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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter.

It’s 2018, so there’s no excuse for makeup companies to still be testing products on animals – especially since the EU and UK banned animal testing years ago. In fact, there are many safe and affordable alternatives to animal testing that companies are now able to use. If you want to make your makeup collection a little more ethical without breaking the bank, then consider shopping from these fantastic brands below: 

 

1. Kat Von D Beauty 

Kat Von D Beauty isn’t only cruelty free, but vegan as well! This brand specializes in a myriad of pigmented and high quality products, from their vivid liquid lipsticks to their cult-classic Tattoo Liner in “Trooper.” Whereas her eyeliner is a staple of the beauty community, her eyeshadows and contour palettes are also known for being extremely creamy and easy to blend. While it may be more of a high-end makeup line (available at stores like Sephora and Ulta), shopping at KVD Beauty means you’re getting exactly what you pay for – without hurting any animals. 

 

2. Tarte Cosmetics

Tarte is a stunning makeup brand with everything a girl needs in order to have a flawless makeup collection. It’s sold in both Sephora and Ulta, and is a completely cruelty free line! Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer has been taking the nation by storm, but that’s not the only product worth purchasing from them; they also have incredible skin care options, including serums, masks and creams. Not into complexion products? Check out their eyeshadow palettes or lipsticks, which are available in every color you could possibly need for any occasion. 

 

3. ColourPop Cosmetics 

While ColourPop is mainly an online makeup retailer, its products have a drug store price and a high-end brand quality. Their SuperShock eyeshadows are some of the most pigmented and creamy makeup products on the market, with many different finishes and colors – and they’re also known for their fantastic lip products! They’ve also recently branched out into complexion products, including foundations, concealers and setting powders. With over 30 foundation shades available at $12 each, why aren’t you on their website right now?

 

4. Jeffree Star Cosmetics 

JSC is another brand that’s both cruelty free and vegan, though it’s sold almost exclusively online. While the makeup brand began as one of the pioneers of liquid lipsticks, it’s now better known for its blinding highlight formulas and insanely pigmented eyeshadow palettes. Loved by drag queens and makeup aficionados alike, Jeffree Star Cosmetics is a great place to shop for consistent quality, fun and vibrant makeup. 

 

5. Elf Cosmetics

There’s no way to make a list of cruelty free brands without including Elf Cosmetics, one of the most well known drugstore makeup lines ever. From products ranging from $1 onward, it’s hard to avoid spending all your money on Elf! Their makeup brushes are fantastic quality, and the price is unbeatable. Elf is also an amazing starting point for anyone looking to get into makeup but who doesn’t know much about what products look good on them. It’s a fun way to experiment with makeup without spending all your money. 

 

6. NYX Cosmetics

NYX is another stunning cruelty free makeup brand that has amazing affordable products, and it’s sold in most drugstores. Although it’s owned by Loreál, which isn’t cruelty free, NYX specifically is a cruelty free makeup brand. Not only has it been endorsed by many beauty gurus, but it has a wide variety of makeup products to suit every need. With lovely colors, great formulas and amazing payoff, NYX is an amazing brand worth the buy. 

 

7. Anastasia Beverly Hills

ABH is currently one of the most famous makeup brands, especially on Instagram and YouTube. Have you ever seen those videos of the perfect viral brows? They’re probably using Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Dipbrow Pomade. Even though that’s where ABH earned a lot of its clout, it’s also generated a lot of buzz within the beauty community with it’s coveted eyeshadow palettes and liquid lipsticks. Honestly, it’s impossible to go wrong with Anastasia Beverly Hills in anything you buy.

 

8. Urban Decay

UD is a classic makeup brand, most famously known for its “Naked” palettes that girls all over the world have purchased. It’s a higher quality makeup brand that’s usually sold in places like Sephora and Ulta, but their quality is definitely worth the price. Urban Decay’s setting spray is also a favorite among makeup artists, and it comes in so many different finishes and styles.

 

9. Wet n Wild Beauty

Wet n Wild used to be one of those makeup brands known for its early 2000s glittery makeup pencils and chalky eyeshadow, but it’s come a long way since then. Their highlighters are considered one of the best drug store highlighters out there, and their lipsticks are a great deal for the price. Lately, they’ve been stepping up their game with different collections and themed products ranging from “dragon” to festival themes. 

 

10. Stila 

Stila is a lesser known makeup brand also commonly sold in Sephora and Ulta. Their liquid felt-tip eyeliner is a favorite among eyeliner enthusiasts, and their jelly highlighters were one of the first gel makeup products to hit the market. Lately, they’ve been making waves with their Magnificent Metals line, which includes a liquid eyeshadow that dries matte, stays on long, and leaves a glitter or metallic texture on the eye. 

 

Using cruelty free makeup helps save animals and is as simple as being more mindful of the cosmetic purchases you make. I hope this list gives you some inspiration and that you end up loving these beauty brands – happy shopping, collegiettes! 

Nikki Melamed is currently a sophomore at Penn State University, majoring in Communications and minoring in Sociology. She previously wrote articles for FreshU, one of which was republished by Teen Vogue. She also loves naps, books, dogs and writing, although she doesn't like writing about herself in the third person. In her free time, Nikki can be found reading, doing her makeup, eating way too much popcorn and listening to music.
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Samantha Grillo graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. She loves creative writing, pop culture and Penn State, all of which led her to joining the Her Campus Penn State team at the beginning of her freshman year as a contributing writer. In her free time, Samantha enjoys reading, watching her favorite TV shows, and catching up on the latest movies.