There are a few boxes that makeup has to check before I buy it.
- It’s cruelty-free (most important to me)
- It’s clean and non-toxic (tied for number one, really)
- Ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced
- Recyclable, refillable or compostable packaging (or any other eco packaging!)
I’ll usually go down the list in this order when making a new purchase. Firstly, I won’t buy makeup if it’s tested on animals or full of chemicals. This is makeup you’re most likely to find at the drugstore. Second, I would love to know where and how the ingredients were sourced. Unfortunately, even clean makeup brands don’t talk about this enough. While this is important to me, it’s not a deal-breaker. Lastly, is sustainable packaging. This is truly the cherry on top. It’s not a must-have for me because by choosing clean ingredients and ethically sourcing them, they are already minimizing their impact on the earth.
These brands either check all the boxes or come pretty dang close.
Low Waste Makeup Brands:
*This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost if you purchase using these links. See the full disclosure here.
1. Zerra and Co
This small woman-owned business started in 2018 with a mission to bring safe and sustainable beauty products to all. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, have sustainable packaging and ship carbon neutral! All of the products are handmade and they even offer a container return program which will save you money on your next purchase!
You can save 20% with my discount code ROSEDUST
2. Trestique
Trestique is such a cool brand I’m happy to have recently discovered it! They are clean, zero-waste, and cruelty-free! What’s really unique about Trestique is their refillable makeup. Made from 87% recycled plastic (lowered by 90%!) their products are 2 in 1 containing the product itself as well as an applicator. When you run out of product, simply order the refill, click it into place and recycle the old vessel. How cool?!
3. Elate Beauty
Elate was the first low-waste makeup brand that I tried out. I love their refillable packaging that you can simply insert refills into. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and over 75% organic and they choose fair-trade ingredients wherever they can. This ensures their farmers are paid fairly, always. While their empty pans can be recycled curbside, Elate will take them back for free to ensure that they are properly recycled!
4. Burt’s Bees
I don’t care what anyone thinks. Burt’s Bees deserves a spot on this low-waste makeup brands list. They’re made enormous strides towards sustainability on top of already being a clean brand. Burt’s Bees is cruelty-free and its ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced. They also partner with Terracycle so you can send your empty product containers away to be properly recycled for FREE!
Learn more about their recycling program here!
Related reading:
Best clean beauty brands at the drugstore
Zero waste makeup brands on Etsy
I am obsessed with all of these low-waste makeup brands and if you’ve been struggling to reduce waste in your makeup routine, I hope this gives you a place to start!
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