I decided to adopt a beauty routine comprised of only sustainable beauty products [1] and products housed in recyclable packageing for one simple reason: our planet needs me to. As our environment becomes more polluted — and we experience its ramifications in the form of heat waves and plastic islands in our oceans — switching up our skin care [2] and hair product [3] lineups to include Earth-friendly options is just one way to make an impact.
Ahead, read on for my favourite beauty products that are also good for the Earth.
Lush R and B Hair Moisturiser
I used Lush R and B Hair Moisturiser [4] ($26) to style my hair all throughout high school [5], and recently picked it back up in an effort to put my heat tools down. It never fails to define my natural waves, bring down my frizz, and leave it smelling like a garden of tropical flowers (which the guy I've been dating can't seem to get enough of).
Each pot takes a while to get through since I only really use a small amount at a time, but when I collect enough empty containers of it and some of my other favourites from the brand, I plan to bring the pot back to a Lush location, as it allows you to trade in five empty and clean pots of product to get free Fresh Face Masks [6].
Lush Sleepy Face Naked Cleansing Balm
The Lush Sleepy Face Naked Cleansing Balm [7] ($6) is part of the brand's Naked Skin Care Collection. The oil-cleansing balm smells earthy and slides across skin to sweep away even your most long-wearing makeup, leaving skin moisturised after used. The best part — offering the category in a 100-percent waste-free bar.
Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water Shampoo + Conditioner Bar
The Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water Shampoo and Conditioner Bar [8] ($5) deeply cleansed deeply cleansed hair and scalp, leaving them feeling fresh and incomparably clean. I swept it along my thick, medium-coarse hair and across my head in circular motions to create lather before washing it out. My hair detangled in the shower and smelled fresh like coconut water after I towel-dried it — though I did have to follow it with a more emollient treatment to bring down my frizz.
The shampoo bar is housed in recyclable carton, and is part of the brand's Clean Ocean's Collection — a line packaged in 100 percent ocean-bound plastics collected from coasts and waterways.
Meow Meow Tweet Deodourant Stick
The Meow Meow Tweet Deodourant Stick [9] ($14) in Rose Geranium left my underarms smelling fresh all day. It felt soft while applying — so I had to make sure to let up on the pressure as I swept it on so that I didn't end up squishing the stick — and was loaded with buttery oils that moisturised the area. It's packaged in a biodegradable carton that the brand said will compost in one year.
Sephora Collection Hydrate and Repair Nourishing Moisturiser
I saw my cheeks bounce with moisture after using the ultra-hydrating Sephora Collection Hydrate and Repair Nourishing Moisturiser [10] ($16). I massaged the lightweight cream into my face and neck before bed and woke up with radiant, soft skin.
The daily moisturiser — and all of the brand's newest skin care — comes in sturdy packageing that is made from sugar cane.