When cold weather gives you the winter skin blues, nothing has the power to perk up your looks like blush. Despite being one of the first makeup products ever used, blush is often overlooked in favor of bronzer. Makeup artists consider blush the secret to looking healthy, but many blushes hide an ugly secret that might make you sick.
This Might Bug You …
A pigment made from crushed female cochineal insects is sometimes used to give blush its rosy hue. This bright red coloring is called carmine but might be disguised in the ingredient list with nicknames like cochineal, carminic acid, natural red 4, or C.L 75470. In addition to this creepy-crawly secret, some cosmetics companies use other animal-derived ingredients and test makeup products on animals, causing them to suffer in unimaginable ways. Thankfully, you can easily add blush to your makeup routine without harming animals. There are dozens of vegan and animal test–free blushes available, but we’ve hand-picked these favorites for you.
- Milani: Why limit the fun to just one shade when you can have a trio of stunning choices? Try Milani’s Cheek Kiss Blush Palettes, each boasting a splendid selection of flattering shades to give you a radiant glow.
- Modern Minerals: While many blushes have a bit of shimmer, some incorporate the natural look of a matte formula. Modern Minerals’ Love Blush comes in a neutral warm pink with mauve undertones perfectly suited for a minimal “no makeup” look. This product is ideal for those who aren’t comfortable with brighter hues but want to try blush.
- 100% Pure: Before blush was powdered and packaged, red fruits were used to color cheeks. 100% Pure offers fruit-pigmented blushes suitable for sensitive skin and in various shades to suit any skin tone. Fruit Pigmented Blush is crafted from finely compacted rice powder and antioxidants found in fruit pigments, designed to bestow a healthy, authentic rosy tint to your cheeks.
- Pacifica: To achieve a gentle glow, try Pacifica’s Fluffy Blushy. This airy, weightless formula contains vegan collagen and moisturizing ingredients, providing hydration to your skin as it imparts a subtle, easy-to-blend hint of color to your cheeks and lips. Pacifica uses natural ingredients like coconut and rose in its affordable and luxurious cosmetics.
- Tarte: If your lifestyle is a little more active, you might prefer the ease of blush that you can throw in your bag and apply without brushes. Try Tarte’s Blush Tape liquid blush. This is the instant cheek lift you’ve been looking for. Its precision cushion tip ensures an easy, mess-free application. Just twist and lock after each use.
- Urban Decay: Don’t forget a blush brush. Check out Urban Decay’s Pro Contour Definition Brush. Crafted with recycled aluminum, the gunmetal handle offers a touch of elegance. And the exceptionally soft, animal-friendly synthetic bristles are created from recycled plastic bottles.
- wet n wild: Get ready for an easy, on-the-go makeup upgrade. Megaglo Vitamin E Makeup Stick-Blush is your versatile companion, with rich colors, shimmer finishes, and a boost of vitamin E for a fresh look and feel. Use it on your eyes, cheeks, and lips. And with its portable design, you can add color wherever you roam.
There’s no reason to use animal-hair brushes, especially when so many high-quality synthetic brushes are available. For additional products, check out these companies’ offerings.
You don’t need makeup to be pretty, but when you choose to use vegan and animal test–free blush, you’re making life just a little more beautiful for animals. To find out which cosmetic brands are cruelty-free, search our helpful database.
And be sure to order our vegan starter kit:
