The Overwhelmed Woman's Guide to sustainable beauty.

If there's one thing we've all recently learned, it's that people genuinely care about the environment. 

But actually navigating the sustainability space can be a little... overwhelming. There are so many things you're told you can do to help, that it's almost a little hard to figure out what one you should do first.

Luckily, we've got you covered. Making a tangible difference to our world's efforts in sustainability can start with making slight tweaks to your beauty routine.

Previously, this would have been a bit (read: very) challenging, but with beauty babes around the world asking for the production of more sustainable products, the industry has well and truly answered and now, your beauty cupboard is a pretty easy place to start when trying to shop sustainably.

To help you (and our planet out), I've put together a little guide to help you understand where to start. Here's everything you need to know. 

What makes a beauty product sustainable?

Sustainability in the beauty industry comes down to two simple things: product ingredients and an ethical brand ethos. 

Favourite and well-loved brands such as those within the L’Oréal Group have taken on an eco-design approach to packaging since 2007, thinking about it in a holistic way, and have made significant impact and change along the way. From solid formulas to refillable and reusable cosmetics, the company is re-thinking products and packaging to reduce the impact on the environment. 

For example, 67 per cent of the plastic used in their packaging and products come from recycled sources, while 100 per cent of the paper and 99.9 per cent of the cardboard used in their packaging comes from sustainably managed forests. 

Ethical ingredient sourcing is also one of the most important signs of sustainability and a brand's dedication to it. It means that both thought and care have gone into where ingredients are sourced from and that the brand understands the process of manufacturing their product. They work closely with their suppliers to ensure they are paying a fair price on raw materials and know their suppliers are committed to positive environmental impact and providing safe working environments for their staff.

When it comes to ingredients that are considered ethical, there are some really well known certifications that you can look out for when purchasing sustainably. Ingredients that are cruelty and palm oil free, and organic and vegan are all well-known and credible examples. Looking out for these call-outs on products is a great step towards shopping sustainably.

How can you start making your beauty cupboard more sustainable?

In navigating how to remain sustainable in the over-saturated beauty market, minimising consumption should be up there with your first considerations. But with the shiny new toys being released so frequently in beauty land, it can be hard to not impulsively purchase the latest thing. 

To put beauty waste and consumption into perspective, take some time to consider: when was the last time you emptied any of the products you currently own? Once you’ve determined this, you can curate a considered group of products you use often and love.

To cut back on waste, use what you have before you buy anything new. When you’re ready to replace products, stay within your curated group of well-loved products. 

When you have events that require out of the ordinary makeup looks, consider hiring makeup artists instead of purchasing a couple of products as a one off to complete your look. This cuts back on waste whilst also supporting small local businesses.

You can also simplify your beauty routine and cut back on waste by using multi-tasking products. Perhaps you don’t need moisturiser, SPF and primer. Consider an SPF which does all three. Instead of a separate eye shadow palette, blush and lipstick, opt for a cheek and lip tint which can be used across all three parts of your face.

What should you look out for when shopping for sustainable beauty?

As the beauty industry grows, we’ve started to see brands introduce great initiatives towards bettering sustainability within the industry – starting with recycling. 

Many large beauty and cosmetic brands have introduced a place for consumers to safely recycle beauty packaging. Recycling through a trusted store or supplier is an excellent way to ensure you’re disposing of used packaging the correct way. 

Speaking of packaging, brands that do exceptionally well in this area are those that are working towards allowing you to reuse your existing packaging for all of your products. Here, Brice André, Global VP Sustainable Packaging and Development for L’Oréal Group, has set a promising goal for the well-loved brand: by 2025, 100 per cent of L’Oréal's plastic packaging will be refillable, reusable, recyclable or compostable. 

If you’re strapped for research time and are making a split decision in store, what you want to look for are call-outs on cardboard based packaging that is recyclable, compostable, refillable or reusable packaging. In terms of plastic alternatives, look for more sustainable and easily recyclable materials, like aluminium, bamboo, and glass.

There are also really small and simple things that you can introduce into your beauty routine such as swapping out single use cotton pads for microfiber reusable ones. 

And some other tips? Don’t leave water running whilst you’re doing your skincare routine, stock up on eco-friendly beauty tools, clean and repurpose mascara wands, and turn down single use plastic bags when purchasing in store – reusable tote bags for the win.

The L’Oréal Group is creating the beauty that moves the world and have taken on an eco-design approach to packaging since 2007. To learn more, visit the website. 

Feature Image: Canva.