Sustainable, eco-conscious beauty routines have become one of the biggest beauty trends — and as it conserves precious resources and combats climate change we’re all for it. People are on the hunt for skin care products to tackle their skin care concerns and makeup items to bring their makeup looks to life, but they’re also seeking out ways to make their daily regimen more eco-friendly.
If you’ve been meaning to make some changes to your own routine, there’s no better time than the present. Here are tips on how to make your beauty routine more sustainable.
- Recycle Jars and Containers
By now, you hopefully know that recycling is important. The container holding your face serums, facial cleansers, and moisturizers don’t have to go to waste. Check their packaging to ensure they can be recycled, and then make sure you recycle them so they can be repurposed.
You can also upcycle certain products by getting a little crafty. Consider using an old jar or bottle as a DIY makeup brush holder.
- Look for eco-friendly packaging
Ideally, shop for a beauty or personal care brand with environmentally friendly packaging, avoiding the use of plastic in particular. For example, products in glass bottles are more easily recycled.
- Eliminate microplastics and microbeads
Similarly, make sure your products do not contain microplastics usually made from polyethylene. These are tiny particles of plastic that have many harmful effects on the environment. They are not recyclable and can go on to pollute oceans and be ingested by marine life, fish and animals.
Although microbeads in rinse-off products like face wash and toothpaste are banned in the UK and US, there is still a long list of cosmetics where microbeads are still used. Lipsticks, deodorants, sun creams and hair gels are a few examples. Ingredients to look out for are polyethylene, polypropylene, poly-e-terephthalate, and polymethyl methacrylate.
- Use Reusable beauty pads
Firstly, ditch makeup wipes and cotton pads. Instead, you can buy reusable, washable pads. It will likely save you money in the long run – imagine never having to buy makeup remover pads or wipes ever again! Or, if you want to be really savvy with your sustainability, why not make your own reusable pads by cutting up an old towel. If you make seven or eight, you can use them every night with one spare, washing them once a week.
- Use Shampoo Bars
Shampoo bars are a great way to reduce your environmental impact. They can be used for your hair and body, meaning you don’t need to buy any plastic bottles for your shower at all. They also tend to last longer – you can get as many washes from one bar as you would from two or three shampoo bottles. There are plenty to choose from, so regardless of your preference of scent, you’re sure to find one you like.
- Simplify Your Skincare Routine
In the same way, we simply don’t need the numerous face creams, serums and other skincare products. You’d be surprised how similar the ingredients are in all the products you’ve been convinced into thinking you need for good skin! Stick to a cleanser, toner and moisturiser you like, and you won’t want for anything else. Keeping it simple will save you time and money in the long run with the added bonus of reducing your household waste. If you try a product and find it’s not for you, why not give it to someone else for them to try out, rather than throwing it away.