When it comes to the world of beauty, there are now mountains of brands out there from which to choose. From the super luxurious, to the drugstore faves, we’ve all got our faithful go-to’s when it comes to beautifying ourselves. But if you’re also someone that cares greatly about the planet, you may want to rethink the brands you choose to support.
Since clean beauty became a ‘trend’, many brands pose under the promise of being ‘eco friendly’ and even ‘cruelty-free’ to market their products, yet they still include toxic ingredients in their products, use harmful packaging such as plastic, and whilst they may claim to not support animal testing, they still include animal by-products in their products .. um hello beeswax.
All-natural ingredients in make-up are easy to identify. They’re made from plant extracts, minerals, vitamins, fruit and herbs . . . basically the kind of thing you’d be happy to put IN your body can also be put ON your skin, without causing harm. But whilst it’s great to support brands that use all-natural ingredients, there are some brands going that extra green mile in a bid to not only clean up your skin, but also our planet. They’re dedicated to using sustainable packaging to limit their impact on the environment, and even donating generous portions of their proceeds to organizations that benefit both animals and the planet.
Considering that the average woman will spend $15,000 on beauty products in her lifetime, the cosmetics industry is one that’s worth billions, and shows no signs of ever slowing down. However, you can be vigilant and scrutinizing regarding the brands you choose to support. These 10 clean beauty brands not only produce products that will leave you green and gorgeous, but you can feel good about supporting them, too!
1. Mineral Fusion
With its slogan Minerals on a Mission, this is a brand that is making it their mission to create clean cosmetics that are not only healthy for women to use, but also give back to their community. Mineral Fusion utilizes wind power, uses soy inks and recycled packaging and creates products that are either 100% vegetarian or vegan, and are never tested on animals. Their cosmetics are made from minerals that are good for the body, such as copper, magnesium and zinc, and that leave you feeling just as wonderful, if not more so, after using their products. They’re also partners with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADC) which is an organization that supports survivors of domestic violence, and Mineral Fusion use their platform to raise awareness to this and help show women they’re not alone.
Product we love: Mineral Fusion 3-in-1 Color Stick, $19.99.
2. Elate Cosmetics
When it comes to cosmetics, the packaging can be as detrimental to our planet as the ingredients can be to our health. Elate Cosmetics is a brand whose ethos is that no animal or person should ever be harmed whilst creating their products. All of their products are vegan, cruelty-free and toxic-free, and made with the planet in mind. Their cosmetics are all shipped out in seed paper, which can be planted, and bamboo compacts can be bought to turn the products into reusable, refillable palettes. All bamboo used is sourced in China where the company works closely with a green certified, fair trade manufacturer. All bamboo is water processed and never chemically treated.
Product we love: Elate Cosmetics Brow Kit, $34.00.
3. Chantecaille
Chantecaille have raised the bar when it comes to luxury cosmetics. Acknowledging that the beauty industry has a platform to change the world, they know that it’s not enough to create products that are kind to the planet; we need to help the planet, too. Each season, Chantecaille align specific products with a cause in need of a platform and offer a voice to those in need of one: our oceans, our forests, gorillas, lions. The cosmetics brand infuses beauty with philanthropy to create products that are natural and sustainable whilst also lending a helping hand to animals. Chantecaille donates portions of their proceeds from these products to help environmental organisations. And in a bid to be even more environmentally conscious, the company sell eyeshadow and cheek products in refillable packaging, so you can keep the same compact but change up the shades.
Product we love: Chantecaille Philanthropy Cheek Color, $40.00.
4. Alima Pure
Alima Pure is a brand that believes in minimal ingredients for maximum impact, therefore all of their products are free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, phthalates, dimethicone, petroleum, talc, bismuth oxychloride, and nanoparticles and are never tested on animals. Their beauty products are all bout less mess and minimal waste, and refillable compacts can easily be swapped out when a product runs out.
But not only is Alima Pure doing wonders for ditching single-use packaging, they’re also doing wonders for the planet, too. The company has been carbon neutral for the last 10 years, and is a certified B Corporation, meaning they work to preserve the environment, with a commitment to people, profit and the planet. They’ve also been a member of 1% for the Planet since their first year of business, donating 1% of their annual gross revenue to grassroots environmental organizations, which is dedicated to protecting the planet.
Product we love: Alima Pure Pressed Eyeshadow Refill, $18.00.
5. Tarte
Since Tarte started back in 2002, naturally derived ingredients were at the forefront of their mind when it came to developing cosmetics. But just as equally important to the company as their mission to give a little something back to the environment. Not only is Tarte a cosmetics brand that creates makeup without the use of gluten, parabens, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulphate, triclosan or phthalates; they’re also cruelty-free and dedicated to both sustainability and health.
Tarte gives back to the communities where their most popular ingredients are sourced, such as maracuja and Amazonian clay. Working with cooperatives in the rainforest, CEO Maureen Kelly works hard to ensure all ingredients are sustainable harvested. Products such as their Rainforest of the Sea range is also supported with Tarte making sure that the ocean ecosystem is looked after, and that majestic creatures such as the sea turtles are looked after with their partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy.
Product we love: Tarte Aquacealer Concealer, $45.00
6. Zao Organic Makeup
The Zao philosophy is based around an ethical and sustainable approach to living in harmony with nature. Created with the belief in mind that looking beautiful should never compromise health, the health of animals or the health of the planet, packaging is something this brand has tried to eliminate. Bamboo is the real backbone of all Zao products, and skilled artisans have worked to create packaging that is both stylish and elegant, whilst also ditching the need for single-use plastic in beauty products. The bamboo cases are made to be refilled time and time again, and bamboo has been used for its durability.
Product we love: Zao Makeup Organic Matte Lipstick, $22.50.
7. Josie Maran
As a model and actress, Josie Maran was no stranger to the world of beauty. However, she was told one thing: high performance products could never be healthy. Set to fill that void for women who wanted to look pretty, yet care for their health at the same time, Josie Maran Cosmetics was born.
Argan oil is the real star of Josie Maran, and the company partnered with earth-loving, women-empowering organizations to source argan oil that has been grown and harvested responsibly by Moroccan women. With a love for Mother Earth at the forefront of Josie Maran, the company employ environmentally-responsible business practices to help lower their impact on the planet. Products containing argan oil also help to protect and maintain argan forests in Morocco. Alongside this, Josie Maran products are all-natural, eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
Product we love: Josie Maran Argan Natural Volume Lip Gloss, $20.00.
8. Kjaer Weis
We all know the heartache when we reach the end of a beauty product and we’re forced to throw it away and repurchase. This can be equally as heart breaking when the packaging is far from ethical, but Danish makeup company Kjaer Weis have us ladies covered. Sustainability has always been in the forefront of their philosophy, as is creating makeup that not only makes us look and feel good, but cares for our skin, too. The brand created their intelligent refill system so that you needn’t waste money on packaging that is made to be discarded. The sleek, sophisticated design of all KW product is meant to be kept. The compacts are made from high quality metal that can be refilled again and again. And when you purchase a refill, it comes in compostable paper envelopes to eliminate waste. From mascara to foundations, lip balms and pencils, they have a vast range of products, so you can ensure all your cosmetics are eco-friendly.
Product we love: Kjaer Weis Mascara Refill, $25.00.
- We Hand-Picked 8 Coveted Cosmetic Brands Making a Beautiful Difference. - March 18, 2018
- Finding The One: 4 Different Soul Mates you’ll Likely Meet in your Lifetime. - March 11, 2018
- 9 Caffeine-Free Energy Drinks to Add Va-Va-Voom to your Day. - March 11, 2018