Forget Veganuary, we're becoming more and more conscious of the products we use - from skincare to makeup - and which ingredients they use, so we're using vegan makeup brands all year round. We're looking into the best vegan makeup brands, and listing them based on who's approved them and why we think they deserve a place in your crowded beauty collection.
What is vegan makeup?
In short, vegan makeup does not include any ingredient that is derived from an animal or any animal ingredient.
Typical ingredients that aren't vegan-friendly to look out for, but by no means exhaustive, are:
- Honey
- Beeswax
- Lanolin
- Collagen
- Albumen
- Carmine
- Cholesterol
- Gelatin
What is the difference between "Vegan" and "Cruelty-Free" makeup?
Vegan makeup does not include any ingredients that are derived from animals, whereas cruelty-free makeup is not tested on animals. These are not exclusive of one another. For example, a cruelty-free product may include animal-derived products such as honey, whereas a vegan product may have been tested on animals.
For more information, read our blog post answering what is cruelty-free?
How do I know if I'm buying vegan makeup?
Most vegan makeup brands will be certified by the following animal welfare brands, so keep an eye out for their symbols on the packaging:
We'll make sure to keep this list updated, as and when changes happen.
Best Vegan Makeup Brands
- theBalm
- Barry M
- BLEACH London
- Cover FX
- EcoTools
- Illamasqua
- Inika
- Lime Crime
- Nailberry
- NYX Professional Makeup
- The Ordinary
Now you know how to identify vegan makeup, it's time to countdown the best vegan makeup brands to add-to-bag right now.
theBalm
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrDeQo-Fdmf/
theBalm is an american cosmetics company, and aren't currently certified by any of the above companies. However, part of their makeup range is self-certified as vegan, and some products such as mascara do not include beeswax.
Certified by: NA
Best vegan makeup products:
Barry M
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsIE4ClhfkR/
A wide range of Barry M Cosmetics is deemed to be vegan, however not every single product in their catalogue is completely free of animal products. Keep an eye out for "vegan" written within the product description.
Certified by: NA
Best vegan makeup products:
BLEACH London
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoXOZfihbUx/
BLEACH London may be best known for their vegan hair products, but their makeup line is also 100% vegan. Again, not certified by an official source.
Certified by: NA
Best vegan makeup products:
Cover FX
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqf6P2Pg8fz/
A vegan makeup brand through and through, Cover FX has been certified vegan by PETA, and every single one of their products is vegan.
Certified by: PETA
Best vegan makeup products:
EcoTools
https://www.instagram.com/p/BklLqMmjxo8/?taken-by=ecotools
Another killa' makeup brush brand that's totally vegan is EcoTools. Made from sustainable bamboo, these brushes are also totally great for the environment.
Certified by: PETA
Best vegan makeup brushes:
Illamasqua
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkmeUUKCKNw/?taken-by=illamasqua
Illamasqua always has been and always will be proud to say they're Vegan-certified by PETA. Their bestselling Beyond Powder highlighter is one of our faves, and it's made from a completely vegan formulation. We knew we were onto a good thing.
Certified by: PETA
Best vegan makeup products:
INIKA
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bke0ZXGARxk/?taken-by=inikaorganic
Australian cosmetics brand INIKA was set up by Melissa Bond as an answer to her search for high quality and safe to use products.
We can confirm that these products are incredible to use: we're particularly obsessed with the blusher, which is simultaneously pigmented but buildable.
Certified by: The Vegan Society UK
Best vegan makeup products:
Lime Crime
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsBilxwncXb/
Every single one of Lime Crime's makeup products is deemed vegan by PETA. From eyeshadow right through to lip gloss, you won't be able to find an animal byproduct.
Certified by: PETA
Best vegan makeup products:
Nailberry
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkHwv4uHq5W/?taken-by=nailberry_
Are you due an at-home mani? Make yours a vegan one. We've already listed the best nail polish you can treat yo' self to, and we're happy to let you know that Nailberry's are all completely vegan.
Certified by: PETA
Best vegan nail polish:
NYX Professional Makeup
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkvME5Wl7VC/?taken-by=nyxcosmetics_uk
It's no secret that we're obsessed with NYX Professional Makeup here at HQhair. Is NYX Professional Makeup vegan, though? Although the occasional product contains beeswax (check the label!), plenty of their products are suitable for vegans.
Recommended by: PETA
Best vegan makeup products:
Shop Vegan Beauty Products
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