I typically hold onto my beauty samples with the best intention of using them and then sadly find a drawer full of the plastic containers at the end of the year. One thing that has really helped me get intentional with my consumption, is to politely turn these samples away or collect them and donate them to the less fortunate. The gratitude I feel during the holidays when I get to donate all of my samples, is what sparked me to share this blog. We are all becoming more conscious within our lives and now more than ever I’m being asked how to build a more sustainable beauty routine. It’s less about tossing things out and more about what to keep in mind when making new purchases and which options are best. I’m asking everyone this important question – How can we set higher standards for our self-care?
- Choose natural, bio-degradable ingredients – Going through your current regimen and looking at what ingredients are in them, digging into how the company sources their ingredients and researching how all of this plays into helping or hurting the earth is a great place to start. What we use matters!
- Pay attention to the packaging of your products and how you store them. Glass, metal, wood, bamboo, hemp & seagrass have all become very reliable for packaging and allow for recycling or upcycling, as well as the perfect option for organizing your essentials in your bathroom or purse.
- Know your local recycling programs and zero waste companies
>>> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR OREGON RECYCLING PROGRAMS HERE >>> FIND OUT ABOUT OTHER FREE RECYCLING PROGRAMS HERE >>> FIND OUT HOW TO RECYCLE, COMPOST & SORT OUT GARBAGE IN PDX METRO AREA HERE
PLUS FIND zero waste companies in your area for refilling skin & body products, house essentials and cleaning tools. UTILITY zero waste in Portland, OR is setting new standards! - Ditch any disposables – Natural, bamboo pads for makeup removal is a better option than cotton. Try muslin cloths for exfoliation instead of other options. Use a mini fan brush for putting on mascara instead of a disposable wand. Instead of plastic razors, use metal handles with metal heads that are replaceable.
- Look at what the water content is – A higher content of quality oils & botanicals that can penetrate your skin barrier, made up of lipids, ceramides and fatty acids is most important. PLUS when using a water, look for a nutrient rich or dense version that contains rice water, green tea or added plant and herb benefits.
- Where are the products sourced and what is the company philosophy? Do your research! Use websites like Environmental Working Group and check for certifictions like Leaping Bunny. Do these companies have reef safe standards within their sun protection? What standards are they setting within their platform and are they creating solutions or just part of the greenwashing and trendy hype.
- Use refillable beauty products like Om Beauty Oil available online and pickup at my studio.
When you try a new beauty routine, there may be items that you decide are not going to make the cut anymore and you aren’t sure what do to with these items – don’t throw away your new or lightly used toiletries and skin & body care, because our local women’s and children’s shelter can use your items and it’s the perfect time of year to pay it forward. One thing that is essential to doing this regularly is setting a reminder on your phone each month to grab unused items and supplies and drop them off at Kelli Thomsen Beauty or Rose Haven on your next visit.
Rose Haven is located at 18th & Glisan NW Portland – they are a day shelter and community center serving women, children and gender non-conforming folks experiencing trauma, poverty, and physical and mental health challenges. Restoring stability and dignity for 3,500 guests annually, they are always taking new and gently used supplies. Please call with any larger donations 503-248-6364 and they are open until 4 PM most weekdays. See their needed supplies list here: https://rosehaven.org/helping/donate-supplies/
If you are looking to transition to sustainable beauty and want to meet me for a personalized makeup lesson, please schedule HERE
I can’t wait to help others be intentional and more conscious! Take a deep breath and write down 3 things you want to do to be more sustainable – reward yourself once you finish them and then do a happy dance for me! Cheers to Mother Earth – May she prosper & grow!
For a sustainable wedding, look to these local vendors below to kick off your conscious special day (vendor list from photo in blog)
Ecotrust / Redd on Salon > https://ecotrust.org/our-venue/#redd
Ellie Asher Photography > http://www.theashersphoto.com/
Greater Good Events > https://www.greater-goodevents.com/
Bramble Floral > https://www.bramblefloraldesign.com/
Arden Event Collective> https://ardeneventco.com/
Your Perfect Bridesmaid > https://www.yourperfectbridesmaid.com/
Claire La Faye > http://www.clairelafaye.com/
White Pepper Catering & Venue > http://www.whitepepperpdx.com/
