Easy Swaps To Make Your Beauty Routine More Sustainable

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Every day is Earth Day in my opinion, but I figured there was no better moment to publish this post than on the actual calendar holiday. So let’s raise a glass to our home, and cheers to the small steps we can take to help maintain the health and beauty of our planet.

HAIR CARE

In an effort to cut down my own plastic consumption, transitioning from a liquid to a bar shampoo seemed like an easy step. I’m proud to report that it was. I made the swap over two years ago and have zero complaints. Sure – it takes a touch longer to apply solid shampoo, and the bar itself will sometimes slip out of your hand. Other than those minor issues, switching over to a bar shampoo is a breeze if you’re looking to cut a bit of plastic from your beauty routine. THE PERKS: Traveling with bar shampoo & conditioner is so much easier than packing liquids. The bars take up less space in your shower and/or bathtub. There are so many companies making solid shampoos & conditioners nowadays so finding a formula fit for your specific hair type is an easy feat. See below for some of my favorite brands.

VIORI – I discovered this company after learning that fermented rice water helps with hair fall – an issue that I have struggled with for quite some time. They have sustainability practices in place and donate a portion of their profits directly to the Red Yao communities who both work and live in the Longsheng region of China.

TRADER JOE’S – This shampoo bar came out a few years ago, and I absolutely love it. It’s affordable, lathers up nicely, and comes packaged in a cardboard box approved by the Forest Stewardship Council.

MAKEUP & SKINCARE

Other than purchasing my beauty products from companies that use clean ingredients, I also strive to support small businesses that care for our environment. THE PERKS: It may be a bit more expensive but supporting eco-friendly companies absolutely makes a positive impact. All four of the companies listed below are cruelty free and have Leaping Bunny and/or PETA-Approved certifications.

ALIMA PURE – This makeup company is a Certified B Corp and a member of both Carbon Fund and 1% For The Planet. They offer refillable compacts which in turn creates less waste. I am a huge fan of their satin matte foundation.

URSA MAJOR – This Vermont based skincare company is also a Certified B Corp and Certified Plastic Negative via their partnership with rePurpose Global. They are continuously striving to make their products as sustainable as possible which is why I love them so much. You can read more about my obsession with Ursa Major by clicking here.

COCOKIND – This San Francisco based company has taken transparency to the next level by printing Sustainability Facts directly onto the cardboard boxes that their various skincare products come in. Now that’s a game changer for any customer who tries their best to make an impact with their daily purchases & appreciates the work of eco-conscious businesses! To learn more about Cocokind, check out my product review blog post.

BRUSH ON BLOCK – This clean sunscreen brand is a favorite of mine because their mineral-rich, powdered formulas are both reef-safe and come in a refillable tube! Use code EARTH23 to save 20% OFF their products from now until April 24th. You can read all about my love for Brush On Block here.

TOOLS & ACCESSORIES

Here are just a few of my favorite eco-friendly beauty accessories that help close the loop via recycling, reusing, and reducing.

COTTON ROUNDS by COCOKIND – I purchased these reusable facial rounds about three years ago when I decided to no longer buy the single-use version that I often use to apply toner. This product comes in a cute mesh bag and includes 14 rounds that are made from bamboo & cotton. They are super soft and highly absorbent. I clean them by hand once all 14 rounds are dirty, but please know that they are 100% machine-washable. As mentioned above, Cocokind works hard to create products that are as sustainable as can be.

FACIAL SPONGES by ODACITE – I began purchasing these facial sponges over two years ago when I decided that I no longer wanted to use makeup wipes in an effort to create less waste. It takes a little more effort to remove makeup with a sponge after a long day, but I am happy for the small environmental impact that I am making with this decision. Odacite’s facial sponges are 100% biodegradable since they are made of 70% cellulose & 30% cotton. They wash easily, dry in less than two hours, and last for months! I am completely obsessed with this product and thoroughly recommend them if oil cleansing and makeup removal is a part of your evening routine.

TRAVEL BAGS by TRASH – This is a wonderful company that uses post-consumer, ocean-bound plastics to create their bags. Trash is a proud member of 1% For The Planet and ships all of their products in Noissue Eco Packaging. I personally own two toiletry bags & have even purchased their weekender bags as Christmas gifts. Please use code HILA15 to save 15% OFF your order 🙂

TOOTHBRUSHES by PRESERVE – I have been purchasing these upcycled toothbrushes from Trader Joe’s for years because they are eco-friendly, affordable, super sturdy, and excellent at cleaning my teeth. The toothbrush handles are made from recycled yogurt cups and come in a variety of fun colors. To top it off, Preserve is a Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified to say the least!