By Charlotte Hope-Shannon
We are all trying to do our bit for the planet, whether that be using bags for life when we shop or buying clothes second hand. However, we are often ignorant, albeit unintentionally, to some of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to be sustainable. Take your beauty routine for example. How many products or tools do you throw out on a monthly basis that can’t be recycled? Unfortunately, it’s a lot. There’s no need to fret however, as there are plenty new and innovative beauty tools on the market that are kind to both you and the planet.
When we hear the words ‘capsule wardrobe’ we automatically think of our clothing. But what if I told you that the same principles can apply to your beauty kit? From bamboo brushes through to reusable cotton pads, there’s an abundance of beauty cabinet essentials that you should invest in. And remember, these are tools you can rely on and reuse repeatedly, without adding unnecessary waste to the environment.
So How Does Sustainability And The Beauty Industry Go Hand In Hand?
Sustainability in the beauty industry is not simply about excess packaging. It starts with ingredient sourcing right through to the creation process. Heavy use of plastics is the most notable issue within the beauty industry and is something we must address. Plastic waste often ends up in landfill or in our seas and has harmful effects on our wildlife.
So, whilst we may view beauty as a harmless interest, we must be more socially and environmentally aware of the brands and tools we use in our routines. Everything we do has an impact on the planet, and this includes beauty.
By reducing waste in our beauty routines, we can help reduce the environmental footprint of the beauty industry and prevent further damage for future generations.
So, to help inspire your sustainable beauty routine, we’ve listed below our favourite beauty tools and accessories that are the perfect long-term investment!
Reusable Beauty Tools – Makeup Remover Pads/ Face Cloths
We’ve all become accustomed to using single use cotton wool pads to take off our makeup or swipe on our toners AM and PM. However, if you do the math (assuming everyone uses two per day), that’s approximately 730 pads per person, per year. And that’s at a minimum! The statistics are serious and so is the volume of beauty waste entering our seas.
The solution however is simple. Reusable, washable pads and face cloths. Not only can they be used product-free to take off makeup with just water, but they also come in varying thicknesses to suit all steps of your skincare routine. To clean, simply machine wash at the end of the week with your laundry. Gone are the days of face wipes and cotton wool.
Zero Waste Beauty Tools - Bamboo
Switching to bamboo tools is the simplest way to make your beauty kit more sustainable. From bamboo hairbrushes and toothbrushes to makeup applicators and pads, bamboo is taking over the sustainable beauty world. Natural in its antibacterial properties, bamboo is not only better for the environment, but its kind for our skin too!
Product Free Beauty – Face & Body Brushes
If you’re looking for ways to go product free, body brushes are the perfect addition to your essential beauty tool kit. Body brushes are excellent for exfoliation, encouraging increased circulation and lymph node drainage. They can be used both wet and dry and do not require any product. This is the simplest way to cut down on product consumption whilst upping the ante on your self-care routine.
Refillable Beauty Products For Face & Body – Deodorant, Perfume & Cosmetics
The past year has seen a huge rise in refillable beauty. From lipsticks and blushes to natural deodorants and perfume, the aim is simple – to reduce excess packaging waste. The issue of accessibility is slowly improving as refills are more readily available through online services rather than through exclusive in-store boutiques. The premise is great – if you love a product, simply refill and reuse. And, if you’re on a budget, refills tend to be less expensive than the original product so it’s a win win situation.
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What changes will you be making to your beauty kit? What are your favourite sustainable beauty tools? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation over on our Instagram Page!
For more inspiration head over to our Conscious Edit Shopping page! Or check out our latest articles on What Is Biodiversity And Why We Need To Protect It or Don’t Underestimate The Power Of Sisterhood.
Charlotte Hope-Shannon
Charlotte is a freelance writer from the UK. With a strong interest in literature, she is passionate about offering an openminded, diverse and critically conscious perspective on fashion, culture & the arts.
