10 Zero Waste Makeup Brands
I've been doing a lot of research on zero waste makeup brands. If you've been a frequent reader, you know I love to DIY!
I have an entire tab dedicated to the zero waste, DIY side of beauty. As the blog has grown, I've gotten a lot busier. My time to DIY has decreased.
Even though my DIY time has waned, I don't want to sacrifice quality ingredients. I also don't want to have to resort to trashy packaging. I know many of my readers are in the same boat.
Many are left wondering... does makeup like this exist? Of course it does!
But, it is going to cost more than it's drug store counterparts. You have to remember you're paying for higher-quality ingredients and quality packaging.
I have found, that I tend to buy less makeup. I've cut out impulse purchases, and I make my selections VERY carefully. I use that product entirely before moving onto another one.
When I was buying drug store makeup that was relatively inexpensive, I tended to buy more than I needed to "experiment" with colors. Of course, "experimenting" meant I used it twice and left it untouched in the drawer for the next several years.
By, being really selective and purposeful with my zero waste makeup purchases, I'm only spending a little more than I used to. I'm also wasting WAY less.
I have tried some of these brands, but I haven't tried all of them. When I typically buy makeup, I buy it in store at Credo Beauty. I've never had it shipped to me.
I can't account for how you will receive the items if you have them shipped to your house.
From, my research, these seem like some really great zero waste options. If you know of more makeup brands conscious of their packaging, please help others out in the comment section below!
Just a heads up, many of the links in this post will be affiliate links.
1. Axiology
I have not personally tried Axiology, but I think their colors are stunning. Plus, they have some really fun selections!
I find that a lot of clean beauty brands, tend to stick to more sophisticated palates. If you're into bold, fun color - this is definitely the brand for you.
Their lipstick tubes are made from recycled aluminum. They can be recycled at the end of their life. The lipstick tube comes in a paper box created by a woman-owned recycled paper boutique in Bali. The box can be recycled or composted.
The company is vegan and cruelty free. According to their website the also donate a percentage of their annual profits to partners like Orangutan Foundation International, PeTA, and other humane societies.
2. Antonym Cosmetics
Antonym is a certified organic brand which is vegan and cruelty free. Their compact eye shadows, blushes, and brushes are packaged in bamboo.
The outer packaging is made from FSC certified paper for the outer packaging.
I haven't tried Antonym, but their packaging always catches my eyes when I go into Credo.
I really like the bamboo pallets. They have a liquid foundation I thought was packaged in glass, but after more research it's packaged in plastic. What a bummer!
3. Elate Cosmetics
Elate cosmetics is a really popular brand for zero wasters. I hear others raving about them. I personally haven't tried Elate yet, but it is on my list.
Elate is packaged similarly to Antonym. They use bamboo and are also vegan and cruelty free. The main difference is that Elate offers refills.
Refillable makeup is becoming really popular. You purchase a really nice compact that has a small magnet in the back which holds onto the stainless tin. The small stainless tins have pressed eye shadow, blush, or foundation. Once you run out of your product, you can recycle the tin.
Then you can order a new pressed tin to put it's place. It's a genius concept that really helps to save a lot of packaging!
Elate seems to be very conscious of packaging waste too. On their FAQ, they say to let them know if you live a plastic-free life, and they will do their best to accommodate.
4. Kjaer Weis
Kjaer Weis is one of my favorites! All of their products are organic and they're not tested on animals.
I have three of their eyeshadows and their refillable mascara. I get a lot of instagram DMs from people asking me about my eye makeup. It is ALL Kjaer Weis. Kjaer Weis also offers refills.
Their compacts are made out of stainless steel instead of bamboo. Stainless steel has a 100% recycle rate.
If your bathroom is humid, like mine, I recommend the stainless compacts over the bamboo ones. Don't get me wrong, I love bamboo! But, when I store bamboo under my sink, it can get pretty moldy.
Their refills are packaged in compostable paper.
Whenever I finish my mascara, I make sure to send my wand to the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge.
5. RMS
I believe RMS was one of the first companies who was really conscious about their packaging. Their tins have a stainless steel top with a glass bottom. Both stainless and glass have a 100% recycle rate.
I was really disappointed when they released their eyeshadow pallets in plastic packaging last year, but they have a lot of products packaged very sustainably. I have tried their concealer and their lip to cheek.
I am a really big fan of both! I do really like their products and would like to try their unpowder.
RMS is organic and they don't test on animals.
6. Tata Harper
I LOVE Tata Harper. Tata Harper is mostly a skin care brand, but they do have a couple of beauty products.
I use the Tata Harper skin care line day to day. I love their Lip to Cheek. It was what I wore on my wedding day.
I wish that the tint didn't wear off so quickly, but I love the color. I have the color Very Naughty.
The bottom is green glass, and the top is plastic. But, it's just so beautiful. They are cruelty free and handmade in Vermont.
7. Keeping it Natural
I've seen several zero wasters posting about this Etsy shop on instagram. They offer cake mascara, blushes and mineral eyeshadows.
In the description of the products, the maker bills the products as zero waste. I'm sure you could get everything shipped plastic free too.
I haven't tried this makeup, but it looks like a good option that is a little cheaper than some of the other options mentioned.
8. Ilia
Ilia is another brand that packages in recycled aluminum. They're cruelty free and certified organic.
I have not tried Ilia, but my friend Danielle has raved about them.
9. Besame
Besame has really intrigued me since seeing a video of how their products are made on site in LA. They make products with vintage replication. This means most of their products are plastic free.
In the video you saw them fill their lipsticks. I'm really curious if you could go back for a refill?
The colors are absolutely stunning. I am also very curious about their cake mascara.
I haven't tried Besame yet, but they're definitely on my list. Next time I'm in LA, I would love to visit their shop.
I've always loved vintage style, and as a bonus there was less plastic back then too!
10. Lush
Lush can be fairly controversial, but I have to say I am for them. A lot of people call green washing. While I admit there are aspects where they could improve, they are pioneering the way in so many aspects.
They're honest and transparent on their website. They're cruelty free and 35% of their products can be bought without packaging. It's definitely worth a look if you have one near by.
My friend Holly over on Leotie Lovely wrote a great piece about Lush - It's worth the read!
