Sustainable beauty products don’t have to be expensive.
While a higher price point for eco-friendly makeup is often justified (think small business operational costs and high-quality ingredients), it’s always nice to find sustainable products that work AND won’t break the bank.
Why zero waste makeup?
In 2017, the beauty industry produced 76.8 billion plastic packaging units. And that doesn’t even include makeup accessories like plastic application tools. While many brands have adopted more ethical practices, they still have a long way to go when it comes to plastic-free or refillable packaging options.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to exercise our purchasing power and support sustainable makeup brands operating in Australia. We have done the research so you don’t have to – take your pick. Oh, and of course, all of the products featured are not only
Lush Refillable Lipstick – $16.95
With over 50 colours on offer, Lush lipsticks are every sustainable beauty lover’s dream. This “naked”
While you are trying to decide on the colour (it might take a while to narrow down your favourites), you should also check out their Naked Foundation ($26.95) and Highlighters ($22.95).
Eco Minerals Flawless Mineral Foundation – from $31
Eco Minerals is a Byron Bay-based cosmetics company that has an extensive refillable foundation range with over 20 shades on offer. You can buy foundation in a reusable sifter jar ($36) or get their plastic-free refill sachets ($31) and use your own container.
If you are worried about finding the right shade online, Eco Minerals have a handy colour match tool available on their website. If you find that your new foundation doesn’t match, they will send you a replacement free of charge! How awesome is this?
Dirty Hippie Bronzed Rose Contouring Powder – from $20
Dirty Hippie bronzer is a godsend for those looking for a natural sun-kissed glow without nasties. It comes in a recycled aluminium tin, and once the bronzer is all used up, you can get a refill sent to you. All of the Dirty Hippie makeup products are produced to order making them that much more special.
If you don’t use bronzer, you should still check out Dirty Hippie’s other makeup products – their eyeshadows ($12) and a toxin-free liquid eye-liner ($24) are amongst our favourites.
Rhasdala Zero Waste Makeup Set – $30
Rhasdala is a hand-crafted ethical cosmetics company based in Hervey Bay, Queensland with over 800 five star reviews on Etsy. Their Zero Waste Makeup Set is a fantastic value for money – it includes mineral mascara, cheek stain and a lip tint for $30 all up.
All three products come in a plastic-free packaging that can be repurposed or reused for your DIY makeup experiments.
Life Basics Bamboo Vegan Makeup Brush Set – $29.98
If you are into natural and toxin-free makeup, chances are you have bought something from Nourished Life. Life Basics is their original range of organic and sustainable products that come in minimal packaging and are mostly plastic-free. This vegan makeup tool set features eight bamboo brushes housed in a natural cotton case. Lucky for us, brushes are currently on sale so snap it up before it sells out.
Earth Tribe Reusable Makeup Rounds + Rose Oil – $23
Last, but not least is the must-have combo from Earths Tribe, a small family run business based in Melbourne. It includes six hemp makeup rounds that you can reuse over and over again (unlike polluting makeup wipes). As part of the package, you also get a nourishing rose oil that will moisturise and hydrate your skin. Treat
Are there any other eco-friendly beauty brands that we missed? Share your product tips with us via email or find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn.
