Thursday, April 15, 2010

Vegan Makeup: Urban Decay

The Topic: Invest in the Best

The Dish: I love Urban Decay. I know it is an obvious choice for vegan makeup, but seriously—have you tried the products? None of their sparkly, shiny goods are tested on animals, and many are vegan, denoted by a cute little paw-print icon. A lot of companies can give you the runaround when it comes to the veg status of their lines, from vague statements about “finished products” to the indecipherable ingredients lists (look for a more in-depth post in the future about veg-friendly drugstore brands!). Urban is straight up, “Hey vegans, we love you.”

Because these products are a bigger investment than the $1 eyeliner of my early teens, there are a couple of considerations to get the most for your money. Urban’s online store features a special R.I.P. section, featuring discontinued items at discount prices. Currently, you can snag a snazzy lip pencil for $9 ($14 value). Sound like a lot? Sometimes price really does reflect quality, and my Urban goods, including a collection of beloved, shimmery, versatile eyeshadows, last months and months. They also don’t pull the midday disappearing act of their cheaper counterparts.

If you have other skincare shopping to do, Sephora stocks Urban Decay along with other vegan brands (such as Pacifica, whose Blood Orange Body Butter is only $5 right now!). Shopping online promises free product samples, but in store, you have the luxury of a makeover—depending on how you feel about sharing germs. Nearly every cosmetic in the store is available for testing (including Urban) either by your own hand or with the help of a sales associate. Grab a cotton swab, pick your favorite products, and get fancy before dinner and a movie—for free.

The Final Word: If Urban’s prices still seems too steep, don’t worry—the company has a 45-day money-back guarantee. Wear it a few days, see how you like it, and if you’re not wowed, return it. Sephora operates a similar policy, upholding a very pleasant, 30-day no-questions-asked rule. Opened or not, they’ll take care of you (speaking from personal experience). Goodbye, buyer’s remorse!

13 comments:

  1. Although I look for vegan beauty products, so many of them, including those from Urban Decay, contain several not-so-good for you chemicals.

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    1. That's my concern! Yea good that they are not tested on animals or have animal in the products, but you would think that they would also make them good for you. I want to be able to walk in a store and buy chemical free makeup instead of just shopping online for them.. I like to see what Im fixing to buy in my hand! I think that makeup with chemicals in them should not be allowed to claim themselves as "Vegan" Vegans are animal friendly and generally cautious of what they are putting in or on their body....right? or am I confused about what being Vegan really involves?

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  2. i love that urban decay is vegan-friendly, and sephora is my jam. chemicals aren't great, but i'll be damned if they are avoidable in any of the many beauty products i love to use. also, in my sugar free red bull, soda, and splenda—oh, aren't i just THE WORST!

    great post, savvy abby! thanks for showing people that cruelty-free living can be as money saving as it is stylish. also i can't read your blog at work anymore because it either makes me hungry or want to online shop and i have THINGS TO DO. related: where are the biscuits.

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  3. and don't forget, urban decay has 30% off sales a few times a year, you can stock up at a discount. (there's even one going on now until 4/19, and no, i don't work for them!). and some larger cosmetic stores, like ulta and beauty.com offer discounts when you join their clubs or are on their mailing lists. and for my money, urban decay is worth the extra $, their colors are lovely, their makeup lasts and they are one of the few places i can get exactly what i want.

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  4. Exactly, Ren! Free clubs and mailing lists are the way to go. As for UD, I just saw that awesome deal, too. I need online-shopping breaks at work. For everyone else, use the code 1SFNF at UrbanDecay.com and score 30% off. Yay!

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  5. I think makeup is one area where it pays to spend a little more. Thanks for the tip on the RIP section!

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  6. what exactly constitutes "vegan" make-up?

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  7. Thanks for the helpful information, Abby! Every bit helps when navigating the world as a vegan :)

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  8. I use a few UD products, I dislike the glitter shadows, the glitter always effects my eyes. The blood orange scent by Pacifica is so yummy, the pear one is yummy too.

    Sephora also has tons of vegan skin care (my fave is the FAB line)and vegan hair care!

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  9. If you want to avoid the chemicals, check out Aveda products - plant based, animal-friendly, cruelty-free, and most (all?) are organic and vegan! I'm in love with Aveda!

    Also check out the Body Shop - many of there products are chemical-free; some are vegan; all are cruelty/animal testing free and free trade!

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    1. thanks!!!! Think I will do that! Im glad no animals are harmed......but what about yourself? ....I think I'd like to save both thank you!!! great tip

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  10. Vegan makeup products are cosmetics that do not use ingredients derived from — or tested on — animals. Concerns about animal abuse by the cosmetic industry has created a growing market for cruelty free products. Vegan cosmetic options include eye shadow, blush, lipstick and foundation; even vegan nail polish is becoming increasingly available.
    vegan makeup brands

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  11. Vegan cosmetics refer to the makeups made with natural and organic ingredients. They do not contain any animal ingredients or any by products. They have never been tested on animals neither.
    vegan makeup brands

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