Review | Cruelty Free Hygiene Products

So after seeing a fantastic video on youtube (see here) about how, despite the change in EU law, a lot of products are still tested on animals (which I think is horrendously poor taste, but I am not here to lecture you), I decided to try to replace all products I currently use, with those which are cruelty free. Obviously, as a student I a) am on a budget and b) don't wish to throw money away by binning products I have already bought but have since discovered are not cruelty free, so this is a slow process. With that in mind, here is a collection of reviews of the products I have already tried:

1) Cosmetic Warrior, Lush 
Lush is not only cruelty free, but also known to use lots of fantastic natural ingredients. It's a little pricier than I would like, at £6.50 and as it is a fresh face mask, it only lasts for 2 weeks and for those 2 weeks it has to be kept in a fridge - somewhat problematic if you live in shared accommodation. However, I tried it last night and my skin feels amazing - so much fresher and clearer than it has done for weeks, and it already seems to have calmed the spots I had. It has anti-bacterial tea tree and spot busting garlic so it does smell quite strong and not particularly girly, but I didn't mind that. 5/5 stars!

2) Superdrug Hair Therapy Oil with Argan 

This stuff is amazing. It smells great, it doesn't feel too greasy on your hands and it sinks in very quickly to your hair. However it is a little pricey again - £4.49 for 50ml which doesn't last very long! If you have medium - long hair you will need to use quite a lot, but it definitely makes your hair smoother and shinier. 4/5 stars!

3) Superdrug Extracts Conditioner Coconut and Almond

This product smells absolutely wonderful and makes me want to eat my own head it smells so delicious. It also feels very lovely in your hands, rinses out well and is very reasonably priced at £1.99 for 400ml. However, it is not particularly good at conditioning - it requires quite a lot to coat your hair and even if left in for 5 minutes, it does not feel particularly sleek afterwards. 3/5 stars. 

4) Superdrug Essential Cleansing Wipes - Fragrance Free

These are probably the worst product I've tried so far. Despite being fragrance free, they had an odd smell and felt quite tingly on my skin (again despite supposedly being for sensitive skin.) They did however remove make up quite well. 2/5 stars. 

5) Superdrug Essential Cleansing Wipes - Combination Skin 

These wipes are much nicer than the previous ones. They cleanse and remove make up very well leaving skin feeling fresh although slightly dry. They have a pleasant subtle fragrance which does not linger. Both packets are very reasonably priced - only £0.99 and very often on 3for2 or similar. 4/5 stars. 

6) Simply Pure Cleansing Face Mask 

I have only tried this product once and so have not come to a particular verdict. It doesn't really smell of anything, as it's designed for sensitive skin, however it had quite a pleasant texture and seemed to help brighten my skin. 3/5 stars

7) Superdrug Shea Butter Cotton Fragranced Shower Gel 

Unfortunately I couldn't find a picture on their website - I hope this doesn't mean it's being discontinued! This shower gel is lovely; it lathers up wonderfully, smells amazing and leaves you feeling very clean and fresh. 5/5 stars. 

8) Superdrug Mouthwash and Electric Toothbrush Replacement Heads

Again, oddly could not find an image online for either of these products. The mouthwash I've tried (the pink one?) has a pleasant taste - minty with cloves -  although the aftertaste isn't the best. The replacement heads work well with my Oral B toothbrush although are a little on the small size and the bristles a little stiff. Both reasonably priced, although if the heads hadn't be on offer, they would be a little pricey, but no more so than any others. 3/5 stars. 

9) Hello Mojito Mouthwash 

This product has wonderful product design. The packaging is fun and inviting. However, it tastes a little odd, and not particularly like mojito, didn't leave my mouth feeling particularly clean and a £4.99 was quite expensive for mouthwash! 2/5 stars.