Whether you’re a long term vegan, a recent convert or just trying to do your bit, then you’ll know that finding vegan-friendly beauty products can be a task.
Luckily, more and more brands are venturing into vegan beauty and are expanding their product lines to suit more vegan lifestyles.
Here, we outline vegan-friendly make-up brands, where you can get your hands on them, and our favourite products.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links
Real Techniques
Proving that make-up brushes can be cruelty-free, vegan AND top quality, Real Techniques synthetic brushes are great for anyone who wants a budget-friendly set.
Products we love:
Real Technique's Makeup Sponges are the real MVP and the Flawless Base set is our go-to for everyday make-up.
KVD Vegan Beauty
Kat Von D worked hard to make her line completely vegan as well as cruelty-free. She's now sold the brand on, but KVD Vegan Beauty is still going strong in the vegan beauty world.
Products we love:
Want an eyeliner that can withstand an ACTUAL car crash? KVD is famous for its Tattoo Liner, after a review went viral in 2018. Try and beat that.
We also love the Lock-It Foundation for a base to out-last all others.
B by Superdrug
You’ll be happy to know that you don’t always have to extend your budget to go vegan, and you don’t need to make special trips to the health food store.
Superdrug’s B. range is completely vegan, affordable, accessible – hurrah! They also have an extensive skincare range, too.
Products we love:
Super gentle on skin, the Micellar Water is a staple in our beauty cupboard.
Nanshy
PETA-approved brush brand, Nanshy, offers professional standard beauty tools that are synthetic and really won't break the bank.
Products we love:
Any Nanshy brush set will complete your make-up collection. Seriously.
Eco Tools
Eco Tools is vegan, cruelty-free, use recycled materials and their packaging is environmentally-friendly. Ticks all the boxes!
Products we love:
The Facial Cleansing Brush has short but soft bristles, making it a great cleansing option for those with sensitive skin. We also love the fan brush from the Define and Highlight Makeup Brush Duo kit for the perfect highlighter swipe.
Pacifica Beauty
Pacifica is well known in the vegan beauty world for its innovative products - especially the vegan fragrance. 100% vegan and cruelty-free, you'll find everything you need on its site and you won't need to remortgage your house to afford your wish list.
Products we love:
For glowy summer coverage, we reach for the Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream. We also love the roll-on perfume, perfect for carrying in your purse.
MK Minerals
For a brand that’s friendly to your face as well as your furry little friends, try the MK Minerals range.
Made with 100% pure mineral ingredients, every product in the range actually help to nourish the skin.
As well as being completely vegan, it’s 100% non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, chemical free, and hypoallergenic. Oh there’s SPF 15 in key lines, too.
Products we love:
Opt for the MK Mineral Bronzer, for a subtle, healthy glow. Your skin will feel nice and nourished while your complexion is brought to life.
Arbonne
Health, beauty and wellness brand Arbonne has a wide range of vegan offerings, but their make-up range stands out, and has a luxury feel to it.
They’ve got everything from lipliner to primer, so you really can restock your entire make-up bag in one stop.
Products we love:
Try the Speak Volumes Mascara for fluttery, long lashes. The formula is vitamin-infused and the brush is uniquely designed to get every lash.
Sea Magik
Primarily a body and bath brand, Sea Magik puts skin concerns, cruelty-free products and vegan products at the top of its agenda.
Products we love:
Hidden within the salts and soaps is the imperfection-bustingDead Sea Spa Magik BB Cream.
As well as making skin look flawless, the beauty balm also moisturises and nourishes thanks to added vitamin C and vitamin E. Anti-ageing-properties plus SPF15 within the creamy formula makes this the ideal versatile base for beauty-loving vegans.
Notable mentions...
While these brands aren't completely vegan, they do have a huge range of vegan products and are cruelty-free.
Winky Lux
Winky Lux's promise of "cruelty-free & non-toxic cosmetics at a price that’s nice" could not be more up our street, tbh. The brand strives to use all vegan materials. You can find a list of their vegan products here.
Products we love:
You'll recognise the Flower Lip Balms from Instagram a couple of years back, but they aren't just a pretty fad. It reacts with your skin’s pH levels to create a unique shade that’s just right for you.
Lush
Lush actively fights against animal testing, is committed to ensuring they are fairtrade, AND creates environmentally-friendly products. Plus, everything smells – well – LUSH. Lush is a vegetarian company, but are not yet completely vegan. Around 80% of its products are suitable for vegans, but there are a few ingredients like milk, honey, lanolin and eggs in some products.
Products we love:
We'd be lost without the gorgeous Sleepy Body Lotion.
Illamasqua
Think of Illamasqua, and you'll likely think of dramatic eyeshadow palettes and soft rose blushes. The brand houses over 300 vegan products and never tests on animals.
Products we love:
The Hydra Veil Primer guarantees all-day make-up, even for those with the oiliest skin. Need! The Beyond Powder Highlighter is perfect for a subtle glow and is loved by make-up artists.
Barry M
The stuff of our teenage dreams, multi-coloured Barry M nail varnish still makes up the majority of our collection. Currently, ALL Barry M products are vegetarian and 97% are vegan. Its nail category is 100% vegan.
Products we love:
Fortune Teller and Liquid Chrome are up there as our all-time favourites.
ICONIC London
You'll have seen ICONIC London on the Instagram pages of every beauty influencer - they're responsible for THAT gorgeous, shimmering setting spray. All their products are 100% cruelty-free and many of their products are vegan.
Products we love:
We can't not mention the Prep-Set-Glow which leaves skin hydrated and glowy (a must-have for those holiday Insta snaps!). We also love the Triple Threat Mascara, which is loved by celebs like Kim KW.
Tarte
Not only are Tarte products eco-friendly, they strive to produce cosmetics that look fab and leave your skin feeling fab too.
Products we love:
Life wouldn't be complete without our trusty Shape Tape Concealer.
Makeup Revolution
This beauty startup made waves with its affordable dupe-worthy products, which are PETA-certified cruelty-free, never tested on animals and 76% vegan - with more products on their way to becoming vegan too.
Products we love:
Looking for a Shape Tape dupe? Makeup Revolution's Conceal & Define Concealer has long been hailed as a great budget option. We're also fans of the Forever Flawless Fire palette.
7th Heaven
They're the face masks we all know and love, always there for a girly sleepover or hen do. 7th Heaven masks are affordable, vegetarian (vegan where possible), cruelty-free and PETA certified.
Products we love:
7th Heaven's clay masks are all the rage and luckily, you can get them in bumper packs.
Paul Mitchell
The haircare brand not only enforces cruelty-free policies, but Paul Mitchell also supports environmental organisations and alliances to ensure the planet is looked after.
Products we love:
Both protecting and long-lasting, the Firm Style, Freeze and Shine Super Spray promises crazy-good hold but brushes out easily. Want silky hair? The Conditioner from Paul Mitchelldetangles, smoothes and isn't greasy, and one bottle will last you ages.
The Body Shop
Although The Body Shop used to be owned by L'Oreal, the company is now owned by a Brazilian cosmetics company called Natura, which means it's entirely cruelty-free.
Products we love:
We live for the Friday night mask session and the Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask is a winner.
Which are your favourite vegan beauty brands and products? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.