Is there a place for vegan and cruelty free makeup brands in this world?
Yes, more than ever, as consumers are increasingly aware of the problems caused by the beauty industry.
When it comes to cruelty-free makeup brands, consumers' position towards animal welfare is at its highest, to a point where labels have started to put an end to product testing on animals.
As a direct result, more cruelty-free and vegan beauty brands are launched every day.
In support of them and you, the ethical consumer, I'll introduce you to the best vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands approved by stylists.
There's no need to compromise again – look fabulous while upholding your moral stance.
1. E.L.F. Cosmetics
If you're looking for a flawless finish, this is the brand for you.
E L F Cosmetics' stands for "Every eye, Lip, and Face."
From all the vegan brands on this list, E L F Cosmetics has, in my opinion, the best eye shadow out there.
From the brand's extensive range, the best selling products include the Liquid Matte Lipstick, Contour Palette, the Baked Highlighter, and pigmented lipsticks.
You'll find gift sets and makeup accessories such as sponges and brushes.
They also have a whole skincare line of moisturizers, makeup remover, and hydrating masks.
You can indulge and pamper yourself with E.L.F. products without breaking the bank!
2. Herbivore Botanicals
Chances are you've seen Herbivore's gorgeous packaging while scrolling Instagram, but the brand has more to offer than just being extremely photogenic.
It was founded by a couple - in their kitchen - dedicated to creating products with no filler.
That's why, every ingredient has a purpose in Herbivorer's products.
The result? Super-potent skincare products, from organic, food-grade ingredients.
Its range of oils put Herbivore on the map, but we especially love its exfoliators.
Try the 'Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask' for serious exfoliation with a side of skin-soothing ingredients or the 'Prism Exfoliating Glow Serum' for a more gradual glow.
3. Code Beautiful
Back in 2014, when Code Beautiful was launched, it was one of the few beauty brands that could say it is 100 percent free from animal ingredients.
Ever since, the brand keeps innovating and creating new products such as CODE FFL (Forget Fake Lashes), a pre-mascara plumper that's going to fatten and lengthen your lashes to the next level.
Granted, Code Beautiful doesn't have an extensive offering, but that's good.
It means more care's gone into creating the star products you'll find in its online store.
4. FLOWER Beauty
Started as a passion project by the American actress Drew Barrymore, FLOWER Beauty is a cruelty-free makeup brand of the highest quality.
I've found all Flower Beauty products to have an affordable price.
Moreover, I love that the label donates parts of the profits to female empowerment causes.
So if supporting other women and animal welfare resonate with you, make sure you choose Flower from now on.
5. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
With a stunning vegan makeup line, Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez has a great goal in mind.
When interviewed, Selena said that the brand exists to break down unrealistic perfection standards.
The colors are soft and natural, delicate, and beautiful.
Rare Beauty comes in a wide range of products like liners, carmine powder, foundation, lip soufflés, and more.
6. Illamasqua
Illamasqua is a certified cruelty-free makeup label by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
"Beauty, not brutality," shouts on Illamasqua's official website.
Recognized by PETA, this cruelty free makeup brand is proud to have an extensive, ever-growing vegan range.
Illamasqua is a trendy cruelty-free makeup brand known worldwide for its passionate support for animal welfare and other related causes.
The brand does not test on animals, and it always makes sure that all of its products are one hundred percent cruelty-free.
I've used Illamasqua for the last three months, and my ten has changed so much, I can't recommend the brand enough.
If you're new to Illamasqua, you'd probably want to start with their liquid lip polishes, which also include vegan options.
You can select a matching hue from fourteen options, grouped into pink, crimson, or dark shade classes.
Also, consider giving their veil primer a try; it is a healthy mix of plant extracts and minerals, designed to keep your skin hydrated, fresh, and ready for foundation treatment.
7. Urban Decay (Owned by L'Oreal)
Urban Decay markets itself as bold and edgy, but they also have a ton of neutrals and staple products.
I find 'Eyeshadow Primer Potion' very suitable for oily lids.
Also, I've found the 'All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray' as the best setting spray around, especially for oily skin.
Super-pigmented and buttery eyeshadows are available in bold and vibrant colors or neutral shades, as's the case with the 'Naked' palettes.
Important note:
While Urban Decay is cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny-certified, the parent company, L'Oreal, still tests on animals.
8. Bite Beauty
For all the lipstick collectors out there, this one's for you.
'Bite' is hyper-focused on lip products, although it now offers a few complexion products.
I think this label makes some of the best lipsticks ever that happen to be vegan, clean, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
The lipsticks are intensely pigmented yet comfortable to wear.
Also, the lip balms can soothe even the most chapped lips.
The 'Power Move Creamy Matte Lip Crayon' is a great starting point, as is the Agave+ Intensive Lip Mask.
Keep in mind that while everything in the range is vegan, not all the lipsticks at the Lip Labs are.
9. Burt's Bees
Here's another brand that makes terrific cruelty-free makeup.
Burt's Bees makeup brand is certified by PETA for using only natural products, of course, with an accent on bees products.
The brand does not test on animals and strives to ensure that its cruelty-free makeups contain only organically sourced and sustainable ingredients.
If you love your skin, you have to give Burt's Bees a try.
10. Fenty
While Rihanna's makeup collection can't be considered entirely free of animal by-products, there are some pieces that the brand promotes as vegan-friendly:
Some of the best are: 'Match Stix Matte Skinsticks', 'Invisimatte Blotting Powder', 'Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer', and many of the brand's brushes free from animal hair.
The brand's chief chemist is against testing products on animals and obsesses over creating only natural makeup.
Most bases found in Fenty's animal friendly makeup such as brow pomade, powder foundation, and matte bronzer contain everyday minerals, argan, and organic coconut oil.