Although veganism perhaps used to be associated with matted hair and bad dress sense, glowingly stylish beauties like Ella Woodward have long laid that image to rest. With World Vegan Month in full swing, maybe you’ve been inspired to make your life a little more plant-powered too – and with so much evidence demonstrating the extent to which animal products deplete our earth’s resources – and so many enticing ways to embrace a plant-based lifestyle – well, why wouldn’t you?
Wear …
With its #freefromfur hashtag, plus cool slogan t-shirts in feel-good colours – we adore the ‘Vegan Vibes’ one – Jakke is a premium faux fur brand based in London. Choose from classic plain colour coats, or go wild in colour blocking – alternatively, make a bold statement with a slogan fur proclaiming the likes of “Kale Yeah” or “Faux Real” on your (very cosy) back.
Stay …
La Suite West hotel is a boutique bolt hole in the centre of London, where designer Anouska Hempel has turned her designing talents to creating a zen-infused space, with plenty of Eastern influence at play. Long known for its wellness offering and raw vegan afternoon tea – a brilliantly virtuous twist on the English classic – the hotel has recently paired with the award winning Nosh Detox to create the Nosh Garden Kitchen, offering a range of vegan and raw dishes. There’s also a vegan option at breakfast – and don’t miss the freshly-made smoothies. Rooms from £129 per night.
Eat …
“Fiercely Kind Food’ is the motto of Chelsea-based Wulf & Lamb – and it’s not just their brunch offering on which you can feed both your body and conscience – after all, everyone knows that you can tick the clean eating box with a smashed avo on sourdough (although, to be fair, they do this exceptionally well here). Even if you’re not a morning person you can head to Wulf & Lamb later in the day to feast on delights such as Chilli ‘Non’ Carne and Spicy Mango Noodles, accompanied by a well-chosen list of vegan friendly wines and ales.
Cleanse with …
A’kin products are 100% vegan and will leave both body and mind feeling nurtured and calm. Using only the purest, active botanical ingredients, products in the range include moisturisers, toners and cleansers. Rid yourself of the grime of the day with their Micellar water, infused with organic coconut water, green tea, cucumber and lavender to cool, soothe and refresh skin, leaving it bright, fresh and hydrated. Follow up with Pure Radiance Rosehip Oil, which contains a high concentration of Vitamins A and E and Omegas 9, 3 and 6 essential fatty acids to leave your skin plump and smooth.
Flutter with …
Most lash-lovely mascaras use beeswax to help the product ‘stick’ – and many vegan options that don’t contain this ingredient end up in unbecoming flakes on your face. Make a (bee-friendly!) beeline for Benecos Vegan Volume Mascara which doesn’t clump and comes with a generously sized brush to up the length and volume ante, as well as staying where you want it to stay – on your lashes.
Pout with …
Australian brand Neek has a range of products that are, quite literally, “tested on sisters, not animals” – the founder experimented with her beauty concoctions on her female siblings as they were growing up. There are eight shades of vegan lipstick available, with colours ranging from ‘Pash’ (Aussie for snog!) to ‘Friday on my Mind’ – and each one derives its colours from natural pigments, with a base of jojoba oil, avocado oil, shea butter, orange peel and vitamin E. The sleek wooden packaging is cute too.
Give him …
If he has a hair on his face (or if, perhaps, the hair on his head is not quite as luxuriant as he’d like it to be…), Alchemy Oils, which are based on ancient Ayurvedic principles, are what he needs in his life. Each remedy in this range – certified vegan by the Vegan Society and cruelty-Free by PETA – contains 5 natural oils and can be used to encourage blood flow (which promotes growth) and encourage stronger, softer, thicker, more manageable – more strokeable! – hair.
Cook with …
Jean-Christian Jury is the kind of vegan one can relate to – he’s not intimidatingly perfect like some of the lycra-clad goddesses you might see on socials, and he’s completely on board with the idea of a slow transition, rather than a huge leap, to a plant based diet. His own lifestyle change came after heart failure – and his approach to veganism in Vegan: The Cookbook is every bit as good looking and flavourful as you would expect an internationally acclaimed French chef’s to be.
Work out in …
Okay, so you probably wouldn’t expect your gym kit to be made from leather or fur anyway, but what you wear to work out can impact on the environment in other ways, too – and therefore on all of the living creatures who depend on it for survival. Sleek and flattering, you won’t find tank tops shouting with slogans here: Silou London simply employs a mindful approach to manufacturing that involves no animal products, no toxic materials and reduced, reusable packaging. The results? Outrageously sexy fitness wear that’s both conscious and cool.
Stay fresh with …
Deodorant is such a basic beauty requirement that you can scarcely even think of it being indulgent – but as well as being suitable for vegans, the deodorant creams from Indigenous Beauty seem to pamper your armpits in a way that a roll-on simply can’t. Handmade in small batches using certified organic ingredients, the deodorants are completely free from toxins and sold in 100% recyclable glass jars. Choose from Sweet Orange & Grapefruit, Lavender and Vanilla or Spearmint & Tea Tree – just stroke a pea sized amount of cream under your arms to be smooth, soft and – crucially – unsweaty.