Cruelty-Free & Vegan Makeup – Affordable Drugstore Brands (2020)

One of the biggest struggles I hear from compassionate shoppers is finding affordable makeup that is both cruelty-free and vegan. Yes, there is a difference between cosmetics labeled as cruelty-free and vegan. ‘Cruelty-free’ implies the ingredients and finished product were not tested on animals meanwhile ‘Vegan’ products do not contain any animal ingredients.

There are some great cruelty-free drugstore brand lists and similar resources available online but not one specifically catered for only vegans. It’s probably because it’s a much shorter list but you may be surprised to learn that although a brand may not be considered 100% vegan, they do offer some products that are suitable for vegans.

Here you will find a list of drugstore makeup brands that are either 100% vegan or brands that carry some vegan options, as well as, how you can find those Vegan options. At the very bottom of this post, I also list drugstore makeup brands that are NOT cruelty-free and continue to test on animals and therefore should be avoided.

But let’s start with the Cruelty-free brands that are either 100% vegan or offer some vegan options!

List of Vegan Makeup Drugstore Brands (2020)

Below is a list of cruelty-free drugstore makeup brands that do not test on animals with vegan options!

Please note: Physicians Formula has been removed from our Cruelty-Free List in 2020.

1. Ardell Lashes
2. B. – 100% Vegan
3. Barry M
4. BH Cosmetics
5. Catrice
6. ColourPop
7. CoverGirl *owned by Coty
8. EcoTools – 100% Vegan
9. ELF Cosmetics – 100% Vegan
10. Emani – 100% Vegan
11. Essence
12. Eylure
13. Flower Beauty
14. GOSH Cosmetics
15. Jordana
16. L.A. Girl
17. Lottie London
18. Makeup Academy (MUA)
19. Makeup Revolution
20. Milani
21. Mineral Fusion
22. NYX Cosmetics *owned by L’Oreal
23. Pacifica – 100% Vegan
24. Pixi Beauty
25. Real Techniques
26. theBalm

List of 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free Drugstore Makeup Brands

The following 5 drugstore makeup brands are both cruelty-free and 100% vegan, meaning these companies do not test on animals and none of their products contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products.

e.l.f. Cosmetics 

All of ELF makeup and beauty products are 100% vegan.

e.l.f. cosmetics is one of the most popular affordable professional makeup brands. ELF offers an extensive range of inexpensive, high-quality makeup and skincare products for around $1-6/each.

ELF is sold in most drugstores including Target, London Drugs, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Superdrug.

What I recommend: 16HR Camo Concealer, Flawless Finish Foundation, Matte Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder

Pacifica

All of Pacifica’s makeup, skincare, and perfume are 100% vegan.

Pacifica is a 100% vegan and sustainable makeup brand. They offer beauty and skincare products that are formulated without parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, benzene, mineral oil, petroleum, peanut oil, triclosan, phthalates, and FD&C color.

Pacifica Beauty products are sold at some drugstores including Target, Ulta, Walmart.

What I recommend: Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara, Ultra CC Cream Radiant Foundation, Pink Nudes Mineral Eyeshadows

EcoTools

All of EcoTools makeup brushes, sponges, applicators, and bath accessories are 100% vegan.

EcoTools makes 100% vegan and affordable animal-free makeup brushes with quality soft bristles, sleek bamboo handles, and recycled aluminum ferrules.

Available at most drugstores including Target, Ulta, London Drugs, Walmart, Superdrug, Walgreens

What I recommend: Total Perfecting Blender, Start the Day Beautifully Kit Makeup Brush Set

Emani

All of Emani cosmetics are 100% vegan.

Emani Cosmetics is known for their talc-free, paraben-free, vegan cosmetics that do not contain any harsh chemicals or petrochemicals. Emani products are suitable for the most sensitive and problematic skin. In addition, Emani is committed to minimizing their carbon footprint in all areas of their business; using certified recycled, biodegradable paper, non toxic ink, recyclable packaging and packing materials.

Available at select drugstores including Target and London Drugs.

What I recommend: Hydrawear 12HR Foundation, Flawless Matte Foundation, Prismatic Lipstick Duo Tone Shades

B.

All of B. cosmetics and skincare are 100% vegan.

B. is a vegan beauty brand exclusive to Superdrug. B offers a range of high-quality makeup and skincare products at an affordable price.

Only available at Superdrug.

List of Cruelty-Free Drugstore Brands With Vegan Makeup Options

Below is a list of cruelty-free drugstore makeup brands with some vegan options, meaning these companies do not test on animals and although not all of their products are suitable for vegans as some may contain animal-derived ingredients or by-products, but they do offer some vegan products.

Milani

Some of Milani makeup is vegan (but not all).

Milani cosmetics and beauty products, including face makeup, nail color and a full range of top-quality makeup products, for women of any age, style or skin tone. Some of Milani cosmetics are vegan, find Milani vegan product list here.

Available in-store at Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Shoppers Drug Mart.

What I recommend: Primer Perfection Face Primer, Baked Blush, Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer

NYX Cosmetics

Some of NYX’s makeup and beauty products are vegan (but not all).

NYX Cosmetics is cruelty-free however NYX is owned by L’Oreal, a parent company that does test on animals in 2020. Some of NYX makeup products are vegan, find a list of NYX vegan products here.

Available in most drugstores including Target, Walmart, London Drugs, Walgreens, CVS.

What I recommend: Micro Brow Pencil, Matte Bronzer, Lip Lingerie

CoverGirl

Some of CoverGirl cosmetics are vegan (but not all).

CoverGirl became Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free in 2018 however it should be noted that CoverGirl is owned by Coty, a parent corporation that is still testing on animals when required by law in 2020. Not all of CoverGirl makeup is vegan, but CoverGirl does offer some vegan products, which you can find a list here.

Available at most drugstores including Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Target, Walgreens, Ulta.

Pixi

Some of Pixi cosmetics, makeup and beauty products are vegan (but not all).

Pixi offers a range of natural cosmetics and beauty products with innovative formulations that are infused with botanicals and beneficial ingredients. Some of Pixi products are vegan, for a full list of Pixi vegan products, find it here.

Available in store at Target, Walmart, and Shoppers Drug Mart.

What I recommend: Endless Silky Eye Pen, MatteLast Liquid Lip, Large Lash Mascara

Makeup Revolution

Some of Makeup Revolution’s makeup, beauty, haircare, and skincare range is vegan (but not all).

Makeup Revolution is an incredibly affordable makeup brand known for its eyes and face palettes but they have an impressive and growing range of makeup, skincare, and beauty products. Some of Makeup Revolution products are vegan, you can also find a list of Makeup Revolution vegan products here.

Available in stores at Ulta, London Drugs, and Superdrug.

What I recommend: Conceal & Define Full Coverage Concealer, Banana Powder, Vivid Baked Highlighter

Essence

Some of essence makeup are vegan (but not all).

Essence cosmetics is a popular EU-based drugstore makeup brand dedicated to bringing affordable, fun, and high quality products into the serious world of cosmetics. Some of essence makeup are vegan, find a list of Essence vegan products here.

Available in some drugstores including Shoppers Drug Mart and Ulta.

What I recommend: Pure Nude Highlighter, Satin Touch Blush, Superfine Eyeliner Pen Waterproof

Barry M

Some of Barry M makeup is vegan (but not all).

Barry M is Britain’s leading cruelty-free makeup brand, creating the finest quality, on trend and cruelty-free makeup since 1982. Barry M is a great affordable makeup brand for UK shoppers. Not all of their products are vegan but they clearly label which ones are on their website under each product description, or find a full list of Barry M vegan makeup here.

Available at Superdrug.

What I recommend: Nail Polish, Matte Me Up Lit Kits, Makeup Setting Spray

Flower Beauty

Some of Flower Beauty makeup and cosmetics are vegan (but not all).

Flower Beauty was created by Drew Barrymore, this cruelty-free beauty brand offers luxury, high-quality makeup, and professional brushes at an affordable price. Some of Flower cosmetics are vegan, find a list of Flower vegan products here.

Available at Walmart, Superdrug, and Ulta.

ColourPop

Some of ColourPop cosmetics are vegan (but not all)

ColourPop offers the best quality formula makeup at drugstore prices. You can find a list of ColourPop’s vegan products on their website here.

Available at Ulta.

Mineral Fusion

Some of Mineral Fusions’ makeup and skincare is vegan (but not all).

Mineral Fusion products are at a higher price point compared to other drugstore makeup brands but they also claim their products are free of gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors, and synthetic fragrances. All of Mineral Fusion products are 100% vegetarian, and most are also 100% vegan – full list of Mineral Fusion vegan products here.

Available in store at Walmart, London Drugs, Target, Ulta

What I recommend: Eye Shadow Trio, Lipstick, Concealer Duo

LA Girl

Some of LA Girl cosmetics are vegan (but not all).

LA Girl Cosmetics is an affordable luxury cosmetics brand. Some of LA Girl cosmetics are vegan, find a list of LA Girl vegan products here.

Available in select drugstores including Walmart, Ulta.

What I recommend: Pro Coverage HD Foundation

BH Cosmetics

Some of BH Cosmetics are vegan (but not all)

Proudly born and raised in the City of Angels, BH Cosmetics is a constantly evolving innovative beauty brand dedicated to bringing you the best in cruelty-free cosmetics. BH Cosmetics is all about affordability and inclusivity and encouraging the community of beauty enthusiasts to make the most out of makeup. View a list of BH Cosmetics vegan products here.

Available at Ulta.

Catrice

Some of Catrice makeup products and cosmetics are vegan (but not all).

Catrice is an EU-based cruelty-free cosmetic and makeup brand offering a range of modern makeup collections. Some of Catrice makeup are vegan, find a list of Catrice vegan products here.

Available in some drugstores including Shoppers Drug Mart, Ulta.

Jordana

Some of Jordana cosmetics is vegan (but not all).

Jordana Cosmetics is based in the U.S. and their line of makeup is extremely affordable (lipsticks start at $1.99!). But only some of Jordana’s beauty products are considered vegan, find a list of Jordana vegan products here.

Available in-store at Walmart, Walgreens.

Makeup Academy – MUA

Some of MUA’s makeup is vegan (but not all).

Makeup Academy (MUA) is a UK-based affordable cruelty-free makeup brand, their products are great for all skin types for every occasion. Some of MUA products are vegan, view a list of audcasinos MUA’s vegan products here.

Available exclusively at Superdrug.

theBalm

Some of theBalm cosmetics is vegan (but not all).

theBalm offers some vegan makeup products for face, eyes, and lips. Find a list of theBalm vegan products here. theBalm is known for their talc-free and paraben-free formulations and retro packaging!

Available in-stores at Rexall.

What I recommend: Schwing Liquid Eyeliner, Mary-Lou Manizer, Meet Matt(e) Ador. Eyeshadow Palette

GOSH

Some of GOSH cosmetics is vegan (but not all).

GOSH cosmetics is a Denmark-based cosmetic brand, offering an extensive product range that enables consumers to find precisely the product that matches their individual style and wishes. You’ll be happy to hear that most of GOSH products are indeed vegan-friendly! For a full list of GOSH vegan products, check it out here.

Available in-store at Superdrug.

Lottie London

Some of Lottie London makeup is vegan (but not all).

Lottie London is a UK-based affordable makeup and nail brand. Some of Lottie London makeup is vegan, find a full list of Lottie London vegan makeup products here.

Available at some drugstores including Target, Ulta, and Superdrug.

Real Techniques

All of Real Techniques’ makeup brushes, spongers, applicators, and accessories is vegan.

Real Techniques has a cult following for their synthetic and vegan makeup brushes that are sold in just about any drugstore at a reasonable price.

Available at most drugstores including Target, Ulta, London Drugs, Walmart, Superdrug, Walgreens

What I recommend: Miracle Complexion Sponge, Everyday Essentials Brush Set.

Ardell Lashes

All of Ardell Lashes are vegan, however it is not known which of Ardell makeup is vegan.

Ardell is a popular drugstore brand with a growing selection of cruelty-free and synthetic false lashes. Their lashes are made without animal-hair.

Available at most drugstores.

What I recommend: Ardell Demi Wispies

Eylure Lashes

All of Eylure lashes are animal-free and vegan.

Eylure lashes is a UK-based false eyelash cosmetic brand offering a range of lash styles for every occasion. All of Eylure lashes are made from materials that were not derived from animals, making them all vegan!

Available at some drugstores including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and Ulta.

What I recommend: Luxe Silk Marquise Multipack, Texture No. 117 Triple Pack