18 Vegan Makeup Brands To Add To Your Cosmetic Bag
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Many people around the world have begun to seek out vegan makeup brands recently. Consumers have largely begun to purchase vegan brands for a variety of reasons. Some seek out these makeup products because they try to use vegan products in everything in their life, while others feel that it helps their skin much more than the alternative. Many simply search for vegan makeup brands because they don’t want to condone businesses that still test on animals.
Regardless of why you’re seeking out these types of products, there are luckily many fantastic makeup brands considered vegan. Here, we’ve collected our 18 favorites.
From top designer brands to smaller, lesser-known fan favorites, these 18 makeup brands should be added to everyone’s next shopping list. They’re bound to make great additions to anyone’s cosmetic bag!
Best Vegan Makeup Brands
Axiology | ||
Cirque Colors | ||
ELF Cosmetics | ||
Everyday Minerals | ||
Kat Von D | ||
Cover FX | ||
Inika | ||
PHB Ethical Beauty | ||
EcoTools |
Pacifica | ||
Hourglass Cosmetics | ||
Milk Makeup | ||
Lime Crime | ||
Jeffree Star Cosmetics | ||
Beauty Without Cruelty | ||
Ella + Mila | ||
NCLA | ||
Trust Fund Beauty |
Best Vegan Makeup Brands
Axiology | |
Cirque Colors | |
ELF Cosmetics | |
Everyday Minerals | |
Kat Von D | |
Cover FX | |
Inika | |
PHB Ethical Beauty | |
EcoTools | |
Pacifica | |
Hourglass Cosmetics | |
Milk Makeup | |
Lime Crime | |
Jeffree Star Cosmetics | |
Beauty Without Cruelty | |
Ella + Mila | |
NCLA | |
Trust Fund Beauty |
1. Axiology
A makeup brand that produces lipstick and lip crayons in every shade imaginable (and even in shades of purple!), Axiology has quickly become a go-to for beauty lovers who want high-quality lip color made from vegan ingredients. Axiology touts that their lipstick only has 10 ingredients in it, which also makes it ideal for those who only use more natural makeup products. Other than their lip products, one can also purchase t-shirts, hats, and makeup bags with the logo “Bunnies Over Profits” on it.
And if that doesn’t state their overall brand mission, nothing else does.
Verdict: Great for those who want natural and vegan lipstick and are willing to pay the price for it
Pros:
- 100% vegan + products made from only 10 ingredients
- A large range of lip colors in both lipsticks and lip crayons
Cons:
- Pricy; lipsticks tend to sale around $30 apiece
- Some users haven’t loved the overall texture of the lipstick when applied
- Can buy online, but finding Axiology products elsewhere in stores is a bit difficult
2. Cirque Colors Nail Polish
Cirque Colors Nail Polish is one of the best vegan nail polish brands around — and also one of the most Instagrammable. Look at that packaging! Cirque Colors states that all their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic. They are all also handmade in Brooklyn, New York.
Cirque Colors offers many different nail polishes in different types. You can find glitter, holographic, thermal, and metallic nail polishes, as well as so many others. Cirque Colors is the place to go for those who want different nail polish that also happens to be vegan and non-toxic!
Verdict: Best for people who want different types of vegan nail polish
Pros:
- People LOVE this nail polish across the board, especially because of their variety of colors and types
- Many customers state that you only need to apply one coat!
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other nail polishes; bottles go at about $12 to $14 apiece
- Some users state that the polish can chip easily
3. ELF Cosmetics
Possibly one of the most beloved and affordable brands around, ELF Cosmetics is also a vegan makeup brand. ELF Cosmetics touts that it is a completely cruelty-free, vegan brand. However, it also makes sure that its products aren’t made with toxins like parabens and sulfates.
ELF Cosmetics offers quite a lot of products. You can find face, eye, and lip products among their line; they also have a long line of makeup accessories, such as sponges and makeup brushes. Overall, ELF is a complete makeup brand with everyone you could ever ask for.
Verdict: The best overall inexpensive makeup brand that provides different products (such as products for your face, lips, and eyes)
Pros:
- Very inexpensive, yet still great, products
- Can be found online, as well as in many grocery and drug stores around the United States
Cons:
- Some customers don’t like certain products because of texture, application, etc; however, these complaints are relatively small when compared to many other reviews. Overall, ELF is a great makeup brand, especially for this price!
4. Everyday Minerals
A 100% vegan, natural, and sustainable makeup brand, Everyday Minerals is mainly known for its powder concealers, foundations, and base. However, the brand also offers other makeup products, as well as a skincare line that touts options for your face and your body. They also have a baby skincare line!
Verdict: Best option for those who want natural and sustainable powder makeup and are willing to spend a little bit more for it
Pros:
- Vegan, natural, and sustainable! Perfect brand for those looking for more organic takes on makeup
- While their product prices range, Everyday Minerals is cheaper than other options
Cons:
- For the most part, it appears they only offer face makeup in powders; not ideal for those who prefer liquid products
5. Kat Von D
Possibly one of the most beloved designer makeup brands around at the moment, Kat Von D Beauty products are also 100% vegan and cruelty-free! Kat Von D Beauty is probably most famously known for its Tattoo Liner eyeliner, but their long line of makeup products are all high-quality. From face, eye, and lip products to perfume, this beauty line has it all.
Verdict: Best vegan makeup brand that offers a range of products, though at a higher price
Pros:
- Across the board, Kat Von D offers high-quality products and has turned customers into life long fans
- Often makes the Allure Award Winners List!
Cons:
- More expensive than your average “drugstore” makeup brands
6. Cover FX
Full of vegan and cruelty-free products, Cover FX is a slightly more expensive makeup line that has become a go-to for many beauty experts in the last few years. At the moment, the brand mainly offers face products (i.e. bronzer, highlighter, concealer, etc), with their lone eye products attached to face palettes or blush duos. However, their face products are one of a kind, so this can be forgiven.
Verdict: Great makeup brand with the best vegan face products
Pros:
- Expert face products made from high-quality clean, vegan ingredients
- On the “Clean at Sephora” list; great for those with more sensitive skin
Cons:
- Definitely one of the more expensive makeup lines on this list
7. Inika
Cruelty-free, toxin-free, vegan, and also environmentally friendly, Inika is often described as Australia’s favorite natural makeup brand! The brand has a full range of products (face, lips, and eyes), and their lipsticks seem to be many customers’ favorites. The brand has appeared on The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards winners list, as well as the Glamour Beauty Awards.
Verdict: Great makeup brand for those who want certified, 100% organic products
Pros:
- Certified organic; also has many other certifications (from Australian and the UK), making it a highly trusted makeup brand
- Has a full range of makeup products in different categories to choose from
Cons:
- A more expensive makeup line than others
8. PHB Ethical Beauty
Handmade in the UK, PHB Ethical Beauty products declare that they are organic, cruelty-free, vegan, eco-friendly, paraben-free, and certified Halal. The brand has quite a large line of makeup products, from face to eyes to lips. They also have a huge (and quite beloved) skincare line with fan-favorite moisturizers.
Verdict: Best vegan makeup brand for sensitive skin
Pros:
- Great for sensitive skin
- Large amount of products with many different choices
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other brands
9. EcoTools
Your next go-to makeup brush line, EcoTools is one of the best vegan and cruelty-free brands producing makeup accessories. The brand also produces bath accessories, though they’re mainly known for their high-quality, synthetic makeup brushes and sponges. Plus, the whole brand is eco-friendly!
Verdict: Best vegan makeup brand that makes makeup tools
Pros:
- Makeup tools are high-quality and last a long time
- Very inexpensive, especially compared to other makeup brush/sponge options
Cons:
- While their brushes are beloved, some users say their sponges don’t blend as well (compared to other brands)
10. Pacifica
A brand that is known for its natural makeup, skincare, and perfume, Pacifica is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Their skincare line is by far the more loved section of their brand; however, their makeup line is highly regarded. They also make vegan nail polish that many swear by!
Verdict: Best overall vegan makeup brand with many products that is neither cheap, nor too expensive
Pros:
- Has a large amount of both skincare and makeup products to select from
- Also produces items like vitamin gummies and makeup wipes
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than your average “drugstore” makeup prices
11. Hourglass Cosmetics
Known for possibly creating one of the best highlighters currently on the market (their Ambient Lighting Powder), Hourglass Cosmetics is highly beloved by beauty bloggers and beauty experts alike. They create many high-quality products and have a full range makeup line where you can find face, lip, and eye items. They are also vegan and cruelty-free — and they even call themselves the luxury cruelty-free makeup brand!
Verdict: Best expensive vegan makeup brand
Pros:
- Great packaging
- A large range of high-quality makeup products that get the job done
Cons:
- Definitely more of a “luxury” makeup brand, as it is pretty pricy
12. Milk Makeup
A makeup line that has reached cult status, Milk Makeup is a New York-based vegan, cruelty-free, paraben and sulfate-free, clean beauty brand. While a known and deeply loved makeup brand, the company also has a skincare line with cleansers and moisturizers.
Verdict: Best clean, Instagram-friendly vegan makeup brand
Pros:
- Has many different options to choose from, though their lip and cheek sticks tend to be their bestsellers
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other cheaper options
13. Lime Crime
A brand known for its colorful product packaging (as well as colorful shades their products come in!), Lime Crime offers 100% vegan and cruelty-free products. Along with their makeup items, they also sell much-loved hair products, including shampoo, conditioner, and hair dye. In their makeup line, their lip line is their most known (and most loved).
Verdict: Best vegan makeup brand that offers makeup products in “crazy” colors
Pros:
- Looking for colorful shades in yellows, pinks, blues, and purples? Go to Lime Crime.
- Offers a large range of products, from makeup to hair care
Cons:
- More expensive than other brands
14. Jeffree Star Cosmetics
Created by popular Youtube and internet celebrity, Jeffree Star Cosmetics is 100% cruelty-free and vegan. This makeup brand offers a slew of different items, from face to lip to eye products. They’re quite beloved across the board, though their eyeshadow palettes tend to be fan favorites.
Verdict: Best vegan makeup company that produces high-quality eyeshadow palettes
Pros:
- Wonderful eye palettes in both neutral and bold colors
- High-quality products
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other options
- Because of the company’s popularity, items sometimes sell out quickly (so you have to act fast if you want them!)
15. Beauty Without Cruelty
A popular skincare, haircare, and makeup brand, Beauty Without Cruelty is a certified vegan and cruelty-free company. They also tout that most of their products are gluten-free (though you should always visit their website to see their list of current gluten-free options prior to purchase). They have quite extensive skincare and haircare lines. Their makeup line is also full of products, including accessories such as makeup brushes!
Verdict: Best option for those looking for gluten-free and vegan products
Pros:
- Has a thorough makeup line (and a thorough skincare and haircare line)
- Has quite a lot of labeled gluten-free makeup options
Cons:
- More expensive than other makeup brands
16. Ella + Mila
Ella + Mila is both a vegan nail polish brand that also happens to be 7-free (free of certain toxins). The brand is also made in the USA and 100% cruelty-free. The nail polish line has everything you could ever want when thinking about your nails: soy polish remover, top and base coats, and, of course, nail polish!
Verdict: Best overall vegan nail polish brand with many options and nail accessories
Pros:
- Great vegan nail polish brand that offers many different products
- Highly rated; has become one of the most admired nail polish brands currently on the market
- Compared to other polish brands like Essie, the price point really isn’t too expensive (polishes clock in at about $10 a bottle)
Cons:
- Some users have complained about the long time it takes to dry (but the brand does offer drying drops, if needed)
17. NCLA
Founded in 2010 in Los Angeles, NCLA is a 100% cruelty-free and vegan makeup brand that offers a variety of beauty products. From nail polish to lipstick, NCLA is a great place for someone looking to go on a little makeup haul. Their packaging is also adorable — especially their Barbie makeup line packaging. While they don’t have a ton of product compared to some other brands on this list, don’t sleep on NCLA.
Verdict: Best “smaller” vegan makeup line
Pros:
- Great packaging
- Offers different types of makeup (nail, lip, etc) to choose from
Cons:
- More expensive than other makeup brands
18. Trust Fund Beauty
Vegan and cruelty-free, Trust Fund Beauty has been seen in nationally popular beauty magazines such as Vogue and W Magazine. The brand offers a full range of makeup products, including nail polish. Their most popular products tend to be their nail polishes, though many do love their lip glosses.
Verdict: Great makeup line for those looking for glittery nail polish and lip gloss
Pros:
- Offers high-quality products in a variety of different colors
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other vegan makeup brands
- While some users swear by their nail polish, others have claimed that the polish is clumpy and hard to use
Everything You Need to Know When Buying Vegan Makeup
As you search for vegan makeup brands, there are a few things you should look out for. Obviously, make sure the products you’re selecting say that they are vegan and 100% cruelty-free. Most of the time, vegan brands are also cruelty-free — but some cruelty-free brands aren’t vegan. Make sure to double-check prior to purchase! If they don’t tout that they are, they more than likely aren’t.
It also helps to look for the leaping bunny. If you’ve bought vegan products before, you more than likely recognize this little guy. The leaping bunny will be on products that are vegan. If you see this graphic, then you know you’re looking at a certified vegan product!
If you’re looking at a makeup product in a store and, for the life of you, you can’t figure out if it’s vegan or not, don’t stress. It’s hard to learn anything from those tiny makeup tubes. When all else fails, Google the brand and go to their website. If you see absolutely no mention of the brand being vegan, they more than likely aren’t. As we said earlier, brands will let you know when they’re vegan — but will stay quiet when they’re not.
The Bottom Line
Listen, there are some great makeup brands that are vegan out there. However, there are a certain few that are above the rest, as well as those brands that excel in certain areas.
If you’re looking for cheap (yet still high-quality) vegan makeup products, you’re first choice should always be Elf Cosmetics. No other brand is able to create such great vegan products at such a low price. Elf Cosmetics is letting other brands know that you can create vegan makeup cheap — you don’t have to pay twice the normal amount for good products!
There are a ton of vegan nail polish brands currently, but no one is doing it like Ella + Mila are. The brand has become something of a fan favorite, and they offer great polishes and nail accessories alike. All one has to do is look at their product reviews online to realize just how loved the brand has become.
The best luxury vegan brand is a toss-up between Kat Von D and Hourglass Cosmetics. They both are great, and they both have worldwide favorites in their makeup line. Hourglass Cosmetics tends to be more expensive than Kat Von D, but Kat Von D products do run a bit higher than “drugstore” prices. Overall, they both are great — and they both are worth the splurge.
Finally, the best vegan makeup for those with sensitive skin is a tie between Cover FX and Milk Makeup. Both are clean (as well as vegan), and their makeup products have been heaven-sent for users with sensitive skin. Both are a little pricy, but both are well worth it if you have more sensitive skin.
FAQs
Are all vegan makeup brands expensive, or can I find some at stores with low “drugstore” prices?
It’s a common misconception that all vegan makeup brands are expensive! While, on average, they are more expensive than the brands you’ll find at drugstores, there are cheaper brands available.
Elf Cosmetics is always a great place to start. Not only are they cheap for vegan makeup standards — they’re also cheap for regular drugstore standards. Plus, you can find Elf Cosmetics online and in a lot of places (such as grocery or drug stores).
For nail polish, try checking out Ella + Mila. While they’re priced at about $10 a bottle, this isn’t that much more than what brands like Essie charge.
Does cruelty-free mean vegan?
No. Unfortunately, just because a brand is cruelty-free, this doesn’t mean that they are also vegan. It’s a common misunderstanding. After all, we often see brands say that they are both 100% cruelty-free and vegan often — so that means one can’t be true without the other, right?
Wrong. While brands that are vegan are also cruelty-free, brands that are cruelty-free aren’t always vegan. Vegan means there are ingredients in the product that derives from animals; cruelty-free means that no animals were tested on during the creation of the product.
To be careful, make sure you properly research the brand prior to purchase. As we mentioned above, brands will clearly tell you if they’re vegan!
Are there makeup brands that have vegan products, even if they aren’t COMPLETELY vegan?
Yes! Some makeup brands do offer vegan products, yet they don’t only offer vegan products. A lot of people who buy vegan try to only buy vegan, so it’s normal to want to stay away from brands that aren’t 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
However, there are a lot of brands that fit this description. Whether or not you shop at brands like this is solely up to you!
Now It's Your Turn
Now I’d like to hear from you:
What do you think about these vegan makeup brands?
Are you going shop for one of these brands?
Or maybe you'll help raise awareness for vegan makeup products...
Either way, leave me a quick comment below to let me know.