A growing ethical consciousness about many of the questionable ingredients we have permitted to become part of our beauty regimen has finally led to the development of cruelty-free, vegan beauty products appealing to a diverse, discerning, and not necessarily vegan demographic.
We would like to share some of our favourite discoveries from vegan cosmetics haircare, and nail-care brands.
American English Luxury Vegan Haircare – www.americanenglishhair.com
Combining decades of experience in the salon and professional world of styling, American English offers a curated selection of essential, haircare and styling products. These high-performance vegan formulas condition the hair and scalp with nourishing vitamins, omegas and plant extracts on a prolonged level, while enhancing and simplifying the overall experience of styling. Hair is instantly more manageable and looks healthy and lustrous, with a natural feeling texture. Standouts on the range are the 24Karat Thickening Lotion and Multivitamin Spray, but overall American English receives our highest ratings.
Antonym Cosmetics – www.antonymcosmetics.com
With an impressive certification from Ecocert, Antonym Cosmetics are made with 100% certified natural and organic ingredients. With their edited selection of vegan and cruelty-free, essential color cosmetics and makeup brushes, Antonym has raised the bar for natural cosmetics brands with a line of products that speaks of a warm, natural esthetic of simple elegance. Standouts on the line are the recently launched Skin Esteem Organic Liquid Foundation and Lola Lash Too Organic Mascara, and vegan makeup brushes. Check out the website for the full selection of products.
Hourglass Cosmetics – www.hourglasscosmetics.com
Recognized for their innovative formulas and sleek, tactile designs, Hourglass also has a flagship store located in Venice, CA. that beautifully expresses their elegant brand esthetic. This inviting, modern environment may in fact be an unexpected place to find such an extensive range of vegan products, but Hourglass has a large selection of vegan formulations in impressive textures that are clearly the brand’s area of expertise. The vegan selection also happens to include some of their most outstanding products including the Vanish® Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick, the Illume Sheer Color Trio, and the super chic Confession Refillable Lipstick Kit – all must-have items for any beauty aficionado, vegan or otherwise.
Kat Von D Beauty – www.katvondbeauty.com
Celebrated tattoo artist and television personality Kat Von D has successfully translated her personal ethos and sensibility into a thriving cosmetics brand. As an extremely passionate animal rights activist as well as a vegan, Von D recently pledged to reformulate her entire line to all vegan, cruelty-free formulas. Once again, this speaks strongly of the changing perspective in the beauty industry and the growing consciousness about animal cruelty. But regardless of her praise-worthy and ethical efforts, KVD is an incredible resource for richly pigmented, high-performance makeup. Our top picks are the Tattoo and Ink Liquid Liners and Studded Kiss Lipstick.
Pacifica Beauty – www.pacificabeauty.com
Pacifica can certainly be credited for creating and inspiring a more broad awareness of vegan beauty in the mass retail arena, with their refreshing, accessible approach to lifestyle beauty. As well, the overall quality and performance of their products is superior. Addressing every possible lifestyle beauty need, Pacifica covers all areas of beauty; fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, haircare, and nail varnish in a vibrant, refreshing and approachable perspective. Amongst our favorite products: Golden Lotus Highlighting Powder, Dream Big Mascara, Magical Multi Pencil, Dreamy Cover Bare Faced Foundation Serum, Micellar Toning Water…. The list goes on and on!
Ten Over Ten – www.tenoverten.com
Ten Over Ten have created the most unique and relaxing nails spas that have been specifically designed to be open and airy, much more like an inviting, urban loft. The brand is seeing successful growth with this experience-based philosophy and now has five nail spas in New York City, one in Los Angeles, and one in Austin, Texas. Continuing their experience-based concept, Ten Over Ten also has a signature line of toxin-free, vegan nail varnish in the most chic and desirable shades, as well as a range of essential nail care products.