I remember not being able to leave for school without at least two lip glosses and a small body spray. After high school, I kind of left some of my favorite products behind. I guess I thought they were just for teens.
There weren’t as many cruelty-free brands back then, but there are lots now! For a brand to be cruelty-free, it must not be tested on animals, the ingredient suppliers must not test on animals, and it must not be sold in a country that requires animal testing (like mainland China).
The cruelty-free status of a brand can change over time. Some brands become cruelty-free and others start testing on animals (often because they want to sell in a country that requires it). Remember that it doesn’t matter where a product is made—only where it is sold. It’s important to do your research to see if a brand is truly cruelty-free.
Some of those same cruelty-free beauty products we used when we were teenagers definitely deserve a second look now. They worked well then and they’re still incredible today!
Bonne Bell Lip Balms
I’m a Bonne Bell girl when it comes to lip balms. I’m still in love with their lip collection. It’s the perfect blend of moisture with a hint of shine and color. The off-the-wall flavors are still fun for adults!
The Body Shop Mists and Lotions
Remember when perfume meant body mists and scented lotion? Me too. I’m skipping the expensive perfumes with questionable ingredients and going back to an old high school favorite from The Body Shop.
Strawberry and peach were some of my favorites. I love the light fragrances of the mists along with the deep moisturizing properties of their lotions. I like to layer the scent to give myself a natural, fruit-based fragrance all day long.
The Body Shop has always been cruelty-free and has a firmly anti-animal-testing stance. But please note that they are owned by a parent company that is not cruelty-free.
Physicians Formula BB and CC Creams
I’ve tried other brands, but Physicians Formula still works best for my sensitive skin. I’m now more in love than ever since they introduced their Organic Wear Beauty Balm Creams. The coverage is incredible and it feels like you’re not wearing anything.
Burt’s Bees Facial Cleanser
Throughout high school, Burt’s Bees lip balms were a big hit with me and my friends. I’m still a huge fan! Their facial cleansers are a bit more recent. They keep my sensitive, acne-prone skin under control. While I usually opt for the Natural Acne Solutions Purifying Gel Cleanser, the Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser is amazing, too.
Wet n Wild Eyeshadow
I’m a little addicted to eyeshadow and I always loved Wet n Wild’s color palettes. After leaving their shadows behind after high school, I’ve finally started using them again. I couldn’t be happier.
Their line has improved, and I’m loving the Perfect Pair Eye Wand with matching shadow and liner in a single pencil. It’s quick, easy to use, and lasts for hours.
Don’t ever think you’re too old to wear your favorite high school beauty products! Just like you, they’ve only gotten better over time.