Although the price point falls slightly higher on the scale than I’m used to, the ethical implications make the switch worth it to me. Especially as I transitioned into a vegan lifestyle, I felt hypocritical preaching ‘cruelty free’ while still using brands that test on animals. While a prevalent issue in the beauty industry is ‘greenwashing,’ or making a brand seem more ethical than it is as a marketing ploy, there are plenty of genuinely clean brands on the market to choose from. I’m a makeup junkie as it is, so if I know I can invest in products that are effective and align with my morals, the few extra dollars feel worth it.
Making the switch to clean beauty has also allowed me to trust the ingredients within the products I use. The idea of being ‘clean’ is that the formulas which make up these products are better for your skin and less likely to cause irritation and other reactions. If you have sensitive skin, it may be worth it to invest in more pure, gentle products that won’t cause further damage. You’ll only spend more money in the future looking for new solutions if you skimp now.
Especially this year, I’ve been wearing less makeup and focusing more on my skincare as I hardly leave my house anymore. With that in mind, it makes sense that the makeup I do own and rely on should be of a higher quality. I’ve boiled down my routine to eyebrows, mascara, concealer, and sometimes a lip (even if it’s hidden under my mask,) so I feel more justified in spending slightly more on products that fit within my pared down lineup.
In order to positively impact the planet it’s important to focus on the little things in life that you can do to make a difference. Over time, micro adjustments add up, but if everyone feels exempt because the changes are considered “too small," then we'll never advance from square one.
As for my beauty routine now, I’ve been loving the Elate Cosmetics Essential Mascara which is packaged in a bamboo tube that can be composted once it’s empty. The Elate Brow Balm is another low-waste product which fills and defines my brows without any plastic packaging! For concealer, I’ve turned to the Kosas Revealer Concealer which also doubles as an eye cream to help brighten under my eyes. For my lips, the Milk Makeup Kush Lip Balms have kept me hydrated with plant-based oils, while also being cruelty-free, gluten-free and vegan!
At the end of the day, whether clean beauty will be worth it to you depends entirely on how you feel about your impact on the environment. If price is your only hindrance, keep in mind that clean beauty doesn’t necessarily have to cost you any more than you’re able to spend. With drugstore brands like Burt’s Bees, Pacifica and Botanics leaning into the clean market, it’s now much easier to minimize your negative impact on the environment with a few small switches. If you’re on the fence, consider the types of ingredients you really want to be applying to your skin--wouldn’t you rather they be clean?