Up until recently, the average person didn’t give much thought to the sustainability of their makeup routine. However, with the increasing awareness of the importance of living a sustainable lifestyle, more and more people are looking for ways to greenify their beauty routines. If you’re interested in making your makeup routine more sustainable, here are four tips to get you started:
1. Go for Long-wearing Formulas
Your makeup routine can have a significant impact on the environment. From the packaging to the ingredients, there are many ways to make your cosmetics more sustainable. One of the easiest changes you can make is to switch to long-wearing formulas.
Products like foundation, bronzer, and mascara designed to last all day can help reduce the amount of waste you produce. This not only saves you time but also reduces the amount of product that you’ll need to use overall. And since less product means less packaging, it’s a win-win for the environment.
Long-wearing formulas are also more budget-friendly in the long run since you won’t have to repurchase them as often. So next time you’re restocking your beauty supplies, consider making the switch to a more sustainable option.
2. Protect Your Lash Extensions
Lash extensions are a great way to achieve long, full lashes without the need for mascara. Plus, they can last for weeks with the proper care. However, lash extensions are not necessarily eco-friendly. They are often made from synthetic materials that can take years to decompose. Furthermore, the adhesives used to apply lash extensions can be damaging to the environment. So what are some of the ways on how to make lash extensions last longer and make your routine more sustainable?
- Avoid getting them wet. This means being careful when washing your face and avoiding water sports or activities where you might sweat excessively. If you do get them wet, gently pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Sleep on your back. This will help avoid crushing or damaging your lashes as you move around in your sleep.
- Clean and brush them regularly. This will help remove any dirt or debris that could cause irritation or damage to the delicate lashes. Gently brush from the base of the lash to the tip with a soft-bristled brush.
- Be gentle! Avoid rubbing or pulling on your lashes, as this can cause them to fall out prematurely. When removing makeup, use a cotton pad soaked in micellar water and gently swipe it over your lashes.
- Use a lash sealant to help lengthen the life of your extensions. Lash sealants create a barrier between your natural lashes and the makeup products you use, helping to protect them from damage. Sealants can be applied before or after mascara, depending on your preference.
3. Take Good Care of Your Supplies
Good makeup habits aren’t just about hygiene—although that’s important, too. Properly caring for your supplies will also help them last longer. And when products last longer, that means you don’t have to buy as many replacements, which is good for both your wallet and the environment. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your makeup:
- Store products in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures can cause makeup to break down or change color. If you must store products in a bathroom, keep them away from the shower or sink, where they may be exposed to steam or water.
- Clean brushes and applicators regularly. Makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, leading to breakouts or other skin problems. And since you don’t want to be regularly tossing them out, clean them with soap and water or a brush cleaner at least once a week.
4. Choose Products With Recycled Packaging.
On average, women use 12 personal care products daily, which is taking a toll on the environment. Each year, the global beauty industry produces 120 million+ packaging units. This accounts for an alarming 70% of all waste produced by this sector, and it takes hundreds of years for these products to decompose. As a result, it’s important to choose sustainable options whenever possible. One way to do this is to select makeup products with recycled packaging. Recycling helps to reduce waste, and it also requires less energy than manufacturing new products from scratch.
Unfortunately, most of us are creatures of habit when it comes to our makeup routines. We find products we like and stick with them, often without giving much thought to their packaging. However, if we want to be more conscious consumers, it’s important to pay attention to the packaging of our makeup products. Fortunately, there are a growing number of companies that are committed to using recycled materials in their packaging. By choosing products with recycled packaging, we can help reduce our environmental impact and make our makeup routines more sustainable.