Best eco-friendly beauty products and practices to try: Lush, Kiehl’s, Bybi Beauty, and more
Mother earth
No doubt that Singapore — and the world, at large — is working towards a zero-waste lifestyle in 2019. More than 270 local F&B outlets have stopped providing plastic straws this year alone; local activewear label Outfyt has launched a collection made entirely out of recycled fishing nets; while environmentally-friendly menstrual-management alternatives are picking up traction, evidenced by emerging homegrown labels Freedom Cups and The Period Co. As promising as this all sounds, it does bring to mind the question: should we eliminate single-use items within the beauty industry such as sheet masks, makeup-removing wipes, and exfoliating pads, too?
Environmental groups of the likes of Package Free Shop and Made With Respect encourage cutting them entirely from our routines. Realistically, though, it requires willpower and commitment that most of us skincare savants aren't quite ready for. Still, that's not to say we can't do our part when it comes to reducing waste. Below, we provide a slew of easy and eco-friendly practices you can embark on. Read, rinse, and repeat (literally).
Swap out cleansing wipes for makeup towels
These aren't your typical washcloth offerings, mind. We're talking about gentle, plush, and absorbent offerings that cut through the most budge-proof of face paint to leave your face feeling soft and cleansed. Environmentally-friendly factor aside, they're also cost-effective and travel-friendly. What's not to love?
Recycle your empties
Handing over your empties from labels such as Innisfree, Kiehl's, Lush, M.A.C. Cosmetics, and Origins proves a rewarding experience for both you and the earth. Think store credits, samples, and even free full-sized products depending on store policy.
Buy super-sized products
Litre-sized products — compared to five standard-sized bottles, for instance — use 40% less plastic, as reported by premium haircare label, Aveda. So go big on your trusty shampoo, sunscreen, or shower gel.
Replace sheet masks with jar formulations
The sheer variety in the market means you won't have to worry about hunting down one that meets your many skin needs — plus, they're way more value-for-money than sheet masks.
