Products/Brands That I Have Banned

I have scores of posts planned but the current situation is very damping for my spirit. I mean the first month and it seems the world is about to end. But, I have to start. So, let’s talk about the product or brands that I am no longer buying. There might have been things that I have appreciated earlier but now I can do without them for the greater good. But, there are few things that are almost like medicines for me so, I am unfortunately sticking to them unless I find a replacement. 

So, here I go. 

Brands that test on animals 

This is a big umbrella and a big chunk of really good and effective brands fall under it. Please note that I am not vegan but I have greatly reduced my consumption of animal products. (I do not even recall the last time I had milk or milkshake) But, torturing animals when there are alternative to it is a big stupidity/failure. I do not want my hard earned money to end up in fueling brands to put chemicals in the eyes of rabbits. Ewww. So, no more MAC, Maybelline and L’Oreal in my life no matter how tempting their lipstick look. I really wanted to try Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair but even Estee Lauder is tests on animals. Biggest shock for me was Clinique. Unfortunately, I learned it right after I had purchased their foundation. 

I also purchased few favorites from La Roche Posay like La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo because they are like medicines for me. I am trying to get a substitute for that because A. Not are not available in India. B. Neither cruelty free nor in plastic free packaging. 

Is it really difficult? No. Because Indian brands by law cannot test on animals. So, you have Sugar Cosmetics (love Sugar Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipcolor). I also love Sugar Gloss Boss Eyeliner (can survive anything!). We also have international brands that are cruelty free like The Body Shop who does a beautiful liquid foundation – Fresh Nude Foundation. 

But, they majorly come in plastic bottles or tubes which brings me to next section. 

Products in plastic packaging 

Most brands are trying. Some are truly plastic free – I like the Earth Rhythm Natural Deos in cardboard packaging. Then, there are some which seems like cardboard and are actually plastic inside. The best solution is to reduce your purchase and buy better options. Shampoos and body washes are out of my life. Not purchasing them anymore (Just finishing the ones I have). Toughest test for me was to stand at the French pharmacy aisles and saying no to all of them. But, it is a difficult war to win. I have allowed myself to get few products that are nothing short of miracle for me. Example - I will still continue to buy Pixi Glow Tonic until I find something equally effective. Slowly, I aim to become the person with just handful of cosmetics and skincare which can all fit inside a shoe box. 

Brands whose integrity I have started to doubt on 

The top of the list is probably Enn Cosmetics because you all have already read this post and I have received similar complaints from a lot of people. 

Next is a brand that I have not purchased from a very long time and was the first brand that I stopped buying from – Soulflower. In case you are wondering about Soulflower then read this post from 2014 - Products I Regret Buying. It is a long post to scroll down to the bottom for why I do not like their products.

The biggest shocker (Even for me!) was to ban Kama Ayurveda. I know that they do not manufacture anything and just sell products made by other brands. I love Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Thailam and made a number of people switch to it. But, then they started to hike their price. The price started to go high with no rhyme or reason. The nail in the coffin was surely when I tried their Neem range last year. The Kama Ayurveda Neem Body Scrub does not have neem in their ingredients list and the Kama Ayurveda Neem Cleansing Foam has neem essential oil as perfume! (Forest Essentials is also expensive but they have always screamed they we are luxury Ayurveda so, yes we are expensive! Forest Essentials is also not my go to brand but I do appreciate their powdered ubtans and aloe juice. But, it always come in plastic bottle and they do not recycle it like The Body Shop so, I will buy them next when I badly need them and cannot do without.) 

Another brand that is loved by lot of blogger but did nothing for me. I gave some of it to others to try and all reports suggested - nothing special was Dr.Sheth's. Their products are not cheap. So, no more of those.

Which of the above pointers come as a shock to you? Anything else that I should add here?

Love, 

Shayoni