It’s that moment: we end the year with the hope that the next one will be better and we resolve to make radical and emphatic changes that will last longer than the first weeks of the new year. Maybe it’s to be active every day or to learn a new language before spring. But not every New Year’s resolution needs to be a comprehensive review. Instead, try something simple, like making more sustainable beauty swaps that will benefit both the planet and your wallet.
“More small-batch and eco-friendly beauty companies were springing up, pioneering cruelty-free and vegan products and innovations like compostable packaging and recyclable mascara, and through their efforts, consumers were able to experience their performance and understand that being eco-friendly going green doesn’t mean sacrificing all the things we love to wear,” says Ashlee Piper, sustainability expert and author of “Give A Sh*t: Do Good. Live better. Save the planet.” “Eco-conscious consumers are one of the fastest growing consumer groups. It’s not a trend anymore, and big companies see that they need to evolve and change to stay relevant. I love it when actions of individuals become collective and push the status quo for the better.
Still, Piper points out that terms related to sustainability are largely unregulated, so a brand might call its packaging or ingredient list “sustainable” or “green” without much explanation. “With that in mind, ‘sustainable’ can mean almost anything and nothing at the same time,” Piper admits.
That being said, there are countless ways to make smarter, more eco-friendly choices for your makeup bag, vanity, and even your shower caddy. Here are the best (and easiest) sustainable beauty swaps to do ASAP.
“I met the founder of these mesh cloths years ago and haven’t looked back on traditional wash towels, as they are breeding grounds for bacteria, mold and other germs,” says beauty expert Dana Oliver, who runs the blog Beauty For Breakfast. “Instead, I use this African-influenced exfoliating mesh cloth that lasts an impressive 18 months. I use less body wash or bar soap because this creates an amazing lather with less product. The nylon is reused, and while it comes in fun colors, it’s made with non-toxic dye. So it’s good for my skin and for Mother Earth!”
“I’ve become a devotee of reusable and washable products in my routine, and I’ve found that it really goes a long way in reducing waste,” says Stephanie Saltzman, Fashionista.com’s beauty director. “I rely on reusable, machine-washable cotton pads, like the ones from Kitsch and Public Goods, to apply makeup removers, liquid exfoliants, and toners. Summer Fridays also makes ones that are high quality and come in the cutest storage bag that doubles as a makeup case.”
“This seems almost provincial to mention, but I’ve had my Leaf safety razor for about 9 years,” Piper says. “These forever items, like a safety razor, make a world of difference to both the impact on landfills and your budget. That’s the beauty of going green: while marketing tells us to run out and buy something shiny new ‘green’ to be sustainable, time-tested sustainability items are surprisingly inexpensive and last a long time.”
“I’m also not a fan of single-use beauty products, although a sheet mask is a dream for the skin, so I started looking for products that can be used indefinitely,” says Baxter. “Dieux Skin’s reusable eye masks are great: you just apply your favorite eye serum, put it on, go about your day for the next 20-30 minutes, then remove it, rinse it off, and put it back in its storage case. Next in -home spa day. I feel so much better knowing that I am not contributing excess waste to the planet for the sake of my eyes.”
“Bathing Culture is my go-to for a delicious, certified organic, biodegradable body wash that smells divine and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth,” says Hannah Baxter, a beauty editor and brand consultant in New York City. “I stock up on the gallon jug about every nine months to refill my glass pump bottle, which is much more convenient than forgetting to order body wash at the last minute and panicking buying something randomly at the store.” a warehouse”.
“Even though I’m a certified beauty freak, it pains me to see all the discarded packaging that isn’t recyclable ending up in landfills,” says Baxter. “I think a lot of people would be surprised to learn that bottle pumps, which are so ubiquitous, cannot be recycled because many of the metal components are too small. That’s why I’m a big fan of companies that offer refillable containers and that sell bulk refills so I can keep my original bottle and pump for years to come.”
“I discovered this gem during one of my many runs at Target,” says Oliver, who was “surprised to find this sticking out in the deodorant aisle, as it’s made from recycled paper and is 99% plastic-free. Unlike popular drugstore brands, there is no aluminum and shea butter keeps my underarms soft and sexy. I also love the relaxing scent of lavender and vanilla. Once everything is done, I reuse the container to store the makeup brushes.”
Piper says she’s been using package-free soap, hair care, and lotion for over a decade. While Plus has a refillable dispenser made of 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, their body wash is unpackaged and only needs to be mixed with water to activate.
Piper has also had her Baiden Mitten, what she calls “the world’s scrub princess,” for about seven years. Use it in place of a disposable loofah or even her body scrub.
“I’ve also incorporated products that use less plastic, and definitely less single-use plastic, into my body care routine,” Saltzman says. “I love Hanni and Oui the People’s safety razors, they feel sleek and luxurious, and are plastic-free.”
Another Saltzman favorite, this weighted stainless steel single-blade razor is ideal for anyone with sensitive or break-prone skin. We think it’s the ultimate luxury razor, and Underscored Associate Beauty Editor Sophie Shaw even thinks it’s a practical but unexpected gift.
Shaw always carries lip balm with her, but the tiny plastic tubes aren’t easy to recycle. Instead, he’s been opting for eco-friendly options like Evolvetogether, which comes in a biodegradable paper tube with a recyclable plastic component that’s made from 70% post-consumer waste. He can also look for lip balms that come in recyclable glass jars: Kiehl’s Buttermmask for Lips and Snow Rejuvenating Lip Treatment are other favorites.
“I upgraded my preschooler’s body care earlier this year with the brand founded by Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade,” says Oliver. “I love that the collection uses recycled materials from post-consumer packaging. And because I am someone who cares as much about what we put in our bodies as it does in our bodies, the ingredients are just as good for us as they are for the planet. Our cold weather favorite is the all over body balm because it keeps dry, patchy skin at bay and gives my son an amazing glow!”
Source: news.google.com