Cruelty-Free Drugstore Makeup? Yes, Please

A selection of e.l.f. lip glosses.

When I’m flush with cash, I always buy the most natural makeup I can find, which typically is, thankfully, cruelty free! But sometimes when I’m in-between paychecks (or if I didn’t pick up enough projects for the month), I fall back on some of my favorite cruelty-free drugstore makeup brands. All of these products will fill your face with color and leave a little extra cash in your wallet.

NYX

I’ve used a countless number of NYX’s lipsticks and have never found a stinker. Also: Most of their lipsticks are priced under $7. My personal favorite: Pure Red. It. Is. Divine. The company also has a killer BB cream, mascara and eye shadow. In addition to the products mentioned above, the company also sells nail polish, body bronzers, makeup tools, and cleansing products.

e.l.f.

e.l.f. (Eyes, Lips, Face) is another great line of drugstore makeup. And the brand is super cheap. (Most of its products are priced at $3.) I’ve tried its tinted moisturizer with 20 SPF, mascara and lipstick. All three products went on smooth and had lasting power. This brand also carries an impressive line of makeup brushes, makeup primers, and has makeup removing wipes, too.

Physicians Formula

This may be the best drugstore brand yet. That’s because Physicians Formula uses organic ingredients. So, it’s about as natural – and cheap – as you can get. I really like the company’s BB cream. I will note, though, that its mascara can wear off onto the under eye area during the day. The company sells products that are: Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, gluten free, oil-free, and more.

Wet n Wild

This one surprised me. Wet n Wild is a cruelty-free brand, too! This brand carries concealer, powder, eye shadow and liner – pretty much everything.

Related on EcoSalon

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

Makeup Color Match Tips to Complement Your Eye Color

3 Brilliant Lipstick and Eye Makeup Combos

Resources

“Cruelty-Free Drugstore Makeup Finds,” Peta

Image: Beth

 

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.