In addition to boasting an “8-free” formula (meaning the brand claims it’s formulated without eight of the more controversial or chemical ingredients often found hair color: ammonia, PPD, resorcinol, parabens, phthalates, gluten, SLS and titanium dioxide), Madison Reed is also certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny, a coalition of animal protection groups that have created an internationally recognized standard for identifying animal-friendly products.
Highlighting your hair is pretty tricky to do on your own (we support hitting the salon for the best results), but L’Oréal’s Glam Lights promises to make it easy by reducing it to two steps. Fill the included highlighting brush with the formula, and then brush it through your hair from root to tips. Though the GH Beauty Lab hasn’t tested this kit, reviewers note that this DIY option can add brighter blonde to already-highlighted or lighter-colored hair.