Vegan Beauty: EX1 Cosmetics Review

As someone who has been vegetarian for over two years now, I have been looking for ways to be more plant-based and vegan, and limit the number of animal-based products that we have in our home. For what we eat, this has been pretty straightforward. But I figure if I am eating this way, then one of the next best things is to make other changes to be veggie / vegan, with things like beauty products.

After looking into it, it is easy to think that a lot of beauty products are already vegan. I mean, they don’t contain eggs and milk, right? Well some of them do. And some of them contain things like crushed beetles (in red lipsticks especially), and products like honey. So there are a surprising number of products out there that aren’t vegan, or they are tested on animals, meaning that they are definitely not vegan.

EX1 Cosmetics is a brand that I have been using recently, and they are a brand that is cruelty-free, vegan, and also free from things like fragrance, oils, and parabens, which is great for my sensitive skin. This also means it is less likely to clog pores which is a big help. The brand was created by Farah Naz, a biochemist at Imperial College, and it is one of the world’s first brands for olive skin tones. The prices are amazing too, so you do get plenty of value for money.

EX1 Cosmetics Blusher – £9.50

I have been using this pretty much all day since I got it and I have really noticed a difference with my face. It doesn’t go thick or melt off your face – it stays in place really well. Depending on which of the shades that you choose, you could also use it as an eyeshadow.

EX1 Cosmetics Delete Fluide Concealer – £10.50

I’ve gone through a lot of concealers over time, but this is a really amazing option – it is great! I was surprised to be advised to buy the same shade as the foundation (rather than a shade lighter) but it definitely works. The coverage is good, and even good enough to to cover dark circles and blemishes. It doesn’t look too much and doesn’t go on thick and cake. Even better that it doesn’t sit on lines and pores.

EX1 Cosmetics Invisiwear Compact Powder – £11.50

This powder is great, and a really good price point. It feels lovely on my skin and lasts for most of the day, for a really flawless looking face for the day. It comes with a sponge but you could always use your own brush, as I do.

EX1 Cosmetics Invisiwear Liquid Foundation – £12.50

This is a popular choice for a foundation, and at that price, who can blame them? It gives full coverage without being cakey, and it does last all day. It really gives a flawless finish, and it is nice to see such a great range of shades. EX1 is all about getting the undertones of the colour right, to make it look the best for you.

EX1 Cosmetics Mineral Powder Foundation – £13

Crushed mineral foundation is not something I have ever used before, so I was interested to see how it went, and I have been impressed so far! I think that it is a great option for those days when I don’t want to wear a lot of make up, but it still gives medium coverage. It is also something that is build-able and does actually feels light on the skin.