Makeup testing is important because it determines what formulas are safe for use, however for far to long this testing has been done on animals. The results of the testing on animals is atrocious, leaving far too many animals to experience reactions to the products being used which harms them in so many different ways, for example the animal could go blind, experience bleeding, and ultimately wind up dead. According to Humane Society International, an estimated "100 000 to 200 000 animals suffer and die every year" and while products should be tested, this is obviously not the way they should be tested.
Many, many, people have protested and are against the use of animals for testing, and as we continue to move forward, many brands have stopped using animal testing and are now certified cruelty free! While there are still several brands that do use animal testing, hopefully in the future this will not be the case. You may feel like it is hard to find cruelty free, but it's not! Some of the biggest name brands including Kat Von D do not test on animals! Other brands that are cruelty free include:
Tarte
Becca
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Colorpop
Lush
Glossier
ELF
NYX
Milani
Anabelle
These are just a few of the brands that do not participate in animal testing (some of these brands are even vegan friendly!) and have really good products. Furthermore, buying from cruelty free brands could bring you many skin benefits! Tests not done on animals are more reliable due to the fact that while animals have several similarities to humans, they still react differently to certain things leaving room for error, where as when using other forms of testing, you can make the substance you are testing almost exactly like the human form.
I encourage you to switch to cruelty free cosmetics. This doesn't mean that you have to throw out all the stuff you own right now made by companies that do use animal testing, however, in the future be more aware of the products you are buying and how they impact our world!