Beauty Advice
The best of vegetarian beauty
For vegetarians, it’s easier than ever to find your way around a supermarket, but browsing your local beauty department can be trickier. From the carmine (a red dye made from crushed beetles) commonly used in red lipsticks, to the animal fats and gelatin added to cream products, our morning routines are potentially littered with hidden animal ingredients.
To make things a little easier, we’ve picked out a handful of our favourite vegetarian beauty picks, with animal-friendly credentials as impressive as the products themselves. From a stand-out red lipstick to our youth-boosting skincare go-tos, there’s something for everyone – veggie or not!
Pixi
Whilst Pixi has an impressive make-up range, we think it’s their skincare that’s worth writing home about. Created by Petra – a mother of four – the range is packed full of multi-tasking products designed for busy women of all ages. When skin looks dull and dehydrated, we love reaching for the rejuvenating Pixi Rose Oil Blend (£26.00). The product comes with a handy pipette applicator and is packed full of youth-boosting sweet almond, rosehip, jojoba, pomegranate seed and rose geranium oils.
For the exfoliating connoisseur, we recommend the Pixi Glow Peel Pads (£24.00). A facial on the go, this exfoliating treatment is infused with 20% glycolic acid solution which leaves behind smoother, brighter skin. For something a little gentler, opt for the daily 5% glycolic acid solution – Pixi Glow Tonic (£18.00).
Kat Von D
A vegan and animal activist, Kat Von D is committed to developing high-performing products that are free of animal ingredients and are 100% cruelty-free. If you’re after a statement red lip, look no further than her carmine-free Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick (£17.00) in the shade Santa Sangre. This creamy lipstick has a satin matte finish and is the perfect shade to achieve a signature Hollywood smile.
Another of our veggie favourites is Kat Von D’s iconic, award-winning Tattoo Liner (£16.00). Rich and inky, this eyeliner’s bulletproof formula has earned it its cult status – this eyeliner wont budge, smudge or crumble, whatever the weather.
IT Cosmetics
Since its launch in the UK in 2016, IT Cosmetics has quickly established itself as a firm favourite amongst beauty writers and bloggers. The hero product of the range is undoubtedly the Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ (£30.00), a base product with the light consistency of a tinted moisturiser and the fuller coverage of a foundation. It sits beautifully on the skin and has a balmy texture that blends seamlessly over pores, fine lines and dry patches. It’s the perfect option for those looking to cover up redness, rosacea or pigmentation, whilst maintaining a more natural look. As we move into the warmer months, we’ll be reaching for their new Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination SPF 50+ (£30.00) for an added glow.
The Ordinary
Another of our skincare favourites, The Ordinary offers a range of affordable vegan- and vegetarian-friendly products. We’ve already shared how much we love their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (£5.90) in our article on the beauty benefits of hyaluronic acid (read more here). This ultra-hydrating formula contains three forms of hyaluronic acid , maximising the absorption of this miracle ingredient and leaving behind visibly plumper and youthful-looking skin.
We also love the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (£8.00). A derivative of vitamin A, retinol has been proven to minimise fine lines, encourage collagen production and improve pigmentation. For those new to retinol, it can take some time for the skin to comfortably tolerate this potent ingredient, however, this formulation from The Ordinary is a relatively mild, introductory product that causes minimal irritation. It’s important to note that retinol can leave the skin more sensitive to UV rays so must be used in conjunction with a daily, broad-spectrum SPF.
My. Haircare UK
When it comes to veggie haircare, we’ve been loving the Infuse My. Colour Shampoo (£15.95) from My. Haircare. Infused with vegan biodegradable colour, these handy rinses refresh, revive and tone hair without the need to take a trip to the salon. Whether you’re looking to knock some brassiness out of grey/blonde hair, or add some warmth to a flat-looking brown, there really is a wash for everyone. An added bonus – these products are silicone and sulphate-free making them super scalp-friendly!
