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You probably already shop from some of them.

Now more than ever, there are better options for buying cosmetics. Whether you're looking for a company that makes global philanthropy its mission or one that has diversity as its driving force, you can easily select a brand that fits your values. Now in 2022, cruelty-free makeup brands are something to consider too when purchasing cosmetics.

A cruelty-free brand is one that doesn't test formulas and ingredients on animals, though in some cases, certain companies may also eliminate any ingredients that are derived from animals altogether. But really knowing if a brand is truly cruelty-free is can be a challenge, since there are ways that brands can deceptively label their products to advertise that they're meeting cruelty-free standards when in fact, they're not. If you're ever unsure, you can always check out Leaping Bunny for a comprehensive list.

In the meantime, you can also read ahead to check out a few cruelty-free makeup brands that'll make you look and feel good.

Prestigious and quality cosmetics don't have to come with products tested on animals and filled with harmful ingredients. Milani creates makeup that holds up to quality standards and keeps a conscious price tag in mind. The brand tests its ingredients in labs that don't make animals the subject of testing and they focus on adding skin-soothing natural elements like squalane and rose oil. The brand’s exceptional attention to detail also matches their genuine dedication to diversity and making their products inclusive to all.

You might be most familiar Tarte Cosmetics thanks to its transforming Shape Tape concealer that hides every blemish like a magic wand. Aside from the brand's holy grail products, you might not know that its products contain safer ingredients, with some being vegan and cruelty-free.

Even though Lush is now a household name, the ethical beauty brand began as a mail-order cosmetics company that sold bath bombs and shampoo bars. After the mail order company ended, the founders of Lush decided to try something new. Now, thirty years later, the brand makes sure they haven't strayed from the "we believes," a list of beliefs that the company follows when creating their products. At the top is the belief, "in making effective products from fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils, and safe synthetics."

For some of the best makeup at a great price, shoppers turn to Wet n Wild—it's a tried and true brand for all ages and skin tones, and even though it's mostly sold in drugstores, each formula gives the skin a luxurious feel. Besides being recognized for some of the best shades in the industry, Wet n Wild also finds its identity in being cruelty-free and even makes it a point to work with vendors who share the same values.

Founded by Drew Barrymore, Flower Beauty has been cruelty-free since day one. The fun and flirty beauty line believes in testing products on people, not animals. Besides, makeup reacts to skin, not fur, right? When scrolling through Flower Beauty's website, you can see Barrymore herself testing products to see how they perform before they hit shelves at your favorite stores.

Thanks to its bold and distinct packaging, you can recognize an NYX product from a mile away. Founder Toni Ko wanted to bridge the gap between prestigious and affordable makeup, and that's when NYX was born. The brand produces high-quality makeup with drugstore price tags, making it affordable to all. NYX also takes being cruelty-free seriously and is acknowledged by PETA for its vegan products.

For over 28 years, BLK/OPL has created skincare and makeup for people of color without cutting corners. The female-owned company is known for being one of the first to offer products for under $20 without sacrificing quality. BLK/OPL's website states they "are the Celebrity Makeup Artists' Choice with richly pigmented makeup and dermatologist-approved skincare." And even though the brand has multiple awards, it's never lost sight of its mission to be cruelty-free and vegan.

A brand with a true passion for animals is Hourglass. Since the beginning, the brand has been conscious of treating animals fairly, but in 2017, Hourglass re-examined its missions and what it means to be "cruelty-free." To take each one of its products forward into a new ear, the brand decided to not only have ingredients and formulas tested on animals, but none are derived from them either.

It’s pretty tough to think about iconic cosmetics companies without Covergirl coming to mind. The original drugstore brand started in 1961 with its authentic and ground-breaking products that elevated style and beauty throughout the years. The brand partners with and features diverse women in its campaigns and advertisements. According to Covergirl’s website, its's also one of the largest beauty brands to get a Leaping Bunny seal from Cruelty-Free International, which means “all of our products are certified cruelty free, no matter where we are sold.”

If you love nature and haven't checked out Herbivore Botanicals, there's no better time to do so than now. The cruelty-free skincare brand understands that everything around us absorbs directly into the skin, even the ingredients in makeup. That's why Herbivore includes French clay and Brazilian gemstones in its products.

Aside from ingredients, the brand also believes that rituals make a difference in your skin and well-being overall. That's why each product is designed to be a part of your daily routine.

E.L.F. believes in helping everyone look good and feel good. That’s why the cosmetic brand creates every eye, lip, and face product for every skin tone, type, and texture. Plus, they also have 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free offerings—no animal testing at all. Their formulas do not have nasty ingredients like phthalates, parabens, and nonylphenol, to name a few.

Tower 28 definitely has a type, and it's "clean." Not only is each product not tested on animals, but the brand also has an extensive no-no list of ingredients that are never used in any of its products. The brand also says that its formulas have no-animal ingredients, including fats and oils.

Ilia was born out of the mission to create skincare-focused makeup. In every product you'll find that most contain SPF to protect the skin and give it more than just botanical ingredients packed with antioxidants.

Taylor Lane is a former New Yorker, now based out of Baltimore, where she writes about beauty and wellness. When she’s not writing about the newest product launches and time-saving tips, Taylor teaches barre at her local studio. Follow her on Instagram

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