My Top 5 Vegan Friendly Fashion & Beauty Essentials

I’ve followed a vegan diet for four and a half years now and I try to look for vegan friendlies outside the kitchen when ever possible. One of the top things on my list of priorities is transitioning to a vegan lifestyle.

Fashion is a huge part of my life so let's start here. I told myself, “self, we are not getting rid of every leather item we’ve ever purchased just yet, but we definitely are refraining from any new products that come from animals.”

First up: this pair of Steve Madden Joan booties. Vegan patent leather upper with a square toe, full back zipper and a unique but comfy 3" heel. Different.

While I’m not much of a purse girl, when I see a moment to support a black owned brand free of harm to my animal friends, I pounce.

I snagged my first Telfeezy shopping bag on bag security. You either know or have heard how fast they sell out on drop days. I’d seen them around and once I found out they were faux leather (and black owned, and Telfar Clemons is a LeFrak City native like me) I had to support! You can try your luck, but I rely on the back security programs to get mine.

Then came the Brandon Blackwood Trunk. There are a variety of styles to choose from - both vegan and non vegan. After sorting through all of them I found a nylon style with gold hardware that was right for my cruelty-free mission. Find a style you love here.

Honey, the NYX Control Pro Drop Foundation is perfect with its buildable coverage. It goes from every day to model glam with just a few drops. I made the switch from NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and haven’t looked back. I mean it’s proudly 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and certified by PETA. Come on.

Next is Trader Joe’s Lavender Salt Scrub and yes I’m in love with it. Whether you’re trying to keep it smooth and shiny on a summer night or make it out of a NYC winter with not so rough skin, pick this up now. Imagine applying it after in shower and just glistening. Smelling great. Shining. A small luxuryI recommend this to my girls on an “if you see it, get it” basis and if I’m running out and they’re going to TJs, I kindly ask them to pick one up for me. It was out of stock for a while. So happy it’s back!

Check out my faves and let me know if you think of any I should try!

Simone