High-quality foundations that don’t blow your makeup budget are hard to find. It gets harder when you try to find vegan cosmetics, since the price seems to go up automatically when you go to the shop.
I took the time to find the best vegan foundations across different price points.
Let’s take a look at the choices that I found, so you can shop for the right animal-free foundations.
Our Top Vegan Foundations
1. Kat Von D Lock-it Foundation (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
Kat Von D is one of the most popular vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands out there, because it offers high-quality products (see microneedling).
The Lock-it Foundation offers full coverage and claims to provide 24-hour wear.
Reviews show that it does a great job of hiding blemishes and discoloration. Another person commented that a little bit of foundation goes a long way, and that it feels breathable on the skin (see collagen).
PROS
- Different shades available
- Covers blemishes while still feeling light
- Provides up to 24 hours of wear
CONS
- Doesn’t last 24 -hours for everyone
2. Milani Even Touch Powder Foundation
Milani Even Touch’s cruelty-free powder foundation is meant for medium-to-full coverage. It is designed to be put on layers depending on how much coverage you may need.
One friend said that this product feels lightweight on the skin, (see chemical peel) and that the coverage is similar to liquid foundations.
They only have 7 shades, so you might not find an exact match to your skin tone (see micro needling).
PROS
- Buildable powder foundation
- Has the coverage of a liquid foundation
CONS
- Limited shade collection
3. Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation
Cover FX’s oil-free foundation is lightweight and gives a silky and flawless finish to the skin. It’s for medium to full coverage and works for skin with pink undertones (chemical peels).
Reviews say they felt like their skin looked natural, and features like freckles could still be seen (see droopy eyelids).
The color might be lighter than it looks. Some people have complained that they weren’t able to find an exact match to their skin tone (see also ‘The Best Sustainable and Vegan Makeup Primer and Skin Treatments‘).
The water-based foundation claims to have 12-hour coverage.
PROS
- Oil-free foundation
- Great for skin with pink undertones
CONS
- Color is lighter than it appears
4. Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
Too Faced’s oil-free liquid foundation is infused with ingredients like coconut water, alpine rose, and hyaluronic acid to promote skin moisture, health, and appearance.
The foundation has medium-to-full coverage and lasts for 12 hours, although some reviews say that they needed to touch up sooner than that.[1]
One pump is enough to cover your face (benefits of dermaplaning), so the bottle will last you for a while. The foundation dries to a powdery finish and blends flawlessly well with skin tones.
PROS
- Medium-to-full coverage
- Lasts for 12 hours
CONS
- Pretty expensive
5. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Foundation
Tarte’s liquid foundation’s superpower comes from Amazonian clay. They claim that this matte foundation will help balance your complexion even if you have sensitive or oily skin.
The foundation offers full coverage. Some people say that the foundation is heavy, but not in a greasy way. It also doesn’t cake or settle into skin lines (see pores).
This foundation also includes Vitamin E and mineral pigments to soothe and soften the skin.
PROS
- Has SPF 15 sunscreen, vitamin E, and mineral pigments (Hyperpigmentation)
- Helps balance skin complexion (see also ‘How Long Does Your Skin Take to Heal After Microneedling?‘)
CONS
- Heavy foundation
6. Urban Decay Naked Skin Liquid Foundation
While Urban Decay’s cruelty-free liquid foundation is the most expensive one on this list, it provides buildable coverage while still feeling light on the skin (see men’s wrinkles).[2] It goes on light, and your complexion will appear brighter and refreshed.
The weightless and cruelty-free formula does a perfect job of hiding skin imperfections while making you still look natural.
It gives your skin a flawless natural look (Natural Look Botox) because of the demi-matte finish. All skin types can enjoy this foundation as people with dry and oily skin love this product (wrinkle care for teens).
PROS
- Great coverage
- The demi-matte finish gives a natural look
CONS
- Expensive
7. Zuzu Luxe Oil Free Liquid Foundation
This is another vegan oil-free liquid foundation, but the most affordable on this list. However, you shouldn’t expect full coverage. It offers good coverage, but it’s more in the medium range.
People have said that this makes their skin look natural and doesn’t cake up on the face. It is also a long-lasting beauty product and stays in place.
People with dry or sensitive skin (see also ‘The Best Skin Care Routine for 60-year-olds‘) have mixed reviews. Some say it keeps their skin soft while others say it makes their skin even drier (see Chemical Peel).
PROS
- Cheaper option
- Cruelty-free
CONS
- Mixed reviews for dry skin (see also ‘Is Lactic Acid Vegan?‘) (Laser Skin Resurfacing)
8. Ere Perez All Natural Oat Milk Foundation
The star ingredient for this cream-based foundation is oat milk. Ere Perez claims that this is perfect for hydrating the skin. It also includes ingredients like peach and vitamin E to support the skin’s health.
This cruelty-free foundation offers medium to full coverage, and you’re able to build the layers. The foundation still allows the skin (see Microdermabrasion) to breathe regardless of the layers.
People say that the coverage is sheer or buildable, and it gives the skin a natural and glowy look. There are also positive reports that the ingredients leave the skin feeling moisturized.
PROS
- Non-greasy and natural finish
- Hydrating and creamy ingredients
CONS
- Limited range of shades
9. Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation
Milk Makeup uses a unique blend of coconut waxes in their formula to create makeup that blends seamlessly into your skin using body heat.
It seems to work as a lot of people report that this liquid matte foundation offers full coverage while giving a nice dewy look.
It has a matte finish and gives the skin beautiful undertones (Lip Fillers). It’s almost as if you’re not wearing any cosmetics (see also our article on Botox) at all.
PROS
- Full coverage foundation with a fresh look
- The creamy texture blends well
CONS
- Pricy
Related article:The Best Vegan Mascaras
10. Pacifica Dreamy Cover Serum Foundation
This is one of the few foundation brands that claims to be for all skin types (See Best Botox Brands)
(How much Botox ?). Their color shades seem to be limited, but you may find a match.
I think it’s great that this foundation includes SPF 20 in their formula, unlike other brands. Other people love the SPF as well, and they also love how they didn’t have to reapply their foundation throughout the day. It stays put and looks natural.
PROS
- Most affordable
- Includes SPF 20
CONS
- Limited color shades
What is the best vegan foundation?
The Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation is a favorite when it comes to vegan foundations, as backed up by tons of positive reviews online. I think this is because Kat Von D rises above other brands by avoiding animal products when creating durable make-up (see cruelty free Chapstick).
This foundation is lightweight yet gives full coverage. According to my research, people appreciate that it covers any blemishes they want to hide while still highlighting their features. While people claim that the formula doesn’t last the full 24 hours, it does last for most of the day.
Which of these vegan foundation brands (see also ‘Is Aveeno Cruelty-Free and a Vegan Brand?‘) have you tried? Are they as good as they claim? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Want to be vegan free on all your makeup products, check out this list of the best vegan makeup brands. And don’t forget to put vegan sunscreen on top of your makeup and protect your skin from heat.
Take it to the next level and keep your self fresh with a vegan product too. Try this list of the best vegan deodorants and best vegan shampoos.
Kat Von D Lock-it Foundation
Our #1 Favorite Vegan Foundation
- Different shades available
- Covers blemishes while still feeling light
- Provides up to 24 hours of wear
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