In the UK right now, we’re in a bit of a kerfuffle. Which is probably the most British way of saying there’s a pretty serious pandemic going down. And like a lot of the world we are in lockdown, spending all of our time in our own homes. (If you’re reading this in the future, I sincerely hope things have turned out ok!) But anyway, I figured this was as good a time as any to try out some eco-friendly beauty products.
It might seem a little trivial in these stressful times, but the truth is, it feels more important than ever to do our bit to look after the planet. And with toiletries frequently being out of stock at supermarkets, finding some products that are reusable just takes a bit of pressure off.
Also, you may remember that I decided to go cruelty-free with my make-up and skincare last year. And this just feels like the evolution of that. I’d love to be in a position where all of my beauty supplies are eco-friendly in some way.
I should mention, I don’t think all of us have to do every little thing eco-friendly, there feels like there’s a lot of pressure on social media to get it all right. And we’re only human. If I’m out for the day and get a spontaneous coffee in a disposable cup, I’m not going to feel bad about it. We can’t do everything. But if there are small swaps you can make, I think it’s a step in the right direction.
Disclaimer: Some items in this list are gifted but all opinions are my own, lads.
Trying Out Eco-Friendly Beauty Products
1) Bamboo Reusable Make-up Remover Pads
The first thing I was keen to swap was my make-up remover pads. I can go through up to 4 a day using my cleanser and toner, so finding reuseable ones would have a decent impact. I resisted for a while, just because I felt like it would be hard to wash a face full of make-up out of them, but figured I’d try and see. And if they were no good I could always go back to regular ol’ cotton pads.
I got the ones Amazon recommended – these Bamboo reusable make-up remover pads (aff link) – and they were pretty affordable at £9.99. It comes with 20 pads and a little bag to wash them in the washing machine. First impressions? THEY’RE SO SOFT. They actually remind me of a baby’s bamboo bath towel that my friend bought me at my baby shower. Like, way softer than regular cotton pads.
They feel a lot more sturdier when you use them, more like a flannel than pads. But not as absorbant, so the product goes on your face and not sucked up into the pads. Oh and they’re bigger than my regular ones, so get all of my make-up off in one go. I liked them! Soft on my skin, do the job and better for the environment – winner! Will definitely keep using these ones.
2) Plastic-free Cotton Buds and Dental Brushes
So. The guys over at The Humble Co offered to gift me some of their eco-friendly products and there were a few that seemed like no-brainers to me – their plastic-free cotton buds, corn starch floss picks and plastic-free interdental brushes (aff links). Because they’re things I use all the time, but had no idea that these environmentally-sound versions even existed.
And honestly? They’re pretty much the same as the plastic versions. Nothing was OH MY GOD YOU HAVE TO GET THESE about them, but they worked as perfectly as they should. Which really, when you’re looking for eco-friendly beauty swaps, is all you can ask for, right?
The cotton buds were soft and didn’t come apart and the dental brushes were ergonomic and easy-to-use. Oh and I will say that The Humble Co cotton buds are pink so look much cuter on my bathroom shelf. Again, totally happy to swap to these.
3) Bamboo toothbrushes
Here’s one I’m not so sure about – The Humble Co bamboo toothbrushes (aff link). I get that they’re better for the environment because they’re not plastic, and they’re biodegradable, but I just can’t deviate away from my electric toothbrush. I can’t do it. Although I will keep this handy as a travel toothbrush, when it’s too much hassle to bring my electric toothbrush, the holder, the charger, etc. Pretty nifty.
BUT they also sent me a children’s version (aff link). And I think that could be pretty cool for Indi! She’s using a baby/toddler one at the moment but once she’s a little older, I’m happy to swap to this Bamboo kids toothbrush to save me having to buy something plastic.
4) Intimina Menstrual Cup
The one eco-friendly swap I was apprehensive about was trying out a menstrual cup. The Intimina Lily Cup to be exact (gifted). On paper it seems like a pretty good thing to try, seeing as it would not only avoid using lots of disposable sanitary products, but would probably save you a bit of cash in the long run. And let’s face it, half of Instagram rave about how using a menstrual cup has changed their life.
But the idea of it is a bit stressful. Putting a whole CUP up there. Then the retrieval process… It feels like it’s going to be a lot.
Well, the babes at Intimina sent me their Lily Cup so I thought it was only polite to give it a go. Even though they did send me the larger size (size B) which made me lol. In their defence it’s for people that have had children, but still. Kinda wish I was a size A.
I’ve given it a go and my verdict is that it’s going to take a while to figure it out. I feel like on the first try, I rolled it up right, popped it out inside right and it felt comfy. I didn’t do the taking it out part right I don’t think, so I need to work on that. But it’s pretty cool that you don’t have to worry about having tampons on you or anything. You know that thing-that’s-stressful-but-shouldn’t-be-stressful when you have to take a tampon to the toilet at work and try to hide it. Well there’s none of that with the Lily Cup. You just empty it and pop it back in.
So after this first try I figured I was now a menstrual cup expert and tried it again. But my second try wasn’t as successful. Didn’t pop up right, was very uncomfortable and leakage occurred (I’m glad I tried this at home during lockdown). But like I said, I think it’s going to take some practice.
I’m keen to keep going with it, because I think it will really have an impact. And actually once the world returns to normal, this could be a great shout for travelling, when you don’t have to worry about taking so much period stuff. So yes, I’m not totally sold on it, but will keep giving this swap a go.
That’s all of my better-for-the-environment beauty swaps for now. But I’m keen to keep looking for these kind of things and trying to minimise my impact.
Let me know what you think – have you made any eco-friendly beauty swaps? Let me know!
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Total Blogger Transparancy: This post contains some gifted items and affiliate links but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.