This month, the 'RUSSH' team has turned its focus towards sustainability in beauty. I get this can be hypocritical. Beauty as an industry is very focused on newness, and a significant contributor to waste globally. But there are brands who are doing the work when it comes to reducing their environmental impact, from raw material sourcing to production, packaging and other social causes. It's necessary but inspiring to see, and personally I think it's important that we give these brands the attention they deserve.

Below, I've curated some of my all time favourite sustainable products, from slow skincare to refillable lipstick. All of these brands are transparent in their respective commitments to sustainability, and beyond that, the products stand on their own. I hope you find a new favourite.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

UFC is the white t-shirt of moisturisers. It's easy to use, suits all skin types, is comfortable to wear — the appeal lies in its simplicity. But beyond this, the formula is refillable, reducing the amount of packaging that ends up in landfill. It's also a cheaper way to restock (a win win).

Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser

Emma Lewisham is an inspiring skincare brand. It's carbon positive (as in, reduces more emissions than it emits) and each formula is refillable. The formulas are also very pure — there's nothing superfluous. I love the Illuminating Oil Cleanser. It dissolves makeup and skincare while gently refining the skin's texture. It rinses clean, but still leaves me feeling soft and nourished.

Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream Mask

In exciting news, Clarins recently announced its B Corp certification (a third party label given to businesses meeting the highest standards of environmental performance and transparency). I love this face mask — it's cold on application, waking up tired skin while replenishing moisture. It's perfect before a big event or alternatively, the morning after.

Lesse Soothing Lip Balm

Lesse is a brand that champions minimalism — the name is even a nod to buying and using less within your beauty routine. I love this lip balm because it actually works, and comes packaging in a cardboard tube, meaning its entirely recyclable.

Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Vintner's Daughter is a skincare brand made by April Gargiulo, a winemakers daughter who is a bit of a legend within the industry for her anti-consumerism stance. In over 10 years, she's only launched three products: a cleanser, oil-based serum and an exfoliating essence. The serum in particular is a cult formula and the best oil I've ever used. It's nourishing but lightweight, and leaves my skin softer, smoother and glowier.

Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

Sunday Riley is another B Corp certified brand that is absolutely worth trying/buying. Good Genes is such a great formula. It's a milky serum boosted with lactic acid to resurface and rehydrate dull, dry, rough or bumpy skin.

RMS Beauty Uncover Up

RSM Beauty is known for clean formulas and easy to recycle packaging. I also love how everything is multi-purpose; it encourages a more streamlined routine. Uncover Up is one of my forever favourite base products. It's sheer but buildable, glowy and hydrating, so it stays fresh all day long.

YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture

Rouge Pur Couture is a refillable lipstick. The tube is chic, the colours are beautiful, and the formula itself is pigmented but comfortable. I also think there's something nice about holding onto one bullet for years.

Davines Oi Shampoo

Davines is an Italian haircare brand and known among editors as the best formulas in the game. Many of the product lines are carbon neutral, majority of the ingredients are naturally derived, and the brand has been using renewable electric energy from natural sources to supply plants and offices since 2006. The Oi shampoo is so impressive. It lathers into a frothy foam, deeply cleansing the hair, restoring volume, softness and shine.

Aesop A Rose By Any Other Name Body Cleanser

What I admire about Aesop is that they share an annual impact report, so it's clear what the brand is doing in terms of sustainability. Like some of the above, Aesop is also B Corp certified. The Rose By Any Other Name cleanser is so lush. It smells floral but smoky, and transforms from a gel into a silky lather for perfectly clean skin.