Best Cruelty-Free (&Vegan) Halloween Makeup 2023

Best Cruelty-Free & Vegan Halloween Makeup

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It’s that time of year, you’re browsing Instagram and Pinterest for Halloween makeup inspiration.

Personally, it’s my favorite time of the year. We got the best candy, the coolest clothes and home decor, the mosquitos are disappearing, and the makeup possibilities are endless.

However, finding cruelty-free, let alone VEGAN, Halloween makeup can be tricky.

I’ve scoured the Internet for some ingredients for your next spooky makeup look.

Which cruelty-free brands even make Halloween makeup?

Oof. I would venture to say that the “Halloween makeup” that you’d find next to the costumes in a department store is probably not cruelty-free.

Unfortunately, we’re going to have to look elsewhere.

(Note: Wet n Wild Cosmetics is no longer cruelty-free. It was a sad day to learn, as their Fantasy Makers collection was a staple.)

We can find some products to use for Halloween looks, we’re just going to have to think outside the box.

I’m actually doing a whole series on my Instagram right now with Halloween looks using only “normal” makeup, and not any fancy FX stuff.

Here are some brands that have some products you can use for a costumey makeup look. (Not listing too many individual products, so be sure to check the ingredients if being vegan is a concern!)

e.l.f. Cosmetics

e.l.f. is a go-to for many reasons. They’re affordable, available at Target, Wal-Mart, and many other retailers – and 100% vegan!

While I personally think e.l.f. should come out with bold colored eyeliners, they do have some options that you could use for a makeup look.

They have a wide array of different eyeliners that you could use for drawing or writing (like fake tattoos, animal spots, etc). And they’re so cheap (but still good), you won’t feel bad for using up or destroying one! I use their Expert Liquid Liner all the time, it’s easy to use and lasts longer than one in a pen style.

If you’re going to need a specific lipstick color, they’ve got you covered as far as “traditional” shades. You won’t find an unusual lipstick like green or yellow (yet? hint, hint e.l.f.!) but if you need a bold red, they’ve got it! The Liquid Matte Lipstick is a good choice for Halloween makeup, it will last longer than a traditional bullet-style lipstick.

And, if you need eyeshadows, they’ve got those too! I frequently use eyeshadows to create more FX-type looks. A good mix of yellows and browns will give a bruised effect. This 18 Hit Wonders Palette is a good mix of neutrals and bright colors. They also have liquid glitters (which I love) and a fabulous glitter glue in case you come across some body glitter! (They used to have loose glitters but they’re sold out on the site.)

Not to mention, they have lots of amazing brushes to help you create the perfect look!

NYX Cosmetics

NYX… kind of? Has you covered for the Halloween looks.

Unfortunately, a large amount of their more FX or more artistic makeup products aren’t vegan. They do, however, do a great job of clearly labelling vegan products on their site. Sometimes it’s on the actual product image, and sometimes they’ll say in the description.

They actually have some SFX Creme Colors, which are basically cream paints. They have some like this in palettes that are sadly not vegan. The colors are selling out quick!

NYX also has some liquid Glitter Liners, which could be useful depending on the look you’re going for. Sadly, hardly any of their other eyeliners are vegan, especially if you’re looking for colorful ones. They have some loose glitters as well, but their glitter primer is not vegan, so I’d recommend the e.l.f. one. (Man, this is confusing).

However, they do have lots of lip products that are vegan! Their Suede Matte Lip Liner comes in a ton of shades, and can be used on its own or under another lip product.

Another cool product they have is the Multitasker Mixing Medium. This looks like a dupe for other mixing mediums like that MAC Fluidline or the Inglot Duraline. The idea is that you mix an eyeshadow or pigment with this and it becomes a liquid liner! I literally just ordered it today, so I’ll come back with my thoughts after I try it!

Ben Nye.

There are a few other FX/Theatre makeup brands, but Ben Nye is the only one that is Logical Harmony approved. (See more about which brands I consider to be cruelty-free here.)

I have not tried anything from them, so I cannot give my specific recommendations. Maybe next year if I have a little more budget for Halloween, I’ll pick some up!

They have pretty much all the staple FX makeup. (They do have some products that are not vegan, so be wary and read ingredients! I was real sad their water-activated paints contain lanolin.)

Ben Nye has Liquid LatexScab BloodSpirit Gum (don’t forget the remover! This one is the only one that does not have petroleum), these Cream Colors, and more!


Do you have any tips for DIY Halloween makeup, or have you tried any other brands for your looks? Let us know in the comments!

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