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Zero Waste Makeup: I’m Done With Chemicals!

Over the years, I have collected quite a stash of makeup. Particularly during the months leading up to my wedding, I grew especially interested in trying a vast variety of products to see what – in the end – worked best for me. You don’t want to screw up on your wedding day, right?

However, this need to ‘get it right’ led me to purchase a lot of products I didn’t need; like, at all.

I have a collection that could last me years! And it feels like I will never need to purchase another product again. Right now that feels like a false blessing, in that I have a lot of time to figure out what in the world I’m going to do with my emptied products when they finally run out. 

However, in the meantime, I still face some internal struggle knowing that I continue to put products on my face that are full of nasty chemicals.

Just look at the ingredients list on my very average, L’Oreal Lumi foundation!

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxethyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Chlorophenesin, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates Copolymer, Propylparaben, Ethylhexyl Hydrostearate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Aluminum Hydroxide, PEG-9, Ethylparaben, Dipropylene Glycol, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Bismuth Oxychloride.

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The Problem with Conventional Makeup

In this L’Oreal product alone, I’ve hit a number of cosmetic chemicals and preservatives in the so-called “Dirty Dozen.” You can find out more about that here.

Parabens, for example, are suspected endocrine disrupters that can mess with reproductivity. And PEG compounds (anything with the PEG prefix or “eth” in the name) may cause cancer. NO THANK YOU.

So, I’m looking into Zero Waste makeup solutions.

From now on, I’m making the conscious choice to rid myself of all those nasty conventional products in my makeup collection. They’re going in the trash. And by “in the trash,” I mean: “disposing of or reusing properly in whatever Zero Waste approved way that I can.”

Yes, I know tossing these products is ‘money down the drain.’ But, I strongly believe that my health is vastly more important than whatever sum I’ve already spent.  I’m fine with the trade-off.

I’m not getting that cash back, right? Better safe then sorry – I’m moving on!

The Zero Waste Makeup Solution

As a girl who still holds onto some of the traditional conventions that come with makeup – wanting a radiant complexion and bright eyes or whatever – I’m not planning on letting go entirely. I’ll be holding on to the few products I’ve acquired that meet my natural, chemical-free standards and replacing the rest with Zero Waste makeup solutions.

I like doing my makeup!

The artist in me enjoys playing around with the possibilities and the extra color and confidence always puts a spring in my step. I’m fine with that!

So, to start my Zero Waste makeup collection, I’ve been testing two well-loved recipes made from ingredients I already have in my kitchen.

Let me introduce you to my two new faves:

DIY Powder Foundation

How to make your own powder foundation

I love this super simple powder foundation that looks (and even smells) great! Read the tutorial & find the recipe here.

DIY Beetroot Lip Stain

Another natural recipe using the goodness of beets to color your lips, this DIY lip stain is now my go-to! Find the recipe here.


Do you know where I can dispose of used makeup bottles and containers? Let me know in the comments!

Marisa

Thursday 6th of June 2019

I love your blog,I'm on a journey to become totally chemical free in everything. I've just started making my own cleaning products and now changing my personal care products and making my own to become totally free..

Jemma

Monday 9th of January 2017

I love having a more natural based skin care routine. I feel like I'm always giving my skin a boost!

Jess

Monday 9th of January 2017

I've been trying to practice this with my cleansers! Sometimes you read the back of the bottle and you're like 'Wtf am I putting on my face'!? I'm really excited to see your upcoming tutorials!

Louise

Sunday 8th of January 2017

This was such an interesting read. I'll definitely be back to learn more about your DIY beauty products. And I just followed you on Instagram too :)

Louise x

Dani

Sunday 8th of January 2017

It's definitely scary to think how many chemicals are in products! You've inspired me to have a little look on my own and have a clear out/make room for some nicer products.

Dani x