When you’re doing an eco sweep of your house, there are going to be things you just don’t think about being a problem. That’s okay. It takes time to switch over to a greener lifestyle, and a lot of time (and trial and error) to be fully sustainable and eco-friendly.
For me, the thing I wouldn’t think twice about was make-up. Which seems silly since I put it on my face nearly every day. But, make-up isn’t something that I normally buy a lot of. I have my few staples and run with those until they’re empty. Like emmmmpty.
I used to be a BIG fan of Estee Lauder products. I loved the colours, the way they lasted, and absolutely loved their bb cream. This stuff is the business. But, they use palm oil.
And, palm oil is a big no-no when you’re trying to green up your life.
So, I decided to use up what was left of my beloved bb cream and move onto greener pastures. The bb cream is still a lot of trial and error, but I’ve found one that I’m loving right now.
Juice Beauty
This tinted moisturizer doesn’t cover as well as my Estee Lauder bb cream did, but it leaves my face feeling amazing and with a little bit of a dewy glow. I had tried Inika before this and while I enjoyed the coverage, the price tag just wasn’t the best for me and left my skin feeling a little heavy. This cc cream makes me feel like I’m not wearing anything at all. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a smooth coverage, I wouldn’t recommend this product. Check out Elate Cosmetics below for full foundations that will point in the right direction of a flawless look.
I’m still looking for a full coverage bb cream that isn’t ruining the planet, but I may end up having to switch to good ol’ foundation when I want a more put together look.
Besides actually looking good, the products are made with organic local ingredients and use solar power to manufacture.
While it was frustrating that a company so committed to the environment was still using heavy plastic, I’ve noticed that a lot of their packages are now being made with mostly – or all – sugarecane material. Slowly, but surely, right?
I’ve also found that their mascara is SOMETHING ELSE. It goes on wonderfully, doesn’t contain tar (like, legit. research those ingredients) and the best part: DOESN’T LEAVE SMUDGES UNDER YOUR EYES. No longer am I looking like a haggard mess or a raccoon.
Elate Cosmetics
This stuff is the best. I absolutely love it and will be switching over once I run out of any of my products at home. It’s Canadian, it’s packaged in bamboo, and refillable. What does refillable mean? Well, you buy a palette and then you buy refillable stock and pop it in, changing it up when needed (the best idea for travel!). The refillable pieces come in seed paper that you can plant for some wonderful wildflowers. While I don’t actually need anything right now, I’m itching to order more just to get the seed paper!
Their eye colours really pop and last all day, even on me, a notorious face toucher.
My absolute favourites:
The highlighter – creme highlighter
Lipsticks – this is my go-to for everyday wear. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Bloom lipstick. My absolute fave that looks perfect for an everyday look.
Origins
While I’ve been trying out making my own charcoal face mask (I had a horrible tinting accident when I used a bit too much coconut oil), Origins was my go-to for a powerful charcoal face mask. I haven’t used anything else from Origins but their charcoal face mask, but have heard amazing things about all of their skincare products.
Not only do they work, the brand has launched a tree planting program. As of this blog post, they’ve planted 820,000 trees. That’s a lot of trees! They also have a strong goal of having a net zero carbon emission by 2020.
They do their best to have minimal packaging and all product cartons are said to contain 50% post-consumer recycled content.
Read more about what Origins is doing to help the planet here.
Sunscreen
While I haven’t tried any sunscreens yet, I will be trying them out at the end of summer (when I use up my regular sunscreen) and definitely when I head to Australia.
Here are two that I’ll be trying:
Haven’t tried yet myself, but have heard amazing things about this reef safe sunscreen.
Farmacy also has a ‘green screen’ that looks like it would be perfect for my skin and just might end up being my face sunscreen.
Eco-Conscious Companies I haven’t yet tried, but have heard good things about:
Kjaer Weiss – make-up.
Farmacy – I read about these people in a magazine a while back and always had them in the back of my mind to try! Lux beauty and skincare.
Smith Farms – skincare that’s made in Quebec!
Accessories
I’ve been using EcoTools since before bamboo brushes were cool. I’ve loved them because they affordable, chic, and environmentally friendly. Plus, you can get them at Target! Well, Americans can. Canada Target shit the bed and now we no longer have that glorious store. Honestly, better for my wallet.
While I have some synthetic brushes that I’ve received as gifts over the years, if I need a new brush, EcoTools I where I go.
Elate Cosmetics also have their own accessories made out of bamboo! Very similar to EcoTools.
DIY
DIY’s are not for everyone, but you may find one you absolutely love and stick with it. It’s okay! You don’t have to DIY everything to live greener (see above). I love DIY’s and have found some great recipes for skincare:
Charcoal Face Soap (melt and pour)
Dandelion Salve & Eye Cream
Dandelion Balm for Acne-Prone Skin
Want to do more? Check out Wands for Wildlife and other companies that do cool things with old mascara wands.
More Eco-Friendly for the Everyday
How to Stop Using Paper Towels
Eco-Living for the Everyday: Re-thinking the Convenience of Eating
Eco-Living for the Everyday: The Kitchen
Eco-Living for the Everyday: Cleaning
Eco-Living for the Everyday: The Basics
