Conscious consuming is a way of life these days, reaching every industry from cars to cosmetics. More than ever, we want to know where and how our products were made — because why spend your hard-earned money if you can’t feel completely good about it? And when it comes to cruelty-free beauty, not only does feeling good and looking good go hand in hand, but the perfect products are closer and more affordable than you may think. We’re talking under $10 and available at your local drugstore. What a time to be alive!
So what does “cruelty-free” mean exactly? It means the item you’re purchasing wasn’t tested on animals. But while many brands can call their finished products animal-friendly, to be considered completely cruelty-free, there can be no animal testing at any point in the product development. According to Suzi Scheler of the Cruelty-Free Kitty blog, this means no testing on animals by the company or the ingredient suppliers, or by third parties on behalf of the company.
Luckily, there are a plethora of brands out now that fulfill these requirements without sacrificing quality and plenty of them are wallet-friendly as well. Now that’s a winning combo. If you’re ready to give your product stash an ethical update, click through the slideshow ahead for 12 cruelty-free beauty buys for under $10.
[ Next: Earth Day Awards: The Best Organic Makeup and Natural Beauty Products of 2017 ]
12 Cruelty-Free Beauty Products You can Snag for Under $10
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Wet n Wild
MegaGlo Highlighting Face Powder in Precious Petals, $4.99 at Target
Designers sent all kinds of light-reflecting beauty looks down the runways for spring, so get your glow on the animal-friendly way.
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Pixi by Petra
Mini Flawless & Poreless Primer, $9 at Target
Minimize pores, hydrate and prep your face for makeup all at once. Yes, please.
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E.L.F. Cosmetics
Expert Eyeliner, $2 at Target
Easy application and long-lasting color make this a smart pick. In blue, you'll kick things up a notch for spring, especially if you line just the bottom lash line, a celeb trend that's set to continue this season.
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Milani
Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Pink, $4.49 at Walgreens
Another runway trend you can snag on the cheap? Colored shadow. Replacing your neutral highlighter with a hint of bold hue on the inner corners of eyes will give an instant update.
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Yes To Tomatoes
Detoxifying Facial Charcoal Cleanser, $9.99 at Target
Fight acne without drying out your skin! This formula uses tomato extract, charcoal and jojoba to leave your skin looking brand new.
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Alba Botanica
Anti-Acne Sheet Mask - Papaya, $3.14 at Target
Papaya, lemon balm and salicylic acid all work together to clear up your skin without harming animals or the Earth.
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Sonia Kashuk
Yellow Alluriana Body Lotion, $7.99 at Target
Botanical oils plus shea butter equals soft, rejuvenated skin.
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Desert Essence
Smoothing Primer, $9.99 at Desert Essence
Up the shine factor with this apple cider vinegar, quinoa protein and tea tree oil formula that can be used pre-styling or between shampoos for a quick refresh.
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Ardell
Eyelash 120 Black, $3.79 at Target
Get the thick-lashed Spring 2018 look with a little help from your cruelty-free friends.
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Physicians Formula
Organic Wear Jumbo Mascara in Ultra Black, $9.91 at Walmart
Finish off your falsies (or your natural lashes) with this thickening mascara. Bonus: The brush is 100 percent recyclable.
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Kiss My Face
Body Lotion, Olive & Aloe, $9.99 at Walgreens
Designed for sensitive skin, this classic brand's moisturizer can be used on your face, body and hands.
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Dr. Bronner's
Soap, Pure-Castile, All-One Hemp Lavender, $4.99 at Rite Aid
Gentle, 100 percent vegan and environmentally-friendly, this soap soothes your body and your conscience.
