We can all do our bit to work towards being more eco-friendly, and even the smallest changes can make a difference. The average beauty routine can be pretty heavy on plastics and non-recyclable products, but the good news is there are alternatives out there.
The microbeads ban [1] was a good step forward in saving the planet one beauty product at a time, but there's still a long way to go when it comes to eco-friendly beauty. This doesn't mean you have to throw out your current products and buy an entirely new set, but there are plenty of options to look out for when planning your next beauty haul. Ahead, we've listed ten genuinely easy changes you can make every day that will have an impact. Bonus: these will probably also save you money in the long run!
— Additional reporting by Tori Crowther
Trust Where You Shop
Leo Soap Bar [3] (£15)
If you've been looking for a shopping destination where all your eco-friendly beauty needs are catered for in one place, then you're in luck. The launch of big beauty [4] brings with it "clean beauty with a clear conscience". Selling a number of independent sustainable and trusted beauty brands, it aims to reduce waste in the industry while still providing quality items. From natural deodorants to super cute horoscope soaps, they make the perfect presents to fill up your bathroom cabinet.
Best Bar None
Kiehl's Future Made Better Concentrated Facial Bar [5] (£21>
When it comes to cleansers, give your skin a refresh with the Kiehl's Facial Bar. The compact product is part of the Future Made Better initiative, and is formulated with five times less water than its liquid cleanser as well as including renewable ingredients. Each cleansing bar is over 96 percent biodegradable and helps keep your plastic waste to a minimum. Cleansing your skin and the planet at the same time — what's not to love?
Take a Look at Your Toothbrush
Humble toothbrush [6] (£4)
If you like a good old-fashioned manual toothbrush in favour of an electric one, try switching from plastic to bamboo. This one is made from 100 percent biodegradable and sustainably grown bamboo and comes in a variety of colours and bristle types.
Let's Talk Tampons
Flo period products [7] (£6)
A super easy way to make your period more eco-friendly is to simply switch to organic sanitary products. These tampons are made from 100 percent organic cotton. You can get Flo on a subscription service so you never have a panic trip when you run out. These organic tampons aren't even much more expensive than other brands, so it's win-win really. They're not just better for the planet, they're also better for you [8]!
If you don't use tampons, a menstrual cup [9] or period pants [10] are great eco-friendly alternatives, too.
Goodbye Cotton Pads
Magnitone Microfibre Cleansing Cloths [11] (£15)
If you go through what feels like a ridiculous amount of cotton pads a week, it's worth thinking about replacing them with a more sustainble cloth. The microfibre material makes it really gentle on the eyes and skin. Each cloth can generally be used for around five days (they are much bigger than the average muslin cloth), then chuck it into the wash. The pack comes with two so you'll never be without. Easy-peasy.
You can also skip the cloths altogether and opt for a wash-off oil cleanser to get rid of eye makeup. Try the Neighbourhood Botanicals Face Off Cleanser [12] (£27) for an effective vegan alternative. The packaging is also recyclable, and the bottle will look great in your shelfie.
Plastic-Free Shampoo
Lush Shampoo Bar [13] (£9)
Shampoo doesn't need packaging if it comes in solid form, and Lush shampoo bars work just as well as bottled shampoo. These little bars are small but mighty, lasting from 80-100 washes! If you're worried about travelling with gooey shampoo, fear not because Lush has a tin for that [14], too.
Pause on Using Plastic Cotton Buds
Waitrose Cotton Buds [15] (£1)
Stop using plastic cotton buds, and start using paper ones instead. These use FSC sourced paper for the stems, making them biodegradable. Unfortunately, the packaging they come in is not recyclable, so let's hope they come in a cardboard box soon.
Switch Your Brush Set
Eco Tools set [16] (£10)
When you're picking up new makeup brushes, consider a more sustainable set. The brand is eco-friendly (hence the name), cruelty-free, the packaging is tree-free paper, and the handles are made from bamboo. Being environmentally friendly doesn't mean it compromises on quality either, as these brushes are effective and some of the softest ever.
Look Out For Eco-Friendly Makeup
Elate Lipstick [17] (£20)
When you're on the hunt for a new lipstick shade, keep an eye out for those that use sustainably sourced products and recyclable packaging. This one is moisturising, long-wearing, and is made from sustainable cedarwood.
Nailed It
Claws Kit [18] (£28)
Born out of lockdown, Claws by Tiger Taylor is the brainchild of, you guessed it, Tiger Taylor who also happens to be the daughter of Queen drummer, Roger Taylor. When the beauty industry came to a halt, she realised her love of acrylic nails was also contributing to the world's plastic problem. Taking matters into her own hands — literally! – she set about research ways to make sustainable press-on nails. Using a factory in Brazil, these sustainable press-on nails are made from oxybiodegradable plastic which is totally biodegradable. The nails come in three colourways, too. Recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable? Sold!