It’s much the same for make-up. Whether you like high end or budget, there are loads of cruelty free brands to choose from including Illamasqua, NARS, Bourjois, Barry M, Topshop, E.L.F, the list goes on and on.
Where it can become more difficult is with the more mundane beauty essentials such as deodorant and toothpaste. Items like these go on your supermarket shopping list along with your milk and bread. You don’t really give them a seconds thought.
My local supermarkets are Morrisons and ASDA, and I haven’t been able to find a cruelty free deodorant in either of them. This means that I have to properly plan my deodorant purchase, and make sure I always have a backup for when my current deodorant runs out to prevent a panic purchase from the supermarket.
I’ve been trying out two brands of cruelty free deodorants recently. I thought it might be useful to those of you thinking of going cruelty free, or even those who are looking for a more natural alternative to standard deodorants, to know what I thought of them.
First up is Dr Hauschka's roll on deodorant which comes in two scents, floral and fresh. I opted for the floral version which I bought from Amarya for £11.95. I know, I know but it’s worth the price when you think of all the bunnies your saving!
The scent is lovely and subtle. It’s so much more pleasant than the artificially perfumed deodorants from the likes of Sure. It contains natural Jasmine and Lilac essential oils, mmmmm! The consistency is lovely and creamy. It doesn’t sting at all on application, even when used immediately after shaving. It also lasts all day and all night. I have complete confidence that it will keep me dry and fresh for as long as I need it to whenever I wear it.
If I had to mention one tiny little niggle, it would be that it takes longer to dry than standard deodorants. Personally I think it’s worth the pay off though. I apply it, have breakfast, do my hair and make-up, and then when I go to get dressed it’s dried in fine. If you're a have shower, fling clothes on, run out the door, kind of person though, the drying time might be an issue for you.
Next up is Dr Organic roll on deodorant which I picked up at my local Holland and Barrett for £5.19. That makes it much more affordable than the Dr Hauschka version for the same volume (50ml).
This deodorant comes in a range of scents. I went for the Manuka Honey version. I really like that you can pick a scent for your deodorant other than the standard deodorant-y scents! There’s lavender, pomegranate, tea tree and a few others. Mr Juicy hates the smell of the Manuka Honey version I’ve been using! I quite like it though so he’ll just have to put up with it for the next few weeks!
The formula of the Dr Organic deodorant is much closer to what we’re used to seeing from the well known brands i.e. it’s much more watery than the Dr Hauschka deodorant. I think it's probably this which makes it dry a lot quicker. I've found that this doesn’t last nearly as long as the Dr Hauschka deodorant though and I begin to feel sticky (bleugh) a lot sooner. It’s also less gentle.
If I were to repurchase one of these deodorants it would be the Dr Hauschka one because I feel that it just suits me better. I do a very physical job and I really need a long lasting deodorant. If you're a little more price sensitive and aren’t looking for anything heavy duty then I’m happy to recommend Dr Organic though.
Has anyone tried any ‘alternative’ deodorants? I have my eye on one from Laverna or LUSH next.
Lisa x
