Summer: hair gets lighter, skin gets darker, water gets warmer, drinks get colder, music gets louder, nights get longer, life gets better.

Shopping cruelty-free and vegan/organic has become increasingly important to me, I am not an expert, but I am aware and taking steps to make a conscious decision to seek out brands that are cruelty-free and what I am fast finding it is not clear cut. While there are companies that state that they are cruelty-free their parent companies may not be. There are also companies that state they are cruelty-free yet supply to China that have compulsory animal testing on certain products. So this is how I shop now, I head to sites like Adore Beauty that have an “organic & ethical” section that you can shop, which is awesome! If I am unsure I check PETA, but unfortunately not all brands are listed on there, so then good old google search and that is usually when things get interesting and I resurface hours later with an information overload look on my face.

So for this post, in summary;

The Body Shop IS listed as Cruelty-free and does not test on animals according to PETA. However, it’s parent company L’Oreal is non-compliant.

Eco Tan while not listed on PETA they state in their FAQ that they do not test on animals and a google search confirms this.

Kevin.Murphy IS listed as Cruelty-free and does not test on animals according to PETA.

Dermalogica IS listed as Cruelty-free and does not test on animals according to PETA.

So without further ado……Here is your guide to becoming a cruelty-free beach babe in five easy steps.

Exfoliate

If you want healthy, glowing skin, exfoliation is the key. Scrub those dead skin cells away with an exfoliant scrub, not only will it leave your skin feeling and looking amazing it is the perfect preparation for tanning.  The Body Shop Dead Sea Salt Scrub for $42.95 is a resurfacing body scrub, which exfoliates with sea salt from the Dead Sea, helping to reveal fresher-looking skin, helps to stimulate circulation & smooth the skin.

Pro Tip: Exfoliate the day before you plan to tan as usually the residue of the exfoliation will shorten the tan life.

Tan up

When I say tan up, I most definitely mean fake it. These days we are spoiled for choices, we have temporary tans, gradual tans, spray tans and believe me, I think I have tried them all and they are all great. It just depends upon what your needs are, if you are short on time, then a spray tan is quick and easy. If you are a bit apprehensive about tanning then a gradual tan is ideal. If you just want a tan for the night, then the temporary tans are for you. For me, along with being aware of cruelty-free brands, I am also more thoughtful on what I put on my (fair) skin, so this is where I am loving Eco Tan Organic Winter Skin $29.95. The Eco Tan Organic Winter Skin is a certified organic daily gradual tanning moisturiser that builds a honey glow after a few applications. Best suited for fair to medium skin tones, this moisturiser will hydrate the skin without any nasties or synthetics.

Nail Polish

Ok, so we have the skin looking gorgeously smooth and tanned, now we need a pop of colour! Meet the Colour Crush™ Nails range $9.95. With a rainbow of 24 uplifting, colourful shades, this range feels as good for your soul as it does on your nails. There are 24 feel-good shades, Quick-dry, high gloss finish, Nail-loving formula that is 100% vegan, BPA free, Camphor free, Toluene free, Formaldehyde free, Formaldehyde resin free. (I know what you are thinking, if it is listing all these as “free” what the heck have I been putting on my nails all these years, scary isn’t it)

Hair Protection

Keep your lovely locks happy and healthy with Kevin Murphy Lotion – $34.95 Motion Lotion Curl Defining; adds body and control, enhances curls on long or fine hair in a weightless, invisible lotion. It also contains sunscreen to protect your hair while your having fun in the sun and will take you from the beach to the dance floor in seconds! That’s all I need to know!

Sunscreen

Last but certainly not least protect the skin you’re in ladies! Dermalogica Protection 50 Sports SPF 50 – $46.50 is 40 minutes water resistance, non-greasy formula, and broad spectrum protection for the face and body. It is also a light weight, easily spread, non-greasy formula that doesn’t leave white residue on the skin. With a lovely floral scent, this protective cream is packed with antioxidants that diffuse free radicals damage and protect the skin.

So there you have it! 5 easy steps to becoming beach babe ready and no bunnies were hurt in the process!  Now you can get on with the really important things like Eat.Beach.Sleep.Repeat.