When looking for cruelty free makeup, many people don’t consider makeup brushes to be a priority. However, they absolutely should be! Did you know that many makeup brushes are made with the fur of real animals? You too have probably, at some point, applied your beloved bronzer with a brush made from an innocent fluffy friend. There is no need to hurt animals in the making of these tools because vegan and synthetic options are readily available and even better at applying your makeup. In fact, because synthetic bristles are man made, there is much more control with how stiff or soft the bristles are whereas with makeup brushes made from fur there is absolutely no control. Synthetic brushes are no only higher quality, but almost always more affordable than their cruel counterparts. Many makeup companies lead you to believe that they simply give animals a trim and animals aren’t really harmed in the making of their tools, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We can get into the gruesome details of how “natural” makeup brushes are made in another article, but for now let’s talk about some vegan options.
1. Ecotools
EcoTools® was born in 2007 when two sisters, Jen and Stacey, set out to create a brush collection that was not only environmentally friendly, but also high quality, chic and affordable. The EcoTools brushes are crafted with renewable bamboo and other recycled materials. The packaging of Ecotools brushes is made of 100% tree free paper (cotton and bamboo fibers) and their website features a variety of tutorials on how to utilize the brushes for the eyes, brows, lips and the complexion. This year, EcoTools is celebrating their 10th Anniversary by introducing a fresh new look, brushes that feel even better in your hands and packaging with detailed tutorials that make it easier than ever to create a beautiful look hair to toe.
2. Real Techniques
Real Techniques is one of the most popular drugstore makeup brush brands and luckily, it’s cruelty free! Their award winning brush collection is made entirely with synthetic bristles and provides a variety of options as well as sponges and makeup brush cleaners. The company was started by Sam and Nic in 2011. The two sisters always knew they wanted to pursue a career in the makeup industry and their brushes have been flying off shelves from the day they launched.
Real Techniques provides unbelievable brush quality paired with professional, interesting, fun education from Sam and Nic. Today, the brand has gained popularity in the US, UK and all around the world. Sam and Nic continue to grow in their careers as makeup artists, are writing columns for national magazines and newspapers, appearing on major network television as beauty experts and editing their own digital magazine. They have won countless awards including Reviewer’s Choice (2015), Nylon Beauty Hit List (2015) and Top Tools of the Beauty Trade by Mode Glam (2015).
3. Sigma Beauty
The Sigma Beauty brand first launched in 2009 with power-couple Dr. Simone Xavier and Rene Xavier Filho, a molecular bacteriologist and civil engineer, respectively. They launched Sigma with just one brush set that instantly captured a cult-following and sold out. Since then, an impassioned, over 90% female team has joined together and created an entire makeup line. In 2012, they launched one of the industry’s first collaborations with influencers and created the Paris palette. In 2013, they launched the first ever (and now patented) brush cleaning glove. The cult favorite Sigma Beauty brushes are made with Sigmax fibers. Sigmax® Fibers are Sigma Beauty’s exclusive thermoplastic engineering polymer developed to evenly apply cream and powder products onto the skin for a high definition effect. Features premium filaments engineered for outstanding softness, heat and chemical resistance, mechanical strength and high durability. Sigmax® fibers are antibacterial and hypoallergenic. Their full SigMax and SigmaTech lines are vegan.
4. Wet N Wild
Wet N Wild has championed the world of cruelty free cosmetics with extremely affordable and high quality products. They have two vegan brush sets – their classic essential brushes and their pro brush line. Their pro brush line is slightly more expensive but features beautiful rose gold handles and ultra soft bristles made from synthetic fibers. Wet N Wild first launched in 1979 in Brooklyn, NY and was purchased by Markwins and re-located to Los Angeles in 2013. Wet N Wild has over 90% brand recognition in the United States and they have won several Allure Best of Beauty and Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards. They have partnered with many celebrities and are now sold in drugstores all over the country. They pride themselves in being one of the leading color cosmetics brands in the country but, ironically, their #1 best selling product and actually the #1 top selling product in the entire beauty industry is the coveted clear nail top coat.
5. The Body Shop
The Body Shop was born in 1976 when Anita Roddick decided that business can be a force for good. Their bold and honest commitment to preserving the environment, ending animal testing and providing amazing products to consumers worldwide has made them stand out from the rest. They have worked fairly with their farmers and suppliers to help communities thrive. Their campaign to end animal testing has already gathered millions of signatures and they’ve been a driving force towards ending animal exploitation in the beauty industry. The Body Shop’s brushes are made with super soft, synthetic hairs and have slightly tapered handles made from FSC wood. The innovative design allows the brushes to feel comfortable in your hands and gentle on your face while providing precision and detail to your makeup application.
6. BH Cosmetics
Born and raised in the City of Angels, BH Cosmetics thrives on the cultural and stylistic diversity that makes Los Angeles unique. They’re proud to bring you high-performance makeup in vivid colors that unite style and glam—a philosophy that continues to make them a leader in the beauty industry. Their incredible collection of highly pigmented eyeshadow palettes and their endless collection of top selling brush sets are definitely impressive. Their assortment of vegan brushes include everything from brow spoolies, contouring tools and blending tools for the eyes, lips and base. Their multi functional and professional quality brush sets come in a roll up case that’s perfect for travel and keeping your collection organized.
7. NYX
NYX is a staple for anyone who shops for beauty at the drugstore. Professional artists and beauty amateurs alike rave about the high quality of NYX products and the affordable price tag. The company was launched by Toni Ko in 1999. The brand was initially only available to professionals though trade shops and grew by word of mouth. The company’s LA home base made it easily available to the public and NYX products began showing up in countless YouTube tutorials. They now have four stores in California and have recently opened a new store in New Jersey. They create many of their products in collaboration with beauty influencers and bloggers and only feature them in their stores instead of unrealistic models. NYX is certified by PETA and committed to producing cruelty free cosmetics, although their parent company L’Oreal is not cruelty free.
8. L.A. Colors
L.A. Colors is a fun & fearless cosmetics brand that produces exceptional quality makeup at an affordable price point. They have been certified by PETA and are sold in stores nationwide. They make everything from brushes and blending sponges to lipsticks, eyeliners and pressed powders. They are most well known for their colorful and vibrant packaging as well as their never ending sales and discounts. Many makeup affectionados remember L.A. Colors as the very first brand they ever tried in their middle school days that sparked their passion for the artistry of makeup. Although L.A. Colors is a veteran in the beauty community, they are experts at keeping up with the latest trends and never fail to impress consumers with budget-friendly goodness.
9. Missame
Missame was founded by Amy Ng with the purpose of offering cruelty free beauty solutions at a great price point. They provide luxurious makeup tools for conscious consumers who can about being environmentally friendly and compassionate towards animals. Their 10 piece makeup brush set is a hit on Amazon. It has close to 700 reviews with a rating of 4.7 stars. Consumers note that these affordable brushes perform better than high end brushes and the bristles are not only soft and gentle on the skin but also very durable and will last for ages. Along with shipping the brushes, the company provides a beautiful case and instructions on how to easily clean them. Several professional makeup artists swear by these incredible tools to ensure that their clients get the best possible makeup look without streaks or blotchiness.
10. L.A. Girl
L.A. Girl is another drugstore classic that almost everyone has used at some point during their teenage years when they first discovered makeup. This affordable cosmetics brand is well known and liked among beauty enthusiasts all over the world. This all inclusive brand is cruelty free and a perfect option for beauty junkies on a budget. They have recently launched their products in Paris and opened a store in Gadalajara, Mexico. L.A. Girl Cosmetics is a part of Beauty 21 which launched back in 1985. They are known as one of the most accessible and all-inclusive brand for people of all skin colors, financial backgrounds and genders.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Do you use vegan makeup brushes? What are your favorites?
I love my BH eyeshadow brushes! They blend my eyeshadows so well and super fast! RT brushes are BOMB too and their miracle sponges are my holy grail 🧡
BH is one of the best brands when it comes to eye palettes and brushes!! 🙂 Real Techniques is awesome for face/complexion brushes.