Beauty News

Sustainable and green beauty products to try

Good for you and the planet, we love these brands with sustainability, fair trade and high performance at their heart

All about the science

Antipodes describes itself as a “scientific green beauty brand”, and they have created some impressive all-natural wonders from their Wellington base. The latest to land are Flora Probiotic Skin-Rescue Hyaluronic Mask which harnesses the power of probiotics to balance the skin’s microflora and reduce inflammation, and Credo Probiotic Ferment Revitalise Serum featuring a blend of active fermented ingredients to help maintain healthy skin function.

Global goal-setters

One of the world’s biggest beauty companies, Garnier has truly committed to the planet of late, with all its plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable and compostable, and 100 percent of its industrial sites carbon neutral by 2025. All Garnier products are officially approved by Cruelty Free International under the Leaping Bunny Programme too, the leading organisation working to end animal testing. Its BB Creams are amongst the best available, while unique products like Garnier Green Labs Pinea-C Brightening Serum Cream SPF 15 and Hyalu-Melon Smoothing Milky Wash, are budget and planet-friendly!

Trailblazing beauty

Founded by forward-thinking entrepreneur Anita Roddick almost 50 years ago, The Body Shop has always been synonymous with making better choices for the Earth. Its new Vitamin C Concealer is a multi-tasking wonder that hits the sweet spot between mid to full coverage and is available in 20 shades, while Vitamin C Overnight Glow Revealing Mask is enriched with lactic acid and papaya enzymes, and goes to work while you are sleeping.

Lush locks

Founded in 1995 by trichologist Mark Constantine and based in Dorset in the UK, Lush has been passionate since the get-go when it comes to cruelty-free, fair trade and fighting against what they call “over-packaging” in the beauty world. Its Charity Pot is a soothing body lotion that also helps fund small-scale organisations and campaigners in the areas of animal protection, human rights and the environment, while haircare products like Big Shampoo for high volume hair, and Wasabi Shan Kui Shampoo with fresh horseradish, are totally unique and work like a charm.

Natural wonders

Another brand founded in Wellington, Trilogy has gone on to conquer the world with its effective and environmentally friendly skincare formulas. Rejuvenating Overnight Mask is perfect for those nights when you need an extra hydration boost, while CoQ10 Eye Recovery Concentrate is a great rescue and recovery gel that energises, brightens and tones the delicate skin around the eyes.

Break up with wipes

Make-up wipes are one of the worst creations ever for the planet. New Zealand’s Ethique range of Face Cleansing Bars is a fabulous way to remain environmentally friendly and is also very effective when it comes to taking off the day. If you’re after a deeper cleanse, hydrating Deep Green targets sebum build-up and dirt, while the creamy Bliss Bar is an incredibly gentle, scent-free cleanser that is ideal for those with touchy skin.

Beauty editor’s tips

Repurpose your beauty empties!

  • Use empty candle vessels to store make-up brushes, stationery or cotton buds.

  • Empty fragrance bottles look beautiful as single-stem flower vases.

  • When travelling, store clean cotton pads in empty moisturiser jars.

  • Empty face mist bottles? Use them to spritz the leaves of your plants.

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