Veganism is more than just what you eat, it is also about eliminating animal based products from your lifestyle. This includes clothing, shoes, and even cosmetics. There are many animal derived ingredients used in the cosmetics industry. I get asked about vegan foundations especially, so I would really love to share my favourite cruelty-free and vegan foundations with you!
Vegan vs Cruelty-free
The terminology of vegan and cruelty-free can trip people up. Vegan means that no animal based or animal derived ingredients are used. Cruelty-free means that the ingredients and formulation have not been tested on animals. The two terms are not mutually inclusive. A product may be labelled vegan and still be tested on animals as the term vegan refers to the ingredients. Not all cruelty-free products are vegan. So be sure to research whether a brand with vegan formulas is also cruelty-free. Ethical Elephant is a great resource for choosing vegan and cruelty-free products. I choose cruelty-free and vegan foundations for my professional makeup kit.
Here are five cruelty-free and vegan foundations that I love to use on my clients.
Face Atelier
Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro is a favourite among professional makeup artists. It’s highly-pigmented formula has a buildable coverage that looks like beautifully flawless, perfect skin. This cruelty-free vegan foundation does not require a primer, and it is designed to last through anything. The foundation is moisture, heat, and sebum resistant. It sets without powder if you prefer a more dewy look. It also has an amazing range of global shades for every skin colour, plus adjusters so you can blend the perfect shade.
Catrice True Skin
Catrice True Skin Hydrating Foundation is a new addition to my kit. I discovered the Catrice brand while researching vegan foundations during lockdown in 2020. This hydrating formula is a stunning, long wearing foundation that quenches drier skins with hyaluronic acid. It wears comfortably all day and night, and has a lightweight, buildable coverage with a radiant finish. The shade range is fantastic, from the darkest skin tones to the palest, there is a shade for everyone. And the price point is an absolute BARGAIN. There is also a coordinating concealer available to perfect any blemishes or under eye circles.
Catrice HD Cover
The HD Liquid Coverage Foundation by Catrice is so impressive! Just a couple drops of this lightweight formula provides a medium to full coverage with a matte finish. It is a 24 hour wear formula, and it really does last. It is WATERPROOF. The cruelty-free vegan formula has an airbrush finish, and there is also a concealer available. Another bargain gem from Catrice that has global skin shades. I adore this foundation!
RCMA
This cream foundation is a cult fave among professional makeup artists. If you are looking for a vegan foundation that will go from a sheer tinted moisturiser to a full cover concealer, the RCMA foundation does it all. A little of this product goes a long way as it is over 50% pigment, yet it never looks cakey or heavy if applied correctly.. To apply, you will need to scrape out a tiny amount with a spatula and warm it on the back of your hand by rubbing with your fingertips. Apply where you want the most coverage and then buff it with a foundation brush or beauty blender sponge. If you want less coverage, mix a drop of serum or moisturiser with the product. You will want to set with a translucent or colourless powder. One pot of this foundation will last you a very long time indeed!
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish
If you want a truly full coverage vegan foundation, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish will be your jam. I kinda have a love hate relationship with the Tilbury foundations, but this is the better of her formulas. It is a super full coverage with an absolute matte finish, so perfect if you are really oily. Swerve this is you are the least bit dry or dehydrated in your skin, as it will show every bit of flakiness or fine lines. When I use these vegan foundations, I prefer to just apply a small amount where it is needed most and then blend it out. I always make sure the sin is prepped with moisturiser and I use the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Finish as a primer to give this foundation a more supple skin look. If you are looking for a cruelty-free and vegan foundation similar to Estee Lauder Double Wear or Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish, this is exactly what you are looking for.
I do hope that more brands will embrace the cruelty-free and vegan formulas. It is better for the animals, and it is better for the environment, therefore it is better for every human on the planet.
Do you have cruelty-free and vegan foundations that you love? Or any other cruelty-free and vegan makeup that you can recommend? Tell me in the comments or over on my Instagram @glamoramamakeup