Best Vegan & Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands: 11 Amazon Must-Haves
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What's the difference between vegan and cruelty-free makeup?
Until recently I always assumed that vegan and cruelty-free were one and the same when buying beauty products. But it turns out they're not. While they both involve kinder, more ethical treatment of our furry friends, there is a small difference between them.
Cruelty-free means a product was developed without testing on animals. But, this does not mean that it's vegan.
Cruelty-free cosmetics may still contain animal-derived ingredients, or ingredients tested on animals by a third party. They can be formulated with ingredients that you'd never find in vegan brands.
Some common animal-derived ingredients used in beauty products include; collagen (cow and fish), beeswax and honey, lanolin (sheep), carmine (beetles), gelatin (cow or pig), allantoin (cow), squalene (shark liver oil).
That last one sounds alarming because it is. Even if you're not vegan it's really important to know the difference between Squalene and Squalane. Read the labels before you buy —if your product contains this ingredient, make sure it's 'Squalane' with an a!
Does vegan makeup mean cruelty-free?
Likewise, you might think that the term ‘vegan’ implies that a product is also cruelty-free.. again, it's best not to assume. Because this is a poorly regulated area where products can legally claim to be vegan and still be tested on animals.
Which makeup brands are cruelty-free 2021?
If you're not worried about vegan ingredients, but prefer no animals to be harmed during the making of your cosmetics Cruelty-free Kitty has a comprehensive list of beauty brands that don't test on animals.
What makeup brands are cruelty-free and vegan?
But, what about if you want both? The good news is that more and more companies are developing their products without testing on animals, and minus animal-derived ingredients. Peta has a checklist of all these wonderful brands.
To make your life even easier, The Rich Skin Club has found some cruelty-free and vegan makeup must-haves from Amazon. Check out the list below!
AMAZON BEAUTY MUST-HAVES
11 CRUELTY-FREE & VEGAN MAKEUP BRANDS
1. PYT Beauty Double Duty Lipstick + Lip Gloss $12
Cruelty Free + Vegan
I love this two-in-one gloss and lippy! This color is Muted Berry, and it's moisturizing and hypoallergenic. Its also vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, formaldehyde-free, synthetic fragrance-free, phthalate-free, paraffin-free, and petrolatum-free.
2. e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi-Stick $4
Cruelty Free + Vegan
Add shimmer to lips, eyes, or cheeks with this creamy, lightweight multi-stick in Glistening Peach. This is also cruelty-free, vegan, 100% free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol, ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone.
3. CATKIN Eyeshadow Palette Makeup $19
Cruelty Free + Vegan
Gorgeous highly pigmented palette. Matt and shimmer, creamy, neutral eye shadows.
4. ILIA Natural Liquid Light Serum Highlighter $42
Cruelty Free + Vegan + Clean Beauty
This dreamy highlighter is in a category I like to call 'Anti-Aging Makeup'. This is because they are cleanly formulated with organic and natural skincare ingredients —in this case, Marine Actives that help to protect against UV light and pollution.
5. Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes Mascara $5
Cruelty Free + Vegan
A mascara that doesn't smudge or flake just volumizes and defines lashes without the mess. This is a long-lasting mascara that doesn't fade making it perfect for long day wear. It also gives 'falsies' volume! Its paraben-free, oil-free, acetone-free, perfume-free, alcohol-free.
6. ONLYBETTER Vegan Eyeshadow Palette $10
Cruelty Free + Vegan + Clean Beauty
Natural and 88% Organic this ethical eyeshadow palette is created with skincare goodies - Plant Extracts like Sage and Evening Primrose. Ultra-micronized pigmented waterproof eyeshadows, cream formula, serious staying power, and blend-ability.
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7. Pacifica Beauty CC Cream Radiant Foundation $18
Cruelty Free + Vegan
Color Correcting Cream with broad-spectrum SPF 17. It has protective and moisturizing skincare benefits and contains minerals that adapt to your own skin tone. Free from parabens, phthalates, and other ingredients you don't want on your skin
8. PYT Beauty Everyday Powder Blush
Cruelty Free + Vegan
Highly pigmented blush formulated with hydrating and enhancing ingredients like Jojoba Seed Oil and Vitamin E for a lightweight, smooth consistency that gives skin just the right amount of perk and color radiance. Mauve Rose Pink with Matte Finish. Paraben-free, formaldehyde-free, synthetic fragrance free, phthalate-free, paraffin-free, and petrolatum free.
9. HALEYS RE:VIVE Concealer Cream
Cruelty Free + Vegan
The light-diffusing technology and peptides in this under-eye concealer help to soften the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles without clogging pores. This concealer contains nourishing ingredients like Rosemary Leaf Extract and Sunflower Extract to help hydrate the skin. Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and fragrance.
10. PÜR 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie
Cruelty Free + Vegan
An all-in-one long-wear foundation and concealer infused with skincare ingredients. It conceals, masks, and blurs imperfections seamlessly blending onto the skin for an airbrushed-look and glow for your perfect selfie! And you can choose your perfect match from a whopping 100 shades.
Jillian Dempsey Cheek Tint
Cruelty Free + Vegan + Organic
Hand-selected organic and naturally-derived ingredients create this blendable lips and cheeks tint. The velvety texture glides on, blends easily, and gives a healthy, natural-looking flush. Formulated with plant waxes and Bamboo Stem Extract to help moisturize and provide protection for the skin barrier.
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