Want to do your bit for the environment? Switching up your makeup routine can help. Here are the best eco-friendly, zero-waste beauty brands to add to your makeup bag.
What is 'Zero-Waste' beauty?
Certain brands are zero waste, meaning they prioritise recyclable packaging and minimise the amount of packaging they use. For example, in an attempt to be zero waste, many brands are turning to using refillable packaging and ingredients that are more environmentally friendly. In summary, zero-waste products prioritise natural ingredients with no harmful waste.
Eco-friendly, however, can mean various things. Some brands may class themselves as eco-friendly because they do not test on animals, or their products are vegan. It may mean that a company uses packing made from recycled materials. It may also mean that a company has a conscious effort to reduce pollution and waste during the manufacturing of products.
Why should I swap to 'Zero-Waste' beauty?
As much as we think it's not our individual problem, we have a serious issue with ocean plastics. As glamorous as the beauty industry may be, it is one of the major contributors to this issue.
Globally, the cosmetics industry produces 120 billion units of packaging each year, most of which end up in landfill or the oceans year after year. Single use plastics account for 49% of all marine pollution, as they are difficult to recycle. Producing and shipping all these products is also harmful for the environment.
Us as consumers are going to have to change our perception of luxury if we are really serious about our environmental footprint.
However, us as consumers have to be careful when trusting if brands are acting ethically. Many brands use 'greenwashing' which make us believe they are eco-friendly, when this may not be the case.
Creating your 'zero-waste' routine
Trying to look your best whilst caring for the planet can seem overwhelming, but there is no need to start from scratch. Swapping out your products one by one is a great way to slowly build up your new routine. Here are some of the best 'zero-waste' products and brands for your inspiration.
1. UpCircle Beauty
Reasons to love
This skincare brand uses food scraps in their products such as coffee beans, which reduces food waste! UpCircle sells only vegan and ethically sourced skincare products, such as serums, moisturisers and SPFs. Check them out here!
Price Range: £££££
2. Izzy - Zero Waste Beauty
Reasons to love
This brand is one of the favourites in the Zero Waste community. Izzy offers a range a products from lips to brows, however their award winning mascara is a must! They are a carbon neutral brand, who offer refills for all their products, minimising waste packaging. Check them out here!
Price Range: £££££
3. Meow Meow Tweet
Reasons to love
This brand focuses on skincare rather than cosmetics, offering natural products such as face wash, face masks and natural deodorants. Their products are designed to heal and clarify the skin. Wondering about packaging? All products arrive in glass or cardboard packing... very recyclable. Click here to check them out.
Price Range: £££££
4. Clean Faced Cosmetics
Reasons to love
This brand has thousands of raving reviews due to their minimal environmental footprint. They offer a variety of products, such as 2-in-1 mascara and eyeliner, lip tint and foundation that can be custom matched. All their packaging is biodegradable or reuseable. Check their website out here.
Price Range: £££££
5. Dab Herb Makeup
Reasons to love
Dab Herb is a plastic free beauty brand, offering a range of zero waste and organic products from cosmetics, skincare and beauty tools. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil-free and organic. Products are of course packaged in recyclable materials, such as glass and tin containers with refillable options.
Price Range: £££££
Get Started with your Zero-Waste Beauty Routine!
Whether you love wearing makeup, or do it occasionally, it's important to understand the impacts of the beauty industry on the environment. The more people that have an awareness of these issues, the more demand there will be for a positive change within the cosmetic industry. By supporting the zero-waste and eco-friendly brands, you will be reducing your environmental impact. Let's keep supporting plastic free beauty brands until they are the only things at the cosmetics counter.