Looking good doesn’t need to leave the Earth feeling sick. After all, who said sustainability can’t be glamorous? Not us! So, when seeking ways to incorporate sustainability into your beauty regimen, it’s all about choosing better alternatives rather than giving up your lifestyle. Why the makeover? From the plastic waste it generates to the harmful chemicals found in its products, the cosmetics industry has long been due for a long, hard look at itself in the mirror.
Fortunately, as consumers have grown more mindful about makeup, skin, and hair care, so too have the sustainable solutions available. Even major brands have begun to adjust accordingly, including turning to waste-free packaging. But why wait for them to act? From opting for sustainable packaging to DIY skin care recipes and mindful product choices, embracing eco-friendly beauty practices will make you feel confident while also giving the planet some love. Here are a few simple ways to create a greener and cleaner beauty routine.
Choose Earth-friendly packaging
Say goodbye to excessive plastic waste and opt for products with eco-friendly packaging. Look for recyclable or biodegradable options that reduce your environmental footprint.
Refillable containers, glass bottles, or packaging made from sustainable materials like bamboo or unbleached paper will add a touch of elegance to your vanity while keeping the planet in mind.
And while the packaging is a great place to start making your beauty routine more sustainable, it’s just the first step. Always remember the brand’s ethos and the ingredients within the products themselves. But — more on that shortly.
DIY skincare treatments
With this sustainable beauty routine hack, you can stop spending money on those expensive face masks. All you need to do is raid your kitchen pantry or hop to your nearest market for natural ingredients that nourish your skin and enhance your natural glow — free of synthetics. Create a pampering ritual with homemade face masks, hair treatments, and body scrubs, using ingredients like soothing oatmeal, moisturizing honey, or revitalizing citrus.
DIY skin care and beauty treatments are sustainable and cost-effective and a delightful way to personalize your self-care routine. With each handmade creation, you infuse your beauty regimen with self-love and creativity, with a bit of fun!
Check out these homemade face mask recipes for some sustainable inspiration.
Choose Cruelty-Free Brands
At SaltyLama, our plant-based eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets are cruelty free and vegan. So, we appreciate it when other companies also make animal welfare a priority. Sadly, many cosmetic companies continue testing their products on animals. By opting for a cruelty-free brand, you’re showing your support for ethical practices in the one way all companies understand — with your money. And maybe that will help nudge some companies to reconsider their policies. To guarantee your brand choice is cruelty-free, look for certifications like the Leaping Bunny.
Make mindful product choices
Look for brands that align with your values, prioritizing cruelty-free and organic ingredients. Seek out those committed to transparency and can clearly showcase sustainable sourcing and packaging. Bonus points if they’re involved in environmental initiatives. By supporting these brands, you become part of a movement that values transparency, ethics, and the well-being of our planet. See our guide on detoxifying your makeup routine to get started on your sustainable skincare journey.
Prioritize multi-purpose beauty products
Marketing will tell you that you need an eyebrow brush, makeup remover, separate eyeshadow and blush, a primer — the list goes on. The truth is a lot of these items can be simplified with multi-purpose products that offer versatility and minimize waste.
For example, rosehip oil (a moisturizing all-natural oil full of skin-healing properties) can be used as a makeup remover, primer, and even a moisturizer. Imagine being able to kick three separate products to the curb for one eco-friendly alternative.
You can also embrace the convenience of tinted moisturizers with built-in sun protection or opt for lip and cheek stains that enhance your natural beauty effortlessly. Discover palettes that offer a range of shades for eyes, lips, and cheeks, all in one compact package. Minimizing your needs helps you lead a more sustainable life.
Take on the minimalist approach
Let quality over quantity become your mantra, ensuring each item serves a purpose and brings joy. Adopting a minimalist mindset reduces clutter, streamlines your routine, and cultivates a deep appreciation for the beauty items that genuinely enhance your well-being. The minimalist approach to sustainable beauty allows you to focus on quality and intentionality, fostering a sense of mindfulness in your skin care routine. Every product you own becomes an intentional choice, carefully selected to align with your values and still support your self-expression.
Choose sustainable brushes
Makeup brushes typically consist of three parts: the handle, the bristles, and the ferrule. These can be entirely synthetic, all-natural, or a combination. We recommend choosing plastic-free alternatives unless made with 100% recycled plastic.
However, some of the best eco-friendly makeup brushes are made from bamboo, one of the fastest growing and most sustainable plants on the planet. You can also explore reusable and washable cotton rounds or makeup sponges instead of disposable options that wind up in landfills.
Support local and independent brands
Go on a walk in your town or ask about small businesses offering handmade organic soaps, makeups, face wash, and other beauty care products. Explore local farmers’ markets, craft fairs, or online platforms to discover eco-friendly beauty treasures closer to home. Supporting local and independent brands is one of the best ways to live a more sustainable life. Each purchase becomes a celebration of community, authenticity, and conscious consumerism, positively impacting the local economy and the environment.
Bring reusable shopping bags
Before shopping for new beauty products in your area, remember to bring a reusable canvas bag or similar! Cutting down on single-use plastic waste, particularly shopping bags, is one of the best ways to live sustainably. So, talk the talk and walk the walk by coming prepared with your bag. Just remember to tell the cashier before she bags up your purchases.
With these sustainable skincare hacks, you can transform your beauty routine into something greener. Let’s celebrate eco-conscious beauty and embark on a journey of green glamour that positively impacts us and the planet.