, let’s do a test. Type vegan and you will see Bobbi Brown, Benefit, among others. These brands are certainly not cruelty-free and while their products may not contain animal ingredients, the true ethos of veganism is again no cruelty involved in every step of the process.
Why you should not rely on Sephora sales associates. Sadly, most of them are not aware whether a product is vegan, cruelty-free or both. It’s not their fault. They are trained on how to make a sale in general. Unless of course, the galaxy connived in that fateful shopping spree of yours, you chance upon a sales associate who knows a thing or two about your thingy.
Curious what made it to my shopping cart? here they are
Here are my recommendations based from previous positive experience
Will you be buying anything from Sephora Spring Sale 2018? Here are the codes:
April 13-16, 20-23: 15% off with code YAYROUGE
April 20-23: 15% off with code YAYVIB
Apr 20-23: 10% off with code YAYINSIDER
Shop Angela Roi Mini-Cher Tote Bag
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Thanks for clarifying the vegan definition and the way to know if products are indeed vegan for those that are interested. Love your picks as well as that handbag!!
My pleasure. Thanks!
Thank you SO much for the shout out – that’s so nice! And yes I agree – don’t rely on the Sephora website or employees – do your research before you go (or do what I do and check on your phone!).
My pleasure! Thanks for what you do!!!
I don’t expect the sales associates to know if companies are vegan but it’s a bonus if they do. I did a small order with Becca and Milk but may go back the second time.
I may order some more too.., Makeup enthusiasts we are!
I’m going to check out a couple of the apps you mentioned! Thanks for some great tips!
You definitely have to do your research and carefully read the labels. I have had them say that a product was vegan when Carmine and Lanolin were clearly listed on the ingredients! Nice picks!
I had no idea that retinol and hyaluronic acid were sourced from animals! Are there vegetal sources too like there can be for squalene and collagen?
Carotenoids is a vegan alternative, found in green and yellow vegetables/fruits. 100% pure has plant based retinol balm. Sodium hyaluronate is synthetic derivative of HA but the only way to find out if the product is both vegan and cruelty-free is to ask the company direct and/or refer to the sources I mentioned in the post.
So informative! I thought of you when I was there on Wednesday, Kathryne. It isn’t easy for vegans at Sephora. My guess is it will get better eventually
Thanks Allison! Enjoy your trip. Hopefully it will get better at Sephora
Love this post! It’s so sad that sales associates probably wouldn’t be able to point you in the right direction a lot of the times if you asked for Vegan brands. It’s sad, but it’s true! This is really helpful!!
Thanks Christine!
I like that handbag is it a vegan-friendly too? I love collecting vegan products mostly bags and shoes. I love how you encourage your readers vegan produts.
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, the bag is vegan, it’s from Angela Roi. I do vegan handbag and shoes reviews on my YouTube channel