It's become a common known fact that a lot of makeup brands test on animals. If you're trying to be conscious about where you buy your makeup from, it can be difficult to navigate which brands are safe and which are not. Some brands might not test their products on animals, but if their parent company does it can raise some ethical questions. If they sell their products in China, they also can't be considered a cruelty-free brand, because China requires all beauty product imported into the country to be tested on animals.
Luckily, there are resources for those trying to be kinder to the animals. Cruelty Free Kitty is a blog that constantly updates on different makeup brands and how ethical their products are — including some vegan brands! Below is a list of various brands you might not know were cruelty free.
1. Kat Von D
Kat Von D is one of the more ethical high-end brands on the market. She's currently reformulating all of her products so that they're vegan, but until then any of her products are completely cruelty-free.
2. NYX
Even though NYX is owned L'Oreal, the brand has continued to stay cruelty free. They're an amazing drug store brand that has a great reputation.
3. e.l.f.
This is another drug store brand that is widely known as cruelty free. They're products are inexpensive, and great for someone who doesn't want to spend a lot of money on makeup. However, not all of their bushes are cruelty free — so be careful before buying.
4. Wet n' Wild
This is yet another well-know, cheap drugstore brand. Their best products are their eyeshadows, and their new makeup brushes are completely cruelty-free.
5. ColourPop
While ColourPop is only available online, their products are still a high quality for a cheap price. Most of their products are less than $10, and their lip products are considered a dupe for the Kylie Jenner line.
6. BH Cosmetics
Another affordable, online only brand, BH Cosmetics is a cult-favorite among the beauty community. Their most-known products are their eyeshadow palettes.
7. Tarte
While Tarte is owned by Kose, a company that tests on animals, Tarte has remained cruelty free. They have a wide range of well-known products that are worth the high-end price.
8. NARS
While NARS is owned by Shiseido, this is another high-end makeup brand that's cruelty free. Their Orgasm blush is a beauty community favorite.
9. Too Faced
Too Faced has a wide range of products to choose from, including their eyeshadow palettes and their Melted lipsticks. However, they are owned by Estee Lauder, which is not a cruelty-free company.
10. Marc Jacobs Beauty
If you're looking to spend a lot of extra money, Marc Jacobs is always a good choice. While their range of makeup products are cruelty free, their perfumes are not (so just make sure you're buying from Marc Jacobs Beauty and not Marc Jacobs Fragrances).
11. Milani
Here's one more drug store brand to add to the list. Milani currently isn't owned by another company that tests on animals, making them completely cruelty-free. Their Baked Blushes are a staple in most makeup collections.
12. Urban Decay
Urban Decay is another company owned by L'Oreal, but their highly pigmented, vibrant products are to die for. They also have a range of Naked palettes with more neutral colors for those looking for a more toned-down look.
13. Anastasia Beverly Hills
While this company originally started out selling only brow products, their line has expanded immensely, and now sells eyeshadow palettes and lip products.
For a more extensive list of cruelty-free makeup, check out Cruelty Free Kitty's list of 101 Cruelty-Free and Vegan Makeup Brands. If you'd rather just look at a list of companies to avoid, check out her list of Companies That Test on Animals.
