As a professional makeup artist in the film and television industry for nearly 20 years, I’ve been introduced to my share of makeup and skin care products. Whether the products have been comped by companies wanting me to try their line on the actors and actresses in my chair or they were purchased with my own money, I’ve definitely used a lot over the years.
As an animal lover, it is very important for me to support companies who commit to cruelty-free practices in the manufacturing of their products. Fortunately, in this day and age, finding cruelty-free makeup and skin care is much easier than in previous years. Here are some of my favorites and why.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
A pioneer of in the art of eyebrows, Anastasia Beverly Hills has since branched out to other areas of the face and their makeup game is on fleek. Their Liquid Glow is weightless, smooth and dries to the texture of the skin. It’s a beautiful, flawless highlighter that comes in four shades/lustres to compliment any skin tone.
The eyeshadow palettes – Soft Glam, Prism, Subculture and Modern Renaissance – are highly pigmented and apply with ease. They blend well, are durable and offer both shimmer and matte finishes in an assortment of colors.
Their Matte Lipstick is truly matte. Highly pigmented for a long lasting, ultra matte finish, these lipsticks come in thirty shades. Matte is very on trend at the moment and these lipsticks will not disappoint.
Hourglass Cosmetics
Veil Mineral Primer is oil-free and creates a radiantly, smooth finish to the skin that enhances the look and longevity of foundation. It also provides broad spectrum SPF 15 protection, so this primer is a win-win.
The Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick is a highly pigmented, light weight, full-coverage, waterproof foundation stick. Yes, it really is all of those things! Plus, the assortment of shades available is mind blowing! I use this on one of my actresses and it always provides a flawless finish that lasts all day on set. And, a little goes a long way, so one foundation stick will last you a very long time!
Cargo Cosmetics
Where to begin…Cargo Cosmetics has a well-rounded beauty repertoire. Their Swimmables collection is perfect for in or out of the water. The highly-pigmented colors, in an array of shades, apply with ease and last all day. One of my favorites is the Swimmables Waterproof Mascara Top Coat. This top coat can transform any brand of mascara into waterproof, tear proof and sweat proof! It gently coats the lashes with a lightweight seal, then when you’re ready, remove as usual with your favorite makeup remover. I, personally, am a big fan of Cargo’s Texaslash Mascara and teamed up with the top coat, makes the wear of this mascara even better! I have very sensitive eyes and have had difficulty over the years to find a mascara that doesn’t flake or drop into my eyes, not any more with Texaslash!
Another thing I love and admire about Cargo Cosmetics, aside from the cruelty-free commitment, is their commitment to innovation. Their Liquid Foundation is like liquid silk on the skin, truly amazing. It’s light-weight and provides medium to full coverage and comes in a variety of shades to match virtually any skin tone. Now, here’s what’s really cool about this foundation…the packaging!! It’s a 100% recyclable pouch that is very portable and allows you to squeeze out every last drop of product! How often have you run low or out of foundation in a bottle, knowing you have 1 or 2 more uses, but you can’t get to the product? So frustrating! Not with this product, and, again, 100% recyclable packaging! That’s innovation and a step in the right direction!
Stila
The Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner is staple in my makeup kit and in my own cosmetic bag. It’s precision tip allows the liner to flow across the eye without effort. Whether you’re creating a thin line, thick or a cat eye, this liner will deliver. And, once dry, it doesn’t move!
The Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Palettes give you a lot of bang for your buck. These creams blend smoothly, whether you’re using them on your lips or as a rouge. As a professional makeup artist, I love products that can provide multiple uses, as it cuts down on the amount of supplies I have to tote around, and these palettes fit the bill!
Tarte Cosmetics
Looking for lip moisture and color? Look no further than Tarte Power Pigment. This lip pencil glides on like a dream and pops with color. The size and shape of the pencil make it super easy to control and allows you to effortlessly define your lips. And, this lip color will not feather or smudge!
Tarte Cheek Stains are iconic for their natural looking tones and ease of application – use directly from the applicator and blend – easy peasy! They are light-weight, long-lasting and controlling the deposit of color is a cinch – apply less for a sheer application or dare to darken the color by adding more.
I don’t believe there is ever a reason to test on animals, which is why I feel supporting companies that do not is so important. In a sea of choices in the very competitive cosmetics industry, I always feel overwhelmed, but knowing that these companies, and numerous others, practice cruelty-free manufacturing makes me feel confident in my decision to choose them, either for myself or my actors and actresses. The above was just a small sampling of products from each (explore and once you do, you’ll likely find a few favorites of your own.
Heather has been a professional makeup artist in the film and television industry for nearly 20 years. Her work ranges from feature films to television to commercials. She’s been nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys – Carnivale (2005), American Crime Story: The People v OJ Simpson (2016) and This Is Us (2017) and won a Makeup Artists & Hairstylists Guild Award in 2016 for American Crime Story: The People v OJ Simpson. Some of her other notable projects include Lincoln (2012), Whiplash (2014) and Tropic Thunder (2008).
When not working on a production, she enjoys spending time with her animals, gardening and volunteering with a local animal rescue organization. She’s also an avid bowler and plays on a weekly league.
