Week One - Target: Cosmetics

Deciding to have a cruelty-free household can be a little intimidating to say the least. At first glance, alternatives seem 3 times more expensive and a lot of the products on PETA's list aren't readily available. To make this work, things would have to be as easy as going down to the store - not mail ordering from another state and waiting for the item to arrive.

When looking at the things I wanted to change, like cosmetics, haircare products, laundry soap and household cleansers - I started with what was easiest: Cosmetics.

If you can afford the high-end department store cosmetics - you're in luck - you don't have to sacrifice fabulous skin for a clear conscience! Most of these can be picked up during a trip to the mall. A number of the high end brands are listed as cruelty-free:

Aveda
Chanel
Dr. Haushka
Erno Lazlo
Estee Lauder
Hard Candy
M.A.C.
Murad
O.P.I. Nail Products
Prescriptives
Smashbox Cosmetics
Stila Cosmetics
Too Faced Cosmetics
Urban Decay

But if you're more like me - I can't afford those brands for everyday use. Sure, I can afford the occasional MAC lipstick or powder, but I can't afford a whole skin care regimen. So I mix and match - some drug store items for the basics like facial cleansers, body soap etc. Suprisingly, there are plenty of cruelty-free alternatives to choose from - even at your local market/drugstore:

Basis Soaps
Bonne Bell
Burt's Bees
Citre Shine
Conair
Crabtree & Evelyn
Eucerin
Freeman Beauty Products
got2be
Jolen Creme Bleach
Kiss My Face
Manic Panic
Nexxus
Nivea
Norelco
Paul Mitchell
Physician's Formula
Queen Helene
Revlon
Safeway Brands
Sebastian Int'l
St. Ives
Tom's of Maine - at Trader Joes
Trader Joe's Company brands
Whole Foods Market - 365 House Brand

Avon and Mary Kay are both OK as well - so rest easy - you don't need to dump your rep just yet!