I joined several Zero-Waste groups on Facebook, brought reusable bags wherever I go, sent my plastic bottles to the recycling bins, lined my garbage bin with newspapers and packed food in my lunchbox, but truth to be told, there is still a long way for me to go, before I can truly be a zero-waster.
Beauty is something that I found it difficult to switch to a more eco-friendly routine as bar soaps do not work well on my skin and hair. If you are also like me, I am here to share alternatives to how one can slowly transit to a eco-friendly beauty routine. Relish in the fact that you are contributing some positive environmental change for the next generation.
Look for packaging that limits the use of glosses and foils (which are messy to make), avoid metal overshells, fancy packaging add-ons and giant ornate lids. Buy bigger bottles less often, instead of smaller bottles more often. Look for products that are packaged in more simple containers, using recyclable and recycled materials, recycled plastic, and fully recyclable pumps.
Use a Stainless-Steel Safety Razor instead of Disposable Plastic ones
It is said that a safety razor actually give a cleaner shave that lasts longer and leads to less ingrown hairs. Stainless steel blades also last longer and can be recycled, so you will save money and some environmental impact.
Amazon Top Recommendation :
The Chieftain Double Edge Safety Razor (Neutrally Aggressive) - 3000+ ratings
Double Edge Safety Razor with Long Natural Bamboo Handle
Use Reusable Cosmetic Wipes/Cotton Pads instead of Cotton Balls
These are a fantastic alternative as they remove makeup more thoroughly and can just be thrown in with the next wash. You can also make them yourself by cutting up an old towel into your preferred shape.
Alternatively, there are reusable, washable cleansing pads and cloths that make removing makeup easier. Start cleaning your face and clearing your conscience.
Amazon Popular Recommendation :
Natural Cotton Rounds Reusable 16 Packs - 400+ ratings
Organic Bamboo Cotton Rounds 18 pcs - 100+ ratings
Makeup Remover Cloth Clean Towel - 600+ ratings
Make-up Eraser Original Pink
The Makeup Mitty
PMD Clean Pro Cleansing Device
Switch Single-Use Cotton Buds to Reusable Cotton Buds
Cotton buds are commonly used in the beauty industry and daily life to correct makeup mistakes and act as precision tools for hygienic cosmetic application. Many people flush swabs down the toilet and they end up in the ocean, causing marine pollution. But with the introduction of reusable swabs, we could significantly cut back on that danger. Alternatively, look to ones made from bamboo rather than plastic.
Popular Alternative :
Last Swab ( on Kickstarter Campaign - ship out by August 2019 ) - do not buy replicas found on Amazon
Baking Soda as Deodorant, Teeth Whitening and Exfoliating Mask
Deodorant: Pure baking soda mixed with coconut oil and dab on the armpits.
Teeth whitening: Apply a bit of baking soda to your wet toothbrush and brush your teeth for about a minute. Rinse your mouth and repeat the process about once a week for whiter teeth.
Exfoliating mask: Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water until it becomes a paste. Apply to your face and body using circular motions. Remove paste with warm water before moisturizing the exfoliated area with olive oil.
Body scrub : Mix baking soda, sugar and coffee with water or oil for a good and affordable body exfoliating scrub for a smoother skin.
Iherb Popular Recommendation :
Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil - 5000+ reviews
100% Organic Virgin Olive Oil
Tea Tree Toothpaste
Go Package-Free for Body Soap and Shampoo Bar
Bar soap can be purchased "naked" and works just as effectively as liquid soap and body wash with no additional waste. It is also far cheaper.
Some bulk stores offer shampoo and liquid soaps in bulk form, allowing you to refill reusable containers, so that's another good option.
Iherb Popular Recommendation :
The Seaweed Bath Co., Exfoliating Detox Body Soap
Sappo Hill, Glyceryne Cream Soap, Black Bamboo Activated Charcoal ( 12 bars )
Amazon Popular Recommendation :
J.R. Liggett's Old Fashioned Shampoo Bar ( 3 pack ) - 500+ reviews
Solid Shampoo Bar And Conditioner Effect Hair Soap ( 4 Pack )
In Singapore, you can shop at these zero waste stores.
Unpackt | The Social Space | The Green Collective | The Castile Soap Shop |
Make your own Skincare and Hand Care Products
Instead of spending your hard-earned money on beauty products with harmful environmental consequences, try making your own at home. That way you would be able to control exactly what goes into the products you’re using and how much waste is produced in the process.
Hand Scrub : Grab a handful of brown sugar mixed with sweet almond oil and rub all over your hands to condition and soften.
Nourishing Face Mask : Make your own aloe vera mask here and here as well as simple recipes for yogurt mask and oatmeal mask.
Blackheads Busting Mask : check out this awesome recipe on Body Unburdened.
Lighten your locks : Lighten your locks using lemon or chamomile.
Homemade lip balms : Healing lip balms recipes.
Check out more DIY recipes on From Nature With Love which I stumbled upon recently.
Recommendation for Ingredients :
Now Foods Sweet Almond Oil - 5000 reviews
Sundown Naturals Vitamin E Oil - 2000+ reviews
Country Life Activated Charcoal - Amazon
That said, there would always be some plastics involved when you first start on your eco-friendly routine but by doing your own products, you can reduce the number of single-use plastic packaging and if your own homemade concoctions suit you, you can buy the ingredients in bulk, reducing the single-use plastic packaging even further.
To sum it up, these are simple alternatives for those new to going green with your beauty routine and I hope you find them useful to be able to incorporate them into your current routine.
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