5 Eco Friendly Beauty Products
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I am always on the hunt for the newest and best cosmetics that make my skin glow. My favorite finds are not only products that help me to (literally) put my best face forward, but those that refuse to test on animals and help the environment by not using harsh chemicals. If you are anything like me, you also want to make sure that the makeup that helps you look you best is the same makeup that helps to keep your bank account balance from rapidly declining. Read on to learn about five environmentally-focused beauty product brands that will nourish both your skin and your capital!
1. LUSH
Best known for their Bath Bombs, LUSH Cosmetics offers a wide range of cosmetics and bath products, including shower gels, shampoos, lotions, face cleansers, deodorants, makeup, and perfume. Additionally, not only does the company make sure to not use products tested on animals, they actively work to stop animal testing! One of their most unusual products is their solid shampoo bars. These can be purchased “naked,” (without packaging), helping to produce less waste. By selling shampoo as a solid rather than a liquid, LUSH saves about 118,800 gallons of water a year!
2. ZuZu Luxe
ZuZu Luxe is a smaller division of Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc. They offer all the best beauty products at very reasonable and affordable prices. They even have free shipping in the US for all orders over $50! Their face powder is light, yet effectively evens out your complexion, while their mascara and lipstick apply smoothly and evenly. Gabriel Cosmetics is unique for their recycling program that benefits both the consumer and the planet–when you finish with your products, just ship five empty containers back to Gabriel Cosmetics and you will receive a free lipstick of your choice! All of their products are vegan, and do not contain any parabens, phthalates, toluene or formaldehyde. Even their packaging is made of 100% biodegradable vegetable starch.
3. OLEHENRIKSEN Skin Care
Focusing on skin care products, OLEHENRICKSEN offers a wide variety of options for every type of skin. With products such as serums, cleansers, moisturizers, toners, masks, and sun protection products, they cater to combination skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, hyperpigmentation and more. When browsing their products, consumers can see all ingredients listed right on their website, so they know exactly what they are purchasing. In addition, OLEHENRICKSEN offers cruelty-free products that have not been tested on animals.
4. 1121 Apothecary
With the slogan “Smell Good. Do Good. Feel Good.,” it is easy to see how committed this company is to both consumers and the planet. 1121 Apothecary donates 15% of all sales to charities and social organizations, including an animal sanctuary in Oregon named the Out To Pasture Sanctuary. All of their products are vegan and cruelty free, and are made of about 98% organic materials. They do not include any phthalates, petroleum, parabens, or dyes. Additionally, most of their packaging and makeup containers are made from 100% recycled materials. With a selection of products including soaps, lipstick, facial masks, dry shampoo, accessories, and even “Man Approved” scented soaps; there is plenty to choose from!
5. Skinn
Last but not least is the company Skinn, by Dimitri James. Although slightly more pricey than the other brands on this list, they sell top-quality products that have never been tested on animals, and use either recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging. They also reuse all of the packaging sent to them. Skinn offers free shipping to the US on all orders over $50, and will give you a full refund within 30 days if not completely satisfied with the product. With a wide variety of products offered for most skin tones, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Like most things in life, only trial and error will lead you to the best makeup and cosmetics for your skin. With these suggestions, you should be able to find a brand that fits your budget and your skin type, while also lessening your environmental impact on the planet. Don’t forget to check the StudentRate website for deals and discounts on beauty products.
These are sponsored links. All opinions are my own.
Kim Meneo is a student at Connecticut College studying English and environmental science. In her free time, she volunteers at a local equine rescue and produces freelance articles for several companies. During the summer, she can usually be found relaxing on the beach with a good book. Any questions, concerns, or general inquiries can be emailed to her at kmeneo@conncoll.edu