Dear Compassionate Consumer,
Summer is halfway over and has been flying by in a flash over at Leaping Bunny headquarters. If you are reading this newsletter amidst upcoming vacation plans, Kim Paschen, Leaping Bunny's Program Manager and resident jet setter, has you covered with her favorite cruelty-free travel essentials.
Also included in July's edition is a basic guide to all the different Leaping Bunny platforms available to the compassionate consumer. No matter if you prefer using your phone, computer, or a physical resource to hold in your hands, Leaping Bunny has something to help. We also share the newest additions to our Compassionate Shopping Guide, and end with an interview with skin care company, Indie Lee.
Keep cool,
Caitlin McGrother
Leaping Bunny Program Administrator |
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Cruelty-Free Travel Essentials
The month of July has seen me on planes, trains, buses, and bicycles. From Oregon to Iceland to the Netherlands, and a couple places in between, I've mostly been living out of a suitcase. But, that doesn't mean I have to forego my cruelty-free beauty routine. Below are some of my travel essentials, all Leaping Bunny certified of course!
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Eco-Dent Daily Care Tooth Powder
I love this stuff for so many reasons. It's a powder, which means you don't have to put it in your liquids bag, and it's so light that it doesn't add any weight to your luggage. Although the flavor is intense, it cleans the heck out of your teeth and leaves them feeling super fresh afterwards. All you have to do is sprinkle some on a wet toothbrush and brush normally. Easy peasy!
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Andalou Naturals All-In-One Beauty Balm
A little tube that does it all: moisturizes, provides a sheer tint to even out almost any skin tone, and protects skin from the sun with an SPF of 30. Plus, it's vegan and smells amazing.
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Hurraw Black Cherry Lip Balm
A lot of flying can dry out my skin, lips included. That's why I make sure to bring my tube of Hurraw in Black Cherry with me. This vegan lip balm is incredibly nourishing and also provides a lovely red tint, so I don't have to bother taking any lipstick. |
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Crystal Essence Towelettes-Pomegranate
Traveling can make anyone feel grimy, which is why I always throw in a couple of these individually packed deodorant towelettes. A quick swipe under the arms after flying for 10 hours and I'm as good as new! |
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Leaping Bunny Resources
Going cruelty-free has never been easier with the wide variety of ways Leaping Bunny provides its list of compassionate companies.
Are you and your phone inseparable?
Check out our newly-updated Cruelty-Free App for both Android and Apple, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and super new SnapChat account (username: leaping.bunny) for all the latest news.
Do you enjoy looking things up on the computer?
Our website, online Shopping Guide, and review blog are perfect for you.
Lastly, if you prefer a hard copy reference while shopping, you can request a paper pocket guide here. Hop on it!
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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. |
Boeccure
All natural soaps handmade in Baton Rouge and wrapped in responsibly forested packaging.
Cire d'Abeille
All natural skin care products made with locally sourced honey and beeswax. Handmade in upstate New York.
Forces of Nature
Organic, natural personal care products created with therapeutic grade essential oils and homeopathic medicines.
Formulary 55
Small batch, vegan, personal care products that smell amazing. Handmade in Pueblo, Colorado.
I'm Fabulous Cosmetics
Anti-aging and skin care correction line developed by a medical esthetician.
Kavella
Vegan, gluten-free line of professional hair care products used in eco-conscious salons.
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Manna Kadar Cosmetics
Long wear, double duty cosmetics created by a 20-year beauty industry veteran to streamline every woman's makeup routine.
Natural Yukon Bodycare
Personal care products manufactured in Yukon, Canada, and made with wild sourced, local ingredients.
New Orleans Lip and Soap
Artisan bath and body company made with local ingredients. Free of parabens, formaldehydes, and petroleum.
RealHer
Cosmetic line created with the mission to empower and bring out the best in the modern woman.
Rensa
Anti-aging skin-care line, backed by science and clinical trials.
Sugarpill
Cruelty-free line of vibrant, richly pigmented cosmetics based in Los Angeles, California.
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Company Spotlight: Indie Lee
This month, we are excited to interview Indie Lee, the founder and creator of the natural skincare brand, Indie Lee. Read below to learn about Indie's inspiring story behind the brand, her favorite products, and more. |
- What was the inspiration behind the creation of Indie Lee?
On November 4th, 2008, I was diagnosed with a potentially fatal brain tumor that doctors believed was environmentally derived. Studies have shown that certain ingredients, found in many personal care products, may cause health issues, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infertility. In that moment, I knew my mission: create a line of natural products that was as effective as conventional products, looked really chic on a shelf, and empowered others to make healthier choices by highlighting what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. My successful surgery to remove the tumor was Earth Day, April 22, 2009.
- What is your favorite product in your line and why?
Hands down, my favorite product is our Squalane Facial Oil. It's 100% olive derived and it's changed my complexion. I struggled with cystic acne into my late 30s and using our squalane facial oil has transformed my complexion. I rarely break out and my skin has never been healthier. I'm proud to say I no longer find a need to wear foundation.
The body produces squalene in abundance until our mid 20s. As its production diminishes, the texture, tone, color (i.e. hyperpigmentation develops), and dewiness of the skin changes. By adding squalane to one's daily regimen, positive changes to the skin are recognized almost immediately.
- Are all of your products vegan?
The majority of our products are vegan, with the exception of our Calendula Eye Balm and Hydrating Body Balm. Both of these products are formulated with beeswax.
- What do you think makes Indie Lee and its products different from other similar companies?
I think that the simplicity of our brand, both in packaging design and formulation, coupled with our brand story, has resonated with consumers. The fact that I personally answer all social media questions and comments and openly share my life (vulnerability and all) on these channels allow customers to connect in an authentic way. I honestly feel that we are creating customers for life.
- What has been the most rewarding part of creating Indie Lee?
Oh gosh, great question. There are two things that come immediately to mind. Having the opportunity to create change in the beauty industry and creating a community that empowers others to live a healthier lifestyle. I am honored to be on this wellness journey with so many incredible men and women.
- Why is being Leaping Bunny certified important to you?
I've always felt a special connection with nature. Stewardship of the Earth should be a responsibility we all share. That includes taking care of both the land and its animals. We are so proud to be a part of the Leaping Bunny Program, which not only emphasizes our commitment to creating healthy natural products that do not harm any living creature, but also highlights how other companies still test their products on animals.
- What is something unique about Indie Lee that others may not know?
As I mentioned above, I answer all of our social media questions and comments. Yes, really! I feel that if a customer or fan is taking the time to write a comment or ask a question of me, I should take the time to respond. People are always shocked when they realize that it was me who was answering them. The truth is, I am continually inspired by the personal connections created through these exchanges.
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