I’m all about makeup. For me, it’s a way to experiment and have fun—I love being able to fall into a new persona or style each day (shall I be goth today or ’50s rockabilly?). That being said, it is important for me to shop ethically and buy makeup brands that don’t test on animals—and that use natural ingredients. Because who knows what all those chemicals are doing to you and your skin?
Here are some of my favorites below:
1. Burt’s Bees. As of now, they have lip balms with stains (like berry), but they’re expanding their makeup brand this September. The Burt’s Bees Beauty line will include foundation, blush, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, and more. They are priced from $8.99 for lipsticks to $16.99 for foundations and will be available on outlets like Amazon, Wal-Mart, Whole Foods, and CVS stores, as well as ultabeauty.com.
Sorry, millennial pink, I’m still a red lipstick kind of lady.
2. NYX. NYX is my all time favorite makeup brand that I basically use for everything. Their products can be found in their stores, online retailers (like Amazon), and in drugstores like CVS. They are inexpensive, but similar to Sephora quality, ranging from $4.50 lip glosses to $10 foundation to $45 brush sets.
All this for only $22? Hell yeah.
3. Bare Minerals. Bare Minerals is known for creating “mineral makeup” that you can “sleep in.” While I don’t necessarily recommend sleeping in any makeup, it is great not to wear a million chemicals on your face. Known for their foundation, they also have lipsticks, eyeshadows, skin care, and brushes you can buy—most of their products are in the $30 range. Their products are available online and in stores like Sephora.
Bonus: Their foundation has SPF.
4. Josie Maran. Josie Maran is a former model who offers non-toxic and eco-friendly alternatives—all of which can be found at your local Sephora i.e. second home.
This color stick (aka blush) is so easy to use and store.
5. Urban Decay. Urban Decay is bold, edgy, but also has a little bit for everyone, even those who mostly want to wear neutrals. For me, I love vivid colors and bold statements—and their makeup is also incredibly long-lasting. Their Troublemaker mascara is coming September 5, and it’s vegan:
Top image via Wikimedia Commons/Westport Wiki
