These best-in-class vegan and cruelty free lipsticks leave out the iffy chemicals, but don’t skimp on performance. Whether you are after an “unexpected, chic” fuchsia shade inspired by the ‘80s or red that flatters nearly every skin tone, discover brands for a new age with super-natural formulations that are not only nice for the health of the lips, but also Mother Earth. And the creatures that inhabit it.
Fara Homidi Essential Lip Compact
The lip-obsessed makeup artist behind countless campaigns who prioritises quality over quantity made her debut earlier in 2023 with her Smudge & Contour Lip Pencil, Lip Brush and The Essential Lip Compact, which is infinitely refillable. Made with Amazonian cupuaçu butter, squalene, and cherry seed oil, Homidi’s Prime Baume gives lips a naturally plush surface that wears comfortably without drying the lips. Formulated with precise undertones to complement all complexions, buildable pigments allow you to layer from sheer to opaque. Vegan. Cruelty-free. Available from Fara Homidi.
Saie Lip Blur
We all know now that clean doesn’t mean compromise. Formulated from 86-91% natural ingredients, shade dependent—there are six, buildable, super comfortable with a matt finish. This next-generation lipstick is formulated with hyaluronic acid for plumper and smoother-looking lips and Olive Oil, Jojoba Esters, and Berry Fruit Wax for intense hydration. Just swipe on, rub lips together, and go. Vegan. Cruelty-free. Available at Saie.
MECCA MAX Pout Pop Lipstick
Packed with moisturising agents and barriers ingredients, preventing hydration loss and colour fading. This combination results in Pout Pop being smooth on the application while still enduring. What I love the most is the colour. Be aware; the actual colour has nothing to do with the one displayed on the website. Mine is between a blood-orange and peach; A declination of a bright dark salmon tint. A vivid, yet elegant pop of colour that instantly lifts any look. Shine On! Vegan. Cruelty-free. Available at Mecca.
VIOLETTE_FR Bisou Balm
The lipstick for the “je-ne-sais-quoi” effect on those days when you’d like to look put together effortlessly (most of the time!). Violette Serrat, Guerlain’s makeup creative director and the makeup artist behind her namesake brand VIOLETTE_FR, was obsessed with the “bouche mordue” (bitten lips) look when lips are slightly coloured and plumped after pinching them. She created Bisou Balm to mimic this effect. And that is what makes the range so particular—bisou balm is a hybrid lipstick and balm that respects the proper texture of your lips while applying a subtle, blurred touch of colour for a fresh and natural look. The formula is matt, hydrating and keeps your lips feeling good. The range offers five different shades. I wore BÊTISE at my wedding, and I also have AMOUR FOU. Easy to use; apply more to deepen the colour. Vegan. Cruelty-free. Available at Mecca and online.
