by Sarah Parrish

Created on: July 20, 2011

From choices in packaging to pure quantities used, there are easy steps any makeup-wearer can take to being an eco-friendly consumer.  When shopping, remember to buy things that come in minimal packaging.  Try to stay away from aerosols.  Consider getting a low-maintenance haircut and only wearing makeup for occasions above the norm.

Packaging

Buy packages that can be collapsed easily or recycled.  Hairspray is something to avoid, as is mousse.  If you need something to hold your hair in place, consider hair gel or wax. 

Reduce Use

Don't wear makeup every day.  Save it for special occasions.  If you do want to wear makeup every day, decide whether or not you really need to use all the products you normally do or if there are a few you can live without.  Remember - if you wear makeup every day, it'll be harder to dress up for those occasions when you really want to stand out.

Go Without

Get a low-maintenance beauty regiment, including a low-maintenance hairstyle.  Avoid blow-drying.  Hair products are often unnecessary if you don't need to style your hair.  You'll be saving more than just the environment; you'll be saving yourself hours every week.

Opt for Organic

Some makeup supplies are better than others.  Mineral-based makeup looks great and blends in with natural skin tones, but doesn't do as much damage to the environment as makeup that relies on chemicals and synthetics.

Rollers

Put your hair in rollers rather than using a curling iron, if you really want curls.  Sleeping in rollers isn't as uncomfortable as it sounds if you tie a scarf around your head to prevent them from shifting around.  Not only does it save you time in the morning, but you'll find you don't need to wash your hair every day, as many people think they do.  This reduces shampoo usage and lets your hair develop a natural protective oil, which is actually good for it.  Some people wash their hair only once a week and style it often so it still looks good during the week.

Try Samples

Trying out samples of a product before you buy a full-sized container can save you money and can save products going to waste, especially if you find out after trying it that you don't like it or that you have some kind of allergic reaction to it.

Do It Yourself

There are many recipes online for beauty products.  Lotion, soap, foundation, lip gloss, and facial masks are all easy to make from only a few ingredients.  Making your own saves you money and reduces the number of chemicals being bought, sold, and produced.  The containers you use can also be reused when you run out.

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