Guess what? It’s my second favourite time of the year: Plastic-Free July! (Second only to Christmas, duh). It’s a month where we get to focus on plastic specifically and how to use far less of the material that seems to be just about everywhere. It’s in our supermarkets, salmon, spearmint toothpaste and they just found it in human faeces! 

I just want to caveat this by saying having a completely 100 per cent plastic-free beauty regimen is HARD. On the possible to impossible scale, it is more on the impossible side. But in saying that, there are a couple of relatively simple swaps that will have your beauty routine looking far less plastic-y (and your skin far more glowing).

A couple of golden rules that will help guide your journey:

• Use up what you’ve got before buying new.
• Make a sustainable purchase, when it is time. 
• Don’t compare yourself to your neighbour. Everyone is on their own path.

A plastic-free switch that is not often spoken about is eyeliner pens to pencils. Choose an eyeliner which uses FSC certified wood and is free from parabens and palm oil. That’s right–it’s time to get the pencil sharpener out. Plus, you could even take it a step further and compost your shavings.

Inika Organic Organic Eye Pencil

Conscious Code: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Packaging

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Probably one of the simplest and easiest sustainable switches that you can make is to a bamboo toothbrush. The issue with plastic toothbrushes is that they don’t go anywhere, it takes at least 300-400 years for a plastic toothbrush to break down. Which pretty much means that every single plastic toothbrush that you, me, your brother’s girlfriend or your cousins, friends sister-in-law has ever used still exists somewhere on this planet and is going to stay around for a whole lot longer.

The solution: make the switch to a bamboo toothbrush, once you’re done you can chuck the handle in your garden and you’re good to go!

The rise of refills is not only a budgeteer’s dream but it is a welcomed alternative from mother earth. Although, yes, some refills are made from plastic, they can often be soft plastic recycled and significantly less plastic has been used to create them. It’s a win-win. 

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash Refill

Conscious Code: Packaging

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Take your regimen up a level and opt for a shampoo bar. They look like an ordinary bar of soap but get oh-so foamy creating a lather that cleans and detoxifies. Plus, it removes the need for giant plastic shampoo bottles which you inevitably always manage to somehow trip over in the shower. Also you can pick them up in your local supermarket!

Anihana Honey & Almond Shampoo Bar

Conscious Code: Packaging

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Sheet masks are something that keeps me up late at night. Not only are they made from plastics but the number of times they get flushed clogs up our waterways. Switch them for one of these seven sustainable suggestions that won’t end up in the trash after just one use.

Remember that toothbrush analogy about your cousins, friends, sister-in-law? The same can be said for plastic razors. Coming from a complete sceptic and convert, safety razors aren’t as scary as they look and are by far the closest shave I’ve ever had. Buy one safety razor and you’ll have it for life. I have a friend who got her Grandma’s razor in her will–not kidding! Simply purchase blades for less than $0.25 each which can be kerbside recycled.

Not your cup of tea? Here are a couple of other eco-friendly hair removal ideas.

Ladies Safety Razor

Conscious Code: Packaging

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This isn’t the first time I have mentioned this swap and it won’t be the last. Switching to reusable makeup wipes is so simple and so good for the planet, it is something that every beauty lover can do to play their part. Reusable wipes are so easy to use. Just add water and then they will remove even the thickest of makeup and the toughest of waterproof mascara. Then simply wash and use them over and over again. 

Tip: if you do use single-use makeup wipes please dispose of them responsibly by placing them in your general waste bin and never flush them.