It seems that saving money often comes at a cost to our precious planet (and vice versa). Exhibit A: fast fashion brands. But, like everything, striking a happy balance between keeping your beauty routine hip pocket-friendly and kind to the environment can be done. That’s right–there’s no need to give up deodorant or cut out shampooing your hair, saving money and the planet can live in harmony when it comes to your beauty regimen. Here, we roundup the ways you can have it all for a fraction of the price. 

Coconut oil is a serious cash-saving hero. It is a great waterproof makeup remover, hair oil, cleanser and bath oil and costs next to nothing! Plus, you probably already have it in your kitchen cupboard, so move it to your bathroom and indulge.

Get more bang for your buck with multi-purpose products which will save space, time and serious dollars. Cheek and lip tints are a great place to start as they save space in your makeup bag and require less overall packaging (read: reducing your environmental footprint). It also means that you’re only spending on one item not two. If you’re looking for more inspiration here are 9 other multipurpose beauty product recommendations.

Often when it comes to living sustainably an upfront investment is necessary to reap the monetary and planetary rewards. For example items like reusable makeup wipes and reusable razors will cost more than their single-use, plastic counterparts but you will use these products for years not minutes. 

Another simple sustainable and budget savvy swap is to ditch plastic bottles in your shower and switch to bars. One shampoo and conditioner bar is the equivalent to six bottles of shampoo and conditioner! Not only will you be saving your hard-earned cash but also excess plastic entering the environment. Plus, it will declutter your bathroom making it a room Marie Kondo would be proud of. 

A face mask is one of the simplest and easiest self-care rituals. Sheet masks are a particular pain point with one mask taking between 300-400 years to breakdown. Save cash and packaging by making your own at home using ingredients you already have in your cupboard. Check out these five DIY mask recipes that have been tried and tested by the GP team.

Many nail polishes and products (removers, topcoats) contain toxic chemicals (namely dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde). Referred to as the ‘toxic trio’, many nail salons are havens for these toxic chemicals and places to avoid. 

Byron Bay nail polish label Sienna Co’s plant-based ingredient list includes sugar cane, cassava, cotton and corn. Their formula is the first in the world to contain no nano-particles, aluminium, microplastics or benzophenone-1. 

Here are Danielle Egan, Sienna’s Founder’s top tips for having the perfect at-home mani:

1. Always use a base and top coat if you’re painting colour on your nails. If you’re going nude – use a base coat (or a nail strengthener) to give those natural beauties a nice high shine. Hot tip: do another layer of topcoat every second day to prolong wear.
2. Use a cuticle oil every day – this not only keeps the skin around your nails looking healthy but will aid strong new growth of your nail bed.
3. And lastly, create a space to relax and enjoy – one of the best things about painting your nails is the moment of zen, something we all need…

Speaking of at home salon treatments, swap your lash and brow tint appointment for one in a box. Salon dyes often contain nasty chemicals and the 1000 hour Plant Extract Eyelash and Brow Dye kit will set you back less than $25. That’s around $2 an application. Pair it with a candle and a glass of wine and you’ve got the salon experience without leaving the house.