Spectrum Talks: Conscious Beauty
It’s World Earth Day 2021 and we’re talking about conscious beauty!
Do sustainability and eco friendly packaging matter to you? And how about products that are natural, organic, vegan or all three? The Earth Day 2021 theme is “Restore Our Earth” and it’s all about green innovations and new ways of working. While big change is needed, the small changes (like swapping out packaging for plastic-free options) all add up too.
We’re big on being eco here at Spectrum and always excited about new ways we can improve. Our full range is vegan and cruelty free, and we recently swapped out our packaging to make it plastic free too!
We wanted to find out more about eco beauty and what matters to you, so that’s just what we did. Keep reading to find out what we learned in our recent Spectrum Talk.
Does Packaging Affect Which Products You Buy?
How important is packaging? For some, it’s all about the unboxing experience.
I like packaging that is pretty. I know it’s a cliche but it’s true. Eye catching.
— Urban Angel 💫 (@UrbanAngel1111) April 20, 2021
I like boxed packaging in a trendy color like dust pink or mint that normally grabs my attention.
— sarah-jane (@sarahjt875) April 20, 2021
Yes babe! You’re speaking our language.
But for others, looks aren’t as important as eco friendly packaging.
I much prefer to buy products packaged in recyclable packaging. At the moment, I'm trying to buy products wrapped in paper or cardboard, or that come in glass bottles, to reduce plastic waste
— Deanna Troi 🖖🏻💛 (@miniabbysciuto) April 20, 2021
Maybe it’s more about balance. After all, you can be cute and eco – which is exactly what we were going for with our on-brand pink cardboard boxes.
Minimal, cute, but eco-friendly too
— jaz 🌹🌻 (@jazlizabeth) April 20, 2021
Which Is Better: Recyclable, Refillable or Single Use?
There’s a ton of variety when it comes to how beauty brands package their products. Some opt for recyclable materials, others stick to single use, and then there’s the brands that have started offering refillable products.
Which is best? Well for some of our Spectrum sisters, it doesn’t matter as long as it’s not plastic.
No plastic is my aim, I work hard to be as plastic free as possible! Packaging that is biodegradable or re used! I hate excess packaging that just goes in the bin!
— Elle (@ElleRicexo) April 20, 2021
Reusable and refillable packaging were the ideal for the majority of people, and some have even thought of creative ways to re-use it.
I love the reusable packaging, the mermaid brushes come in purse like packaging and my daughter like to use them for school in her bag for pencils
— Gemma Hillberg (@GHillberg) April 20, 2021
Reusable packaging is fantastic especially if it can be repurposed as decor or used to hold trinkets. Refillable products are the future and I think would have such a great impact on the future
— Becky 💋 (@beckybeauti_) April 20, 2021
We adore the idea that our packaging could get a second life!
Organic, natural, vegan, cruelty free: which ingredients and labels matter?
There’s loads to consider when you’re shopping for beauty products. First, are they going to look flawless? But also, are they kind to nature and the planet? Are they fragrance free and gentle on skin?
For some, that iconic bunny logo is the top thing you look for.
Cruelty free always
— Leanne Wright (@Leanne78621620) April 20, 2021
We’re so with you! All our makeup and brushes are cruelty free – and always will be.
I mainly look for cruelty free. Although I don’t like too much fragrance in products so I look to see where the fragrance goes in the list of ingredients.
— 🖤🕸𝒦𝒶𝓎𝓁𝑒𝒾𝑔𝒽 🕸🖤 (@crystalwitch_x) April 20, 2021
Fragrance was a big one too – as well as natural ingredients.
I prefer natural ingredients, as these irritate my skin less than ones containing harsh chemicals and perfumes. Cruelty free is another must!
— Deanna Troi 🖖🏻💛 (@miniabbysciuto) April 20, 2021
Finding products that work for your skin is an absolute essential – and for many of you that goes hand in hand with making sure the brand shares your values!
Vegan Beauty: Yes or No?
How important is it that beauty products are vegan? If you follow a vegan diet, you might definitely be more inclined to go for vegan beauty. And for others, it’s just a preference.
I do prefer it especially with lipsticks. Being vegan generally gives the okay that its face and eye safe.
— ⋆ 💜🍭🎀 𝕭𝕽16𝕳𝕿𝕾 🎀🍭💜 ⋆ (@BR16HTS) April 20, 2021
For others, being vegan goes hand in hand with being cruelty free.
I don’t look for things that state vegan but so look if they have been tested on animals are cruelty free. I think “vegan” now means cruelty free (?)
— Urban Angel 💫 (@UrbanAngel1111) April 20, 2021
Watch out for this one babes. Being vegan means a product won’t contain any animal-derived ingredients but this doesn’t mean it hasn’t been tested on animals. To be completely sure the beauty products you’re buying are cruelty free, looking out for the PETA bunny logo – you can also search their list of cruelty free companies.
What Can We Do to Be More Sustainable?
Earth Day is all about change and being better, every day. So what can we do to be more conscious and sustainable with our beauty? You had some amazing suggestions.
Reusable wipes instead of cotton pads or disposable wipes
— Leanne Wright (@Leanne78621620) April 20, 2021
I’ve started using natural oils as a moisturiser already and I’ll be dipping my toes into making more zero waste purchases
— Becky 💋 (@beckybeauti_) April 20, 2021
I'm currently trying to be more sustainable. I've swapped my shampoo, conditioner, and cleanser for solid bars, currently working on finding a solid shower gel, and trying to buy makeup with fully recyclable packaging
— Deanna Troi 🖖🏻💛 (@miniabbysciuto) April 20, 2021
Just making a few tiny changes can make a world of difference. Want some more inspo? Here are some more top eco beauty tips:
- Replace disposable razors with a reusable option, like a stainless steel safety razor.
- Opt for hero multipurpose products to reduce your orders and packaging – think tinted and SPF moisturisers, dual lip and cheek stains, and multi-tasking beauty balms you can use almost anywhere.
- Turn off the tap when you’re not using it – during a face wash for instance – to cut down your water usage.
- Shop from brands that share your ethics.
Let's Go Green!
It’s pretty clear that being kinder to the planet is high on all our to-do lists. And whether that means plastic free packaging or shopping cruelty free, we’re here for you! Find more advice on our blog, then for a feel-good treat why not shop our ethical makeup and brushes.
Loved hearing all about conscious beauty? Then don’t miss our future Spectrum talks – stay in the loop by following us on Twitter.