As 2020 dawns, the world has found itself caught in the midst of an environmental crisis. With climate scientists claiming that we only have 12 years to save the planet, many of us have been forced to take a step back and examine the ways in which we live our lives. According to global data, veganism rose 600% between 2014 and 2017, with many people hoping to cut their carbon footprint by going ‘plant based.’ Coupled with increasing concerns about animal welfare, with brands being exposed across social media, a vegan lifestyle has never been so popular.
However, it is not only supermarkets that are changing their products to cater for increasing demand. The beauty industry is not far behind, with many brands adapting their ingredient lists to minimise animal- derived ingredients. Going vegan, whether it is long-term or just for January, no longer has to be an inaccessible and expensive lifestyle choice. Here are a range of specially selected vegan skincare, hair care and makeup products that will be essential for your collection this new decade.
Hair Care:
Big Sea Salt Shampoo, Lush, £7.50, 130g
Lush have long been paving the way in the fight against animal testing. The company claim to use only ‘organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics,’ and to be ethical in their rejection of animal testing. This shampoo is nonetheless ‘lush,’ its inclusion of coconut oil and seawood infusion serving to cleanse and soften hair without drying it out.
Cherry Almond Softening Conditioner, Aveda, £17.50, 200g
Aveda is another cruelty-free brand renowned for its gentle approach to skin and hair care. Although this product is on the slightly more expensive side, it is brilliant for those with sensitive skin due to its extremely natural ingredient list. Containing 38 flower and plant essences including orange, ylang ylang and Tonka bean, this conditioner will leave your hair smelling gorgeous, whilst also providing protection against heat.
Skincare:
Glossier Jelly Milk Cleanser, Glossier, £15, 177g
You’ve probably seen Glossier products littered all over your Instagram feed, and there’s a reason why. This minimalist brand favors a simplistic, and in this case totally vegan ingredient list, striving to reduce irritation whilst providing a deep cleansing experience. This hypoallergenic, PH balanced daily cleaner will leave skin smooth and clean.
Vitamin E intense moisture cream, The Body Shop, £14, 50g
Often compared with Lush, The Body Shop is another firm favorite for affordable vegan skincare. This moisturiser contains vitamin e, providing intense mosturisation for dry skin. The formula is still lightweight however, making it an ideal base to wear underneath makeup.
Makeup:
Lipstick: Kissing, Love Bite, Charlotte Tilbury, £25
If you’re looking to treat yourself, Charlotte Tilbury’s new vegan range is the place to start. With luxury (albeit expensive) products, this brand is striving to provide high quality makeup with no animal testing or ingredients. This shade of lipstick is a personal favorite; however, the whole range is extremely luxurious and completely vegan.
Baked Highlighter, e.l.f, £5
On the other end of the scale, e.l.f is an extremely affordable high street incorporating many vegan products into their expansive range. Infused with Vitamin E and hydrating jojoba, this highlighter provides a radiant glow strong enough to banish those January blues.
Image credit: Engin Akyurt via Pixabay