11 Vegan & Cruelty-Free makeup brands you should know
It’s time to upgrade your makeup routine to a more respectful one. Not just with your skin, but with the planet. Where to start? Create a new routine with vegan and cruelty-free makeup products.
We all know that the makeup industry isn’t the most sustainable one there is. Formulas, ingredients, packaging, animal testing… you name it.
Even though we are still far from living in a world where we can easily get our makeup products refilled, preventing so many still-good packages from going to waste, there are a few things you can do to minimize your impact. Like supporting brands with more conscious practices.
Before you get too excited and start a new makeup routine from scratch, here are a few recommendations:
Do your research: about the brand and the products. Lookup for reviews online.
Ask for guidance: at the store or contact the brand online, before purchasing any product. Explain your skin type, what you’re looking for, and solve any doubts you might have.
Ask for a sample: as testers are no longer part of the shopping experience thanks to COVID-19, asking for a sample and trying it at home will probably help you save a lot of money.
Start small: once you decide upon a brand, don’t buy everything on one go. Buy just one or two products and in case you really like these, then you can purchase a couple more things.
Here are some of the best vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands with reliable products, and that are also easy to find.
Low cost
Avril Cosmetics
Affordable conscious beauty. That’s what Avril Cosmetics is all about. Clean formulas with organic ingredients and on a budget.
Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or just getting started, this is a great place to start when it comes to creating a vegan and cruelty-free makeup routine. Especially because you can get all the essentials without breaking the bank.
In case you’re also looking for a more conscious skincare routine, don’t miss our review on Avril Cosmetics skincare products.
Where can you find it?
Wet N Wild
If natural and organic formulas aren’t a priority for you, then Wet N Wild might be a good option for you when it comes to affordable vegan & cruelty-free makeup.
They have pretty much everything. Foundations, concealers, eyeshadow palettes… with different finishes.
So if you want something more standard, but just a little more conscious, Wet N Wild is the perfect brand for you.
What I love the most about it? The diversity of their products and, of course, the price.
Where can you find it?
Bell Hypoallergenic
Similar to Wet N Wild, but more targeted for sensitive skin. Bell Hypoallergenic has such a great selection of vegan and cruelty-free makeup products.
Knowing that their formulas are gentle to sensitive skin types, definitely gives us a certain comfort (and trust) when we’re using their products.
If you’re more into a non-makeup-makeup look or something more neutral, this brand has everything you might be looking for.
It’s really hard to believe that such great products come with such a tiny price tag.
Where can you find it?
NYX
Even though it belongs to a parent brand that isn’t cruelty-free (L’Oréal), the truth is NYX Professional Makeup has been doing their own thing to detach themselves from the L’Oréal brand.
Not only in terms of formulas and animal testing but also in terms of the product portfolio.
If you’re looking for something more vavavoom, vegan, cruelty-free, and quite affordable… this brand will definitely knock your socks off.
But beware, not all their products are vegan. However, you can easily check this information on their website or their physical stores.
Where can you find it?
Mid-range
Tarte
OK, we’re stepping up the game a little bit here. Tarte isn’t as affordable as the other brands I’ve just mentioned, but it’s not the most expensive.
The formulas are gentler, they only use ingredients that are good for you and you can actually tell the difference when you use it.
Their star product? The Shape Tape concealer. One of the most well-known concealers among makeup enthusiasts and praised for its coverage.
My recommendation? If you want to give it a try, get one of their many kits. This way you can see if their products work for you, without spending so much money.
Where can you find it?
Pacifica
This is the most eco-friendly and conscious makeup brand of this mid-range lot. If you’re into sustainable and conscious products, this brand will definitely win you over.
Pacifica is a bit bolder than Avril Cosmetics, especially when you compare their eyeshadow palettes, but equally kind for you and the environment.
The problem? Their product line is smaller and not that easy to find as the other brands mentioned in this article, at least here in Spain.
Where can you find it?
Milk Makeup
If you’re looking for something easier, yet vegan and cruelty-free makeup… Milk Makeup will definitely catch your eye.
Especially because of its packages and disruptive products.
Their formulas happen to be quite consistent, made with clean ingredients that are good for you. However, some products might work better than others. But that’s just how life is, with any brand.
Don’t miss our honest review of some of their products.
Where can you find it?
Too Faced
This one is an oldie but goodie when it comes to vegan and cruelty-free makeup.
Too Faced has grown so much during the past few years, yet some of their most renowned products have been available for quite some time now. Like their Better Than Sex mascara.
Their line is pretty much complete and with great quality. So if you’re looking for makeup products that are versatile, that you can use on every occasion and that will win a special place in your heart… this might be your new go-to brand.
Where can you find it?
KVD Vegan Beauty
Even though Kat Von D is no longer on-board, KVD Vegan Beauty products remain the same. Vegan and cruelty-free, with top-notch quality.
If you’re looking for something a little bit bolder in terms of makeup, this might be a great fit for you.
In case you’re just curious to give it a try but don’t know where to start, here’s a hint: their lipsticks. You’re welcome!
Where can you find it?
High-end
Urban Decay
Yes, even though this brand belongs to the L’Oréal group… it has nothing to do with the L’Oréal brand in terms of quality and values. And we’re thankful for that.
Urban Decay is like NYX Professional Makeup (also from L’Oréal group, but vegan and cruelty-free) but a few steps up in the makeup game. In terms of quality and formulas.
But this I am not saying that NYX Professional Makeup products are bad. They’re quite good when you compare these to other mid-range or high-end brands. It’s just that in this direct comparison, Urban Decay wins the game.
Whether you’re looking for a new favorite (and reliable) foundation or an eyeshadow palette that it’s worth is money and that you’ll use over and over again, Urban Decay is the brand to go.
If you’re looking for something that will make your makeup last longer, don’t miss their All Nighter spray. Vegan, cruelty-free, and an absolute staple among beauty gurus.
Where can you find it?
Charlotte Tilbury
This is a whole different level from all the brands I’ve just mentioned. It’s high-end, boogie, classic, high quality, and absolutely gorgeous.
Yes, Charlotte Tilbury’s products are expensive but they’re also really good. Ok, maybe not all the products will work for you. But that’s something that can happen when you’re trying any brand.
Some of the products come in a plastic-free package and they are starting to jump on the refill wagon. Cheaper for you and better for the environment.
My favorite so far? Their Hollywood Flawless Filter. Especially because of its versatility. It works as a face primer and a natural highlighter, without a hint of glitter. Perfect for that no-makeup-makeup kind of days.
Where can you find it?
