Tips for a more eco-friendly beauty routine
Want to start living more sustainably but don’t know how?
Your beauty routine may be a good way to begin. Our beauty rituals are a daily part of our lives and are mostly likely second nature; carried out without thought. However, it is important to recognise the impact that these regimes have on the environment and what can be done to minimise any harm to our planet.
Every year, the global cosmetics industry produces 120 billion units of packaging on average. And although 90% of Brits are recycling their kitchen waste (according to Flor and Cesta), only 1 in 2 of us are recycling waste from our bathrooms such as plastic shampoo bottles. This means that most bottles and tubes are ending up in general waste bins, landfills and ultimately the ocean.
You’ve most likely found yourself on this page because you want to take action in preventing the above from happening, but need some help getting there. Don’t fret, you’ve come to the right place!
Firstly, let’s look at what a ‘sustainable’ product or brand is...
A beauty product or brand may be considered sustainable for a variety of reasons, whether it be the ingredients in the formulation, the production process, packaging, shipping and distribution, as well as the recycling options offered. A brand may also be seen as sustainable if it contributes to charitable and green organisations and/or projects.
Bearing this in mind, we’ve listed some tips below on how to make the transition to a more eco-friendly beauty routine:
Be mindful when choosing your next product
Being mindful is the best place to start! Try introducing sustainable and eco-friendly thinking when making your next beauty or personal care purchase. If you’ve nearly finished using your existing products, consider which sustainable alternative is best suited to your needs. Why not take a look at the brands you already support - they may have an eco-friendly range to make the transition a little easier.
Take your time
Take your time when searching for new products, and do this one by one. Trying to swap everything at the same time might be overwhelming, so give yourself the opportunity to do some research and try out alternatives. Read reviews and head to your local beauty shop to try out samples. By adopting this approach, you’ll have swapped your whole bathroom cabinet before you know it - and it won’t have been such a shock to the system.
Look at the ingredients
Keep an eye out for brands that are using natural and organic ingredients in their products. This will be printed on the label. Also look for products that contain marine extracts and algae, as these can make a big difference! These ingredients have the ability to turn carbon dioxide into oxygen, and are great for your skin. A great result all round! And lastly, try to eliminate microbeads and microplastics. These are small particles that are usually made from polyethylene and are harmful to the environment. They cannot be recycled and tend to end up in the ocean, where they pollute the water and end up killing marine life. The UK has banned microbeads in products such as face wash and toothpaste, however they can still be found in items such as lipstick and deodorants - so be sure to look at what you’re buying!
Eco-friendly packaging
Ideally, look at purchasing your new products from a brand with environmentally friendly packaging. Try to avoid buying products that come in plastic packaging in particular. For example, products in glass bottles are usually easier to recycle.
Swap your tools
There are numerous straightforward, one-time swaps you can implement to help make a difference and move towards a sustainable and eco-friendly beauty routine.
Firstly, stop using single-use makeup wipes and cotton pads, and invest in reusable and washable pads instead. This will save you money in the long run too!
You can also swap your razor for a more sustainable option. Why not try a stainless steel safety razor? These are free of plastic and are also a great investment; if you care for them, they can literally last a lifetime. While you still have to swap the metal blades and throw the old ones away, they can be recycled. This means you’re avoiding contributing to plastic pollution by using disposables, too.
Similarly, seek makeup brushes and hair brushes made from recycled or sustainable materials such as bamboo.
Notice how much product you’re using
How many times have you used your excess face moisturiser as hand cream because you applied too much? Be mindful of how much product you’re using. It’s better to apply more as you need rather than wasting your products. This will help you to cut back on waste and also save you money.
Recycling
Once you are finished with products, take the time to rinse them properly before popping them in your recycling bin. This can aid the recycling process and ensure that your products are actually being recycled. Keeping screw tops and lids with containers is also helpful.
At Level 7 Beauty Hall, the brands that we stock tick most (if not all) of the boxes above, so why not head over to our website? Even if we could all apply just a few of these suggestions into our daily routines, we could collectively make a big difference.
We hope you have enjoyed reading, and if you’d like to, consider sharing with a friend or family member. Together, we can work towards a better future for our planet.