Written by Toni Searle

Going cruelty free can be daunting- what if the new products don't work as well as my old faves? What brands are really cruelty free? Where do I even start?

Luckily for you, there are so many brands out there now that are cruelty free and more making the switch. I am vegan myself. I follow lots of vegan makeup artists, research and test everything before it goes in my professional kit and keep up to date with brands cruelty free status using Cruelty Free Kitty and Logical Harmony.

Whether you are a bride-to-be who’s planning on doing your own wedding makeup or you just want to be more mindful of your makeup habits in general, I've listed some of the industry’s most popular products and found cruelty free swaps for them. I really hope it helps make the switch easy peasy!

SKINCARE + PREP

You want that natural, fresh, glowing skin look? It's all in the prep work!

Once you nail your skincare routine, your makeup will go on so easily! Here are some products I recommend, however if you're not sure your current routine is working then it's best to have a consultation. You can book in a free consultation with me and I'll help you figure out what's best for your skin.

SWAP Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream FOR Glossier Balm Dotcom (original)

SWAP Bioderma or Garnier Micellar Water FOR Arbonne Micellar Water

SWAP Mac Prep + Prime FOR Arbonne Makeup Primer

SWAP Benefit Porefessional FOR NYX Professional Pore Filling Primer

FOUNDATION +CONCEALER

There are so many different formulas and textures for foundation, so these suggestions should make it easier to find a cruelty free option that will work for you.

SWAP Mac Face and Body Foundation FOR The Ordinary Coverage Foundation OR Nip+ Fab Makeup Foundation

SWAP Mac Studio Fix Foundation FOR Arbonne Liquid Perfecting Foundation

SWAP Nars Sheer Glow Foundation FOR Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder

SWAP Nars Natural Longwear Radiant Foundation FOR Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

SWAP Estee Lauder Double Wear FOR KVD Vegan Beauty Lock It Foundation OR Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

SWAP Benefit Erase Paste FOR NYX Dark Circle Concealer OR Bare Minerals SPF 20 Correcting Concealer

SWAP Bobbi Brown Corrector FOR NYX Dark Circle Concealer OR Bare Minerals SPF 20 Correcting Concealer

SWAP YSL Touche Eclait FOR Becca Under Eye Brightening Concealer

SWAP Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer FOR Arbonne The Real Conceal Liquid Concealer

EYES

SWAP Mac Paint Pot FOR ELF Eye Primer

SWAP Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil FOR NYX Fill and Fluff Brow Pencil

SWAP Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara FOR Hourglass Caution Mascara OR Speaks Volumes Mascara

SWAP Maybelline Gel Liner FOR Kiko Milano Gel Liner

SWAP Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Shadow Stick FOR Kiko Milano Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow

LIPS + CHEEKS

Blusher and lipstick can make a huge difference to your look, even when applied subtly. The right shades for your skin tone will make your skin glow and your eyes pop! If you need help with picking shades, please get in touch!

SWAP Benefit High Beam FOR ELF Shimmering Facial Whip

SWAP Benefit Hoola Bronzer FOR Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow OR Arbonne Bronzer

SWAP Nars Orgasm Blusher FOR The Balm Hot Mama Blusher

SWAP Benefit Benetint FOR ELF Aqua Radiant Lip and Cheek Stain

SWAP Clinique Chubby Stick FOR Kiko Milano Creamy Lipgloss Stick OR ELF Matte Lip Colour

SWAP Mac Ruby Woo FOR Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red OR KVD Vegan Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Outlaw

SWAP Mac Velvet Teddy FOR KVD Vegan Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Ludwig

SWAP Mac Fix Plus FOR Anastasia Beverley Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray OR Arbonne Hydrating Setting Spray

HAIR PRODUCTS

I’ve only ever used cruelty free and vegan hair products, so I don't know what the popular non-cruelty free popular products are like. I’ve listed my current favourite products that work best based on the feedback I get from my clients all the time! … Even when hair has been slept on!

Percy & Reed Volumising Mousse

Superdrug Hairspray Extra Firm

Superdrug Dry Shampoo

Umberto Gianinni Texturising Spray

Umberto Gianinni Powder Puff

Superdrug Curl Defining Cream

ABOUT TONI SEARLE MUA

Toni Searle is a vegan and cruelty-free hair and makeup artist based in Berkshire. Toni specialises in bridal and special occasion makeup and it is passionate about inspiring more brides to be more mindful in their makeup choices. Follow her on IG here!