The Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Makeup Brands to Support
Is it possible to find a makeup brand that doesn't harm animals or your bank account?
While many makeup brands have adopted, or were even founded on, cruelty-free practices, finding budget-friendly ones can still be challenging. Thankfully, there are so many more options that are accessible to everyone. Here are the best cruelty-free drugstore makeup brands that you can support. Next time you stop by your local CVS or Rite Aid and buy one too many eyeshadow pallets, you can tell yourself it's okay because you're doing it for the animals.
ELF
ELF is a great brand that is cruelty-free, vegan and paraben-free. They are partnered with PETA in the Caring Consumer Project and support the Humane Society of The United States. ELF has a wide variety of eye, face and lip products—from flawless primers to jaw-dropping highlighters. They also offer skincare products and beauty tools! ELF's goal is to make great quality products that are affordable and accessible to all.
Color Pop
Color Pop is an award-winning brand that has products for all of your beauty needs. Not only are they 100% cruelty-free, but they have an incredible variety of high-quality products. They have all the traditional products like mascara, eyeshadow, glosses and concealer, but they also offer fun items like glitter, freckle pens and face stamps. This is definitely the brand for all your fun Euphoria-inspired looks.
PIXI
PIXI is a woman-owned company started 20 years ago. Over the years, it has gained a reputation as a natural beauty brand that only uses high-grade and safe ingredients. Their products made from botanical ingredients are perfect for those who value clean beauty brands and love natural glam looks. PIXI dedicates itself to the safety of animals, so they do not use any parties or supplies that conduct animal testing.
Pacifica
You may know Pacifica for their great skincare products, but they also have an impressive makeup line. All of their products are vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, environmentally friendly and contain no toxins. They say on their website that they believe "[you] should not have to choose between effective or clean, beauty or health, self or environment." Pacifica will help you reach your desired neutral and natural aesthetic without harming animals.
Wet N Wild
Wet N Wild Beauty, launched in 1979, has always been cruelty-free and makes a point to work with third-party vendors that share the same values. They also have vegan formulas for almost all of their beauty products. The brand has been voted the No. 1 value brand in America and is known for its budget-friendly prices. It may be available in the drugstore, but celebrities and makeup artists favor it. Wet N Wild is known for gorgeous lip colors and striking eyeliners. They pride themselves on being inclusive to all.
GLOSSIER
CEO Emily Weiss created Glossier as an offshoot of her online makeup platform, Into The Gloss. The goal has always been to celebrate authentic beauty and work with their customers to create a collaborative experience. They constantly take feedback from their customers and are always evolving to meet their needs. Glossier has a great selection of makeup products as well as a great skincare line. Glossier is entirely cruelty-free and ensures that no level of their production includes animal testing.
NYX
NYX is a cruelty-free brand that has pledged to make more ethical choices, like growing its collection of vegan products. As if that wasn't impressive enough, they are partnered with the L.A. LGBT center and do not use Photoshop on any of their models. NYX is a brand favored by celebrities, makeup artists and professional drag queens because of its full coverage and diverse selection. However, it is accessible to all. NYX says they are "always bringing you pro-level makeup, the most expert formulas, the highest-grade pigments, and making them accessible for everyone."
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