It's easy to love animals and look good doing it. Almost every product that is typically made from or tested on animals can be replaced with a better alternative. Below we look at some easy switches and explore some things you may not realize are bad for our beloved creatures.
Inside Out
We all know beauty starts on the inside. First, we will look at what we put into our bodies and then what we put on them.
Everyone's dietary needs are different and there is no judgment here, but even taking one day out of the week to avoid meat can make a huge difference. Start by trying a meatless Monday and see how you feel. Many vegetarians and vegans claim benefits like clearing skin and less bloating by avoiding meat and dairy.
The first step in a solid skincare routine is sunscreen. You should wear an SPF of at least 15 whenever you leave the house during the day. There is a reason skincare experts say this is the best thing you can do to keep your skin looking young. What you might not know is that lots of sunscreens have chemicals in them that are destructive to coral reef life. Be mindful of what you wear while at the beach and look for "reef safe" brands.
Companies are well aware of the fact that the majority of consumers prefer products that are not tested on animals. Most will market them right on the label. If you're not sure, there are easily accessible databases online that tell you exactly how animal-friendly products are. Even innocuous products sometimes use animal byproducts under fancy names. Check things like makeup, perfume, haircare, skincare, and even nail polish.
Please, avoid glitter at all costs! It is harmful to animals and the environment. If you absolutely must have some extra sparkle, look into biodegradable options.
Friendly Fashion
Now Let's Look at Ways to Polish Your Look Without Punishing Animals.
Fabrics like leather and fur were popular for centuries because that was all we had. They are long-lasting and high fashion. Luckily, we have many alternatives available to us now, so you don't have to sacrifice looking your best to save the animals. Check out mycelium products and see the groundbreaking, sustainable products they are making that look and feel like leather, with none of the drawbacks.
To really polish off a look, you have to notice the details. The right accessories, like the perfect belt, can pull together an otherwise drab outfit. Mycelium leather would be a great option here to remember while trying to avoid animal leather. While we're on the subject of details, a manicure is an absolute must. If you opt for polish, remember to check if it's tested on animals or uses animal by-products. This can seem overwhelming at first, but it gets easier. Eventually, you will have a new favorite, trustworthy brand.
Finally, for our furry animal parents, invest in a lint roller, or ten. Our pets deserve all the snuggles and belly rubs! It's a good idea to keep a lint roller in the laundry room, one by the door, one in your bag, and one in the car. I personally have to roll myself several times before I'm ready to appear in public. My dogs shed like crazy, but that's not going to stop me from snuggling them every chance I get and I'm certainly not kicking them off the furniture. This is their house too!
If this seems like too much, just start with one thing at a time. If you replace items as they run or wear out with animal-friendly alternatives, it's very doable and worthwhile.
