Makeup Labs

Tag: eco-friendly makeup

  • Sustainable beauty doesn’t have to be expensive: Our top picks under £20

    Sustainable beauty doesn’t have to be expensive: Our top picks under £20

    There’s a myth that going green with your beauty routine means spending a fortune on tiny jars with minimalist labels. It doesn’t. Some of the best sustainable swaps are cheaper than what you’re using now, because reusables pay for themselves and a single bar replaces bottle after bottle.

    You don’t need to overhaul everything at once, either. Pick one or two of these, all under £20 and all on Amazon UK, and you’ve already cut a chunk of waste from your routine without feeling it in your wallet.

    In This Guide:

    1. Why eco doesn’t have to cost more
    2. Our Sustainable Picks under £20
    3. How to swap without the waste

    1. Why Eco Doesn’t Have to Cost More

    The trick is to focus on swaps that replace repeat purchases. A pack of reusable pads costs a few pounds once and retires hundreds of cotton-wool rounds. A shampoo bar outlasts two or three bottles. So the upfront price isn’t the real number, the cost-per-use is, and on that measure these win easily. That’s the whole point: better for the planet and your bank balance.

    2. Our Sustainable Picks Under £20

    Six swaps that deliver, across makeup, tools and haircare.

    Bambaw Bamboo Reusable Face Pads — around £11. A set of soft, double-sided washable pads (one velvety side for gentle everyday cleansing, one textured side for light exfoliation), with a cotton wash bag to keep them together in the laundry. Use them with your cleanser or micellar water in place of cotton wool, then wash and reuse again and again. One set retires thousands of single-use cotton rounds, so the cost-per-use is tiny, and it’s the swap you’ll reach for every single day. [INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

    Effect Mascara — around £4. Proof that vegan makeup can be both brilliant and pocket-money cheap. Essence is now a 100% vegan brand, and this mascara has cult status for volume that punches well above its price. The no-risk way to try a vegan version of something you would buy anyway. [INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

    EcoTools Makeup Brushes — from around £6. Brushes with handles made from recycled materials and soft synthetic (so cruelty-free) bristles, at high-street prices. A genuinely sustainable upgrade from cheap throwaway brushes that shed within weeks, without the premium-brush price tag. [INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

    Ethique Shampoo Bar — around £15. A concentrated solid bar that replaces up to three plastic bottles of shampoo and lasts for dozens of washes. Ethique is vegan, cruelty-free and a certified B Corp, so the ethics run deeper than the packaging. Slightly pricier upfront, far cheaper per wash, the swap that converts sceptics. [INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

    Bambaw Bamboo Cotton Buds — around £3. Plastic cotton buds are one of the most common bits of beach litter; these swap the plastic stem for biodegradable bamboo for the price of a coffee. A tiny change, but one you’ll repurchase guilt-free forever. [INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

    The Konjac Sponge Company Facial Sponge — around £8. A natural, biodegradable sponge made from konjac plant fibre that gently exfoliates and composts at the end of its life, unlike synthetic sponges that shed microplastics. A soft, sustainable swap for sensitive skin. [INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

    3. How to Swap Without the Waste

    One important rule: don’t bin everything you currently own to “go sustainable”. Throwing usable products away creates more waste, not less, and rather defeats the point.

    Instead, swap as you run out. When your mascara dries up, your shampoo bottle empties or your last cotton pad goes in the wash, replace that one thing with a greener version from the list above. Start with the daily-use items, since that’s where a single swap saves the most over time. Within a couple of months you’ll have quietly rebuilt your routine, spent less than you used to, and barely noticed the change, except in your bin.

    Small Budget, Real Impact

    Sustainable beauty isn’t a luxury reserved for big spenders. The swaps that matter most are often the cheapest, because reusables and concentrated bars cost less over their lifetime than the disposables they replace. There’s no compromise to make and no fortune to spend.

    Pick one swap to start, see how easily it slots into your routine, then add another when you next run low. For more easy wins, browse the rest of our sustainable beauty edit, where every pick is chosen to be kinder to your skin, your budget and the planet.

    Featured Products

    References

     

  • The Best Refillable Makeup Brands to know in 2026: Our top picks

    The Best Refillable Makeup Brands to know in 2026: Our top picks

     

    Think about how much makeup packaging you’ve thrown away. Every empty lipstick bullet, every cracked powder compact, every foundation bottle, almost all of it plastic, almost all of it landfill. The beauty industry churns out billions of units of plastic packaging a year, and most of it is used once.

    Refillable makeup flips that. You buy the case once, then top it up with a refill when it runs out, keeping the bit that lasts and replacing only the bit that doesn’t. Less waste, less money over time, and increasingly, no compromise on quality. Here’s how it works and the brands leading the way.

    In This Guide:

    1. Why refillable makeup matters
    2. How refill systems actually work
    3. Our Sustainable Picks
    4. Is refillable actually cheaper?

    1. Why Refillable Makeup Matters

     

    Most makeup packaging is single-use plastic that’s difficult to recycle, because it mixes materials (plastic, metal, mirrors, magnets) that recycling plants can’t easily separate. So it’s landfilled or incinerated.

    Refillable systems cut that waste at the source. Instead of binning the whole product, you keep the durable outer case (sometimes for years) and replace just the pan or pod inside. One well-made compact can outlive dozens of disposable ones.

    2. How Refill Systems Actually Work

     

    There are three common formats, and they’re all simple.

    • Magnetic pans: an empty palette or compact holds refill pans of eyeshadow, blush or powder that click in and out.
    • Pods and cartridges: lipsticks and foundations where the colour pod slots into a permanent case.
    • Screw or twist refills: the inner product unscrews and a replacement screws in.

    In every case the principle is the same: buy the housing once, then buy cheaper, lower-packaging refills forever. Most brands tell you exactly how to swap them on the product page.

    3. Our Sustainable Picks

     

    Four brands doing refillable properly, from one dedicated pioneer to the big names now catching up. Drop your tagged links into the markers below.

    The dedicated pioneer: Zao Makeup. Launched in 2012 as the world’s first fully refillable makeup brand, Zao houses everything (foundation, powder, eyeshadow, lipstick) in refillable bamboo cases. The whole range is vegan, cruelty-free and Ecocert-certified organic, and refills cost noticeably less than the original. If you want a brand built around refilling from the ground up, start here.

    Try: the Zao Refillable Concealer (buy the refillable case once, then just the refill).

     

    The refillable foundation: Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation SPF 15. A British mineral foundation (vegan, Leaping Bunny cruelty-free) that comes in a refillable pot, top it up with a fully recyclable refill sachet instead of buying a whole new product. Clean, short ingredient list and a genuine zero-fuss refill.

    Try: the Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation SPF 15 (then reorder the refill sachets).

     

    The refillable lipstick: Zao Bamboo Refillable Lipstick. Zao’s lipsticks sit in a refillable bamboo case, when you hit the end, you buy just the colour refill and keep the case. Vegan, Ecocert-certified organic and far less packaging than a standard bullet.

    Try: the Zao Bamboo Refillable Lipstick.

     

    The build-your-own palette: MAC Pro Palette. MAC’s refill system lets you buy an empty magnetic palette and fill it with individual eyeshadow, blush and powder pans, so you replace only the shade you’ve hit pan on, never the packaging. Brilliant for cutting waste while keeping a pro-level shade range.

    Try: the MAC Pro Palette plus your choice of MAC Eye Shadow refill pans.

    4. Is Refillable Actually Cheaper?

     

    Upfront, refillable can cost a little more, you’re paying for a durable case built to last. But the maths works in your favour fast. Refills strip out the expensive packaging, so each top-up is cheaper than buying the product new, sometimes substantially so.

    Buy one good compact and refill it three or four times, and you’ve spent less than you would on three or four disposable versions, with a fraction of the waste. The case is the investment; the refills are the saving.

    A Small Change That Sticks

     

    Refillable makeup isn’t a gimmick, it’s the direction the whole industry is heading, and it’s one of the easiest sustainable swaps to make because nothing about your routine actually changes. Same products, same finish, just a reusable case and a cheaper, lower-waste refill.

    Start with one product you repurchase often, a powder, a lipstick, an eyeshadow, and choose a refillable version next time it runs out. For more easy wins, explore the rest of our sustainable beauty edit.

    Featured Products

    References

  • Prime Day 2024: What to Expect and How to Make the Most of It

    Prime Day 2024: What to Expect and How to Make the Most of It

    Prime Day 2024: What to Expect and How to Make the Most of It

    By Anna McLean

    Hey there, savvy shoppers! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been eagerly anticipating Prime Day 2024. It’s that special time of year when Amazon rolls out some of its biggest and best deals, giving us all a chance to snag fantastic products at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re a seasoned Prime Day veteran or a first-time shopper, this blog is here to help you navigate the event like a pro. We’ll dive into what to expect this year, share some tips on getting the most out of the sale, and highlight a few must-have products that you can grab on Amazon UK.

    What is Prime Day?

    Prime Day is Amazon’s annual sales event exclusively for Prime members. It started back in 2015 to celebrate Amazon’s 20th anniversary and has since become one of the most significant shopping events of the year, rivaling even Black Friday. This year, Prime Day 2024 is set to be bigger and better than ever, with millions of deals across all categories.

    When is Prime Day 2024?

    Mark your calendars because Prime Day 2024 is happening on July 15th and 16th. That’s 48 hours of non-stop shopping madness, and trust me, you won’t want to miss out!

    Tips for Navigating Prime Day 2024

    Before we dive into specific product recommendations, let’s talk strategy. Here are a few tips to ensure you make the most of Prime Day:

    1. Sign Up for Amazon Prime: If you haven’t already, make sure you’re an Amazon Prime member. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial if you’re new. This will give you access to all the deals, plus other benefits like free shipping, Prime Video, and more.
    2. Make a List: Think about what you need or want to buy ahead of time. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.
    3. Use the Amazon App: The Amazon app is your best friend during Prime Day. You can set deal alerts, track your orders, and get notified when your favorite items go on sale.
    4. Check Early and Often: Deals can go live at any time, so it’s essential to check regularly throughout the event. Some of the best deals are Lightning Deals, which are limited-time offers that can sell out quickly.
    5. Compare Prices: Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it’s the best deal. Use price comparison tools to ensure you’re getting the best price possible.

    Must-Have Products to Look Out For

    Now, let’s get to the fun part—shopping! Here are some fantastic products that we’ve discussed in previous blogs, all available on Amazon UK, and likely to be featured in Prime Day deals.

    Beauty and Wellness

    Yoga for Facial Beauty: Exercises to Enhance Skin Health and Glow

    If you missed our blog on facial yoga, now’s the perfect time to catch up and grab some essential products. Yoga mats and instructional yoga DVDs are often discounted during Prime Day. Look for the Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat for comfort during your sessions. Pair it with a DVD like Yoga Facial Exercises by Danielle Collins to get started on your journey to glowing skin.

    Sustainable Beauty

    Eco-Friendly Makeup Packaging: Innovations Leading the Way in Sustainability

    Prime Day is a great opportunity to invest in eco-friendly beauty products. Check out Ethique’s Zero Waste Shampoo and Conditioner Bars. These are not only sustainable but also effective and beautifully packaged. Also, look for refillable beauty products from brands like Kjaer Weis, which offer luxurious makeup in eco-friendly packaging.

    Beauty and Wellness

    Beauty Sleep: The Impact of Rest on Your Skin and Makeup Routine

    We all know the importance of beauty sleep, and Prime Day is the perfect time to upgrade your nighttime routine. Look for silk pillowcases from brands like SLIP. They help reduce friction on your skin and hair, promoting better sleep and reducing wrinkles. Also, consider picking up an overnight skin treatment like Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturiser.

    Trends and Tutorials

    Makeup Transformation Challenges: Fun and Inspirational Before-and-Afters

    For those who love experimenting with makeup, keep an eye out for transformation makeup kits. Brands like NYX Professional Makeup offer comprehensive kits perfect for trying out new looks. The NYX Professional Makeup Highlight & Contour Pro Palette is a great choice for contouring enthusiasts.

    Skincare and Beauty Tips

    Makeup Tips for Different Skin Types: Personalized Advice for Every Skin Concern

    Prime Day is ideal for stocking up on skin type-specific makeup. If you have dry skin, look for hydrating foundations like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint. For oily skin, the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is a fantastic choice. These products are often discounted, so it’s a good time to try something new.

    In-Depth Beauty Guides and Histories

    Cultural Beauty Rituals Around the World: Tradition and Trends

    Prime Day is a wonderful opportunity to explore cultural beauty products. Consider Korean skincare sets like those from Laneige or Innisfree. These sets often include a range of products designed to work together, providing a complete skincare routine.

    Prime Day and Sustainability

    One of the exciting trends we’ve noticed is the increasing focus on sustainability. Many brands are now offering eco-friendly products that don’t compromise on quality. Keep an eye out for deals on biodegradable makeup wipes from brands like Simple and refillable beauty products from Fenty Beauty.

    Conclusion

    Prime Day 2024 is shaping up to be an incredible event with deals that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking to update your beauty routine, invest in sustainable products, or try out the latest trends, there’s something for everyone. Remember to plan ahead, use the Amazon app, and check back frequently to snag the best deals.

    Happy shopping, and may your Prime Day be filled with fantastic finds and fabulous savings!

    Keywords

    Prime Day 2024, Amazon UK, beauty deals, sustainable beauty, facial yoga, eco-friendly makeup, beauty sleep products, makeup transformation kits, skincare tips, cultural beauty products, biodegradable makeup wipes, refillable beauty products.