Cruelty-free and Vegan Makeup Brands You Must Try in 2023

Celebrities around the world have popularized a vegan lifestyle in the last several years, while the internet has information on what vegan food can do for your health and appearance. The same logic goes for the products you put on your skin. When it comes to Cruelty-free and Vegan Makeup, only a few years ago, it was not easy choosing vegan cosmetics. But thanks to leaps in technology its formulations have improved beyond recognition.

Fortunately, more and more cosmetic brands are choosing the path of veganism, so there is also a variety of products out there. In the last few years, many makeup brands decided to go cruelty-free and to present their buyer with real vegan products.

First of all, let’s see the difference between vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands. Then we will list all the vegan brands that you can easily shop online, or in drugstores in your country. Many of them are known internationally.

Vegan Vs Cruelty-Free

Many people mix vegan and cruelty-free brands. While they all concentrate on no animal testing and no animal ingredients, there is still a small difference between them.

Vegan makeup doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients. Some of the most common ingredients would be beeswax (often used in lip balms) and Carmine, a dye made from beetles’ wings. Also,  lanolin, collagen, gelatin, cholesterol, etc. It is not regulated if vegan products are free from animal testing, but only that they don’t use ingredients from animals.

Here is the complete PETA list of animal-derived ingredients and their alternatives to help you avoid animal ingredients in cosmetics, food, and other products.

You need not necessarily be aligned with animal rights issues to reap the benefits of a vegan cosmetic line: animal ingredients can be amongst the most allergenic and skin-reactive, so vegan makeup is better suited for sensitive skin.

Cruelty-Free Makeup

When it comes to cruelty-free products, they are not tested on animals, but that doesn’t mean they are vegan. It is common to see a company, makeup, or cosmetic, not testing products on animals, yet still using the ingredients that are derived from animals or tested on animals by a third party.

Cruelty-free products can include ingredients that you surely won’t find in vegan makeup brands – beeswax, collagen, albumin, cholesterol, etc. So, to make sure your skin won’t break out, use only vegan makeup brands. 

Listed in no particular order, we highly recommend you try these famous vegan/cruelty-free makeup brands. Most are available for shopping online or can be found at your local drugstore.

Axiology

Axiology Of the Earth Lip-to-Lid Trio

“When I got into this whole makeup-as-a-career thing I was just trying to solve a personal problem. I couldn’t find a good lipstick that didn’t harm me, animals, or the planet.”

This is how Ericka Rodrigez, the founder of the brand Axiology, found herself starting a vegan brand.

Seeking highly pigmented luxurious lipstick formula? Look no further than Axiology. Their ingredients are evil-free, clean, and vegan like organic coconut oil and avocado butter.  They are all-natural and 100% safe for the environment and people making and using the products.

These lipsticks and lip crayons will nurture your lips. The pigments are vibrant and long-lasting, and the shades are creamy and well-picked.

Cover FX

Custom Enhancer Drops Liquid Highlight

The Custom Enhancer Drops Liquid Highlight by a brand renowned for its artistry, delivers an exquisite radiance that redefines luminosity. These drops, available in a palette of stunning shades, possess a transformative power that elevates any makeup look. With a lightweight and blendable formula, they seamlessly blend into the skin, creating a captivating, lit-from-within glow. Whether mixed with foundation or applied directly, the result is an enchanting, ethereal luminance that enhances the complexion. A single drop holds the promise of endless creativity, offering a customizable touch of brilliance that leaves an indelible mark on every canvas.

Kat Von D Beauty

KAT VON D Lock-it Foundation

As Kat Von D is an animal activist and vegan, she wanted the products that she makes and uses to be vegan too. Kat also points out that they excluded all ingredients, such as beeswax and carmine. You can enjoy your Kat Von D full-coverage foundation and be sure that you are using cruelty-free and vegan makeup!

Becca

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector

Not only they are experts in glow, highlighters, and bronzers, but Even though Becca uses Carmine pigments in some of their products, there are still many of their vegan makeup products. Becca is also one of the vegan brands. Founded in 2001 by the makeup artist Rebecca Morrice Williams, on the coast of Australia, this brand quickly became famous for its products. Women adore the face products, while the Becca highlighter is one of the most popular ones for years.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Anastasia Beverly Hills – Brow Definer

If you are interested in finding the best eyeshadow palettes or brow products, look no further than Anastasia Beverly Hills. It was founded by a Romanian-born influencer, back in the early 2000s. She started with brow products and became even more famous when she released eyeshadow palettes. ABH products are used by some of the most famous YouTubers, influencers, and bloggers. They claimed as a vegan makeup brand, with cruelty-free formulas and ingredients.

Urban Decay

Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette

It is one of those bold brands with a strong history. They started in the mid-‘90s, in California Orange County. Since day one, they are a brand with an edge. The founder Wende Zomnir started with lipsticks and nail enamels. They were always inspired by urban things, vivid colors, and impressive design. While Urban Decay is a cruelty-free verified brand, the L’Oreal company, that owns the brand still does tests on animals.

Too Faced

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

This mascara is great for all those seeking glamour, natural-looking makeup, and most of all, feminine makeup. The brand was founded by two Estee Lauder ex-employers Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson, back in 1998.  They offer neutral-looking makeup with gorgeous packaging.

From the very beginning, this brand is cruelty-free. Their brushes Teddy Bear and Mr. Right are made of 100% synthetic, and they are absolutely vegan.

Milk Makeup 

Milk Makeup Lip and Cheek Tint

This is one of the newest vegan makeup brands that you can find in Sephora. They put all their effort into an easy application so you can look great without brushes and hours spent in front of your bathroom mirror.

They have a blacklist of the ingredients that you can’t find in their products. Some of them are colorants, allergens, irritants, mineral oils, talc, synthetic fragrances, etc.

Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Easy Contour

This is a famous high-end British makeup brand, founded by the makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury. The brand offers high-quality makeup – from foundations to eyeshadow palettes. However, the price also reflects the quality, but that shouldn’t stop you if you are a makeup junkie.

They provide us with vegan-friendly makeup, brushes made of synthetic, skincare products, as well as fragrances.

Tarte

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

From loved palettes to concealers – Tarte offers some of the best products for both younger girls and women. Everything is nicely packed, in colorful and designed boxes. They claim to be completely one of the vegan makeup brands. Their formula is always without parabens, mineral oils, phthalates, GMOs, gluten, SLS, and triclosan.

The Balm 

the Balm Hot Mama!

It was founded by Marissa Shipman, back in 2014. She quit her job and decided to organize her own career. The Balm uses lovely retro packaging that along with the rich textures, leaves you completely breathless. The Balm is a completely cruelty-free, talc, and paraben-free makeup brand. Some of their most popular products are Bahama Mama bronzer, Nude eyeshadow palettes, and Instant Blushes. Their makeup brushes are made of synthetic materials as well.

It Cosmetics

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

Focusing on flawless bases and foundations, IT cosmetics are a leader mostly in Britain. They are clinically proven, and innovative, and always tend to solve all skin problems. Founded by Jamie Kern Lima, It Cosmetics now offers both makeup and cosmetics. One of their most popular products is definitely CC+ cream with high UV protection. Their brushes, as well as some of their products, are vegan-friendly.

E.l.f.

e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick, Luxuriously Creamy & Blendable Color

E.l.f. offers inexpensive products in minimal black packaging that leaves no one indifferent. This brand is great for both makeup lovers and the ones who want to achieve the maximum with minimal makeup. You can’t measure this brand with some high-end ones, but their quality is quite good, compared to their price. E.l.f. Product formulas are all vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Their products are safe from parabens, phthalates, nonylphenol, ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. All skincare that this brand offers is also free from sulfates.

Inika

INIKA – Natural Loose Mineral Foundation

This is an Australian brand, based in Sydney which is both organic-natural and vegan-friendly. They are certified organic, cruelty-free, as well as 100% vegan. This is not enough for all makeup junkies, the brand even upgraded its packaging – it is made of materials that are recycled. They can brag about many international certificates and awards. The brand offers ultra-soft makeup brushes.

NYX 

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie

Even though this brand is owned by L’Oreal, it remained cruelty-free. This brand offers highly pigmented products for a perfect price, and that is why it is so popular among makeup bloggers.

Their lip glosses and eye pencils are worth checking out.

The most popular products coming from this brand, such as Can’t Stop Won’t Stop foundation or Lip Lingerie are completely cruelty-free and made of vegan formulas.

Everyday Minerals 

Mineral Blush Powder

This brand creates makeup that contains only essential ingredients for a reasonable price. The brand is based in Austin, Texas, but sells worldwide. They are not only 100% vegan but also sustainable and natural. Everyday Minerals doesn’t test on animals, nor on ingredients or finished products. Their main ingredients are coconut oil, pomegranate oil, cupuacu butter, argan, jojoba seed oil, shea, vanilla, etc.

ColourPop 

ColourPop YOU’RE GOLDEN Eyeshadow

This is a brand popular among YouTubers and makeup bloggers. They are affordable and of good quality. They offer lip and eyeshadow products, and their formulas are cruelty-free. Their most popular products are eyeshadow palettes, matte lipsticks, and highlighters. You can expect highly pigmented colorful palettes, as well as rich, creamy lipsticks.

Glossier 

Glossier The Super Pack

This is a super popular brand that offers some vegan products. They tend to transfer completely to vegan, but since they use beeswax, honey, carmine, and lanolin. However, Glossier confirms that they are cruelty-free – no experiments are done on animals. They also take care of their manufacturers and suppliers. They don’t sell in China. Some of their most popular products are blushes, brow pomade, mascara, and matte lipstick. When it comes to skincare, Glossier’s best-sellers are Milk Jelly Cleanser and Priming Moisturizer Rich.

Jeffree Star Cosmetics 

Jeffree Star Jawbreaker Eyeshadow

Hugely popular as a YouTuber and influencer, Jeffree Star Cosmetics offers makeup products that are both super interesting and vegan-friendly. All of the products are cruelty-free. The brand also contacts the manufacturers to make sure they don’t affiliate with ingredients or places that do animal testing.

Kylie Cosmetics

Kylie Jenner Cosmetics Lip Kit

This is a widely known brand that was founded by Kylie Jenner. When it comes to vegan status, many of these best-seller products are vegan, but unfortunately not all of them. However, Kylie Cosmetics is a cruelty-free brand. None of their products or ingredients are tested on animals. They offer high-end makeup products, mostly lipsticks, and foundations. Their best-sellers are Matte Lip Kits, High Glosses, as well as eye palettes.

Pixi

Pixi Beauty On-the-Glow

Pixie is one of those makeup brands that offer natural products, while some of them are also vegan. Founded by Petra Strand, a makeup artist and product developer with more than 20 years of experience. Their formulas are infused with natural ingredients, mostly botanical and quite beneficial ingredients. Pixi offers some vegan products. They use non-toxic and natural ingredients. Most of all, the brand is cruelty-free. Some of their best-seller products are vegan-friendly – primers, powders, foundations, bronzers, and eye products. The brand also offers vegan-friendly skincare options.

Aether Beauty

Desert Sunset Eyeshadow Palette

Good for you + good for your skin + good for the planet – this is the simple formula behind Aether Beauty. 100 % Vegan, this female-owned brand started in 2018. The founder Tiila Abbitt has devoted herself to the cause of sustainable and high-quality makeup. The pigmented colors of the eyeshadow palettes are to die for. Our personal favorite is Desert Sunset Eyeshadow Palette. The color combination is impeccable, and the application is buttery smooth. 

Ilia

ILIA – Illuminator Organic Highlighter

Summertime can last forever with the ILIA – Illuminator Organic Highlighter. One swipe from this creamy, clean wonder and you are a glowing goddess. Dreams do come true – no sparkles, no glitter, just pure dew. 

Milani

Milani Make It Dewy 3-In-1 Setting Spray

A setting spray that is cruelty-free and will hold your makeup for a long time? Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray and Primer is our go-to product. Spray before your makeup to prime and after to set. Voila! You will look as gorgeous as ever after 8 hours of running errands.

Au Naturale

Au Naturale su/Stain Lip Stain in Purple Reign 

This brand formulated with so much care for the skin. From day one, each ingredient has been scrutinized before being included in a formulation, only those that are ethically sound, factually healthy & naturally sourced, make the final cut. Our top product from the brand is “Au Naturale Stain Lip Stain“. If you love liquid lipstick but hate how dehydrated your lips get after using it, this lip stain is perfect for you. Smooth, buttery, and long-lasting.

Clove + Hallow

Clove And Hallow Lip Double-Ended Lipstick Lip Liner

Another Cruelty-free and Vegan Makeup brand. This little gem is an award-winning vegan cosmetics line formulated by professional makeup artist Sarah Biggers-Stewart. And let’s be real, the price point is affordable.

Concrete Minerals

This one is for all the bold people out there. The founder of the brand was dreaming of a line of mineral cosmetics that wasn’t utterly boring. She wanted something sassy but with fair values. That’s the story of Concrete Minerals. The slogan “All Sass, No Trash” is what we want from a makeup brand. The colors blend smoothly and are long-lasting. The more you apply, the more intense the color, so you control your look.

Concrete Minerals MultiChrome Eyeshadow

Emani

EMANI Vegan Cosmetics Perfect10 Primer Serum

These products are composed of minerals and organic nutrients – it’s food for your skin. We love a good vegan makeup brand that is chemical-free and all-natural. Their perfect 10 hydrating primer is a must-try if you have dry, dull skin.

Haus Labs

LE RIOT LIP GLOSS

In Lady Gaga we trust! She never fails us – her makeup is vegan, cruelty-free, and all-around perfect. That’s not just another beauty brand. It’s all about loving yourself, spreading kindness, and experimenting with beauty. 

NOTO Botanics

NOTO Botanics – Organic Touch Multi-Benne Stain Stick

They focus on high-performing clean ingredients and real results. They believe in the power of simplicity and honesty, and after trying their products we do too! A makeup brand with a cause is always worth supporting.

Ofra

Ofra Cosmetics Radiant Highlighters!

They made their mark in the beauty community when it launched in 1994. They have been around since then and never fail to deliver quality care. It’s quite good for the ones with sensitive skin since it’s all-natural, high-performance, and completely vegan.

Roen

ROEN – Natural 11:11 Eye Shadow Palette

It is on the luxury spectrum and it’s perfect for a subtle everyday glam. Their staple “11:11 Palette” contains four colors you will actually use and love. Methodically designed, they mix well with each other or stand out alone.

Seraphine Botanicals

Seraphine Botanicals Berry + Juice

Do you know what lip gel is? A lip product that delivers all the plumped-up benefits of a tinted gloss in a botanically-enriched formula made from Shea Butter, Soybean, Safflower & Sunflower seed oils as well as Blackberry & Raspberry fruit extracts. And the color is absolutely divine. 100% kissable. 

Sweet Leilani cosmetics

Sweet LeiLani Liquid Foundation

Do you want full coverage from vegan and natural products? Say no more. Sweet Leilani is here to fulfill this wish. Pro tip – it works best when you apply it with your fingers. Yes – fingers. The warmth of your touch will make the product “melt” in your skin. 

The Quick Flick

The Quick Flick 

This is the product for the ones who struggle with winged eyeliner. Hyperpigmented, vegan, cruelty-free, nontoxic, and clumsy-proof! It’s a wing stamp and no – you can’t mess this up. Flawless wing – here we come!

Thrive Cosmetics

Thrive Causemetics Highlighting Stick Eye Brightener

The name speaks for itself. Thrive Causemetics offers luxury high-performance cosmetics and for every product you purchase, they donate to help a woman thrive. Now that’s a cause we stand for.  Let’s thrive on more Cruelty-free and Vegan makeup!

Bare Minerals

bareMinerals Mineral Veil Setting Powder

It’s an iconic brand that all makeup lovers know and love. The Loose Mineral Foundation is the one product that started the whole journey. This is one of the first brands that advocated for clean beauty. Bare minerals are a game-changer within the beauty industry.

Pupa Milano

Pupa Milano Make Up Stories Eyeshadow Palette

It is a synonym for quality makeup. It’s a well-known and established brand. All of the products are cruelty-free and most of them are vegan, but there are some exceptions. With all that in mind, you can pick and choose which products from Pupa Milano are worth it for you.

Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush-Nearly Rose

It is another celebrity-owned brand. Selena Gomez stated that: “Being rare is about being comfortable with yourself. I’ve stopped trying to be perfect. I just want to be me.” We can’t agree more! As far as a favorite product we kinda adore the “Stay Vulnerable” Melting Blush.

Catrice

HD Liquid Coverage Foundation

Catrice is a breath of fresh air! It’s a great drugstore option for people who want cruelty-free and vegan options. When you are running late The HD liquid foundation and the Beautifying balm are the only two products you need to freshen up your look. It will take you 2 minutes and not one person will ask the god-awful question “Are you feeling sick today?”

Natasha Denona

Natasha Denona Retro Glam Eyeshadow Palette

It is another cruelty-free, but not a fully vegan brand. Nevertheless, the products are super high quality. We love the shimmery shadows in her palettes. The gold glitter in the “bronze eyeshadow palette” gives off party vibes. 

Illamasqua

Illamasqua Beyond Liquid Foundation

It has over 150 vegan makeup products, and they are recognized as 100% cruelty-free by PETA. With all that in mind, we are happy to have another makeup option for you! It’s yet another classic brand with lots of great reviews and intense colors.

Josie Maran

Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon

These products are based on argan oil. This natural treasure offers tons of benefits. It’s naturally rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants. Their famous mascara with bamboo extract claims that will give even the finest lashes volume and lift. Sign us in!

Bite Beauty

Bite Beauty Changemaker

They are now officially 100% vegan! In 2020, Bite reformulated all of its products and removed all animal-derived ingredients. That’s great news for the community. We can’t wait to see what other brands follow this pattern in 2021! PS their lip products are something to keep an eye on. Soo buttery!

PUR Cosmetics

PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15

Pur Cosmetics is stepping its game up. Their 4-in-1 Foundation Stick, 4-in-1 Liquid Foundation, and 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup are three of their vegan options and people are pretty pumped about these products. 

Ellis Faas

Ellis Faas – Glazed Lips 

“ONLY TESTED ON SUPERMODELS” is our favorite brand slogan and we can’t stop drooling over Ellis Faas’s amazing cosmetic line. Super innovative and fan-favorite – it’s a must-try! Most of the products are suitable for vegans, except for the mascaras, the Creamy Eye, and a couple of Lip products. 

Fenty Beauty

Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick

Miss Rihanna is our absolute queen. We can’t afford to skip her makeup line. With a wide range of vegan options and a cruelty-free policy, we are excited every time Fenty introduces something new to the market. As far as a recommendation from us…Don’t make us choose only one product. It’s too hard!

Juvia’s

Juvia’s Place Warm and Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

Not only do they have amazing palettes but also all brushes are strictly cruelty-free and vegan. It is hypoallergenic, pigmented, easy to blend, and long-wearing. Women with deeper skin tones are raving about the color payoff and recommend it highly.

Hynt Beauty

Hynt Beauty Duet Perfecting Face Concealer

They are formulated for the conscientious woman seeking a natural beauty brand. Lightweight, everyday makeup with a dewy finish is what you can expect from this brand. 

Besame

Red Velvet Lipstick

Besame is an homage to vintage makeup. The concept is so unique and captivating that you can’t miss the mascara that comes in a refillable metal container. It’s a blast from the past with a modern twist! The All Besame’s powders, both loose and pressed, Black Cake Mascara and Brown Cake Mascara, as well as the Cream Rouge, are 100% Vegan.

Bellapierre

bellapierre Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15

Within the Bellapierre range, you’ll find products that are highly on-trend, made with the safest ingredients, and are entirely cruelty-free. They even added a vegan line that expands rapidly. Bellapierre is our go-to when it comes to powders – loose powder, rouge, bronzers, etc. 

Eyeko

Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara

They are mostly known for their mascaras and eyeliners. They are an award-winning, cruelty-free vegan makeup brand that is worth your attention. Give it a try!

Jade Iredale

jane iredale Just Kissed Lip And Cheek Stain

Last but not least Jade Iredale! They state on their website that “More than 25 years ago, Jane Iredale envisioned a makeup that was good for the skin – equal parts clean ingredients, skin-loving benefits, and no-fade performance.” Well, this vision is currently a reality, and we are all benefiting from it.

100% Vegan Makeup Brands

100% Vegan Makeup Brushes

What is your favorite vegan makeup brand?

While some of these vegan makeup brands are 100% vegan, others tend to be cruelty-free. As you can see, the most used ingredient that is used in these products that are bi-products of animals is beeswax. While some of these vegan makeup brands are 100% vegan, others tend to be cruelty-free. As you can see, the most used ingredient that is used in these products that are bi-products of animals is beeswax.

All these brands stay away from harmful ingredients such as mineral oils, parabens, SLS, talc, etc. That is especially important for people who have sensitive skin and want to transfer from non-vegan to all-vegan cosmetics.

From drugstore brands to the ones that are high-end and really expensive. It is up to you to choose which option is the best for you. The price doesn’t always determine the quality, and as you can see, many drugstore brands have gone 100% vegan, while the high-end ones still haven’t.