There are many ways to tell if products are cruelty free or vegan. For cosmetics you will see on the label a bunny noting at the product is not tested on animals or a statement stating such. Many brands will also label if their product is vegan or you may have to google the ingredients in that item which can be a bummer.
Here you can see what companies do and do not test on animals I think there is also an app that will give you the same info. http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/companies/default.aspx
In the animal testing world some of the biggest news recently was Urban Decay's reversal of their decision to sell to china. If they sold products to china their products would no longer be cruelty free. China requires animal testing. Due to public outrage and the revoking of their leaping bunny status Urban Decay will remain cruelty free. They also sell many vegan cosmetics and their make up brushes are completely synthetic.
Animals die and suffer from animal testing this is why so many vegans and vegetarians are against it. However, many will say if there is no other option, such as some medications that it's okay for a person to use a product tested on animals. Many may not completely stop using these products but may reduce their use when possible.
That being said one must know what other ingredients are animal products and know their brands. Beeswax is in many products and cosmetics. It's not vegan. Bees are killed for their wax and many starved and hurt in giant industrial bee farms. I will never by burt's bees because of this. You can find vegan lipbalm, a simple one is even listed on peta's website. Lanolin is also used in many lip products and this is from sheep as it is wool grease or wax.Chicken bone marrow, bug shells and fish scales, whale stomaches, and even animal pee are also commonly used in cosmetics. Just check your brand. It's kind of gross.
