14 Minimalist Makeup Brands Like Glossier

Glossier is paradise on earth for makeup minimalists. And, with makeup trends moving towards a more subtle, dewy look, the brand’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years.

There’s no doubt that Glossier rules the ‘no-makeup makeup’ scene, but there are many other minimalist makeup brands that deserve some love and attention too! Here are 12 of my faves…

1. Milk Makeup

A beauty brand that grew out of Milk Studios in downtown New York, Milk Makeup is a firm favourite among the ‘your skin but better’ devotees. Multi-functional products are what Milk Makeup does best so don’t be surprised to find cream blushes that also work as lip tints … or even bronzers that can be used as eye shadows.

Milk delivers long-wear formulas that still feel and look like skin. But if you’re someone who does prefer a full face every once in a while, you can still achieve this – you might just need to go in with a heavier hand!

Is Milk Makeup cruelty-free? Yep! Milk Makeup doesn’t test on animals and is Leaping Bunny certified.

Is Milk Makeup vegan? Yes, Milk Makeup is 100% vegan.

2. Tower 28 Beauty

Tower 28 is a California-based clean beauty brand that’s designed to accommodate sensitive skin. The founder Amy Lui, who suffers with eczema herself, wanted to create minimal makeup products that wouldn’t irritate the skin … and so Tower 28 was born!

The makeup line is pretty small at the moment. The ShineOn Lip Jelly is probably the brand’s most well known product – it’s a great swap for Glossier’s Lip Gloss. But with all the success it’s had over the past year, I’m sure Tower 28 will continue to grow. Keep your eyes peeled for future releases!

Is Tower 28 cruelty-free? Yes! All Tower 28 products are cruelty-free.

Is Tower 28 vegan? 100%. The whole Tower 28 makeup line is completely vegan.

3. Kosas

Kosas definitely ranks highly in the packaging department, but the actual quality of their products is equally worth the hype. Their formulas contain skin-improving ingredients that prevent sensitivity and feel comfortable on the face. In fact, if you visit the website and click through to your desired product you’ll see the key ingredients and just how they benefit the skin.

If you love Glossier’s light coverage Perfecting Skin Tint then you’re bound to like the Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream. And if you’re a Boy Brow fan, Kosas’ Air Brow makes an amazing alternative.

Is Kosas cruelty-free? Yes, Kosas is cruelty-free. None of their products are tested on animals.

Is Kosas vegan? While most Kosas products are vegan, the Lipfuel and Weightless Lipstick contain lanolin and beeswax which are not vegan.

4. ILIA

ILIA is another makeup brand that puts skin first. They believe that makeup should ‘make your skin look and feel alive’ which is why so many of their formulas contain ‘skin-saving’ ingredients that protect the face from external toxins and environmental stressors. The overall goal is makeup that highlights the natural radiance and vibrancy of your complexion, rather than masking it.

Up for a makeup swap? Glossier’s Lash Slick is great but, if you like being able to take off your mascara with water, why not try ILIA’s Limitless Lash Mascara.

Is ILIA cruelty-free? Yep! ILIA’s products are completely cruelty-free and aren’t tested on animals anywhere in the world. They’re also Leaping Bunny certified.

Is ILIA vegan? Many of ILIA’s products are vegan, but there are some exceptions. They do have a section dedicated entirely to vegan makeup on their website, so you can shop without having to read through all the ingredients.

5. Spectrum

Spectrum Collections was founded in 2014 by two sisters from South Wales: Sophie and Hannah. The brand is well-know for its makeup brushes – you might have seen some of their Disney brush sets floating around Instagram. But they’ve recently branched out into makeup too! Their Core Cosmetics collection launched in 2021 and consists of six skin-centered products: a sheer lip balm-gloss hybrid, a matte powder bronzer, a golden face mist, a glowy primer, a water-resistant mascara and a cream blush.

If you’re interested in hearing more about the Core Cosmetics collection, check out my review here. Plus, using my discount code SCBF7CS3 will give you 15% off your Spectrum Collections order.

Is Spectrum cruelty-free? Yes. They don’t test on animals and their products are PETA-approved.

Is Spectrym vegan? Yes. All Spectrum products are vegan and they hold the Vegan Trademark.

6. Typology

Typology is a French-born company that’s primarily focused on skincare. Their formulas are simple yet effective – they’re all about paring products back to their most essential ingredients. While their makeup selection is fairly limited, the Tinted Care range is an absolute dream for those who love that Glossier-style no-makeup makeup look.

These products sit somewhere between skincare and makeup so they’re meant to do good to your skin while you wear them. The Tinted Serum (my all-time fave foundation!) is very similar to Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint, and the Tinted Balm seems to be a pretty good alternative to Cloud Paint.

Want to find out more about Typology? Read a full review of the Typology Tinted Serum here.

Is Typology cruelty-free? Yep! Typology does not test on animals and they are PETA-approved.

Is Typology vegan? Yes, all Typology products are vegan.

7. Honest Beauty

Founded by actress Jessica Alba, Honest Beauty is a clean beauty brand that’s big on sustainability and social responsibility. Their overall message is about how non-toxic and eco-friendly products can help us protect the planet, support vulnerable communities and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Honest isn’t just a makeup brand, but their makeup products have certainly helped the brand gain traction. You’ll find a bit of everything here – they even do makeup brushes(!!) – and you’ll definitely notice a clear less-is-more approach to makeup as you browse the website. The formulas are meant to be gentle and non-irritating so that’s an added plus too!

Is Honest Beauty cruelty-free? Yes. Honest Beauty does not test on animals, nor does it sell products in countries where animal testing is required by law.

Is Honest Beauty vegan? While Honest Beauty does offer many products, they also sell products that aren’t. It’s best to check the ingredients list before you buy.

8. Perricone MD

Perricone MD’s makeup line is literally called ‘No Makeup Skincare’ so if that doesn’t tell you all you need to know, I don’t know what does! They place massive importance on improving the skin’s appearance while enhancing the features with makeup. And, lucky for those of us with irritable or acne-prone skin, all of their products are designed to be non-clogging and non-sensitising.

Their makeup range isn’t extensive, but it covers all the bases: face, eyes, lips. Their No Makeup Blush is particularly popular so I highly recommend giving it a try!

Is Perricone MD cruelty-free? Perricone MD is 100% cruelty-free.

Is Perricone MD vegan? A few of Perricone MD’s products, like the No Makeup Lipstick, contain animal-derived ingredients so they cannot be classified as vegan.

9. REFY

REFY is all about celebrating natural beauty. The products are simple and affordable, having been designed to suit various skin types and tones.

Again, the collection isn’t massive, but there are a number of basics to get you started. REFY’s particularly known for its brow products – the brand launched with three of them: Brow Pencil, Brow Pomade and Brow Sculpt. The Brow Collection, a set containing all three brow essentials, would make a fab brow starter kit if you’re looking for gift ideas … or even if you just want to treat yourself!

Is REFY cruelty-free? Yes, REFY is cruelty-free.

Is REFY vegan? REFY products are fully vegan.

10. RMS Beauty

RMS Beauty is the brainchild of celebrity makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift. The brand’s USP is that its products are formulated with ‘living ingredients’ that are kept as close to their natural state as possible. RMS Beauty products are paraben-free, sulfate-free and synthentic fragrance-free so they’re a dream for makeup lovers with sensitive skin!

Like Glossier’s Wowder? Why not try RMS Beauty’s Tinted “Un” Powder? The “Un” Cover-Up is also a really great alternative to Glossier’s Stretch Concealer.

Is RMS Beauty cruelty-free? Yes, all RMS Beauty products are cruelty-free.

Is RMS Beauty vegan? Many RMS Beauty products are vegan, but some do contain animal-derived ingredients. It’s best to check on a case-by-case basis before you buy.

11. Saie

Where fashion meets clean beauty, you’ll find this up-and-coming makeup brand. Saie – pronounced ‘say’ – is a relative newcomer to the beauty scene, but it’s already made a big splash. Their focus is on products that are stylish yet sustainable. They want their makeup to look good AND do good, for both the wearer and the planet.

If you’re someone who loves a glowy, bright makeup look, try the Glowy Super Gel – it’s an amazing illuminator that’s pretty similar to Glossier’s Futuredew.

Is Saie cruelty-free? Yes! Saie products are cruelty-free.

Is Saie vegan? The Dew Blush, Glowy Super Gel, Really Great Gloss are vegan. However, many of their other products contain beeswax meaning Saie cannot be classified as a completely vegan brand.

12. Rose Inc

Founded by model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Rose Inc is a beauty brand that delivers clean products with non-comedogenic formulations and safe synthetic ingredients. The makeup collection is still pretty limited at the moment, but I can definitely see it expanding as the brand grows in popularity.

The Blush Divine Radiant Cheek & Lip Colour is already a fave amongst beauty gurus and the Softlight Luminous Hydrating Concealer is following close behind. If you’re looking for makeup products that give you that fresh, natural look, Rose Inc might just be the brand for you!

Is Rose Inc cruelty-free? Yep! Rose Inc don’t test on animals nor do they use any animal-derived ingredients.

Is Rose Inc vegan? Yes, all Rose Inc products are vegan.

13. Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty is a no-fuss makeup brand created by the fabulous Selena Gomez. If it’s a natural, dewy look you’re after, you’re sure to find a bunch of RB products to help you achieve this. Despite only launching in 2020, the brand’s makeup range is pretty extensive … and VERY highly rated.

The Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush is ALL OVER Instagram, and for good reason. It gives you that perfect summertime flush – much like Glossier’s Cloud Paint. Prefer liquid formulas? The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is an absolute must-buy.

Is Rare Beauty cruelty-free? Rare Beauty is completely cruelty-free and certified by PETA.

Is Rare Beauty vegan? Yep, all Rare Beauty are free of animal-derived ingredients.

14. Jones Road

Jones Road has got dewy, minimalist makeup down to a tee. Founded by makeup artist Bobbi Brown – yes, THE Bobbi Brown – this brand is all about enhancing the skin and bringing out its natural glow.

You’ll find a bit of everything here: brow pencils, eyeshadows, lip glosses … the list goes on. But the Miracle Balm is the true scene stealer. This can be used to bronze or highlight the skin, and its creamy consistency makes it incredibly easy to blend. It’s no wonder so many people love it!

Is Jones Road cruelty-free? Jones Road is 100% cruelty-free.

Is Jones Road vegan? While the mascara, brushes and most of the skincare is vegan, quite a few Jones Road makeup products contain beeswax and carmine. It’s best to check the ingredients list of each product separately.

Have you tried any of these minimalist makeup brands? Do you have any other recommendations for makeup brands that are like Glossier? Let me know!