Makeup is ever-changing. The trends change with the seasons, brands release new products all year long, and new brands are popping up all the time. The question is, are these brands and products cruelty-free? As a consumer, it’s entirely your choice to buy the makeup you want and support the causes you want. Buying cruelty-free products means that the company you’re buying from doesn’t test their products or ingredients on animals in any way. Some of these brands are also vegan which means the products don’t contain any parts of animals and the ingredients don’t come from animals. Although a brand may be cruelty-free, they might not be vegan so if that’s important to you, definitely check the ingredients list. Here is a list of some of the cruelty-free brands we love!
1. Kat Von D
You know Kat Von D slays! She is on a whole other level of girl boss. About KvD beauty, Kat says, “We are bold, unapologetic, outspoken and different in our own way. We are artists, poets and lovers. We are the outsiders and the insiders.” Her website also states that KvD beauty doesn’t test on animals and never will. Not all her products are vegan; however, there is a list of products that have #VEGANALERT on them to signify that they are.
2. Lush
Where do we even start with Lush? Cruelty-free, actively fighting animal testing, ethical buying (meaning they only buy ingredients from companies that do not commission tests on animals), handmade products (also only testing products on humans), sustainable packaging AND their products are sparkly and smell good! Charitable giving is at the heart of the Lush business and they believe it’s their responsibility to advocate for the environment, animals and people in need. Currently, sales from their Charity Pot lotion and FUN soap go toward different causes locally and around the world. Since Lush was founded, the company has partnered with multiple organizations (including the Vancouver Humane Society and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society), creating specific products to sell and using 100 percent of sales to support those organization’s work. Seriously, Lush makes the world such a better place.
3. W3ll People
W3ll People creates makeup for the naturalist with an emphasis on using organic green tea, organic chamomile and organic aloe vera which they say is their superstar ingredient. This company is dedicated to creating products with advanced performance and all natural ingredients, and being socially responsible (which includes being cruelty-free!). Their mission is to build on simplicity, authenticity and performance. With this brand, you don’t have to worry about clogged pores because the products will simultaneously provide coverage and work to improve your skin’s texture.
4. Anastasia Beverly Hills
Do you want your eyebrows to be on fleek, your highlighter to be poppin’ and to support another cruelty-free brand run by a boss lady? Anastasia Beverly Hills is where it’s at. We all see ABH on our favorite makeup artists’ Instagram. The quality is impeccable and we’re always trying to support girl bosses. Need we say more?
5. ColourPop
If you’re looking for a Kylie Cosmetics lip kit dupe, ColourPop has it. The lipsticks are super similar and literally a quarter of the price. Kylie lip kits retail for $29 and ColourPop matte lipsticks retail for $7. This brand is dedicated to providing its customers with the latest trends in makeup without breaking the bank. ColourPop also prides itself on being bunny-approved.
6. Pixi by Petra
Pixi by Petra is makeup and skincare created with botanicals and beneficial ingredients. They don’t test on animals and they also don’t have other parties test products on animals for them. Petra Strand, the founder, is a busy mom of four and she’s created Pixi for women on the go so of course it’s available at your local Target. With Pixi, you get cute packaging, high quality ingredients and no animal testing. Serious score.
7. e.l.f.
The e.l.f. vision is about empowering and educating women to play in innovation by providing quality, affordable makeup. Their products range from playful color to natural everyday looks, so there’s something for everybody! e.l.f. is also a partner with PETA in the Caring Consumer Project and does not use ingredients derived from animals.
8. Pacifica
Pacifica is an all around eco- and animal-friendly company. Pacifica’s mission is to provide luxurious and unique natural beauty products—specifically, fragrances. They use safe ingredients (meaning it’s not going to damage your skin), package with recyclable materials and are gluten-free, cruelty-free, and 100 percent vegan.
9. Sonia Kashuk
Another Target favorite! Sonia Kashuk is exclusively available at Target and is a brand that is passionate about fighting animal testing. From brushes to nail polish to makeup and skincare, these products are very high quality and the packaging is super chic too!
10. Ciaté
Ciaté is well-known for their nail polish and nail accessories, but they also sell makeup too! In addition to their totally cute and quality products, Ciaté is PETA-certified and dedicated to being cruelty-free. They make an effort to create vegan products and indicate that where applicable.
11. Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury is a successful makeup artist, having worked with stars like Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Naomi Campbell and Penelope Cruz, just to name a few. Charlotte decided to create her own makeup line in 2013. She believes that every woman should feel as fabulous on the outside as they do on the inside and says that makeup is the way to do that. Although this brand doesn’t emphasize being cruelty-free, it’s dedicated to not testing on animals and not buying from suppliers who test on animals, either.
12. Marc Jacobs Beauty
Marc Jacobs Beauty is all about creativity and uniqueness. Marc writes, “I see beauty in many things and I am attracted to all sorts of imperfection, to style, to confidence or experimentation. It’s unexpected and surprises you.” And celebrities love Marc Jacobs too—Lady Gaga was seen wearing his highliner gel eye crayon at Coachella last year, and Selena Gomez and Cardi B have been spotted wearing his lipsticks. If you want to treat yourself and splurge on luxurious cruelty-free makeup, splurge on Marc Jacobs.
13. BH Cosmetics
Rounding out the end of this list is BH Cosmetics. They are glam, affordable and all about color. Their goal is to help customers express their individuality one bold, brilliant and beautiful color at a time. On top of that, they produce quality products without testing on animals! Definitely check out BH Cosmetics if you want to add some diversity to your makeup routine.
Each of these brands has great products and adds their own flare to the beauty community all while refraining from animal testing. Check one out or check them all out, you won’t be disappointed. Yay for keeping animals safe and healthy!