All too often have I found myself standing in Target’s white-bright beauty aisles, hurriedly researching brands to ensure I’m investing my money (and, it can be a lot of money) in the right cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainably packaged products. The responsibility of being a thoughtful consumer weighs me down to such an extent, I’ll frequently give up and rely on expired products that don’t do my skin any good.
That last-minute approach wasn’t working out for me one bit. So, I’ve taken the time to reframe my perspective and engage in a slow-and-steady makeup bag overhaul.
The ongoing game plan:
As I continue to weed out products from my collection, I notice all the flaws my cheap makeup choices embody: plastic packaging, animal testing, and unnatural chemicals.
I’ve taken note of these negative attributes and kept them top of mind moving forward, understanding that the ideal array of beauty products will eventually contain none of the above.
1. Invest in the essentials.
I ask myself the big question: What makeup products must I wear each day for optimal skincare and confidence?
Reef-safe sunscreen is a must. Once you find a brand that jives well with your skin type (I’m team Alba Botanica), consider whether you’re more likely to reuse a squeeze or spray bottle. Once I finish up my sunscreen, I’ll refill the bottle with water and a few drops of my favorite essential oil blend for an easy DIY yoga mat spray.
Paired with Pacifica’s neutralizing matte soft focus power, I’m left with even coverage that lasts.
Its gentle composition melds well with most skin types and smells like fresh cherries without being overbearing. To top it off, it’s awesome for portraits and leaves my skin camera-ready late into the evening.
It’s cat approved!
2. Wipe without waste.
If you’ve still got them, finish up your pack of makeup wipes and switch over to oil-free makeup remover and reusable makeup removing pads. For several months now, I’ve used olive, grapeseed, vitamin E, and coconut oil as a natural makeup remover. Pacifica and Alba Botanica both have their own cleansing products that I’m ready to try if I ever encounter oil build up.
Next, invest in a set of soft, reusable face cloths. You’ll find an array of patterns on Etsy, but here’s one of my favorites.
marleysmonsters, 20 Reusable 3″ FACIAL ROUNDS in Vintage Lemons
Marleysmonsters has over 4,000 happy customers and so many colorful options to choose from.
As a cheap alternative, I cut up a plush towel into squares and thrifted a small Delta Airlines toiletry bag. I keep this kit with me when I’m on the go. That way, I’m ready to remove all traces of makeup before sweating it out at a last-minute barre class.
3. Knowledge is power.
It’s easy to fall victim to greenwashing these days. If you haven’t already, download the Think Dirty app on your phone. Instead of Googling a product to no end, an app like Think Dirty will break down why each listed chemical is harmful or harmless.
Finally, understand that even with research and care, mistakes are bound to happen. Just know, you’ll learn something new with each purchase and continue to refine your arsenal of ethically made beauty products with time.
Have you switched to an eco-friendly beauty routine?
Also by Holly: Luscious Dairy-Free, Rum Mango Lassi
Related: Keep Marine Animals Safe: 5 Zero-Waste Dental Floss, Toothbrush & More
5 Multitasking Makeup Products—Cause Streamlined & Sustainable Is The New Sexy
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Photos: Pacifica, Unsplash, and marleysmonsters
