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As an industry, beauty tends to be slightly unwavering. The type of products available, the packaging they come in and even the way they are applied. Much of what is on the market has remained unchanged. But with discarded makeup and plastic packaging adding to a massive sum of waste, maybe it's time to consider shaking up how and what we put on our faces...
By Candice Kamal
According to a report by global plastic pollution management service CleanHub Every year, the beauty industry produces an excess of 120 billion units of packaging globally, most of which are not truly recyclable - only 14% of packaging makes it to the recycling plant, and only 9% actually gets recycled. While it's not exactly news to most people, with the beauty industry growing exponentially every year, this issue is more pressing than ever.
We've hunted down some products that tackle the packaging problem by...well, mostly not having much. They may be slightly unorthodox in application, but that's part of the joy.
Japanese Beni Lipstick
Beni is the minute amount of red pigment found in safflower petals, both the flower and the extraction method is thought to have arrived in Japan in the 3rd century. Beni, when used in makeup, shines iridescently when dry – this is thought to be an indicator of quality. When applied, with water, the colour can go from a light pink to a deep red (depending on the number of coats), all with a noticeable iridescent green glow. Since the packaging is either porcelain or paper, this product has a significant reduction in plastic packaging, whilst also providing you with the most enchanting and unique red lipstick on the market today.
Aker Fassi
Used for centuries in Morocco to tint the lips and cheeks, Aker Fassi is made from only three ingredients: poppy flowers, pomegranate bark and henna powder, and is packaged in a terracotta pot, instead of a plastic container. The deepness of the red colour will vary, depending on the thickness of the layer and will have a slight golden tinge to it. To apply, dip a brush (or your finger) in water and rub over the lips, let it dry down, and add more layers as desired.
Indian Earth Bronzer
Japanese Beni lip stain
Indian Earth Bronzer
Have you ever looked at a photograph of Farah Fawcett from the 70s, and wondered how she achieved that effortless, sun-kissed glow? Well look no further, Indian Earth Bronzer is the key – even a small amount is enough to give you a ‘I just got back from the beach’ look. The powder comes in a beautiful clay pot, with an adorable powder puff, and is as such, a more sustainable alternative to regular, plastic
packaging. Since the bronzer is made from a mix of naturally occurring minerals, when people ask you how you got so tanned, you can factually reply: “It's natural.” Because, well, it is.
packaging. Since the bronzer is made from a mix of naturally occurring minerals, when people ask you how you got so tanned, you can factually reply: “It's natural.” Because, well, it is.
Diptyque solid perfume
Diptyque’s refillable, solid perfumes are a brilliant way to cut down on the plastic packaging that comes with traditional, spray perfumes. Coming in six gorgeous scents: including the familiar ‘Eau de Rose’, the perfumes come in stunning, art-deco inspired cases, with signature artworks on each. Keep one of these in your purse, to feel like a chic Parisian, wherever you go.
Lipstick paper
This lipstick paper, originates from China, and gives the lips an utterly divine red stain (as if you have just been daintily eating strawberries), which can be deepened into a bright red, with further applications. This lipstick is not only a wonderful colour, but also contains less plastic packaging than most other lipsticks (a win-win). To apply,
wet your lips and press the paper firmly between them, repeat until the desired colour is reached.
wet your lips and press the paper firmly between them, repeat until the desired colour is reached.