vegan makeup | Sunshine and Slaughter

I like playing with makeup and changing my look. In the past, I’ve written about vegan makeup, but I happened to list brands that are pricy. For most of my life (and still today), I’ve been more of a bargain hunter. That’s why I’m happy to share with you some inexpensive brands that don’t test on animals!

Eyes, Lips, Face, or e.l.f, is a brand of cosmetics with a great price point. They sell loads of fun makeup and synthetic brushes too! Last holiday season, I treated myself to a 100-color eyeshadow palette. It’s a lot of fun. The pigment isn’t super intense so even the bold colors are wearable.

I found it at a drug store for $10, which is well worth it for some makeup fun. The e.l.f. website specifically states, “We do NOT test on animals or endorse such practices. Our products do not contain animal derived ingredients.”

Jordana makes my favorite eyeliner in any price range. There’s a range of colors (the dark brown is my go-to, but I’ll branch out with brights sometimes). Their liners are self sharpening too, so you’ll always have a nice tip (without slivers–ouch!). I think these are less than $5 each. They sell lip liners too, as well as nail polish and other cosmetics, such as shadows. They’re made in the USA and available at your local drug store. Jordana’s website states that they do not test on animals or buy ingredients that were tested on animals. Some of their products contain animal ingredients, so read the labels!

Wet n Wild is another drug store brand that doesn’t test on animals. Thanks to Luminous Vegans for that tip! Wet n Wild sells formaldehyde-free nail polish, which is great news for a lot of us! The Wet n Wild website states, “As a Peta-certified, cruelty-free brand, we’re proud to say we have never and will never test on animals. We also make it a point to work with cruelty-free, third-party vendors. Wet n Wild loves our furry, scaly, and feathery friends!” Some of their makeup does contain carmine (a dye derived from insects). You can see which items are vegan and which aren’t on their FAQ.

It’s true that these aren’t vegan-owned companies, but for those of us on a budget, or who want to try out a makeup trend without spending a fortune, we have options. You can see PETA’s complete list for the latest info.

Do you know of other cruelty-free makeup for people on a budget?

I’m getting ready for a trip and, as a light packer, I’m already planning what to bring. I only use products that are vegan and haven’t been tested on animals. Here’s a look at what’s coming with me.

My Arbonne day cream isn’t makeup per se, but it’s got SPF 20 and is an important way to start my make-up routine. I’m also bringing a tinted moisturizer with SPF. This Josie Maran is a great substitute for foundation and has SPF 30. It’s a great no makeup look. I find it really natural-looking and they have shades for almost anyone.

I’ll definitely need a concealer and this little tube (lower right) by Too Faced is perfect for under my eyes or to cover a blemish.

I light dusting of powder foundation is optional, but I like to be prepared. The Bare Minerals foundation also has SPF and is a nice way to mattify is sunscreen gets me shiny.

~~This Stila kit has five shadows that I can mix and match for day or night and a convertible lip and cheek cream. It includes a mirror and folds flat.~~ Update: Stila is not longer a cruelty-free company.

I’m packing a dark brown eye liner by Jordana (proving you don’t have to buy from higher-end brands to get a good product). I buy Jordana because it’s inexpensive, goes on smoothly and gently, and is available in a myriad of colors. Plus, just about any drug store carries it.

~~I can’t live without my Stila liquid brow liner~~. Since Stila stopped being cruelty-free, I’ve discovered Milani. Not all of their products are vegan, but their site has an entire vegan section. I love Milani’s mechanical brow pencil. The secret to a natural look is the right shade. I use taupe, and I make tiny brush strokes in the direction of my brows. It’s great to fill in and define. Well-defined brows really frame the face and are youthful looking.

My BWC (Beauty Without Cruelty) mascara is also a must. If I had to narrow down my routine to three products it would be brows, lashes and lips.

I packed a bright red lip stain from Stila because it’s an easy way to go from day to night and the cheek cream in the kit is pretty neutral.

Finally, Booda Butter keeps my lips moisturized day and night. I have one in my purse at all times.

As for my other skin and body care, here’s what I’m taking.

If I were going to a hotel, I’d skip the shampoo and body wash, but I’ll need my own so I’m packing a solid shampoo from Lush (just lather like soap and apply to wet hair like you would a liquid shampoo). It’ll be nice to pack a solid because I won’t have to worry about it in my carry-on (or at security checks).

I’m taking 3 ounces or less of hand sanitizer, body wash, a small tube of sunscreen (when I went to Hawaii I packed four little tubes instead of one big one–to make my bag carry-on approved), night cream, a bit of hairspray in a carry-on spritzer, hand sanitizer and a face cloth. My Norwex face cloth removes makeup better than a makeup remover so it’s one less liquid I have to pack.

So there you have it. What are your travel makeup essentials? Are you a light packer like I am or to you prefer to be prepared?