Many popular makeup companies are now switching to cruelty free methods of production. However, not everyone can afford high-end makeup such as brands by ULTA or Kat Von D. Thankfully, cruelty free drugstore brands are available, and many of them are of very high quality.
Hard Candy: (Available exclusively at Wal-Mart)
This brand is very fun. It has bright vibrant colors, and is very good quality. I have personally used their colored mascaras (they have everything from neon green to bright pink to classic black) and thoroughly enjoyed the fun look they provided. I would also recommend their lip plumpers, and a friend of mine swears by their Glamoflauge concealer. It is a thicker full coverage concealer that can cover almost anything! Their products average around $8 dollars, and are definitely worth it.
ELF Cosmetics (Eyes Lips Face):
ELF is a brand I really like. However, sometimes their products can be a bit hit-or-miss. I was not a fan of their tinted moisturizer; I found it hard to blend, and found that it provided almost no coverage. However, their shimmering facial whip is part of my daily look. It provides the right bit of highlight and shimmer, and comes in different colors, including ones perfect for use as blush (lilac petal and pink lemonade) and ones perfect for highlighting brows (spotlight). Their face products are generally good, however I have had better results with their powdered foundations than liquid. Their lipsticks, and eyeliners are wonderful. Personally I do not like their mascara very much. However, this brand is certified by PETA, and very inexpensive. It is available at Target, Walmart, and most drug stores. Personally, I would recommend purchasing it from their website, as they almost always have specials and promotions.
According to ELF Cosmetics' website they are cruelty free. This is their statement:
"We do NOT test on animals or endorse such practices. Our products do not contain animal derived ingredients. Beeswax has been replaced by synthetic beeswax and lanolin has been replaced by Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladinpale-2. We currently support HSUS and are partners with PETA in the Caring Consumer Project."
Physicians Formula:
This brand is available at most drug stores, including Rite Aid, which is where I buy it from. Their skin products are great, and most of them are hypoallergenic; they won't cause breakouts, and are great for sensitive skin. I would recommend their "happy blush" and most of their powders and eyeshadows. I personally really enjoy the concealer I purchased from them. I have not personally used their mascaras, however I have heard very good reviews. This brand has a huge range of facial products. They have bronzers, tone correcting powders, blushes, mineral powders, concealers, primers foundation and so much more. They were even voted best in bronzers! They are a little more expensive than ELF, ranging around $10 per product.
According to Physician's Formula's website, their products are non-greasy, won't clog pores, and are hypoallergenic. In addition their website states:
"Physicians Formula Inc. does not conduct tests, or commission any outside facility to conduct tests that involve the use of animals. The safety of our products is determined using such alternate methods as "in-vitro" testing, human clinical evaluations and human use-trials under the supervision of a Board Certified Dermatologist."
Wet N Wild:
This brand is available at most drugstores, and is very cheap. Some products are only around $1. Their eyeshadows are very good. They have one palette "Walking On Eggshells" that is very similar to MAC's Naked Lunch, Cork and Shroom shadows. I would not recommend their mascaras. They do not go on evenly and are often prone to clumping. Their nail polishes however are wonderful, considering they only cost around a dollar. This brand is not the highest quality in my opinion, however they are cruelty free, and that counts for something.
