8 Best Vegan Makeup Brands You Should Know About

Born in a New York City creative studio, Milk Makeup has become a staple for those who prioritize “clean” ingredients and multi-use products. The brand is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, famously replacing beeswax and gelatin with plant-based alternatives like fruit waxes and oils.

• Best For: Minimalist, “on-the-go” routines.
• Star Product: The Hydro Grip Primer. This silicone-free, clear gel primer uses blue agave extract to grip makeup for up to 12 hours. Community discussions on Reddit’s r/MakeupAddiction frequently cite it as a “holy grail” for keeping foundation in place on oily skin [2].

Originally founded with a tattoo-inspired aesthetic, KVD Beauty underwent a total brand reinvention to become 100% vegan while maintaining its high-pigment, “high-intensity” reputation. Unlike some natural vegan brands that offer sheer coverage, KVD focuses on performance that stands up to sweat and long days.

• Best For: Bold looks and long-wear coverage.
• Star Product: Tattoo Liner. This liquid eyeliner is legendary for its needle-thin brush tip and waterproof formula. It remains a top recommendation for those who need a wing that won’t smudge by noon.

Thrive Causemetics is a mission-driven brand that is 100% vegan and “bigger than beauty”—for every product purchased, they donate to help women in need. Their formulas are frequently verified as hypoallergenic, making them a safe bet for sensitive eyes and skin.

• Best For: Sensitive eyes and charitable shopping.
• Star Product: Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. This tubing mascara creates the look of lash extensions using a film-forming technology that slides off with just warm water, preventing the need for harsh scrubbing.

While not every single ColourPop product is vegan (some still use carmine), the brand has an extensive and clearly labeled Vegan Best Sellers collection. ColourPop is widely regarded as the “king of affordable beauty,” releasing trend-led collections at a rapid pace.

• Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers and trendy colors.
• Star Product: Super Shock Shadows. These unique crème-to-powder shadows provide intense metallic pigment and are almost exclusively vegan.

Since its launch, Rare Beauty has received massive praise for its inclusive shade ranges and focus on mental health. The entire line is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The brand is particularly noted for its lightweight textures that don’t settle into fine lines.

If you are applying makeup to skin with more texture or maturity, you may find these liquid formulas easier to blend than heavy powders. For more tailored advice, see our Makeup Recommendations for Mature Skin.

• Best For: Breathable, skin-like finishes.
• Star Product: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. Known for being incredibly pigmented, a single dot provides a long-lasting, natural flush.

A rising star in the UK and international markets, Pearl Beauty was founded by influencer Elanna Pecherle. The brand emphasizes “minimal with impact” and is entirely vegan and cruelty-free [2].

• Best For: Cream-based, luminous makeup.
• Star Product: The Core Essentials Palette. A multi-purpose cream palette designed for face, lips, and eyes, perfect for creating a cohesive look with one product.

Specifically designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, Tower 28 follows the National Eczema Association’s ingredient guidelines. Their products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free from common “trigger” ingredients like essential oils and synthetic fragrances.

• Best For: Eczema-prone or highly reactive skin.
• Star Product: ShineOn Lip Jelly. A non-sticky lip gloss that feels like a balm, formulated with a blend of five nourishing oils.

As a luxury brand, Hourglass proved that vegan makeup could be high-end. They officially transitioned to being fully vegan in

1. They are known for their “Ambient Lighting” technology which uses light-refracting particles to blur the skin.

• Best For: Luxury prestige and “lit-from-within” glow.
• Star Product: Ambient Lighting Powder. This finishing powder acts like a real-life social media filter, softening the look of pores and wrinkles without looking “cakey.”

The vegan makeup industry has evolved to offer everything from budget-friendly staples to high-performance luxury items. Switching to vegan brands doesn’t mean sacrificing pigment or longevity; in many cases, like with tubing mascaras or blue agave primers, the vegan alternatives actually perform better than traditional formulas.

Action Plan for New Vegan Beauty Shoppers

1. Check the Labels: Look for the “Leaping Bunny” or “PETA Vegan” certifications.
2. Start with “Gateway” Products: You don’t need to replace your whole bag at once. Start with items that sit on the skin the longest, like foundation and primer.
3. Use Multi-Purpose Tools: Brands like Pearl Beauty or Milk Makeup offer sticks that work for lips, cheeks, and eyes, reducing waste and cost.
4. Experiment Freely: As we highlight in our article on Common Makeup Rules You Should Break, makeup is about self-expression. Don’t be afraid to use a vegan lipstick as a cream blush.

By choosing these brands, you are supporting a more ethical supply chain while ensuring your beauty routine remains high-performance and modern.