Ruby Rose’s recent nude splash across the cover of popular men’s mag, Maxim, created a buzz of media commentary, not to mention half-time banter in the boy’s locker room. What is less remarked upon are her reasons for doing so. After numerous lucrative offers from other men’s magazines, Rose finally consented to pose nude for free after Maxim and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) came together to push for the welfare of animals.

Celebrities campaigning for the ethical treatment of animals are not a new phenomenon; Pamela Anderson is a well-known PETA representative and Paul McCartney is a strict vegetarian. Ironically, the beauty products used to propel these stars into the spotlight are rarely, if at all, given any thought as to the ethical means of their production.

Animal testing is sadly still practised throughout the world. But there is one website operating in Australia, and endorsed by a huge amount of our own big name celebrities, that’s putting cosmetic products under a spotlight of their own.

Choose Cruelty Free is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, which accredits companies who must meet a set of criteria in order to be branded as cruelty-free. Once accredited, the brands are able to use the iconic “not tested on animals” bunny logo to indicate to customers the products they are buying do not contain ingredients that have been derived from cruel practices.

The list, which is lengthy and contains recognisable and recommendable brand names, has been compiled to educate and give young, Australian women a choice when they go to through the checkout. No judgement, no shame, just the information in order to make a personal and informed choice.

Superstar TV Veterinarian, Dr Katrina Warren, is one of many famous faces (including Hugh Jackman, his wife Deb and Kate Cebrano to name but a few) representing Choose Cruelty Free . She believes it’s time for Australia to step up and follow Europe’s proposed blanket ban on all animal testing by 2013.

“Using animals to test cosmetics is totally unnecessary when we have alternatives available. Animals are innocent and deserve our respect.”

For more information on how to choose cruelty-free products or about the organisation, visit http://www.choosecrueltyfree.org.au/index.html.

Or Shop these products at:

E.L.F Cosmetics

Le Reve

Lush Handmade Cosmetics

Catwalk Cosmetics

Written By:

Carley Hall - Freelance

A Communications graduate from Griffith University and fully qualified make-up artist, Carley Hall's literary talents can be seen in every publication from the Gold Coast Bulletin to Dog's Life Magazine and The Road Ahead Magazine.  With a passion for seeing and covering live music, Carley has been editing myvisiontv.com.au for the last two years.