Top Vegan Makeup Options for 2021
December 3, 2021
It was only a few years ago when vegan makeup was hard to find in local drug and discount stores, but the demand for more environmentally friendly, ethically sourced, sustainably produced, plant-based and cruelty free products has changed the makeup industry forever.
It’s important to note that not all makeup brands that are cruelty free are vegan so be sure to check the label before you make a purchase.
There are vegan makeup options available for everyone’s price range. We divided the top vegan options for 2021 into three categories which are products that are higher end, middle range and discount quality. These include supplements and creams as well as face and eye makeup brands. And of course, we can’t forget our very own Havasu Nutrition brand of Biotin gummies that are packed with anti-aging benefits and are excellent for strengthening hair, skin and nails.
High-End Picks
The Organic Skin Co.
“Beauty with a conscience” is the mantra of this New Zealand-based company started by a former model who was looking for better products for her daughter’s health. It’s now worldwide and has a super-devoted following with customizable palettes and great products.
Anastasia of Beverly Hills
Having a little Anastasia in the makeup kit sets the tone for a night out with the gals or a date to that new restaurant downtown you have been dying to try. There are several vegan must-haves to choose from including their liquid lipstick, eye shadow singles, perfect brow pencil.
Tarte Cosmetics
Tarte Amazonian clay full coverage foundation SPF 15 is featherlike and glides on like silk but gives excellent coverage for all day wear without creasing or caking and Vitamin E. It has 12-hour wear and comes in 36 different shades.
Pat McGrath Labs
In keeping with a futuristic, glamorous vibe, Pat McGrath labs has an uber metallic vegan Mothership I Subliminal palette that is out of this world. The shades range from a pale gold to a VR violet and have an iridescent shimmer.
Mid-Range Picks
ColourPop So Vegan Shadow Set
This pallet of nudes, browns and golds is a shimmering, sexy addition to your makeup collection. At just $33, you get several shades that won’t flake and will stay on all day from working all day, to dinner in the evening. Our personal favorite is the boudoir noir palette, which has an ultra-sparkly gold tone set that are super sexy for the bedroom eyes look.
Kat Von Dee Beauty Lock It Powder Foundation
This full-coverage foundation has a soft matte finish. The finish is velvety soft and of course it's vegan and cruelty free. The packaging is in keeping with KVD black and red themes, which are often used in her product lines. Priced at about $37 and available at Sephora.
Value Picks
E.L.F. Cosmetics Vegan
Elf continues to surprise by keeping up their quality and competing with higher end vegan options, while still keeping prices low so everyone can afford vegan makeup. Their E.L.F. putty bronzer in Feelin’ Shady is cruelty free and gives a just kissed bronzed look. It also has argan oil, which gives added moisture without the oily feel.
Lily Lolo Vegan Lipstick Samples
This gluten-free vegan lipstick is made with grapeseed, argan and sunflower seed oils. There are four shades in this sampler set which include a dusty pink nude and a natural rose and are free of GMOs and other additives. The set is great to try at only $3 if you are exploring vegan options for the first time.
Emani Mineral Hybrid Creme
Sex Kitten is completely hand-made and no two are exactly alike, so you’ll get a blend of shimmers and pigments in different colors for your eyes and lips. The formula is free of talc, parabens, mineral oil and fillers and is made of natural waxes and oils and costs about $18.
When shopping for vegan makeup, you’ll want to test a few brands so you know which ones work the best on your skin and have the widest variety of shades. Not all brands glide on well or last all day, so it’s important to find ones that you love to wear.