Velvet 59's Cruelty-Free Vegan Makeup Opens Its Flagship Store in Aliso Viejo

With consumers' growing interest in using brands that don't mistreat animals in the process of making their products, vegan makeup is on the rise. But new-ish company Velvet 59 is leading the way in making sustainable products that benefit your skin by also going gluten-, paraben- and talc-free, as well as using ingredients such as sacha inchi oil from the Amazon rainforest that fights aging with its proteins and omega-3 vitamins. Makeup that's good for your skin? Hallelujah!

Founded in 2014, Velvet 59 exudes founder Paris Manning's love of vintage Hollywood glamour with lipsticks, glosses, contouring palettes, mascara and eyeshadows that bring out your inner Marilyn or Audrey. Even if you're not concerned with what's going into your pores, the products themselves will win you over. There's the Rose Metals Palette, which features eight shimmery, metallic shades of dry pinks, neutrals and purples fit for use as eyeshadow, blush, contour or highlighter. The Malibu Sunset collection of lipsticks comes in four reddish shades with names such as Pink Pipeline, Topanga, Coral Canyon and PCH, allowing your lips to evoke sun-kissed California warmth. The Matte to the Max lipstick series comes in four tones, from the pale Vanilla Macaroon to the dark-red Gigi; each one gives you the moistness of a liquid lipgloss coupled with a bold, matte finish.

Velvet 59 has already earned praise from elite Hollywood makeup artists, beauty bloggers, Oprah Winfrey and the tastemaking internet makeup-subscription service Ipsy, though you can't find them at your local Sephora or Ulta—yet. Velvet 59 recently opened a flagship store in Aliso Viejo, where Manning will host special makeup certification classes with industry professionals acting as guest teachers. To be among the first to know about training dates, follow Velvet 59 on Instagram (@velvet59). You'll find it's worth heading south for this line!

Velvet 59, 49 Vantis Dr., Aliso Viejo; velvet 59.com.