When you’re looking for eco-friendly makeup, it’s easy to find lots of recommendations. But not all of them are created equal.   That’s because “green” can mean so many things: sustainable packaging, natural formulation, even how they source ingredients. Between this confusion and blatant greenwashing (marketing that deceives about how sustainable a product really is), it’s hard to know which brands are really making a difference.   We’ve tried to simplify things with this guide to the best eco-friendly makeup of 2020.   7 of the Best Eco-Friendly Makeup Brands to Try in 2020: If you feel like you were born in the wrong generation, you’ll adore Besamé Cosmetics. Makeup historian Gabriela Hernandez founded Besamé to recreate the simple glamour of her grandmother’s beauty routine. And its vintage style has the added benefit of being eco-friendly!   Most makeup applicators are made with mixed materials that are impossible to recycle. Besamé’s Rouge ($20) and Cake Mascara (from $20) come in gorgeous, reusable tins, and you can even get mascara refills (which arrive in a compostable sleeve). And because it dries back down between uses, Cake Mascara is more hygienic, so it lasts longer than mascara in a tube.   Savings Tip: Find the best Besamé Cosmetics coupons plus 10% cash back when you shop with Giving Assistant. Aether Beauty, sold at Sephora, offers eyeshadows inspired by crystals, sunsets and the Mojave Desert. And their palettes – down to the soy-based ink – are recyclable! But this brand takes the sustainability conversation even further.   Rejecting dichotomies of eco-friendliness, Aether Beauty focuses on ethical ingredients and practices over strictly “natural” ones. Their goal is to create non-toxic, effective, sustainably-sourced products above all — even if that means sometimes using synthetics.   A deeply principled company, they even shared in a blog post that they don’t produce makeup brushes because there’s not yet a way to recycle them. This is an often overlooked part of sustainability: offering a thoughtful, smaller collection of products rather than pushing out more just because you can.   Savings Tip: Get the best Aether Beauty coupons from Sephora, plus earn 4% cash back.

There should be a word for that overwhelming feeling one gets when attempting to read the ingredient list on a beauty product — the sheer number of syllables in some of those ingredients is enough to have us tongue-tied.   It takes a lot of science (not to mention naming conventions) to create the modern products we adoringly apply to our bodies. And for some of us, the seemingly foreign nature of these ingredients can feel scary and unsafe.   So if the idea of your makeup being natural, organic, and nontoxic simply makes you feel more secure, we totally get it.  

How we define “natural”

  Unfortunately, defining “natural” in beauty products is a bit like trying to nail jello to the wall. In fact, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never defined the term, nor has it established a regulatory definition for it in cosmetic labeling.   “Unfortunately, terms like ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ are often marketing speak — so many brands falsely claim to be natural and organic so it takes away from the meaning,” says Angelina Umansky, owner of San Francisco’s Spa Radiance.   That’s why it’s important to do your research and be extra discerning when you go out shopping for natural makeup. A great place to start is the clean beauty store Credo, which created specific standards for the products it carries because of the absence of overarching industry regulations.       Here are three things to consider when deciding if a product or brand is right for you:  

• Does the brand say where they’re sourcing their ingredients?
• Do they include sustainable / recyclable packaging?
• Do they use synthetic preservatives?

          With all that information in mind, here are 19 natural makeup products that meet either the strict standards set forth by Credo or the Environmental Working Group (EWG).   For the purposes of this roundup, we included brands that use natural packaging methods when possible and applicable (think: recyclable and eco-friendly) and we specifically looked for products that use non-synthetic ingredients, including non-synthetic fragrances. BIPOC-owned brands                                                                                              

Earth day may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean practicing sustainability in your beauty regimen shouldn’t still be a top priority.   The environmental impact of the cosmetics industry is alarming, whether we’re discussing the excess plastic packaging of compacts and shampoos, or the hundreds of years it takes for some products to decompose. So, what’s a beauty lover to do?   While you might feel helpless, there are many ways to be more green in your routine, from switching to reusable makeup wipes, to finishing a foundation down to the last drop, or using an eyeshadow palette until you hit the pan. But one of the most crucial ways you can be part of the solution is with your purchasing power.   There are many environmentally-conscious brands that have been committed to creating less waste and implementing sustainable practices. And while it might sound hypocritical — creating more “stuff” in an space that’s already oversaturated with “stuff” — we think that these beauty brands are making a much-needed change in the industry, while also urging all of us to think more about the state of the world and beauty’s part in it.   Here are 10 zero-waste beauty brands to support now and always. Ever since W3LL People was started in 2008, the brand has been committed to creating quality products using organic, plant-based ingredients (like algae, beeswax, and broccoli seed oil) in the most sustainable way. All of their products — from their best-selling mascara to their cult-favorite foundation stick are packaged using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper stocks. And in addition to being one of the founding members of the EWG Verified program, the brand donates 1.5% of its sales to support the work of the Environmental Working Group (EWG). So if you’re looking to support an OG clean beauty brand, start here. Kjaer Weis is the definition of luxury clean beauty. The brand was created by Danish makeup artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis whose clients experienced sensitivities to the synthetic ingredients in the products she had been using. This prompted her to create her own line, which features organic, eco-conscious cosmetics, including the brand’s popular cream foundation and cream blush, all packaged in refillable metal compacts or recyclable and compostable alternatives. Ilia’s modern approach to clean beauty is different from others — they don’t believe that all synthetics are bad and that all natural ingredients are good. Instead, they focus on using eco-conscious ingredients that are both innovative, effective, and safe for your skin. The same goes for packaging. The Laguna Beach-based brand knows that there’s more to sustainable lipstick bullets, compacts, and boxes than just using vegetable dyes and recycled aluminum. That’s why Ilia teamed up with TerraCycle's Zero Waste Box platform. U.S. customers are asked to mail in up to five empty beauty products per month (whether it’s from Ilia or not), so TerraCycle can break them down responsibly. By now, most of us realize how wasteful using makeup remover wipes and cotton rounds are. Thankfully, brands like Croon are popping up on the scene, offering us an eco-friendly alternative to wiping off our mascara and lipstick without compromising a clean face. Croon creates reusable microfiber pads that can remove makeup, exfoliate, and cleanse only using water. What’s more, the pads are reusable for up to 200 washes — the equivalent of 400 makeup wipes. Noto knows that as a beauty brand, a lot needs to be done in order to reduce its ecological footprint. That’s why it has dedicated every day to evolving with the world of sustainability, starting from the renewable-made, biodegradable paper tape it uses to ship its products with to using ingredients that are locally sourced, vegan, cruelty-free, and fair-trade certified. Noto has also made its sustainable goals visible on its website so customers can know what to expect, as well as be able to hold the brand accountable. This is the kind of transparency we need and want from our clean beauty brands. Juice Beauty prides itself not just on its farm-to-beauty formulations made with homegrown or locally-sourced organic ingredients, but also its sustainability in both its packaging and its practices as a company. The clean beauty brand uses 100% FSC paper, 100% Bioresin sample and travel tubes, and glass for 32% of its packaging. Additionally, the Northern California brand’s headquarters and farm are both sustainable, with almost all of the farm’s operations being solar powered. Haven’t heard of Loli Beauty? If you’re a clean beauty lover, you need to. Founded in 2014, Loli (which stands for Living Organic Loving Ingredients) is a Made Safe-certified, waterless beauty brand sourcing organic, wild-harvested ingredients that are non-GMO and fair trade as well as raw and upcycled food sources. While this previous sentence might sound like a lot of sustainable buzzwords squished together, founder Tina Hedges believes that when it comes to being a leader in the clean and green beauty movement, you must create a full-circle brand, from ingredients to the supply chain. As a result, Loli is considered the first completely zero-waste beauty brand on the market. There is a huge push to reduce packaging in beauty products, as the oceans continue to be filled with 80 billion plastic bottles every year. New Zealand brand Ethique does just that, only offering solid shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and skincare bars that are cruelty-free, waste-free, and are made and packaged with biodegradable materials. The brand was started by biologist Brianne West after realizing how much water was wasted in traditional shampoo and conditioner formulations. She set out to create solid products packed with natural ingredients (and no water) that could last up to five times longer than its liquid counterparts. Similar to Ethique, By Humankind set out to eliminate single-use plastic. But that does not mean the refillable deodorant canisters or soap bars are not chic or beautifully designed. The packaging is minimal, but feels luxurious and looks great on your vanity. The best part? You can keep using it once you’re done with the product inside. The idea behind By Humankind is that once you’ve finished, you can simply order a refill instead of an entirely new product.

Who doesn’t love ‘redhead friendly’ brands and products that are not only good for us redheads but also the environment?! Spring is a time to celebrate the beauty of our planet –– the birds are chirping and the flowers are blooming. There is no better time to refresh your redhead makeup and redhead skincare essentials with these eco-friendly products.  

1. AVEDA DAMAGE DAMAGE REMEDY DAILY HAIR REPAIR, $31

  Aveda is committed to creating vegan and cruelty-free products from ethical sources. It’s also the first beauty company to use 100% post-consumer recycled materials in their packaging. This leave-in treatment is 98% naturally derived and will visibly repair and protect your red hair from damage due to heat styling.

2. DOVE SENSITIVE SKIN BODY WASH, $9

  At the end of 2019, this major brand switched to 100% recycled plastic bottles and eliminated the plastic wrapping on their beauty bar boxes. This Sensitive Skin Body Wash is hypoallergenic and sulfate-free –– making it perfect for redheads!

3. PLAINE PRODUCTS ECO-FRIENDLY SHAMPOO, $30

  The shampoo (featured in a past H2BAR Box!) is infused with rosemary, mint, vanilla shampoo in a refillable, returnable aluminum bottle. Recycle the bottle or purchase a shampoo refill.

4. JUICE BEAUTY PHYTO-PIGMENTS ULTRA-NATURAL MASCARA, $24

  This brand is known for its ultra-natural products and socially responsible giving. They are also 100% vegan and cruelty-free. This best-selling mascara contains Organic Aloe and will leave lashes looking full and defined.

5. ILIA MULTI-STICK, $34

  This product is a cult-favorite. Its creamy formula contains moisturizing shea butter, providing a natural-looking wash of color to lips and cheeks. ILIA invites all U.S. customers to mail in up to 5 empty beauty products (any brand!) per month and they will recycle them using TerraCycle. Shades to try: I Put A Spell On You and All Of Me

6. KJAER WEIS CREAM FOUNDATION, $67

  All of Kjaer Weis’ packaging is designed to be refillable, cutting down on major waste. Their certified organic foundation comes in a range of shades, making it easy to match any redhead’s skin tone. It also contains skin-loving ingredients, including coconut and jojoba oils.

7. KAI BODY BUTTER, $52

  Not only do all of kai’s products smell incredible, but they are all made sans parabens, sulfates, phthalates, phosphates and gluten. Their body butter is filled with beneficial safflower oil, apricot oil, vitamins a, c, & e, aloe and extracts of chamomile, lavender and cucumber.

8. TATA HARPER DAILY ESSENTIALS SET, 6-STEP SKINCARE STARTER REGIME, $75

  This cult brand formulates, manufactures, and packages all of its products on their farm in Vermont.  They also have certifications from PETA, the American Vegetarian Association, and ECOCERT – ensuring that they adhere to the highest standards of eco-friendly practices. Their skincare is organic and free from GMOs, artificial colors and fragrances, as well as synthetic chemicals.

9. CAUDALIE BEAUTY ELIXIR FACE MIST, $18

  This multi-purpose product sets makeup and tones the skin while revealing its natural radiance. It is dermatologist tested and comprised primarily of essential oils. 100% of users claim they saw visibly reduced pores immediately after application. Caudalie also donates a percentage of its profits to reforestation. Rock it like a Redhead! 

Clean makeup is invited into our kit for our greatest good and that of Mother Nature. And is about to revolutionize the entire cosmetic industry.   At first glance, the displays in the Sephora department store in downtown Montreal are very similar. From lipstick to foundation: there is all the arsenal necessary for the makeup bag.   But as you wander the islands, you will notice that green tablets bearing the words "Pure and healthy" are affixed to certain displays. Who is entitled to this distinction? The ranges free from harmful and ecologically responsible ingredients. Launched in 2018, the stamp now brings together around sixty brands.   An offer impossible to imagine barely 10 years ago, when beautists looking for clean makeup had very little to get on their skin. What happened? Sephora listened to its customers. "We have noticed a change in the concerns of consumers, who are increasingly looking for quality cosmetics with no suspicious substances," said Jane Nugent, vice president of merchandising at Sephora Canada.   In the target market there are millennials and generation Z, demanding customers looking for transparency and who read the labels carefully. "Companies even go so far as to modify some of their formulas to meet our selection criteria," says Jane Nugent.   Sephora is not the only business responding to this trend. The American retailer The Detox Market, created in 2010, has slowly established itself as the leader in healthy beauty. “When we started talking about clean makeup, it made everyone laugh. People associated green beauty with the hippie movement, ”says Romain Gaillard, founder of the chain, which has three branches in Toronto. Each product found on their site or in store must go through a rigorous evaluation process. "More than 1,000 companies contact us each year to be sold here ... It is essential to choose what we really like," he says. Sea Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara, Tart , $ 30  

What is clean makeup?

  In the absence of established regulations, the definition of clean makeup varies from brand to brand and remains open to interpretation. In principle, any component suspected of being carcinogenic, endocrine disruptor, neurotoxic or allergenic should not be present in the formula. In addition, the packaging, boxes and flasks must be biodegradable, with a low carbon footprint.   What client wants ...   This awareness has been brewing for a long time according to WGSN, the renowned London trend office whose expertise consists in anticipating the major consumer trends of tomorrow. "Several years ago, we predicted that ethical responsibility would become a non-negotiable criterion for buyers," said Jenni Middleton, WGSN beauty director.   Since then, the growth of this phenomenon has been observed in the food, fashion and, now, beauty industry. To such an extent that, according to a report published on the company's website, "cosmetic companies that neglect their environmental impact risk losing consumer confidence". The polling firm Nielsen has also revealed that internationally 73% of consumers were ready to change their purchasing habits to reduce their environmental footprint and that 38% preferred to buy ethical cosmetics.   This enthusiasm does not go unnoticed by opportunistic banners who see it as a golden marketing opportunity: being seen as eco-responsible is a sales strategy rather than a real value, which gives rise to the famous greenwashing). “Some brands distribute misleading information to give the impression of being green in order to arouse the interest of customers. This can result in misleading statements about the list of ingredients, the packaging (less environmentally friendly than it seems) or even the production chain (falsely carbon neutral) ", argues Jenni Middleton. Fortunately, the expert notes that the consumer is increasingly demanding to see evidence of these claims. And when the client wants something, everyone answers the call. Hence the “Pure and healthy” seal offered by Sephora.  

Precursors of yesterday, leaders of today

  These pioneering brands of clean makeup have paved the way towards a more responsible cosmetic industry.   Dr. Hauschka   Founded in 1957, the German company launched its make-up range in 1999 as a complement to the skin products it already offered. “We use the same raw materials as in our care. Infused with extracts of medicinal plants and certified organic vegetable oils, our make-up aims to sublimate women's beauty and not to mask it, ”specifies Marie Calas, head of research and development. Eye and brow palette, Pierre shade, Dr. Hauschka , $ 65   Bite   "When we heard that a woman would ingest 3.17 kg of lipstick during her life, that made us think," reveals Sylvie Rouaix, vice president of product development at Bite. Originally from Toronto, the company has become a cult in the world of lipsticks. "We wanted to prove that makeup could be both safe and effective," she adds. In addition to being now 100% vegan, the Bite brand is launching foundations this year, pressed powders and foundation perfecting foundations. Changemaker modular coverage pressed powder, Medium 2 shade, Bite Beauty , $ 48 for 7.5 g. Sublimating micellar foundation, shade L20, Bite Beauty , $ 52 for 30 ml.   Ilia   It is by peeling the ingredients listed on the boxes of her cosmetics that the Vancouver resident Sasha Plavsic wanted to create her own brand. What she did in 2011. “I loved a tinted lip balm. My first challenge was to reproduce it in a non-toxic version, ”says the entrepreneur. Nine years later, its illuminators, eyebrow gels and multipurpose sticks are sold like hot cakes. One of the secrets of its success? The formulas are enriched with beneficial ingredients, such as hibiscus extract or rosehip oil.   Green vs black   The European Union prohibits the use of more than 1,300 ingredients in cosmetics sold on its territory. In Canada, only 600 components are banned - which is still better than in the United States, where there are only about thirty. But why is there such a big difference between us and our cousins from across the Atlantic? According to Health Canada, this is notably due to the fact that the European Union studies substances individually, whereas here, they are grouped rather by family (for example, aniline dyes).   As for controversial substances such as parabens, phthalates and others, which are still permitted despite the concerns they raise, Health Canada claims to be watching them. The ministry follows “international scientific and regulatory reports closely, and regularly reviews the safety of chemicals in cosmetics in the form of risk assessments.”   The problem is simultaneous exposure to these ingredients, says Lise Parent, ecotoxicologist and professor at TÉLUQ University. In other words, a mascara used alone may not be a threat to health, but added, every day, to the foundation, lipstick and eyeshadow ... "We have no idea of their long-term effect, says the expert. However, we do know that phthalates have direct consequences for the rat's reproductive system and thyroid.”   Even if the human body is a wonderful machine for filtering out harmful substances, Lise Parent reminds us that it is not without its shortcomings, particularly in the case of endocrine disruptors. "They tend to accumulate in the body and, since they are similar to the hormones produced by it, our body is not always able to detect them and set in motion the process necessary to get rid of it, ”she explains.  

Green container

  According to the Zero Waste Week website, 120 billion packages of cosmetics are produced each year ... and most of them are not recyclable. A dizzying number to which several brands are responding with green initiatives. "At Maison Jacynthe, all the boxes are made of wood and aluminum, in addition to being reusable thanks to refills of eyeshadows," argues Marco Marsolais, make-up artist for the stars and co-creator of the range of cosmetics offered by the company. . For its part, Burt's Bees collaborates with TerraCycle, a company specializing in the management of non-recyclable waste, to ensure the recovery of its small pots. Reusable case , $ 19. Terracotta , Mattina shade, and blush , In Love shade, Maison Jacynthe, $ 32 and $ 29.50   Where do the color pigments come from?   Most manufacturers of clean makeup - like Dr. Hauschka and Burt's Bees - opt for pigments of mineral origin, often identified on the packaging as iron oxides. At Maison Jacynthe, certain shades come from plant sources, such as the turmeric present in eyeshadows.   The red color, on the other hand, is more controversial. Brands choose carmine, a natural dye used for centuries and derived from crushed mealybugs (insects living on cacti). Vegan ranges will prefer to introduce some synthetic pigments.   As for the iridescent effect of certain illuminators and lip glosses, we owe it to an ore, mica. However, it is its extraction that is controversial. Many miners do in fact work with children, their small size being advantageous for digging wells and tunnels in deposits. Fortunately, ethical players make it a point of honor to source from responsible sources.  

Apps using

  How to take a closer look at the composition of products without carrying around a chemistry manual? Applications have been designed to scan the barcodes and the INCI list (the nomenclature of components) written on the packaging. Skin Deep   Works with ratings from 0 to 10 (10 being the level most harmful to health). Clean Beauty   We photograph the list of ingredients, then the application extracts the controversial components in seconds. Glossary of 800 ingredients. Think Dirty   Canadian application which evaluates, after reading the barcode, the ingredients according to ratings (from 0 to 10) combined with a color system. A substance rated 10 and highlighted in red = danger!   Performance at the rendezvous   Clean makeup has long suffered from a lack of hold. The eyeshadows spun in the folds of the eyelids, the mascara had to be reapplied several times a day, the textures were not in focus… Today, the cosmetic giants have corrected these weaknesses. Makeup artist Alexandre Deslauriers, who acted as a consultant for the makeup component at Burt's Bees, believes that we must still moderate our expectations. "It's not normal for a lipstick to last for 16 hours!" he exclaims.   An infallible outfit often betrays the presence of silicone. To maintain color on the lips, Burt's Bees has replaced plastic particles with mixtures of vegetable oils and waxes. In its tinted cream formula, it is squalane, a plant component extracted from olive oil, which solves the problem of spreading and adhesion to the skin. Bite, a brand recognized for its ultra-pigmented lipsticks, has traded dimethicone (silicone) for orange peel wax accompanied by agave nectar, both rich in antioxidants. Matt stick, Rippling Rose shade, Burt's Bees , $ 9.99   Maison Jacynthe Complexion Fluid is the favorite product of make-up artist Marco Marsolais. Its formula is enriched with borage oil, which gives it a malleable texture and hydrating power. "By applying it repeatedly on my clients' faces, I saw their skin change," he says. Green ingredients are also used in place of BHA and BHT (synthetic antioxidants) or formaldehyde (antimicrobial preservative) to preserve the products and avoid rancidity of fatty substances. To do this, Maison Jacynthe had previously used coffee extract, but will soon opt for Labrador tea to promote the natural riches of Quebec.

  Clean makeup is invited into our kit for our greatest good and that of Mother Nature. And is about to revolutionize the entire cosmetic industry.   At first glance, the displays in the Sephora department store in downtown Montreal are very similar. From lipstick to foundation: there is all the arsenal necessary for the makeup bag.   But as you wander the islands, you will notice that green tablets bearing the words "Pure and healthy" are affixed to certain displays. Who is entitled to this distinction? The ranges free from harmful and ecologically responsible ingredients. Launched in 2018, the stamp now brings together around sixty brands.   An offer impossible to imagine barely 10 years ago, when beautists looking for clean makeup had very little to get on their skin. What happened? Sephora listened to its customers. "We have noticed a change in the concerns of consumers, who are increasingly looking for quality cosmetics with no suspicious substances," said Jane Nugent, vice president of merchandising at Sephora Canada.   In the target market there are millennials and generation Z, demanding customers looking for transparency and who read the labels carefully. "Companies even go so far as to modify some of their formulas to meet our selection criteria," says Jane Nugent.   Sephora is not the only business responding to this trend. The American retailer The Detox Market, created in 2010, has slowly established itself as the leader in healthy beauty. “When we started talking about clean makeup, it made everyone laugh. People associated green beauty with the hippie movement, ”says Romain Gaillard, founder of the chain, which has three branches in Toronto. Each product found on their site or in store must go through a rigorous evaluation process. "More than 1,000 companies contact us each year to be sold here ... It is essential to choose what we really like," he says.     Sea Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara, Tart , $ 30  

What is clean makeup?

  In the absence of established regulations, the definition of clean makeup varies from brand to brand and remains open to interpretation. In principle, any component suspected of being carcinogenic, endocrine disruptor, neurotoxic or allergenic should not be present in the formula. In addition, the packaging, boxes and flasks must be biodegradable, with a low carbon footprint.   What client wants ...   This awareness has been brewing for a long time according to WGSN, the renowned London trend office whose expertise consists in anticipating the major consumer trends of tomorrow. "Several years ago, we predicted that ethical responsibility would become a non-negotiable criterion for buyers," said Jenni Middleton, WGSN beauty director.   Since then, the growth of this phenomenon has been observed in the food, fashion and, now, beauty industry. To such an extent that, according to a report published on the company's website, "cosmetic companies that neglect their environmental impact risk losing consumer confidence". The polling firm Nielsen has also revealed that internationally 73% of consumers were ready to change their purchasing habits to reduce their environmental footprint and that 38% preferred to buy ethical cosmetics.   This enthusiasm does not go unnoticed by opportunistic banners who see it as a golden marketing opportunity: being seen as eco-responsible is a sales strategy rather than a real value, which gives rise to the famous greenwashing). “Some brands distribute misleading information to give the impression of being green in order to arouse the interest of customers. This can result in misleading statements about the list of ingredients, the packaging (less environmentally friendly than it seems) or even the production chain (falsely carbon neutral) ", argues Jenni Middleton. Fortunately, the expert notes that the consumer is increasingly demanding to see evidence of these claims. And when the client wants something, everyone answers the call. Hence the “Pure and healthy” seal offered by Sephora.  

Precursors of yesterday, leaders of today

  These pioneering brands of clean makeup have paved the way towards a more responsible cosmetic industry.   Dr. Hauschka   Founded in 1957, the German company launched its make-up range in 1999 as a complement to the skin products it already offered. “We use the same raw materials as in our care. Infused with extracts of medicinal plants and certified organic vegetable oils, our make-up aims to sublimate women's beauty and not to mask it, ”specifies Marie Calas, head of research and development.     © Supplied by Châtelaine Eye and brow palette, Pierre shade, Dr. Hauschka , $ 65   Bite   "When we heard that a woman would ingest 3.17 kg of lipstick during her life, that made us think," reveals Sylvie Rouaix, vice president of product development at Bite. Originally from Toronto, the company has become a cult in the world of lipsticks. "We wanted to prove that makeup could be both safe and effective," she adds. In addition to being now 100% vegan, the Bite brand is launching foundations this year, pressed powders and foundation perfecting foundations.     © Supplied by Châtelaine Changemaker modular coverage pressed powder, Medium 2 shade, Bite Beauty , $ 48 for 7.5 g. Sublimating micellar foundation, shade L20, Bite Beauty , $ 52 for 30 ml.   Ilia   It is by peeling the ingredients listed on the boxes of her cosmetics that the Vancouver resident Sasha Plavsic wanted to create her own brand. What she did in 2011. “I loved a tinted lip balm. My first challenge was to reproduce it in a non-toxic version, ”says the entrepreneur. Nine years later, its illuminators, eyebrow gels and multipurpose sticks are sold like hot cakes. One of the secrets of its success? The formulas are enriched with beneficial ingredients, such as hibiscus extract or rosehip oil.   Green vs black   The European Union prohibits the use of more than 1,300 ingredients in cosmetics sold on its territory. In Canada, only 600 components are banned - which is still better than in the United States, where there are only about thirty. But why is there such a big difference between us and our cousins from across the Atlantic? According to Health Canada, this is notably due to the fact that the European Union studies substances individually, whereas here, they are grouped rather by family (for example, aniline dyes).   As for controversial substances such as parabens, phthalates and others, which are still permitted despite the concerns they raise, Health Canada claims to be watching them. The ministry follows “international scientific and regulatory reports closely, and regularly reviews the safety of chemicals in cosmetics in the form of risk assessments.”   The problem is simultaneous exposure to these ingredients, says Lise Parent, ecotoxicologist and professor at TÉLUQ University. In other words, a mascara used alone may not be a threat to health, but added, every day, to the foundation, lipstick and eyeshadow ... "We have no idea of their long-term effect, says the expert. However, we do know that phthalates have direct consequences for the rat's reproductive system and thyroid.”   Even if the human body is a wonderful machine for filtering out harmful substances, Lise Parent reminds us that it is not without its shortcomings, particularly in the case of endocrine disruptors. "They tend to accumulate in the body and, since they are similar to the hormones produced by it, our body is not always able to detect them and set in motion the process necessary to get rid of it, ”she explains.  

Green container

  According to the Zero Waste Week website, 120 billion packages of cosmetics are produced each year ... and most of them are not recyclable. A dizzying number to which several brands are responding with green initiatives. "At Maison Jacynthe, all the boxes are made of wood and aluminum, in addition to being reusable thanks to refills of eyeshadows," argues Marco Marsolais, make-up artist for the stars and co-creator of the range of cosmetics offered by the company. . For its part, Burt's Bees collaborates with TerraCycle, a company specializing in the management of non-recyclable waste, to ensure the recovery of its small pots.     © Supplied by Châtelaine Reusable case , $ 19. Terracotta , Mattina shade, and blush , In Love shade, Maison Jacynthe, $ 32 and $ 29.50   Where do the color pigments come from?   Most manufacturers of clean makeup - like Dr. Hauschka and Burt's Bees - opt for pigments of mineral origin, often identified on the packaging as iron oxides. At Maison Jacynthe, certain shades come from plant sources, such as the turmeric present in eyeshadows.   The red color, on the other hand, is more controversial. Brands choose carmine, a natural dye used for centuries and derived from crushed mealybugs (insects living on cacti). Vegan ranges will prefer to introduce some synthetic pigments.   As for the iridescent effect of certain illuminators and lip glosses, we owe it to an ore, mica. However, it is its extraction that is controversial. Many miners do in fact work with children, their small size being advantageous for digging wells and tunnels in deposits. Fortunately, ethical players make it a point of honor to source from responsible sources.  

Apps using

  How to take a closer look at the composition of products without carrying around a chemistry manual? Applications have been designed to scan the barcodes and the INCI list (the nomenclature of components) written on the packaging.   © Provided by Châtelaine Skin Deep App   Skin Deep   Works with ratings from 0 to 10 (10 being the level most harmful to health).     © Provided by Châtelaine Clean Beauty App Clean Beauty   We photograph the list of ingredients, then the application extracts the controversial components in seconds. Glossary of 800 ingredients.   © Provided by Châtelaine Think Dirty App   Think Dirty   Canadian application which evaluates, after reading the barcode, the ingredients according to ratings (from 0 to 10) combined with a color system. A substance rated 10 and highlighted in red = danger!   Performance at the rendezvous   Clean makeup has long suffered from a lack of hold. The eyeshadows spun in the folds of the eyelids, the mascara had to be reapplied several times a day, the textures were not in focus… Today, the cosmetic giants have corrected these weaknesses. Makeup artist Alexandre Deslauriers, who acted as a consultant for the makeup component at Burt's Bees, believes that we must still moderate our expectations. "It's not normal for a lipstick to last for 16 hours!" he exclaims.   An infallible outfit often betrays the presence of silicone. To maintain color on the lips, Burt's Bees has replaced plastic particles with mixtures of vegetable oils and waxes. In its tinted cream formula, it is squalane, a plant component extracted from olive oil, which solves the problem of spreading and adhesion to the skin. Bite, a brand recognized for its ultra-pigmented lipsticks, has traded dimethicone (silicone) for orange peel wax accompanied by agave nectar, both rich in antioxidants.   © Supplied by Châtelaine   Matt stick, Rippling Rose shade, Burt's Bees , $ 9.99   Maison Jacynthe Complexion Fluid is the favorite product of make-up artist Marco Marsolais. Its formula is enriched with borage oil, which gives it a malleable texture and hydrating power. "By applying it repeatedly on my clients' faces, I saw their skin change," he says. Green ingredients are also used in place of BHA and BHT (synthetic antioxidants) or formaldehyde (antimicrobial preservative) to preserve the products and avoid rancidity of fatty substances. To do this, Maison Jacynthe had previously used coffee extract, but will soon opt for Labrador tea to promote the natural riches of Quebec.  

Planning an eco-friendly wedding can feel daunting at times. There are so many moving parts involved, which makes it difficult to ensure you’re being sustainable at every turn. One of the more attainable steps you can take is to use eco-friendly makeup with sustainably-sourced ingredients and recyclable or reusable packaging at your pre-wedding events. You'll likely hire a professional makeup artist for your actual wedding day (beauty pros tend to use their own products), but using eco-friendly makeup for the events leading up to your nuptials is an effective way to cut down on your wedding's overall waste and carbon emissions.   The beauty industry accounts for a great amount of waste in landfills, which is why these brands are making a change. If you’re looking for even more tips on how to throw a green wedding, we’ve broken down other approachable ways to host a sustainable wedding (or even a zero-waste wedding if you’d like). Check out 19 eco-friendly makeup brands you can use for all of your pre-wedding events (think: engagement party, bach bash and rehearsal dinner).  

1. LUSH

LUSH may be best known for their bath bombs, but they’re also known for their eco-friendly and ethical practices. On a mission to reduce their impact on the earth, LUSH is taking several measures with their packaging. Nearly 35 percent of their products are sold “naked,” meaning package-free. The brand also uses 100 percent post-consumer plastic which can be recycled. In 2012, LUSH also made their plastic bottles 10 percent thinner. (In four years, the company saved nearly 13,500 pounds of plastic through this initiative). The brand has also phased out gift wrapping and excess packaging, offering reusable scarves made from recycled plastic and plant-based, compostable packing peanuts. Their partnership with the Ocean Legacy Foundation allows them to use recovered plastic from the ocean for their packaging as well. In addition to their sustainable packaging, the company also sources their ingredients ethically and responsibly so ecosystems are not harmed. Whether you pick up a face mask, a shampoo bar or a mascara, you’ll know that your pre-wedding purchase is ecologically responsible.  

2. Ethique

Ethique (French for “ethical”) is on a mission to rid the world of plastic waste. This brand makes solid bars—everything from shampoo to face wash to body wash—that are packaged in 100 percent naturally-derived and biodegradable paper packaging. The company also goes the extra mile to ensure that their paper is chlorine- and acid-free to mitigate pollution of waterways. Ethique also ships their products in biodegradable packaging so that you can compost the waste and sleep well knowing it will disappear in a matter of months (just in time for your wedding).  

3. NakedPoppy

NakedPoppy is a beauty company founded to provide customers with the cleanest clean beauty products possible. But in addition to their commitment to human health and animal health, NakedPoppy is passionate about the planet’s wellbeing. Minimizing their environmental impact is a top priority for the company. They make sure that their ingredients are sourced ethically and sustainably—and that they’re supporting the ecosystems they tap. Give your makeup bag a makeover by working with this company’s algorithm, which suggests products that are perfect for you.  

4. True Botanicals

The founder of True Botanicals started the company after her thyroid cancer diagnosis. She channeled her fear and frustration with the beauty industry into research—and a passion for creating pure, potent and proven products that are good for people and the planet. The ingredients are clean and sustainably-sourced, while the glass packaging can be easily recycled or upcycled. Get a glowing, refreshed complexion before you exchange vows with their popular skincare products.  

5. Cocokind

Cocokind, a natural skincare company, is also focused on sustainability as well. Most of the brand’s packages are domestically-sourced flint glass jars—meaning their carbon footprint is low, as they require less additives and they can be reused or recycled. The company also created their tubes out of sugarcane instead of plastic, use shipping materials approved by the Forestry Stewardship Council and print soy-derived ink on their products. Cocokind also strives to use less water in their product formulations to help conserve the previous natural resource. Whether you try out their new resurfacing mask (it contains a plant-based retinol alternative), their popular watermelon hemp oil or their tinted face stick, this sustainable beauty brand has everything you need to prep for your pre-wedding parties.  

6. Herbivore

Herbivore creates clean beauty products made with ethically-sourced ingredients. The brand also prioritizes sustainability, as they use recyclable and reusable packaging. Shop through their extensive collection of facial oils, serums, moisturizers and toners. The founders of the company believe that skincare is a perfect opportunity for self love and relaxation—making their products perfect for to-be-weds who need extra TLC.  

7. Ilia

Ilia, a clean cosmetics company, is dedicated to reducing the makeup industry’s impact on the planet. They use sustainable packaging options such as recycled aluminum, glass components and responsibly-sourced paper. But Ilia is also focused on what happens after a product is finished, so they’re using TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Box platform. To-be-weds who live in the U.S. can mail in five empty beauty products per month to Ilia (psst: they can be any brand) and TerraCycle will break them down responsibly so they don’t end up in a landfill. If planning your wedding is making you stressed out, this eco-friendly decluttering method might be perfect for you.  

8. Tata Harper

Tata Harper is an especially sustainable beauty brand, as their products come straight from their own farm to your face. But the company also strives to be as eco-conscious as possible with their packaging. Almost all of their packaging is recyclable and reusable glass, while the small amount of plastic they use is made from sugar cane. They also use soy-based ink to print on their products, use shipping materials approved by the Sustainable Forestry initiative and use 100 percent post-consumer materials whenever possible. Their luxe skincare products will turn your own bathroom into a full-blown spa.  

9. RMS Beauty

RMS Beauty uses natural products that are intended to heal the skin and improve its health over time. The brand is also committed to bettering the planet’s health as well with their eco-friendly practices. The brand makes a conscious effort to keep packaging as minimal as possible and uses recyclable and reusable materials for their products. Unleash your inner glow with their creamy luminizers, concealers and blushes.  

10. Vapour

Focused on using plant-based ingredients, Vapour offers to-be-weds clean, natural makeup. The brand has everything from foundation to eyeshadow to deodorant (yes, really). The team is also deeply committed to being as sustainable as possible, so they are actively searching for the best packaging ingredients and methods. In the meantime, they’ve created their Empties Recycling Program, where customers can mail back four or more empty containers. Why four or more? So that customers can cut down on carbon emissions from shipping and handling.  

11. Coola

Whether you’re having a spring, summer, fall or winter wedding, sunscreen is an absolute must. Coola, best known for their SPF, also offers clean, plant-based skincare and bodycare. They use naturally effective and sustainably-sourced ingredients that are responsibly farmed. Beyond the product formulation, the product packaging is eco-friendly too. Coola believes in composting and recycling whenever possible and is on a mission to lower their impact on the environment. This year, their tubes used 30 percent less plastic than before. Stock up on their assortment of warm weather essentials before you exchange vows.  

12. Hourglass

Hourglass is a beauty brand loved by celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jasmine Tookes and Janelle Monae. The company produces high-end luxury products (which are mostly all vegan), but they’re also focused on sustainability. They’re helping to cut down on makeup packaging waste with products like their refillable lipstick. Once the actual lipstick is used up, customers can keep the wand and use it again.  

13. Beautycounter

Beautycounter is not only producing clean beauty products, they’re also fighting for political change in the beauty industry—calling for more regulation and higher standards. They’re also making an effort to be as eco-friendly as possible with their packaging. As glass is easier to recycle than plastic, they aim to use as much glass as possible and reduce any additional plastic add-ons (think: spatulas, overcaps and lid inserts). They also include directions on how to recycle all of the packaging on the container, so you don’t have to do any guess work. Pick up their best-selling foundations or highly-coveted velvet eyeshadow palettes.  

14. Tarte

This brand is popular among beauty editors and influencers alike. Tatre is known for their powerhouse ingredients, like Amazonian clay and their Rainforest of the Sea complex. The brand ensures that their products are sustainable—but they also make an effort to give back to the communities they tap. Tatre works with cooperatives in the rainforest to ensure that the ingredients are sustainably harvested and supports the ocean ecosystem through their partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy. If you’re a fan of glitter, you’ll love their selection of eyeshadows, lip glosses and highlighters.  

15. Sol de Janerio

Known best for their Brazilian Bum Bum Cream and signature scent, Sol de Janerio is also on a mission to be more sustainable. The brand uses eco-friendly and recyclable materials whenever possible and they select manufacturing partners who efficiently utilize resources through renewable energy, recycling and hazmat waste programs, and water filtration. They also have promising goals for 2020 (like reducing their overall plastic consumption by 25 percent, for example). Pick up any of their luxurious products and be immediately transported to your honeymoon.  

16. Josie Maran

Josie Maran, famous for their argan oil products, is also known as an eco-friendly makeup brand. The company is currently converting to carton packaging made of 100 percent post-consumer waste material. They’re also focused on water conversation and have saved nearly 143,000 gallons of water with their sustainable practices. Load up on skincare, body care and makeup for all of your pre-wedding events.  

17. Lilah b.

Lilah b. was founded with the goal of decluttering makeup routines. Their minimalist line—with its all-white packaging—is perfect for nearlyweds. But they’re also committed to decluttering in a sustainable way, which is why they started their Recycle Program. Send any unwanted beauty products (lilah b. or otherwise) and they’ll work to process and recycle the goods to make room for only what you need.  

18. Authentic Beauty Concept

Authentic Beauty Concept is a high-performance hair care brand. It’s registered with the Vegan Society and is free of microplastics, mineral oil, parabens, silicones and artificial colorants. The company sources their ingredients sustainably thanks to a transparent value chain. One of their main ingredients, guar (known for its conditioning properties), is cultivated by the farmers of the Sustainable Guar Initiative in India (SGI), which enhances the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder guar bean farmers.  

19. Each & Every

Each & Every is a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand that makes personal care products with natural and clean ingredients. In honor of Earth Day, the company has announced it is making the switch from plastic and launching new sugarcane packaging to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. As a part of its commitment to sustainability, the brand also plans to roll out 100 percent compostable plant-based envelopes for all orders this spring as well.

Last February, ELLE editors along with a team of experts reviewed hundreds of submissions for our thirteenth annual recognition of the best in eco-friendly and sustainable beauty. From Dove’s bottled products, now made from 100% recycled plastic packaging, to French heritage brand Guerlain’s goal to help save a billion bees in the next ten years, the 2020 Green Beauty Stars not only deliver results, they also leave a lighter footprint on the planet in the process.

While the COVID-19 crisis has drastically changed the current state of our world, its future remains in the balance making these beauty brand’s efforts to be more sustainable all the more critical. The need to treat each other and the planet with kindness is now.

It’s Eco Week at Byrdie, which means we’re digging into the best in sustainable beauty, from our fourth annual Eco Beauty Awards to what it really means to follow a zero-waste beauty routine. Consider this week your education on how to be a more eco-aware, knowledgable beauty consumer.    Lately, more and more beauty companies have started to pay attention to sustainable and recyclable packaging options in their production process—which is really good news for our planet. Why? “Some types of cosmetic packaging can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill," explains Thomas S. Woznicki, VP of recycling facility Combined Resources, Inc. "During that time, they can release harmful greenhouse gasses into the environment."   Upcycling, recycling, or composting your beauty products don’t just save animals—it can save our environment too. Here’s how you can play a part in making the world a cleaner and greener place with cosmetics you use daily.   01of 05

Avoid Cellophane If You Can

  Cellophane, which is a thin wrapping material made from viscose (it’s considered a “plant-based plastic”), is used to package many beauty products. Even though it’s not recyclable, it is biodegradable (which means it eventually breaks down) and more environment-friendly than polyethylene plastics that are used to make plastic bags. You can compost cellophane in your composting bin along with food scraps. However, according to Woznicki, you should actually avoid cellophane altogether because the way its produced is environmentally harmful. “Most cellophane is produced using carbon disulfide, which is toxic to people working in production facilities and produces hazardous fumes,” Woznicki explains. Noted.   02of 05

Upcycle

  A new trend in the world of sustainable beauty is upcycling. Recycling is when you convert waste, like an empty lipstick stick, into reused material. Upcycling, on the other hand, is when you reuse a product you'd normally throw away, like an empty candle glass, and turn it into a new product, like a brush holder. There's lots of upcycling happening on the brand front, too. For example, beauty brand Town and Anchor teamed up with sustainable handmade jewelry brand CLED to repurpose empty oil bottles into chic earrings; another company, Upcircle Beauty, actually upcycles leftover natural ingredients from used coffee grounds and brewed chai tea spices to create their beauty products.   Other companies are making it their mission to upcycle single-use pieces. The Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, which treats injured and orphaned wild animals, has a program called “Wands For Wildlife” that upcycles mascara wands to clean wildlife. These old wands are used to remove fly eggs and larva from the fur and feathers of wild animals.   03of 05

Check Out TerraCycle

  If you have no idea where to start when it comes to recycling your beauty products, good news: here are companies dedicated to recycling beauty products for you. Recycling company TerraCycle, for example, has partnered with brands like Garnier, Kiehl’s, L’Occitane, ILIA, and more to offer customers recycling programs. Just mail your used bottles to TerraCycle or drop them off at an allocated location and they’ll make sure your products are recycled properly. Brands like Lush and MAC even offer rewards if you recycle their products through their program.   04of 05

Swap Out Cotton Pads

  Some cotton pads you use to remove makeup can be composted with food waste. But, keep in mind the toll on the environment it took to even make that product: that the same amount of water one person would drink over three years is used for one kilogram of cotton. Instead, try reusable makeup wipes—we like Face Halo—or these bamboo reusable cotton rounds.   05of 05

Always Rinse

  This may seem obvious, but read instructions on how to properly recycle your product before tossing it in the bin. "People shoud attention to the recyclable numbers on packaging," Woznicki says. “For example, HDPE (high density polyethylene) bottles are often used for personal care products and can be identified by the number 2 on the bottle. HDPE bottles are highly recyclable and can be recycled into things like garbage bags, bins, and even plastic lumber.” Whenever possible, skip plastic containers and opt for glass, which is almost endlessly recyclable without degrading in quality. (Click here for five eco beauty brands we love with recyclable packaging.)   Also, before tossing an empty bottle in the recycling bin, rinse it out to make sure there's no product left inside—otherwise, it won't be recycled at all. “Containers with product residue can contaminate the recycling load and end up in landfills," explains Woznicki. "Potentially harmful substances like hairspray or toxic chemicals can cause environmental damage. Leaving residue in recycling also can cause odors and attract bugs or rodents."

This year, Earth Day isn't quite the same for most retailers.   In fact, many are reconsidering their sustainability-focused initiatives as they prioritize more pressing issues—like how to keep their operations afloat amid store closures and major decreases in sales.   And with daily news of retail brands announcing layoffs and furloughed employees, the reality is that for most, earth-friendly efforts are taking a backseat this year.   However, there are a few brands across the retail industry that are going the other direction: They’re actually leaning into sustainability efforts on Earth Day in 2020.   I spoke with a few experts and companies to hear how (and why) they’re continuing sustainability initiatives despite the current challenges imposed by the coronavirus crisis.  

Clothing 

  If you ask sustainable apparel expert Kohl Crecelius of Known Supply how the current crisis is impacting the clothing vertical, he believes that in some ways, it’s bringing to light important decisions that will need to be made moving forward.   “Brands and shoppers alike are now thinking about what kind of future they want to create moving forward,” he said.   As a result, Crecelius believes pressure is mounting for brands as they work to figure out both how they will survive the current economic conditions and how they’ll rise to meet the continued sustainability improvements modern consumers demand.   Byron Bay-based apparel brand Thrills is one brand managing to figure out both sides of this equation.    Even though the doors of its four physical retail stores are temporarily closed, they’ve decided to lean into their sustainability efforts and are focusing on driving sales through the online portion of their business.   On the sustainability side, they recently announced a decision to switch to 100% organic cotton for their denim products, which is the latest addition to the company’s existing roster of sustainable fabrics that includes hemp, linen, recycled cotton, and ramie.   This shift to organic cotton increases the brand’s cost per garment between 5-10%, but the internal leadership team agreed the company should absorb those costs, as it’s a responsible choice that more fully aligns with the brand’s mission and ethos.   “This was an investment we were willing to make due to its massive environmental and human advantages,” said Mike Fishwick, Design Manager at Thrills.   “We will come through the other side of this pandemic and our position on sustainable practices will remain at the forefront of our design process.”  

Beauty 

  Right now the doors of Lena Rose Beauty, Chicago’s first green beauty salon and spa, remain closed. But that hasn’t stopped founder Jenny Duranski’s devotion to sustainable practices and advocating for more eco-friendly practices across the beauty industry as a whole.   “I’ve seen firsthand the amount of waste the spa and wellness industry produces—it’s essentially the equivalent of fast fashion,” she said. As a result, Duranski has pledged her business will be 100% plastic-free by 2025—and she encourages others to do the same.   Sustainability efforts in the beauty industry are happening, albeit at a varied pace and scale. Select direct-to-consumer brands are finding creative ways to do their parts.   For example: Sasha Plavsic, founder of ILIA Beauty, has implemented a recycling program in partnership with TerraCycle that allows customers to mail in (with a prepaid label) the packaging for up to five empty beauty products from any brand so they can be recycled.   “It’s one thing to create something sustainable out of better materials, but we believe it’s even more important to keep product packaging in the recycling equation once you are finished using it,” Plavsic said.   Even with the constraints imposed on the business by the pandemic, ILIA is moving full speed ahead with its sustainability efforts and continues to source new eco-friendly materials for future packaging—and hopes that others will do the same.  

Home goods

  As consumers spend more time at home, they’re now taking a harder look at the furnishings inside and outside their living spaces.   Yardbird co-founder Jay Dillon sees this as an opportunity to present more responsible options to consumers—on Earth Day and year-round.   On Earth Day 2020, these are just a few examples of retailers finding ways to keep sustainability initiatives front and center amid the challenging present circumstances. As brands across verticals navigate the coming weeks (or months), let’s hope the conversation on a more responsible future continues.