This summer in mid-may, I pledged to go #crueltyfree with my beauty products. This decision was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Lately I've been reading up on the way that products are tested on animals and it's pretty sad stuff. They use mostly rabbits and put all kinds of makeup and products on them to test them out. That new product that's made to lengthen eyelashes permanently? Yeah,...that makes the rabbits go blind usually. But, they use it on them anyways. Rabbits are going blind so that we can look pretty. For me, that is unacceptable. I refuse to take part in a beauty regiment that involves products that were tested on animals. I have plans to write Aussie a letter soon to let them know that I will no longer purchase any of their products. My hair might not be exactly as smooth as I'd like it to be, but I know there's no sad little rabbit who has had conditioner tested on them. Animals are not our own to test on. Most products test on animals, unless they specifically say on the back of the bottle that they do not, or have a little leaping rabbit symbol. Here's some tips on how to navigate #crueltyfreebeauty

1. Learn the #crueltyfree brands

E.L.F., NYX, Burt's Bees, Wet 'n Wild, Origins, Urban Decay, C.O. Bigelow, Essie, The Body Shop, Physicians Formula, Lush, Alba Botanica, Yes to Carrots, Queen Helen's, Palmer's, Paul Mitchell, Method, Smashbox, Tom's of Maine, Too Faced, St. Ives, Sally Hansen, O.P.I., tarte, Bonnebell. Go to

2. Learn the brands that still test on animals (though the FDA does not still require it, and though other options exist that are actually cheaper)

3. Find new favorites to use instead of your current uses.

My favorites are:

Physician's formula Shimmer Strips eyeliner trio in black, brown & gold

Physician's Formula Organic wear100% Natural Origin BB Bigger! Better! Lashes Mascara

E.L.F 6-shade eyeshadow palette

Wet n Wild Megaslicks in Coral

Ogx Heavenly Hydration Cherry Blossom conditioner

Ogx Coconut Milk Shampoo

Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion

Burt's Bees cuticle cream

NYX Finishing Spray

4. Know your symbols so you can be sure to verify your products' cruelty-free status

5. Take part in taking a stand against companies who test on animals

Support legislation that takes a firm stance against animal testing. You can start small, just by signing your name online with pledges like this one here, on the U.S. Humane Society's website, by being informed and by sharing what you learn with others. Spread the uncomfortable truth about America's beauty industry and how animals are sufferring because of it.

For more information on this issue, please check out www.peta.com