Going cruelty-free is the easiest way to save countless animal lives, but it can seem difficult at first, especially since most brands’ websites claim that they do not test on animals. But, when you delve a little deeper, you realize quickly that that is not the case. Brands can say they don’t test makeup on animals, but test “non-makeup” items on animals (moisturizers, anti-aging ingredients, sunscreens)––items you can easily find in any foundation or powder. Brands may not test on animals in the US and Europe, but if they sell in China, they are legally obligated to test their products on innocent animals. Lab animals are treated horribly, and although it’s a shame that many brands (looking at you L’Oreal, Maybelline, Benefit….) choose to keep up this barbaric practice, so many wonderful makeup brands are 100% cruelty free, and the quality (and price) can be just as great as their cruel counterparts.
1. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Eyeshadow primer is an absolute must for anyone with oily lids, and it not only helps your eyeshadow stay on longer but makes the color much more vivid and bright! Too Faced can be expensive, but the amazing quality of their products makes them well worth the money.
2. Lime Crime Venus Palettes
Lime Crime is kind of a controversial makeup brand, but scandals aside, they are still vegan and cruelty-free. These unique eye palettes are not only incredibly pigmented and gorgeous, but they were tested on models, not animals. These are also a little expensive at $32 each, but you can buy them bundled up to save some cash.
3. Jefree Star Liquid Lipsticks
I’m sure we all remember Jefree Star from the Myspace days, but who would have known that he would come out with some of the highest quality makeup products out there? These liquid lipsticks are easily my favorite formula that I have tried. The velvety finish stays matte and in place, and doesn’t dry out your lips the way that other matte lipsticks do. Also, the colors are too die for. They have everything from neutrals to pinks to red to blues and purples, and even a white! Major vegan and cruelty-free score.
4. Colourpop Lippie Stix
On the topic of lip products, some of the best lipsticks in the game are from an online-only brand called Colourpop. These Lippie Stix are cruelty-free and only $5! They also have an amazing collection of shades, especially for nudes and rosy tones. Kylie Jenner also makes her lip kits in their factory, so for only $5 you’re getting an amazing, cruelty-free, Kylie-approved lip color.
5. Elf HD Powder
Elf is a hit-or-miss brand for me, but this $6 powder is a definite yes. It sets your makeup, leaves a smooth finish, and makes your foundation picture perfect. Bonus: it’s literally the same formula as the Makeup Forever HD and Tarte HD powders, so you're saving money and animals.
6. Anastasia Brow Powder
I use this brow powder every day, and it’s absolutely incredible. Smooth, pigmented, and easily blendable, it’s the perfect cruelty-free way to get those brows on fleek.
7. NYX Contour Kit
At only $25, this highly-pigmented contour kit is an absolute steal. With contouring as the biggest trend on Instagram right now, this kit is a must-have for any makeup lover who wants to experiment with contouring without breaking the bank or paying for the torture of animals.
8. Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer
The name says it all. This baby is strong and pigmented enough to cover tattoos with just a little dollop, and it’s not so thick and creamy that it will crease or look cakey under the eyes. This concealer covers up scars, pimples, dark circles, you name it! At $25, it’s pretty pricey, but a little goes such a long way that you’ll have it for a while.
9. Wet 'n Wild Eyeshadow Palettes
On the much cheaper side of thing, these eyeshadow palettes are incredibly pigmented; just one swipe is so full of color that I literally did not believe the price could be so low for such high-quality makeup. Not only are these super cheap––there are a variety of shades so anything you need from a hot pink to a smokey look to a barely-there look you can get out of these.
10. Essence Get BIG! Lashes
I never thought a $3 could perform so well. It gave my lashes volume without getting clumpy, and it’s black, like really black. This baby is also cruelty-free and is a great alternative to other drugstore mascaras like Maybelline and L’Oreal that have a great reputation and result, but may not be the most animal-friendly.
