From refillable deodorant to reusable cleansing pads, these mindful swaps can help us be a little kinder on our planet
This article is sponsored by Essie, Dentek, NYX Professional Makeup, Boots Glow, 17., Botanics & Wild
If you think the values of the beauty industry have shifted in recent years, you’d be right. And if you’re anything like us, you’ve become more inclined to choose products consciously, buying beauty staples that inflict less damage to our environment – a movement we can certainly get on board with!
From vegan-friendly formulas to recyclable packaging, here’s what you need to know about this new mindful movement in order to make your beauty routine a little kinder to the planet.
What is conscious beauty?
So, what does “conscious beauty” mean? It’s a phrase that so many of us might come across in our daily life, but the true meaning can escape us–sound like you? Well, trust us when we say you’re not alone.
To keep it short and sweet, conscious beauty is a term that refers to the way we approach our beauty routines. Rather than just picking products off the shelf because we like the packaging, we’re encouraged to deep dive into a brand’s actions and core beliefs. This can give us confidence that the products we use align with our own values.
Why make conscious beauty & toiletry swaps?
To be kinder to the planet of course! Many of us use products without any real idea of the effect it has on the planet. We’re not just talking about what products are made of, but we’re also referring to how they are made and disposed of too.
So, what can we do to help? Making a simple switch to reusable products is a great example as they are more sustainable than using single use products. By doing this, we’re minimising the number of products sent to landfill each year and reducing greenhouse gas emissions – a simple swap that could make a huge environmental impact.
You may have noticed that some of your favourite brands have started to support this new mindful movement too. Here at Boots, we’re doing our bit to help keep our planet beautiful with our “Recycle at Boots” scheme. We encourage customers to bring their empty beauty, health, wellness and dental products, from any brand, that can’t be recycled at home. All you have to do is register online by visiting our Recycle at Boots third-party website here. Start scanning your products and upload them onto the site at home. After 24 hours, bring your empties into a Boots store and scan the QR code on the deposit box. The packaging then gets recycled into new products.
Customers can also easily identify the right products for them using our “Be More” shopping edit on boots.com, which features more than 600 products and helps customers to shop sustainably by filtering products that are plastic-free, recycled, reusable, vegan and cruelty free.
The important thing to remember is you don’t need to change every product in your daily routine to help make a difference. Even switching out one product is a great start and it’s rewarding to feel like you’re doing your bit.
The best vegan, refillable, plastic-free & reusable beauty & toiletry products
Making conscious beauty swaps has become a lot easier in recent years. Now, the options when buying these types of products are vast rather than few and far between. Many big beauty brands are acknowledging this shift in attitude, with some reflecting this by moving to plastic-free packaging or vegan-friendly formulas. What does this mean for us? There’s never been a better time to make it mindful. Here are some of our favourite vegan-friendly, refillable, plastic-free and reusable products.
Vegan-friendly formulas
Try: NYX Professional Makeup Smoothing Marshmellow Root Infused Super Face Primer
• Size: 30ml
• Vegan
Kickstart your make-up routine with this 10-in-1 vegan smoothing primer. Why 10-in-1? The list of make-up-extending benefits this offers is off the charts! It smooths, softens, hydrates and so much more. This 100% vegan formula contains no silicones. Swipe the soft whipped texture onto your skin and let it dry down to keep your make-up looking fresh.
Try: 17. Another Level Volume Mascara
• Size: 9ml
• Ophthalmologically tested
• Vegan-friendly
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly make-up swap this Another Level Volume Mascara by 17. is a great place to start. One swipe gives your lashes a striking look, while the buildable formula also lets you create massive volume without the burden of weighing your lashes down – get lashes that wow with vegan-friendly make-up that puts your values first.
Try: Botanics Organic Overnight Facial Oil
• Size: 25ml
• 100% organic
• Cruelty-free
• Suitable for vegans
An organic facial oil that’s cruelty-free and suitable for vegans? Yes, please! Both restorative and nourishing, this skincare staple is formulated to improve the appearance of dry and dehydrated skin. A calming blend of lavender, geranium and chamomile work in harmony to help you feel relaxed and prepared for sleep. Making this swap is as easy as one, two, zzz.
Try: Essie Hard To Resist Nail Strengthener
• Size: 13.5ml
• Clinically tested
Essie have really nailed it with this strengthening treatment for weak or damaged nails. It uses clinically tested MSM technology to act as a protective barrier for your nails, making them visibly healthier after only three days use. The wide angled brush also makes flawless application easy, giving your nails a subtle glow and smoother texture in just one swipe.
Refillable body care
Try: Wild Aqua Case and Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt Deodorant Refill - Starter Pack
• One aqua reusable aluminium case
• One fresh cotton & sea salt scented natural deodorant refill
• Vegan
Say goodbye to the throwaway culture of everyday bathroom products and go wild for refillable natural deodorant. The energising fresh cotton and sea salt scent is the breath of fresh air your skin needs to start your day off on a positive note. Did we mention it’s a 24-hour odour protective formula? Aluminium free, vegan and single-use plastic-free, it’s the deodorant that delivers.
Plastic-free oral care
Try: Dentek Earth Friendly Birch IDB Multi-pack (ISO 1, 2 & 3) 6s
• Size: six units
We love the practicality of these interdental brushes. With handles made from recyclable birch wood, they are a great addition to your dental hygiene routine. This marvellous multi-pack contains six interdental brushes featuring a variety of bristle sizes. Not only are they effective at removing food and plaque, but the thin bristles make them perfect for those hard-to-reach places.
Reusable beauty
Try: Boots Glow Reusable Cleansing Pads 3s
• Size: six units
These Boots Glow Reusable Cleansing Pads are a great way to reduce your volume of household waste. Rather than throwing them away after one use, pop them in a 30° wash and use them time and time again. The perfect companion for your daily cleansing routine, these practical pads are also housed in a recyclable carton – no single-use plastic here!
