Note: This is NOT an advertisement and I am not paid to endorse any of the brands or providers listed.
Over the past few years, I haven’t been wearing as much makeup as I used to. When I lived in Mumbai and Singapore, my makeup would slide right off my face thanks to the humidity. As a result, deciding on my bridal look this summer was a fun if slightly daunting prospect.
I was in the capable hands of our very talented family friend Tasniya who I have known for 16 years. She is a talented make up artist and specialises in makeup for South Asians. There is no one else I would have rather spent those precious moments with on my wedding morning.
It’s really important to me to use vegan and cruelty-free beauty products (see here for an explanation on why this isn’t the same thing). After some research, I realised there was practically no information out there on vegan bridal makeup, especially for Indian brides. I spent a lot of time reading online about different brands and checking whether they were truly vegan and cruelty-free. Luckily, I found quite a few options and most were available in central London. I was thrilled with the results and didn’t feel I had to compromise just because I wanted vegan and cruelty-free products. 
Here are the products we used. Please check individual products as not every other product by these brands is necessarily cruelty free or vegan. I’ve linked to all the products mentioned below (not an ad).
Skincare:
Cleanser: I use Pai Skincare‘s Camellia and Rose Cleanser. It’s so gentle so it’s perfect for sensitive skin.
Skin cream: Lala Retro Whipped Cream from Drunk Elephant. It sinks beautifully into my skin and this brand contains no silicones, sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrances or drying alcohols.
Toner: I use 100% Organic Rosewater that comes in a glass bottle with a spray attached. It works well for sensitive skin. My mother brought me a bottle back from the US on her last trip there.
Makeup:
Foundation: Born This Way Foundation by Too Faced. They have shades in many different colours so it’s great for Asian skin tones.
Primer: Wonderglow by Charlotte Tilbury. I’d never used a primer before but this did the job well.
Concealer: Concealer All-In-One by The Body Shop. You can’t go wrong with The Body Shop. You just can’t.
Face Powder: Chantecaille Compact Powder. This one is pricey but it sits wonderfully on the skin and doesn’t have that “powdery” effect.”
Eyeshadow: La Bella Sofia palette by Charlotte Tilbury. This is their updated version of La Dolce Vita and it is such a treat!
Eyeliner: Black Liquid Eyeliner by Barry M. I’ve been using this product for the past ten years. It works like a charm, is super affordable and stays on all day.
Mascara: Long Lash Mascara by Inika Organic. I love this brand which is 100% organic, cruelty-free and vegan.
Blusher: Cheek to Chic in First Love by Charlotte Tilbury. They have a version for lighter skin tones too but I love the rosy tone to this one.
Lipstick: Lip Cheat in Supersize Me by Charlotte Tilbury (used this all over my lips with some lipsalve for moisture). Quite a few of the lipsticks are vegan but my favourite Pillow Talk lipstick was a bit too subtle for my wedding day.
Do you have any other favourite vegan and cruelty free beauty products? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to try some new ones out.
