There’s so many small choices we make daily without thinking, like brushing our teeth or putting on makeup. But, how often do we actually consider the impact of the products we’re using and their ingredients? When I first made the switch to “healthier” deodorant this spring, I hated it. But once I got past the initial “stinky phase” and committed, I could never imagine going back to aluminum-loaded traditional antiperspirants. Attacking the rest of my beauty bag has crossed my mind many times. But, it’s definitely a commitment I wasn’t sure I was prepared for. In the back of my mind, I always knew that by not thinking critically about what products I consumed, I was taking the easy way out. With the recent positive push towards even more sustainable choices, I decided to give some eco-friendly beauty products a try. One of my biggest fears was that sustainable products weren’t going to be financially sustainable on my college budget. So, I focused on putting together an affordable routine with better eco-friendly beauty options.
Natural Skincare to Leave You Glowing
I almost always splurge on skincare, since it’s one of the most important parts of my beauty regimen. When aiming for eco-friendly options, the brand Lush tops my list with ethical and high quality products. With their Five Pots Program, you can even redeem five used pots for a fresh face mask. Every night I wash my face with Lush’s Ultrabland ($19), a beeswax-based facial cleanser and makeup remover. Opting to use Ultrabland as a makeup remover with a reusable cloth not only leaves my skin feeling softer and cleaner, but it’s much better for the environment than landfilling disposable makeup wipes.
After washing, I always use a facial spray for radiant skin. For a more eco-friendly option I’ve been loving a refreshing spritz of Little Barn Apothecary’s Coconut and Mint Cooling Mineral Mist ($22), which comes in a glass bottle. For a drugstore option, try Pacifica’s Coconut Essence Hydro Mist ($10), which smells amazing and is also made with natural, sustainable ingredients. Most days I finish my morning routine with Boscia’s Cactus Water Moisturizer ($38), made of ethically sourced ingredients and light enough to work under makeup. At night, I use Lush’s Celestial Moisturizer ($38), formulated for my sensitive skin. Every other night, I add a few drops of a Vitamin C-based serum, such as Red Earth’s Brighten Concentrate Oil ($45). However, you can even make your own by combining vitamin C powder with distilled water to save on costs and environmental impact. By opting for these sustainable skincare options, your skin will be glowing, and you’ll be helping reduce the environmental impact.
Makeup That Makes an Impact
Now, for the tougher part: makeup. Unfortunately, there aren’t yet a ton of sustainable makeup options on the market. However, this is changing. Tarte now uses sustainable packaging and sustainably harvests their Amazonian Clay and Rainforest of the Sea ingredients. So, you can enjoy your favorite products, like Tarte’s Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara ($23) and Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation ($39), without worrying too much about the environmental impact. Definitely be on the lookout for the up-and-coming Aether Beauty, an indie brand founded with a mission to make eco-friendly beauty products. Aether already created the first zero waste eyeshadow palette, Rose Quartz Crystal Gemstone Palette ($58). The palette features rich shadows with build-able pigmentation.
Another brand you should consider is Juice Beauty. Juice Beauty makes vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare products, and the brand is dedicated to organic farming and sustainable. I love their Stem Cellular CC Cream ($39) especially for no makeup-makeup days. For a more affordable option, don’t forget Burt’s Bees. The brand known for their iconic lip balms, sells makeup too. My favorites include their all-natural B.B. Cream with SPF 15 ($15) and the Blush with Vitamin E ($10). Burt’s Bees even offers a lip balm recycling program as part of their emphasis on sustainable packaging.
The Importance of Eco-Friendly Options
Affordable brands like Pacifica and Burt’s Bees make it possible to opt for eco-friendly beauty on a budget. Since I’ve done more research and opted for more eco-friendly beauty products, I’ve learned that every decision really does count. In order for there to be more sustainable beauty options, we have to encourage brands we love to take sustainable initiatives. It’s easy to get discouraged from going green, especially when examining our favorite products. Choosing eco-friendly products might mean changing our buying habits and even require doing things that feel a bit uncomfortable at first, like using solid bar shampoo. But, remember, every straw counts. Our little decisions can help create a big ripple and make a difference.
What are your favorite eco-friendly beauty products? Let us know over on Instagram by tagging @cfashionista in your posts.
Featured image by Maia Rose.
