Tracking down planet-friendly makeup is a hard task. Products that are plastic-free are already difficult to come by and when we add making sure products are vegan, natural and not tested on animals to that mix, it can feel almost impossible to find a foundation or mascara that ticks all the boxes.
That's why we've put together a list of brands and products that are nourishing for your skin, easy on the wallet and most importantly, have minimal impact on the planet. Refillable products are a particular favourite of ours, and given that the cosmetic industry produces 120 billion units of packaging each year, we think refillable makeup deserves a special mention!
Some of these brands listed below will be easier to access than others, and a lot of the time this will depend on where you live. Checking out your closest bulk store of cruelty free shop is always a good idea to find planet-friendly products close to home!
Elate Clean Cosmetics
- 100% vegan and cruelty free
- Glass and bamboo packaging
- Products are refillable
- Price range: $32 - $40 AUD
Our top picks:
Great for sensitive eyes, this mascara is long lasting, water and sweat resistant yet very easy to take off, even without makeup remover.
Comes in gold or black this eyeliner is long lasting, yet easy to remove.
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"I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear" - Rosa Parks Once you have made up your mind to create more sustainable habits - the small changes everyday get easy! (Photo: @theethicalnomad) Tag us in your product photos to show us your capsule beauty ritual. . . . #ownyourbeauty #loveelate #crueltyfree #greenbeauty #capsule beauty #capsulewardrobe #vegan #glutenfree #sustainableliving #toxinfreemakeup #currentlywearing #beauty #selflove #truebeauty #crueltyfreemakeup #cleanmakeup #lipstick #lowwaste #cleanbeauty #cleanmakeup #selfcare #sustainablebeauty #naturalbeauty
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Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
- 100% vegan and cruelty free
- Eco friendly and zero waste packaging
- Refillable options available
- Price range: $15.99 - $20.99 AUD
Our top picks:
This two in one product is perfect for hydration, gives a smooth application and a natural look.
No need for eyebrow tinting with this soft brow powder!
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Our Plastic Free Mascara is selling particularly well this Plastic Free July 🌏 We want to take the time to thank you hippies for spreading the word and getting our eco conscious product into the hands of so many new DHC family members. This month alone we have stopped over 300 plastic mascara containers from being consumed and the total saved since the products release is getting close to 4,000.. For one tiny brand out of Canberra, Australia that is a much bigger impact than we ever thought possible! With your continued support we will be able to continue to create eco conscious, quality cosmetics at amazingly affordable prices! We thank you hippies - keep spreading the plastic free message! #plasticfreejuly #dirtyhippietribe #dirtyhippieteam #zerowaste #lowimpact
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Ilia Beauty
- 100% cruelty free
- Recycled aluminum and glass component packaging
- Price range $40.80 - $78.80 AUD
Our top picks:
A natural 'look' foundation that is light on the skin and non-drying. Reviews say this foundation has stopped breakouts due to its natural ingredients.
One of our favourite multi products, use it for eyes, cheeks or lips!
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The OG Multi-taskers | Soft, buttery blush, lip color and highlighter that instantly melts into skin and wakes up the face. Conveniently packaged and easy to apply on-the-go. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Multi-stick is available in 8 blendable shades, Illuminator in 5 at @sephora and Sephora.com. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #CleanColor #ILIABeauty #Sephora #CleanatSephora #CleanMakeup #CleanBeauty
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Keeping It Natural
- 100% vegan, cruelty & fragrance free
- Plastic free and zero waste packaging
- Price range: $18 - $29 AUD
Our top picks:
An easy application mascara that lasts all day, giving a natural look and it's smudge free.
Clean Faced Cosmetics
- 100% vegan and cruelty free
- Plastic free and zero waste packaging
- Price range: $18 – $75 AUD
Our top picks:
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✨🌹 Here's a quick, 2-product look for ya -- Use CFC's Rose Gold balm on lips and cheeks and finish off with black cake mascara on your lashes. Here's to keeping your routine under 5 minutes and your makeup bag light! What color balm or cake mascara would you like to see in the shop? I have so many different colors already, but ya girl always appreciates new ideas! Shop link in bio.
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Zao Organic Makeup
- 100% vegan, natural, certified organic, toxic-free,
- Cruelty-free and gluten-free
- Bamboo packaging
- Refillable options
- Price range: $46 - $58 AUD
Our recommended products
Perfect coverage for blemishes and under the eyes, plus a diverse range of colours for different skin types.
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Our bronzers – Mineral Cooked Powder – are to be used in addition to a foundation to help structure the complexion.⠀ It can also be used alone to give a shiny and good looking effect to your skin.⠀ The 3 main ingredients are:⠀ ✔️ Bamboo powder ↔️ stimulates the production of collagen ⠀ ✔️ Castor oil ↔️ softens your skin⠀ ✔️ and Vegetable Squalene ↔️ softens, protects and strengthens your skin⠀ ⠀ 🌿All are organic and toxin-free of course 🌿⠀ 🌏Refill System for a cheaper next purchase🤑⠀ ⠀ 6 shades are available and all provide a silky and natural finish. And they are all suitable for all type of skin, even the most sensitive.⠀ ⠀ ZAO: seduction at all time….with health and sustainability in addition.⠀ #zaomakeupaustralia #bronzer⠀ .⠀⠀ .⠀⠀ .⠀⠀ Tap on the link in the bio to know more!
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If you have a favourite planet-friendly make-up brand that we haven't included in the list then let us know - we'd love to check it out!
By Hannah Léser
Hannah Léser is Sydney based student in Fine Arts and International Relations and 1 Million Women volunteer. She is driven by the protection, safety, emancipation and agency of all people, as well as the environment in which we inhabit.
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