“What are vegan cosmetics? Products that contain no animal ingredients or animal-derived ingredients, including honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, albumen (egg white), carmine, (or cochineal), cholesterol, and gelatin. However, vegan products do not automatically mean they’re not tested on animals. To be cruelty-free and vegan it must state both on a product label.”
We’re a day deep into Veganuary, an annual, global campaign that encourages, plant-based eating for January. A vegan diet and vegan beauty routine usually go hand-in-hand and will boost your health and help to lighten your carbon footprint. This year, The Vegan Society charity is preparing for the biggest year yet, with the prediction that 500,000 people globally will take part, which would break 2020's record of 400,000. This charity promotes plant-based eating but also defines veganism as a "way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose." Going meat and dairy-free extends further than just the food we eat, it also encompasses the fashion and beauty choices you make, since both industries rely heavily on animal by-products. Luckily brands are becoming increasingly aware of the need for change and are committed to creating vegan formulas and cruelty-free products, that are not only good for you they work.
Here’s our streamlined, Veganuary beauty routine from Life Pharmacy
The cleanser
Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser Pump, $15.
We love cleanser with foaming action (it’s ideal for use in the shower). It works quickly with water to wash off makeup and the day’s grime, without leaving the skin feeling tight and dry. This calming blend is thanks to chamomile, aloe vera, green tea, witch hazel, evening primrose and rosehip oil - and the scent is delicious, a blend of citrus and vanilla. Their brand mission: No hidden surprises or synthetic ingredients and no harm to our animal friends.
Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser Pump, $15.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, $13.
The moisturiser
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, $13.
If you haven’t tried any of Deciem’s epic offerings, perhaps January is the month to do so? Not only are they committed to being vegan and cruelty-free, but the products are also well priced, contain skin-loving active ingredients that work wonders (we are massive fans). For anyone with dehydrated or dry skin, the blend of hyaluronic and amino acids in this lightweight moisturiser delivers instant, as well as long term results.
The Face Oil
Me Today Botanical Miracle Facial Oil, $45.
This vegan, cruelty-free, 99 per cent natural masterpiece, is stacked with nine botanical oils that are loaded with skin-loving omegas 3, 6 and 9, antioxidants and vitamins. From sweet almond, sunflower, olive, linseed, Chia seed, grape seed, hemp seed, Marula seed, pumpkin seed. Press onto the skin under a moisturiser or use along, morning and night, this oil is heaven-sent after a day out in the sun. - we’re hooked.
Me Today Botanical Miracle Facial Oil, $45.
Pixi By Petra Glow Mist, $35.
The skin mist
Pixi By Petra Glow Mist, $35.
Summer is the time your skin needs instant cooling, calming. nourishment. This skin mist is ideal for any skin type, and every age. Boosted with antioxidants, including niacinamide, vitamin B3, and aloe leaf, it also contains loads of skin-loving oils such as safflower seed, avocado, evening primrose, thyme, jojoba seed, macadamia and rose Damascena, lavender, orange and lemon oils. We keep ours in the fridge, this is a vegan beauty lovers dream.
The sunscreen
Skinnies SPF30 Sungel, $60.
It’s a tricky category to be vegan but Skinnies have nailed it. It’s sustainably made using no water, and you need only use a pea size blob for the face and neck of this balm-like gel for 80 minutes of protection. Free from parabens, preservatives, fragrance and alcohol, while ticking the vegan, cruelty, and gluten-free box. The packaging is made with, sustainable sugar cane and the formula is also reef safe - it’s a winner.
Skinnies SPF30 Sungel, $60.
Nude by Nature Flawless Liquid Foundation, $45.
The foundation
Nude by Nature Flawless Liquid Foundation, $45.
Nothing nasty lurks in this bottle, it’s both luminous-looking once on the skin and ultra-hydrating to wear. Oil and fragrance-free you can achieve a sheer to medium, it will help you achieve a flawless, long-wearing satin, matte finish. The mineral pigments and bamboo powder, tint and mattify the skin, while the baobab, lily pilly and Kakadu plum extracts are an antioxidant boost. It not only ticks the vegan and cruelty-free, box, but this foundation is 100 per cent natural.
The self-tan
Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse Medium, $50.
This streak-free self-tan offers an immediate bronze that develops into a deep tan, over a few hours. Apply with a mitt, for a quick-drying, even looking bronze that once on the skin smells like vanilla. There are three shades, light, medium and dark to suit all skin tones, not only is the formula vegan, but this brand is also committed to being cruelty-free.
Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse Medium, $50.
Karen Murrell Moisture Stick Lip Balm, $32.
The lip balm
Karen Murrell Moisture Stick Lip Balm, $32.
Tinted or clear, lip balm is the one clean cosmetic we should all be using - considering we eat around two kilos in a lifetime, (if you wear it daily). This homegrown lipstick is chemical-free and hailed as one of the finest vegetarian options, money can buy. Made with no animal-based ingredients or nasties, just candelilla wax, evening primrose, and castor oil, the 19 shades are also not tested on animals. Pictured here, Lavender Laughter.