Vegan And Cruelty-free Makeup Brands You Need To Try

You'll both look and feel more beautiful once you swap to these vegan friendly brands.

At the beginning of this year, I developed a passion for makeup. I rarely wore makeup in the past, except for the occasional theatre productions and school dances. After watching a bunch of beauty gurus on YouTube, I felt inspired to try it for myself. 

Since I needed to buy makeup products to begin my beauty guru adventures, I wanted to make sure I was buying from ethical beauty companies. I found that many companies use vegan ingredients for their products and also don't test on animals. I thought I would share these brands and encourage you to start using natural and ethical brands too (if you aren't already).

Why Buy Vegan and Ethical Makeup Products?

Firstly, vegan makeup products are made entirely out of natural ingredients sourced from the earth. There are no harsh chemicals that could potentially harm someone in these vegan makeup products. In fact, these products help the skin by keeping it moisturized, nourishing it with vitamins and minerals, and helping it stay smooth. Overall, vegan products are healthier for people.

Every year, half a million animals are abused and forced to be test subjects for cosmetics as per the research by Cruelty-Free International. When it comes to being ethical, the beauty brands mentioned below take it very seriously. Animals don't deserve to be treated poorly simply for human benefits. You wouldn't put harmful makeup products on your pet, so it's not right to do so on other animals. 

Vegan And Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands

Here are 10 ethical beauty brands that you can use for your body:

an affordable vegan and cruelty-free brand
Image Source: A Beauty Edit

1. e.l.f. Cosmetics

e.l.f.'s makeup formulas are 100% vegan and aren't tested on animals. In the words of the e.l.f. brand, its products are "made without the nasty bad stuff."

I'm pretty sure that e.l.f. is the first makeup brand I ever used. It's an amazing and cheap brand to buy when you're first starting to use makeup. You can find it at your local drugstores, grocery stores, and even dollar stores.

Fun fact: e.l.f. stands for Eyes, Lips, and Face! I just discovered this a few days ago and I feel silly for not knowing this entire time.

mostly vegan and cruelty-free brand
Image Source:  A Good Hue

2. ColourPop Cosmetics

Every single ColourPop product is cruelty-free and the company only tests its products on humans from the ColourPop Head Quarters. The company stated that it "does not condone animal testing in any way." They don't work with any companies that test on animals.

Most of the products are vegan, which is wonderful to know. I don't want to put unnecessary chemicals, animal by-products, or anything similar on my body. ColourPop makes it clear which products are vegan and which few are not so that you know what you're buying. I appreciate a company that makes an effort to use natural ingredients for its products. 

ColourPop is my favorite makeup brand at the moment. All of their products are easy to apply and feel light on my face. ColourPop is an inexpensive brand; I bought the Malibu Barbie collaboration palette for only $25 compared to other brands that sell palettes for $60.

sister-brand to colourpop
Image Source: ColourPop

3. Fourth Ray Beauty

Fourth Ray Beauty is the sister brand to ColourPop Cosmetics. This brand sells beautiful skincare products so you not only look good but feel good as well. Fourth Ray Beauty sells face cleansers, lip treatments, undereye rollers, moisturizers, and more. Every skincare formula used is designed to give you the best skin possible so you can begin your makeup routine with ease and confidence. Fourth Ray Beauty wants to inspire you to love skincare.

I have yet to try Fourth Ray Beauty products and I'm so excited to get started. I've been trying to take better care of my body and use more natural ingredients. This seems like a good way to begin my journey.

a fancy vegan makeup brand
Image Source: The Versed

4. Jeffree Star Cosmetics

Now I will admit, Jeffree Star Cosmetics is a bit more expensive beauty brand. CEO and Founder Jeffree Star frequently states that he wants to make the best products he can using the finest ingredients. At Jeffree Star Cosmetics, this company is adamant about not testing on animals. This brand encourages anyone who has a love and passion for makeup to use these products.

I waited to buy makeup from this brand until I felt comfortable and skilled enough in using makeup. I saved up some money and bought a few items from Jeffree Star's latest collection, Pink Religion. I bought the eyeshadow palette, highlighter palette, and a handheld mirror. After testing out my purchases, I was thrilled. It applied so well and lasted all day without any touchups. 

cheap and ethical makeup brand
Image Source: The Lipstick Narratives

5. Julep Beauty

Julep is yet another amazing and affordable makeup brand. This company sells makeup, tools, and skincare all for a reasonable price!

For Christmas last year, my sister gifted me a set of liquid lipsticks from Julep. As I put it on, it just glided across my lips. The lipsticks are cute, they have a pleasant scent (or flavor?), and I didn't need to reapply. 

vegan and cruelty-free makeup
Image Source: Beauty Independent

6. Luxie Beauty

This whole list consists of some fabulous vegan and cruelty-free makeup products, but what about vegan and cruelty-free brushes to apply them? Well, Luxie Beauty sells what you're looking for. Luxie sells all different types of beauty brushes to help you apply your makeup easier. There's even a quiz you can take on the website to pick which Luxie Brush is right for you.

a great vegan and cruelty-free makeup brand
Image Source: Beauty on Review

7. MUDD Beauty

MUDD Beauty is a popular brand in the U.K. This company cares deeply about its customers' health values, which is why it takes time to develop formulas best for the body. There are no toxic chemicals in any MUDD products.

I feel like this brand must be insanely well-known and well-loved because when I was browsing products, many of them were sold out. MUDD is that good.

a range of vegan foundation shades
Image Source: iFundWomen

8. Range Beauty

What makes this brand unique from others is that it sells foundation for every forgotten beautiful shade and type of skin so that you can look your absolute best. According to Range Beauty "defines beauty on [their] own terms by delivering makeup that you love and skin that loves you back."

In addition, Range is the first makeup line created for acne and eczema-prone skin. I love that this brand is so inclusive and considerate towards developing products for everyone.

vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand
Image Source: The Zoe Report

9. Youth To The People

Youth To The People have three pillars it keeps in mind: "Ingredients are our muse," "One world to protect," and "Good to the people." In other words, this company's top three priorities are product, planet, and people. Youth To The People wants to do good for us and the environment. This brand uses glass bottles and jars for its products to reduce plastic wastes piling up in landfills.

Youth To The People sells cleansers, moisture creams, masks, hydrating oils, and more. You can even schedule a free skin consultation to find out which products will work best for your skin. 

many vegan products from this brand
Image Source: Lush

10. Lush

I've been using Lush products for years. I admire this brand's initiative when it comes to making natural beauty items. While Lush doesn't sell makeup, this brand has everything you need to take good care of your body.

Lush sells amazing face masks, lip scrubs, moisturizers, and cleansers. If you feel like pampering your whole body, this brand also sells refreshing and vibrant bath bombs and bars. Treat yourself right with these rejuvenating products. 

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Opinions and Perspectives

Never going back to non-cruelty-free brands after trying these

7

Range Beauty's product range keeps expanding and I'm here for it

4

The affordability of most of these brands makes ethical beauty accessible to everyone

8

Just converted my mom to Fourth Ray Beauty and she loves it

6

These brands make it so easy to be both ethical and beautiful

4

e.l.f.'s new skincare line is surprisingly good

8

Really appreciate how ColourPop clearly marks their vegan products

3

Youth To The People's sustainability efforts are impressive

8

Lush's packaging-free options make me feel better about my beauty routine

4

The waiting list for MUDD Beauty products is worth it

1

My whole makeup collection is now cruelty-free thanks to these brands

4

Fourth Ray Beauty's toner is the best I've ever used

4

These brands prove you don't need animal testing for quality products

5

Been using Range Beauty for my eczema and it's been so gentle

7

MUDD Beauty's concealer is the only one that doesn't crease on me

1

The Luxie eye brush set changed my eyeshadow game completely

3

Julep's eyeliners are my holy grail product

8

Love ColourPop's frequent new releases but wish they'd make more permanent items

0

Youth To The People is pricey but my skin has never looked better

4

e.l.f.'s new releases have been hitting it out of the park lately

7

Started using these brands to be more ethical but stayed for the quality

7

Range Beauty foundation stays put even in humid weather

1

The Lush face masks are fantastic but wish they lasted longer

5

Finally tried Fourth Ray Beauty after reading this and I'm obsessed

6

Julep's lip products are so underrated. The formula is amazing

8

Love that these brands are transparent about their ingredients

5

ColourPop's customer service could use some work but their products are solid

6

Youth To The People's moisturizer saved my dry skin this winter

3

My teenage daughter loves e.l.f. Perfect starter brand for young makeup users

6

Range Beauty's shade range is impressive but I wish they had more undertone options

5

Does anyone else find Lush stores overwhelming with all the scents?

1

The Luxie brush sets are worth investing in. They've lasted me years

1

Glad to see more affordable options like e.l.f. and ColourPop on this list

1

Fourth Ray Beauty's vitamin C serum gave me amazing results in just weeks

4

Started with e.l.f. brushes when I was learning makeup and still use them years later

4

I'm impressed by how pigmented ColourPop shadows are for the price point

6

Youth To The People products smell amazing and feel so luxurious

2

Really appreciate brands like Range Beauty addressing different skin concerns and types

5

The Lush solid shampoo bars are amazing and last forever. Great way to reduce plastic waste

8

Surprised to see how affordable most of these brands are. Being ethical doesn't always mean expensive

6

I save so much money using e.l.f. products and they work just as well as the expensive stuff

2

The customer service at Fourth Ray Beauty is excellent. They helped me build a complete skincare routine

4

Has anyone tried Julep's nail polishes? Looking to switch from regular brands

3

ColourPop's Super Shock shadows are unmatched. I've been using them for years

4

Wish more brands would follow Youth To The People's lead with glass packaging

2

I actually prefer e.l.f.'s mascara to high-end brands. Plus knowing it's cruelty-free makes me feel better about using it

6

Range Beauty's foundation for acne-prone skin is a game changer. Finally something that doesn't break me out

3

The Lush bath bombs are amazing but I find their skincare a bit too fragrant for my sensitive skin

0

I love that these brands are becoming more accessible. Ten years ago finding vegan makeup was such a challenge

3

MUDD Beauty's foundation oxidizes on my skin. Anyone else experience this?

2

My skin is super sensitive and I've had great results with Fourth Ray Beauty. Their products are gentle but effective

5

Luxie brushes are so soft! I switched from MAC brushes and honestly prefer these

2

Never knew e.l.f. stood for Eyes Lips Face until reading this article. Mind blown

8

Agreed about the ColourPop shadows! I have their Barbie collection and the pigmentation is incredible for the price

1

I tried the Youth To The People cleanser and broke out badly. I know it works for many people but definitely patch test first

2

Anyone else loving Lush's naked packaging concept? Such a great way to reduce plastic waste

7

I've had mixed results with ColourPop. Their eyeshadows are fantastic but their liquid lips dried out my lips badly

8

The new e.l.f. putty primer is amazing! I actually prefer it to some high-end primers I've tried

2

Just discovered Range Beauty last month and I'm amazed by their shade range. Finally found my perfect match after years of struggling

0

I disagree about Jeffree Star Cosmetics. While they might be cruelty-free, I personally don't support the brand due to their controversy. There are better alternatives

6

Fourth Ray Beauty's cleanser completely transformed my skin. I was skeptical at first because of the price point but it's worth every penny

7

Thanks for sharing this list! I'm trying to switch to more ethical brands and this is super helpful. Has anyone tried the ColourPop eyeshadows? I'm thinking of getting their sunset palette

7

Love seeing these cruelty-free options! I've been using e.l.f. products for years and can't believe how affordable they are for the quality you get

1

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