She Strengthens

Breaking Up with Disposable Beauty: 7 Game-Changing Swaps for a Greener You

A memorable Christmas with my partner turned out to be a pivotal moment in my beauty journey. As he struggled to find a thoughtful gift for his sister, I suggested a trip to Sephora. His concern about breaking the bank led to an enlightening conversation about the true cost of our beauty habits. I realized that it’s not the initial purchase that adds up, but the repetitive buying and disposing of products that takes a toll on our wallets and the environment.

Rethinking My Beauty Routine

That conversation sparked a commitment to reduce waste and switch to eco-friendly alternatives. I’ve discovered that making a few simple changes can have a significant impact on the environment and my budget.

1. Ditch Disposable Cotton Rounds

My love for toners and micellar water led me to use cotton rounds daily. However, I soon realized that buying them in bulk wasn’t sustainable. That’s when I discovered reusable cotton rounds from SW Basics. These gentle, machine-washable rounds come with a cute laundry bag and can be reused multiple times, saving me money and reducing waste.

2. Plastic-Free Shampoo Bars

Sharing shampoo with my partner meant it ran out quickly. Lush’s Shampoo Bar offered a game-changing solution. With up to 80 washes per bar and zero plastic, it was an easy switch. Plus, Lush’s transparency on ingredients and endless variety made it a no-brainer.

3. Crystal Deodorant: A Year Without Buying Deodorant

Learning about the potential harm of aluminum in traditional deodorants prompted me to make a change. I switched to crystal deodorant and haven’t looked back. With only two purchases in three years, my armpits (and the environment) thank me.

4. Eco-Friendly Emery Boards

Filing my nails at home used to mean disposable emery boards from Revlon. But then I discovered Sally Hansen Eco-Boards, made from recyclable materials and gentle on brittle nails. This happy medium has become a staple in my beauty routine.

5. Reusable Silicone Makeup Sponges

As a beauty blender loyalist, I knew I had to provide an alternative to disposable sponges. Reusable silicone makeup sponges are a game-changer. They don’t absorb product, can be rinsed and reused, and reduce waste.

6. DIY Reusable Sheet Masks

My love for sheet masks led to a staggering amount of waste. To combat this, I’ve started DIY-ing cotton face masks to soak in my favorite essence or oil. It’s an easy, economical, and eco-friendly solution.

7. Electronic Facial Cleanser: A Long-Term Investment

My Clarisonic has served me well, but I know that eventually, I’ll need to replace it. That’s when I’ll consider investing in a Foreo, which never requires head replacements. This electronic facial cleanser is a long-term investment in my skincare routine and the environment.

Beyond These Swaps: Reducing Waste in Beauty

While these swaps are a great starting point, there are many ways to reduce waste without changing your buying habits. Origins Cosmetics and MAC Cosmetics offer recycling programs, and many brands provide reduced-packaging refills for existing products. By making small changes, we can collectively make a significant impact on the beauty industry’s ecological footprint.