Cruelty-free Drugstore Starter Kit

I went cruelty-free a few months ago and overall, I'm finding it an easier transition than I expected. A lot of my favorite drugstore and high-end brands are cruelty-free, so it's great to keep trying new products from them! I've discovered a lot of new ones as well.

For anyone starting a makeup kit who wants to buy cruelty-free, wants to transition into cruelty-free, or simply wants to support more cruelty-free brands, these are a collection of my favorite products and what I would recommend to beginners and makeup lovers alike!

Common drugstore brands that are cruelty-free include: ELF, Milani, Wet n'Wild, Essence, Physician's Formula, Nyx.

Common drugstore brands that are not cruelty-free: Covergirl, Maybelline, Revlon, L'Oreal, Almay, Rimmel, and Neutrogena.

Nyx Angel Veil primer
I know this one is a bit pricey, but it is truly the best one that I've tried from the drugstore! It's a great dupe for the Hourglass Veil Mineral primer and it works for my skin when it is dry or oily.

Elf Flawless Finish Foundation
If you've got normal to dry skin or love a glowy finish, you need to try this! It gives the perfect medium, buildable coverage and the most gorgeous natural finish. My only gripe with it is that there isn't a large shade variety. If you can find one that works for you, check it out!

Nyx HD concealer
Truthfully this is nowhere near my favorite concealer, but it is my favorite from the drugstore and it gives a good amount of coverage. If you don't want to splurge on one from Urban Decay or Tarte, this one is a good alternative.

RCMA No Color powder
Though it isn't available at the drugstore necessarily, this powder is very affordable and the best that I've tried of any brand! It sets everything flawlessly and I don't notice it leaving a white cast at all.

Wet n Wild contour duo
Without a doubt my favorite drugstore contour shade is from the Caramel Toffee duo! I've made a serious dent--which is saying something, as you get a massive amount of product for your money with these duos. There is also a nice setting powder included! Caramel Toffee is my favorite shade, but I think they've changed the shade names because the Caramel Toffee shade that is currently in store looks nothing like the one that I have!

Physician's Formula butter bronzer
Like the Elf foundation, this unfortunately doesn't come in many shades but if it suits you, get it! This bronzer is so seamless on the skin, smells tropical, and gives a subtle, healthy sheen.

Milani baked blush in Luminoso
Now this product is good for all skin tones. Seriously, it looks pretty on everyone! It gives a peachy glow and has a beautiful formula.

Colourpop highlighter in Lunch Money
Again, Colourpop isn't currently available in any drugstores, but the price is definitely in the drugstore range and this highlighter surpasses many that are two or three times the price.

Wet n Wild Contour Duo, Butter Bronzer, Luminoso, Lunch Money

Wet n Wild Photofocus eyeshadow primer
The only primer that I need! I never have problems with creasing when I use this, and I wear my makeup for over ten hours some days.

Elf Mad for Matte palette
I have never come across matte drugstore shadows that are this good! If you're new to makeup, I think this is a great palette to start with because the shades are all neutral and really easy to use. I like to use this to great a base and then use a shimmery shadow, like the next product on my list, all over the lid.

Mad for Matte palette swatches

Colourpop Super Shock shadows
This formula is so interesting, it's got a spongey, moussey feel to it that I haven't seen in any other brand. I have a nice variety of shades in my collection, but my favorites are Sleigh, La La, I Heart This, and Cricket.

Swatches from left to right: Cricket, La La, Birthday Cake, Muse, Flower Shop, Sleigh, I Heart This, Sugar

Nyx Epic Ink liner
I can't believe more people aren't talking about this liner, it is a perfect dupe for the Kat von D tattoo liner! It has a pointed brush applicator that glides effortlessly on the lids, and the formula lasts a long time, too.

Milani Lash Trifecta mascara
To be honest, I still haven't found my new holy grail mascara since going cruelty-free. This one I enjoy enough to repurchase, so it is the one I recommend for now! It's a really good dupe for theBalm's Mad Lash and I think it does a great job of lengthening and separating. If you prefer really volumizing, semi-clumpy lashes this isn't for you.

Colourpop Ultra Glossy lip in Aquarius
Colourpop has some of the best affordable lip products in general, but their glosses are my favorite! Aquarius is the perfect nude shade and it isn't sticky whatsoever. I like these glosses because they have a good amount of pigment to them, which helps them last longer than a traditional one.

Nyx Extra Creamy lipstick in Thalia
Nyx lip products, like Colourpop, are also really great so I included a few I like in this post! Thalia is a beautiful mauve shade and this is a great traditional, satin-finish lipstick.

Nyx Butter lipsticks in Root Beer and Snow Cap
For more of a glossy finish in a lipstick I love these Butter lipsticks! Snow Cap is very similar to MAC's Hue and Root Beer is a light berry. Both of these are flattering and comfortable.

Swatches from left to right: Aquarius, Thalia, Snow Cap, Root Beer Float

Since going cruelty-free I've been introduced to so many new products! Even if you don't buy exclusively cruelty-free makeup, there are some really great products out there that don't test on animals and it's always good to support brands with those kind of ethics.

Do you have any cruelty-free, affordable favorites?
Xx Katie

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