Entire new skincare regime needed please

[bigbadbarry]

I must have had my head in the ground for the past decade or something but I have just discovered that Clarins tests on animals and I'd prefer to switch to a brand that doesn't. I'm not a massive skincare junkie but I do use a nice cleanser that starts as a gel and turns to an oil, another wash-off cleanser, moisturiser, night cream, serum. I can't face trawling millions of online reviews (and I live in mainland China so can't just go to the shop as brands for sale here have all been animal tested - actually, while we are at it can anybody recommend a brilliant online shop for such things?) so I thought I'd ask here.
Secondly, I use Bobbi Brown tinted moisturiser - lots of brands don't go pale enough for me. Bobbi Brown is also on sale here in China, so i'd prefer to go animal-free for that, too.
Thanks for any suggestions

[Fluffycloudland77]

I use grapes seed oil to cleanse, it's very effective and doesn't cause spots.

If you email the ordinary skincare brand with a skin description they'll suggest a routine. They've promised to only do mail order to China and everything's cruelty free.

I really feel for you, I'm very anti animal testing too and everything I buy has to be cruelty free.

I don't know about make up, there's always beauty without cruelty. I use superdrug own brand.

[bigbadbarry]

Thanks, Fluffy. I did look at the ordinary but their website was a bit overwhelming and also didn't seem to allow you to actually purchase the things. I'll have another go!

[Iwasjustabouttosaythat]

These guys make some lovely stuff: www.philosophyskincare.com.au

They’re totally against animal testing, don’t do it and don’t use products by third parties who do it.

[bigbadbarry]

Thanks, Iwas

[bigbadbarry]

That's a bit sad, Iwas - they don't seem to do online shopping. 'Where to buy' takes you to a list of actual shops.

[bigbadbarry]

Oh no ignore me - found a list.

[botemp]

You can have a look at Naturismo. They only sell brands that are cruelty free (not sure on the China status on some though as they sell Caudalie, so best to cross check with Cruelty Free kitty) and deliver worldwide for free. They also have a good sample section to buy from. Brands like Pai, Dr. Akalitis, MV Skincare, Tata Harper, Aurelia, etc. should sub quite easily for Clarins. They also sell makeup, Estelle & Thild's tinted moisturiser could possibly be pale enough as it's a Scandi brand.

Otherwise, Kiko is either in Hong Kong or Macau and will sell its makeup into mainland China online keeping it free from animal testing. They have quite a wide shade range and it's all really affordable and good quality, all made in Italy so by EU law cruelty free.

You can also explore the Asian brands, Koh Gen Do (makeup but a few skincare bits too) from Japan is committed cruelty free and won't sell in China. There's a few Korean brands that are also cruelty free (mandatory for all brands in Korea as of 2018) but the pool that don't sell in China is very small, of the top of my head, I only know Whamisa and Blithe but there are more. The Asian makeup brands will definitely have the paler shades.

FYI the animal testing mandate only applies to international brands importing their products and selling them in bricks and mortar stores. There's a rare few Chinese brands that are entirely cruelty free, I've forgotten what it's called but if you're in Shanghai there was a large shop that also sold cleaning supplies as well as body & skincare.

[bigbadbarry]

Brilliant. Thanks, Botemp. I am in Shanghai so if the name comes back to you it would be really appreciated

[botemp]

It was Eco & More, I remembered it being eco something and this does look to be the place but possibly at a different address.

I've also heard of Soapnut Republic that's run by an expat couple in Shanghai, I suppose it's a bit like Lush but I'm not sure if they do skincare as well.