14 Vegan Makeup Brands to Add to Your Clean Beauty Routine
When you're transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle or you simply want to make sure everything in your beauty cabinet is healthy and friendly to our furry friends, finding the best vegan beauty products can take your beauty routine to the next level. While vegan cosmetics often do focus on sustainability and steering clear of banned ingredients like those on IPSY’s “The Out List”, it's important to know that vegan makeup and cruelty-free makeup aren't necessarily the same thing. Simply put, “cruelty-free” generally implies that no animal testing occurred, whereas “vegan” means that the product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients (like collagen and keratin) or animal by-products (like beeswax).
In theory, a cruelty-free product could potentially not be vegan and a vegan makeup product could potentially still be tested on animals. To be sure that the product you're eyeing has no tie to animals, it's best to look for both labels. The good news is, it's relatively rare to find a vegan product that's not also listed as cruelty-free.
Ready to stock your makeup bag with all the best vegan makeup out there? Below, we've listed 14 of our favorite vegan makeup brands, plus our favorite products from each line.
The 14 Best Vegan Makeup Brands
1. MILK MAKEUP
MILK MAKEUP has quickly become one of the leading brands in both the vegan makeup and vegan skincare department. With high-performing, super versatile formulas, these clean products are likely to quickly become your desert island must-haves. They already are for many makeup artists.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: MILK MAKEUP Lip + Cheek
Vegan and versatile? Now that's a combo we can get behind. This dual-purpose stick doubles as a sheer blush and hydrating lip tint. Add just a touch for a subtle effect, or apply a little more to experience how beautifully the color can build. Made with mango butter, peach nectar, and avocado oil, it also provides the skin with a dose of hydrating benefits for easy application and an added glow.
2. KVD VEGAN BEAUTY
If you're under the impression that vegan beauty products won't hold up as well as their non-vegan counterparts then allow us to introduce you to KVD Vegan Beauty (formerly KAT VON D). Known for impressively long-wearing formulas, these are the high-quality products to turn to when you need your makeup to stay locked in place until makeup remover comes into play.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: KVD VEGAN BEAUTY Tattoo Liner in Trooper
This ultra-pigmented liquid liner is completely waterproof and smudge-proof. With a super-fine point, it's ideal for creating anything from winged lines to a graphic eyeliner look. "Goes on smooth and evenly, stays put ALL day, so easy to apply! My favorite product so far," says one Ipster.
3. HALF CAKED
If you're a fan of BENEFIT's quirky packaging and witty product names, consider HALF CAKED your vegan alternative. Everything from this playful makeup brand is 100% vegan, and 100% cruelty-free. Run by two sisters in Tampa, Florida this is your destination for on-trend products that are easy and fun to wear.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: HALF CAKED Super Glazed in Semi-Charmed
Lip products are often a common culprit for a non-vegan ingredient list. Tallow and cochineal dye (carmine) are two animal ingredients you might find hidden in your favorite lip color. Steer clear of both of those with this hydrating, pigmented lip gloss that's certified vegan and cruelty-free. This flattering dusty rose color even smells like strawberries and cream, making application an even more enjoyable process. "Great color saturation, staying power, and shine," writes one Ipster. "It's not sticky, has a great scent and a subtle, sweet flavor. Works great alone or over lipstick."
4. THRIVE CAUSEMETICS
Want your beauty habit to give back? In addition to being 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, THRIVE CAUSEMETICS donates to women-oriented causes every time a product is purchased. Kind to the planet, animals, other humans, and your skin, these are products you can truly feel good about wearing.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: THRIVE CAUSEMETICS Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara™
This cult-favorite volumizing fiber formula wraps your lashes to thicken, lift, and define them for a look that mimics lash extensions more closely than most tubing mascaras we’ve tried. It even features a nourishing Orchid Stem Complex to encourage growth. Want to learn more about what we thought of this award-winning mascara? Check out our THRIVE CAUSEMETICS Liquid Lash Extensions review.
5. SERAPHINE BOTANICALS
For a vegan beauty brand that also uses as many natural ingredients as possible, check out SERAPHINE BOTANICALS. Featuring plant-based, fairtrade, and sustainably sourced formulas, these products are gentle on your skin and the planet.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: SERAPHINE BOTANICALS Berry + Juice - 100% Vegan Lip Gel in Rose Currant
This lip gel falls somewhere in between a lip balm and a lip gloss. It uses plant-based hydrating ingredients like shea butter, safflower oil, and sunflower oil to condition the lips, improve texture, and protect against sun damage. This gel offers a shimmery, rosy tint and non-sticky, glassy finish — something our beauty editors believe is on the verge of becoming one of the next big makeup trends.
6. LOTTIE LONDON
This eccentric small beauty brand is 100% cruelty-free and on the path to becoming 100% vegan. Their wide selection of vegan makeup products is proof that vegan doesn't mean boring. From glitter-packed eyeliner to supersaturated eyeshadow palettes, these vegan must-haves are bright and bold in the best way.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: LOTTIE LONDON Shimmer Squad Highlighter in The Good Girl
If your new plant-based diet isn't already giving you a glow, this champagne-hued highlighter ought to do the trick. Totally vegan and cruelty-free, this blendable powder uses mica to illuminate any skin type. "Wonderful shade and so glowy," writes Ipster scmackinnon. "I love popping this in the inner corners of my eyes and sweeping it across my cheekbones."
7. PHASE ZERO MAKEUP
This vegan makeup line creates the kind of foundational products that you'll come back to time and time again. Think: highlighters with the perfect amount of glow, bronzers that leave you subtly sunkissed, and an eyeshadow palette you can use to create pretty much any type of eye makeup look.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: PHASE ZERO MAKE UP Shimmer Eyeshadow in Nude Newbie
This shimmery, champagne-colored eyeshadow is the ultimate go-to for everyday wear. Apply it all over the lid for a gentle, illuminating lift, or use it as a highlight in a bolder eye makeup look. The possibilities are endless. One Ipster writes, "This is stunning! I love the formula and the shade is gorgeous! It also works amazing as a highlighter!"
8. TRUST FUND BEAUTY
If TRUST FUND BEAUTY isn't already one of your favorite vegan makeup brands, it's certainly about to be. Everything this ultra-affordable brand sells is made sans animal products and animal testing and is all non-toxic. The clean, cruelty-free makeup is designed to make you look like "you just hit up Vegas on Venus." Now that's an aesthetic we can get behind.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: TRUST FUND BEAUTY Nail Polish in Mermaid Vibes
Whether you're going for mermaid vibes or space-chic, this iridescent nail polish is sure to make a splash. Made to stand up to summer sun, sand, and surf, the chip-resistant polish is super durable, quick-drying, and 10-free (meaning void of 10 chemicals that can be harmful to your health).
9. HOURGLASS COSMETICS
Since its launch in 2004, HOURGLASS has been a cruelty-free brand that has stood against animal testing. The brand even donates 1% of its annual online profits to the Nonhuman Rights Project, a U.S. organization that works to secure fundamental rights for animals. In late 2020, HOURGLASS successfully reformulated all their products to be fully vegan.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: HOURGLASS COSMETICS Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
Just because a makeup product uses vegan or natural ingredients doesn't mean it will be lacking in the drama department. Case in point: this lash-transforming mascara that lengthens, volumizes, lifts, and defines lashes. The jet black formula (which is made without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates) is also concentrated, meaning you only need to apply a few swipes for big, bold, beautiful lashes.
10. COVER FX
What initially started as makeup made for patients with skin conditions has blossomed into a vegan makeup brand "where personalized beauty and clean, high-performance formulas meet". With formulas made for every complexion and skin type (yes, even the most sensitive skin), it's a great go-to for those looking for great products that will enhance their natural beauty.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: COVER FX Natural Finish Foundation
This water-based and oil-free vegan foundation is one of the products that put COVER FX on the map. Featuring 40 shades (!!) and a second-skin finish, it offers full coverage and a range of skin benefits like antioxidant protection, 12-hour hydration, and a dose of vitamins C, E, and F.
11. LIME CRIME
Looking for the vegan lipstick of your dreams? LIME CRIME has you covered. This line of ultra-vibrant beauty products puts a major emphasis on color — whether you want to add it to your lips, eyes, or hair. We'd say it's a safe bet to say something from this brand will be one of the funnest additions to your vegan and cruelty-free makeup bag.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: LIME CRIME Beet It Matte Lipstick
Everyone needs that one lipstick they can pull out and apply when they really want to wow. This liquid formula is unbelievably pigmented and long-wearing. Seriously, this stuff won't budge until you break out waterproof or oil-based makeup remover. This particular deep berry shade will look absolutely stunning on all skin tones and during any season.
12. PACIFICA
With more skincare and beauty products than you could ever want, PACIFICA may just become your new one-stop shop for vegan beauty buys. With affordable prices, clean ingredients, and a refreshing mix of classic and on-trend products, it has something for everyone.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: PACIFICA Vegan Collagen Skin Solve Primer
While collagen is a famously non-vegan ingredient, PACIFICA has created an innovative vegan alternative. The silicone-free primer pairs this ingredient with hyaluronic acid and caffeine to visibly firm and plump. Meanwhile, light-reflecting pigments create a soft blur that creates an ideal base for face makeup.
13. TOO FACED COSMETICS
Currently, TOO FACED is one of the leading brands in cruelty-free cosmetics—so much so, that it's even accredited with PETA. While not currently 100% vegan, the brand is taking its animal-friendly approach to beauty one step further with a wide range of vegan products.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: TOO FACED COSMETICS Better Than Sex Mascara
There's a reason this is one of the most popular mascaras out there. This iconic black mascara focuses on buildable length and volume while the unique hourglass wand helps to define and curl every lash. The key ingredients here are polymers, Acacia Senegal tree extract, and peptides. Polymers lock curled lashes in place, Acacia Senegal tree extract promotes volume, and peptides condition each lash.
14. TARTE
While big-name beauty brand TARTE is also not exclusively vegan (although they are entirely cruelty-free), we're also giving them an honorable mention for their very wide selection of vegan-friendly products, which includes most of their makeup and all of their makeup brushes.
Our Favorite Vegan Pick: TARTE tarteist™ Double Take Eyeliner
Ditch your old eyeliner in favor of this handy two-in-one alternative. On one side, you have a kaolin clay-infused gel pencil, which is great for tightlining the eyes. On the other, you have a liquid liner to create rich, dramatic lines like a sharp cat-eye. No matter which side you use, both are waterproof and will stay smudge-free for up to 12 hours. "You can never go wrong with anything by tart[sic]," writes one Ipster. "Love the brand, love the textures, and love the color."
Want to discover more beauty brands tailored to your preferences? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.
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