The way we do things is changing so quickly in this crazy world in which we live. As we navigate the ins and outs of our new normal, I want everyone to remember to keep recycling. To do our part in making the world a better place to live, Nyquist Elementary School is part of the TerraCycle, Plant Green and ColorCycle programs. We are trying to save the planet one brigade at a time. We are slowly getting people to recycle the unique items that can be reused and kept out of the landfills.   TerraCycle is a program that not only recycles those hard to recycle items but also offers fundraising opportunities. While the school has bins in place at their facility, Emily Miller felt a need to make them more accessible to the community to help raise awareness on the importance of recycling. You will find bins for Eos products at Spire Credit Union, Colgate oral care (accepting all brands of toothpaste tubes, floss containers and packaging) at the Isle Dentist office, personal care beauty products (accepting lipstick tubes, mascara tubes, pump tops from lotion bottles, shampoo bottles, etc.) at JJ’s Shear Beauty. Isle Hardware Hank has a bin for Febreze products such as air freshener cartridges, plugins, packaging, and Febreze one trigger spray bottles. On your next stop to Thompson’s Lake Country Drug, be sure to bring your disposable razors to be recycled. They will accept all brands, packaging and disposable razor heads. The following items can be recycled at the school. GoGo Squeez pouches and caps, Contacts blister packs and contacts, Arm & Hammer and Oxiclean Laundry soap pouches, L.O.L. Surprize Packaging, accessories and products, #6 Rigid plastic cups (Solo) and not Solo, Popsockets, Swiffer refills, and Bunch O Balloons packaging, balloons, stem, etc.   The ColorCycle program accepts all brands, sizes and types of markers. You may drop your old, dried up markers in the bin at City Hall.   Plant Green offers recycling for ink cartridges. Those items may be dropped off at First National Bank.   For more information on what products can be recycled, please visit the bin locations. Each bin contains an information sheet on what they accept. I will also add information to my webpage on the district website. I want to thank Emily Miller and the area businesses for partnering with Nyquist Elementary on this project and helping to keep our Earth clean and beautiful. I encourage you to start collecting these highly used items and drop them off on your next trip to town. As one person, you may feel that you cannot make an impact, but as a community, we can start to change the world. Now, imagine if everyone in every community participated. Imagine the impact that would make on our environment. I hope you will get out and help save our planet. Afterall, Earth is for everyone.   Guest columnist Melisa Maxwell is the dean of students at Isle Public Schools.

The way we do things is changing so quickly in this crazy world in which we live. As we navigate the ins and outs of our new normal, I want everyone to remember to keep recycling. To do our part in making the world a better place to live, Nyquist Elementary School is part of the TerraCycle, Plant Green and ColorCycle programs. We are trying to save the planet one brigade at a time. We are slowly getting people to recycle the unique items that can be reused and kept out of the landfills.   TerraCycle is a program that not only recycles those hard to recycle items but also offers fundraising opportunities. While the school has bins in place at their facility, Emily Miller felt a need to make them more accessible to the community to help raise awareness on the importance of recycling. You will find bins for Eos products at Spire Credit Union, Colgate oral care (accepting all brands of toothpaste tubes, floss containers and packaging) at the Isle Dentist office, personal care beauty products (accepting lipstick tubes, mascara tubes, pump tops from lotion bottles, shampoo bottles, etc.) at JJ’s Shear Beauty. Isle Hardware Hank has a bin for Febreze products such as air freshener cartridges, plugins, packaging, and Febreze one trigger spray bottles. On your next stop to Thompson’s Lake Country Drug, be sure to bring your disposable razors to be recycled. They will accept all brands, packaging and disposable razor heads. The following items can be recycled at the school. GoGo Squeez pouches and caps, Contacts blister packs and contacts, Arm & Hammer and Oxiclean Laundry soap pouches, L.O.L. Surprize Packaging, accessories and products, #6 Rigid plastic cups (Solo) and not Solo, Popsockets, Swiffer refills, and Bunch O Balloons packaging, balloons, stem, etc.   The ColorCycle program accepts all brands, sizes and types of markers. You may drop your old, dried up markers in the bin at City Hall.   Plant Green offers recycling for ink cartridges. Those items may be dropped off at First National Bank.   For more information on what products can be recycled, please visit the bin locations. Each bin contains an information sheet on what they accept. I will also add information to my webpage on the district website. I want to thank Emily Miller and the area businesses for partnering with Nyquist Elementary on this project and helping to keep our Earth clean and beautiful. I encourage you to start collecting these highly used items and drop them off on your next trip to town. As one person, you may feel that you cannot make an impact, but as a community, we can start to change the world. Now, imagine if everyone in every community participated. Imagine the impact that would make on our environment. I hope you will get out and help save our planet. Afterall, Earth is for everyone.   Guest columnist Melisa Maxwell is the dean of students at Isle Public Schools.

With a large portion of storefronts shuttered across the country, the retail business is being slammed by the fight against COVID-19. In this edition of Beauty Independent’s ongoing series posing questions relevant to beauty entrepreneurs, we ask 12 retailers: What can beauty brands do to help you get through this crisis?

Empty it out

  As a rule of thumb, containers need to be rinsed and free of product before being recycled.   Fragrances and products like nail varnish, polish remover and aftershave are considered hazardous waste and unsafe for recycling.   “Anything that has product left in it should go back to a household hazardous waste depot, where they make sure the materials go in the right place,” says Nadine Kerr, manager of resource recovery for Solid Waste Management Services at the City of Toronto.   “It can cause equipment breakdown and hazards for the people who are working at these facilities.”   In particular, aerosol cans must be completely emptied and depressurized – failure to remove excess product can cause an explosion while the can is being processed. Waste processing varies between municipalities.   In Toronto, the main guide for recycling protocol is the TOwaste app. Elsewhere, check with your local municipality.  

Don’t just hope for the best

  Chucking your empties, even if they’re thoroughly rinsed, into the blue bin simply doesn’t cut it.   “Aspirational recycling” refers to when “consumers aren’t sure if something’s recyclable or if it will get recycled because maybe it has some product in it, but they put it in anyway because they want to give it a chance,” says Michael Waas, global vice president of brand partnerships at TerraCycle.   When not separated, mixed-component packaging – even if made up of entirely recyclable matter – can’t be processed by most municipal recycling streams.   “The line will kick out [contaminated] products, and usually the products surrounding them, because they’re operating very quickly and with a huge volume,” says Waas.   Facilities are ill-equipped to sort through the tiny components (think multi-part pumps and caps) found in cosmetic vessels and their packages.   Coils and spiral bindings, such as the ones found in pump bottles, cannot be recycled by municipal recycling streams and belong in the trash.  

Understand the signs

  The Mobius loop – an international recycling symbol – does not guarantee a product will be recycled through your city’s stream. However, the numbers within the loop indicate the type of plastic used in the product.   “The good news is if you have a container that has a number five or one, that product is all made of a single resin,” says Kerr, and that means those products are easier to recycle.   Look out for number seven plastics – they’re often made up of multiple resins, making them more difficult to recycle.  

Not the answer

  On the surface, biodegradable plastics may seem like a miraculous solution to the waste crisis, but packaging made of polylactic acid (a common biodegradable plastic derived from corn) won’t decompose unless it’s processed at a high-efficiency composting facility.   “Biodegradable packaging doesn’t add a lot of value to the compost, and, as a result, composters don’t really want it,” says Waas.   “The only sustainable solution is designing single use [plastics] out of the equation.”  

Buy Greener

  Use your purchasing power to put the onus on brands to streamline the recycling process.   “Recycling is an economics challenge in that there is a technical recycling solution for absolutely every product and package,” says Waas. “The question is whether it makes economic sense for it to be recycled.”   Most non-recyclable waste is considered as such because the cost to collect it exceeds the price for which the recovered material is sold.   TerraCycle, the global recycling program behind Loop, has collection programs with brands like Caudalie, Weleda, Burt’s Bees and EOS, which are willing to absorb those costs.   Return your brand-specific empties either by mail (free of charge) or in-store, and they will be remoulded into new products. If you aren’t brand-loyal, companies like L’Occitane, The Detox Market andDeciem have also partnered with TerraCycle and accept any product packaging at select locations.  

REFS

Published on ellecanada.com

EMPTY IT OUT

  As a rule of thumb, containers need to be rinsed and free of product before being recycled. Fragrances and products like nail varnish, polish remover and aftershave are considered hazardous waste and unsafe for recycling. “Anything that has product left in it should go back to a household hazardous waste depot, where they make sure the materials go in the right place,” says Nadine Kerr, manager of resource recovery for Solid Waste Management Services at the City of Toronto. “It can cause equipment breakdown and hazards for the people who are working at these facilities.” In particular, aerosol cans must be completely emptied and depressurized – failure to remove excess product can cause an explosion while the can is being processed. Waste processing varies between municipalities. In Toronto, the main guide for recycling protocol is the TOwaste app. Elsewhere, check with your local municipality.  

DON’T JUST HOPE FOR THE BEST

  Chucking your empties, even if they’re thoroughly rinsed, into the blue bin simply doesn’t cut it. “Aspirational recycling” refers to when “consumers aren’t sure if something’s recyclable or if it will get recycled because maybe it has some product in it, but they put it in anyway because they want to give it a chance,” says Michael Waas, global vice president of brand partnerships at TerraCycle. When not separated, mixed-component packaging – even if made up of entirely recyclable matter – can’t be processed by most municipal recycling streams. “The line will kick out [contaminated] products, and usually the products surrounding them, because they’re operating very quickly and with a huge volume,” says Waas. Facilities are ill-equipped to sort through the tiny components (think multi-part pumps and caps) found in cosmetic vessels and their packages. Coils and spiral bindings, such as the ones found in pump bottles, cannot be recycled by municipal recycling streams and belong in the trash.  

UNDERSTAND THE SIGNS

  The Mobius loop – an international recycling symbol – does not guarantee a product will be recycled through your city’s stream. However, the numbers within the loop indicate the type of plastic used in the product. “The good news is if you have a container that has a number five or one, that product is all made of a single resin,” says Kerr, and that means those products are easier to recycle. Look out for number seven plastics – they’re often made up of multiple resins, making them more difficult to recycle.  

NOT THE ANSWER

  On the surface, biodegradable plastics may seem like a miraculous solution to the waste crisis, but packaging made of polylactic acid (a common biodegradable plastic derived from corn) won’t decompose unless it’s processed at a high-efficiency composting facility. “Biodegradable packaging doesn’t add a lot of value to the compost, and, as a result, composters don’t really want it,” says Waas. “The only sustainable solution is designing single use [plastics] out of the equation.”  

BUY GREENER

  Use your purchasing power to put the onus on brands to streamline the recycling process. “Recycling is an economics challenge in that there is a technical recycling solution for absolutely every product and package,” says Waas. “The question is whether it makes economic sense for it to be recycled.” Most non-recyclable waste is considered as such because the cost to collect it exceeds the price for which the recovered material is sold. TerraCycle, the global recycling program behind Loop, has collection programs with brands like Caudalie, Weleda, Burt’s Bees and EOS, which are willing to absorb those costs. Return your brand-specific empties either by mail (free of charge) or in-store, and they will be remoulded into new products. If you aren’t brand-loyal, companies like L’Occitane, The Detox Market and Deciem have also partnered with TerraCycle and accept any product packaging at select locations.   This article originally appeared in the April 2020 issue of ELLE Canada.

Beauty isn’t just about expressing our natural external beauty. It’s about showing our inner personality while caring for the world God created. Here are 6 beauty companies that are making a difference in the environment through natural ingredients, packaging and earth care…  

1. Lush has a “less is more” philosophy for packaging. Your body will love their ingredients, your heart will love their handmade goods and the earth loves their minimal packaging. Available in store and online.
2. Meow Meow Tweet’s products, if used properly, go a long way and their products and cardboard packing are biodegradable. Available online and at Target.
3. Love Beauty and Planet packages their products in post-consumer recycled plastic to reduce waste. Our favorite products are their fast rinsing conditioners (which help save water during showers) and their aerosol free hairspray. Available online, at Target and
4. Seed Phytonutrients uses shower safe cardboard that can be separated from their minimalist plastic containers for easy recycling. Their paper packaging is compostable, and every product includes a seed packet that you can plant in your backyard! Available Online.
5. Ethique knows that bar products are safer on the environment than products stored in plastic bottles. All their products (including their shampoo) are in long-lasting bar form. Available at Amazon.
6. Splat Naturals Semi-Permanent Hair Color offers anything but natural colors, but they use minimal packaging and healthy ingredients, so have fun picking an outrageous shade to express your vibrant personality. Available online.

  Here are a few other tips for “going green” when it comes to your beauty products.  

Buy the biggest bottles possible.

Purchasing one extra-large bottle saves a lot of plastic compared to buying multiple smaller bottles.  

Not all packaging is recyclable.

Terracycle.com allows you to recycle your beauty products for free. Just join, collect your used beauty products, download a free shipping label and send in your waste to be recycled.  The following beauty brands are a part of their program:  

• Burt’s Bees
• Gillette and Venus Razors
• Tom’s of Maine
• Garnier
• EOS

We all recognise how important it is to take care of our Skin but very few of us actually remember than lips have skin too. Our lip skin endures so much throughout the day and yet we rarely take care of it further than the daily lipstick application, most of us even forget that it needs SPF protection too.   I have been on the lookout for good lip balms that don’t just give you a few seconds of perceived moisturisation but actually nourish and moisturise the lip skin. In this post we will be looking at the eos shimmer Lip Balm and figuring out whether it’s worth your time and cash.   If you missed previous posts check out:   Cheaper and Better Than Your Lip Balm? Check out the Oryza Dewy Glow Skin Beauty Balm In-Depth Review and Ingredient Analysis   INCredible Jelly Shot Lip Quencher – In-depth Review and Ingredient Analysis   Estée Lauder Lip Conditioner – In Depth Review and Ingredient Analysis   SPF Protection for Lips – Mega Battle: Carmex VS Maybelline VS Nivea VS Blistex – In depth Reviews and Ingredient Analyses   We all recognise how important it is to take care of our Skin but very few of us actually remember than lips have skin too. Our lip skin endures so much throughout the day and yet we rarely take care of it further than the daily lipstick application, most of us even forget that it needs SPF protection too.   I have been on the lookout for good lip balms that don’t just give you a few seconds of perceived moisturisation but actually nourish and moisturise the lip skin. In this post we will be looking at the eos shimmer Lip Balm and figuring out whether it’s worth your time and cash.   If you missed previous posts check out:   Cheaper and Better Than Your Lip Balm? Check out the Oryza Dewy Glow Skin Beauty Balm In-Depth Review and Ingredient Analysis   INCredible Jelly Shot Lip Quencher – In-depth Review and Ingredient Analysis   Estée Lauder Lip Conditioner – In Depth Review and Ingredient Analysis   SPF Protection for Lips – Mega Battle: Carmex VS Maybelline VS Nivea VS Blistex – In depth Reviews and Ingredient Analyses       Packaging   The eos lip balm comes in black outer packaging which looks simple but yet stands out. The lip balm itself comes in a matte black plastic ball with a pink-orange design.   Colour   The eos lip balms come in many different types and colours. It was hard to figure out how many of these exist as not all of them appeared on the eos website. Nevertheless, the one shown in the picture and tested in this post is the eos Shimmer lip balm in Coral.   It has a shimmery orange shade but the colour is very transparent and doesn’t make the lips orange at all (this might depend on the natural shade of your lips). The shimmery part though is very beautiful, it gives the lips a nice glow that doesn’t look or feel heavy or sticky.   Texture and Finish   The balm has a gel-oil type of texture when it’s on the lips. It’s neither oily or sticky but neither thick and it spreads easily and evenly like a gel.   The finish is gorgeous, the shimmery aspect is very beautiful and the lips don’t feel heavy or sticky.   Smell and Taste?   This balm has a very faint scent that is hard to define. The closest I can describe it is something between vanilla and a crayon.   I’ve added a taste category here too, but please don’t eat this. The category is here simply because practically whether you want to or not, it’s not uncommon to lick your lips or somehow taste the balm off your lips while you eat or drink something.   This balm doesn’t taste of anything.   Longevity   This is a very important category for lip balms because many of them feel nice the first couple of minutes but most of them disappear quickly and without offering the skin lasting results.   This balm lasts longer than many others out there (this depends heavily on how you eat, drink and speak though) and it leaves the skin soft and smooth. It might not give you a skincare overhaul but it’s a nice quick fix solution for dry lips.         Price   A full size, 7g sphere retails for £6.50. Not the cheapest lip balm but it looks great and the ingredients are not bad either.   Practicality of use – user experience   This lip balm is very easy to use even if you are not a fan of sphere balms. It’s also very practical and easy to just throw in a handbag without having to worry that it will get damaged.   Skin compatibility   Lip skin compatibility is not as detailed or researched as much as our face skin, so one can only assume that this lip balm is suitable for all. Avoid using any cosmetics if your skin is broken or has open wounds.   Additionally, this product does not contain any skin type specific products.  

Other

  This balm lasts for 12M. This product is dermatologically tested and gluten free but not vegan (contains beeswax).   I couldn’t find this lip balm on the eos website but here’s what the brand states on the packaging:   “Light shimmery soft lips Eos Shimmer, enriched with hydrating jojoba oil, shea butter, and anti-oxidant vitamin E, enhances your lips with a touch of colour and shine.”   Ethics   It wouldn’t be ethical if we didn’t talk about the credibility of this section. It is very hard to impossible most of the time to verify the information or credibility of the sources, so please take this section with a pinch of salt unless stated otherwise. This section is not meant to be definitive and is most likely more about reputation around those subjects than credible information. If you have additional or more correct information please email: bondsofbeautymail@gmail.com   Eos supports sustainable sourcing and they are an active member of the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), a non-profit industry association. They also support I Am That Girl, a non-profit organization helping girls to transform self-doubt into self-love.   They partnered with TerraCycle to make their sphere balms out of recyclable packaging. You can participate in the eos recycling program for free. To learn more click here: eos & TerraCyle   They state that they do not test on animals but some of their products are sold in China were animal testing is required.   Results   I have very dry lips all year round that peel multiple times on a daily basis and I thought that this lip balm was cute enough to want to use constantly but also kept my lips soft and moisturised. It stays on the lips for a while but of course the exact time depends on whether you are eating, drinking or talking in the meantime.       Ingredients   This lip balm is not exactly skincare but it does contain some ingredient goodies that will help moisturise your skin.   To keep this article short, I am only listing the skin nourishing or skin positive/negative ingredients and ignoring the ones that only play formulation or pigmentation purposes. For the full list of this product’s ingredients scroll down to the “full list of ingredients” section.     Ingredient positives:  

1. Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil –A skin replenishing, emollient and anti-oxidant.
2. Beeswax/Cera Alba (Cire d’abeille) – A skin conditioner and fragrance. It is said to help heal inflammation, bruises and burns and can also help temporarily with itching. It is particularly beneficial for dry skin as it can help moisturise and create a waterproof barrier on the skin. It can also be a source of Vitamin A.
3. Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil – A skin conditioner that is high in anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial fatty acids. Provides deep hydration and conditioning to skin. Some research shows that it can improve skin’s elasticity and by extent perhaps slowing down wrinkle formation.
4. Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil– Also known as Jojoba oil, a skin conditioner that can enhance the skin’s restorative properties.
5. Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract – A good skin conditioner. Helps retain moisture by forming a barrier and reduces the appearance of rough patches and dry flakes. Anti-flammatory, soothes itchy, irritated or sunburnt skin. Absorbs UVB, anti-oxidant, emollient, skin replenishing.
6. Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil – Moisturiser and skin conditioner.
7. Tocopherol – Refers to a class of compounds with similar activities to vitamin E. A skin conditioner, anti-oxidant and fragrance agent. Check out: Vitamins C & E – Do they work in skin care?
8. Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil– Anti-oxidant, skin conditioner and fragrance.

  Ingredient negatives:    N/A   Ingredients that can cause irritation to some:   This is actually really case specific, as different people have different sensitivities and allergies. Just because a compound has been reported by some to cause sensitivity, it doesn’t mean you will have an issue. “Sensitizer” compounds being present is not a negative in my opinion, as this is the case with pretty much everything out there and funnily enough I’ve seen products that are targeted specifically for sensitive skin, containing some compounds that have been reported by some, or are known to be, sensitizers.   If you have sensitive skin or you are prone to skin sensitisation and unwanted reactions, try a little bit of this at the back of your hand first and consult a medical doctor if you are concerned.   Check out: What is sensitive skin? What are the causes and what can we do?   The following compounds present in this spray have been either proven or claimed by some to be sensitizers, irritants, allergens etc: Natural Flavor (Aroma), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil.   Full list of ingredients:   Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Beeswax/Cera Alba (Cire d’abeille), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Natural Flavor (Aroma), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Mica, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Red 6(CI 15850).      

Verdict

  This lip balm is not the best skincare product you could use on your lips but it is a very good lip balm for when you are on the go. It looks great and it doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. Plus it moisturisers the lips and keeps them soft.   I am not affiliated with any company or brand. These are my views and experiences.   Beauty is a very personal thing, we all have different skin, requirements and biological build which can influence things. What worked for me might not work for you and vice versa. Have you ever tried these products? Did they work for you? Let me know your experiences below!     Packaging   The eos lip balm comes in black outer packaging which looks simple but yet stands out. The lip balm itself comes in a matte black plastic ball with a pink-orange design.   Colour   The eos lip balms come in many different types and colours. It was hard to figure out how many of these exist as not all of them appeared on the eos website. Nevertheless, the one shown in the picture and tested in this post is the eos Shimmer lip balm in Coral.   It has a shimmery orange shade but the colour is very transparent and doesn’t make the lips orange at all (this might depend on the natural shade of your lips). The shimmery part though is very beautiful, it gives the lips a nice glow that doesn’t look or feel heavy or sticky.   Texture and Finish   The balm has a gel-oil type of texture when it’s on the lips. It’s neither oily or sticky but neither thick and it spreads easily and evenly like a gel.   The finish is gorgeous, the shimmery aspect is very beautiful and the lips don’t feel heavy or sticky.   Smell and Taste?   This balm has a very faint scent that is hard to define. The closest I can describe it is something between vanilla and a crayon.   I’ve added a taste category here too, but please don’t eat this. The category is here simply because practically whether you want to or not, it’s not uncommon to lick your lips or somehow taste the balm off your lips while you eat or drink something.   This balm doesn’t taste of anything.   Longevity   This is a very important category for lip balms because many of them feel nice the first couple of minutes but most of them disappear quickly and without offering the skin lasting results.   This balm lasts longer than many others out there (this depends heavily on how you eat, drink and speak though) and it leaves the skin soft and smooth. It might not give you a skincare overhaul but it’s a nice quick fix solution for dry lips.       Price   A full size, 7g sphere retails for £6.50. Not the cheapest lip balm but it looks great and the ingredients are not bad either.   Practicality of use – user experience   This lip balm is very easy to use even if you are not a fan of sphere balms. It’s also very practical and easy to just throw in a handbag without having to worry that it will get damaged.   Skin compatibility   Lip skin compatibility is not as detailed or researched as much as our face skin, so one can only assume that this lip balm is suitable for all. Avoid using any cosmetics if your skin is broken or has open wounds.   Additionally, this product does not contain any skin type specific products.  

Other

  This balm lasts for 12M. This product is dermatologically tested and gluten free but not vegan (contains beeswax).   I couldn’t find this lip balm on the eos website but here’s what the brand states on the packaging:   “Light shimmery soft lips Eos Shimmer, enriched with hydrating jojoba oil, shea butter, and anti-oxidant vitamin E, enhances your lips with a touch of colour and shine.”   Ethics   It wouldn’t be ethical if we didn’t talk about the credibility of this section. It is very hard to impossible most of the time to verify the information or credibility of the sources, so please take this section with a pinch of salt unless stated otherwise. This section is not meant to be definitive and is most likely more about reputation around those subjects than credible information. If you have additional or more correct information please email: bondsofbeautymail@gmail.com   Eos supports sustainable sourcing and they are an active member of the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), a non-profit industry association. They also support I Am That Girl, a non-profit organization helping girls to transform self-doubt into self-love.   They partnered with TerraCycle to make their sphere balms out of recyclable packaging. You can participate in the eos recycling program for free. To learn more click here: eos & TerraCyle   They state that they do not test on animals but some of their products are sold in China were animal testing is required.   Results   I have very dry lips all year round that peel multiple times on a daily basis and I thought that this lip balm was cute enough to want to use constantly but also kept my lips soft and moisturised. It stays on the lips for a while but of course the exact time depends on whether you are eating, drinking or talking in the meantime.     Ingredients   This lip balm is not exactly skincare but it does contain some ingredient goodies that will help moisturise your skin.   To keep this article short, I am only listing the skin nourishing or skin positive/negative ingredients and ignoring the ones that only play formulation or pigmentation purposes. For the full list of this product’s ingredients scroll down to the “full list of ingredients” section.     Ingredient positives:  

1. Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil –A skin replenishing, emollient and anti-oxidant.
2. Beeswax/Cera Alba (Cire d’abeille) – A skin conditioner and fragrance. It is said to help heal inflammation, bruises and burns and can also help temporarily with itching. It is particularly beneficial for dry skin as it can help moisturise and create a waterproof barrier on the skin. It can also be a source of Vitamin A.
3. Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil – A skin conditioner that is high in anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial fatty acids. Provides deep hydration and conditioning to skin. Some research shows that it can improve skin’s elasticity and by extent perhaps slowing down wrinkle formation.
4. Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil– Also known as Jojoba oil, a skin conditioner that can enhance the skin’s restorative properties.
5. Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract – A good skin conditioner. Helps retain moisture by forming a barrier and reduces the appearance of rough patches and dry flakes. Anti-flammatory, soothes itchy, irritated or sunburnt skin. Absorbs UVB, anti-oxidant, emollient, skin replenishing.
6. Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil – Moisturiser and skin conditioner.
7. Tocopherol – Refers to a class of compounds with similar activities to vitamin E. A skin conditioner, anti-oxidant and fragrance agent. Check out: Vitamins C & E – Do they work in skin care?
8. Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil– Anti-oxidant, skin conditioner and fragrance.

  Ingredient negatives:    N/A   Ingredients that can cause irritation to some:   This is actually really case specific, as different people have different sensitivities and allergies. Just because a compound has been reported by some to cause sensitivity, it doesn’t mean you will have an issue. “Sensitizer” compounds being present is not a negative in my opinion, as this is the case with pretty much everything out there and funnily enough I’ve seen products that are targeted specifically for sensitive skin, containing some compounds that have been reported by some, or are known to be, sensitizers.   If you have sensitive skin or you are prone to skin sensitisation and unwanted reactions, try a little bit of this at the back of your hand first and consult a medical doctor if you are concerned.   Check out: What is sensitive skin? What are the causes and what can we do?   The following compounds present in this spray have been either proven or claimed by some to be sensitizers, irritants, allergens etc: Natural Flavor (Aroma), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil.   Full list of ingredients:   Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Beeswax/Cera Alba (Cire d’abeille), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Natural Flavor (Aroma), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Mica, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Red 6(CI 15850).    

Verdict

  This lip balm is not the best skincare product you could use on your lips but it is a very good lip balm for when you are on the go. It looks great and it doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. Plus it moisturisers the lips and keeps them soft.   I am not affiliated with any company or brand. These are my views and experiences.   Beauty is a very personal thing, we all have different skin, requirements and biological build which can influence things. What worked for me might not work for you and vice versa. Have you ever tried these products? Did they work for you? Let me know your experiences below!

And help keep it that way

1. A copy of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up because the first step to a truly decluttered space is actually getting rid of stuff — and this method works for me and lots of other people.

I mean yes, you can also totally watch the Netflix show and learn everything you need to know to get started! But the book's packed with extra motivation and tips. (Although I don't think it's the end-all be-all of how to live, I've used her system for my clothes and shoes, and it really does work.)   (If the whole system seems a little — or very — impractical to you, though, I also recommend Rachel Hoffman's Unf*ck Your Habitat)   Popular

2. A pocketed shower curtain liner that, besides keeping the water inside your shower where it belongs, can hold ALL of your stuff (yes, even if you have a ton of it) BEHIND your pretty shower curtain, removing it from the edges of the tub where it's an eyesore. And with the bottles off the ledges, your bathroom will be extra simple to wipe down on cleaning day, too. 

One of our editors uses this in her shower and loves it — read her review.   Promising review: "I have four boys and a husband and one bathroom that only has a small shower. Every child and adult has their own body wash, shampoo, loofa thing, and adults have razors. That's six people using one small shower that literally has no space to store things. I was afraid this thing would rip with how much crap I was gonna store in it. Nope. It didn't. There is a pocket for everyone plus some. The plastic is like a thick heavy duty better than your average plastic shower curtain liner. The pockets hold up well to daily use and it folds pretty well with all the crap in it as well. Tiny home/large family people need this. People who have a never ending supply of shower things need this. And it all hides behind my decorative shower curtain. :)" —LavoneMoltron    

3. Or if you just know your shower curtain rod a little too well and suspect its tension won't hold with the weight of all your products, a rustproof shower caddy because it has enough space for two people's daily routine and features a locking system (and two lower-third suction cups) so it basically never falls down.

Promising review: "Very well designed! Very functional while maintaining good aesthetics. Comes with rubber clamps if you're storing heavy bottles or the likes so that the caddy doesn't move." —Dheeraj

4. A pack of six stackable clear organizers — they'll divvy up all your drawers so you can a) find everything super easily and b) make the most of every inch of vertical space in your drawers. All of which = way less stuff you have to store out on your cabinet.

You can arrange and rearrange them however you need, and because they're clear, it's easy to find the stuff in the bottom layer — you can simply see through.   Promising review: "These are life saving for clutter. My bathroom vanity drawer has always been a mess and I can never find what I need. This product is amazingly perfect so much so I bought a second set for one of the drawers in the kitchen." —MarolynGentles

5. A nail polish organizer that essentially lays all your color options out like a menu — you'll always be able to see exactly what you have — and lets you stash it cleanly away under the sink, so you don't have to look at it until it's manicure time.

It holds 48 total bottles, 24 on each side, so you can always find the color you want with a single glance. Promising review: "This is better than advertised. Essie, OPI, Pop-Arrazi, Sinful Colors, SH Instadry, SH Triple Shine, SH Xtrreme Wear, Wet & Wild, SH Hard As Nails and Covergirl all fit perfectly; my Julep colors fit two to a compartment! The first row has adjustable dividers, you can use them to keep odd-shaped bottles or do what I do: use one side for my nail stamper, dotting tools, and the drying drops and the other for foam wedges and nail pens. It looks way neater easily tucked under my vanity instead of the baskets and baskets of polishes I had to hunt through!" —Clouds

6. A set of four sepia glass bottles because all your different brands of soaps with clashing labels don't necessarily say ~tranquil, decluttered spa~.

Promising review: "Finally, pumps that are strong and won't easily break. I use these bottles for everything from hand soap (medium thickness), to my personal mixture of hair oils (coconut, neem and tea tree — very thick) and extra rich hair conditioner. All of the mixtures flow easily. The pump also doesn't dispense too much, so you're not wasting product. As for the glass, the color is beautiful, as pictured and it's a good heavy, quality glass." —True-Review   Popular

7. A drain millipede so you can free up the cabinet space you've devoted to stocking drain cleaner (which doesn't work half as well, BTW) because your tub clogs up like, weekly. The millipede is covered in tiny little hooks to grab onto the clump of hair that's preventing your sink or tub from draining well, and yank it all up so water flows freely.

Promising review: "The shower drain has been clogged for months. We’ve tried so many bottles of Draino and other products, but nothing worked. After I saw this product listed on BuzzFeed, I thought I would try it. (It’s less expensive than Draino Max, so why not?) It was incredible how much hair this thing pulled up from the beginning. It look about five minutes and lots of clearing of clumps, but the shower is draining perfectly again! Like some other reviewers have mentioned, it’s best to toss it after use, especially if your drain is as bad as mine was. I’m definitely hooked!" —E. Marlowe Popular

8. And a universal fit–hair catcher for your drain that stops those gross built-up clogs from forming in the first place. Which means you (or those you share a bathroom with) can freely rinse any shed hair to the drain with no worries about clogs, instead of sticking clumps of hair to the wall and leaving 'em there for far too long.

If you live somewhere with a more humid climate (or tbh just a humid bathroom in general), it's probably a good idea to rinse it off and lay it on its side to dry after every few showers or so, to prevent mold — btw, that goes for every hair catcher out there!   Promising review: "I've been very impressed! It's tall enough to fit easily over my pop-up drain and the weighted top keeps it in place, even with my faucet running almost directly on it. I have medium-length hair and seem to shed almost as much as my cat, but the drain protector catches it all and is easily removed and tossed away. Best of all, in my case, the silicone hasn't held onto mildew or mold — I have been able to spray and wipe away any grime with very little effort. It looks like this drain protector will last a very long time." —Suneimi  

9. A few medicine cabinet organizers because they'll let you fit even more stuff behind your mirror (taking advantage of all the vertical space available and freeing up storage space elsewhere) while also ensuring that everything stays neat, orderly, and easy to find.

Promising review: "This fits perfectly on the bottom of my medicine cabinet. It is very sturdy plastic with a great design. I can't believe how many jars, tubes, etc., it has managed to corral. Everything looks so neat! If they make a smaller one for upper cabinet shelves, I'm buying it. Wonderful little product!" —Alex

10. And a little toothbrush holder that can mount directly on the inside of your medicine cabinet (or TBH the inside of any bathroom cabinet), so your brushes are covered, out of the way, and separated from one another, but still quick to grab when you need them.

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