How to Find Affordable Cruelty Free Gifts

On a Budget? Let’s Talk About eCosmetics!

This post is sponsored by eCosmetics. All opinions are 100% mine – you know I keep it real with you guys!

I know a lot of us tend to shop at the same places online. It’s easy to get into the habit of doing that. I tend to mindlessly frequent Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta when it comes to beauty products. But, if you’re on a budget, I want you to stop and take a look at eCosmetics.

At eCosmetics, you can find the same drugstore and high-end cosmetics that you’d find at the major retailers, but up to 50% off. If you find a cheaper price on an item, they’ll even match it! There are some budget beauty retailers out there that sell knock-off, counterfeit and expired products. That is NOT what eCosmetics is all about! Everything they sell is new and authentic – the same products you’ll find in the big-name stores.

You can even add code Velvet10 on top of the deals for an additional 10% off your order at eCosmetics!

Cruelty Free Gift Guide for Budget Shoppers

eCosmetics gave me a $100 budget to find some great cruelty free gifts to share with you guys. I think I did pretty well! $100 wouldn’t go as far in other stores. I picked items for all budgets, and focused on makeup and skincare, but they also have hair, nail, and fragrance products.

Shipping was quick – I got my items in about a week. I ordered on Nov 13th and got part of the order on the 19th and the rest on the 23rd.

Okay, so let’s get into it! Here are some cruelty free holiday gift ideas that the beauty fanatics in your life are sure to love!

Sunday Riley Flash Fix Gift Set ($20)

The Sunday Riley Flash Fix gift set comes with smaller sizes of their Good Genes lactic acid treatment and Ceramic Slip cleanser. The set normally retails for $25, but it is $20 at eCosmetics. Sunday Riley is a HOT brand right now, so I think most skincare aficionados would be excited to receive this. It’s also a great gift for someone who wants to graduate from a basic routine to a more intensive anti-aging and skin-smoothing routine but doesn’t know where to start. The lactic acid in Good Genes is one of the more gentle alpha hydroxy acids, and good for all skin types. And Ceramic Slip is a great all-purpose cleanser that removes makeup, dirt and oil. It hydrates without being greasy or over stripping the skin.

NYX Swear By It Palette ($28)

The NYX Swear By It palette is so much fun! There are FORTY shades here – mattes, metallics, and satins. Whether you’re buying a gift for someone who tends to stick to neutrals or likes to experiment with bright colors, this has it all. The majority of shades are on the warm side, with some blues, greens, and silver/grays to round it out. This palette is normally $35 but you can get it for $28 at eCosmetics. The formula is highly pigmented and very blendable. For a drugstore brand, NYX makes some pretty great products! They are definitely one of my faves.

Stila The Highest Realm Liquid Eyeshadow Set ($20)

The Stila The Highest Realm liquid eyeshadow set is for the glitter lovers in your life! It retails for $25 but it’s only $20 at eCosmetics. These brush-on shades are great as eyeshadow toppers, or you can build them up to full coverage with two or three applications (just let it dry in-between to avoid streaks). The set comes with three shades: a champagne beige with gold and silver sparkle, a plum multi-color sparkle, and a caramel/gold sparkle. You can apply with the applicator or a brush, but I find it easiest to dab on with my finger.

e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadow Palettes ($2.40)

When you’re on a budget, you can’t really go wrong with these e.l.f. Bite Size eyeshadow palettes. They are small, but they would make great stocking stuffers or coworker gifts. Want to give someone a cozy, happy Winter gift? You could wrap up a good book or DVD and tie one of these babies to the outside with a pretty bow. I got Cream & Sugar, which is a warm-toned neutral palette, and Acai You, which has light blue and purple tones that you don’t see every day! These go for $3.15 so they are already inexpensive, but at eCosmetics they’re $2.40.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Mango ($27.20)

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is one of my newfound favorites! This cream is a really great cruelty free dupe for Kiehls Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (which is not cruelty free). I keep this First Aid Beauty cream by my bed so I can give my hands mega-moisture at night. You know how some creams are either super greasy, or they smell good but they don’t make your skin feel hydrated? This is the opposite! It feels super-rich, but absorbs easily and leaves my skin feeling baby soft. The mango scent is light and not overwhelming. Colloidal oatmeal helps protect and calm irritated skin. My skin type is acne-prone and oily, so I mainly use this for my body, but normal to dry skin types will love using this on the face as well. Normally $34, this tub of magic is only $27.20 at eCosmetics! For those of you curious about First Aid Beauty’s cruelty free status, click here for more info.