Trying to find a makeup brand that is ethical in its manufacturing isn’t the easiest task these days. More than ever, makeup enthusiasts are turning to products and brands that are committed to being cruelty-free.
What exactly does this mean? I’m glad you asked! Cruelty-free means that neither the products nor the ingredients used in the products have been tested on animals by the company or any affiliated suppliers.
However, it isn’t as simple as popping into the store and picking up any makeup product on the shelf. While many companies are moving towards cruelty-free manufacturing, many haven’t quite gotten there yet. When faced with a dozen options at your local drugstore or beauty retailer, it may be difficult to determine which brands offer options that align with your specific requirements.
Don’t worry—that’s where we come in! Here at GenTwenty, we have done our research and found five makeup brands that are cruelty-free so that you can feel assured that the products in your next makeup splurge were not made unethically.
Many of these products have been certified as cruelty-free under PETA’s ‘Global Beauty Without Bunnies’ program and those that aren’t have disclosed their cruelty-free commitment in their online policies.
5 Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands You Should Try
1. Colourpop Cosmetics
To kick off this list, we have to talk about Colourpop Cosmetics. Colourpop is a bit of an unusual brand, as it is a primarily online retailer that sells high-end quality products at drugstore prices.
Known largely for their collaborations which incorporate popular trends such as Animal Crossing New Horizons and Lizzie McGuire, Colourpop has amassed a large social media following as well as loyal clientele.
One of Colourpop’s best features, however, is that it is proudly cruelty-free. None of their suppliers nor any outside company affiliated with Colourpop tests their products on animals. Additionally, Colourpop does offer a number of vegan products in its collection.
2. e.l.f. Cosmetics
In recent years, e.l.f. has become a very popular option for affordable, drugstore cosmetics. Their collection boasts a vast range of makeup products for eyes, lips, and faces. In recent years, they have also added a skincare line into their collection that has been widely praised.
Although there was some disputing information circulating a while back, e.l.f. Cosmetics has been and continues to be cruelty-free. Since their makeup brushes don’t use animal hair, you’ll be able to browse from a wide range of cosmetics, skincare, and makeup tools without any reservations!
3. NYX Cosmetics
A subsidiary of the company L’Oreal, NYX Cosmetics have swiftly become must-have products in any makeup lover’s repertoire. NYX consists of professional makeup that is popular among both emerging and established makeup artists, as well as anyone who loves to experiment with high-quality makeup for reasonable prices.
While not all of its makeup is vegan, NYX Cosmetics was certified cruelty-free by PETA in 2010. Since then, it has been dedicated to keeping to this standard.
None of their ingredients or finished products has been tested on animals. Furthermore, NYX is also committed to other inclusive objectives such as equality for all and abstaining from retouching their promotional images.
4. Fenty Beauty
Whether you’re a music fan or a makeup lover, you will have likely heard of Fenty Beauty, the passion project of Rihanna.
Fenty Beauty has been sufficiently praised for its widely inclusive foundation shade range, which initially included 40 shades but has since increased to 50. The priciest option on this list, Fenty Beauty has enjoyed immense success in its four-year run and according to many makeup enthusiasts, it has earned its reputation.
According to their policy, Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin do not test their products or ingredients on animals, nor do they allow outside suppliers to do so on their behalf. Similar to Colourpop, Fenty Beauty does have a selection of products that are free of animal byproducts. However, as a whole, Fenty Beauty would not be considered vegan!
5. Covergirl
Covergirl is likely the brand with which you’re most familiar on this list. If you have ever taken a gander down the beauty aisle of your local drugstore, you will have spotted the Covergirl display.
Both a popular and affordable option among newbies and experienced users alike, Covergirl has been around for decades. In this time, it has found its way into the hearts—and makeup bags—of many.
What you may not know about this brand is that in 2018, Covergirl became cruelty-free! This is great news for beauty geeks on a budget or those who simply prefer more accessible options, as it provides a more affordable alternative to some of the other options on this list. Furthermore, while Covergirl isn’t totally vegan, they do offer vegan choices under their Clean Fresh Collection.
Cruelty-free products are slowly becoming more prevalent in the beauty community, which is a huge step in the right direction. While not all brands have jumped aboard this trend just yet, these five brands will definitely help you in making the right choices for you on your next makeup run!
About the Author
Felicia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History. She currently works remotely as a Customer Support Specialist for a small, female-owned business and also writes reviews for her book blog. You'll find her enjoying buying too many books, relating to Taylor Swift songs, and getting emotionally invested in TV shows. When she was 10 years old, she presented her family with her first ever written novel. Since then, she has never put down the pen. She hopes to someday be able to share her stories with the world.
Website: www.thebookishbrunette.com