How to Reduce Beauty Waste
Hi, everyone!
A while ago, I came across Leonardo DiCaprio's documentary on Netflix about the threat of climate change called Before the Flood and was feeling really inspired! So I started looking into things I can do to help our dear planet, and one of the ideas I pursued was to reduce the amount of "beauty waste" I produce!
In the process of changing my habits, I realized it is actually so easy to contribute by simply being mindful of how and what you use in your daily beauty routine. Read on for some helpful methods and tips I've put together for you:
Go for Multi-Tasking Products
When you use one product that can do the same thing as what 2 or more products would do, then naturally you're cutting down the amount of plastic, glass or whatever material they use for packaging. Plus, you'd be able to shorten your beauty routine and save precious time (click here for more time-saving beauty tricks).
Recently, I came across a wonderful universal facial cream by MMXV called Infinitude that works for all skin types. It makes eye creams, day and night creams, brighteners, neck creams etc redundant because this one little jar can replace them all! The formula is a unique blend of fermented white truffle (fancy, I know), pure olive oil and three different types of hyaluronic acids, which helps with deep hydration, brightening and reducing fine lines. This is a perfect product to travel with, too!
Other great multi-tasking products include Onomie's lip and cheek stick, Chanel's Lip Blush, Skin Laundry's moisturizing cream with SPF, and Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser.
Note: I received the Infinitude cream as a gift from the brand; all opinions are 100% mine.
Ditch the Wipes and Cotton Pads
Instead of using makeup wipes every day, go for makeup removers that you can use at the sink before you wash your face. I think that is why I really like Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser because it removes my makeup and cleanses my face without the need of using cotton pads. I've recently gotten into oil-based makeup removers as well and one of my favorites is Kopari's Coconut Sheer Oil (and it's also a multi-tasking product, too!).
Another way of avoiding the use of cotton pads is using a toner that comes in a spray or mist version, such as Saturday Skin's Hydrating Essence Mist, Allies of Skin's Molecular Saviour Toner Mist, and the BYBI Beauty Mega Mist Hyaluronic Acid Toner.
If you do use cotton pads, don't throw them away immediately. Save them to use for removing nail polish, or I like using them to wipe up dirt in the little corners of my vanity trays.
Reuse Bottles and Jars Whenever Possible
I like organizing my beauty products and I find that using little bottles and jars to hold lipsticks, q-tips, hair clips etc., is very handy! Sometimes, I would also use them to hold jewelry pieces and let earrings hang on the side. Other times, if they're large enough, I would turn them into a vase to put on my desk.
Support Sustainable Beauty Brands
If you just want to keep things really simple, the easiest way to reduce beauty waste is by supporting brands that would do it for you!
There are a lot of sustainable brands out there right now, like Earth Tu Face (they use recyclable and reusable packaging), the EcoCert-certified Tata Harper, and Natura Brasil.
Natura Brasil is, in fact, one of the world's top 20 most sustainable brands. All of the plastic they use is made from 100% recycled PET or green plastic made from sugarcane! The company also help communities conserve forests, which I think is amazing.
Note: I'm a beauty ambassador for Natura Brasil US.
Finish Products (or Try To Be Creative) Before Throwing Them Away
Be sure to try your best to finish using a product before you toss them away! This sounds so "matter-of-fact" but I'm sure you have thrown out several products before they were really used up. I know I am guilty.
If you're really tired of certain products, consider repurposing or being creative with them. For example, use a less-favorable face cream on your neck instead, or create new eyeshadow colors by blending two or more colors from the palettes you already own.
Donate Beauty Products for Those in Need
When you're certain you won't be using them, then gift your friends or family, or donate them to those in need! The Beauty Bus Foundation, for example, do pop-up beauty salons at care centers and they are open to receiving beauty products; check this list to see what they accept.
Let Beauty Brands Help You Recycle Your Emptied Beauty Products
In case you didn't know, a lot of beauty brands take back emptied products and recycle them for you! Sometimes, you get a goodie in return for your efforts, too. These brands include Kielh's, Origins, MAC, and Le Labo; you can learn more via this article.
What are some hacks you have that will help reduce beauty waste? Share with me by leaving a comment below! I would love to learn more tricks and tips!
Thank you for reading!
Love,
