Pride Month is coming to a close, but don’t fret, Pride celebrations continue throughout the summer with notable events such as Pride in London and Brighton & Hove Pride still to come.

Get ready to celebrate with the ultimate go-to guide for affordable vegan makeup for Pride season. Whether you’re at a parade, a Pride event in your city or out partying with friends, we’ve got everything you need, from sun protection to eye-catching eyeshadows. Let’s find the perfect products for a cruelty-free look!

Protect your skin

Now that the sun has finally arrived in the UK, it’s more important than ever to protect your skin. Don’t miss this step in your routine. Brands such as The INKEY List, grüum, and Glossier offer 50+ SPF that is non-greasy and leaves a matte finish on your skin, ready for your base makeup.

Create a flawless canvas

Primer helps to smooth out imperfections, fine lines, and pores before you put your foundation or concealer on. e.l.f. Cosmetics has a Power Grip Primer that blurs your complexion and helps your makeup last longer. For an affordable concealer that blends seamlessly, try the e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer or the NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer.

If you’re looking for full coverage, a long-wear foundation that lasts all day, then try the Pro Base MUA Matte Finish from MUA Makeup Academy or the Revolution Conceal & Hydrate, with 50 shades available and impeccable coverage and hydration. 

If you prefer a lightweight coverage, try the bareMinerals BB cream, a fragrance-free, light-weight tinted moisturiser with SPF 30 protection.

Experiment with electrifying eye looks

Make a statement and experiment, whether that’s with eyeshadow, graphic liner, or glitter.

All-vegan brand 17. by Boots has a £5 limited edition vibrant eyeshadow palette, Brights 070 where all the proceeds go to Stonewall. While NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette Brights has a highly pigmented palette with 16 shades for all colours of the rainbow.

Alternatively, you can opt for a vegan eyeliner to accentuate and draw attention to your eyes. If you want to experiment with eyeliner colours, patterns and makeup artistry, Glisten Cosmetics is the perfect choice. The Pride Palette by Glisten Cosmetics donates 100% of proceeds to an LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, Galop. Their site boasts hundreds of colours to explore, all with vegan ingredients.

For a mascara that offers length and definition, try the e.l.f. Lash It Loud Volume Mascara or the Lash Vegas Mascara by Barry M - two must-haves for your everyday and going-out makeup bags. If you’re a lash lover, avoid mink lashes and try Eylure Flutter Light Lashes or NYX Jumbo Lashes, which have a soft, silky quality.

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Pucker up!

It’s important to keep your lips hydrated, find a colour that works for you, and remember your lip balm! For those looking for bold and vivid lipsticks, Lime Crime offers liquid lipstick, liners, and gloss in a range of vibrant colours, all cruelty-free and eye-catching.

Add a glow to your cheeks

Whether you prefer a natural flush or a dramatic pop of colour when applying blush, try the all-vegan brand, Milani. Milani’s Baked Blush has shades that suit all skin tones and desired looks.

If you want to accentuate your cheeks and add a glow to your skin, try the Revolution Face & Body Shimmer Highlighter. Revolution has a diverse range of highlighters for all skin tones; find the perfect match for your desired look.

Make your makeup last!

If you want long-lasting makeup, it’s important to set your makeup, especially when you’re out in the sun, dancing, or out all night. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is a vegan, cruelty-free spray that is a make-up artist's go-to and ideal for high-energy events. 

Alternatively, e.l.f. Cosmetics Mist & Set offers an affordable vegan setting spray that keeps your makeup looking fresh while giving your skin a boost of hydration. It's lightweight and helps set your makeup for a flawless finish.

Add-ons 

If you’re looking for cruelty-free tools for your makeup kit, Eco Tools has a range of high-quality, eco-conscious brushes to help you flawlessly apply your looks.

A fun idea for a boost of colour is to use the roll-on face paint flags that you can purchase from the Gay Pride Shop. There are seven LGBT+ flags that you can easily roll on your face or body and share with your friends.

Pride Month is a time to celebrate equality, love, and acceptance. You can show your support for a more humane and sustainable society by using vegan makeup outside of the celebrations. Let your makeup reflect the beauty of diversity, both inside and out, as you experiment with looks, dance with your friends, and revel in the joy of difference. Happy Pride Month!

If you’d like to read more Pride-themed content, why not check out our interview with Fat Gay Vegan or how do LGBTQIA+ and vegan movements overlap and differ?