Even though we’re already two months into the new year, there’s no reason not to bring in some new resolutions. Why not make yours a commitment to making your beauty buys more eco-friendly?
Instead of a complete overhaul (which we know can be daunting!) give these easy to manage tips and tricks a try…
ALSO SEE: Climate Action: Why Being Eco-Friendly Is Crucial
6 eco-friendly beauty buys that will help save the planet
1. Swap make-up wipes for reusable cloths
There’s no denying that for a quick fix, a speedy once-over with a make-up wipe is pretty tempting. But the likelihood of ending up with dull, lacklustre skin and the knowledge that make-up wipes are clogging up landfill far outweighs their practicality.
Instead, stock up on face cloths that can be popped into the washing machine to be used time and time again. The textured fabric will help exfoliate the skin too, dislodging dead skin cells for a brighter complexion. Win-win!
We love: Glov Moon Pads Reusable Makeup Remover Pads, R189 for 5
ALSO SEE: 6 Things I Changed About My Skincare Routine When I Turned 50
2. Swap liquids for bars
Named by market research company Mintel as ‘the new luxury’ ingredient, it’s no surprise the amount of water beauty brands are using in their products is coming under scrutiny.
As the number one ingredient in most shampoos, conditioners and liquid soaps, water acts as a base (or in some cases filler) and helps bring down the production cost. Minimise your water usage by trading liquid formulations for solid bars where possible – you’ll be lathering and rinsing with water as you use them anyway. Even better, as they’re more concentrated, solid versions tend to last longer too.
We love: Zero Bar Jojoba Hair & Body Bar, R75
3. Swap sheet masks for tubs
Much like plastic bottles and straws, sheet masks are single-use, making them a part of the ‘throw-away’ culture we’re all trying to avoid. If you can’t give up your Sunday night pampering ritual, treat yourself to a big tub of product in a recyclable pot you can smooth directly onto the skin – no plastic backing required! If you travel a lot and love sheet masks for the fact that there’s minimal liquid and no risk of leakage, choose a biodegradable mask with pared-back packaging.
We love: The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Sheet Mask, R95 for one
ALSO SEE: Go Green In The Kitchen With These Sustainable Swaps
4. Swap single-use plastics for refills
Instead of binning your shower gel every time you’ve eked out the last drop, look out for schemes that will refill your packaging. L’Occitane offers 500ml refill packs of their bestselling soaps, shower gels and shampoos, made from 90% less plastic than their standard size products. Available from R345.
We also love: Oh So Heavenly Classic Care Hand Wash Cream Refill, R39,99 for 700ml
5. Swap over-flowing make-up bags for refillable palettes and stacks
Reduce your dressing table clutter, and the number of products you’re lugging around in your handbag by streamlining your make-up into one personalised palette or stack. By buying less, you’ll make a difference to both plastic waste and shipping emissions.
We love: Inglot’s Freedom System Flexi Eco Palette, R229, is the perfect place to start. No more fishing around in your bag for that loose eyeliner.
6. Swap excessive packaging for ‘naked packaging’
Recycled or recyclable packaging is a great leap in the right direction, but of course, no wrapping at all is even better. Lush has been championing so-called ‘naked’ packaging for years, with everything from bath bombs to shampoo bars available to buy just as they are.
We love: Lush Sex Bomb Bath Bomb, R69,50
Words: Jess Beech. Additional Words: Martinique Stevens
