With this guide, we're making it easy for you to ditch any animal-tested foundation, no matter how popular. The products are tried and true. All of those non-cruelty-free options recommended by influencers? We don't need them.
Looking for the best cruelty-free drugstore foundation? Click here to jump straight to the new drugstore section, or keep scrolling.
NOTE: This post was last updated in 2025 and new foundations have been added for all skin types. This guide was initially written in 2014, and we've swapped and added products as new and better options came on the market. Thank you for your trust in CFK and for shopping cruelty-free with us for over a decade!
Foundations To Avoid (Not Cruelty-Free)
Buyer beware! The following foundations are tested on animals. They might be popular, but we recommend choosing brands that are cruelty-free over those who fund animal testing anywhere in the world. Keep reading for alternatives that are even better for you, and better for animals.
- Maybelline Super Stay 24H Skin Tint, Super Stay Full Coverage, Fit Me Matte + Poreless, Fit Me Dewy + Smooth.
- L'Oréal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear, True Match Super-Blendable Makeup, Age Perfect Serum with SPF 50, Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm.
- Armani Beauty Luminous Silk.
- NARS* Sheer Glow, Soft Matte Complete.
- Dior Backstage Face & Body, Forever Matte, Forever Skin Glow, Forever Natural Nude.
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place.
- MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15, Studio Fix Powder Plus, Studio Radiance Face & Body Sheer.
- Laura Mercier Flawless Lumière Radiance-Perfecting, Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting.
- Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear, Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow.
- Make Up For Ever HD Skin, HD Skin Powder, Matte Velvet Skin.
- Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow, Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte.
- Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection.
- Clinique Beyond Perfecting + Concealer Foundation, Even Better Clinical Serum.
- Gucci 24 Hour Full Coverage Fluide De Beauté Fini Naturel.
- Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless SPF 15, Intensive Serum SPF 40.
- Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Luminous Natural Matte.
- Chanel Ultra Le Teint, Les Beiges, No. 1, Vitalumières Ultra.
*NARS is no longer cruelty-free since 2017, when they entered China.
Our Top Picks
The foundations below made it to the top of the list for our cruelty-free recommendations. If you're looking for drugstore options, skip to our recommendations for best cruelty-free drugstore foundations. If you're looking for the best skin tints, jump to our section on the best cruelty-free skin tints. All other options provide medium to full coverage, while skin tints provide a lighter to medium coverage.
Our top choice for 2025 is Haus Labs' Triclone Skin Tech foundation. If you've tried it for yourself, you won't be surprised. This foundation is super lightweight while providing great coverage. If you have redness or rosacea, not only will it cover everything flawlessly, but it also contains ingredients like Arnica to soothe red skin.
This foundation claims to provide medium coverage, but you can built it to full without it looking cakey. It has a very skin-like, glowy finish without looking oily. It's long-lasting and suitable for all skin types. However, if you have very oily skin or if you prefer a matte finish, there are other options that we would recommend.
| BEST FOR | Overall |
| Price | 49.00$/1oz. |
| Skin Type | All, including sensitive and mature |
| Coverage | Medium to full |
| Finish | Natural |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Excellent (51 shades) |
Not to be confused with Fenty's previous foundation launch, which has a matte finish, the Soft'lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation has a more dewy, skin-like finish. This foundation is very similar to Haus Labs' (above) in terms of formula and benefits: they're both lightweight, skin-like, and long-lasting. However, Haus Labs offers slightly better coverage per pump.
Note that we haven't received confirmation from Fenty whether or not this foundation is vegan. It's not marked as vegan on their website. It's possible that only certain shades are vegan. To be safe, we have not marked it as vegan on Cruelty-Free Kitty.
| BEST FOR | Runner up |
| Price | 40.00$/1.08oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Coverage | Medium |
| Finish | Natural |
| Vegan? | No |
| Shade Range | Excellent (50 shades) |
The hype around this foundation is real, as it gives a blurring effect due to its silica powder content. If you're looking for a foundation that gives you an airbrushed, "filter" effect, this one's for you. It also contains skincare benefits like 1.5% niacinamide to smooth and refine the look of uneven skin texture and tone.
This foundations works well for all skin types, although it might not be the best choice if you have very dry skin. Other than that, the finish is very skin-like and natural, while being lightweight. This product is also vegan and fragrance-free, which is a nice change if you're sensitive to fragrance.
| BEST FOR | Blurring, pore-minimizing |
| Price | 37.00$/1.08oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Coverage | Medium |
| Finish | Natural |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Good (30 shades) |
If you're looking for a fuller coverage à la Estée Lauder Double Wear, this foundation by One/Size is your perfect cruelty-free alternative. It provides amazing coverage that stays put all day. Despite that, it's easy to blend and it still feels like skin. Plus, it's vegan.
This foundation has a soft matte finish, so if you're not into the luminous finish that the foundations above provide, this one might be for you. It also contains rice silk powder for a slight blurring effect.
| BEST FOR | Full coverage |
| Price | 44.00$/1oz. |
| Skin Type | All except very dry |
| Coverage | Full |
| Finish | Matte |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Very good (38 shades) |
A longtime cult favorite, this CC+ foundation by IT Cosmetics is America's #1 Sunscreen foundation. With a full coverage and a creamy consistency, it provides a radiant finish while also covering every imperfection. It's rare for a sunscreen foundation to provide this much coverage, but they succeeded. If you want a foundation that provides great coverage with a dewy finish, especially if you live in a sunny climate, this one's for you.
Keep in mind that many products from IT Cosmetics, including this foundation, unfortunately contain some animal-derived ingredients and are not vegan.
| BEST FOR | Sunscreen Foundation |
| Price | 47.00$/1.08oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Coverage | Full |
| Finish | Natural |
| Vegan? | No |
| Shade Range | Good (30 shades) |
This foundation is part of Hourglass' Ambient collection which is known for products that give the skin a luminous finish. If you're looking for a foundation that will give you a "lit-from-within" type of glow, and you're willing to invest in your foundation, you'll love this one. The formula is beautiful and blends easily into the skin to provide medium, buildable coverage, and a flawless finish.
| BEST FOR | Luxury |
| Price | 58.00$/1oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Coverage | Full |
| Finish | Natural |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Good (32 shades) |
The Face Bond foundation from Urban Decay is self-setting, meaning you don't need to use setting powder over top. It dries down to a matte finish that won't budge all day long. It's also waterproof and sweat-proof, meaning it's a good foundation for special occasions, "active" days like for going to the gym, or high heat and humidity.
For these reasons, it's a great foundation for those with oily or combination skin, especially if you live in a humid climate. It's also vegan, and it contains 3% niacinamide.
| BEST FOR | Oily or acne-prone skin |
| Price | 40.00$/1oz. |
| Skin Type | Normal to very oily |
| Coverage | Medium |
| Finish | Matte |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Very good (40 shades) |
Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Foundations
elf
Soft Glam Satin Foundation
$8
The Soft Glmam Satin Foundation by e.l.f. is number one on our list for its blend of performance and affordability. Priced at $8, it provides medium coverage with a natural "satin" finish that looks like skin. It also works for a wide range of skin types including acne-prone and mature skin, as it doesn't settle into fine lines. For a drugstore foundation, it comes in 36 shades which is very good.
| BEST FOR | Best drugstore foundation |
| Price | 8.00$/1oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Coverage | Medium |
| Finish | Natural |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Good (36 shades) |
At this price point, the PhotoFocus Liquid Foundation by Wet n Wild is a gem. Available in two finishes, soft matte and dewy, it was formulated to look flawless in any lighting condition. This includes flash photography, but it was also tested in natural lighting outdoors, indoors, and even in nightclub lighting.
| BEST FOR | Runner up |
| Price | 40.00$/1oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Coverage | Medium |
| Finish | Matte or Dewy |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Limited (20 shades) |
This foundation combines makeup and skincare into one, including ingredients like blue agave, wintergreen, and chlorella to smooth and hydrate the skin. The formula truly feels like a second skin: it's lightweight and provides a natural finish that's not too dewy and not matte. It's one of the best foundations of 2025, especially under $25.
Another benefit of this product is the inclusive shade range. Unlike other foundations at this price point, this one's available in 45 shades—almost as many as Fenty Beauty.
| BEST FOR | Skin-like finish |
| Price | 24.00$/1oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Coverage | Medium |
| Finish | Natural |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Excellent (45 shades) |
Made by Drew Barrymore's brand, Flower Beauty, this foundation is perfect for those who want a dewy finish at a drugstore price. It provides very good medium coverage and has a lightweight consistency that makes it easy to blend into the skin. As an added bonus, it has a little bit of sun protection with an SPF of 18. Perfect for a beautiful summer glow.
| BEST FOR | Dewy, glowy skin |
| Price | 14.30.00$/1oz. |
| Skin Type | Normal to dry |
| Coverage | Medium |
| Finish | Dewy |
| Vegan? | No |
| Shade Range | Poor (14 shades) |
If you're looking for an affordable foundation that offers full coverage, this is the one we recommend. It's long-lasting and offers a demi-matte finish, meaning that it's more skin-like than a fully matte foundation. Even while offering a full, matte coverage, it doesn't look cakey or cling to dry patches. It works beautifully and lasts all day even if you have oily skin.
| BEST FOR | Oily skin |
| Price | 12.00$/0.8oz. |
| Skin Type | Normal to oily |
| Coverage | Full |
| Finish | Matte |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Excellent (50 shades) |
The Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer is a great foundation for those looking for a fuller coverage. As the name implies, it's like a foundation and concealer in one. It covers dark under-eye circles, redness, and imperfections while providing a natural matte finish. It works well for those with normal to combination skin Note that this product is not vegan as it contains beeswax.
| BEST FOR | Full coverage |
| Price | 19.00$/1oz. |
| Skin Type | Normal to oily |
| Coverage | Full |
| Finish | Matte |
| Vegan? | No |
| Shade Range | Excellent (45 shades) |
Best Cruelty-Free Skin Tints
Our best recommendation for a skin tint is definitely Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint. It's super lightweight and feels like nothing on the skin while providing some coverage and giving you a glow. It has an SPF of 40 using mineral and not chemical sunscreen. It's also formulated with great ingredients to hydrate the skin: hyaluronic acid, nicinamide, and plant-based squalane boost elasticity.
| BEST FOR | Best overall skin tint |
| Price | 48.00$/1oz. |
| Skin Type | Normal to dry |
| Coverage | Light to medium |
| Finish | Dewy |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Good (30 shades) |
For a drugstore options, we recommend Bare Focus Niacinamide Skin Tint because it compares to all the top drugstore skin tints on the market that are not cruelty-free. Instead of reaching for Maybelline or L'Oreal, go with Wet n Wild if you're looking for the best skin tint. This product provides enough coverage and gives your skin a healthy glow, plus it's lightweight and easy to blend.
It's vegan and works with all skin types. We also love that Wet n Wild has been expanding their shade options.
| BEST FOR | Best drugstore skin tint |
| Price | 8.99$/1.08oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Coverage | Light to medium |
| Finish | Natural |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Good (27 shades) |
Danessa Myricks' Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint Foundation combines makeup with skincare benefits. It contains vegan collagen peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, aiming to hydrate the skin while providing a natural, radiant finish. This product is particularly suitable for those seeking a dewy, luminous complexion.
| BEST FOR | Glowing skin |
| Price | 36.00$/1.58oz. |
| Skin Type | Normal to dry |
| Coverage | Light to medium |
| Finish | Natural |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Shade Range | Limited (20 shades) |
More Options for Cruelty-Free Foundations
If you're looking for more cruelty-free alternatives, or if you'd like to verify if your current foundation is cruelty-free, here's a list of foundations and skin tints from brands that are verified cruelty-free:
- e.l.f. Cosmetics: Flawless Satin Foundation ($6), Soft Glam Satin Foundation ($8), Camo CC Cream ($14), Camo Powder Foundation ($11)
- NYX Professional Makeup: Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation ($16), Bare With Me Blur Tint Foundation ($14), Buttermelt Glaze Skin Tint SPF 30 ($16)
- Fenty Beauty by Rihanna: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation ($40), Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Hydrating Foundation ($40), Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation ($36), Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint ($38)
- Urban Decay: Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation ($40), Stay Naked Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator ($35), Stay Naked The Fix Powder Foundation ($33)
- Too Faced: Born This Way Natural Finish Foundation ($47), Born This Way Matte 24 Hour Foundation ($46), Born This Way Healthy Glow Skin Tint SPF 30 ($42), Born This Way Multi-Use Complexion Powder ($39)
- BareMinerals: Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 ($35), Matte Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 ($35), Original Liquid Mineral Foundation ($44), BAREPRO 24HR Liquid Foundation ($42), BAREPRO 16HR Skin-Perfecting Powder Foundation ($42), Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream ($39), Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick ($34)
- Glossier: Perfecting Skin Tint ($28), Stretch Fluid Foundation ($34)
- Tower 28 Beauty: SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation ($32)
- Saie: Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 ($36), Glowy Super Skin Lightweight Serum Foundation ($40)
- Milk Makeup: Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 ($42), Flex Foundation Stick ($36)
- Makeup By Mario: SurrealSkin Foundation ($44)
- Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez: Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation ($30), Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($30)
- Anastasia Beverly Hills: Luminous Foundation ($38), Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation ($46)
- ColourPop: Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Hydrating Foundation ($16), Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Tinted Moisturizer ($15)
- Tarte: Face Tape Full Coverage Foundation ($40), Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full Coverage Foundation ($40), Maracuja Tinted Hydrator ($29)
- Charlotte Tilbury: Airbrush Flawless Foundation ($46), Beautiful Skin Medium Coverage Foundation ($46), Light Wonder Youth-Boosting Foundation ($46)
- Milani Cosmetics: Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer ($11), Glow Hydrating Skin Tint ($11)
- RMS Beauty: “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation ($52), ReEvolve Natural Finish Liquid Foundation ($48)
- Pacifica: Alight Clean Foundation ($16), Kind Tint Tinted Serum ($14)
- ILIA Beauty: True Skin Serum Foundation ($54), Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 ($48)
- Cover FX: Power Play Liquid Foundation ($44), Natural Finish Foundation ($42)
- KVD Beauty: Lock-It Foundation ($42), Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm ($40)
- INIKA Organic: Certified Organic Liquid Foundation ($49), Loose Mineral Foundation SPF 25 ($45)
- Juice Beauty: Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation ($44), STEM Cellular CC Cream SPF 30 ($39)
- The Body Shop: Fresh Nude Foundation ($25), Fresh Nude Tinted Beauty Balm SPF 30 ($22)
- Ere Perez: Oat Milk Foundation ($37)
- Emani (Vegan Cosmetics): Perfect 10 Primer Serum Foundation ($36)
- L.A. Girl: PRO Coverage HD Illuminating Foundation ($9), Tinted Foundation ($8)
- Zuzu Luxe (Gabriel Cosmetics): Oil-Free Liquid Foundation ($30)
- 100% Pure: Fruit Pigmented® Healthy Foundation ($48), Tinted Moisturizer ($46)
- CLE Cosmetics: CCC Cream ($31)
- Merit Beauty: The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick ($38)
- Beauty Without Cruelty: Ultimate Natural Liquid Foundation ($25)
- LYS Beauty: Triple Fix Serum Foundation ($22)
- Hourglass: Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick ($46), Ambient Soft Glow Foundation ($58)
- Lawless: Conseal The Deal Long-Wear Foundation ($39)
- Kosas: Tinted Face Oil Foundation ($42), Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25 ($42)
- Patrick Ta: Major Skin Crème Foundation & Finishing Powder Duo ($52)
- KIKO Milano: Skin Tone Foundation ($19), Full Coverage 2-in-1 Foundation & Concealer ($22)
- Danessa Myricks: Vision Cream Cover Adjustable Foundation ($22), Yummy Skin Serum Foundation ($34)
- Westman Atelier: Vital Skin Foundation Stick ($68)
- BeautyBlender (Bounce): Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation ($40)
- Rose Inc.: Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum ($49)
- Ami Colé: Skin-Enhancing Tint ($32)
- Range Beauty: True Intentions Hydrating Foundation ($21)
- Kylie Cosmetics: Skin Concealer (used as foundation)
- TULA Skincare: Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Skin Tint SPF 30 ($40)
- Smashbox: Studio Skin 24 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation ($36), Halo Healthy Glow All-in-One Tinted Moisturizer SPF 25 ($38)
- r.e.m. beauty (Ariana Grande): Sweetener Foundation ($29)
- Juvia’s Place: I Am Magic Velvety Matte Foundation ($20), I Am Magic Natural Radiance Foundation ($23)
- Rituel de Fille: Ethereal Veil Conceal and Cover ($34)
- Suntegrity: Impeccable Skin Moisturizing Face Sunscreen ($55)
- MOB Beauty: M1 Cream Foundation ($38)
- Odacité: Mineral Drops Tinted Serum Foundation ($59)
- Laura Geller: Balance-n-Brighten Baked Foundation ($36), Filter First Luminous Foundation ($34)
Which Brands Are Cruelty-Free?
Download our list of 600+ verified cruelty-free brands straight to your device. Bring it with you everywhere you go, and never worry about supporting animal testing again. Click here to download
Es increíble la cantidad de cosas que compramos sin la certeza de estar haciendo un bien o un mal.
Gracias estas personas, podré sin lugar a dudas seleccionar mis artículos sin culpa y disfrutar de ellos, sabiendo que al comprar productos que estan seleccionados en ésta página, voto por ya no más crueldad animal.
Thanks such for investing the time to provide information regarding cruelty free products! You are my #1 go to site to look for cruelty free products to use. – Sarah
Do you have any suggestions for sensitive/dry/eczema skin? Looking for something pretty dewy given that most foundations tend to get flakey (quick!).
Thank you!
Susana, thank you for giving us this amazing website, I always check it before purchasing makeup now. Keep up your awesome work. Much love ♥
I used to use the Urban Decay All Nighter and was in love with it but I started to feel like my face looked almost “too perfect” and airbrushed. The finish of my face did not match the finish of the rest of my skin and the color was not an exact match. I was looking for something more natural looking while still giving me decent coverage and decided to switch to the Naked Skin. I love this foundation and the finish is way more natural, the color matches perfect, the coverage is medium and it feels like you aren’t even wearing makeup. Super happy with this purchase and it lasts all day!
Thank you SO much for this list…It’s a great help in my search for a new foundation. My skin just totally changed in the last year and I need to find something new because what used to be fabulous is a big NO now!!Thank you, hormones!! Anyway, there are a number of companies that have jumped on the “all natural”, “organic”, and claim they don’t test on animals…But you really need to check! That Chinese market is just too tempting when it comes to the bottom line and many companies products I USED to live on are now off the table!! DHC Japan comes to mind-I used their Deep Cleansing Oil for 12 years but they started selling in China which means animal testing!! I have had to become a chemist in my own kitchen making my own cleansing oil and serums to make up for it! Ugh! It’s a huge bummer. I have written SO many letters…I just get form letter P.R. responses. It’s SO aggravating because in order to DO something about it they need to feel in in their profits! Thank you SO much for your hard work and fighting the good fight! If you have any suggestions for foundations that come in really fair colors-I am a ginger and having the worst time finding something that works…The Becca was a GORGEOUS formula but the lightest color was yellowish and way too noticeable! Thank you!
B
I’m sorry I don’t mean to be rude But did you know the body shop has been taken off the cruelty free list because they no longer meet the requirements, Too faced is owned by Estee Lauder, I choose not to buy from companies who are owned by parent companies who do their dirty work for them. I don’t think this is the site for me.Thank you for sending the download but I think i will be unsubscribing.
Is this an updated list? Other cruelty free lists don’t have some of these brands anymore, like Tarte and Nars (to my sadness). How do you keep up to date? Thanks!
I updated the post to include the update about NARS, unfortunately. Tarte is still cruelty-free as of 2019, though they’re owned by a brand that tests on animals.
There is a brand ( Mirenesse ) that claim they are cruelty free, one of the skin care product actually states it is made in South Korea. What is this country’s policy in cruelty free. I was so happy there was an Australian cruelty free company that I have purchased some of the makeup and skin care. SuzieI would really love to fid out.
Was really looking for a foundation for mature skin (over 50) that won’t leave my face looking caked and dried out. Next to impossible to come by at all.
Regards
Charlene
NARS isn’t longer cruelty free. They ship to China.
Careful NARS is nor cruelty free anymore. They decided to sell in China.
Why is NARS on the list when earlier this year you said they sell in China, and therefore, cannot be cruelty-free? And Urban Decay which is owned by L’oreal? I never know what to do as my options are dwindling.
Girl, NARS is not cruelty free. What are you even doing?
Can you update this? NARS is no longer cruelty free.
My friend is going vegan so I will share this list with them.
I don’t think NARS is cruelty free anymore…
The Ordinary makes a great foundation! And it is only $6! Even Wayne Goss (a professional makeup artist) reccomends it!
http://deciem.com/category/makeup
Why isn’t Kat Von D’s foundation listed? Isn’t her entire line vegan and cruelty free?
NARS isn’t cruelty free anymore
Hi, I am looking for a good foundation that can even out my skin color. I have blemishes and discoloration, and wanted to ask your opinion for a good foundation. I find myself having both dry and oily skin. Really depends what moisturizer I put on. Thank you! Your website is amazing, btw 😉
Really wish Tarte was sold in the Uk
Does anyone have recomendations for foundations won’t flake in dry areas of the face like around the nose? I’ve been having this problem with sooo many that I’ve tried so far
I have this problem too! I would suggest mixing your foundation with a little bit of moisturizer (or using a tinted moisturizer like BalmShelter from theBalm). Then you can use the foundation alone or a concealer to build up coverage in areas where you want more. I hope this helps!!
You should mention that NARS is yellow based, and doesn’t work for people who have pink based skin. And it cakes a lot too
Milani’s conceal + perfect 2 in one foundation is garbage imo. I remember when i purchased it in the shade creamy vanilla, and it was so yellow on me. my favorite foundations are Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation in Light, and Tarte’s Double Beauty Confidence Compact power foundation in light beige. Liquid foundations usually don’t work for me either because of how the color appears on my skin or how they always appear cakey on me.
I use Gosh All-in-one BB cream as foundation. It is low price, lightweight and medium covering, invisible on the skin. Although one application take quite big amount of it and on my combination skin it looks a bit oily.
I’m interested in finding out about the best cruelty free foundation for mature skin. I’m 56 & my skin tends to be dry. I want good coverage without looking like I have pancake makeup on and lately I feel like my make up/look is always blah/tired looking. I do wear make up but not on the heavy side. I still prefer only and every day look but I just want my skin to look more vibrant!
Have you tried Born This Way by Too Faced? I would also suggest Charlotte Tilbury’s Light Wonder foundation. If anyone has more suggestions, please comment! 🙂
My skin is dry, but st the same time, I can’t put oil on it. What would you recommend :(?
Agree.
Are you sure Nars is cruelty free?
Just an update that Too Faced was juts bought out by Estee Lauder (a company who does test on animals) However, Too Faced has promised not to change their formulas or start testing on animals, and said they will not sell in China. Lets hope that stays true, just a bummer that they are now owned by a company who does test on animals :/
I would highly recommend if you do have the time and budget to invest in the BareMinerals Bare Skin one. I bought it last year and it really does leave a natural look to your face. Yes its a little wet but of course you can powder over it. In the winter I leave it with out the powder to give a dewy finish. Its not a greasy finish or oily its just something that leaves you hydrated. I sometimes even forget I have it on thats how nice it feels.
tarte is not cruelty-free.. dont need to say nars are urban decay are not. cruelty-free KITTY U SURE OF THAT U DONT SUPPORT THE CRUELTY ?
Hi 🙂 i only recently started getting interested in cosmetics, whereas before I never really cared about putting on make-up. I am thing of taking courses at a newly opened school not far from me, MUD, which is supposed to have a very good reputation. I asked someone who studied there whether you’re allowed to bring your own make-up, or whether you have to stick to the kit you have to buy accompanying the lessons, and she said you can bring whatever you want to class, so yeey! 😀 definitely going to try and use as many cruelty-free products there. Also, I wanted to tell you about a new brand of mineral make-up from the Netherlands, which I’m gonna try out in a month or so. here are links to their Facebook page and website. The founder is an ordinary woman who wanted a natural product for her sensitive skin, and she has quite a lot of video’s where she tests the make-up on herself and other. I really like it and can’t wait to try it out! https://www.creativecosmetics.nl https://www.facebook.com/creativecosmeticsNL/
Try the NARS! It’s much less “oily” or patchy than the BM if I remember correctly.
I totally agree. I was so excited when clicking the link but then when I saw what was listed I wanted to cringe. Some of these brands are owned by a parent company who tests on animals and thats just a no for me.
I completely agree. It’s like being half pregnant. Your company either tests on animals or it doesnt. Period. I did not hear about Tarte, NARS, Bare Minerals selling in Asia, nor Urban Decay. People, just purchase health food store cosmetic brands, and then you don’t have to worry about it.
I just wanted to say thank you for this information! I was lost as to where to even find cruelty free and quality foundation. I tried Lush and I love it. Thank you
Try Bare Minerals Lasting Line Long-Wearing Eyeliner in Absolute Black – I switched over to this in recently making the transition to CF products and I love it!
Thank u!!!
No more Bare Minerals for me…their parent company does animal testing.
My sister has it also and says she really likes it. it looks really natural on her but when i did the “refine search” at Sephora….it literally gave me almost nothing because TooFaced is full coverage apparently. I definitely do plan on trying it though so thanks for giving me your experience and review :))))))
I still have to try this one out! Thanks for sharing, Phoebe! 🙂
Anyone know of a foundation that is medium-ish coverage and has a natural finish? (ie not too matte but not too dewy)??? Liquid preferably (I just hate thick and greasy things)….and not super expensive. andddddd it is 100% CF??
Because I don’t )’:
**also proud to see more and more canadian companies being added to this list (:
Hopefully the bill to ban cosmetic animal testing will finally be passed.
Andalou BB and CC creams. I responded with more info in one of your posts above.
Charlotte Tilbury magic foundation is good and so is Gosh exceptional foundation and is really cheap!
I’ll have to check out the Gosh one, thanks Charlotte!
I’ll mention this as part of a drugstore post, thank you for the suggestion!
Too Faced “Born This Way” is da bomb! ?
How about some more affordable foundations?
Definitely considering a post on more affordable foundations. 🙂
Nars is owned by Shiseido who are one of the worst when it comes to animal testing.
Just bought make up for ever mascara. Just found out it tests on animals. I am so upset
The other hourglass foundations are also very good. Ellis faas and chantacaille also lovely foundations. My holy grail foundation brand is by terry. All happily cruelty free. In Australia most brands at Mecca cosmetica are cruelty free (if not all) but not so at Mecca maxima.
That’s great to know for all Australians, thanks!
Nars is cruelty free, but his mother company is not. Is that okay to buy nars ?
Absolutely NOT!!
I absolutely love the convenience and performance of the W3LL PEOPLE Foundation + Concealer Stick. How do you think the coverage and longevity of it compare to the Sappho Liquid Foundation, which I’ve been coveting?
Hi! 🙂 I think both are very similar in terms of coverage, meaning you’ll get about a medium coverage. The difference (at least in my experience) is that you need to have relatively “good skin” (smooth texture, no dryness) to able to pull off the W3ll People stick. Sappho is more forgiving and suits more skin types!
I’ll try to find more affortable alternatives! It’s a little bit harder to find a good cruelty-free drugstore foundation but I’ll do my best.
Very informative post, thank you! Maybe one day I’ll try liquid foundation too… (usually I use mineral one) it’s shame that we don’t have all these brands at stores in Estonia – it’s kinda hard to pick right color shade online 🙁 I’d love to see the same post about concealers xx
Ooh, great idea about concealers! I’m going to do primers next since I’ve been trying a whole bunch, but this will give me time to try more concealers! Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
This is great! But I’m going to be ‘that’ person: Nars is owned by Shiseido, who are not cruelty-free.
I talk about this a little more in depth in my post about cruelty-free brands that are owned by non-cruelty-free companies, but I personally support all cruelty-free brands. Yes, 4 of these brands are owned by non-cruelty-free companies: BareMinerals is also owned by Shiseido, Tarte is owned by Kose, and UD is owned by L’oreal.
Then WHAT is the point?
I’ve been having the absolute worst time finding a affordable (and i’m even willing to spend if i HAVE to) foundation that is 100% CF and has a natural finish, which is very important to me. I’ve never done foundation and i really really want to try it but since all these “CF” brands now sell in China or are owned by non CF companies….there is practically nothing.
My options (that aren’t drugstore) are KatVonD, Becca, ABH, Cover FX and Toofaced. Sounds like a lot? But nope…its not. None of them have what i’m truly looking for in a foundation or are ridiculously expensive.
With that being said, I LOVE CFK’s blog. She’s helped me so much in gaining knowledge about these companies and being a conscientious consumer. I think her point is that the companies themselves are still Cruelty Free, so if you have to choose a foundation, supporting one that is CF (even if owned by a non CF company or sells in China) is still better than purchasing from a brand that is not Cruelty Free at all.
It’s an investment (£30 in the UK, basically the standard ‘high end’ foundation price) but I recently bought the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation and that’s amazing for a NATURAL ‘second skin’ finish but you can still build it up to get up to medium coverage. I love it because you can hardly see the make up but it’s still nice and matte, it’s concept is that it works for ANY skin type! Give it a go if you’re looking to spend a little more money – it’s vegan too!
Have you tried Andalou Naturals BB or CC creams? They have a couple of tints that seem to work with several skin tones, provide light coverage, even out the skin tone, and also have SPF 30. I use the 1000 Roses Color + Correct Sheer in Nude. They are about $20 on their website, but I get mine from my local natural foods store or Whole Foods, and they often have them on sale for about $12-15. They often have them out to sample as well before buying.
Oh that sounds awesome! I’ll check out my local Whole Foods stores and their website. I’ve never heard of them.
Thank you!! 🙂
Good luck! I like it, but I need set it with mineral powder since my skin is oily. Also, if you go to Whole Foods, check out with other cosmetics they have such as Mineral Fusion, Pacifica (also can find in Target), Zuzu, etc. They usually have testers to sample. The Andalou BB cream would be where the facial moisturizers would be. Last, there is also Physician’s Formula 100% Organic BB Cream (I saw it in Target). I haven’t tried it yet, but I know Target will let you return it if it isn’t a match. Whole Foods as well. Just save the receipt.
Physicians formula is really difficult to colour match for me.
I love pacifica but I’m from canada and they don’t have it here, or if they do its only online and it’s jacked up in pricing. I love the bronzers from PF though!
Oh, and Physician’s Formula has a CC cream as well. The reviews on Amazon seem to be good… hmmm.
have you tried ELF and Wet n Wild? they are drugstore brands, more affordable and cruelty free.
This is awesome! Have you thought about doing this with drug store foundations? I know there aren’t a whole lot to choose from, but I think it’d be super helpful none the less. 🙂
It’s definitely harder but I’ll see what I can do, thanks for the suggestion!
Wet n Wild is cruelty free, and I like their foundation better than the $30 non-cruelty free foundation I was using before.
I’ve been eyeing Tarte’s Amazonian Clay foundation for a while now because I’ve heard really good things about it. I’ve been on the lookout for a cruelty-free foundation that would work well with my oily skin. The one I’m currently finishing up is good, but is sadly, non-cruelty-free (bought before I’ve known better). Thank you for the recommendations, Suzi! 🙂
I hope you’ll find something that works for you! If you buy from Sephora, remember to sample first. 🙂
I wish we have a Sephora here. 🙁 Unfortunately, I will have to guess my shade when I order this from a local seller. The good thing though is that Tarte made the effort to describe the shades and what undertone they have. 🙂
Ahh that’s not easy, good luck!
Hey, if you buy from Sephora online, you can talk/email a representative and send them a pic of your face/skintone and they will advise you on shades. or contact Tarte directly too that way.
Hi Dee! Thank you for this. I didn’t know that and that’s quite helpful information for everyone who shops online and didn’t want to risk getting the wrong shade, especially since it can be a pain to return them if one lives in another country. 🙂
Hi! I was also eyeing the Tarte Amazonian Clay foundation but I just read that Tarte was bought by KOSE who is a Japanese company who still tests on animals in China. 🙁 I am so sad. Same goes with UD, UD was bought by L’oreal who is a well known animal tester. What to do, what to do….. I might just have to check out Sappho.
Hi Valerie! For me, as long as the company itself remains to be cruelty-free, despite being owned by a company that tests on animals, I would still support them. I guess I consider them a separate entity from the parent company. I’ve just heard of Sappho from this post, but it sounds promising. 🙂
U are kidding yourself, and not really doing anything to promote cruelty free then.
I think for some people….it might be the best alternative as it’s an “inbetween”.
I absolutely 100% understand and agree with what you mean but it’s getting so so hard. Of course the best option would be then to ditch the foundation altogether, but not many will do it i think.
If someone were to ask me whether to buy from Nars/UD or MUF/Sephora brand….I would tell them to go with the former. At least they are buying from a CF company, although it is unfortunate their parent is not.
Hopefully as a first step, China bans the law on absolutely needing products to be tested on animals. Would be a huge step and would open up brands that sell there as fully CF. If the rest of the world doesn’t need the product tested on animals and are doing just fine….don’t see why it would not be the same for China.
Sorry the post was so long I tend to rant.
Try Too Faced Born This Way foundation. U’love it for ur oily skin!
This is awesome 🙂 It’s so hard finding a good cruelty free foundation!
The choices are more limited and it’s awesome to find a great cruelty-free foundation. 🙂
I’ve been creeping on the nars foundation for forever even though I have ‘normal’ skin I think I would like to try out the matte version.
If you’re refering to the Sheer Matte, I’ve never tried it myself but I remember hearing negative things about it. Just a head’s up!
Nars tests now right??
Yes. I emailed them the other day and because they now sell to China they test there. Sadly. Loved their products and refuse to buy them now!
the Sappho foundation still sounds so nice! I really need to go ahead and try it out already! I’m also eyeing the Koh Gen Do foundations because of all of the dang hype! Have you tried them out? I’d love to hear your thoughts if you have!
It really is, I love it! I’ve been swooning over Koh Gen Do but I want to check their animal testing policy first!