Green Beauty for St.Patrick's Day and beyond
Hey there beauty lovers!
This St.Patrick's Day, we're talking all things green. Green beauty, that is!
If you're here, you're probably a green beauty convert, or at the very least green beauty curious. The fact is that most of us get interested in green beauty due to caring about things like our own or our family's health, the environment, and ethics.
And if you don't care about those things, you might not be in the right place, 'cause we care A LOT about health, the planet, and doing the right thing.
So what the heck is green beauty? It's simple, really. Green beauty refers to products made with more natural, organic or sustainable ingredients that are intentionally picked to be safe and non-sucky.
Green beauty is a fast-growing trend that's transforming the beauty industry, directly and indirectly. Yep, it's dragging some manufacturers kicking and screaming, and we're here for it!
With growing awareness of the environmental and health impacts of the usual beauty products, more and more people are going green.
And why not? Long gone are the days when green beauty was less effective than conventional products. Now green beauty products are not sucky, and a lot of them are really, really great.
Now let's dive a little deeper into the concept of green beauty and explore its benefits, as well as ways to incorporate it into your daily routine, on St.Patrick's Day and beyond.
(Every day, really.)
What is green beauty, anyway?
Green beauty is about more than just using natural ingredients in your beauty products. (some aren't even - gasp - totally natural!)
It's also about ensuring that those ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced, and that the products are made in a way that respects the environment.
Yep, even some synthetic ingredients can be considered green, because of how safe and sustainable they are.
Take for example mica, a key ingredient in most natural makeup (it gives products shine and shimmer). Well, some of the mining practices aren't all that great, even including child labour, and sometimes natural mica can be contaminated with heavy metals other less safe ingredients. So companies like Athr Beauty are using synthetic, lab-made mica when they can't be sure that their mica is from an ethical and safe source.
Why we love green beauty
One of the key benefits of green beauty is that it tends to be better for our health. Conventional beauty products often contain ingredients that can be harmful to our bodies, and can disrupt our hormones, cause allergic reactions, and even contribute to the development of cancer.
Green beauty products, on the other hand, use more natural (or at the very least, intentional) ingredients that are safe and non-toxic.
In addition to being better for our health, green beauty is also better for the environment. Conventional beauty products often use ingredients that are not sustainably sourced, such as palm oil and synthetic dyes. These ingredients can contribute to deforestation, pollution, and the destruction of wildlife habitats.
Plus, the beauty biz is notorious for creating (literally) tons and tons of waste, which can have negative effects on both our health and the planet. While the brands we carry have varying levels of sustainability, they've all made some intentional choices to balance quality ingredients, packaging, etc.
But, let's be real, does green beauty actually work? Well, yes, that's what makes it non-sucky, and why it's risen so much in popularity!
Plus, some natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera have been used for centuries for their healing and nourishing properties. Who are we to argue with Cleopatra?
And now, with advances in technology and formulation, green beauty products are just as effective (if not more so) than your grandma's old cold cream - which probably was actually green in the day.
But is it backed by science?
If you thought that green beauty is not based in science, you might be surprised to know that there's more and more research that supports the benefits of green beauty.
- One study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that plant-based ingredients can be just as effective as synthetic ones in treating skin conditions such as acne and eczema. The study also found that natural ingredients are less likely to cause adverse reactions or sensitivity.
- Another study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that plant-based ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce the signs of aging and protect the skin from environmental damage.
In addition to the benefits for our skin, green beauty also has positive impacts on the environment.
- One study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that the use of natural and organic ingredients in beauty products can reduce the environmental impact of the industry. The study found that by using natural ingredients, there was a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and land use.
These studies suggest that green beauty is not just a trend, but a scientifically-backed way to take care of ourselves and the planet.
How to green your routine
If you're interested in incorporating green beauty into your routine, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, ingredients are key.
Luckily for you, we carefully choose every one of our brands for their ingredients and effectiveness.
We not only look at ingredients, but packaging (it it isn't compostable, it has to be recyclable!), and transparency and ethics of the brand. If it doesn't meet our standards, you won't find it at well&belle.
When you're going green, don't forget about the power of small changes. Something as simple as switching to a natural deodorant or using reusable fabric rounds instead of a disposable ones can make a big difference in reducing your environmental footprint.
Get your green on
Here are some of our most sustainable and best green beauty:
1) Athr Beauty (yes, the whole line!)
Everything they do is sustainable. They were the first to produce totally recyclable beauty packaging. They're the gold standard for quality and sustainability.
This is a brand that is won't put any product out that isn't sustainable and natural. We recommend starting with their mascara, which is the only clean and green mascara on the market that is also sweat & water-resistant! Their bamboo palettes that allow you to pick your own products are also amazing!
4) Cheeks Ahoy
Their, um, cheeky approach to sustainability made us fall in love with this company! Their fabric facial rounds are an essential part of greening your beauty routine. Use them for removing makeup or applying product. Amazing!
A deep respect for the natural world is at the heart of what Living Libations does. Their glass and bamboo packaging is a testament to that commitment. We recommend (to everyone and anyone!) their oil cleanser, appropriately called Best Skin Ever. Living Libations products are so popular we have trouble keeping them in stock!
6) Green Balm
Besides literally having the word green in its name, this balm is a must-have for every household because of all its uses; from soothing your skin after shaving to treating acne and mosquito bites, this balm does it all. Recycle (or better yet, reuse) the glass jar.
Final word
In conclusion, green beauty isn't just a trend, it's a movement!
By choosing more natural and sustainable products, we can not only improve our own health and beauty but also make a positive impact on the environment. So, why not give green beauty a try? Your skin (and the planet) will thank you.