How to Shop for Sustainable Beauty Products

So you may have bought your reusable cup and started thrifting, but the next step of your sustainable journey is often the hardest – beauty. Sustainability in beauty is more than just buying cruelty free. There is lot’s you can do to make your beauty routine more ethical and better for the environment. Here’s how you can do just that, and remember, even if you do one of these things, you are making a difference to the planet. 

You probably have noticed a lot of eco-friendly labels on a lot of beauty packaging these days – whether it’s “all natural”, “vegan” or “organic”. Brands are becoming more and more aware of their social standing, and can see that the consumers want ethical products.

Looking out for these labels can be a good starting point for you to ensure all your products are clean and green. Don’t worry, these products don’t have to be expensive: brands such as Burt’s Bees, Soap & Glory, Natural Collection and Barry M can all be found at your local Boots and are all cruelty-free. 

Another way to be a sustainable shopper is to buy from Irish beauty companies. Not only are you supporting your local economy, but you are reducing the environmental impact of international products. This industry has been thriving in Ireland recently.

Pixy started in a pharmacy in Mallow but now they have a massive range of well-priced natural products stocked all over the country. Waxperts Wonder Pads were designed by Dun Laoghaire native Ellen Kavanagh. Fuschia makeup is like the Irish version of Bare Minerals. On the tanning side of things, Vita Liberata became the first completely non-toxic tanning brand, and did I forget to mention it’s also Irish! 

 Packaging has become a massive concern for both businesses and consumers alike. Most of our everyday beauty packaging can be recycled, but people often throw out products before they have finished them. To dispose of your empty beauty products correctly, rinse them out with water and add them to your recycling bin. To reduce your daily waste of cotton pads, try using a reusable makeup cloth, which only needs water to remove even the nastiest mascara.

Probably the best brand for waste reduction and over all ethics is Lush. Your whole beauty routine could be sustainable using only Lush products from your hair, body, makeup and fragrances. You can also reduce your waste when your traveling. Instead of buying a ton of tiny travel-size products and samples, you can get the reusable beauty bottles available in Penneys, Flying Tiger and Boots and are perfect for your carry on. 

 Information on animal tested beauty products can be found all over the internet, with some lists updating regularly. Unfortunately, the number of brands that are cruelty free is very small in the grand scheme of things, but hopefully more major brands will start taking the leap. We will continue to support the brands that are creating a more sustainable image for themselves in the meantime.