Finding the perfect foundation can feel like a never-ending quest, especially when you’re looking for options that are both effective and cruelty-free. In 2017, the cruelty-free beauty movement was really gaining momentum, and tons of brands stepped up to offer fantastic alternatives that didn’t involve animal testing. Let’s take a look back at some of the best cruelty-free foundations from that year that still hold up today (and explore why they were so awesome!).
Why Cruelty-Free Matters
Before we dive into the specific products, let’s quickly talk about why choosing cruelty-free is so important. Cruelty-free means that a product wasn’t tested on animals at any stage of its development. Animals used in cosmetic testing often endure painful and inhumane treatment. By choosing cruelty-free brands, we can support companies that prioritize ethical practices and help reduce animal suffering. Plus, many cruelty-free brands also focus on using better ingredients, which is a win-win!
Top Cruelty-Free Foundations of 2017 (That Are Still Great!)
While 2017 might seem like a while ago, many of the foundations that were popular back then are still available and beloved by makeup enthusiasts today. Here are a few standouts:
Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation: This foundation was a go-to for many people thanks to its long-wearing formula and ability to control oil. It’s formulated with Amazonian clay, which helps to balance the skin and prevent shine throughout the day. It provided medium to full coverage, making it suitable for a range of skin types, particularly those with oily or combination skin. Plus, Tarte is a well-known cruelty-free brand, making it a guilt-free choice.
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation: This foundation aimed to provide flawless, natural-looking coverage. It was infused with coconut water to help hydrate the skin, and hyaluronic acid to plump and smooth. It offered medium, buildable coverage, and was designed to be undetectable on the skin. Too Faced is also a proud cruelty-free brand, making this another ethical and effective option.
Cover FX Custom Cover Drops: Okay, these aren’t technically a foundation, but they were a revolutionary way to customize your base. You could mix these highly pigmented drops with your favorite moisturizer, serum, or primer to create your own custom foundation with the exact coverage you desired. This was perfect for people who struggled to find the right shade or formula off the shelf. Cover FX has always been committed to cruelty-free practices and offered a wide range of vegan options too.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation: Urban Decay was already a favorite brand for many, and this foundation just solidified their spot in the cruelty-free beauty world. It provided a natural, skin-like finish with buildable coverage. It was designed to feel weightless on the skin, making it a great option for everyday wear. Urban Decay’s commitment to cruelty-free practices made this a popular choice for ethical consumers.
Pacifica Alight Clean Foundation: For those seeking a more natural and clean beauty option, Pacifica’s Alight Clean Foundation was a fantastic choice. Pacifica focuses on vegan and cruelty-free formulas packed with skin-loving ingredients. This foundation often featured a lightweight formula with light to medium coverage, ideal for achieving a natural, healthy-looking complexion. It’s a great option if you prioritize ingredients and want a more “barely there” feel.
What to Consider When Choosing a Foundation
With so many options available, how do you choose the right foundation for you? Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:
Skin Type: Consider whether you have oily, dry, combination, or normal skin. Oily skin typically benefits from matte or oil-free formulas, while dry skin needs hydrating and moisturizing foundations. Combination skin might require a balanced formula that addresses both oily and dry areas.
Coverage: Think about the level of coverage you prefer. Light coverage is great for everyday wear and a natural look, while medium coverage can help even out skin tone and conceal minor imperfections. Full coverage is best for special occasions or when you want to completely cover blemishes or discoloration.
Finish: Do you prefer a matte, dewy, or natural finish? Matte finishes are shine-free and long-wearing, while dewy finishes give the skin a luminous glow. Natural finishes fall somewhere in between, providing a healthy-looking complexion without being too shiny or too matte.
Ingredients: If you have sensitive skin or are concerned about certain ingredients, be sure to check the ingredient list carefully. Look for foundations that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog pores).
Shade Matching: Finding the right shade is crucial for a natural-looking finish. It’s always best to test shades in natural light to ensure they blend seamlessly with your skin tone. If you’re unsure, you can often get help from a makeup artist at a beauty counter or use online shade-matching tools.
The Evolution of Cruelty-Free Beauty
Since 2017, the cruelty-free beauty landscape has continued to evolve. More and more brands are committing to cruelty-free practices, and there are now countless options available across all price points. It’s become easier than ever to find high-quality, effective makeup that aligns with your values.
We’ve also seen advancements in foundation formulas, with brands incorporating more skincare ingredients and developing innovative technologies to improve wear and performance. The focus on sustainability has also grown, with many brands offering refillable packaging and using eco-friendly materials.
How to Check if a Brand is Truly Cruelty-Free
It’s important to do your research to ensure that a brand is truly cruelty-free. Here are a few things to look for:
Leaping Bunny Certification: This is one of the most widely recognized and trusted certifications for cruelty-free products. Brands that are Leaping Bunny certified have undergone a rigorous audit process to ensure that they don’t test on animals at any stage of development.
PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies Program: PETA also maintains a list of cruelty-free brands, but their criteria are less stringent than Leaping Bunny’s. However, it’s still a good resource for finding brands that don’t test on animals.
Brand Transparency: Look for brands that are transparent about their testing policies and supply chain. If a brand is vague or evasive about their practices, it’s a red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are cruelty-free foundations as good as non-cruelty-free foundations?
Absolutely! In fact, many cruelty-free foundations are even better than their non-cruelty-free counterparts. Cruelty-free brands often invest in higher-quality ingredients and innovative formulas, resulting in products that perform just as well, if not better. Plus, you can feel good about supporting ethical companies.
Can I find cruelty-free foundations at the drugstore?
Yes, definitely! Many drugstore brands offer cruelty-free foundation options. Look for brands like e.l.f., NYX Professional Makeup, and Milani, which are all widely available and offer a range of affordable and effective foundations.
What if a brand says they don’t test on animals in the US, but they sell in China?
This is a tricky one. Until recently, China required animal testing for many imported cosmetics. While this requirement has been relaxed for some products, it’s still important to be aware of the potential for animal testing if a brand sells in China. Look for brands that have taken steps to avoid animal testing in China, such as manufacturing their products locally or using alternative testing methods.
How can I be sure a brand isn’t using ingredients tested on animals?
The best way to ensure a brand isn’t using ingredients tested on animals is to look for Leaping Bunny certification. This certification covers the entire supply chain, ensuring that no animal testing has occurred at any stage, including ingredient sourcing.
Choosing a cruelty-free foundation in 2017, and even now, is a fantastic way to support ethical practices in the beauty industry. By considering your skin type, desired coverage, and preferred finish, you can find a cruelty-free foundation that not only looks great but also aligns with your values. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different brands until you find the perfect match!
