Dear Compassionate Consumer,
Summer is in full swing at Leaping Bunny headquarters, complete with the hot, humid weather the Northeast is known for. During these warm months, our skin gets exposed to so much: the sun, chlorine, and sunscreen. It's never more important than now to give it some extra TLC. Kim Paschen, Leaping Bunny Program Manager, has some great picks for face masks, which will help add vitality back into your complexion.
Read on for our recap of the Taking Action For Animals conference, which we attended from June 17th-19th just outside Washington, D.C. We also share the latest additions to our Compassionate Shopping Guide and interview Leaping Bunny certified company, Boulder Clean.
Stay cool,
Caitlin McGrother
Leaping Bunny Program Administrator |
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Summer Skin Rehab with Cruelty-Free Face Masks
I am a big fan of masks. They provide my skin with a much-needed boost and a little budget-friendly pampering. There are only a few basic tricks to become a mask pro! First, start out with a clean face using a gentle, mild cleanser. If you have long hair, tie it back to keep it out of your face. Then, apply the mask evenly around all areas of the face (and neck if you wish!), avoiding eyes and mouth. Leave on for the product's suggested time, usually between 5-20 minutes. Finally, gently remove the mask with a washcloth and warm water, and rinse your face with cool water. After you're all finished, proceed with your normal skin care routine.
Here are a few of my absolute favorite masks:
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inVitamin Matcha Green Tea Glacial Clay Facial Mask
This mask comes in a powder so you get to make it yourself. As a bonus, you can combine it with any liquid of your choice. Besides water, some of my favorite additions are aloe vera, tea, and facial serum! Once applied, allow the mask to dry, which takes about 15 minutes. This mask produces a wonderfully cleansing feeling without any itchiness, which sometimes occurs with other clay masks as they dry. The cost is about $16 and contains around eight treatments, so it's quite affordable.
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Arbonne Cellular Renewal Masque
You are going to drop a bit more coin for this mask, but it is completely worth it. This incredibly creamy formula only needs about 5-7 minutes to do its thing. It exfoliates your skin without harsh abrasives and creates a totally amazing glow. We get to try many different kinds of masks, but I keep coming back to this one.
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Andalou Naturals Instant Pure Pore Hydro Serum Facial Mask
Sheet masks are all the rage now. Instead of spreading product on your face, you lay the sheet containing all the goodies (willow bark extract, jojoba oil, and coconut water in this mask) directly on the skin. Then, sit back and relax for 10-20 minutes. I love the cooling effect of it on my face and how I don't have to rinse anything off afterwards. |
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Leaping Bunny Taking Action for Animals
The Leaping Bunny Program was once again at this year's Taking Action for Animals conference organized by CCIC member, the Humane Society of the United States. Before the conference even began, we held our regular CCIC meeting in-person, which was attended by every member organization, including representatives from the American Anti-Vivisection Society, the Animal Alliance of Canada, the Doris Day Animal League, the Humane Society of the United States, the National Anti-Vivisection Society, and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society.
Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, Kim Paschen, Program Manager of Leaping Bunny, handed out cruelty-free samples from companies like Hello Products, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Zatik Natural, Hurraw, Giovanni, Boulder Clean, and All Good; answered questions; and (temporary) tattooed people with the Leaping Bunny Logo. It was great to hear from so many people that our logo was the only one they looked for!
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Welcome, New Companies!
The Compassionate Shopping Guide is leaping into summer with the addition of new cruelty-free companies. Check out these amazing brands below and show them some love by clicking on their links to learn more. |
American Botanics
Vegan skincare line powered by botanical ingredients, and made in the USA.
Devera Naturals
Prestige natural skin care created by a breast cancer survivor. Specifically made for women going through cancer treatment.
Elea Blake Cosmetics
A full line of customizable mineral makeup that focuses on your unique color tones.
Melt Cosmetics
Cult-favorite brand specializing in ultra pigmented, bold color cosmetics.
Omiana
Mineral cosmetics catering to a variety of individuals with specific needs. Offerings include titanium dioxide-free, mica-free, and boron nitride-free makeup.
Out of Africa
Organic soap made with renewable energy and packaged with 100% post-consumer paper.
Oregon Soap Company
Shea butter line made with 100% pure unrefined shea butter directly from Benin, West Africa. Products include bar soap, hand and body wash, body butters, lip balms, lotions, and body oils.
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PiperWai
Aluminum-free deodorant that uses activated charcoal to absorb wetness and fight odor. Blended with ingredients including organic coconut oil, shea butter, and Vitamin E.
Portland General Store
Organic grooming essentials and fragrance for men and women.
Savvy Travelers
Designer beauty wipes curated for the "on-the-go" sophisticated savvy travelista.
Silk & Stone
Family owned company that manufactures skincare, hair care, body, and health products. Made from natural home remedies passed down through Unani and Ayurvedic Medicine.
Some Essentials
All natural skin care providing natural deodorant, body oil, face serum, and hard lotion bar.
The Chemical Free Me
All natural, organic personal care products made with ingredients, including oils and sugars.
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Company Spotlight: Boulder Clean
This month, we had the chance to interview Craig Spalding, Marketing and Creative Manager for Boulder Clean, a Leaping Bunny certified company that makes non-toxic, plant-based, biodegradable, household cleaning products. Read below to learn about this brand with a mission, and be sure to check out our review of Boulder Clean's laundry detergent on our blog. |
- What was the inspiration behind the creation of Boulder Clean?
Our name and mission are inspired by the natural beauty of the place we call home: Boulder, Colorado. Surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders and clean mountain air, we are compelled to provide impressively powerful and naturally clean products that are safer for our homes and planet.
- What is your favorite Boulder Clean product and why?
I love our Natural Fabric Softener Dryer Spray because it works better than dryer sheets and doesn't produce any waste! You just spray it on damp clothes and the heat of the dryer activates the formula to soften clothes. The best part is, it doesn't include tallow or other animal ingredients, while other leading fabric softener brands do.
- Are all of your products vegan?
Yes! All of our products are vegan, biodegradable, and don't use animal ingredients or go through animal testing.
- What do you think makes Boulder Clean and its products different from other similar companies?
Unlike other natural cleaning and laundry brands, our products actually work! Boulder Clean was also named as the EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year 2016, meaning all of our products are guaranteed to be safer for the environment and home as well.
- What has been the most rewarding part of creating Boulder Clean?
The most rewarding part for me is knowing that we are helping our loyal customers keep their homes and planet safe without sacrificing anything in regards to product effectiveness. A lot of times, people have to sacrifice one for the other, so finding that perfect combo of everything you need and nothing you don't is the best feeling.
- Why is being Leaping Bunny certified important to you?
We have a love for all things "nature" and our passion is to help protect our planet and all the beautiful creatures on it. Animal ingredients and testing are off limits at Boulder Clean!
- What is something unique about Boulder Clean that others may not know?
Our history and roots are actually in conversation as part of the 1908 Brands family! 1908 refers to the year in which our Founder and CEO Steve Savage's Great Great Uncle, William Kent, purchased and gifted the Muir Woods to the United States government, saving 300 acres of redwoods from being sold to lumber interests.
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