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One of the biggest struggles I hear from compassionate shoppers is finding affordable makeup that is both cruelty-free and vegan.
The difference between cosmetics labeled as cruelty-free and vegan is ‘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 vegan options. 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, most brands now 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 (2021)
Below is a list of cruelty-free drugstore makeup brands that do not test on animals with vegan options!
- Ardell Lashes
- B. – 100% Vegan
- Barry M – 100% Vegan
- BH Cosmetics
- Catrice
- ColourPop
- CoverGirl *owned by Coty
- EcoTools – 100% Vegan
- ELF Cosmetics – 100% Vegan
Emani – 100% Vegan- Essence
- Eylure
- Flower Beauty
- GOSH Cosmetics
- INC.redible
- L.A. Girl (*note: they sell animal hair brushes)
- Lottie London
- Makeup Academy (MUA) – 100% Vegan
- Makeup Revolution
- Milani
- Mineral Fusion (*note: they sell animal hair brushes)
- Nip+Fab
- NYX Cosmetics *owned by L’Oreal
- Pacifica – 100% Vegan
- Pixi Beauty
- Real Techniques – 100% Vegan
- Studiomakeup (*note: they sell animal hair brushes)
- theBalm
- W3LL PEOPLE
- Winky Lux
- Wunder2
List of 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free Drugstore Makeup Brands
The following 6 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%
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.
Available at select drugstores including Target and London Drugs.
What I recommend: Hydrawear 12HR Foundation, Flawless Matte Foundation, Prismatic Lipstick Duo Tone Shades
Makeup Academy – MUA
All of MUA’s makeup is 100% vegan.
Makeup Academy (MUA) is a UK-based affordable cruelty-free makeup brand, their products are great for all skin types for every occasion. In addition, all MUA makeup products are now 100% vegan!
Available exclusively at Superdrug.
Barry M
All of Barry M products are now 100% Vegan!
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. All of Barry M’s cosmetics and nail polish are now 100% Vegan!
Available at Superdrug.
What I recommend: Nail Polish, Matte Me Up Lit Kits, Makeup Setting Spray
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. 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. 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
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 Waterp
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.
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
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.
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
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).
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 products are 100% Vegan.
Real
Available
What I recommend: Miracle Complexion Sponge, Everyday Essentials Brush Set.
Ardell Lashes
All of Ardell Lashes are vegan, however, it is uncertain which of Ardell makeup is vegan.
Ardell is a popular drugstore brand with a growing selection of cruelty-free
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
INC.redible
Some of INC.redible products are vegan (but not all).
INC.redible Cosmetics offers super affordable cruelty-free makeup from the makers of UK-based brand, Nails Inc. Not all of INC.redible cosmetics are vegan yet, they’re working towards being 100% vegan.
Available in stores at Superdrug.
Nip+Fab
Some of Nip+Fab products are vegan (but not all).
Nip+Fab is known for its affordable skincare range but Nip+Fab also a collection of vegan complexion makeup products. Not all of Nip+Fab products are vegan so you’ll have to check the labels before buying or reference our list of Nip+Fab vegan products.
Available in stores at Superdrug
W3LL PEOPLE
Some of W3LL PEOPLE products are vegan (but not all).
W3LL PEOPLE is not as affordable as the other cruelty-free drugstore makeup brands on this list. But W3LL PEOPLE uses plant-based and organic ingredients, whenever possible. If you prefer ‘clean beauty’ products at an affordable price then you should give W3LL PEOPLE a try. Not all of their products are vegan but they clearly mark all of their vegan options.
Winky Lux
Some of Winky Lux products are vegan (but not all).
Winky Lux sells luxury makeup products at an affordable price. Their packaging is chic and sophisticated with premium formulas while staying budget-friendly. Not all Winky Lux cosmetics are vegan, see here for a list of Winky Lux vegan options.
Wunder2
Some of Wunder2 products are vegan (but not all).
Wunder2 has some of the best waterproof vegan makeup products. Their cruelty-free brow products are super popular and best of all, they’re relatively affordable! Not all of Wunder2’s products are vegan, reference this list to know which items are vegan.
Available in stores at Ulta, London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart
What I recommend: Definitely give their WunderBrow products a try!
StudioMakeup
Some of StudioMakeup products are vegan (but not all).
StudioMakeup has a great selection of cruelty-free makeup products that are relatively affordable. They’re mostly known for their pigmented eyeshadow palettes. And I’m currently working on getting a list of their vegan-friendly products.
Available in store at Rexall.
Drugstore Brands That Are Not Cruelty-Free
The following brands are not cruelty-free as they allow their products to be tested on animals in 2021.
- Almay
- Artdeco
- Benefit
- Blistex
- Bourjois
- Chapstick
- L’Oreal Paris
- Maybelline
- Neutrogena
- NOTE
- Pupa
- Revlon
- Rimmel
Cruelty-Free But Not Vegan
There are some brands that are considered cruelty-free as defined as not tested on animals. However, some “cruelty-free” brands may not offer any vegan products that are formulated without any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. As a result, I chose not to include those brands that don’t offer any vegan products on this list.
Brands that are cruelty-free but not vegan include Burt’s Bees, No7, Japonesque.
Physicians Formula and Wet n Wild
Physicians Formula and Wet n Wild were previously on this list of cruelty-free and vegan drugstore makeup brands, but both have decided to sell in China. Thereby putting their products at risk of post-market testing which may or may not include animals.
