Just as the name suggests, foundation is one of the most important steps in any makeup routine. Aesthetically, the product is key to smoothing out any blemishes and evening the skin tone. But above all else, a foundation's ingredients should really be the number one priority. Quantity-wise, this is the beauty product that you'll likely use the most. It's also a product that is heavily absorbed into the skin. For that reason, it's key to pick a foundation with clean ingredients to avoid irritation and clogged pores.
Enter, vegan foundation. Whether it's a liquid foundation, powder foundation, or BB cream, vegan products are always made without any irritating animal products and are almost always made without parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. They're also almost always cruelty-free (be sure to confirm this by looking for that Leaping Bunny logo). Basically, if you want a foundation that works with your skin rather than against it, narrowing your options down to vegan formulas is a good place to start.
Below are six of the best vegan foundations for a flawless finish. Four of these have already been vetted by Ipsters who received these products in past Glam Bags. Read below to hear what they have to say.
1. TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15
Here is a long-wear, full-coverage foundation that will stay put for up to 12 hours. Amazonian clay helps to balance out complexion, control oil, and provide that perfect matte finish. Meanwhile, SPF 15 acts as a sunscreen, protecting against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Everything made by TARTE is vegan-friendly, paraben-free, gluten-free, phthalate-free, and never tested on animals.
"Great, great product," writes Ipster heathera7950. "I love the shade and the product stays on my face all day. It really is full coverage. It covered all my blemishes and leaves a smooth complexion."
2. WANDER BEAUTY Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation
Here is a hydrating liquid foundation ideal for anyone with a fair skin tone. This full-coverage formula is infused with serums and plant extracts to add key skincare benefits. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin while niacinamide helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Meanwhile, black currant and lotus extract give the skin a luminous glow.
This foundation also comes with a doe-foot applicator which makes it easy to apply directly to the skin before blending. It also makes it easy to use this product as a concealer or to directly target any areas where you want a little more coverage.
Ipster kntmomma writes, "This foundation is one of the best foundations I've tried in a long time. It's dewy, it's glowy, the coverage is excellent. It looks almost skin-like. It wears great throughout the day. I highly recommend this foundation."
3. PÜR Love Your Selfie™ Foundation
We have a special place in our heart for a great multitasking product and this natural finish foundation certainly fits the bill. This richly pigmented, medium-coverage formula manages to conceal, correct imperfections, and infuse the skin with vitamins and minerals all in one fell swoop. Mature skin types will love the invigorating combination of ginseng, green tea, and vitamin B, which help to boost cell metabolism and make skin look plumper. It’s also made with alpha-hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate even the most sensitive skin. If one layer isn't quite enough coverage for you, the formula is buildable. Layer up to easily bump this up to full coverage.
One Ipster found that this foundation even helped her with oil control. "I’ve been looking for a good foundation that covers a lot without the pasty foundation look," she writes. "I was also trying to find something good to control my oily skin. This is by far the best foundation I’ve ever used!"
4. SMASHBOX COSMETICS Studio Skin 24 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation
Don't be fooled: Just because it's vegan makeup doesn't mean it can't also be high performing. Case in point: this 24-hour foundation from SMASHBOX. This iconic, cruelty-free brand is a favorite among makeup artists because originally, it was created specifically to hold up during photoshoots–under hot lights for hours on end. These days, that manifesto translates into everyday long-wear makeup that won't budge.
This buildable, matte foundation is no exception. While the oil-free formula and matte finish will certainly help you steer clear of shine, the results are never cakey. It's also formulated with breathable polymers and hyaluronic acid which work together to keep the skin hydrated while also providing flexible, breathable wear.
After receiving this product in a Glam Bag, one Ipster wrote, "This is the best foundation that I have ever used. It's natural, it's not heavy, and it doesn't irritate your skin. It gives full coverage but does not cake the face at all."
5. TOO FACED COSMETICS Born This Way Foundation
As a brand that has always steered clear of animal testing, TOO FACED is one of the best cruelty-free makeup brands out there. Now they're taking their animal-friendly approach to beauty even further with this moisturizing vegan foundation that's made to look like your skin but better. A quick layer of this oil-free formula will provide medium coverage. With a second coat, you can easily build up to full coverage.
This foundation is also packed with beneficial skincare ingredients. Coconut water and hyaluronic acid act as a gentle moisturizer while alpine rose boosts skin's elasticity and brightens the overall skin tone.
6. CATRICE COSMETICS HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
Here is a paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan formula with a natural matte finish. This is also a long-wear foundation that will last up to 24 hours. But don't think that just because a formula is long-lasting it will feel heavy. Instead, this foundation feels ultra-light and comfortable on the skin. It also features a unique dropper applicator for quick, clean, and easy application.
Remember, it's super important to hydrate the skin before applying a long-wear foundation, especially if you have dry skin. Hydrated skin soaks up foundation better and will help to avoid flaky patches.
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