It’s no secret that the makeup industry is continuously growing. In fact, according to Statista, from 2012 to 2017 the makeup industry has grown 2.6%. However, with the rise of socially conscious customers, many makeup brands are getting questioned if they don’t do their part for our planet. According to DoSomething.org, Europe has the largest cosmetic market and has banned “animal testing for cosmetics, and the sale or import of newly animal-tested beauty products”. India and Israel have been doing it since 2013. Laws to end animal cruelty for cosmetics in the United States are still being refined because although there are animal cruelty laws in place for cosmetics, countries like China conduct mandatory animal tests on all cosmetic products imported into the country. So if a brand sells their products in China, they cannot be considered cruelty-free. But with the increasing knowledge of consumers and alternatives to animal testing, many makeup brands are choosing to transition to cruelty-free products.

Here are 7 makeup brands that are not only cruelty-free, but are also changing the makeup industry.

Fenty Beauty
Almost a year ago, Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty. The makeup brand is best known for foundation shades that compliment every skin tone. The brand has up to 40 different foundation shades, far more than many legacy brands. What many might not know about Fenty Beauty is that it’s also 100% cruelty-free. Suppliers or affiliates are not allowed to test on animals if they want to work with the brand. One product that, since it’s launch, has not lost any hype is the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer which Rihanna states she made “because I wanted the girls to get kissed more.” Who are we to argue with Rihanna? Go out there and pucker up ladies with this beautiful, inclusive and cruelty-free makeup brand!

e.l.f. Cosmetics
If you didn’t know about e.l.f. Cosmetics before today, you’re welcome. e.l.f. Cosmetics has been cruelty-free since their launch in 2004 and all of their products do not contain any animal derived ingredients, making them also 100% vegan. One of their best-selling products is this Flawless Finish Foundation that only costs $6. Whether you are on a budget or ready to splurge your whole paycheck on makeup, e.l.f. is the place to go since they are one of the most affordable makeup brands to date.

RMS Beauty
Rose-Marie Swift, founder of RMS beauty, based this brand off of her raw food background and her own experiences with makeup that contain chemicals. Her intentions were, and still are, to educate women to be aware of what they put in their bodies, but also what goes on their bodies. Their website features a detailed ingredients list and their benefits which is a rare find, especially in the beauty community. Lip2Cheek is a multi-purpose product that has 9 different shades for you to choose from. So whether you like bright pinks or dark reds, RMS Beauty has something for you!

Sugarpill Cosmetics
Pigmented eyeshadows are not easy to come by, especially eyeshadows that are not only cruelty-free but also sweatshop-free. Sugarpill Cosmetics was founded on a dream to make the beauty industry have more daring shades other brands were afraid to try to make. Sugarpill Cosmetics offers makeup for eyes and lips and also glue on eyelashes. However the Build Your Pro Palette is an amazing choice that they offer which allows you to choose up to 12 of their eyeshadows to put into a palette. Despite rapid growth they haven’t forgotten their initial goal: “to create unique makeup for unique individuals and to represent the underrepresented.”

Half Caked
Half Caked was founded by two sisters (who are also best friends) on Valentine’s Day in 2016 with the intention of creating on-trend beauty products that will “make you feel some type of way.” This brand is perfect for you ladies who prefer your makeup to be very lip focused since they provide lip scrubs and lipsticks in a variety of flavors and colors. We recommend getting the Juicy Watermelon lip scrub that will not only remind you of summer with its flavor but will also leave your lips hydrated and exfoliated. Half Caked is of course 100% cruelty-free and their products never contain animal derivatives so it is vegan friendly!

Elate Beauty
This company not only cares about their customers and eliminating the animals from the production of their products, but also the future of our planet. The packaging that products come in is made out of bamboo, making the products and packaging itself sustainable. Even refills of products are sent out in seed paper. With an everyday goal to redefine beauty, their Elate Essential Mascara is an amazing product to purchase since it was made for people with sensitive eyes who might tear up a lot throughout the day. As Elate Beauty says, “putting on mascara isn’t going to change the world. But, it may change your perception of yourself, just a little, so you can. Go forth, and feel beautiful.”

Sweat Cosmetics
Sweat Cosmetics, as you could guess from its name, is a makeup brand that is cruelty-free and designed for women who are always on-the-go. Their Mineral Foundation SPF 30 + Twist-Brush is a new and convenient way to apply makeup and not have to waste a bunch of time finding a clean brush. Every product this brand carries has been developed, tested and proven by female athletes who wanted women to always feel beautiful and “find her sweat.”

Which cruelty-free makeup brand do you love? Let us know in the comments!

By: Kerasa Tsokas