It’s unbelievable how little we think about the ingredients that go into our beauty products, and the process they go through before we use them. It’s as if we’re perfectly content with not knowing what’s in the products that we use every single day.
Ever heard of carmine? It’s a red dye commonly found in lip sticks and eye shadows. Did you know that this dye is made from beetles? In fact, according to PETA, over 70,000 of these insects are killed just to make 1 pound of it.
What about collagen, an element found in anti-aging or wrinkle creams? It’s made from ground up chicken feet and animal horns.
And I’m sure you wouldn’t want to use keratin-infused shampoos anymore if you knew keratin was extracted from the feathers, quills, and hair of various animals.
Unfortunately, the list goes on and on. And many of these ingredients are found in our favorite products; Maybelline, Clinique, Bobby Brown, Nars, and countless others.
A few months ago, I transitioned to vegan beauty products; shampoos, toothpaste, make-up products, face wash, etc. Along the way, I’ve used some amazing products, that have made my skin and hair look AND feel healthier.
Here’s my list of the best vegan beauty brands, and my favorite products by these companies:
1. Lune+Aster
Created by co-founder and CEO of Blue Mercury cosmetics, Marla Beck, Lune+Aster creates beauty products made from “vitamin-infused and paraben-free formulas.” The brand offers a wide variety of vegan and gluten-free products, including tinted moisturizers, eyeshadow palettes, mascaras, eyeliners, and more.
My Personal Favorites:
– Beauty Balm (BB) and Tinted Moisturizer – One Step Brow Gel
2. Pacifica
With their wide range of 100% vegan cosmetics and perfumes, Pacifica has become one of the true leaders in the natural products industry for formulating safe, innovative, and sustainable products. The company has even started a new recycling service, where you can send them your empty product containers to be reused in their packaging. As they proudly say, “Mermaids will thank you!”
My Personal Favorites: – Pink Nudes Coconut-Infused Mineral Eye Shadows – Dream Big Lash Extending 7 In 1 Mascara
3. M-61 Powerful Skincare
M-61 is another brand created by Blue Mercury CEO Marla Beck, when her clients were looking for “natural, paraben-free products with highly technical and efficacious results.” Not all of their products are vegan and/or gluten-free, but their collection of cruelty-free products is continuing to grow.
As someone who’s been struggling with acne for years, M-61 has become one of the only brands that I trust, and convinced me of the power of vegan beauty products.
My Personal Favorites: – HydraBoost Moisturizer and Primer – Power Cleanse Face Cleanser
4. LUSH
Since their establishment in 1995, LUSH’s values have been in creating handmade and all-natural beauty products, that fight against animal testing. While all of their products are vegetarian, not all of them are vegan. But the ones that are are certainly made with love.
My Personal Favorites: – Tea Tree Water Toner – Bubblegum Lip Scrub – Fresh Farmacy Facial Soap (not pictured)
5. Love Beauty And Planet
As someone who has tried countless shampoos and conditioners, and never finding one they truly loved, Love Beauty And Planet’s line of haircare products really blew me away! Not only do their products smell amazing, but they leave my hair feeling soft, light-weight, and voluminous.
Their products are made with plant-based, organic and sustainable ingredients, while the packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials. It’s refreshing to see a company really trying to spread love and show respect for the planet.
My Personal Favorites: – Coconut Oil and Ylang Ylang Shampoo/Conditioner
6. Nourish
Last, but certainly not least, I’ve got to show love for Savannah’s local beauty product manufacturer. Since the 1990’s, Nourish has prided itself in being a green company, providing environmentally-friendly, and biodegradable products, including bath bombs, body washes, and lotions.
The main ingredients in their products are Pure Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, and Coconut Oil, just to name a few. Their products are soothing and gentle on the skin, which is exactly what they should be!
This little Southern business has shops in parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida, but their products can also be ordered online.
My Personal Favorites: – Baby Moisturizing Wash – Coconut Lime Shea Butter Cream
Now what are you waiting for, ladies? You can care about animals and the environment, AND still look good!
*All photos were taken by the writer