With all of those holiday parties around the corner, lady vegans all over will have ample opportunity to play dress up. One of my favorite accessories that immediately dresses up any outfit is one that goes on my face—lipstick. And with the holiday season in mind, I am reviewing my favorite vegan red lipsticks for you—because nothing says “kiss me at midnight” like a bold lip. You’re welcome.
1. Zuzu Luxe in Starlet. I found this little ruby while shopping at my local Whole Foods, and it’s my favorite go-to basic bold red. You can also find it online for around $18. The ingredient list runs your standard vegan lipstick – jojoba oil and candellila wax- but also has a few more unique additions, like sesame oil. Also, it touts being gluten-free! I don’t have a gluten intolerance, but I never thought to check my cosmetics for gluten.
2. Urban Decay in Gash. I am a big Urban Decay fan, and my favorite of their shades is Gash. The hue is as ominous as the name, with a shade that runs darker and deeper than your basic red. I love it so much I have it in both the lipstick, and the lip liner. Unfortunately, the lipstick was limited edition and so you can’t find it on their website anymore (womp womp) but it’s still floating around on other beauty sites. Prices range between $15 and $25 , depending on where you look.
When I am feeling too lazy to put more than one product on my lip, I often wear the liner as a full on lipstick, and that works great. Snag it for $19.
*Editor’s note: Be aware when considering Urban Decay that, though still vegan, they were recently bought by cosmetics giant L’Oréal.)
3. LUSH liquid lipstick in Decisive. This bold red has orangey undertones. At 22.95, for only 2 .oz, this product is a little pricy. However, it’s handmade, and has interesting ingredients, like rose wax. It also comes with an adorable little application sponge. Lip tip: This was a bit messy, and I found it had better staying power (read: stayed on my lips and off my face) if I put on some lip balm first.
Honorable Mention: E.L.F in Fearless. Every vegan girl on a budget should worship Eyes Lips and Face, which can be found online, and in stores like Target. Why are they so covetable? There products are dirty cheap. This lipstick is only $1. Yes, you read that right. The staying power is not as great as the above three mentioned—I reapplied more than I usually have to–but you really cannot beat the price. Snag a few for yourself, and buy extras as holiday gifts for all your buds.
So what are your favorite cruelty-free cosmetic brands? Do you rock red lips?
Zoe Eisenberg is an editor and freelance writer with work appearing in various print and online publications. She received her B.A in English and Creative Writing, and has a background in holistic health promotion. Zoe loves to cook, laugh, play and learn. She lives in Connecticut with her cat, Zucchini. 
