Although Australia ostensibly put an end to animal testing for beauty products made and sold locally, it's a practice that is still rife within the beauty industry. And RUSSH cover girl Cameron Stephens wants you to know about it.
"Most likely some of the brands they are using daily are not cruelty-free," Cameron says.
As part of a new campaign with ModelCo, Cameron along with other animal lovers Charlee Fraser, Agi Akur, Astrid Holler, Matilda Dods, wants you to think about what beauty products you're choosing. Because supporting brands that align with your ethics is the key to a brighter future.
Here, Cameron talks about ModelCo's Tested on Role Models, Not Animals campaign and how we can move past animal testing as consumers.
Can you tell us a little bit about ModelCo’s latest campaign?
ModelCo’s latest campaign is an update to their iconic tagline that they launched with twenty years ago - Tested on Models, Not Animals. The new campaign - Tested on 'Role Models' Not Animals celebrates beauty with substance. ModelCo has always been a pioneer in the Australian beauty industry. They've been vegan certified and cruelty-free for two decades.
The new campaign's animal-loving faces include Charlee Fraser, Agi Akur, Astrid Holler, Matilda Dods and myself. We're all activists for different causes from environmental conservation, positive mental health, diversity in modelling and climate change.
It was such a fun day on-set with all of the animals and all of the products in the ModelCo range to play with. Our makeup for the shoot was directed by Filomena Natoli but we could personalise it to give it our own unique vibe. I liked adding the Glow Highlighter Stick in Champagne to get a dewy look and Shine Ultra Lip Gloss in Shooting Star for my look.
We were all given the opportunity to talk about the things that we are most passionate about and the changes that we hope to see in the world post the coronavirus pandemic.
Why do you think the campaign is important?
I don't support experimenting on animals for beauty product testing or abusing them in any way. There are other options available to beauty companies that don't harm animals. For me, choosing skin and beauty brands that are committed to being cruelty-free is a must. I think it's important to have a point of view and be committed to causes like cruelty-free, climate action, body positivity and diversity in fashion because if we don't have these conversations we can't affect the change that we'd like to see in the world.
What do you think more people need to know about testing on animals?
More people need to know how extensive testing on animals is in the beauty industry. Most likely some of the brands they are using daily are not cruelty-free. I think if people knew that they'd look for alternatives. I consciously choose products that are cruelty-free whenever I can. I use ModelCo Lashxtend Tubular Lengthening Black Mascara and Luminosity Shimmer Whip everyday because I love the products and because I know I'm making an ethical choice that hasn't harmed any animals.
What do you think we need to see from more brands in the beauty industry to achieve a more ethical future?
I think we need to see a commitment from all beauty brands to be PETA certified. I also think there needs to be an increased commitment to removing nasty chemicals, reducing waste and becoming more sustainable.
How can we as consumers be part of the solution?
It's important for people to educate themselves so that they can make ethical choices and only support brands that are committed to being cruelty-free. We should all campaign to ban tests on animals anywhere in the world!
