How to Create a Sustainable Makeup Routine
How to Create a Sustainable Makeup Routine
By Olivia Blackwell — April 18th, 2025
Incorporating eco-friendly products into your everyday routine benefits both your skin and the planet. When thinking of how to better the environment, small choices can make a big difference. A sustainable regimen begins with taking a look at what products you choose, how often you’re buying them, and what you do with the packaging afterwards.
Immediately buying a whole new line-up of sustainable products is not the ultimate solution. Working with what you currently have is a great first step, or if you have items that don’t work for you, consider options like reselling or donating to give them a second life.
Paying attention to packaging is essential when exploring the eco-friendly beauty world. Products that come in recycle-friendly or refillable packaging can make an exceptional difference. You can avoid plastic materials by opting for alternatives like glass, aluminum, silicone, or even no packaging. Elate Cosmetics, RMS Beauty, and Saie are just a few brands prioritizing the environment through their packaging.
Clean formulations can be tricky to navigate by yourself, but there are several tools on the internet to help get started, such as the Think Dirty App. There are also a few visual indicators on packaging that mean the product was made with the environment in mind, such as the recycling symbol, the Ecocert logo, and the Green Dot symbol.
Overall, cutting down consumption is key. Limiting single-use products like makeup wipes, samples, sheet face masks, and disposable razors can promote environmental health by limiting unnecessary waste in our landfills. Instead, opt for products from brands who prioritize environmental impact through both ingredients and packaging design. Look for multi-use formulas that will help limit your consumption, like Thrive Causemetics Triple Threat Stick and Ilia Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment.
Implementing eco-friendly practices into your beauty routine doesn’t require a complete overhaul. It is about small, intentional changes. By rethinking product choices and focusing on mindful consumption, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future—because beauty should nourish, not just your skin, but the earth, too.
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