Whether you’re team natural (power to you!) or enjoy a nice highlight and contour, at the end of the day, we all just want to look and feel our best. Of course, navigating the ins-and-outs of cruelty-free cosmetics can be tricky, but finding quality products shouldn’t have to come at the expense of our furry, four-legged friends.
Unfortunately, even though there have been major strides on behalf of animal rights, animal testing is still a method widely used in many countries (even in the United States) to demonstrate whether or not a product is safe for human use. The good news is there are a plethora of cosmetics companies that don’t test on animals and are vegan-friendly! Enjoy shopping guilt-free because we’ve got the lowdown on 5 brands that are cruelty-free and totally within budget! (Need I say they would also make excellent stocking stuffers this holiday season!)
5 Cruelty-Free Drugstore Makeup Brands That Won’t Break The Bank
ecoTools
Although they don’t sell makeup, ecoTools is a terrific go-to for makeup brushes—all of which are 100% cruelty-free and vegan! EcoTools is also committed to sustainability and pride themselves on being eco-conscious! All of their products are made from recycled materials, such as aluminum and plastic, and the handles on their high-quality brushes are made from recycled and renewable bamboo! Their packaging is also made of 100% “Tree-Free” paper! You can find their products at Walgreens, CVS, Target, and even Walmart. Pricing typically ranges between $1.99 and $19.99!
Six Piece Essential Eye Collection, $7.99.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Dumplings, rejoice! If you’re looking for vegan-friendly makeup, e.l.f Cosmetics is a terrific option—and they even have gluten-free products! E.l.f Cosmetics recently made the switch from using animal hair in their makeup brushes to using 100% synthetic fibers! The company does warn potential shoppers to watch out for any old brushes containing animal hairs that may still be circulating in the market. From their brushes to their makeup, e.l.f. Cosmetics is also now free from animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax and lanolin, which they have replaced with vegan-friendly alternatives. E.l.f. products are widely available in drugstores like Walgreens and CVS as well as other major retailers like Big Lots, Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Target.
Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls & Brush Duo, $7.00.
Jordana Cosmetics
Sadly, not all of Jordana’s products are vegan, but they do have a wide variety of vegan products to choose from! All of their products are certified cruelty-free by PETA and The Leaping Bunny Program—a terrific downloadable app that details which companies are have made it their mission to end animal cruelty! You can find Jordana products in Walgreens and Kmart—all at a relatively low cost as Jordana’s products typically range between $0.99 and $7.99! What a steal!
Sweet Cream Matte Liquid Lip Color in Tiramisu, $4.99.
Milani
Milani, the parent company of Jordana Cosmetics, is also Leaping Bunny-certified and 100% cruelty-free. Similar to Jordana, they are not an all-vegan brand, but do have a wide selection of vegan products which are of great quality! Pressed powders, eyeliners, bronzers, blushes, lipsticks—you name it! Milani has suitable vegan options that are comparable to other, more high-end products (i.e., it’s a great line for luxury dupes!). Find them in Walgreens, CVS, Target, Kmart, and Walmart!
Baked Bronzer in Glow (also in Soleil), $9.00.
Wet n Wild
A favorite go-to for makeup brushes sans animal hair, Wet n Wild is 100% cruelty-free and have made it a point not to do business with third-party vendors that conduct animal testing. Most of Wet n Wild’s products are vegan (check out this helpful list!), but they are actively working to transform their company into an all-vegan brand. Although Wet n Wild products are made in China, where animal testing is required for all imported cosmetics, they (along with Milani and Jordana Cosmetics) do not sell their products there and are not held to these regulatory standards. Wet n Wild’s products can be found at Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens as well as The Dollar General, Walmart, and Target. From a 0.99 cent lipstick to a $30 makeup palette (one of their more expensive items), pricing is definitely well within budget!
MegaGlo Contouring Palette in Dulce De Leche (also comes in Caramel Toffee), $4.99.
(All product pricing and availability may vary depending on location.)
Have you tried these cruelty-free drugstore makeup brands?
Also by Audrey: Going #PlasticFree? Try These 5 Luxe Eco Brands, From Tea To Vegan Lipstick
4 Unexpected Ways to Green Your Beauty Routine Like an Earth Goddess
