Animal ingredients in your makeup are actually much more common than you might think, and it can be difficult to keep track of who’s safe to buy from and who actually makes good products. Thankfully, many companies are beginning to phase out animal testing, and there are more vegan products on the market than ever to choose from. More and more people are deciding to buy cruelty-free beauty products, which just leaves the question “Who should I buy from?”
We’ve listed some of the best Irish-owned beauty brands to browse through so that you can more easily shop locally and cruelty-free, especially with Christmas just around the corner!
Here are some of our faves:
Aimee Connolly has a huge reputation and is known as one of the best makeup artists in Ireland at the moment – so it came as no surprise when she launched her own makeup brand. All of the products in her line are cruelty free, and she’s working on making them all vegan too. The Second Skin foundation has proved hugely popular, and is available in a matte or dewy finish. She’s also just launched her Christmas gift sets!
Pestle & Mortar are one of the highest rated skincare brands in Ireland right now, created by Sonia Deasy in 2014. They’re well known for their Double Cleanse System to take off makeup, as well as their Hyaluronic Acid Serum. As well as being cruelty free, all of their products are completely vegan.
For all your fake-tanning needs, look no further than Dripping Gold. Dripping Gold is another brand launched by beauty blogger SoSueMe – also known as Suzanne Jackson, responsible for the SoSu makeup line. It’s been hugely popular since its launch in 2018, and the line includes multiple formulas of fake tan, as well as Body Tune shimmering body lotion, body bronzers, body highlights, and way more.
Kinvara was founded by Joanne Reilly almost five years ago, because she was frustrated that the products on the market didn’t work for her or didn’t reflect her values. All of their skincare is organic and vegan. Their website makes it easy to shop for whatever is concerning you – ageing, dry skin, acne. They also do bundles for easy buying – the Capsule Collection is very popular, containing a cleansing oil, serum, and day cream.
Nima Brushes have a whole line of vegan makeup brushes called the Vegan Veluxe – one set that’s aimed more at professional makeup artists, and another that’s suited for the everyday person doing their own makeup. Makeup artist Niamh Martin launched Nima Brushes in 2012, and it’s grown massively as a brand ever since. They’ve collaborated with some of the biggest makeup artists and bloggers in the country!
Created by Darren Kennedy, Kennedy & Co are a skincare brand aimed at men – it’s designed for men’s skincare routines and general grooming. They’re stocked all over Ireland and have won awards for their products. They make skincare, haircare, and beard care! Their Daily Moisturiser with SPF 20 and their Hydrating Beard Oil are massively popular.
Let us know if we missed anyone; we’d love to do a few more lists like this before Christmas to help support local Irish shops!