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  3. 10 Best Cruelty-Free Foundations UK 2023 | Charlotte Tilbury, Barry M and More
  • 10 Best Cruelty-Free Foundations UK 2023 | Charlotte Tilbury, Barry M and More 1
  • 10 Best Cruelty-Free Foundations UK 2023 | Charlotte Tilbury, Barry M and More 2
  • 10 Best Cruelty-Free Foundations UK 2023 | Charlotte Tilbury, Barry M and More 3
  • 10 Best Cruelty-Free Foundations UK 2023 | Charlotte Tilbury, Barry M and More 4
  • 10 Best Cruelty-Free Foundations UK 2023 | Charlotte Tilbury, Barry M and More 5

10 Best Cruelty-Free Foundations UK 2023 | Charlotte Tilbury, Barry M and More

Any beauty buff can tell you that a good foundation is exactly that: the base that sets the tone for your entire look. It can also help even out skin tone, minimise the appearance of acne and give pale skin a healthy glow. So if you’re looking to make more ethical choices when it comes to your makeup, it makes sense to start from the base up – by switching to a cruelty-free foundation.

If you’re wondering where to start, we’ll show you exactly how to ensure you’re buying cruelty-free, and give you some inspiration whether your skin is oily, mature, sensitive or dry. And if you’re worried you can’t save the animals on a budget, fear not, because our picks include drugstore favourites Barry M and e.l.f., as well as some premium options like Charlotte Tilbury. No filter needed!
Last updated 14/07/2023
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Table of Contents

Animal Testing in the Cosmetic Industry and What Cruelty-Free Means

Animal Testing in the Cosmetic Industry and What Cruelty-Free Means
You may be thinking, isn’t it illegal to test on animals in the UK? And therefore, doesn’t that mean that anything I buy is automatically cruelty-free? Sadly, the answer isn’t always a clear yes or no.


Animal testing has been banned in the UK since 1998, and in the EU since 2013. But even with this success in our part of the globe, the product could have been tested on animals overseas, or somewhere else along the supply chain.


This more often than not points to China, which is the only country in the world that actually requires cosmetics to be tested on animals. Therefore, if a company wants to have a piece of their multi-billion dollar beauty market, they must pay to have their products tested by a third party in order to sell there.


On top of that, the parent company that owns the brand may test their other products on animals, or include brands in their company that do. It’s up to you to decide how strict you want to be, but by definition a product is completely cruelty-free if there has been absolutely no animal testing involved at all.

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How to Choose a Cruelty-Free Foundation in the UK – Buying Guide

Making sure you’re not giving your support (or your cash) to companies that test on animals isn’t always as simple as reading the label, although that’s definitely a part of it! Here’s a few tips to help you find a foundation that keeps our furry friends out of the equation.
1

Look for Products Certified Cruelty-Free, and if in Doubt, Check Online Resources

Unfortunately, just because a foundation has a cartoon bunny on it or the words “cruelty-free”, it doesn’t necessarily mean that no animal testing has taken place by the brand or the company that owns it. Let’s look further into how to be sure.

Choose Products With Official Certification Logos by Trusted Parties

Choose Products With Official Certification Logos by Trusted Parties
The label on your foundation may include the phrase “This product has not been tested on animals”, which may be true, but some of the ingredients within the product may still have been tested. So how can you be sure who’s telling the truth and which claims are a little shady?


The best way to do so is to buy a foundation that has been certified cruelty-free by independent third-party testing. Companies have to pay a licensing fee to display them on their packaging, so it’s safe to say those who do are serious about the ethical claims they are making.


The three seals of approval to look for are the bunny by PETA, the leaping bunny logo by Cruelty Free International, or the Choose Cruelty Free rabbit. You can look these up online to make sure you’ve got the right bunny for the job!

Which Brands Are Cruelty-Free? Consult Online Databases or the Brand's Official Statement

Which Brands Are Cruelty-Free? Consult Online Databases or the Brand's Official Statement
We all have our ride-or-die makeup products, and there’s a chance the brand you’ve been buying is actually already cruelty-free. You also may want to check out a company’s stance on testing as somewhat confusingly, they may decide not to pay to display the certification logo but may still be cruelty-free.


There are a couple of ways to do this, one being to consult online resources that list cruelty-free make-up brands or which brands bear the aforementioned certification logos. For example, you can check The Leaping Bunny Program, Cruelty Free Kitty, or Cruelty Free UK.


Additionally, if you can’t find a product on the database, you can have a browse through the website of the foundation brand you are interested in, as any company worth their salt will proudly state their stance on anti-cruelty. If these methods come up short, then you’re probably better off looking for another product.

2

Check the Ingredients if You're Vegan: A Cruelty-Free Foundation Isn't Always Both

Check the Ingredients if You're Vegan: A Cruelty-Free Foundation Isn't Always Both
The term cruelty-free usually only denotes that the products have been tested for safety without the use of animals, not that there are no animal ingredients. We’re guessing that a fair few of you are also vegan or wanting to start buying vegan, so don’t forget to suss out if the product you like is free from animal ingredients, too.


Unlike the ambiguity of the cruelty-free phrase, if a product says it’s vegan, it usually is – but this isn’t regulated. The websites noted in the previous section can confirm or deny whether the company, or just the foundation you like, is vegan friendly. You can also inspect the ingredients list yourself to be certain.


Here are some of the non-vegan ingredients which could potentially appear in a foundation:


  • Beeswax: Taken from the honeycombs of honey bees.
  • Carmine/Cochineal: Essentially crushed female beetles, used as a colouring or dye.
  • Collagen: Used for its plumping effect, and normally derived from animal fat.
  • Retinol: Often found in anti-ageing bases and a source of Vitamin A. Normally animal-derived.
  • Tallow: This rendered animal fat helps foundation stick to your face and binds it together. Delightful!
3

Like Any Foundation, Remember to Check It’s Suitable for Your Skin Type and Tone

Like Any Foundation, Remember to Check It’s Suitable for Your Skin Type and Tone
Now you can be certain you’re not endorsing animal cruelty, let us not forget the foundation itself! As with any brand, those that are vegan or cruelty-free will vary in their suitability to certain skin types. 

You may usually buy for oily, sensitive, acne-prone or older skin, or look for a foundation with an SPF, so we’d recommend checking out the description or reviews of each product to see if it’s a fit for you. 


We’d also advise having a peruse of the shades available and the level of coverage. This will be especially helpful if you have very dark or fair skin. If you have a preferred foundation type, such as powder, liquid, or stick, you will want to note which category the product falls into, too.

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Top 10 Best Cruelty-Free Foundations in the UK

It’s time to introduce our top foundation picks, all of which are certified to be completely cruelty-free and vegan. We’ve included options for all skin types, plus a few different coverages, so there’s something for every animal lover.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Charlotte Tilbury

3. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury 3. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation 1枚目

Lightweight Magic Perfect for Both Young and Mature Skin

2

NYX

2. L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation

NYX 2. L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation 1枚目

Get Your Glow on Without Breaking the Bank

3

Inika

1. INIKA Truly Organic Liquid Foundation

Inika 1. INIKA Truly Organic Liquid Foundation 1枚目

Vegan, Organic and Mineral-Based for Dewy Skin

4

bareMinerals

7. Nude by Nature Radiant Loose Powder Foundation

bareMinerals 7. Nude by Nature Radiant Loose Powder Foundation 1枚目

Natural Powder for a Healthy Complexion

5

Charlotte Tilbury

4. Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury 4. Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation 1枚目

Light-as-Air Foundation for Glowy Skin

6

e.l.f.

5. e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation

e.l.f. 5. e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation 1枚目

An Affordable Beauty Blogger Favourite

7

Barry M

8. Barry M All Night Long Foundation Stick

Barry M 8. Barry M All Night Long Foundation Stick 1枚目

A Bargain Buildable Stick Foundation for Summer

8

Urban Decay

6. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Liquid Foundation

Urban Decay 6. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Liquid Foundation 1枚目

Loaded With Pigment for Exceptional Coverage

9

3ina

9. 3INA The 3 in 1 Foundation

3ina 9. 3INA The 3 in 1 Foundation 1枚目

An All-in-One to Prime, Cover, and Conceal

10

Fenty Beauty

10. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Fenty Beauty 10. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation 1枚目

A Premium Pick Designed for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Charlotte Tilbury 3. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation

3. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation Image 1
Source：johnlewis.com
3. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation Image 2
Source：johnlewis.com
Reference price
£32.00
    • Reference price
    £32.00

    Lightweight Magic Perfect for Both Young and Mature Skin

    Charlotte’s other foundation to make our list is award-winning and definitely magic! It seems impossible but she has created a flawless coverage foundation that feels like you’re barely wearing anything, and results in a radiant glow.

    It contains a plethora of beneficial ingredients for every type of skin, including anti-ageing properties for mature skin and an SPF of 15. It also comes in even very dark and pale shades. Once again, the entire brand is cruelty-free, so you can shop the rest of the range with confidence too (and you will want to!). 
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    No.2

    NYX2. L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation

    2. L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    2. L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation Image 2
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £10.00
    • Reference price
    £10.00

    Get Your Glow on Without Breaking the Bank

    Proving you can go cruelty-free without sacrificing quality or spending a fortune, NYX's amazing formula provides 12 hours of wear with no caking or excess shine. As the name suggests, this foundation is designed to give a gorgeous healthy glow, and it also does a fantastic job of blurring visible pores. 

    This is an excellent-value foundation with a real professional-looking finish (in fact, it was formulated with the help of makeup pro's), but best of all, it offers the most diverse shade range on our list – you have a choice of 53! The only thing we would change is the fact it doesn't have an easy-use pump applicator. 
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    No.3

    Inika1. INIKA Truly Organic Liquid Foundation

    1. INIKA Truly Organic Liquid Foundation Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    1. INIKA Truly Organic Liquid Foundation Image 2
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £24.31
    • Reference price
    £24.31

    Vegan, Organic and Mineral-Based for Dewy Skin

    Luxe yet affordable, Inika’s Truly Organic foundation has been certified by all the necessary bodies to be cruelty-free, vegan, halal, and of course, organic. It's mineral-based and full of wonderful plant ingredients to boost skin health whilst giving a natural-looking dewy glow that doesn't clog pores. 

    If you’re looking for a cruelty-free buy from an ethical company that ticks all the boxes for a daily foundation, this is your pick. There are eight shades to choose from, which are helpfully based not just on skin tone but on our undertones, too. 
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    No.4

    bareMinerals 7. Nude by Nature Radiant Loose Powder Foundation

    7. Nude by Nature Radiant Loose Powder Foundation Image 1
    Source：boots.com
    7. Nude by Nature Radiant Loose Powder Foundation Image 2
    Source：boots.com
    Reference price
    £29.00
    • Reference price
    £29.00

    Natural Powder for a Healthy Complexion

    This mineral-based loose powder is made with only five natural ingredients, all of which are vegan and apparently so clean that your skin won't even break out if you sleep in it! This also makes it wonderful option for sensitive skin types. 

    Though it is a powder foundation, it feels more like a cream on application, and can be built up to a medium coverage when you need it. It also comes in a large number of shade options, which is often difficult to find in a powder. This is the ideal buy for those wanting a more natural option, in terms of both appearance and ingredients! 

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    No.5

    Charlotte Tilbury 4. Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation

    4. Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation Image 1
    Source：johnlewis.com
    4. Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation Image 2
    Source：johnlewis.com
    Reference price
    £34.00
    • Reference price
    £34.00

    Light-as-Air Foundation for Glowy Skin

    Use this gorgeously-scented air-light foundation sparingly as a tinted moisturiser, or add a little more for a fuller coverage. It’s lovely on oily complexions but also hydrating enough for dry skin, and will illuminate and give that sought-after natural glow we all strive for.

    While this foundation is vegan-friendly, some of Charlotte’s other makeup products do contain carmine. However, the brand is completely cruelty-free! An absolute must for those wanting to invest in a premium-quality lightweight foundation.
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    No.6

    e.l.f.5. e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation

    5. e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £7.50
    • Reference price
    £7.50

    An Affordable Beauty Blogger Favourite

    Much adored by the beauty blogging and vlogging community, e.l.f.'s best-selling foundation is oil-free, lightweight, and works wonders to even out skin tone with its medium to full coverage. It has a semi-matte finish, so it gives just enough of a glow without looking shiny. 

    We are huge fans of e.l.f. for making an entirely cruelty-free and 100% vegan makeup range that’s accessible to all budgets. Plus, there are now an astonishing 40 shades available!
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    No.7

    Barry M8. Barry M All Night Long Foundation Stick

    8. Barry M All Night Long Foundation Stick Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £5.59
    • Reference price
    £5.59

    A Bargain Buildable Stick Foundation for Summer

    Use this creamy, non-drying stick foundation to build up from a medium to full coverage, or for contouring or highlighting. It’s great for summer or holidaying as it gives a semi-matte finish without feeling heavy or caked on. Don’t forget to wear an alternative SPF, though, as this formula doesn’t include one. 

    For a cruelty-free and vegan product under £10 this is a total bargain, and one which very much lives up to it’s “all night long” claim as it doesn’t budge even after longer wear. If you haven't tried a stick foundation before, this pocket-sized product is a great place to start! 
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    No.8

    Urban Decay 6. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Liquid Foundation

    6. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Liquid Foundation Image 1
    Source：johnlewis.com
    6. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Liquid Foundation Image 2
    Source：johnlewis.com
    Reference price
    £31.00
    • Reference price
    £31.00

    Loaded With Pigment for Exceptional Coverage

    Urban Decay have built up quite the cult following with this foundation, which is absolutely loaded with pigment for a flawless matte finish that lasts and lasts. The formula is oil-free, waterproof, and designed to stave off the shine, so we’d say it’s ideal for oilier skin types.

    It gives a full coverage without the need to build or apply multiple layers – just be mindful that a little goes a very long way and it dries quickly, so you'll need to apply with care to avoid overdoing it! This foundation is free from animal ingredients, as is Urban Decay's entire range.  

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    No.9

    3ina 9. 3INA The 3 in 1 Foundation

    9. 3INA The 3 in 1 Foundation Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £19.95
    • Reference price
    £19.95

    An All-in-One to Prime, Cover, and Conceal

    The idea behind this fabulous product is to combine a primer, foundation and concealer in one, sparing you from toting around a makeup bag full of expensive products. The formula is waterproof and boasts up to 12 hours of wear, with a natural, medium coverage. 

    This foundation is paraben-free with added vitamin E and moisturisers, so it's a great pick for dry or sensitive skin. There's also that all-important SPF factor of 15. Just be aware that the finish is more dewy than matte, so for other, less dry skin types it may end up looking a little oily after a few hours.
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    No.10

    Fenty Beauty 10. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

    10. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £24.95
    • Reference price
    £24.95

    A Premium Pick Designed for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

    Finally, a cruelty-free foundation that's ideal for acne-prone skin! Ri-Ri's original Pro Filt'r is oil-free, mattifying and resistant to humidity and sweat, so it's perfect for keeping you flawless on the dance floor. The wide range of 50 shades includes both very dark and light shades, too.

    Fenty Beauty are a cruelty-free brand and this foundation is vegan, but be aware that some other products in the range include carmine or beeswax. Though this is not ideally suited to drier skin types, there is an alternative available, the Pro Filt'r hydrating foundation. 
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    More Ways to Shop With a Conscience

    More Ways to Shop With a Conscience

    Looking for more ways to spend your well-earned pounds without supporting brands or products you don't believe in? Here are a few more beauty and skincare guides that will help you be kinder to our planet and the beautiful animals we share it with. 

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    Summary

    With the ever-growing demand for cruelty-free beauty in the UK, it’s easier than ever to find a foundation to match your needs that doesn’t unnecessarily harm any animals in the process. We hope this guide has given you the information you need to shop consciously without sacrificing quality and affordability in your beauty regime.


    Author: Natasha Dziubajlo

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    Top 5 Cruelty-Free Foundations

    No. 1: Charlotte Tilbury ｜3. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation

    No. 2: NYX｜2. L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation

    No. 3: Inika｜1. INIKA Truly Organic Liquid Foundation

    No. 4: bareMinerals ｜7. Nude by Nature Radiant Loose Powder Foundation

    No. 5: Charlotte Tilbury ｜4. Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation

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    When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
    The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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