Affordable Cruelty-Free Make-Up Brands

Finding a balance between being frugal and animal-friendly can often prove difficult, however, in recent years, there’s been a rise in cosmetics companies showing compassion for those we share the planet with.

1. The Body Shop

This world-famous brand reaches the higher end of the “affordable” spectrum, however, the products are incredibly good quality for the price and there is such a wide variety to choose from. To top that off, the Body Shop staff are always so friendly and eager to help, and as well as cosmetics they sell a wide variety of hair and make-up brushes. The Body Shop has always prided itself on being a cruelty-free and eco-friendly brand.

2. PS Love

Pennys once again proved themselves to be complete lifesavers when they launched their own cosmetics brand. Most of the products in the range are just 1-3 Euro and have been praised by beauty bloggers all across the web for their unbelievable quality. It isn’t explicitly stated on any of their packaging but after a bit of digging online you’ll find that PS Love is, in fact, cruelty-free.

3. Essence

An instant hit after being introduced to Ireland via Pennys, Essence was a necessity for every make-up bag. Essence is great for anyone on a budget as their prices are similar to that of the PS Love range and the make-up is great for natural looks. Their concealers are especially good quality.

4. GOSH

GOSH are a long-standing favourite with many people, with their foundations and eyebrow products being especially popular. GOSH have been cruelty-free for a significant amount of time. As drugstore brands go, GOSH are a bit pricey but still budget-priced.

5. E.l.f

E.l.f pretty much established themselves in the make-up industry as being a cruelty-free brand. Not only are E.l.f cruelty-free, but all of their products are also vegan (with the exception of some of their brushes). E.l.f are also amongst the most affordable of brands. The only real issue with E.l.f is that they’re a bit hard to find in stores.

6. NYX

NYX have been explosively popular in the last year and it isn’t difficult to see why. NYX might be a drugstore brand and substantially affordable but their product quality is far more resembling of higher-end brands. NYX, like E.l.f, can be a bit hard to access in stores but their online service is great. One thing to note about NYX is that while they are cruelty-free, they are owned by L’Óreal who do test on animals.

7. Wet’n’Wild

While they may not always have the most fantastic products, Wet’n’Wild are a good brand when it comes to cheaper products that have not been tested on animals. This brand can be found in most pharmacies and supermarkets.

8. Eco Tools

Eco Tools are possibly the most famous cruelty-free brush brand. I cannot stress enough how good quality these brushes are, and they’re much more affordable than the likes of Real Techniques.

9. Make-Up Academy

Once again, MUA are again not the most accessible brand but they’re very cheap and great quality. MUA also have a good range of products and are very good quality for what you pay. Their eyeshadows are especially recommended.

10. Collection

Formerly Collection 2000, Collection have never explicitly stated their stance on animal testing but it’s widely assumed that they do not test on animals. Collection can be found in the vast majority of pharmacies and their mascaras are often considered some of their best products.