Many makeup brands boast that they do not test on animals, are vegan-friendly, or that they do not have parabens. But what does all of this really mean and how can we be so sure?
The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar market and it’s growing exponentially each year. It can be harder and harder to find brands to be loyal to when there are so many loopholes and false claims. For instance, some brands claim to be cruelty free but that’s really only in America. Any foreign (American) brands that sell in China are required by law to test on animals! Many companies do not sell in China for this reason, but there are many large brands that still do. You can find a list of these companies easily online.
There is a lack of FDA regulation in our cosmetics in America. Chemicals in our beauty products can cause everything from acne and premature aging to hormonal imbalances and cancer. The article I wrote last June of 2017 “What’s in My Makeup?” has more of this in detail. If you are having issues with your skin or just want to make healthier choices about the products you use on a daily basis, I have scoped out some truly healthy makeup lines that are completely vegan and animal friendly so you can breathe a little easier!
INIKA Organic
This little gem of a company started in Sydney, Australia in 2006. They are certified organic and cruelty free makeup. They also have a wide range of awesome products any complexion diva will fall in love with!
Spotlight Product:
It can be difficult to find a good vegan mascara (if you’ve tried, I’m sure you know!). Their Long Lash Vegan Mascara won a 2018 Glamour Beauty Award and it is perfect if you have sensitive eyes or get styes easily from eye makeup.
Inika Long Lash Vegan Mascara, $33
E.L.F. Cosmetics
You see it everywhere! From the drugstore down the street to the three full racks of it at Target. Normally when you see beauty products sold at a lower price point you think fillers, fragrances, chemicals, and all that icky stuff. But this brand has truly delivered all the goods with 100% vegan products that are not tested on animals and are so cost effective it’s actually a little frightening!
Spotlight Product:
E.L.F. Complete Studio Brush Kit – 8 pc. E.L.F.’s brush kits are so wonderful for everyday use. They are super soft and there is a shape for everything.
E.L.F. Complete Studio Brush Kit, $20
Pro-Tip
The E.L.F. Flawless Face Brush is an indispensable tool in my professional kit. You can use it for foundation, blush, powder, highlight, bronzer, and probably to paint your bathroom too. I think I own 5 or 6!
Pacifica Beauty
Most beauty brands specialize in makeup, skincare, or fragrances but Pacifica wanted to build a brand that encompassed everything for women that needed something a little special! It’s so refreshing to go to their website and see that they have sections entitled “Bath and Body,” “Nail Care,” and even “Suncare.” What a treat to be able to find natural nail polish that doesn’t have formaldehyde in it! The prices are extremely reasonable to boot.
Spotlight Product:
Gem Serum Radiant Drops. These little babies have rose quartz, watermelon, and lemon grass. Just putting a few drops on clean skin will give you a beautiful glow and an extra pep in your step. You can even add a few drops to your favorite foundation!
Pacifica Gem Serum Radiant Drops, $16
Cover FX
This company was co-founded by a chemist who was formulating special makeup to help women with skin problems. He realized that he could help more women worldwide and thus, Cover FX was born! It’s so hard finding the perfect shade of foundation. Sometimes you need to go a few shades lighter or darker depending on the time of the year as well. Cover FX has over 40 shades of foundation with different undertones to help you get the perfect match!
Spotlight Product:
The Total Cover Cream Foundation is their best seller for a reason. You can get matched in Sephora or even go to their website where you can fill out a questionnaire to help find the right shade for you!
Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation, $42
Kat Von D
This brand is definitely marketed toward a very specific crowd with funky, trendy colors and daring ad campaigns. But that is not to say that this brand does not have some wonderful products with very traditional roots. I definitely keep a few core pieces in my professional kit from this wonderful line and I hope you give it a try!
Spotlight Product:
Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette. It is extremely difficult to find eyeshadows that are not shimmery or glitzy these days. Every now and then your inner drag queen will squeal with delight over those glittery colors but on a daily basis we need something down to earth. This palette covers that need. These beautifully classic neutral matte tones can be worn for everyday wear or even an evening smokey eye. This palette is perfect for the “10 Easy Steps to the Perfect Eye Contour” article I wrote in January of 2017!
Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette, $48
I hope you have found some fun information and cruelty free makeup products with this article! It’s hard to think that we can’t take some of our favorite brands at face value (pun intended, haha) but hopefully some of these makeup lines will help those who are looking for something a little healthier or for cruelty free makeup! Take care of yourselves. xo
