Best Cruelty-Free & Vegan Makeup
... plus a few nail polishes
Foreword
A few days ago I created a poll on my Instagram, asking my readers whether they wanted to hear about my current cruelty-free and vegan beauty favorites. 91% voted YES, so here we are! To keep this article short and sweet, I have decided to split it into two parts: makeup (+nail polish) and skincare (+bodycare, haircare).
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling.
Bite Beauty
Aside from always being cruelty-free and gluten-free, Bite Beauty have recently become 100% vegan!
Here are my top recommendations:
Changemaker Supercharged Micellar Foundation (39.50 USD; Made in Italy) - looking for that second skin, "no makeup" makeup, eye-deceiving base? This is it. 32 shades of high performance, creamy and long-wearing foundation with a buildable coverage. Not only does it look like you are wearing no makeup, but it also feels featherlight and hydrating. Vegan 🍃
Complete review here
Power Move Creamy Matte Lip Crayon (24 USD; Made in Canada) - vegan successor of the brand's iconic Matte Lip Crayon, this little beast is here to slay. 20 shades of uber pigmented, comfortable matte lip pencil that will condition and nourish even the most sensitive lips. Enjoy their creamy sheen or blot it down to reveal a kissable satin pout. Vegan 🍃
Complete review here (unedited arm/lip swatches of all 20 shades included)
Agave+ Intensive Lip Mask (26 USD; Made in Canada) - while it is technically a very potent lip mask, rose-gold shade called Buzzed is every lip gloss' biggest rival. Why? It is just as cushiony and high-shine, yet with many other added benefits (antioxidant-rich, extremely nourishing and lightweight). If you want to rock a bit of color and shine [plus condition your lips at the same time] this is the one. Vegan 🍃
Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty is proudly cruelty-free with some of their products being vegan. As of September last year, the brand bypassed China's animal testing regime, by only selling their products in cities that do not requite animal testing such as Macau and Hong-Kong.
Here are my top recommendations:
Pro Filt'r Hydrating Foundation (35 USD; Made in Italy) - think medium-buildable coverage with whopping 50 shades of fabulousness to choose from. Enriched with Grape Seed Oil and Sodium Hyaluronate, it blends like a dream and wears comfortably for up to 8 hours (while still remaining lightweight and semi-hydrating). If you have normal or dry skin, you are going to love this one! Vegan 🍃
Complete review here
Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer (32 USD; Made in Italy) - a newer discovery, but oh-so-amazing. Hello new favorite cream bronzer, you make my faux tan look so snatchural. Choose from seven shades and three undertones (cool, warm, neutral) to bronze or contour; it is called "freestyle" for a reason, since you can easily build it up and it will still look just like your skin. Plus it is sweat- and water-resistant. Chalky bronze who? Vegan 🍃
Complete review here
Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer (19 USD; Made in USA) - universally flattering, high-shine lip gloss (think vinyl lips) that now comes in six shades, all the way from 90s-esque clear to shimmering brown. Enriched with Shea Butter, it is going to give your lips a well-deserved hug (and volume). Rihanna wanted to create the most kissable gloss and guess what? It is actually pretty perfect for that. Vegan 🍃
On the photo below: I am wearing Pro Filt'r Hydrating Foundation in 150, Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer in Macchiato and Gloss Bomb in Sweet Mouth mixed with the brand's Mattemoiselle Lipstick in Thicc and Up 2 No Good
Becca Cosmetics
Becca Cosmetics is 100% cruelty-free with some products being gluten-free as well, yet there are no vegan products in their line.
Here are my top recommendations:
Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed (38 USD; Made in USA) - I can yodel about these glowing gems from the World's highest mountains. Yes, they are that good! These were the first highlighters I have ever tried and years later they are still my favorite. They are luminous, long-lasting and literally melt into the skin. The color selection is the most diverse and inclusive, ranging from pearl white all the way to rich chocolate brown. A++ quality and if you don't own a Becca highlighter yet, 2020 is your year to get one!
*The brand will donate 5 USD from the sale of all-shades of full-size Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter to JED foundation. Your 5 USD gives up to 5 young adults access to JED's new online interactive Mental Health Support Center.
Ultimate Lipstick Love (24 USD; Made in Canada) - a divine collection of creamy lipsticks, that are infused with Hyaluronic Acid and natural oils (Mango, Avocado, Olive to name a few) to keep your lips plump and juicy all day long. You also get to choose from various undertones (neutral, cool, warm) and color categories (nude, pink, mauve, red, brown). It is safe to say that there is a nude and red here for every girl and boy.
Complete review here (unedited arm/lip swatches of all shades included)
Ignite Liquified Light Highlighter (38 USD; Made in USA) - is the brand's newest liquid face and body highlighter, that is both transfer- and water-resistant. Pool date? Challenge accepted! Nothing is going to take this pealescent shine away (for the body I recommend removing it with a gentle shower oil; for the face micellar water or oil-based eye makeup remover will do). Tap a little for that "glow from within" look or add an extra drop to truly ignite the night.
Complete review here
Charlotte Tilbury
Similarly to Fenty Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury now sell their products in Hong Kong through retailers that do not require animal testing. That being said, they are still cruelty-free with some of their products having a vegan status (more about it here).
Here are my top recommendations:
Hollywood Flawless Filter (44 USD; Made in Italy) - is hands down the most unique complexion boosting product that you will ever come across. Imagine a liquid highlighter and lightweight foundation having a baby. This would be it! While it won't add that much coverage, this fluid will even out your skin tone and add the most ethereal glow. You can use it as a foundation primer, liquid highlighter or on its own to mimic that model off duty look. You have 7 shades to choose from, going from lightest to darkest. Oh! It does blur the skin too. You're welcome.
Complete review here
Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder (45 USD; Made in Italy) - every makeup artist's best friend and for all the right reasons. This finely milled, lightweight powder will set makeup without adding that heavy, cakey feel that we all dread so much. While it comes in three shades, it is pretty much translucent. This formula sets your makeup in place, without adding any extra coverage. It makes skin appear smoother and with Sweet Almond Oil and Rose Wax in the mix, it is perfect for those of us with drier skin types. Vegan 🍃
Complete review here