When it comes to our cosmetics, it can be super hard to find cruelty-free and vegan beauty products that are actually really good. No worries anymore though, because we've been on the hunt to find those products that are actually high-quality too.
With cult brands including Huda Beauty, Illamasqua and Cover FX all going vegan, it's become even easier to extend your vegan habits to your make-up bag and, before you ask, you won't have to compromise on product quality.
Even fashion brand boohoo have jumped on the cruelty-free and vegan wave with a totally affordable collection (and trust us, it's pretty dece).
Your options aren't limited - oh no, far from it, but we've whittled down the many (many) bits available to give you a sampling of all our faves.
Thank us later x
CHECK OUT: All the best vegan and cruelty-free beauty buys for 2022
The best cruelty-free and vegan beauty 2022
1 of 18Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray 118ml
Urban Decay have some of our fave beauty bits and bobs ever. They're cruelty-free and even better, their bestselling setting spray is ALSO vegan. Win win.
2 of 18REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily Aha Tonic 250ml
Everybody has been ob-sessed with this REN toner and even better, it's totally 100 per cent vegan. Gentle but exfoliating, you'll have clear skin in no time.
3 of 18Lottie London Makeup
Cruelty-free and vegan makeup that also has fabulous packaging? Sign us up. Lottie London is the Gen-Z makeup brand you need to have in your cosmetics bag. From eyeshadow to freckle tint, we want everything.
4 of 18Skin Proud
As loved by Love Island's Kady McDermott, Skin Proud is a simple, 100 per cent vegan, cruelty-free skincare brand that embraces every skin type including sensitive skin. From primers to creams and hydrating mists, this is a vegan brand you need in your makeup bag.
5 of 18Boohoo Beauty
Boohoo have also jumped on the cruelty-free and vegan ranges, making a full collection of 'Boohoo Beauty' with completely affordable options. Choose from lipstick, eyeshadows, highlights and more - upgrading your makeup bag ethically and affordably.
6 of 18Primer-Infused Blush
So you're telling us we can have our blush, with extra staying power because it has primer in it, for just £6? Brb, we're off to bulk buy.
7 of 18Tisserand Aromatherapy Mindful Moment Real Calm Bathtime Collection
This is the perfect gift for mum, your sister or, let's be honest, you. Get that bath running and fill it to the brim (not literally...) with this concoction of relaxing essential oils. A quick mental health fix, if ever there was one.
8 of 18Eyeko Yoga Waterproof Mascara
Eyeko's waterproof mascara will cling to your lashes and it won't budge, either. The Korean-made formula is infused with green tea extracts and botanical fruit extracts - dreamy.
9 of 18Skin Base Foundation
A bit of a cult product, Skin Base Foundation is an essential bound to be found in every MUA's kit. The formula is easy to blend and gives full coverage with a flawless finish.
10 of 18Duck & Dry Shampoo
From the makers behind the perfect blow dry, the masterminds at Duck & Dry salons have bottled up their secret formula so you can achieve a silky, full finish even at home. (Conditioner also available.)
11 of 18Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette
Beauty influencer Huda Kattan has answered our prayers yet again with this nude eye shadow palette. Going vegan never looked so glamorous.
12 of 18Ardell Faux Mink Lashes
As expected, these faux mink lashes are irresistibly soft and, as the shortest in the collection, the 817 lash strips add effortless day-to-night glamour to any makeup look.
13 of 18Rose Body Yoghurt
Smooth and never sticky, The Body Shop's rose scented yoghurt can be applied onto wet skin after a shower and dries quickly, leaving skin smooth for up to 48 hours. Perfect for winter dryness.
14 of 18Nyx Professional Makeup Control Freak Eye Brow Gel - Clear
This stuff is the high street's answer to Glossier's iconic Boy Brow. It's half the price, it has just as much staying power and tbh, we might even prefer it. Go on, hun.
15 of 18Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
If you're not familiar with Drunk Elephant already, then now's your chance to get familiar, and fast. Once you get your mitts on even one of their products you'll be hooked for life. It really is true to it's name, too - you're make-up will melt right off.
16 of 18Cienna Rose Cloud 9 Nail Lacquer
This colour is heavenly and a perfect pop of pink to bring you out of the dreary winter blues. The consistency is fab and the Cienna Rose colour options are heavenly - you'd better be quick, though, the best shades are selling out FAST.
17 of 18Q+A Natural Skincare Chamomile Night Cream 50g
We've been obsessed with camomile ever since The Body Shop launched their camomile cleansing balm (a must if you don't already have it). This offering from Q+A Beauty is the perfect antidote to our dry winter skin and, truth be told, we just love a night cream - self-care Sunday VIBES.
18 of 18Sunday of London Botanical Sleepy Mist
We just love a sleep mist these days. We're talking cosy lockdown nights (at this point, we're just trying to make the best of it) with candles alight and this luxurious mist on our pillow - you'll sleep like a log, trust us.
Which ingredients are derived from animals in beauty products?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to know what you're looking for when on the hunt for vegan beauty. Especially when ingredients derived from animals are disguised under fancy, scientific language.
We've untangled some of the non-vegan ingredients most frequently used in beauty products and revealed what the confusing names REALLY mean:
KERATIN - You'll see this advertised at the hairdressers as an ingredient to make your locks silky and strong, but the popular ingredient is commonly derived from animal hair, feathers and hooves, which give the product high levels of protein. An alternative ingredient to use is amino acids, which come from nut and berry oils, and are full of protein.
N-ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE - This long, scary ingredient actually evens out skin tone, but it comes from crustaceans, which include crabs, lobsters and shrimp.
STEARIC ACID - Ever heard of animal fat being used in products? This is it. Stearic Acid is used in a lot of cream formulas and comes from animal fat, or from palm oil.
READ MORE:
In need of more beauty fixes? Check out our pick of the best organic skincare to give you a natural glow all year round.
Which glamorous celebrities are vegan?
Beyoncé - in January 2019 Queen B announced via Instagram that any fans who took the plunge to follow a plant-based diet would be in with the chance of winning concert tickets for life.
Ariana Grande - In an interview with The Mirror, the U.S singer revealed, "I love animals more than I love most people, not kidding. I am a firm believer in eating a full plant-based, whole food diet that can expand your life length and make you an all-around happier person."
Meghan Markle - veganism has even had an impact on the royals, too. According to reports, Prince Harry received a diet overhaul by vegan wife, Meghan.