More of us than ever are thinking sustainably when it comes to our shopping choices. Perhaps you’re switching to more plant-based options at the supermarket. Maybe you’re ditching fast fashion for more eco-friendly choices. These efforts go a long way in curbing your carbon footprint, but if you’re someone who regularly uses cosmetics, there’s a lot more you could be doing. The beauty industry is one of the least sustainable. Aside from the 120 billion units of packaging produced every year, there’s the environmental impact of production. Thankfully, making your beauty routine more sustainable is easier than you think.
1. Invest in Reusable Products
Guilty of using too many cotton pads and facial wipes? These may be everyday essentials for many, but they’re incredibly damaging to the environment. Even if you’re only using a couple of cotton pads every day, you’re getting through more than 700 every year. To mitigate your environmental impact, think about investing in reusable ones. Washable pads can be used up to 1,000 times before needing to be replaced. What’s more, high-quality reusable pads perform just as well as standard ones when it comes to applying and removing makeup and toner.
2. Choose Organic Options
If you’re not doing so already, it’s time to embrace the natural makeup revolution. These eco-friendly cosmetics contain all-natural ingredients that won’t harm the environment once residue makes its way into the water cycle. Plastic pollution is a huge issue at the moment, so avoid anything facial scrubs and other products that contain microbeads. Furthermore, look for products that contain natural ingredients like algae that will benefit the environment once released into the wider ecosystem.
3. Refillable Bottles Are the Way Forward
Are you already using refillable coffee pods and food containers? Why not do the same with your cosmetics? Many brands offer refillable bottles, offering customers the chance to enjoy a modest discount when stocking up on new fragrances, lotions and serums. Additionally, this saves you from having to worry about finding recycling points when your products run out. Many cosmetic products are packaged with materials that are notoriously difficult to recycle.
4. Choose Products That Can Pull Double Duty
Too many of us purchase more than we need. If you’re a constant overspender, take a step back and consider the go-to products that you’re actually using daily. The majority of us will quickly be able to stamp out some waste. If you do rely on a wider repertoire of products, consider multipurpose cosmetics instead. Instead of purchasing foundations and powders separately, stock up on powder foundations that do two jobs at once. Can’t do without your favourite lipstick and blush? Search for multi-stick products that handle both applications.
5. Are All of Your Cosmetics Vegan-Friendly?
Don’t assume an all-natural ingredients list ensures your products are environmentally-friendly. Organic products may still have been tested on animals during cosmetics trials. Furthermore, some so-called organic ingredients will be derived from animal byproducts. When in doubt, look for vegan labelling like the Vegan Trademark when shopping for new additions to your inventory.