9 New Ideas For Making Your Beauty Routine More Sustainable
THE PLACES TO SHOP:
Content Beauty & Oh My Cream
You can find the Content Beauty store in North London and online. Not only does it sell a vast selection of eco-conscious brands that are also effective, it also stocks brands that are determined to eliminate excess packaging and can be easily recycled. Each product is given a ‘badge’ to demonstrate whether it’s vegan, certified organic and/or innovative when it comes to waste innovation. Don’t miss out on Content’s virtual ‘Plastic-Free Swap’ consultation either, which gives you complimentary access to an expert to find out how to make easy eco-conscious swaps.
As for Oh My Cream, this French store recently landed in Westbourne Grove and on The King’s Road, bringing with it a selection of clean, sustainable brands that deliver on their promise. We love that the store offers a host of expert advice, too – all of which is unbiased and based on your individual needs and requirements. Expect free consultations and holistic tips that will help you make careful and considered purchases.
TITOV DMITRIY/SHUTTERSTOCK
THE EASY-TO-READ GUIDE:
Planet Positive Beauty Guide
Over the past few years, several brands have taken positive steps to offset their carbon footprints, source more sustainable ingredients and minimise the use of plastic packaging. But bettering our own understanding as consumers is bound to accelerate the rate of change. That’s why The British Beauty Council’s Sustainable Beauty Coalition created the Planet Positive Beauty Guide. Full of easy-to-digest information, it’s split into four easy chapters that break down the jargon, the certifications worth looking out for, a guide to product packaging, and tips on how to spot certain logos and understand what is and isn’t cruelty-free. An important read to ensure you’re making informed choices.
Download it for free here
@Revenvert
THE SITE TO BOOKMARK:
Rêve En Vert
Rêve En Vert is the platform to know for sustainable living. From fashion to accessories, beauty to lifestyle, it only showcases brands that give back to the environment. A great way to find new products and discover under-the-radar labels, make sure you check out the ‘Editorial’ tab, where articles tackle the common questions faced by the Rêve team – from what’s really in a lipstick to natural solutions for acne-prone skin. Think of it as a one-stop destination for all things eco-beauty.
Visit Reve-En-Vert.com
THE BRAND TO SUPPORT:
Ere Perez
Ere Perez isn’t a new brand, but it is making strides in becoming one of the most sustainable beauty brands on the market. After discovering water accounts for up to 60% of beauty ingredients, the brand has pledged to cut back on its usage and ensure minimal waste, instead using plant-based butters and nourishing oils to hydrate the skin. It also prides itself on creating biodegradable tools – even its beauty sponges – and packaging you can recycle or refill. Founded by natural therapist Ere Perez, you can expect the highest quality products, all of which are toxin-free, easy to use and full of clinically-proven ingredients. The silky oat cream foundation stands out, as does the vanilla highlighter.
Shop Now At Naturisimo.com
@ereperezcosmetics
THE EXPERTS TO FOLLOW:
@Em-JEdit & @CrueltyFreeKitty
Em-J is an expert in all things vegan and cruelty-free beauty. Follow her on Instagram to find out more about different sustainable brands and for consistent advice on how to decode products and understand what really is and isn’t biodegradable. You’ll love her Reels, which are a great way to see the products in action, and don’t forget to check out her full vegan guide which details the products she swears by – spanning body care, haircare and make-up.
To discover brands that are 100% cruelty-free and dedicated to sustainable practices, follow @CrueltyFreeKitty. Its Instagram feed is dedicated to keeping you informed and familiar with the best eco-conscious brands in the industry. It doesn’t shy away from calling out those that aren’t either. We love how it breaks down the terminology and also showcases the best products from each category, so you don’t have to endlessly scroll to find what you’re looking for.
Follow @Em-JEdit & @CrueltyFreeKitty on Instagram
@crueltyfreekitty
THE REFILL BAR:
Selfridges
Following on from the success of its Project Earth initiative, Selfridges has made its refillable fragrance bar – designed to refill cult scents from brands like Tom Ford, Gucci, By Kilian and Le Labo – permanent. You’ll also find the Experimental Perfume Club station here, that allows you to refill as well as mix and match new fragrances. Better still, when you buy the fragrance at Selfridges, then return to refill it, you’ll get a discount on the overall price. Available in London, you’ll also find the same service at the Manchester Exchange Store. Fingers crossed it expands to make-up, skincare and haircare soon.
Available In-Store At Selfridges
THE SUSTAINABLE SALON:
Blue Tit
From the furnishings to the cocktails and the products used, everything at Blue Tit is as sustainable as possible. You may remember when it had its own pop-up within Topshop on Oxford Street, but now it’s expanded across London and it’s the only salon to have achieved BCorp certification. This means it meets the highest standards when it comes to social and environmental impact. Recently, it’s launched a new salon in Leyton, but you can find them all across London – from Dalston to Peckham, Brixton and East Village to name a few.
Book Now At BlueTitLondon.com
JonDavisPhotography
THE REUSABLE FACE MASKS:
Skin Gym & Honest Beauty
While biodegradable sheet masks are a great option, it’s worth noting that the term ‘biodegradable’ is problematic. Why? Because everything biodegrades eventually, but the issue is it can still take time. Because of this, brands like Skin Gym and Honest Beauty are beginning to launch reusable sheet masks. Silicone-based and designed to be used alongside your skincare, apply a thin layer of the latter, wet your mask and allow it to sit on top. It delivers the same results – think immediate glow and hydration – but without any of the throwaway guilt. Simply wash the mask before putting it back in its box. If you still prefer the feel of a physical mask that’s drenched in hydrating ingredients, look for ones that claim to be compostable instead. This way, you can be more certain it will break down within a certain timeframe. Check out Masque Bar.
Shop Now At SkinGymCo.com & Honest.com
THE RECYCLING SCHEMES:
Maybelline & Cloud 9
It’s now easier than ever to recycle your unwanted beauty items thanks to Maybelline’s partnership with Terracycle. There are drop-off points across 750 Sainsbury’s, Superdrug and Tesco stores – and unlike some, Maybelline takes all brands and products, be it finished foundations, dried-out palettes or old eyeliners, so you don’t have to have bought one of its products to drop it off. Meanwhile, Cloud 9 has taken the lead in haircare by launching the industry’s first and only recycling scheme for hair tools. Simply fill out a form and they will send you a pre-paid label so you can drop your package off at the post office. Once the package arrives, all items are manually depolluted, with any recyclable parts removed and shredded.
Find your nearest recycling point here
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