8 Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands to Make Your Skin (and Heart) Glow

Tarte lipsticks

Cruelty-free makeup brands don’t have to skimp on quality.

Everyone likes to feel and look pretty. There’s nothing I love more than to shower and get dolled up after a long day of work, or outdoor play. But sometimes beauty can come at a cost — a yucky, gross cost. That less-than-stellar cost I’m referring to is animal testing. In my opinion, you really can’t enjoy painting your lips a luscious red hue if you know cute little critters were harmed for its formulation!

Luckily, there are myriad of awesome companies that are opting to not test their products on animals. And these companies certainly aren’t forgoing their products’ shimmer or shine for kindness — the following cruelty-free makeup brands rock both sought after qualities.

1. OCC Makeup

If you’re a hardcore color junkie, this is one of the best cruelty-free makeup brands out there. This company carries an amazing line of lip colors called Lip Tar. Want to rock black lips this weekend, or want your lips to look as pink as a pink rose? OCC’s got you covered. The 100-percent vegan and cruelty-free company also has a rockin’ line of makeup pencils, eye makeup, skin makeup, and nail color.

2. Tarte

Tarte cosmetics has it down when it comes to creating beautiful makeup that goes on smooth. Tarte has a full line of makeup and skincare that’s free of parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, triclosan, sodium laurel sulfate, and gluten. I’m a big fan of their Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush. It gives my pale complexion a much needed boost!

3. Tata Harper

Tata Harper’s got it all, ladies. The company carries products that are made with nontoxic ingredients. The company also owns its products’ research, development and production process, and develops all its product in a Vermont laboratory. The company is also committed to carrying out environmentally sustainable business practices. Tata Harper has various beauty lines that include skincare products, aromatherapy and lip care.

4. Lavanila

Lavanila Laboratories carries an exquisite line of fragrances, deodorant, and body and skincare products. All of the company’s products are free of harsh chemicals, and contain organic ingredients. The company also packages all of its lush products in 100-recyclable packaging.

5. ILIA

You can paint your face without worry when using any of ILIA’s products. This company carries various types of lip care, multi-use beauty products, mascara, and powder. The company makes its products with an “ethical-sustainable approach” and only uses certified bio-active botanicals.

6. Korres

Korres carries amazing products that will take care of your whole body. Seriously — the company has a comprehensive makeup, and body and skincare line. All of its products’ formulations are based on natural ingredients. Also: the company uses 100-percent renewable energy. It doesn’t get much better than that!

7. Logona

For more than 30 years, German-based Logona has been a leader in developing natural personal care and cosmetic products. While you’ll want to get your reds elsewhere (the company uses carmine), the rest of the products are animal-free and never tested on animals. Check out the gorgeous eye shadows and liners.

8. Sante

Sister brand to Logona, Sante is a bit bolder in color and style. The entire line meets the strict criteria for Certified Natural Cosmetics, which is pretty cool. So is the brand’s mascara.

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Image: Tarte Cosmetics

Abbie Stutzer

Writer, editor, and owner of Ginchy!, a freelance writing and editing company, and home funeral hub. Adores smart sex ed, sustainable ag, spooky history, women's health, feminism, horror, wine, and sci-fi.