Featured image via E.L.F. Are you looking to make the swap to cruelty-free beauty? This has been on my ‘New Year Resolutions’ list for a few years now, and I will admit it’s been a slower process than I anticipated. I rarely stick to the same product twice (honestly? I think very few products warrant cult status because most don’t actually do anything. SO CONTROVERSIAL, I know) — so when I actually find a product that I love, I marry it like a penguin.
Finding out that some of these beloved marriages of mine actually test on animals has been a huge, uncomfortable pill to swallow. Am I really going to be one of those hypocritical ‘believers’ who spouts advice but then ignores it when it suits them? Maybe a little — but I will at least try to not be as much as possible.
Photo 1 via Let it Be Beautiful. Photo 2 via NARS at Harvey Nichols. Both Charlotte Tillbury and NARS are great cruelty-free beauty brands.
I will caveat and say that 1. I am not perfect and still use some non-cruelty-free products (above anything, I am cheap, and will always finish a product) and 2. I am no expert on the subject of animal testing and cruelty-free life choices. However, I know that small steps are the most important for any change, and at least choosing more cruelty-free products is the right way to go.
But what about these beloved cult products? If you, like me, have been wanting to make the leap towards being (mostly) cruelty-free in 2017 but can’t stand to lose so-and-so product, there are more amazing alternatives on the market than you think.
Below I’ve rounded up the best cruelty-free alternatives to some of my go-to favourites and generally considered cult products. As usual, these products have been either tried by me OR come with very good reviews, and all swaps are at similar price ranges.
The Best Cruelty-Free Swaps for Cult Makeup Products
1. Swap Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup for Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation
If Ruth Crilly from A Model Recommends gives it her seal of approval, then it’s good for me. I love Becca products, and so this has been my next foundation purchase. So far, all I can say is WOW. Buy this now! Stay tuned for a future review (See my other beauty reviews here).
2. Swap YSL Touche Eclat for Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
I’m currently using this product, and I have to say, it does work wonders. It doesn’t come in that handy pen that TE comes in (Becca guys, if you’re reading this, PLEASE put it in a pen!). But it’s still an amazing product nonetheless, especially if you have skin with pink undertones (like me). You can dab it on with your finger or with a concealer brush, and the little pot lasts for AGES. As a reformed-TE fanatic, take it from me: this is a great switch.
3. Swap Estee Lauder Doublewear Foundation for Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation
I will admit, I haven’t tried the Charlotte Tilbury foundation. However, everyone and their mom are raving about it. Now that I’m a bit closer to 30 (*wail*) I have been toying with the idea of stepping up my foundation coverage. This will be my next foundation purchase for fuller coverage. I’m so happy that CT is cruelty-free; they really do make fantastic products (side note: the CT eye pencil sharpener is £5 and worth every penny).
4. Swap Guerlain Meteorites Light Revealing Powder for Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
Guys, HG product alert here: this Hourglass powder is probably the best beauty product I’ve EVER used. And that’s saying something, because again, see above about finding most cult products overrated. I’ll be posting a review about it soon, but spoiler: totally worth the money and the hype.
5. Swap Benefit Hoola Bronzer for The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer
Same kitschy-cute look, £10 cheaper! It’s also Total Beauty’s 2nd highest rated bronzer of all time, so that’s gotta say something. It actually rates better than Benefit’s Hoola which, if I’m honest, I never liked all that much anyway.
However, if you’re incredibly pale (like me), you may have better luck with Cover FX’s Bronzer in ‘Sunkissed.’ It’s cruelty-free and very highly rated — I think this will be my next bronzer purchase.
6. Swap MAC lipsticks for Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick
All I have to say is: if Urban Decay wasn’t cruelty-free, I would seriously have to consider my priorities. Yes, the Naked Palette is that good (and doesn’t need a swap because CF!), and I am desperate to try their lipsticks.
Some other great options for cruelty-free lipstick? Bare Minerals lipsticks (loving mine in ‘Live Large’) and anything by Lipstick Queen.
7. Swap Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara for Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara
Before writing this post, I didn’t even know that the Too Faced mascara was such a cult product. Apparently, in the world of cruelty-free makeup, it is. It’s apparently that good, according to many many beauty bloggers who have tried and tested things way more than I have. I’m currently addicted to Maxfactor Mascara (best one I’ve ever used, including Dior’s, and about half the price) — but again, not being CF, I’m looking for new options. This one may fit the bill.
And here are some cult products that you can keep because, HORRAY, they are cruelty-free!
- Urban Decay NAKED 2 Eyeshadow Palette
- NARS blush in ‘Orgasm’ and/or whatever colour tickles your fancy
- Anastasia Beverley Hills Eyebrow Gel
- Anything by Tarte (my favorite)
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How do you feel about cruelty-free beauty? Have you tried giving it a go completely? Have you tried any of the products listed above? I would love to hear from you!