Many of us are making an effort to live more conscious lifestyles, but what of our make-up bags? Gone are the days of dodgy vegan beauty — instead, there’s a plethora of premium, high-performing make-up and skincare brands that have ditched animal-derived ingredients all together.

So, if you’re thinking of making the switch, here are the brands we recommend starting with…

HOURGLASS

Beauty aficionados have long been hyping Hourglass's extensive beauty offering, which has always been cruelty-free. And now, the brand has committed to be 100% vegan this year. In the meantime, while not every product from the brand is currently free from animal-derived ingredients, it does have an extensive list of make-up that is on its website — the Caution Extreme mascara being a Hood office favourite.

Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara, £29, Harvey Nichols

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow in Foil, £26, Harvey Nichols

Hourglass Ambient Light Powder in Dim light, £45, John Lewis

MILK MAKEUP

Cult NYC beauty brand, Milk Makeup, finally made it to our shores in 2019, and its arrival has gone down a storm with both vegans and non-vegans alike. The products might be simple, but are high-performing, and boast an inclusive colour palette. Our picks include its brightening serum and the green lip balm, which, once applied to your lips, will give them a gorgeous pink flush.

Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Serum, £32.50, Cultbeauty.co.uk

Milk Makeup Kush Lip Balm in Green Dragon, £13.50, Cultbeauty.co.uk

Milk Makeup Sunshine Oil, £32.50, Cultbeauty.co.uk

ELF

You've likely seen ELF cropping up on your Instagram feed, but don't be fooled by its frugal price point. We find the makeup to be pigment-rich, long-lasting, non-cakey, and 100% vegan. Proof you can get quality make-up that won't break the bank and is kinder to the environment.

ELF Eyeshadow Palette in Need It Nude, £10, Superdrug

ELF Dewy Setting Mist, £9, Superdrug

ELF Flawless Finish Foundation in Caramel, £7.50, Superdrug

TROPIC SKINCARE

Set up by The Apprentice finalist, Susie Ma, Tropic Skincare's entire ethos is built upon sustainability, accountability, and a desire to do good. Whether it's cutting back on packaging, offsetting its carbon emissions with conservation work, or donating considerable proceeds to United World Schools, which helps underprivileged children from hard-to-reach areas with the education they desperately need. Indeed, buying Tropic products will not only benefit your skin — it will change the world. If that wasn't enough, it's also vegan.

The cruelty-free beauty brands that should be on your radar