3 Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Foundation (Budget + Animal Friendly)

Animal cruelty is a prevalent issue in the production of cosmetics and the beauty industry as a whole.

Animals are harmed in this process, and for the sake of a foundation, this doesn’t seem right or fair.

According to PETA, ‘animal experiments for cosmetics and household products continue even though non-animal tests are widely available’.

So if there’s a cruelty-free alternative that’s just as good, what have you got to lose?

If we’re all more mindful in our purchases and the brands that we support, then, this unnecessary suffering can be overcome. 

When it comes to drugstore foundations, there are an array of cruelty-free options.

Now you know there are cruelty-free alternatives out there, how can you spot them? We’ve got you covered.

Check out our top pick below.   

The Top 3 Cruelty-Free Drugstore Foundations Summarised

Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Foundation Buying Guide

There are a few things to take into account when purchasing a cruelty-free drugstore foundation, but it mainly comes down to coverage, the type of foundation, and skin type.

Although cruelty-free products are becoming more popular, it is important to note the difference between vegan and cruelty-free.

Whereas vegan means no animal products are used, cruelty-free means that no part of the product was tested on animals.

Cruelty-free products may or may not be vegan, and vice versa. If you’re vegan you should make sure that the brand you’re buying from aligns with your beliefs completely.

Although some brands have vegan collections, some of their products aren’t always vegan, so make sure that you check before proceeding with your purchase. 

Take a look at the factors below before making your purchase. 

Coverage

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a cruelty-free drugstore foundation is the coverage that it provides.

Generally speaking, people wear foundation as a base to even their skin tone and to apply other makeup products that will bring out their features.

The coverage can determine how natural a product looks on the skin and is often down to personal preference, as everyone has different opinions on how much of their skin should be able to shine through under the foundation. 

Foundation is great on those days where you need an extra boost of confidence if you’re not feeling comfortable in your own skin.

Typically speaking, light to buildable coverage is for a more natural look, whereas high coverage foundation is designed to cover blemishes and discoloration.

Medium coverage foundations are best if you're looking to cover imperfections, but also leave the skin with breathing room to feel hydrated and whilst also looking radiant. 

You might find that the coverage you want will also change day to day, depending on how you feel.

This might mean that you’ll have a couple of foundations in your makeup collection to mix and match your look depending on the situation or social occasion that you’ve got planned.

Whereas a light foundation is great for everyday use, you might want something more full coverage for a dinner out. 

Type of foundation

When it comes to purchasing a cruelty-free drugstore foundation it is important to consider the type of foundation.

It is likely that you’ll already have a preference, but below are the different types of foundation in more detail if you’re new to wearing makeup:

Liquid foundation - An easy-to-blend consistency and smooth appearance makes liquid foundation one of the most popular and readily available options available on the market.

There are formulas to suit all needs and skin types, such as oil-free, waterproof, and 24-hour wear.

You can create natural looks or alternatively build up fuller coverage by applying multiple layers until you’re satisfied with the coverage. 

Cream foundation - This is a handy on-the-go option, with compact or stick forms ideal for touch-ups during the day as your makeup begins to wear.

Cream-to-powder foundations achieve a matte finish, which is ideal for oily skin.

Powder foundation - Pressed powder foundations have excellent oil-absorbing properties to help lessen shine throughout the day naturally without looking cakey.

This evens out the skin tone, creating effective but barely-there coverage.

Mineral foundation - A true mineral foundation is made of completely natural ingredients that won’t clog the pores, and in turn, banishes breakouts.

It can be as buildable as a liquid foundation and gives an incredibly natural finish.

Whichever type of foundation that you choose, make sure that you do your research on your skin type to ensure that the type of foundation is suitable for it. 

Skin type

A big thing to consider when purchasing a cruelty-free drugstore foundation is your skin type!

Although there are all-rounder foundations that market themselves to cater to all types of skin, generally speaking, a foundation will be catered specifically for your skin type.

Your skin type is important to take into account as it will affect how the product looks on the skin and the way that it will wear.

Typically speaking, those that tend to get oilier might need a setting powder on certain areas over their foundation to ensure that it wears as well as it is designed to. 

Generally speaking, skin types are broken down into three different categories:

Dry skin - The best foundation for dry skin will hydrate without being greasy.

Typically speaking, you should try to avoid a matte finish as this can exaggerate flaky dry patches.

Oily skin - The best option for oily is to choose a foundation to help control shine, cover any blemishes and absorb excess oil, as your skin doesn’t need more oil caked on top of it.

Combination skin - Recommended foundations for combination skin will be oil-free and rich in hydrating ingredients to moisturize any dryer patches of the skin.

Choosing one that's easily buildable will ensure that dryer areas of skin get full coverage while oilier areas can breathe.

Whichever skin type you are, there is a cruelty-foundation out there that that is perfect for you.

To avoid disappointment, make sure that you check which skin type the foundation is targeted at before clicking ‘buy’.

Finish

Something very important to consider is the finish of the cruelty-free drugstore foundation that you choose.

The finish of a foundation is typically marketed as dewy or matte and will determine how the product will sit and look on your face. 

The finish can affect how cakey a product looks on your face. Whether your foundation has a dewy or matte finish, you’ll want your skin to be able to breathe.

The finish of the foundation that you opt for will also determine how long the product will last on your face.

Typically speaking, dewy foundations tend to slide around more and wear quicker if you opt to not set them with a setting powder, so this is something to be mindful of.

Shade range 

Something important to take into consideration when you’re purchasing a cruelty-free drugstore foundation is the shade range. 

You’ll spend time matching your foundation to your shade to get the most natural result.

However, if your shade isn’t made by the brand, it can lead to customers feeling alienated.

You can tell a lot about the inclusivity of a brand if they cater to multiple different shades, in turn making them so much more accessible if they cater to more of their customers. 

Always make sure that you’re happy with the shade range of the foundation that you’re purchasing before heading to the checkout.  

Wear

An important factor to think about when purchasing a cruelty-free drugstore foundation is the wear.

Some foundations claim to be long-wear, such as 24 hours, but it is rare to find a foundation that doesn’t budge at all throughout the day without the reapplication of setting powder.

Although determining the wear of a product is difficult without trying it out for yourself and your skin type, you will be able to gather a good indication from the product reviews.

The reviews will reveal the coverage, how well the foundation wears, and any problems that the customer may have had with the formula and finish depending on their skin type.

Always check the product reviews to ensure that you’re going to be happy with the cruelty-free foundation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which drugstore makeup brands are cruelty-free?

If you’re looking to change your lifestyle, it’s good to know which brands are out there that also align with your beliefs on animal cruelty.

The cruelty-free market is expanding exponentially and there are some excellent drugstore brands out there that offer a wealth of options.

These brands include:

• Wet n Wild.
• E.l.f.
• NYX.
• COVERGIRL.
• MILANI.

These are just a few of the foundations that we found, but with the options expanding, the market is headed in a positive direction with more and more brands offering cruelty-free options for their customers to choose from.

How do I find which foundation shade I am? 

To find out which shade you are, follow the tips below:

• Check the color of your veins on your wrist. If your veins are purple, then it means you have a cool undertone. If they appear olive, you have a warm undertone. Lastly, a combination of blue-green means you have a neutral undertone.
  
  
• Next, you should test three swatches of foundations you think may have potential by applying them to your jawline. Foundations have a tendency to oxidize once they’re on the skin, so choose the match that most appears to disappear into the skin.
  
  
• It is important to  note that you should remember to test in natural light where possible.