I buy copious amounts of makeup and skincare products like many of my peers. My collection grows weekly as new trends surface and the holiday season is to blame for my most recent influx in retail therapy specifically centered around cosmetics. 

Guiltily, I can admit that I forget, as I browse the multitude of isles in my local Sephora and Ulta, to look at what products carry a clean label, and amidst the research I center around which products I want to purchase, checking what brands are clean and cruelty-free seem to be forgotten as I budget what to spend my money on. With the turn of the new year, however, I hope to prioritize adding only clean products to my collection.

I am influenced easily, and there has been no lack of promotion of too many different brands in the past months. Looking at the current trends, here’s what my resolution will and won’t allow me to purchase.

Drunk elephant 

Drunk Elephant has been a relevant brand for a while, but recently, their bronzing “Sunshine Drops” have become a makeup staple to many. Luckily enough, Drunk Elephant is cruelty-free, and their products don’t test on animals, nor do any third parties they source ingredients from. They are also regarded as a clean brand. All of the Alix Earle girls, we are safe. 

Laneige 

The Laneige lip masks have taken afloat this season as their debut on TikTok has led to their popularity. And while I can’t deny I have tried—and liked—this product, I have unfortunate news: this brand is not cruelty-free or clean. Laneige, as well as the company that owns it, engages in animal testing of its products and is not regarded as a clean brand. This will not be a repurchase. 

Dior 

This past Christmas, it seemed the Dior lip oils and blushes were on everyone’s list. While their pricey products are quality, I am sorry to say Dior has found the cruelty-free loophole. Though they claim they don’t test their products on animals, they sell their products in countries where animal testing is required to sell their products, hence the loophole, making them not a cruelty-free brand. 

Supergoop

Supergoops Glow Screen has won my heart, and I adore the glowing base look it offers to morning makeup while offering UV protection. I would hate to give up this product, and luckily, I won’t have to. Supergoops ingredients, formulas nor finished products, are tested on animals and are regarded as a clean brand. Thank you, Supergoop, for giving me a product to take into the new year. 

Rare Beauty

Selena Gomez, you have simply outdone yourself. Founded and created by Gomez herself, Rare beauty has become a top makeup brand among many of my peers. Their blushes and highlighters are some of my favorites, but most of their products are top-tier. And to my great relief, her products and ingredients are marked cruelty free, and their products are not sold in any places testing is required. 

Beauty products follow me into the new year like many of my favorite things, and while I am sorry to give up a multitude of products I know use, finding clean alternatives will be my priority this year. Truthfully, in 2023, I think it’s about time for all brands to be cruelty-free and clean, because really, how hard can it really be? I urge everyone to spend their money on brands that value clean sourcing for products because it is most definitely time.