Eco-friendly Makeup Routine in 7 Steps
How to create an eco-friendly makeup routine? Well, it’s easier than you think. And no, you don’t need to break the bank or ditch any of your current habits. Here’s how to make your makeup routine more sustainable in just 7 steps.
Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or just an occasional user, you probably know that the makeup industry isn’t exactly sustainable. Disposable packaging, not-so-good ingredients, production methods, animal testing (in some cases), shipping…
Yes, things are changing. The customers are more aware of what’s going on and they’re demanding action. They want change, transparency, and more environmentally friendly products. Otherwise, they’ll turn their back on them for good. Even though we are entering the right track, there’s still a long road ahead.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to create a more eco-friendly makeup routine, without ditching any of your current steps.
1- Read or watch reviews online
You would be surprised by the number of makeup products that are launched every single month. With such diversity, is hard to choose where to spend your money on. Even if you’re just looking for a replacement or the best solution for a current need.
Once a certain product or brand gets your attention, it’s time to do a little research about it. Start by reading its values and the INCI (in case it’s a product).
Then, look up reviews online. Blog posts, YouTube videos, or even reviews on online stores are usually a great source of unbiased information.
Try to look up reviews from people with the same skin type as yours. For example, if your favorite YouTuber has dry skin and you have combination skin… a particular product might not do the same wonders for you.
2- Try before you buy
No matter how good a product looks, after all the research you’ve just done, it still might not work for you.
Even though a lot of makeup brands are creating virtual try-on features, it’s still not the same thing as testing the product itself and see how it adapts to your skin.
As store testers are currently out of the equation at moment, due to COVID-19, you can always ask for a sample to try at home. In case that’s not possible, ask for a shop assistant to help you test a certain product. Keeping social distance and safety measures, of course.
Even though you might have to use some disposable items, it will prevent you from spending your money on a product that is not the right fit for you and that you’ll probably have to discard without giving it a proper use. Making this one of the most important steps towards a more eco-friendly makeup routine.
3- Less is more
Primers, foundations, concealers, bronzer, highlighter, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, setting spray… When it comes to makeup, we can easily turn it into a 5 or 10 step thing. Even if you’re seeking a no-makeup makeup look.
How sustainable is it to your current lifestyle and to your finances? Do you really need all those products? How does the whole process make you feel on a daily basis?
Once you figure out the answers to these questions, here are a few things you can do:
Simplify your current routine: what are your absolute staples? The products you can’t live without? The ones that enhance your features? Stick to these and create a smaller routine that will make you feel just as beautiful (or even more). In my case: concealer, mascara, and eyeshadow.
Be selective: instead of buying everything that pops up in the market, buy the products that resonate with you and your lifestyle. If you’re into a natural and glowy look… a mate foundation won’t be your cup of tea, no matter how many positive reviews it has. An eyeshadow palette might be absolutely stunning but if you only use a quarter of the shadows, it’s probably not worth the investment. Opt for single eyeshadows instead or create your own palette.
One product, multiple purposes: even though each product is marketed for a specific use, some can be applied in different ways. A cream blush can be also used as a lipstick. A lipstick can be used as a blush, all you have to do is apply a little amount and blend it out with your fingertips (or a sponge). Light and shimmery eyeshadows can be used as a highlighter, just make sure you use it very lightly. Need some recommendations? Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter can be used as a face primer and a glitter-free highlighter. Florence by Mills cream blushes can also be used on your lips.
Declutter your makeup collection: if you love makeup, you probably have many products of the same category. Do you use all of these? How often do you find a product that is no longer safe to use? Decluttering your collection will prevent you from throwing away barely used products and will help you save money in the long run. What can you do with the products you no longer want? If these are still good, give these to friends or local shelters (after sanitizing these, of course). If they smell funny or changed its composition (color, texture), drop these for recycling at Sephora.
4- Vegan & Cruelty-free formulas
Even though all products sold in Europe haven’t been tested on animals, not all the brands you see on the shelves can be considered cruelty-free. It’s the case of brands that sell their products in China (for example L’Oréal, Maybelline, Physicians Formula).
Fortunately, more and more brands are becoming transparent about this. And it’s quite easy to find if a product is vegan, cruelty-free, or even both.
Even if that product comes in a disposable package, it’s still more conscious and respectful than a plastic-free product made with ingredients that are not-so-good for you, and that has its formula tested on animals.
PETA has a large and reliable list of cruelty-free brands. Also, we’ve recently published an article on vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands you can’t miss.
5- Refillable or glass packages
Refillable products aren’t just better for the planet, but also for your wallet (in the long run). Even though this is still far from being a reality for most brands, some are trailblazing, and paving the way to what we expect will be the new normal in the years to come. It’s the case of Kjaer Weis and Elate.
While these might be harder to find in your market, you can always opt for products that come in a glass package. Foundations, concealers, primers, highlighters, eyeshadows, lip products… you name it. A great step towards a more eco-friendly makeup routine.
These are way easier to find and easier to recycle. Our favorites? Charlotte Tilbury, Fenty Beauty, and RMS Beauty.
6- Prep your skin with natural products
Hydrated skin is the perfect canvas for good makeup. You can have the most high-end or the best clean makeup products there is, but if your skin isn’t healthy or properly hydrated… it won’t make you look any good.
Create an eco-friendly skincare routine that suits your needs and do it every day, no matter how tired or lazy you are. Opt for natural formulas like the ones from Avril, NaoBay, or Detox Skinfood.
You can also create something yourself. By layering up different ingredients, according to your skin needs. The Ordinary products are perfect for that. They’re also eco-friendly and really affordable. Ohh and they also have face primers - in case you want to add a little extra to your skin.
In case you’re into DIY beauty, don’t miss our face cream recipe.
7- Remove your makeup in a sustainable way
Creating an eco-friendly makeup routine isn’t just about the products you use, but also how you remove your makeup by the end of the day.
Avoid makeup removal disposable wipes, no matter how eco-friendly they claim to be. Avoid formulas that make your eyes sting or that aren’t that great for you, like most micellar waters.
Opt for makeup removal oils and balms, instead. Made with natural ingredients, gentler for your skin, and available in plastic-free packages.
Instead of using disposable organic cotton rounds, invest in some reusable cotton rounds or a makeup removal towel. In the case of Flor de Mayo’s makeup removal balm, it already comes with one. Which is an absolute win-win!
