So I started this series a while back and have found that it’s been so much harder to go cruelty free than I’d realised! It’s helped me just completely get rid of brands from my makeup bag (cough, Mac, cough) but I’ve still found there’s some products I’m finding hard to replace. Plus when there’s hot new beauty products on the block it’s hard not to review them for you guys! I get that everyone has different views on the levels of testing, be it owned by a parent company so that’s okay for them or maybe they’re fighting hard to get other countries to change their laws on testing requirements and that’s okay for you. With all that in mind, I’m about 85% there I’d say, it’s the last few parts that are the hardest! I did still want to continue chatting about Cruelty Free brands though and there’s more to come in this series from the likes of Illamasqua, Lush and Barry M so watch this space!
For now though I’m looking at Neal’s Yard Remedies* when I visited their Victoria Quarter store last year I heard a lot about their ethics and cruelty free status and love what they are all about. I’ve also learnt that they are exactly a month older than I am, as they opened the first store on the 4th December 1981, making them 35 in just over a month (also I cannot begin to explain how old I’m feeling knowing that it’s just over 2 months for me!).
Anyways, trying to move on, they are all about ethical sourcing and hearing about how they have made women’s, families and villages lives better through supporting them on their journeys to be suppliers is very humbling. There’s lots of testimonials here which brought a tear to my eye reading them, I won’t lie. The first one that talks about how harvesting the frankincense that appears in the top three best sellers for NYR this year, means they can send their children to get an education.
I also like how they have treatment rooms in the shops too, getting reflexology in the treatment room on the top floor of the Victoria Quarter branch was quite something! I especially love Judy who works there, when inpopped in to take some photos the other day she remembered me, and was super lovely (plus her reflexology is on point). They really do cover the whole well being vibe I feel.
From a Cruelty Free perspective they are certified by Cruelty Free International and boast the Leaping Bunny symbol, and are recognised by PETA too. They are also 100% vegetarian and have lots of vegan products too, which is always fab! Ive not had chance to explore all their ranges yet, but their ever popular Wild Rose Beauty Balm did take my fancy when I last visited and I’ve only heard fab things about it! Oh and look how cute this little Xmas gift is with it in!
They’ve also paired up with Ella Woodward of Deliciously Ella fame, to create two fab new products Rose Lime and Cucumber facial wash and moisturiser. Using all organic ingredients they’re designed to give a radiant glow so I may well need that soon!
I’d like to get some more tips on what I should try so let me know your fave NYR product in the comments.
*Post in collaboration with Neal’s Yard Remedies. As always thoughts, words and photos are my own.