Recently, I stumbled on the term “ vegan cosmetics” while perusing the Urban Decay website. I was immediately intrigued and decided to research this and determine if this is a valid term for a cosmetic. Vegans, there's great news! Urban Decay does have a line of cosmetics that are completely animal free.

Urban Decay was launched in 1996 as a company committed to high quality, cutting edge products that are animal cruelty free. They list the ingredients in each product on their website, a helpful tool for those with allergies, sensitivities, or dedicated to a vegan lifestyle.

Vegan cosmetics are not only not tested on animals, but are completely free of animal products. As more women become conscious of their environment and lifestyle, vegetarian and vegan alternatives are starting to build sales and become more popular. These alternatives to mainstream name cosmetics are also great for those with sensitive skin or allergies, as these issues are often caused by the chemical additives or animal products in the cosmetics.

Looking for vegan cosmetics on Urban Decay's site is a pleasure. The site is well laid out and there a a handy tab to click, just for vegan items. While perusing the company's offers, take a moment to appreciate the witty names for the shades. My favorites are “air guitar,” “spandex,” and “mullet.” It was a blast from the past! There is a complete line of face makeup from foundation, to eyes, to lips. There are also synthetic fiber brushes that are on par with natural bristle brushes the pros use.

If you prefer to do your shopping in a store rather than online, Urban Decay has a printable list of their vegan products. There is also a store locater, so you can find the retail building closest to you with the perfect shade of eyeshadow that is animal free. Urban Decay can be found in thirty-nine states and five countries.

Prices for the vegan products are comparable with department stores and some mid-range cosmetics. I have used the smoke out eye pencils, loose pigments, lipsticks and brushes and have been very happy with the results.

One caveat: the eyelash primer potion was a disappointment. This is a product designed to wear under your mascara It seemed dry and was hard to apply. It did not lengthen lashes, as packaging claimed. It also clumped and flaked. After paying such a large sum and reading the grandiose claims, I was astonished and pleased to discover that my $6.00 Great Lash was a much better performer.

The eyelash primer potion has been the only product I have had an issue with. The rest of the products are easy to apply, stay on and don't fade or run, and are easy to wash off at the end of the day. The packaging has been carefully thought out and is break and spill resistant.

As I am replacing my old make-up, I am purchasing more Urban Decay products to keep me looking my best. They also offer attractively packaged gift sets that are making it onto my shopping list for Christmas and birthdays.