Whether it’s for personal reasons, fitness goals, or love for pet pals, veganism has really taken off. Call it fuzzy, insane, bona fide…if something's out in the open, it’s the fact that this growing global movement is not only restricted to revamp restaurant menus and swear by a meat-free life, but also to make cruelty-free, sustainable choices when it comes to the clothes on our backs and the beauty products we use.
A growing number of consumers are going the conscious way, thinking beyond au naturale beauty, choosing to part ways with that favorite base, shampoo or essence that was tested on a baby rabbit in a bright, sterile lab before making its way to our beauty drawer. Fortunately, there are a wealth of vegan beauty products out there that leave animal testing out of the equation and ditch ingredients obtained from them or their by-products. These kind-to animal products are infused with eco-friendly alternatives; Carmine (a colorant found in insects) is replaced by beetroot, Beeswax (wax obtained from boiling honeycombs) and Squalene (found in shark liver oil) by vegetable oils and fat, Lanolin (derived from the oil glands of sheep) by plant oils, and so on.
Ahead, we’ve curated the best vegan luxe products to suit your vegan lifestyle. When you elevate your green routine, you support a great cause, too. How’s that for giving back?
Makeup
1. Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation
One of the best vegan cosmetics, a little of this utterly brilliant, full coverage foundation goes a loooong way…it’s so good, you may want to bid adieu to Insta filters. Comprising 30 shades, the range celebrates all skin tones and ethnicities while the (frankly flawless) formula sets into an airbrushed matte finish that looks luminous, not dry or cakey. The nourishing Argan Oil keeps your skin hydrated and improves texture while seamlessly blending in. Packed with ultra-fine pigments that conceal blemishes, dark spots, scars, and imperfections, the formula practically lasts through everything—from the wildest of weather, emotional outbursts (though we hope it won’t have to), to workout. Bonus points for the recyclable packaging that checks #SustainableBeautyGoals.
2. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
Call it a spa in a bottle. Mist it on the face to replenish lost moisture, add radiance, refresh tired-looking skin, or prep it prior to makeup application. It’s ideal for all skin types and doubles as a setting spray when you want your makeup to last round the clock. The lightweight formula gets absorbed into skin in a jiffy, leaving it ultra-soft, smooth and hydrated. Non-acnegenic (meaning, it won’t clog your pores that causes breakouts) and free of alcohol, fragrance and parabens, it also soothes irritation without adding shine to the face. Pro tip: Store it in the fridge for an extra cooling and refreshing effect.
Skin
1. Farsáli Unicorn Essence
Formulated with the magical cocktail of Acai Berry, Goji Berry, Elderberry and Blueberry (which are all brimming with Vitamin C), this innovative serum-primer hybrid solves a catalogue of complexion concerns while helping you moisturise and prime like you’ve never done before. It is oil-free, water-based, and a cult favorite across continents, all credits to its enthralling multitasking powers—it protects the skin from free radical damage, combats dullness, hydrates skin, and erases signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. What’s most alluring about this mythical beauty is the super, super pretty color…if unicorn tears existed, you know what they’d look like.
2. Kama Ayurveda Suvarna Haldi Chandan Brightening Face Pack
If megawatt radiant skin is what you live for, then this complexion-enhancing face pack has your back. Made with the hero duo of Turmeric and Saffron, it clarifies skin by eliminating dirt, sweat and sebum settled inside pores, refines skin texture by fighting acne and blemishes, and reverses dull skin by boosting luminosity. The extracts of Rose and Orange Peel tighten enlarged pores and shield skin from the harmful effects of pollutants for a younger, toned and glow-y appearance. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of the powder with Milk, Yogurt, Honey, Aloe Vera or Water as the base ingredient and slather on the paste twice a week for seeing real results.
3. Glamglow Power Duo Featuring Youthmud and Supermud
Meet the holy grail treatment for softer, smoother, shinier skin in as little as 10 minutes. Enriched with Volcanic Pumice Rock, the mask gently exfoliates dead skin cells to soften skin’s texture and smooth fine lines and wrinkles while natural Clays like Kaolin eliminate impurities without stripping the skin of natural oils. Anti-aging ingredients like Green Tea Leaf Extract (a storehouse of antioxidants) brighten skin for a healthy and youthful complexion. A must-have for normal, combination and oily skin; use it to refine and smooth skin or to enhance radiance with TLC.
HAIR
1. Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo
This coveted shampoo is made from 98% naturally-derived ingredients like Babassu and Coconut-derived elements that gently cleanse hair while maintaining healthy lipids and oils. As a result, hair feels irresistibly soft from roots to ends, shiny and full of weightless bounce. The heavenly scent of Cherry Almond is crafted from 38 flower and plant essences—it’s so intoxicating you’d legit want to douse your entire body in it. It’s safe to use on color-treated hair too and eliminates frizz, hydrates, deep conditions and detangles strands without feeling heavy or greasy on the scalp.
