Five environment-friendly alternatives to green up your beauty routine

As beauty girls, we’re always on the lookout for the best products, trends and techniques to help us achieve our beauty goals. Admittedly, there are times when these practices aren’t good for the environment. If you want to be greener with your beauty choices, it’s definitely a good idea to switch to brands that advocate and support environmental cause but in addition to that, you can help the planet by changing up your habits. Here are six things in your routine that are potentially harmful for the environment, and recommendations for what you can replace them with!

Trade your oil control film for rice sheet paper

It’s a staple in any oily-skinned gal’s makeup kit. Blotting papers are a must for preventing your face from looking like there was an oil spill, and should be used first before retouching to keep your base from turning cakey. Unfortunately, some oil control films are made from a thin plastic material that isn’t biodegradable. Opt instead for actual paper blotters that are made out of naturally-derived and biodegradable material. Our current fave: the Happy Skin Tickled Pink Skin Perfecting Super Absorbent Charcoal Blotting Sheets!      

Trade your ordinary sheet masks for bio-cellulose masks

As you probably know, we love us some sheet masks here on PV! However, those made from a paper-like material are designed to be resistant to moisture so they don’t disintegrate easily. For a more biodegradable material with a luxurious feel, go for bio-cellulose masks that are made from coconut products. They may be pricier but they often fit better on the face, feel just like second skin, and can be added to your compost. We still haven’t replaced the Leaders Bio masks as our absolute HG!

Trade those microbead-based exfoliators for gommage or natural abrasives exfoliators

Exfoliating your face is necessary for removing dead skin cells and giving your complexion a bright and healthy appearance. However, if your scrub is made from microbeads, you should ditch it without a second thought. Microbeads are actually getting banned from beauty products because they’re too tiny to be filtered and end up getting eaten by sea creatures which may also ingest when we eat seafood. Instead, raid your kitchen for natural abrasives like coffee grounds, sugar, or salt. We’re also constantly raving about Cure so this is the perfect excuse to try it.

Trade your disposable napkins and tampons for reusable alternatives like menstrual cups

Quick life update: I’ve been using my menstrual cup for four months now, and I just love how I never have to worry about stocking up supplies whenever I get my period! It’s a pretty penny to spend on in the beginning but when I compared it to how much I used to spend on tampons monthly, it’s a lot cheaper. They’re also better for the environment because you can use the cup for up to five years with proper care, compared to adding used feminine product to the garbage problem every month. If you’re not ready for the cup, you can also get reusable napkins, which are available online.

Trade your makeup wipes for cleansing oils and balms

I know: they’re so convenient to use but maybe save them for when you’re on a trip. Wet wipes contain non-biodegradable plastic fibers, which are responsible for making them more resilient compared to your usual paper tissues. They’re also difficult to use for removing waterproof makeup thoroughly; an oil-based cleanser like the In Her Element First Wash Cleansing Oil can get the job done faster and with less effort. You won’t need to use any cotton pads or need to rinse too much since it’s formulated to wash off easily.

Will you be switching to these environment-friendly alternatives? What other eco-friendly beauty alternatives can you recommend?