5 vegan beauty products that are so good, you’ll want to buy two of them

As this Thursday celebrated World Vegan Day, it only seems right to talk about some of the beauty products that are making the most impact, but in a way that’s completely safe for the environment too. Vegan beauty is undeniably one of the fastest growing skincare and make-up categories, and in what is truly refreshing, is that more and more brands are making a conscious effort to provide animal-free options to their customers, but at no compromise on quality. Here we rounded up five beauty products by brands that simply must be on your radar.

Balance by Pestle & Mortar, €32

This one comes directly recommended from our beauty writer Holly O’Neill, who swears by this skincare gem. “Irish skincare company Pestle & Mortar’s newest product, Balance, €32, is a facial spritz created with deep sea Irish magnesium and amino acids, offering hydration, balanced sebum production and reduced skin pollution. CEO and founder Sonia Deasy has created another hero.”

Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Foundation, €34

Urban Decay does not do any testing on animals, and they have a dedicated vegan range, which keeps getting bigger. Their Naked Skin Foundation has long been regarded as a favourite in the industry; I love its colour match (it goes to the palest of the pale) and buildable coverage that looks full but is utterly natural. The weightless texture is divine.

The Body Shop Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, €19.50

This is an underrated, fantastic cleanser that rivals any high-end counterpart and it just so happens to be completely vegan-friendly too. It completely melts away all traces of makeup, washes off easily and leaves skin feeling soft and supple. Plus you get loads in one jar for under €20. Perfect for when your skin needs some extra TLC during the harsher, colder weather.

Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops, €35

Available in Arnotts, Cover FX is another hugely underrated vegan beauty brand, offering an array of great complexion-perfecting products from setting spray, powder, makeup brushes and blot drops. The Custom Drops are probably their most famous products, available in glitter (a personal favourite), highlighting and bronzer options. Available in nine universal shades, including seven illuminators and two matte bronzers, these customisable drops can be used to create a buildable highlight or sunkissed tint. Use them alone for a strobing effect (ideal for Christmas party season) or bronzing effect even on top of powder, or add them to your liquid foundation or skincare product for an all-over glow.

Pai Skincare’s Camellia and Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, €36

I discovered this British brand when my beloved Liz Earle cleanser suddenly made me break out after years of devoted use. This is an alternative that’s just as good, and vegan-friendly too, thankfully. All Pai Skincare products are made using high-quality organic ingredients and are optimised for even the most for sensitive of skin. The cleanser is one of their best-selling products and feels gorgeous on the skin, while the accompanying cloth easily sweeps all the dirt and grime from the day away. Skin feels divinely soft after every use.