There are many cosmetics formulated for sensitive skin, but is vegan makeup better for your skin instead?
Each one of us has sensitive skin. Some are ultra-sensitive, while others can be quite tolerant. Still, our skin is not literally made of wood or plastic, so we should take care of it.
When you go vegan on your makeup products, you’re not only taking care of your skin in a more natural way, but you’re also helping out animals and nature indirectly. We have cars and appliances that are eco-friendly, so why not try and be eco-friendly with your makeup choices as well?
You’ll find out more about vegan makeup in this article as we explore what it really is, its effects on your skin and your entire body, and how guiltless it can be. You’ll also learn about popular vegan makeup brands so you can wear makeup confidently even if you have sensitive skin.
Is Vegan Makeup Better for Your Skin?
Vegan cosmetics is not just a trend. There are reasons why brands like E.L.F are adding this type of cosmetics to their product line. Among other things, there’s a clear demand for it as people are getting aware of how good it can be.
Even high-end brands can actually create a vegan makeup line if they choose to do so. Why most of them are still not going for it as of yet has always been a mystery. Still, we don’t have to wait for them as there is quite a lot of selection already which you’ll learn in the later sections.
What is Vegan Makeup?
Some people make it sound like vegan makeup is synonymous with “Cruelty-Free” makeup. But did you know that this is not entirely true?
A product can only be labeled as cruelty-free if there are no animals used in its testing. On the other hand, vegan makeup does not contain any animal ingredients. This is what it truly means. Sadly, there are still some vegan cosmetics that are tested on animals.
Contrarily, while it’s true that there are already a lot of makeup and skincare products that are not tested on animals, a large percentage of them are still not vegan-friendly.
Charlotte Tilbury The Uptown Girl Look Set
If you want to confirm this, the best example would be Charlotte Tilbury The Uptown Girl Look Set. All of the items in the makeup bag are not tested on animals. But, out of the seven makeup products in the set, only three of them are both vegan-friendly and not tested on animals. These are the Classic Eyeliner in Audrey, Full Fat Lashes and Lip Cheat in Pink Venus.
What I’m going to tell you next may come to you as a surprise. I was also taken aback when I found out about it before. (The next sentences will be quite gross so get ready to act tough.)
Most cosmetics have animal ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, and even uric acid from cows! Of course, you don’t get to taste the animal fat when you apply your lipstick or smell the cow’s urine when you blend your blush. But knowing that they’re part of the ingredients can still give you goosebumps.
However, this does not mean we must go vegan all the way immediately. It’s still a matter of choice. While it’s great that some popular cosmetic brands are starting to create their own line of vegan makeups, it’s still probably a long shot before it happens to our favorite brands like MAC or Chanel.
Are Vegan Makeups Expensive?
This is a very important factor to consider because there’s a common trend happening with anything that’s slapped with a label of being “all-natural”, “eco-friendly”, or “vegan”. They tend to be a lot more expensive than usual.
Fortunately, it’s not the case here.
Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara
As with any cosmetic brands, there are those which are high-end and those with drugstore prices. With vegan cosmetics, choosing a cheaper brand still entails the same benefits of not having any animal products.
FDA doesn’t have a clear and concise guideline as to what a vegan cosmetic should be as of yet, but a lot of organizations have agreed upon a standard. If you want one that has been approved by a majority of advocate groups, look for brands that are cruelty-free or those that passed the Leaping Bunny Program. Covergirl has passed this certification with its Cruelty-Free product line. In fact, their Lash Blast Fusion Mascara is fast becoming a crowd-favorite.
Benefits of Vegan Makeup for The Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you should consider trying vegan cosmetics. Studies have revealed that cosmetics with animal ingredients can cause breakouts since they have a tendency to clog pores.
Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, you should still consider giving your skin a rest when it comes to applying makeup. If you can’t go out without wearing one, you can choose to wear vegan makeup on ordinary days and reserve your non-vegan cosmetics for those important meetings or when you’re going on a date.
Vetements Hoodie
Did you know that our skin absorbs what we place on it? Wearing cosmetics with animal ingredients may negatively affect our health over time since they enter our bloodstream. Uric acid from cows may not cause you to have gout but it may still contribute in the long run when combined with other unhealthy life choices.
The main benefit of this type of makeup is not about bright colors, long-lasting formula, or delicate scent. It’s about NOT having animal ingredients that may damage your skin and your overall health over time.
Another advantage is that it gives those with sensitive skin the freedom to wear makeup without irritation.
Reasons to Use Vegan Makeup
Here’s a list of reasons why using them can be considered a great choice. It’s not only better for your skin but for other facets of life.
It does not contain harmful chemicals
Lanolin is an example of a harmful animal ingredient. This is the wax on a sheep’s wool clothing that can clog pores and cause acne.
Formulated with vitamins
Most vegan cosmetics are formulated with vitamins A, C, and E that help prevent breakouts and improve skin tone.
Natural plant-based ingredients
These have a high concentration of antioxidants that are beneficial to the skin and your entire health.
Your skin will age beautifully
Since they have gentler ingredients, you’ll not be overworking your skin from neutralizing or flushing out those chemicals. A skin that’s not stressed out is a skin that glows and continues to look young.
Greater chance of being cruelty-free
Cosmetic brands that manufacture these “green” products are more into NOT doing any animal testing.
Environment-friendly packaging
Most products adhere to their already environment-friendly ingredients by using recycled materials for their packaging.
Friendly to animals
Aside from not being tested on animals, no animals will be sacrificed to just extract those tallow, uric acid, etc. Because even lab animals are essentially animals too.
The ultimate benefit is that you’ll have better peace of mind. This is especially true if you’re sensitive about animal cruelty and have sensitive skin.
You don’t have to go vegan all the way unless you really have to, though. I’ve been switching my cosmetics into vegan every now and then, but I don’t go all out yet. Fortunately for me, my skin is not super sensitive so I can still safely wear non-vegans like Chanel Pirate, which is still incomparable if you want to have lusciously red lips.
Vegan Cosmetic Brands to Explore
Urban Decay
This cosmetics brand had been cruelty-free ever since they started creating exceptional makeup more than 20 years ago. Not only do they let you express your individuality with their wide range of products, but they also do so without testing on animals.
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
They gained fame for their iconic Naked Palettes, and have since given us Eyeshadow Primer Potion and 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, among other great makeup products.
Their vegan and cruelty-free All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is a must-have if you want serious staying power for your makeup. It promises to keep your makeup looking fresh for up to 16 hours with their patented Temperature Control Technology.
This iconic setting spray has a microfine mist that is so lightweight and doesn’t feel sticky at all. You’ll just know it’s there because you’re the one who applied it (of course) and when you see the results. I should’ve used this during those years when I was still partying all night. But, no regrets, nowadays this is my go-to whenever I go out on a hot and humid day.
Tarte Cosmetics
Another cruelty-free brand, Tarte Cosmetics now offers a wide array of vegan-friendly makeup that is PETA-certified. Their eco-chic, high-performance beauty products include the cult classic Amazonian Clay line as well as the Maracuja skincare range. I still haven’t tried it, but did you know that they also have a bleach-free teeth whitening pen that is also vegan?
What I’m really loving right now, though, is their water-based foundation, the Water Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 from the Rainforest of the Sea collection. This cruelty-free and vegan hypoallergenic foundation has medium buildable coverage. What makes it really great is that it’s super lightweight, hydrating and nourishing. Not to mention that a little goes a long way.
Tarte Water Foundation
Three to four drops of this ultra-fluid foundation is enough to give me natural-looking medium coverage while supplying me with much-needed hydration. If I want additional coverage then I just add a few more drops. Of course, this also depends on the application method I use, whether I apply it using a makeup sponge, a foundation brush or even my bare hands.
When you buy it from the link (click the photo), you also get a free gift valued at around $34. The 3pc set includes Quench Hydrating Primer which is another vegan-friendly and cruelty-free makeup from the brand, as well as a latex-free blending sponge plus a 4-in-1 mist.
I’m not sure if this is a limited promotion, so you’d better act now before you miss out on this amazing freebie!
Marc Jacobs Beauty
If you’re looking for a high-end beauty brand that doesn’t test on animals, then Marc Jacobs Beauty is the one to explore. However, they’re just starting to go vegan-friendly as most of their products still contain non-vegan ingredients like lanolin.
A vegan and cruelty-free makeup you can try from Marc Jacobs Beauty is the Highliner Liquid Eyeliner. It’s also gluten-free, free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, and many other ingredients that we’re trying to avoid.
Other Brands
Aside from makeup, skincare brands are also starting to go into this direction. Some of them include Dermalogica, Chantecaille, and Youth to the People.
Chantecaille Rose de Mai Cream
Chantecaille Rose de Mai Cream is one of the best moisturizers you can try that is both animal component-free and cruelty-free. This vegan cream is unbelievably light, which I really love. It sinks into the skin without leaving any greasiness. My skin feels soft and smooth, plus it smells wonderful! (Sorry, but I just don’t like products that leave you smelling like rotten vegetables!)
Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser
Another vegan and cruelty-free skincare product that I’ve recently tried is the Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser. You don’t need to buy an expensive juicer to give your face its daily dose of green juice! Its gel formula is packed with cold-pressed antioxidants and superfoods like spinach, kale and green tea to give you the ultimate cleanse.
Don’t worry, it doesn’t smell like rotten veggies, or I wouldn’t use it at all! This is an essential part of my perfect double cleansing routine that’s as clean and refreshing as it smells.
Hourglass Travel Brush Set
If you’re looking for a brush set, you can check the Hourglass Vegan Travel Brush Set.
Yes, it does look very luxurious and each brush features high-grade Taklon bristles that are PETA-approved. Plus, the brush roll is made from quality vegan leather. But, although it’s both vegan and cruelty-free, it is quite the splurge. Now you know that it’s the perfect gift you can give yourself this year!
While waiting for your other favorite brands to create vegan and cruelty-free makeup, you now have these choices to consider.
Wrapping It Up
Vegan makeup is not for everyone. But for those who choose to go this path, you’re not only making things better for your skin, but for the animals as well. For those who are not ready to make the switch, there’s nothing to be ashamed of or guilty about, though. Our freedom of choice is such a wonderful gift and this diversity in makeup helps to cater to our different needs.
So, is vegan makeup better for your skin? It is, but it does not necessarily exclusively mean that it’s what everyone should be using. In the end, it’s all about what feels good for you and your skin.
It’s pretty much like eating a healthy and balanced diet. While I eat lots of veggies, I also get my protein from meat. It wouldn’t be “balanced” if we shun out the other.
If you want to consider trying a vegan makeup, I’d recommend Charlotte Tilbury The Uptown Girl Look Set. This way, you get to try a vegan-friendly and cruelty-free eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick all at the same time.