5 Tips for an Eco-Conscious Makeup Routine

Approximately 120 billion units of packaging are produced each year by the beauty industry. And unfortunately, most of that ends up in landfills.

Beyond the excess plastic pollution, the beauty industry is also known for its exploitive relationship with both animals for testing purposes, and the environments from which ingredients are extracted.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love to play with makeup as much as the next person and I will probably never give it up. Instead, I’ve been working toward creating a makeup routine full of products that align with my values.

Switching to a more eco-conscious beauty routine contributes to a shift in consumer demand in the industry, that can in turn have a much greater impact on our planet. It has also helped me simplify my shopping, save money, and reduce the amount of toxic things being absorbed into my skin.

If you want to make some sustainable changes to your beauty routine, here are my top 5 tips:

1. Give your packaging a purpose

When purchasing new products, add packaging to your list of dealbreakers and ask yourself these questions:

• Can this container be washed and reused? What for?

  • I have a designated “refill-ables” drawer where I keep empty and washed product containers. If I’m making a DIY product or need a small container for something, I always have them on hand. Makeup containers (especially lockable pumps) make for great refillable travel toiletry holders.

  • Tip: Channel your inner “Grandma that reuses everything, even the yoghurt containers, mentality” when deciding whether or not to keep a container.
    

• Can this container be recycled?

  • Do your research - most municipalities have great recycling guides.

  • If you can’t recycle it locally, try finding a Terracycle Canada drop off spot.
    

• Can this packaging, or parts of it, be donated somewhere to be repurposed?

  • For example, in non-COVID times, you can donate your old mascara wands to Project Wild Wands Canada. Save yours until it’s safe to donate again!
    

• Can I get this in compostable packaging or package-free?

  • Check if there’s a naked alternative to the product you’re buying. For example, the soap brow technique is a great package-free alternative to eyebrow gel - all you need is a clear bar of soap.

  • Bamboo packaging can be both reusable, and compostable! Elate Cosmetics is my favourite brand for all things low-waste makeup.
    

2. Opt for multipurpose products

Look for products that can be used for multiple different purposes. This helps to reduce the amount of different items that you need to buy.

Or, better yet, get creative with what you already have and come up with new uses for it!

For example, I like to use Elate Cosmetic’s Universal Crème Blush on my lips, cheeks, and eyelids. When I’m on the go, I only need to pack one little bamboo palette for 3 different uses.

3. Create a capsule beauty routine

You may have heard of a capsule wardrobe - but have you ever thought about applying the same technique to your beauty routine?

Not only does creating a capsule beauty routine hone in on your personal beauty style, but it will also save you money by cutting out unnecessary products.

You’ll likely find yourself less interested in keeping up with the ever-changing trends and accepting single-use samples because you’ll know exactly what works for you.

Not sure where to begin? Check out these tips on creating a capsule makeup routine!

4. Repurpose when possible

I’m a strong believer in the saying “the most sustainable option is the one you already have.” However, if a product makes you break out or gives you a funny rash, it’s simply not worth using up.

Unfortunately, with make-up, we often have to try out a few different options before finding the one. If you have picky skin like me, you may have ended up with a box in your closet full of products that just didn’t work out.

Instead of letting these products sit around and expire, try to safely regift them!

As long as it’s not a product that actually touched your skin or eyes (mascara, eyeliner, applicator sticks, etc.) it should be safe to reuse. Anything with a pump is ideal, but if you keep your fingers and makeup brushes clean, jars and palettes can also get a second chance at life.

Though you won’t be able to donate these types of products, check in with friends and family to see if they could make use of your gently used products. Makeup can be expensive, and I’m sure they’ll appreciate the chance to try out something new!

5. Set standards and hold brands accountable

The beauty industry isn’t heavily regulated, so there can be a lot of greenwashing. In beauty, this often means brands are claiming to be “clean”, “organic”, and “pure”, when in reality these terms don’t carry any significant meaning.

A good way to ensure that your favourite brands have undergone some form of accountability check is by looking for third-party certifications. While these don’t guarantee a 100% sustainable brand (an impossible feat), it does mean that the brands have been inspected based on some levels of sustainability. Here’s a list of beauty industry certifications that you may want to know.

Keep in mind that many smaller shops may not be able to afford the process associated with getting certified. However, shopping small and local is almost always a more sustainable option than big-name beauty brands.

I also like to take matters into my own hands and conduct my own research into the brand.

Everyone has different values and priorities when it comes to sustainability. I recommend setting specific standards for yourself that will apply to all of your beauty purchases. For example, “I will only buy cruelty-free makeup in fully recyclable packaging.” Researching and deciding on these ahead of your next purchase will help cut down on decision-making and impulse buys.

If one of your favourite brands isn’t living up to the standards you’ve set, email them and ask them to do better.