19 Game-Changing Sustainable Beauty Tips for an Eco-Friendly Routine (#4 Will Surprise You!)

Let’s be real—looking fabulous shouldn’t mean wrecking the planet. The beauty industry is packed with waste, chemicals, and plastic galore, but don’t worry! You don’t have to give up your skincare obsession to be kind to the earth. A few simple swaps can make a huge difference (and might even save you some cash).

If you’re ready to glow up while going green, here are 19 sustainable beauty tips that are easy, fun, and totally worth trying. Plus, you won’t believe how game-changing #4 is!

1. Ditch the Disposable Makeup Wipes—They’re a Skin and Planet Nightmare

Makeup wipes might seem convenient, but they’re basically tiny pollution machines. They clog landfills, contain harsh chemicals, and let’s be honest—they don’t even remove all your makeup properly. Instead, switch to reusable makeup remover pads or a soft microfiber cloth.

Just add a little cleansing oil, wipe, rinse, and repeat. These reusable options are not only softer on your skin but also last for months, making them an eco-friendly and budget-friendly swap.

By making this small change, you’ll cut down on waste and give your skin a break from unnecessary chemicals.

2. Use One Product for Multiple Purposes

Why carry ten different products when one can do it all? A good lip and cheek tint, a hydrating balm, or a BB cream with SPF can cut down on clutter and waste. Plus, fewer products = less packaging, which means a smaller carbon footprint.

The best part? You’ll spend less time rummaging through your makeup bag and more time looking effortlessly gorgeous. Investing in multi-purpose products helps simplify your beauty routine while being kinder to the environment.

Whether it’s a highlighter doubling as an eyeshadow or a tinted moisturizer replacing foundation, these swaps make beauty simple and sustainable.

3. Buy Products You Can Refill (Because Throwing Away Packaging is So Last Season)

Some brands, like Fenty Beauty, Kjaer Weis, and Charlotte Tilbury, offer refillable compacts, lipstick cases, and skincare bottles. Instead of tossing empty packaging, you just buy a refill—saving plastic, money, and the planet.

Many beauty brands now provide refill stations or discounted refill packs, making it easier than ever to reduce waste. Refillable packaging not only cuts down on plastic pollution but also encourages brands to create higher-quality, longer-lasting containers.

By making the switch, you support a circular economy where less waste is created, and beauty remains just as luxurious without harming the earth.

4. Support Beauty Brands That Actually Care About the Planet

Not all beauty brands are created equal. Some are all talk and no action, while others are out here saving the world one lipstick at a time. Look for brands that use recycled materials, sustainable ingredients, and cruelty-free practices. Some top eco-friendly brands include Lush, Ilia, and Ethique.

Supporting them means you’re voting with your wallet for a greener beauty industry. When brands see that consumers prefer sustainable products, they’re encouraged to invest in ethical production. Every dollar spent on responsible brands helps shape the future of the beauty industry, making sustainable beauty the norm instead of an exception.

5. Switch to Bar Soaps & Shampoo Bars—They Last Forever

Liquid shampoos and body washes come in plastic bottles that just end up in landfills (or worse, the ocean). Bar soaps and shampoo bars, on the other hand, use way less packaging and last longer. Plus, they’re leak-proof, making them a travel essential! No more opening your suitcase to find shampoo all over your clothes.

Many shampoo bars also contain fewer harsh chemicals, making them gentler on your scalp. With so many options for different hair types, it’s easy to find one that works for you. They’re also highly concentrated, meaning you use less product per wash.

6. Give Your Empty Jars a Second Life

Before you toss that fancy moisturizer jar, think about all the ways you can reuse it! Clean it out and turn it into a DIY face mask container, a jewelry holder, or even a cute mini plant pot. You’re reducing waste and flexing your creativity—win-win! Glass jars, in particular, are super versatile.

They can store homemade lip balms, travel-sized lotions, or even cotton swabs. Some brands even offer return programs where you send back empty jars for a discount. Instead of seeing empty packaging as trash, think of it as a creative opportunity to repurpose and reduce waste.

7. DIY Your Beauty Products (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Who needs expensive scrubs and masks when your kitchen has all the good stuff? Coconut oil, sugar, honey, and coffee grounds can work wonders on your skin. Plus, making your own products means zero weird chemicals and zero wasteful packaging. Y

our skin (and wallet) will love you for this. DIY beauty also allows you to customize ingredients based on your skin’s needs. Whether it’s a simple oat face mask for sensitive skin or a sugar scrub for smooth legs, homemade beauty products are often more effective and cost-efficient. Plus, they make great gifts for friends!

8. Swap Plastic Brushes & Toothbrushes for Bamboo Ones

Plastic hairbrushes and toothbrushes take centuries to decompose, while bamboo ones break down naturally. Plus, they look way more aesthetic in your bathroom. Make the switch, and your daily routine just got 10x greener! Bamboo toothbrushes are just as effective as their plastic counterparts but without the environmental guilt.

Bamboo hairbrushes are also gentler on the scalp, reducing breakage and static. Since bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource, using it in everyday beauty tools significantly reduces plastic waste. Simple swaps like this make a huge difference when multiplied by millions of people making the same conscious choice.

9. Opt for Glass Packaging Over Plastic

Glass packaging is infinitely recyclable, unlike plastic, which degrades over time. Plus, glass makes your vanity look chic and high-end. Many sustainable brands are moving towards glass packaging for serums, oils, and moisturizers. Bonus: It’s chemical-free, so your beauty products stay fresher for longer.

Choosing glass over plastic is a small yet impactful switch that reduces plastic waste and encourages brands to invest in more sustainable options. Plus, once you’re done, you can upcycle glass jars into storage containers, candle holders, or mini plant pots!

10. Say No to Single-Use Sheet Masks

Yes, we all love a good sheet mask selfie, but those single-use masks come wrapped in plastic-heavy, non-recyclable packaging. Instead, opt for wash-off face masks that come in jars or DIY your own! Not only will this save the environment from more waste, but it’ll also save your wallet. If you still love the convenience of sheet masks, try brands that offer biodegradable or reusable ones.

Or better yet, invest in a silicone mask cover to layer over your favorite serums, creating the same effect with zero waste!