MAC Cosmetics, Animal Testing and My Thoughts
March 15th was a day I had been looking forward to for 6 months (more on that at another date) but also turned out a day I had been dreading for even longer.
March 15th was the morning I read from cruelty-free beauty blogger, Logical Harmony, that MAC tests on animals. They sell in China. China law requires animal testing. MAC told her in part that they only do animal testing ‘when required under the law’. Similar to what Estee Lauder recently told me (MAC’s parent company), and countless other companies who sell in China have stated.
I have no idea how long they have been selling in China, so maybe this isn’t that new. But this is the first I am hearing about it which is why I decided to address this since people have mentioned it to me a few times in the last week.
I felt this day would come, if only because I am a totally skeptical person, and they are my favorite brand. If something seems to good to be true, it usually is. When everything seems to be going just peachy, something always comes along to throw a wrench in it. You get the idea.
MAC is a brand I have been wearing for twenty one years. TWENTY ONE YEARS. Longer than some of you have been alive possibly. And we have a history.
My best friend who now lives in Idaho told me one day back in 1991 how she saw this really cool new makeup brand at the Nordstrom in Walnut Creek. They had really cool lipsticks and a huge color range. My friend wasn’t the type at the time to wear more “streamlined” makeup like Lancome or Estee Lauder. She was a punk rocker. A tattooed chick who I first saw wearing thigh high patent leather boots at a show. She stood 5’11 BEFORE the 4 inch heels. No apologies. Long story short, I knew this brand was going to be cool.
We went to Nordstrom together, which at the time was the only store around here that sold MAC. And wow, I remember all those black tubes with so many cool colors. I don’t remember the very first item I bought from them, but I know it was a lipstick.
The years went by and I filled my medicine cabinet with these tubes. I clearly remember when they switched to the current bullet shape and it seemed so odd at first. Up until I started blogging, when my collection grew exponentially, I always had about 50 lipsticks from MAC at any given time.
Spirit, Del Rio and Shrimpton were three of my favs in the early 90′s. I was HEAVILY into Folio as well, and it’s still one of my favs. I remember a co-worker at the publishing company I worked at always commented when I wore Folio. He (yes he) loved it. I remember one day wearing a bright red velvet shirt and I matched it with MAC Ruby Woo. My friend still talks about how great they looked together.
Cyber and So Be saw me through some rough times in the mid to late 90′s. I hated my job and wore a lot of dark purple lipsticks. Yeah I wore Cyber to work. A lot. Dubonnet was one of my favorite deep reds. Moxie was one of the first uber-bright pinks I owned. I still own the original style tubes of Moxie, So Be and Ruby Woo.
Modem was a lipstick that was popular in the early 90′s and has become a 20 year running joke with me and one of my other good friends. She bought Modem and wore it constantly. Whenever she bought any new lipstick from any other brand (up until this day) it was always nearly exactly the same as Modem. When we see a car or shirt that’s the same color, to this day we call it “Modem” colored.
In my college graduation photo, I am wearing the only lipstick I have gone through multiple tubes of. Viva Glam II.
But I don’t only wear MAC lipstick. I have hundreds of their products, and I adore so many. Omega eyeshadow has been my go-to eyebrow shade for 15+ years. Moth Brown is one of my very favorite eyeshadows. I have been using Vanilla as a highlight shade forever. Well Dressed has always been a go-to pink blush.
My very first ever makeup brush was gifted to me from a friend, and it was a number 36, made in France. I still have it.
All of this to say that for me, MAC isn’t just a trend or some brand to collect every single piece of to be cool or impress people. For me, MAC is part of my life. They have been with me through the good and bad times in my adult life. They are my memories. They are my history. I can look at an old photo of myself and know which lipstick I was wearing.
To say that I am disheartened that they are selling in China, which requires animal testing, is an understatement. I am crushed. Torn. Angry. Annoyed. Pissed off. Discouraged. It really makes me wonder if ANY company out there is cruelty-free. I am starting to think they are all just liars with crafty-wordsmiths in their PR departments.
I dreaded March 15th because I always knew it would come to this. My favorite brand, part of my daily life, has been turned into something a bit tainted.
But despite all this, I cannot say I am not supporting them anymore. It would be a lie to say I am done with them. Any other brand I can say that about. I just decided last month I would no longer be supporting Estee Lauder for the very same reason. But I have no attachment to Estee Lauder. I have no attachment to 99% of all other brands. And if I only used a couple pieces from them it would be much easier to walk away. But I don’t.
MAC is the one brand I just don’t think I can say goodbye to. I am nothing if not honest with you, and we all choose to draw the line somewhere. This is my line. I still do not support the other non cruelty-free companies, and that isn’t going to change.
Do I feel great about this? No. I feel frustrated that they so heavily put out there that they were cruelty-free, and a brand we could all trust, but then this happened. I feel angry that China is so screwed up when it comes to animal welfare that it forces companies who want to sell there to test. I feel angry that MAC decided to sell there knowing this. I feel pissed off that they made all cruelty-free makeup wearers, bloggers and vloggers to be put in this position after having supported them for so long.
I know I’m not the only one really upset about this. I have chatted with a few bloggers and vloggers about it, and we are all angry and saddened.
I plan on writing to MAC and Estee Lauder telling them how I feel, and asking them to reconsider selling in China. I urge you to do the same thing if this is something you care about.
Here is their contact information:
MAC Cosmetics
Attn: Customer Service
130 Prince St.
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10012
Email: consumercare-us@gcc.maccosmetics.com
Estee Lauder email (parent company): consumercare-us@gcc.elc.estee.com
I will follow up on this post when (and if) I hear back from either MAC or Estee Lauder about the letters I am sending them.
Please let me know your thoughts and keep it civil. Any nasty comments (or judgements) will be deleted and the email address banned from this site.
-Kelly
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I really appreciate this post, it is really thorough and honest. Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks Jessica
Don’t be so upset: China is rapidly developing country, I think in few years they will change these laws
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I really hope so!!
I’ve been trying to get a follow up response from MAC for about two weeks now. They seem to be ignoring me.
I sat on the information for a week before I posted it. I knew it was going to upset a lot of people, but I also knew that it had to be shared. I last checked with MAC in December I believe, and they were able to show that they were truly cruelty free at that point. I have a VERY strict stance for what I consider cruelty free, and they definitely were. I check in on all companies I promote on a regular basis and the change is definitely new as of sometime in 2012. I do feel they should have been responsible enough to send out a press release. Even Avon did that last summer.
I have never been a MAC user, but I can imagine how it must feel. They had such a huge following and such a great reputation. It makes me sad that it’s all about money. It’s possible to make amazing products without animal testing or animal ingredients. It’s not something that’s going to make things better or easier for anyone but MAC/Estee Lauder.
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Yeah it seems like once the company gets “outed” they don’t like discussing it with people any further. I have talked to so many bloggers and vloggers about this since last week and there is one common theme. We are all really upset that they possibly lied to people or at least hid the truth to their advantage. The whole thing sucks! I really hope they listen to what people are saying and either stop selling there or China someday soon changes their policy.
“We are all really upset that they possibly lied to people or at least hid the truth to their advantage.” Shady companies are the worst. It honestly makes me have a little more respect for the ones who can be honest and up front about their stance. Even if they do test on animals. At least they have no problem admitting it and don’t try to phrase things to be confusing or dodge the issue.
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I totally agree. Would rather be blatant and up front than quietly just not telling people information they would want to know.
I agree Tashina, a press release would have been the appropriate thing to do. I mean they had such a hard stance before so to totally change that stance garnered some type of explanation no only to customers who are cruelty free, but all of their customers. The PR department is clearly being dodgy about the subject.
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They really are. After I received the email from them, I even wrote back asking them to clarify what “required by law” meant and asking if I had been sent the correct email. I gave them every chance to say something. Instead, I got no response.
It surprises me that, even now, they haven’t at least said SOMETHING.
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I was so disappointed when I heard about this too. I own more MAC than any other brand. The only reason I don’t have more is that the closest place to buy it is an hour away and I hate ordering online and paying shipping; when I had a roommate who was a MAC makeup artist I accumulated a ton of it. I love the brand and I am saddened that they made this decision. And I wrote to them telling them so. I totally respect and understand your decision to keep using their products. When something has had that much significance in your life it’s hard to just give it up. I had been wondering what your thoughts would be ever since I heard about this and this was a really great post.
Thanks Rebecca. It makes me feel sick to be honest. I have been dreading this for years now! Ugh.
I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but this is CHINA we’re talking about.
It’s a country where a little girl can get run over twice by different vans with by-standers not lifting a finger to help. It’s a country where traffic accidents involve running over the pedestrian a few more times after the initial impact, to make sure that the person is truly dead and can’t testify against you. It’s a country where the government tries to suppress the publishing of pollutant figures that are in fact appallingly over the minimum health safety limits, in order to encourage industrial (read: capitalist) growth.
What these say to me is that the country doesn’t even care much about its human population, much less animal rights.
Ironically then, the question is: why animal testing? Well, it’s probably the easiest (and therefore cheapest) way of ensuring that the chemically-laden cosmetics produced by their own makeup companies are ‘inspected’ and ‘certified safe’.
Perhaps it’s the cynical side of me speaking, but I highly doubt Estee Lauder (and MAC) would decide to stop selling in China – with a population of 1 billion people, just each person spending a dollar would mean a revenue of $1 billion. Just by selling in a single country.
And with the economic boom and optimism in China, the bourgeois population is definitely more than willing to drop bucketloads of cash on American branded products to show their wealth. Just look at the Apple frenzy in China…
Then again, I’m the sort of person who dwells too much on negativity, and think that the only action is inaction. With enough beauty bloggers protesting, who knows?
It’ll be a true test of MAC’s business ethicality and the amount of respect that they truly accord to beauty bloggers..
The pessimist in me completely agrees. The optimist in me still hopes for a better future…
Not all of China is so heartless. China is full of different cultures and I’m sure there are many people against animal testing and for human rights. I mean it’s a population of what? One billion? There has to be some uprising there.
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Yeah, China definitely has a huge diversity of cultures as evinced by the number of provinces they have, but the problem is that the whole of China is basically organised by a central governing system that keeps perpetuating the ideology of economic growth..
Animal rights activism in China is definitely on the rise though. So there’s still hope!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Animal_Protection_Network
http://www.capn-online.info/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/21/animal-rights-china-celebrity-activists_n_1290273.html
Perhaps Kelly could liaise with the CAPN to raise public awareness on this issue? I’d imagine an internationally coordinated effort would make a bigger statement and impact on the makeup companies!
And here’s another dose of optimism: CAPN’s slogan expresses a belief in the power of the grassroots
Checking it out now, thanks for the links!
Oh crap!!! Im mad at MAC. I have been wearing it for years too. I quit wearing the foundation and blush 12 years ago because my dr said it was making me breakout but I still wear the shadow and lipstick. To me there is no better lipstick than MAC but I will probably not buy it anymore. I also agree that China is messed up when it comes to animal welfare!! China needs to get with the program!! China does so many wrong things as Cheryl (above) so rightly pointed out and I agree with her that they dont care about their own people why would they care about poor little animals or as we call them PETS!
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Also, Western people used to be very barbaric themselves with humans and animals. (And in some cases we still are — look at the meat and fur industries.) We have grown from public executions and most people protest any sort of forced animal fighting shows. Hopefully China can do the same with regards to their views and laws.
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Yes you are right, we also have our faults and arent angels either. Im just mad at animal testing and it being a requirement to sell cosmetics in a country.
Kelly, this is good that you posted th.s so we can see others sides and we can also discuss it. Im still mad MAC. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good new lipstick line for me?
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This was my thoughts as well. The few people willing to stop buying MAC due to animal testing don’t compare to the boatloads of money they’ll make by selling in China.
Money’s the bottom line here and it’s sad when a company is willing to sell out their morals for it. But that’s business, I guess.
I’ve never been a huge MAC user but it’s still a sad day for makeup lovers and especially for those who are trying their best to avoid animal testing in cosmetics. I always knew that if I couldn’t find something, there was a good chance I could find it at MAC… now, not an option for me.
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this is so true. china has a HORRIBLE record regarding human rights, so what makes you think they give a crap about animals? THEY EAT DOGS AND CATS, THIS IS A FACT. ever watched a documentary called “THE DYING ROOMS”? its about chinese orphanages and shows the abuse and neglect of all the unwanted female babies. babies tied to chairs, left to die in rooms, literally, BECAUSE CHINA DOESNT CARE. if you are waiting for china to change its policies, dont hold your breath.
“They eat dogs and cats”
I don’t think that’s bad. Actually, I’m not sure if it’s entirely true, either, but if they do, the cats/dogs are not your typical domestic breeds. They’re raised for meat.. at least that’s the case with dogs they eat in South Korea, according to a friend who taught there.
I don’t consider it bad because think about Hindus and cows — they’re considered sacred to them, so they could easily call Westerners barbaric for eating beef. People have different associations with animals that are ok to eat and which are not. (Hey, look at people who will happily eat pork, beef, etc. but consider eating lamb wrong. Hypocrisy, much?
I can’t vouch for the orphanages, though. I don’t know a whole lot about them. My mother-in-law has two adopted girls from China, though, so I should ask how she felt about the orphanages.
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And don’t get me wrong, I LOVE cats and dogs, and I would never eat them myself. But I don’t consider other cultures bad for eating animals I consider pets.
I can understand how upsetting are these news to you. Some brands are in many ways part of our lives… And it’ s very frustrating seeing that they don’t care, they used the cruelty free position until it was useful to them, and now they are leaving all they’re loyal customers without even a public statement. Are they going to change their “not tested on animals, tested in models”too?
I wonder how this changes will affect their sales in Europe, because animal testing it’s going to be prohibited soon.
I doubt it will affect sales in Europe because they won’t be testing there, so it will still fall under their new law (if that ever gets enacted).
I completely feel you on this issue. I stop using Estee a long time ago, ever since I found out about their animal testing. I will say that I’m not as invested as you are with MAC. But nevertheless, it’s a company most of us at one point became familiar, created memories with and grew with. It pains me that MAC is doing animal testing.
I remember my first experience with MAC. I’d heard this great place for makeup, so I decided to get my makeup done at MAC for prom. I was so nervous because I’d never really wore makeup (lipbalm at most) but the girl there made me feel so warm and special. Even took a photo of me and gave me a mascara and an eyeshadow to practice at home.
I really do hope MAC reconsiders their stance. I know many of us are heartbroken of this news.
good article last week I send A mail I read in my beauty bunny another cruelty free blogger.
Stuff like this really upsets me!
Is money so important to them that they actually feel the need to test on poor animals just to sell in China? They are such a huge brand they could actually put some pressure on China to change the law.
Gosh there are no word to describe how much I HATE animal testing, I get a stomach ache when I think about it:(
Thanks for sharing this Kelly, hopefully the future is brighter:)
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“They are such a huge brand they could actually put some pressure on China to change the law.” – Very well said.
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Didn’t you write a post not super long ago saying that you weren’t going to be a strictly cruelty-free beauty blogger anymore? Saying you wanted to test NARS and Essie and other brands?
I wrote a post saying I was relaxing my policy. Before I wasn’t using any products from a company that either tested or was OWNED by one that did, even if they were cruelty free themselves. NARS, OPI and Essie are cruelty free, they are just owned by companies who aren’t. MAC is now not cruelty free, and neither is their parent company.
How long has Mac been selling in China? Or how long has China had this policy in place? I don’t know much about the topic but it seems like people are saying this is a new development when to me it doesn’t seem new at all. I mean, the very first comment you had on your last blog post mentioned that Mac cannot be CF since they sell in China. I don’t get it?
I stated in the top of the post I wasn’t sure how long they’ve been selling there. I have heard less than a year, some people say just a couple months. No clue really.
Just for clarification, will this change the MAC’s animal testing policy in North America? Since they are now using animal testing in China, will they be doing the same in the states/canada?
From what I understand they only test when required by law. They are not required by law here, just China so probably not.
I just wanted to say that I appreciate your honesty and I agree with you 100% on this. MAC does have some awesome make-up and I like you, have so great memories.
I try and buy green and cruelty free when ever possible, but not everything in my collection is. I do what I can and I feel like it does not have to be all or nothing for me. Every little bit helps and it does not make me a “bad person” if everything is not.
I also agree with you that there are very few 100% perfect companies out there. Sometimes you just cannot win!
I look forward to a time when we can have awesome cosmetics and peace of mind.
I kind of feel this is all for profit
I’m not cruelty-free myself, but I would like to be (imagine how excellent it will be if L’Oreal, for example, keeps its promise to go cruelty-free by 2013!) I was too young for MAC’s beginnings, so I don’t know how sincere their wish to be cruelty-free was, but EL seems to want to retain the cruelty-free image in Europe and NA while still cashing in on the Chinese market. That isn’t sincere.
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My local MAC salesperson didn’t believe me when I told her this. She insisted they do not test on animals, but of course I figured it was true.
China. What a thorn in my side that country is. I always have to be on the lookout for anything made in China – dog food, dog treats, cosmetics, food, you name it. And now because of their screwy rules, one of my go-to brands has to test on animals.
I’ll probably still buy some things. I just got a couple of mineralized shadows. I appreciate your honesty, Vampy. It’s tough to just give up a brand you’ve been using that long cold-turkey. I’ve used some of their items for about 13-14 years now.
This post was so eloquent! I really enjoyed reading about it, I’m sure if you sent that information in a letter to them, about how much you love their products especially, they would be very touched. Of course, this isn’t really MAC’s fault, there is an insane amount of people in China and a huge costumer market there. It’s china’s fault for requiring the testing. I have a feeling it was a choice MAC had to make, I’ll bet there were people that weren’t happy about it there too.
This does really suck!
I think the only real hope is for China to change it’s laws, there is a huge makeup market there and I can’t see MAC or Estee Lauder not selling there because a population (myself included) of it’s customers disagree with animal testing. However I think the other message other than a letter that needs to be heard is people actually giving up the brand period. If China is lining their pockets as a new market then a hard stand needs to be made and you can’t buy the product anymore. I know it’s hard because of the love of the brand (especially it’s options for people of color) but if you don’t hit them in the pockets it’s not going to matter.
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I wrote to them and told them I would no longer be purchasing from them and they seriously didn’t even seem to care that they had lost a loyal customer… So no regrets from me.
Honestly, I’m not surprised by a lot of bloggers’ decision to keep posting about/using MAC after this announcement. It should come as no surprise that a large chunk of cosmetics consumers don’t give a good god damn if MAC or whoever tests on animals so long as their products look good on their face. And bloggers want to keep their readers, don’t they? Kelly, while I’ve really enjoyed your blog for the couple of years that I’ve read it, it really is disheartening to hear that those who have made a name for themselves in the makeup blogging world are more loyal to a brand than they are to their ethics.
Here’s the thing. I wasn’t cruelty free until not even 2 years ago. The fact that I am NOT covering 99% of brands that aren’t CF says something. It has nothing to do with keeping readers. Believe me, I would have a lot more readers if I covered all brands, like most of the larger beauty bloggers do. I made a choice to try and make a change in a small way. I don’t judge anyone else for not being cruelty free, it’s completely a personal choice. I don’t judge people who eat meat or don’t eat meat. I don’t judge people who buy only organic or eat from McDonald’s. Again, your choice. There is no reason to imply this is because “I made a name for myself”. If that’s what you think then clearly you haven’t been a reader for very long and don’t know much about me.
Thank you so much for keeping us busy readers in the loop! As strong as my beliefs are, it’s sometimes hard to keep up to date with every new development. (especially when one is trying to keep on top of every facet of the entire world!)
I am a long time strict vegetarian along with being active in animal rights activism. It pains me to hear this about Mac as I have been an ever faithful and extremely loyal fan of theirs for about 12 years now. Yes, absolutely, positively, no doubt it is going to literally pain me to give them up, but at the end of the day it truly comes down to makeup vs. morality. Morals and ethics are far more attractive and meaningful than a pretty face could ever be. Human enlightenment and living beings’ welfare are far more important.
So I can truly sympathize with you about the brand having become a part of your being. My husband asked me what was wrong and he just can’t/didn’t understand!
This is a sad day indeed…
Please think of more than your bottom dollar, MAC!!
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This is really beautifully written, and searingly honest. Wonderful, vivid imagery, and great post – I’m sorry such awful news triggered such great writing!
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I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and feelings on this. I can really relate to having been wearing MAC for a long time and feeling so torn up over it. I respect your stance and your opinions.
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While I agree that its sad that MAC has adopted this new change in ethics, I just want to throw it out there that many cosmetic companies which don’t test on animals can still use base ingredients sourced from companies that do. Avoiding products tested on animals is therefore not as simple as buying from a cosmetics company that is itself cruelty-free.
Until recently, I personally had never considered that, so I thought I’d share. I think the most effective way to ensure a future with limited cosmetic testing involving animals is to voice your thoughts to the policy makers who decide what are acceptable methods of regulatory testing and to support research into alternative testing methods. Its also encouraging to remember that the use of animal testing in cosmetics is on the decline thanks to a shift in public opinion, so don’t loose hope.
I first learned about this on your blog a while back when you made that last post on animal testing, the one where you had decided to support a company that doesn’t do animal testing even if the parent company does. There was one comment on there where the person stated that Mac is sold in China and animal testing is required there.
I agree with everything you stated.
I’m 19 and my very first make up purchase was MAC. I have a special connection with it that I can’t give up, but I might just limit how many times I shop there.
I definitely empathize with those who are no longer supporting MAC because of their new policy to test on animals as required by law, but as someone who is learning Mandarin Chinese, studies Asian cultures and is majoring in international relations, I am getting really tired of people who are demonizing China because of this. I’m grateful that you didn’t do this on your blog. People are using this to talk about how backwater all of China is and that reeks of the kind of insensitivity toward other peoples that the West has been using as foreign policy forever. I also dislike animal testing, but this is a law. As in the totalitarian government put it in place. Not the people. Some Americans are so quick to disdain the Chinese people for their government’s policies while forgetting that they have no real control over them. Once again, thanks for your well-written post.
I agree which limited the venom towards all of China, and I too am thankful that Kelly pointed her anger at MAC as that is where it’s due. I’m seeing a few comments on here that are almost cringe worthy, especially seeing that China isn’t that bad when it suits them…..i.e. half of the stuff in their house, the computer they are typing the “better than them” type comments, the iphone that’s in their purse etc etc is probably in some way manufactured in China, and we’ve already heard of the poor labor practices (against humans) in recent weeks.
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Right. And I know that people choose to make their personal stands where they feel most compelled, but getting up in arms about not being able to buy cosmetics because of an animal testing policy (again I’m not blaming Kelly at all) to me is myopic. It’s a perfectly valid stand in the US and much of the west, but not everywhere. I mean, it might make me unpopular to say it, but I think the majority of Chinese people have much bigger concerns than animal testing. Not that animal testing is a trivial matter, but we have to admit that if you consider that human rights have only recently in human history been established, being able to worry about animals is almost a luxury.
IMO the primary issue at hand is in the fact that MAC is being (intentionally?) evasive about addressing this issue. ie, they’re betraying their fans of 10+ years who have supported them partly for their supposed anti-animal testing stance.
I don’t think Kelly is “getting up in arms about not being able to buy cosmetics”; rather I think she’s reacting towards the betrayal on MAC’s part for their CHOICE to sell in China.
I understand that. My post was not directed at Kelly, as I wrote. I was just commenting about how some other people are reacting to it by making blanket statements about the Chinese.
Thanks for letting us know Kelly – I wouldn’t have known otherwise. It’s very disheartening to hear this. I’m not buying MAC again until I learn that they’ll stop testing on animals.
This was a beautiful post. I can’t say I’ll stop supporting them either for the same reasons you stated, I am still very young so I do remember my first items from MAC. Even though I still don’t have that many, I know I’ll always remember looking in my older cousin’s bag and seeing all these beautiful colors and packaging for what looked (And is) a really cool makeup brand.
Unlike you, I don’t really have a lot of optimism left in me. Actions speak louder than words and we shall see what their actions say, but like another poster said, just going by numbers (read $$) they probably won’t reconsider selling in China.
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I’ve been reading your blog for quite a long time now. but actually that’s the first time I felt I have to let you know my thoughts!
I love MAC as well, but not as you do.. I’m quite new to makeup (about 4 years now..) I can go on without MAC and started doing that from when I heard Estee Lauder is in the “Black List”.
But when Estee Lauder got into that list I felt a huge crack in my beliefs, as you wrote, I feel like I can trust no-one. and I actually think that L’oreal is better then Estee Lauder for keeping their integrity and writing the truth on their pages – doing testing when required by law of certain countries.
Truth is always better.
So I found myself (who started using makeup when I already were in the cruelty-free world for a few years before) buying L’oreal Hair mask but not even being interested to know of the new collections MAC has. not interested at all that Bobby Brown is new to my country – didn’t even consider going to the brand new shop. also Rimmel is new to my country, but they too, from the black list so the hell with it – I’m not even going to look at the products at the drugstore.
I feel betrayed. I feel I lived my life foolishly for the past 10 years. all the products and companies I condemned, when they were the ones telling the truth all the while I’m buying products from companies that lie while selling their products.
For the last month I’ve been constantly thinking about the subject. I was sure this year would be the last we hear about cruelty free (because of the law in europe is about to start from 2014), but here we are, so close yet so far away from our goal.
So after 10 years I decided to quit. I still fell very picky of the products I buy, and lately I didn’t buy something I don’t absolutely need! but anyway, I have a feeling the next products I’m going to buy would be products I heard good things about – no matter from which brand.
Its sad for me to write it down so vividly (and its the first time actually) – but here it goes – I QUIT!
“It really makes me wonder if ANY company out there is cruelty-free.” Nope. Yup, I’m that skeptical.
Aww Kelly, your story broke my heart! I know that you’ve been trying so hard to stay cruelty-free and that it’s so hard to draw the line nowadays, but I dare say everybody can see you’re making such effort.
I can’t blame any company for wanting to tap into the Chinese market. After all, it is ENORMOUS. I can only hope that China will soon do away with this barbarian law (sorry. I can’t help but use an adjective that has so much judgement), and that more companies will come back to the cruelty-free zone.
I have always supported your decisions. We’re all only human, and my heart would go out to you if you had to say goodbye to something that really has been a part of your life.
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Thank you for this honest post, Kelly. I too have been wearing MAC for a long time…12 years, actually. When I turned 16 my mom took me to Nordstrom for “high end” makeup. Ever since then I have been using MAC every single day. NC15 Studiofix pressed powder has been my go-to foundation and Vanilla, Naked Lunch, and Shroom have become my daily go-to shadows. I am also someone who cares very deeply for animal welfare so hearing this is very disappointing. Part of the reason why Zoya remains my favorite polish brand is because of their stance on this issue. If they ever turned out to NOT be cruelty-free, I think I would be crushed because it’s part of what I tell people when I’m explaining why I love them so much. Hopefully MAC will get it in gear and do something about it, but it seems that when companies grow to become so large they oftentimes lose sight of their initial goals and values. Hope that isn’t the case, but who knows. Thanks for the informative post!
I highly doubt EL is going to reconsider animal testing and selling in China. It’s such a huge market they’re about to tap and they should make a balance for themselves. Are they willing to loose all the loyal customers that are against animal testing vs the cash made from a new market.
In the end they shouldn’t hide behind laws and just outright say if they’re pro or againt it. Don’t give that crap about ‘the law obliges’ us when you know you don’t HAVE to sell in China. They haven’t before and it worked out fine so what changed? Money?
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I have never been happier that MAC fell out of favor with me more than 10 years ago. Cosmetics are a luxury item. I don’t need a certain shade of lipstick or nail polish and with the plethora of companies that are cruelty-free if I did, it wouldn’t be purchased from MAC. The fact that they used deceptive advertising in the matter is just the icing.
I think it’s great that people are drawing a distinction between the Chinese people and their government. I think it is appalling that will all the alternatives that the government still thinks it’s ok to torture animals.
Yeah, this whole thing is really pissing me off now. I think I’m going through stages of grief, seriously. When I first heard this news, I thought, “no way…the reports must have this wrong..right?” So I posted a question on MAC’s facebook page. It never got a reply and then disappeared from the page. Hmm. (I just posted another one…curious to see what happens with it.) So I contacted customer service using an email address given to me via MAC live chat. It’s been about 2 weeks and nobody has written back to me. I’m taking this to mean that they don’t give a rat’s a$$ about my “issues” with their policies. So now I’m left with a feeling of anger and some resignation. I won’t be buying MAC anymore as long as this continues. It’ll be great for my wallet, at least!
I totally understand your POV and am very grateful that you posted about this as it raises more awareness of the situation, but to be honest, I do wish that more folks would boycott MAC over this.
Kelly, thank you so much for your honesty, and I am so sorry for the pain and anger you’re going through right now.
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I can’t believe this, so disappointing. When I read Tashina’s post I was going to tweet you to ask your thoughts, but I knew you would probably be addressing it soon. I emailed MAC my thoughts, it’s so frustrating they are ignoring people as well. I won’t be buying from MAC anytime soon but I sure hope things change.
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I started wearing MAC in 1991 as well, and my number one favorite lipstick color was Taupe, followed by Folio. Dubonnet was my red of choice, and I also wore Desire. Just for that year, then I stopped wearing makeup for 18 years!
Anyhow, I am not one that is concerned about animal testing at all.. Obviously I don’t think animals should be tortured or anything, but I have always put my efforts and activism into humans first, environment second, then animals last. I don’t feel bad about that.. but I do think that China is unreasonable with their policy, but considering a lot of things in China are made without regard for HUMAN health and happiness it’s not surprising.
It’s too bad that companies like Estee Lauder, that are in a position to CREATE A PARADIGM SHIFT, choose to chase profits before all else.
I applaud you for your post. Your drawn “line” is yours alone and while you’ve explained yourself admirably, it’s no one’s right to judge you. Please don’t judge yourself. We all do what we can, when we can. Thanks for sharing this info.
I have been recently trying to cut brands out that arent cruelty free. It’s pretty hard when you’re fave brand of make up or skincare tests on animals. I commend you for trying. I recently purchased the Estee Lauder items from their mad men collection and am regretting it now….
If you find out about other companies/products, keep letting us know!
I still don’t fully understand why companies still feel the need to test. If brands like Urban Decay and OCC have found a way around animal testing, why can’t the other companies?
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THIS is the exact reason I got so discouraged this year when I tried to go cruelty free. You learn more everyday that this company and that one are being bought out by bigger companies that test. due to this, the line that was was drawn between black and white becomes a nice, blurry, gray. I simply cannot afford to only buy Too Faced or Urban Decay or Tarte. I need drugstore makeup and the majority of those lines do test – not to mention shampoo, styling products, personal hygeine products and cleaning products. It’s almost impossible to be 100%. So, because of my frustration, I decided to stop worrying about it and buy what I wanted. I will still buy curelty free when I have a choice between two very similar products but it’s so difficult to have a completely clear conscience when buying cosmetics.
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I understand that you’re simply voicing your opinion, but I believe it’s possible to do that without saying some country is “screwed up.” I’m sorry, but that came off as a tad offensive. Yes, I am Chinese. No, I was not born there.
And honestly there’s no need to be all drama queen about this, or go about demonizing Chinese policies. If you’re going to go on and on about animal cruelty, you should probably stop eating chicken eggs. Did you know they clip off the beaks of hens to prevent them from pecking each other so that they can keep them in compact quarters and save space? You should probably also stop drinking milk because of all those hormones and shit they pump into cows to meet people’s demands. I’m not saying China isn’t wrong, but you have to recognize that this isn’t a problem that exists solely in China. You may not have mentioned it, but devoting a post on MAC and the whole “screwed up” system in China sure has implied it.
Sorry if you found that offensive but I didn’t even remotely bash China. Their animal testing policy is screwed up. I am not talking about other countries here because this doesn’t apply in this situation. I am not talking about eggs or milk or anything except beauty products because that is what I blog about. Cosmetics is where I chose to make a statement. I have never said I was 100% cruelty free in every aspect of my life so that is an entirely different issue. And saying I am acting like a drama queen is ridiculous and offensive. This post was straight from the heart, plain & simple.
@ passerby: Please enlighten me on the benefits of the mandatory animal testing policy. Because your choice of word “demonizing” suggests that you see the good points in it.
This is sad news to me as well because some of my favorite products are MAC!!
My thoughts are that since China is such a large and lucrative market for cosmetics companies, will most of them not want to sell there soon if they do not already? And therefore will there not be even more companies doing animal testing due to the Chinese laws? I would think that many companies may be more interested in making more profit by selling in China than they are about being cruelty free (even though I hope this is not true).
Not trying to sound alarmist, but could it be possible that “cruelty free” may become a thing of the past due to the ridiculous Chinese laws and the greed of the cosmectics companies who are willing to test in order to sell in China??
In other words…WHAT COSMETICS COMPANIES ARE **NOT** CURRENTLY SELLING IN CHINA AND ARE **NOT** PLANNING TO ENTER THE CHINESE MARKET?? at least until the animal testing laws are changed?
since you are adopting a cruelty-free stance, I would just like to mention that all medicines have definitely been tested on animals before, especially at the research state. It is impossible to avoid animal testing in any part of life, even cosmetics.
Even if the company markets itself as cruely free, it is highly likely that the base products have been tested on animals before to test for efficacy and safety, before animal cruelty became a popular topic.
*base ingredients i mean
I think it’s admirable if people are concerned about animal testing, but a lot of people just think it’s very black and white – does a company test on animals or not?
It goes a lot deeper than that and I wish people would do some research into it. Just because a company says they don’t test on animals, does not mean they make products which were made with materials not tested on animals. It just means that THEY did not test their products on animals. Their base ingredients may or may not have been tested.
Some animal testing is also not as cruel as some people imagine. Some is, don’t get me wrong. But some companies must label their product as “animal tested” because they’ve shampooed a rabbit with their new shampoo. The rabbit isn’t in pain, it isn’t being melted alive or anything – the product already has to be deemed reasonably safe to make it that far to be tested in the first place. They aren’t always cutting animals open, putting crap in their eyes or doing something that will hurt them.
This is not a post to advocate animal testing. But I wish people (this is not directed to the blog owner, but anyone concerned!) would do more research and think that their job is over by just checking if a product is animal tested. And we worry about makeup, but why do so many people ignore other products like their deoderant, dish washing detergent, toothpaste, hair dye, etc?
Just putting it out there that there is a LOT of information to consider about animal testing. The only way to really know is to take some one on one time to get in touch with the manufacturer of all the products you use and go up the chain to find out if they test, what products are tested, how are they tested?
This must have been such a difficult post to write. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought and feeling into it. Thank you for sharing this perspective on a difficult issue. The same goes for all the responses- reading them has been illuminating.
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The only way to make China change its laws is to boycott this country by stopping selling things to it. It requires some guts and it involves substantial financial loss for the companies , but if they care they will do it. It is rather naive to continue trading with China in hope that “some time in future this rapidly developing country will change”. Nothing will ever change, just because it works as it is.
Thanks for addressing this issue, and reading everyone’s comments has really fleshed it out for me even more. I’m not a MAC user and never have been, but I suspect other companies will be going in this direction as well. Maybe this will be an opportunity for smaller companies to distinguish themselves by sticking to an animal cruelty free policy since the behemoths are not going to be able to resist making money in China.
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This is beyond disappointing. I am with you … totally disheartened and wondering if there are any truly cruelty free brands out there. Unfortunately I think the company cares more about the bottom line than the welfare of innocent animals, or they wouldn’t be selling in China. I’m not trying to judge because I don’t have the willpower to give up the non cruelty free brands, although I am working toward it because it is a cause I care about. Thanks for sharing and please keep up updated.
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I certainly don’t judge you for deciding to continue using mac products, but I do judge you for some of the very rude comments you made in the comments sections of your previous blog posts about going “cruelty free”. When many commenters pointed out some of your hypocrisy in drawing the line only where it’s convenient to you (still buying leather shoes, etc), you lashed out at them. This post only further validates what they were saying. So, while I’m not disappointed that you’re still going to use mac, I am disappointed in your self-righteous hypocrisy.
It is not hypocritical to wear leather but not use makeup that is tested on animals. That is your opinion only. There are many different ways people can make a difference. I never said I was vegan or even vegetarian. The reason I am supporting this particular issue is because I buy and write about a lot of makeup. I buy more makeup than leather shoes. This is an area where I felt it would have the most impact. Two years ago I wasn’t even thinking about being CF with makeup and now I am. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
Well I never was much of a MAC buyer, I own just a few bits and bobs bought off of eBay, but sneaking in animal testing where previously there was none is just….sorry, can’t find appropriate words. Appalling.
They’ve seen the last of my money, that’s for sure.
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Why does the stupid and pointless China law requires animal testing? I am asian and i am ashamed. I’m from Singapore, not China.
Hi Kelly. I respect your opinion on this, and know this is an issue that is so important to you. I personally don’t stick to cruelty free products, because at some point all chemicals in all manufactured products in North America have had some animal testing done on them. That includes birth control methods, all meds, etc. It is not that I don’t care, but it is difficult to live in our world without some impact of safety testing on animals.
I do love animals and do not like that they would be hurt in the testing process, but until there are artificial skin grafts, corneas, etc., that we can use to test products, it is hard to see other alternatives. No one would volunteer for such studies and we cannot force people to do so. Read some of the history of the birth control pill to see how unethical the human trials were in the 1950s. The option of just releasing products into the market without testing gave us thalidomide. There are many examples of bad ethics, and I think the question of animal testing is one of a moral stance rather than an ethical stance.
I appreciate everyone’s opinion on this, and hope that everyone does research into the topic, as it is not as simple as the cruelty free labels may have us believe.
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I find China’s animal testing requirements both inhumane & hypocrtitical. Companies in China have sold peoducts both overseas & to their own people that are not fit for either use or consumption like melamine or hormone tainted baby formula or recently chicken jerky treats for pets that can cause kidney damage & failure.
So our cosmetic companies need to practice anima cruelty inorder to sell products to a country that turns the other cheek on the dangerous products ther own country puts out? Simply outrageous!
Hi Kelly,
Your old friend from high school here…do I know the person you are referring to? GREAT description of her and wonderful introduction about how you discovered MAC.
Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information. I am a HUGE MAC fan and love – Viva Glam, I wear it to work every day!!! So, I am upset, too.
I really appreciate you telling us about MAC and what they are doing in China.
-Nicole
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Thanks Nicole. Always nice to hear from someone who has actually known me for 22+ years, and knows this isn’t an easy discussion or choice.
Hey girl, believe me I KNOW this was not easy for you to do nor easy to discuss. I have read through all the blogs, let’s hope that they do stop animal testing in China, and that MAC stops this useless/senseless way to make money. Well, one can hope.
Its very upsetting. Again, MAC has been my #1 fave for as many years as you mentioned discovering it. Chances are, you and I probably discovered MAC and talked about it 20 years ago when we hung out. I wear it every day and gave out gift certificates to MAC to a few girlfriends this past XMAS. I do feel betrayed as well.
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Sincerely out of curiosity, will you still be accepting/reviewing MAC products sent to you for review? Do you think bloggers refusing to review their products (even if you purchase them with your own money) would have any impact?
No judgment here either way – I know this had to be a tough decision and I wish people wouldn’t give you such a hard time for your choice. Thanks for being so honest with all of your readers!
Yes I plan to still accept and review MAC products as long as I am wearing them in my personal life. You never know, I might change my mind someday!
Hi Kelly,
I’ve recently read about Chinese animal testing policy, and especially after their scandals with melamine laced milk, its not unreasonable. But this is coming from a life long asthmatic, who’s had numerous bronchitis’ and wouldn’t be alive today without many drugs. And you have guessed it, all of the drugs I’ve taken to stay alive except aspirin have been tested on animals. And I’m alive, and thankful for the most likely, unwilling sacrifice those animals had to make.
Also, as I have seen Colin from Colin’s Beauty Pages, mention numerous times, even companies that don’t test on animals still use ingredients that have been proven safe by somebody else testing them on animals. So they still are benefited from animal testing, and so are you. That’s just the law, and I believe that its important to keep it that way to keep people relatively safe.
Lastly:
@Nopers
You are right, more than likely there is nothing cruel about rabbits being shampoed, but where do those rabbits go after they are dry and well? I’ve worked with lab animals, and its expensive to keep them alive. So after the experiment is over, both “used” and “left-over” alive animals are euthanized, put into biohazard bags and disposed of. This is just because it’s cheaper to buy new ones of a particular fixed lineage and age, then to keep the old ones until someone might need them.
In my very first post about saying I was going to support cruelty free beauty I mentioned I work for a very large biotechnology company, so yes, I do understand all about the testing for drugs. And I also understand that at some point all ingredients were tested. But that is different from companies who are actively still testing ingredients. Nothing we can do about what people did 20 or 30 years ago, sadly.
Although the thought of animal testing really saddens me as much as everyone else, it upsets me even more that people are getting angry at MAC and the Estee Lauder companies for this new revelation. It is NOT MAC’s fault that China requires animal testing on products sold in their country, and plenty of other companies/brands sell there. As a poster mentioned above, China is a huge market, and while I’m guessing MAC didn’t want to compromise their stance on animal testing to sell there, it would be a foolish business move to refuse to sell in China.
MAC was and still will be my favorite brand, and I hope others will eventually understand that this is not their fault. I am very happy to hear, VV, that you will continue to review and use their products, despite this change.
What you say is true, sadly. The need for profit is greater than the need for animal welfare.
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I am sure this is so hard for you and I do appreciate your honesty. I remember your quote from an earlier post and I totally agree…
“I didn’t throw my stuff away either because there really is no point after I already bought it. I just won’t buy any more of it!
September 12, 2011
Thanks for being honest with the post, Kelly. I agree that one person can only do so much. I try to be crulety-free with cosmetics, but, yes, I do sometimes wonder if it is all a “hoax” because the companies that are cruelty-free are using formulas from companies that aren’t. I’ve noticed that (as someone above mentioned) it is very difficult to get other items (deodorant, diswashing liquid, etc.) that are cruelty-free, so I figure you just have to try where you can.
Kelly,
Thank you for this info. I will send them a letter too. You can’t be cruelty free if you’re testing on animals in some countries.
I wish there was a way companies, the blogging community, consumers, etc, could influence China to stop requiring animal testing.
Well this is very upsetting knowing that they do test on animals in countries that require you to. I do hope that Mac decides to stop selling products in those countries (though it might not happen right away) but I am glad to still know the products I have purchased and plan of purchasing from MAC was not included in the animal testing because like you MAC is more than just a brand I use so I can not say I will never purchase from them again but it might make me rethink on how much I buy. I might just get items that I really want from now on rather than items that I think are just cool haha. Anyways I do hope you get a response from the company and hopefully be able to tell us a bit more information on how MAC is feeling about everyone being upset.
Selling out to make a buck jusg what it boils down to. China wants animal testing while they send us a bunch of cr*p filled with lead????? Good luck in your fight Kelly. I myself have figured out what all the fuss is about MAC though I did buy my first high end product from them. Lipliner in Fig.
To me, it’s just business. China is a huge market and MAC wanted a piece of it. Doesn’t bother me, but than again, I am not bothered by animal testing and in fact, support it.
I’m not sure when they started distributing in China, but EL has been expanding their brands there since 2010, so probably since around then. At the very least, when I wrote to MAC asking about their animal testing policy, I got an answer confirming they were back in October, 2011 (which I think I wrote in a comment on your previous cruelty-free entry then as well?).
So they’ve been testing for the past 5 months, at the very least.
This is the original response I got from MAC:
“We have always been against animal testing. Recently, the global regulatory climate has become more stringent and cosmetic companies are being asked to further validate the human and environmental safety of their ingredients and products. We are equally committed to consumer health and safety. Given these increased requirements for ensuring the safety of cosmetic ingredients, animal testing may be legally necessary under certain circumstances when no non-animal test alternative is available or acceptable to governmental/health authorities. Be assured that we will make every effort to avoid having ingredients tested on animals, taking all practical and available steps to see that existing or non-animal test data is used instead. However, if ultimately this is required in order for the Company to sell its products, we will, of course, comply with the law.”
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What annoys me is they are telling different people different things. Logical Harmony who is very meticulous in checking every couple months just checked with them in December and they confirmed they were CF. Period. Irks me!
Yes, that is a very different email than the one they sent me in December. Confusing replies/different replies = trying to hide something.
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Interestingly my history with MAC reads much like yours. I used to drive from Berkeley to the Walnut Creek Nordstrom when the line was brand new and only there. I would spend hours at the counter and developed a huge collection of lipsticks (Taupe, Del Rio, Media, Cyber, each Viva Glam as it came out to name but a few). I’ve had lipsticks of theirs that have outlasted relationships. I recently just B2MAC’d some old lipstick tubes and screw top eye shadow pans that were older than the salesgirl who took them (after checking with her manager to make sure they were legit). That MAC (via Estee Lauder) has succumbed to market pressure to sell in China at the expense of their prior Cruelty Free position has left me sad, angry, and disappointed. Though frankly I’m still in a bit of denial. Like you, I feel distrustful of all of the brands in my stash that purport to be Cruelty Free, and am feeling a bit as though there is just some big animal testing conspiracy that has gone on all along. Like you, I have a sentimental attachment to MAC, and I can’t help but feel like I just found out that a good friend has been lying to me, or as though I just learned that my boyfriend has been cheating on me.
I honestly don’t know what to do. Do I dump my whole MAC stash? Do I vow never to buy another product under the Estee Lauder umbrella again? I’m sad and confused, and while I have been planning to write a letter to MAC- I just somehow feel betrayed and hurt. It’s one thing if a company like L’Oreal is upfront about animal testing– that way I just steer clear. It’s another thing entirely when I trust in a company who says that they don’t only to learn that it is no longer true. Is it just an issue of having been caught since they were moved from PETA’S Does Not Test on Animals list to the Does Test On Animals List? I just feel as though we’ve been duped.
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((((HUGS))))) I thought of you when I read the news, as well as many other beauty bloggers.
I TOTALLY get the feeling of sadness, betrayal, etc. I’m having MAJOR issues over a polish company I have loved and supported for years, only to feel jilted at the altar. It hurts (and not many people understand being hurt by a company, so thank goodness for beauty bloggers!)
*Treading delicately* I can’t say that I agree with your current position. BUT in the end, you are the one who has to be okay with your decisions, no one else. So I think this post took some major guts to post, BRAVA!!
FWIW I am not cruelty-free exclusive–I don’t agree w/ animal testing, not a bit *Patting my dog* But where makeup is concerned, that’s not where my cruelty-focus lies. And I do purchase lots of indie makeup that I know is cruelty free. I actually only have ONE item from MAC–a bottle of Bad Fairy.
Again, so so sorry.
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My email to Mac
Hi I have just been informed that due to selling in china Mac cosmetics is now testing on animals!
If this information is correct i will cease collecting from every single collection and phase out my 300 products purchased from you, I am hoping you will tell me this is incorrect.
Awaiting a response,
Sometimes animal testing isn’t strapping a bunny down & shoving mascara in their eyeballs. Sometimes it’s seeing if they will simply smell a product. If they will lick a lipgloss. If you had cancer & needed chemotherapy to literally save your life, would you say no because the chemo drugs were tested on animals? How about if you had steep throat & needed antibiotics? I’m not a monster, I was a vegetarian for 12 years (& not a bullshit “I eat fish” vegetarian, either. I was almost began except I love cheese), I truly believe animals need us to be their voice, but I also realize there is nothing in our lives that’s hasn’t been tested on animals-while I applaud companies that’s don’t test on animals, I would be naive to think it’s 100% unavoidable as well as 100% practical to be truly cruelty free.
I’ve mentioned before we are not talking about drugs to saves lives. Mascara isn’t necessary. Makeup isn’t necessary. That’s a completely different subject and I work for a Pharmaceutical company that tests, so I am well aware of it. Testing for makeup and drugs are very different topics, and that’s not what I am talking about here since this is a beauty blog.
Many companies just claim they do not test on animals but the only thing that is not tested is the final product. The ingredients individually are tested on animals. Companies are getting really creative at deceiving people.At this point I do not believe any commercial known brand is cruelty free and that is so sad.
Wow. Honestly, your words are brilliant. I feel exactly the same – frustrated, angry, so unbelievably disappointed and let down by my fellow humans. How we can call ourselves an advance species astounds me when animal testing still takes place.
I shall write to MAC and Estee Lauder too. You are an inspiration. Please keep me posted as to how you get on.
Very best wishes,
Hannah.
X
I can relate 100%. I’ve been using Clinique since 1991. It’s the only line that works with my sensitive facial skin with rosacea. It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and shopping for Clinique Bonuses (free gifts with purchases) is the one thing I shared with my mom. She passed away in 2001. I’d like to find toxic-free products as well as cruelty-free, but it’s hard to find a line that I can buy locally. Estee Lauder owns Clinique as well.
hi,
i too love(d) mac, mainly because they were “purportedly” cruelty-free but also because of thrir quality and wide color selection. i will NOT, however, support them any longer and i hope you will reconsider your choice to continue to support this type of a company. NO cosmetic or anything else for that matter is worth pain and suffering to animals.
I am a follower of your blog for a few months, I don’t know if you will understand my English because I don’t speak his linga brasilieira and for this I use a translator. I was struck by what you reported and I’ll yes write for both MAC to Estee and ask for encarecidamentente with that do not sell anything to c China, a country which was only known to sell crap to other countries and do not deserve to have MAC. Excuse me but the Chinese ones to buy from outside China, on eBay, for example. Support its iniciaiva in genre, number and degree.
Hi!
I completely agree with you.. it’s really frustrating!! I started to buy Mac also because it was cruelty free and I felt proud to only buy cruelty free stuff! Now I’ll keep on buying Mac because I’ve felt in love with it.. and when you really love something you keep on loving it although it makes big mistakes. I hope something will change soon anyways..
love
Laura
xasperadastra- (make-up- Deer)´s last post…Katy & Nicki by Opi
Kelly,
If Estee Lauder is the parent company of MAC, then you are supporting Estee Lauder by continuing to purchase MAC products. I realize how much you love MAC products, but at the end of the day, it’s just make-up. There is no justification for testing make-up on animals, and I urge you to reconsider your decision. Find a make-up brand that is Leaping Bunny certified and end the needless suffering that animals endure for the sake of vanity. I was a loyal Origins make-up user until I found out what Estee Lauder was doing and will be looking for a Leaping Bunny brand that I can be proud to support, and I urge you and everyone else out there to do the same.
I changed my stance a few months ago you can read this post if interested: http://www.vampyvarnish.com/2012/01/cruelty-free-beauty-blogging/
I read your post, but if Estee Lauder wants to sell MAC and Origins products in China, won’t the products have to be tested on animals in order to be sold there?
This is a really touching article and one that reflects my own feelings. I’ve been a Mac fan for almost fifteen years and it was through them that I learned to take all sorts of chances with colour.
For me, the idea that Mac has moved to animal testing is particularly saddening because it’s a reversal of a policy they once took pride in. It wasn’t just that they happened not to test, but that they took a stand and made it part of who they were. So it’s not just that they’ve started doing something that I find immoral, it’s that they are literally no longer the company they were when I “fell” for them.
Kate´s last post…friday favourites 23.03.12
This is just such a shame. I know that China is a big market, but I would hope that these companies would try to do something to affect China’s policies regarding animal testing.
Why do so many bloggers review beauty products made in China? Animal cruelty is a big problem, but so are the working conditions of the factory workers in China.
I only buy products made in the US, Canada, and Europe… mostly the US.
Wish more bloggers would follow suit.
Right but the thing is, beauty bloggers who are saying they are cruelty free, are saying just that. They aren’t also saying they are trying to support every other issue out there. Animal cruelty is the one I chose and that’s what this is about, not factory conditions. I’m sure even those trying to only buy in those countries don’t realize their iPhones, iPads, iMac’s, etc are all made in China.