Can I buy zero waste and plastic free make up?

Many people have been asking about my beetroot lip/cheek stain and the mascara I make.

...and many people, have been asking me, if they can buy zero waste and plastic free makeup.

Image from weheartit.com
They were not asking me if I sell it (I don't, at least not yet). The questions were from people who have no inclination of making their own makeup BUT would love to buy makeup that allows them to reduce waste.

Last night, I found two fantastic items. I asked the makers a heap of questions. Answers were sent back. And now, I have ready made makeup on their way to me to test.

I will share reviews next year.

10 comments:

  1. This sounds exciting! I look forward to hearing what you think and what companies you would recommend. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am excited too :) It feels nice supporting companies that items for a zero waste and plastic free lifestyle.

      Delete
  2. This sounds exciting! I look forward to hearing what you think and what companies you would recommend. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I thought I might comment as I have done a fair bit of research recently on this topic.

    It seems like plastic free makeup is a little harder than expected, for example zao (the hands down winner in this department for me) actually has some hidden plastics you can't see online - i.e. under the lid.

    I even read two whole white papers on bio-plastic makeup and sustainable packaging but none seemed up to scratch (yet).

    However, my mother did suggest (ironically she still thinks I am in a 'phase' with no plastics) that I get my eye lashes tinted. This is done in salon and actually works! No more mascara for me. Her next suggestion I think might be a bit too far, tattoo eyeliner.... mmm.

    (Other options I looked at included: Zao, Lush, Tarte (Bamboo Range), Organic essence - and loads more! Take a look at this article for some hints http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pandora-young/keep-your-cosmetics-out-o_b_815248.html?ir=Australia)

    I was wondering what the general stance (is there a general stance? mmmm) is on bioplastic? I seem to get pulled in because I guess I want it to work - but I'm struggling with doing all the plastics research (upsetting it isn't exactly taught in school!) let alone bioplastics!!!

    Lauren

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Lauren, I guess there is no right or wrong stance when it comes to what you feel most comfortable with the choices you make. I used to tint my lashes but decided to stop because I wanted to use more natural products and also reduce waste. That was my decision. It is a better option than mascara because those tubs of dye last a looooong time and some come in aluminium packaging, allowing them to be recycled.

      I am still up in the air about bio-plastics. I threw a bioplastic cup into our compost and did not break down after a year. So I don't know how a makeup compact would go unless it could go into a industrial compost system (something I don't have access too). Your article did have some good alternatives to the usual options found in more stores, particularly about the reuse of items. My only thought is that there still a huge amount of energy and resources needed to create bio-plastics. So yes if they can be made for reuse it is a great idea, but if they are made for single use, then I am not a huge fan. I recently found a great lip and cheek tint in a totally cardboard compostable tube with no hidden plastic. I'll be sharing that on my blog soon.

      Delete
  4. Have a look at the US brand RMS Beauty, which is available at Mecca all around Australia. The concealers and blushers are packaged in frosted glass jars with metal lids, in cardboard boxes. No plastic! The mascara is in a metal tube. All organic, natural ingredients. Only problem is the distance travelled from the US. Jasmine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jasmine, I will have to go into Mecca next to and have a look.

      Delete
  5. Have a look at the US brand RMS Beauty, which is available at Mecca all around Australia. The concealers and blushers are packaged in frosted glass jars with metal lids, in cardboard boxes. No plastic! The mascara is in a metal tube. All organic, natural ingredients. Only problem is the distance travelled from the US. Jasmine

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks so much for your reply! I had figured that tinting at a beauty salon was positive as it was essentially "bulk" - they don't use applicators and only cotton under the eyes. But I had not thought of all the chemicals that puts on your eyes! Plastic Free is certainly a learning curve.

    Its frustrating with bioplastics that many companies are not transparent about the production process (as it is understandably a competitive edge) - I can only hope that the same mindset shift will occur that happened with nutritional labels on food and we will as consumers begin to believe it is a right to know HOW things are made not just what they are made with. I think I will be keeping away from bioplastics from now on - bi-carb soda seems to do the job that most of the bioplastics I buy are doing anyway!

    Thanks for the insight!

    ReplyDelete

Hi, leave a comment