In partnership with L'Oréal
At RUSSH, we’re dedicated to sharing a version of beauty that is personal, authentic and meaningful. Sustainability is a part of this – we're big believers in mindful consumption, especially where beauty is concerned. The future of beauty is buying less and buying better, while investing in brands that have proven their commitment to our planet.
With this in mind, we’re proud to be introducing a 30-day content initiative focused on curating a more sustainable beauty routine. This week, we’re launching the first instalment of the content series, delivering professional advice, as well as RUSSH editor tips to lessen our collective impact straight to our audience.
Small changes compound to greater change – we really hope you find value in what we share. You can also get a greater understanding of our approach to beauty via the RUSSH Sustainability Codes, and Sustainability checklist.
To kick things off, we’re starting with seven easy swaps and changes you can make to create a more sustainable beauty routine at home.
1. Swap impulse buying for slow curation
Adopt a capsule wardrobe mentality to your beauty cabinet and buy fewer but better products. You don’t need countless serums or 15 nude lipsticks. Instead, focus on finding ‘the one’ and use it until the very last drop. TikTok-influenced? Sleep on it before buying.
2. Swap excessive routines for multi-purpose products
In the same vein, consider products that perform multiple functions as a way to streamline your routine. It might be a lip and cheek tint, a hair and body oil, or moisturiser that works morning and night. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is perfect – lightweight, hydrating and works for all skin types, morning and night. It also comes in a 50ml, 125ml or 150ml refill. Underconsumption-core in beauty is in.
3. Swap standard packaging for refills
Beauty is one of the largest contributing industries when it comes to plastic in landfill. According to CleanHub, beauty produces at least 120 billion pieces of packaging annually, and an estimated 95 per cent of cosmetic packaging is thrown away. Refillable products are an easy but effective way to dramatically minimise said waste. RUSSH favourites include the YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture. Once you buy the original bullet, you can refill with any shade of your choice.
4. Avoid secondary packaging
Where possible, avoid buying products with unnecessary secondary packaging, such as cartons and plastic wrap. Buying in person also eliminates the need for excessive postal packaging (not to mention the carbon footprint of shipping).
5. Recycle properly
Recycling beauty packaging isn’t straightforward, as there’s often many components and most isn’t accepted in kerbside recycling. But taking a few minutes to understand exactly what can and can’t be recycled will have a compounding effect. Retailers such as Mecca and David Jones also have stations where you can recycle your empties.
6. Swap out single use items, like face wipes and plastic razors
Swap single-use cotton rounds, face wipes and Q-tips for reusable options. We love Seed & Sprout reusable makeup pads or a chic face washer, like these from Baina. If you shave, trade plastic razors for something with longevity – Lui Body is our pick.
7. Invest in brands that give back
Choosing where you spend your money is one of the most powerful things you can do. Buy from brands that do the work and give back. For example, YSL Beauty has an ongoing partnership with re:wild, with the goal to restore 10,000 hectares of the natural environment in Morocco, Haiti, Indonesia and Madagascar by 2030. There’s also the Ourika community gardens, where the brand sustainably grows botanical raw ingredients, while employing local women, giving them financial independence.
