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My Zero Waste Beauty Routine

My Zero Waste Beauty Routine

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Zero Waste is not something that happens overnight, it’s a process. It takes time to do your research and find suitable alternatives. I’ve found it helps a lot to focus on one thing or area in your house at a time, otherwise, you can seriously overwhelm yourself which in turn makes you want to give up zero waste altogether.

Zero waste beauty

Last year I focused on our bathroom waste. I kept a record of the items that ended up in our bathroom bin and then researched zero waste alternatives. I was particularly inspired by Bea Johnson’s book called Zero Waste Home. Bea takes zero waste to the extreme but she also has a lot of practical tips and tricks in her book. I finished reading her book last year and now use it as a reference for when I want to make a switch to something zero waste.

Read: Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life – Book Review

Zero waste make up remover

One switch that I’m particularly happy with is my makeup remover. Previously, I had been using baby wipes, I know awful right! I used them because they were cheaper than makeup remover wipes and they were quick and easy to use. However, the waste in our bin used to really pile up which I hated. That and the fact that baby wipes aren’t recyclable.

Baby wipes were labelled “the biggest villain of 2015” by the Guardian. The wipes aren’t biodegradable which means they often end up blocking up sewers or getting washed up on our beaches. Basically, the world would be a much better place without them. In my search for an alternative, I came across a website called *Cheeky Wipes. They sell washable bamboo baby wipes which I purchased and love! I use them with my coconut oil. I still use them to this day, and have recently bought new ones for my teenage daughter, who also loves them. 

Read: Homemade Reusable Face Wipes

Homemade face wipes with coconut oil

Zero waste hair care

I made the switch to shampoo bars for my hair back in 2017. I  use the shampoo bars from LUSH. I find they work perfectly with my hair. Originally, I also bought the conditioner bar that they sell too, however, I wouldn’t buy that again as I don’t feel it makes any difference to my hair. 

LUSH shampoo bars
LUSH shampoo bars - zero waste hair care

Zero waste hair update: I now have made the switch to refillable shampoo and conditioner. I go down to my local refill store and fill up my bottles. I’m currently using Miniml which I love! Faith In Nature is also very good, but slightly more expensive. I switched to refillables as my whole family use it. They didn’t like the shampoo bars. 

Zero waste hair removal

When it comes to zero waste for hair removal there are five main options… buy a *safety razor, buy an epilator, buy an electronic shaver, undergo laser hair removal or stop shaving! To start with I opted for an epilator, but oh my life does it hurt! It does help if you have a bath before you epilate, but only marginally. On the plus side, it’s a plugin epilator so I don’t have to worry about battery waste for it. 

Zero Waste Beauty Epilator

Epilator update: The epliator pictured above finally broke after years of use, so I decided to invest in a new one. After many hours of research I settled on the *Braun Silk-épil 9 Epilator and I freaking love it! My old one used to hurt, a lot, but this one is virtually pain-free. It is well worth the money in my opinion. Now I use this all the time for my legs, and use my safety razor for more delicate areas. 

Safety razor 

Alongside my epilator I also use a safety razor, and I love it. It was definitely one of the easiest zero waste swaps I have made in our home. Read more about my switch to a safety razor here: Switching To A Safety Razor – Zero Waste Lifestyle 

safety razor zero waste beauty routine

Zero Waste Periods

There are 3 main options when it comes to zero waste periods. Switch to reusable pads, switch to reusable period pants or switch to a cup. Switching to reusables for my period has been one of my favorite zero waste swaps. Granted this one isn’t for everyone but personally, I’d never go back to using disposables.

Reusable pads 

I have slowly built up my stash of reusable pads and I haven’t used a disposable pad since 2014. I have tested a variety of different pads and definitely have my favourites. I’ve also got a wet bag which is great for storing used pads when I’m out and about.

If you are interested in making the switch then check out my Getting Started with Cloth Pads post. Also, I’m more than happy to answer any questions you may have, just leave me a comment below and I’ll get back to you.

Read: Switching to Reusable Sanitary Pads 

Zero Waste Beauty - cloth sanitary pads

WUKA period wear

In 2018 I was introduced to *WUKA period wear and they have been life-changing! I really wish they had been invented when I was younger as they would have made my life so much easier during those awkward teenage years. I seriously cannot recommend them enough! 

I now use these for every period alongside my reusable pads. You can read my full review of WUKA here: WUKA Period Wear Review – Ditch The Disposables 

A menstrual cup

Another solution would be something like a *MoonCup but they are really not for me! Although lots of people rave about them. 

Related Post: Menstrual Cups are Amazing: Here’s Why…

Zero waste body exfoliator

I have now stopped using any sort of shop bought exfoliators on my body and instead, I just use my *wooden body brush. Not only is it fantastic for your skin but it’s also cheap. Once you have bought your brush that’s all you need. I bought my brush about 10 years ago and it’s still going strong. There are lots of benefits to body brushing including stimulating your lymphatic system, cleaning pores, reduces cellulite and increasing your circulation.

Read: Thrifty Skincare Routine

Read: My Morning Self Care Routine 

zero waste beauty - Body brushing

Zero waste skin

For my skin, I have stopped using creams and instead, I just drink lots of green tea. Green Tea is known for its anti-ageing properties due to the polyphenol in it which helps to neutralise harmful free radicals which can cause damage to the skin and speed up the ageing process. I also eat a plant-based whole foods diet which has dramatically changed the condition of my skin. I drink 2 liters of water per day. 

When my face is particularly dry, especially during the winter months. I use an oil based hydrating serum which contains Maracuja Oil, Olive Oil and Jojoba Seed Oil. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and my skin feels really nice after using it. It comes in a glass bottle which is recyclable.

At the end of every day I do my Gua Sha routine. My face has transformed since starting this a few years ago. I bought my Gua Sha at an African market stall in Fuerteventura, but you can get them online. I use this *Garnier Organic Soothing Lavandin oil with it. 

Zero waste body scrub 

When I feel my skin needs a deep clean I make my own body scrub using ingredients from my kitchen. I’ve included the two recipes I use for you below. They are so simple!

Homemade Body Scrub Recipe One

INGREDIENTS 

1 Tbs Brown Sugar 

1 Tbs olive oil (or oil of your choice)

METHOD

So simple! Mix together & it’s ready to use. Wet your face and rub the scrub in using circular motions. Wash off with warm water.

Homemade Body Scrub Recipe Two

INGREDIENTS 

1 Tbs Oats

1 Tbs warm water

METHOD

So simple! Mix together & it’s ready to use. Wet your face and rub the scrub in using circular motions. Wash off with warm water.

My updated zero waste beuaty routine - Check it out now! #zerowaste #zerowastebeauty
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Bamboo toothbrushes

I started using my new bamboo toothbrushes last year and I’m really happy with them. My teeth feel as clean as they did with a plastic brush. However, unlike the plastic ones the bamboo brush can be composted. My kiddies also use bamboo brushes and they love their rainbow coloured ones. It’s such a simple zero waste bathroom swap to make. 

Read: Switching to a Bamboo Toothbrush

switching to bamboo toothbrushes sustainable lifestyle

Alum Stone: zero waste deodorant 

Finding a zero waste deodorant has been one of the hardest challenges.  I have tried making my own without success. I then tried out a variety of store bought natural deodorants none of which worked. Then I came across Alum stones.  I made the switch early in 2018 and that is still what I’m using now. It’s been brilliant! I bought a pack of three stones, back in 2018 and they are still going strong today. 

Read my full post on Alum stones here: Zero Waste Deodorant – Alum Stone 

Switching to an alum stone
My Zero Waste Beauty Routine
zero waste beauty routine #zerowaste #greenliving #sustainablelifestyle

Watch My Zero Waste Beauty Routine Video

About Gina Caro

Gina is a content creator and award-winning blogger. Her aim is to help you live a more sustainable & simple life.  Her blog covers zero waste, minimalism, wellbeing & thrift. She currently lives in Cornwall with her partner, two kids and Charles the dog. 

Georgina Caro Gypsy Soul

*Affiliate Links

Gypsy Soul is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

My Updated zero waste beuaty routine - Check it out today! #zerowaste #zerowastebeauty #zerowasteliving
 
My Updated zero waste beuaty routine - Check it out today! #zerowaste #zerowastebeauty #zerowasteliving

48 thoughts on “My Zero Waste Beauty Routine”

  1. Oh I found this a fascinating post, I have a dry skin brush…Leo walked in the bathroom the other day pulled a face and asked me if I had a hairy bum because I was brushing it. I cried laughing. I stopped using baby wipes and had just been using a flannel but am going to check out the wipes you use, they look fab. I just had to Google safety razor…really interesting post x

    1. Hi Jade,
      Aww, bless him that is very cute!
      The wipes are brilliant. I’ve had them quite a while now so they’ve been washed a lot and they are still as good as new.
      I still haven’t been brave enough to get a safety razor, I will one day though 🙂

    1. Hi Lisa,
      I wish I had known about them when mine were young as I would have used them instead of disposable baby wipes. At least I’m using them now for myself though

  2. Really cool beauty routines.For hair removal, I feel an epilator is one of the best options. They are constantly improving over time and today you can find epilators that are almost pain-free.

  3. Interesting post, the point you made about not wanting is sweat – everyone needs to sweat its the body’s way of getting rid of toxins and cooling down as well, so I doubt you will find any product that will stop the sweat. The only product that does this is an antiperspirant, which comes with a whole host of problems and have been linked to cancer. I have been using a safety razor but find them tricky for using on the bikini area as they don’t have much flexibility, the idea is great but application a bit tricky!

    1. I agree with you completely. I’ve done a bit of research on this and apparently, it’s the aluminium in the deodorants that stops you sweating by blocking your pores but some studies have suggested that it may increase your chances of breast cancer. (Obviously, I’m not a scientist that is just what I have read from various studies online).
      Nevertheless, it scares me which is why I’d like to find a substitute.

      I did wonder about using safety razors on the bikini area! I wonder what is a better alternative for there then? Not sure I’m brave enough to epilate there. Ouch!

  4. Wow really love this post! I have been making slow changes in the bathroom as well. First I started with the deodorant, I have tried several recipes but at the moment I am using the alum stone (I know some people say aluminum is not good for us humans but is the best one so far for me, and I’m not going back to the commercial brands!) Also, I am trying out the no-poo experiment! I do like the bamboo brush you recommend, I think I might buy one since I haven’t been working properly on my routine to take care of my face. Kudos for all your hard work!!!

    1. Hi Romina,

      I know a few people that use the alum stone but I’ve never tried it myself. Do you find it effective?

      What are you using for your no poo? I recently tried soapnut shampoo bars but I just couldn’t get them to work with my hair.

      I’d definitely recommend a brush for dry brushing. They work really well and your skin feels lovely and fresh afterwards.

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  5. Hi, just came across your blog while researching cloth pads (I already use a mooncup and think it’s great, but at beginning/end and for ‘back-up’ I’ve still been using pads/pantliners) and I’m really interested in otherwise cutting down bathroom waste and general unfriendlies. Re make-up, have you tried Arbonne cosmetics? I don’t know much about them but I acquired a mascara sample and was well impressed with it – it stays on but doesn’t take wrinkle-inducing scrubberising to remove it!! win win!! 🙂

    1. Hi Jeni,
      I love the idea of the Mooncup I just know it’s not right for me though. I love my resuable pads. They really have changed my whole ‘period experience’.
      No, I haven’t tried the Arbonne cosmetics, I’ll look into that thanks 🙂

  6. Thank you!!! Learning all about zero waste and really wanting to take the plunge but beauty was the hardest part of my life to figure out. This was so helpful!

    1. Hi Rachel,
      Really glad that you found this post useful. I’ll be creating a new post soon on my latest zero waste beauty routine so keep an eye out for it. I’ve made some more progress!

  7. Interesting stuff here! I most especially love the reusable wipes and use of epilators. Also taking green tea for detox. I shall add some your ideas to my beauty list. Very helpful! Keep sharing 🙂

    1. Hi Nancy,
      Thanks for stopping by. I love my reusable face wipes, it’s so easy to do and has made a huge difference to the waste I produce in the bathroom.
      The epilator did take a while to get used to but worth it once you get there. I can now go away for 2 weeks and not have to worry about hair removal during that time.

  8. Really insightful post, I’ve never given a safety blade a chance, personally. Do you have any specific favorites? I’m personally a fan of the electric shavers.

  9. If you’re looking for a zero waste deodorant without having to make your own I would highly suggest Lush’s. I currently use Aromaco and love it. You might have to look up how to use it exactly, because it’s necessary to cut the cube of deodorant in order to access the oils. But I always buy solid beauty products from Lush (conditioner, body soap, shampoo, deodorant) and come in with my own container that they can put in in; the employees are typically more than happy to not have to waste a bag or any kind of packaging after they’ve weighed out your product in the store!

    1. Hi,
      I have just started using a Lush shampoo bar and so far I’m happy with it. I know a lot of people don’t like Lush products because they contain SLS but I’m yet to find another shampoo bar that actually works on my hair that doesn’t contain it.
      I haven’t tried their deodorants before, I might give those a go next thanks.

      I was using a natural deodorant that I found in Boots. It worked fine for a few weeks and then it all went horribly wrong! I guess it’s just a case of finding something that works for your body.
      Thanks for the comment 🙂

  10. Hello! Awesome article, however I just wanted to let you know about bamboo not being the best source of cloth material. The way bamboo has to be processed in order to become clothing material is toxic. I recommend organic cotton or something of the like, just make sure to literally research everything. It’s disheartening to try to live a clean life then you realize its the exact opposite of your clean. Anyhow, I thought I’d let you know about that. Have a lovely day and keep posting <3

    1. Hi Kayla, that’s really interesting thanks. I think green living can be a struggle as there always seems to be something that isn’t actually as ‘green’ as it sounds. Like for example buying bamboo toothbrushes that come in plastic packaging. I really don’t understand why the companies do that!

      I’m going to do some more research into the processing of bamboo thanks 😊

  11. Hi
    I just found your site, I think I’ll be bookmarking you.

    I recently made the switch to moon cup, wish I’d discovered them sooner.
    Does anyone do the re-usable pads for thongs? I despise normal pants.

    I use Mitchum solid stick deodorants at the mo, I’ve given up on roll-ons and sprays for various reasons. They last for ages, I actually can’t remember when I bought my current one – march maybe?
    I have found since using a deodorant with less ‘rubbish’ in that I need it less and can even go without.

    I think I need to get back to using my epilator though 🙁
    I do find the more you use it, the less it hurts.
    I’ve not tried this, but I’ve heard using a cool pack to ‘numb’ the area first helps with sensitivity. As talc is being currently demonised and I’ve always wondered how safe it is, I am going to try using cornstarch to avoid skin-pinch.

    I’m just started no-pooing (~month) and using a ceramic/boars bristle brush, my hair feels/looks amazing! The only time I use a wee bit of shampoo now is if i go swimming or have a particularly hard helmet-/mask-requiring sports sesh. So again, bottles are lasting MONTHS instead of a month, or a few weeks (sports 6-7 days a week).

    I am slowly building up my non-waste/-harmful house and beauty habits, slowly, slowly, catchee monkey.
    It’s expensive initially but i’m enjoying the lack of self-loathing; i did marine bio at uni… and i still use stuff i know I shouldn’t! (I should be hanged at the very least.)

    Thanks for the tips.

    1. Hi Lessy,
      Thanks for stopping by.

      I haven’t used the reusable thong pads but then I don’t wear thongs. They drive me nuts.

      I used to use Mitchum deodorants, I didn’t realise that they have less rubbish in them. Do they still contain aluminium though?

      I definitely agree that the more you use an epilator the less it hurts. It hurst less on short hair. I normally have a bath before using mine and that tends to make it less painful too. I haven’t tried a cool pack myself.

      For your no poo are you just using water? I’ve tried that before and my hair ended up in a right state 🙁

      Sustainable living is definitely a journey not a destination. It’s taken me ages to have a zero waste beauty routine that I’m happy with. Also, one size doesn’t fit all with a lot of things so it takes time to find healthier alternatives that work for you. It sounds like you are doing a great job!

      1. Hi Gina

        Yeah, it does take a few weeks to get use to wearing thongs, but I wouldn’t go back to normal pants for during the day. I’d wear boy shorts but they have to be proper man’s boxer size, not the silly weird lady boxers that either ride up or don’t cover my ample builder’s backside.

        Mitchum have slightly less rubbish in them than most brands, though they could do better. They do have aluminium in, but as I stick it on once a day (haven’t worn any in 3 days – still not stinky, go me) I’m not too bothered about that. I had thought of switching to another ‘better’ brand but I live in a small town where there is one shop (i.e. expensive) to buy such stuff from and i like seeing before I buy; so amazon etc isn’t much use for a first try. When I go to big town next i will look around for an alternative. Though I had thought of trying an alum crystal and seeing how that works.

        No-pooing, yep just water for the washing part. I do condition because my hair is really thick and heavy and turns to straw with no conditioner (happy hair days, again mostly natural ingredients but some naughties). I tried a homemade coconut conditioner once… while I got compliments on how my hair looked, it felt horrible, looked lank to me and I eventually put it up because I hated it. Which is very annoying cos i love coconut oil for everything else.

        Finding healthy and sustainable alternatives is definately a trial-and-error journey. For instance, I am a clumsy-clot so anything that doesn’t bounce cannot go in the bathroom. I am a mass-murderer when it comes to glasses and crockery.

        Glad I found your blog though, you give me lots of things to research/consider and try out. 😀

        1. Hi Lessy,
          I may go back to Mitchum then. I was also thinking about an alum stone. I’ve noticed my children starting to need something but really don’t want them using deodorant yet as they are too young. I thought an alum stone might be a good compromise. It’s also what Bae from Zero Waste Home uses so they must be pretty good.

          I’d love to only wash my hair with water! I have tried so many different no poo options but non of them work for my hair. I’m currently using a Lush shampoo bar which I know still contains some nasties but it is zero waste and it does get my hair clean.
          My friend tried coconut oil in her hair and had to wear a hat for a week!

          1. Hi Gina

            Yeah, unlike other folk’s recommendations and experiences, I wouldn’t try going no-poo cold-turkey. No-poo does not work on 2 hours+/days’ sweat; for me anyway.
            I did think the coconut oil conditioner fail would actually be perfect for a good once-a-year deep condition over crimbo (when I can hermit or wear a hat).

            I was looking at shampoo bars, I love the thought of no plastic bottles, I will have to have a look about in big town for those too, there is a Lush there, thanks.
            I’ve also gone back to soap bars after years of bottled stuff, wouldn’t go back to bottled stuff ever again. We get a market in town once a month or so and we get fabulous, massive bars of soap from there. They’re relatively expensive (£5 for 1), but as far as I know, there’s little to no horrors in them and they last ages, and there is more choice in flavours (smell so good I want to eat some of them).

            Deodorant wise, there are better brands out there, but Mitchum is the best-cheapest available in my town (so far, I always check if something better has come into stock).

            merry crimbo and happy hogmanay, hope you had/have a lovely time.

          2. There is a ‘detox’ period with any no poo option. Your body needs to adjust the amount of sebum it produces.

  12. I wanted to share an alternative to the bamboo toothbrushes. Preserve toothbrushes. They are made from recycled plastic and you can send them back to be recycled again into other products. They also have recycled razors if that is an option for you. We use the toothbrushes and I save them all year and send them back after Christmas.

    I tried a safety razor years back and it ended up being expensive. Good quality blades are hard to find and a good strope to resharpen them is even harder. Both are expensive when you find them. Plus if you are like me with coarse hair you’ll find you spend more time shaving to get that close shave. My husband made the same complaint when he tried one. Now he just uses a trimmer to keep the beard neat and trim.

    I prefer to sugar my legs and pits. I use cotton strips that are washable. I make my own sugar paste since I have about 100lbs of white sugar in the house. We are LDS and it is from our food storage. We are now a sugar free family so I needed to use it up some how. Plus the sugar works well in homemade sugar scrubs.

    For face cloths I use cotton ones from Target. They come in an 8 pack in different colors. I get white. $2.50 for 8 cotton cloths. Once they get too stained or gross that washing doesn’t work anymore I pass them to my husband for garage rags. They normally last about a year or so before they get demoted to cleaning or garage rags. Then they still have life and shape but are a little stained and make me cringe to use them on my face. (Oils can collect dirt and dust in the fibers over time.)

    1. I haven’t heard of the Preserve toothbrushes I’ll have to check them out thanks. Although they do have to be recycled which of course isn’t ideal as the energy involved in recycling products can be high. You also have to take into account the environmental impact of sending them back i.e. transportation, packaging etc. However, they could make a great alternative for anyone who doesn’t like the bamboo brushes. Definitely going to look into them further thanks.

      I agree that the initial cost of the safety razors is quite high but when you think of how many disposable ones you’d get through in a year the safety razor soon starts to save you money. Where are you based? I’m in the UK and the blades are really cheap here. I bought a pack of 20 for about £1 and so far have only used one! I’ve been using mine for about 4 months now.

      A lot of people I know use the sugar waxing but I’ve never tried it myself. I can see how it would be better for sensitive areas.

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  13. I was aware of the detox period but after 7 months ‘no poo’ just using bicarb and apple cider vinegar my hair was still not improving. I had to give up after that 🙁

  14. Hi,
    Just reading this off of Pinterest. I’ve been using an epilator for a few years now. I am a hairy Italian. At first it wasn’t the most pleasant thing and I’d have to do a lot of deep breathing, lol. Now, it’s cake. I use it on my legs and underarms, even my upper lip and chin on occasion. I tried my bikini line and almost died. So instead I use a bikini trimmer without an attachment. Works fine.
    I use “natural” deodorants and fine the crystal type to work the best. However, you will still sweat. We are supposed to! I think one of the great things about zero waste is that it forces you to face reality and deal with the body you are given. We ALL sweat and most of us a pretty hairy. Get over it. A bar of soap and some water takes care of any BO and a little crystal deodorant helps keep the pit stink at bay. I find that wearing tanks or camis with a loose cardigan works the best for allowing air flow and allowing sweat to dry so that’s my uniform.
    I already using baking soda for toothpaste and just started using cocoa powder for bronzer and beet powder for blush. Charcoal works ok as a smoky eyeliner too. I just forgo mascara now. Just today I received my supply of cloth pads. I cloth diapers twins through potty training. I think I can handle this, lol. For face wash I alternate between a cream cleanser I had, a bar of neutrogena and a makeup remover wash cloth I bought at Sephora. That thing works really well especially for exfoliating.
    I dont use hairspray and occasionally a leave in serum. I wash my hair twice a week and my daily shower is About 3 minutes. I need the hot water to loosen up my back!

    1. Hi Liz,
      Thanks for stopping by.
      I love my epilator. The hair on my legs is already getting thinner and in some areas, it’s stopped growing altogether, which is great!
      I now use an alum stone as a deodorant and I love it. I don’t think I’d switch back to ‘normal’ deodorant now.

  15. Another zero waste hair free option is sugaring. I find it that long between sessions, and grow less hair overtime. Best part is it all natural.

  16. Hey Gypsy Soul,
    Great post.
    I may have another hair removal option for you. Have you heard of Moom? It’s organic sugar wax (nowhere near as painful as traditional waxing) you use yourself with reusable, washable in water strips.
    It comes in glass jars. However, I suppose those require reusing or recycling.
    Perhaps there is a recipe somewhere as it’s made from Brown sugar! It’s an old form of waxing.
    Anyway, if you’re interested, check it out.
    I prefer how long waxing lasts and the hairs become thinner. Don’t need to do it as often as shaving!
    Keep up the great work!
    Cheers!

    1. I make my own sugar wax. I use lemon juice and white sugar only. Brown sugar is made from white sugar and molasses. I leave out the molasses to cut cost.

      Just cook the sugar and lemon juice in a sauce pan until it is ‘soft ball’ temp with a candy thermometer or medium dark brown. Do not boil! If made right you don’t need strips and you can store it in a jar or container left from something else.

      1. Hi Grimm,

        That’s great info, thank you for the recipe!

        When you say ‘if made right you don’t need strips’ how does that work then? Do you just wait for it to go hard and peel the whole lot off?

        Also, what ratio of sugar to lemon do you use, please?

        1. It works as a sticky putty in texture if done right. You can scoop out a small ball from the container at room temp. Rolling it in your hands will soften it and make it sticky. Spread it on and peel off. Water will remove any residue.

          I have over cooked it in the past making it hard in the container at room temp and needed to be reheated in the microwave to soften. It is then runny and I used muslin strips from my fabric scrap box. The strips can be rinsed in cold water then washed to reuse.

          The lemon juice to sugar ratio is 1:5. I play it by eye. Just enough to moisten the sugar and help it melt when cooked.

        2. I forgot to mention it should not get hard at room temp when applied. Body temperature will keep it soft.

          This is in a sense lemon candy you are making.

          The recipe can be found online if you look up sugar wax recipes but you know you found the good recipes if it is just lemon juice and sugar.

          It is a basic Middle Eastern recipe my family has been using for years. The ladies in my family with dark hair (like myself) would have waxing parties once a month. This way there isn’t any leftovers of the wax to be stored.

          The hair is softer and lighter as it grows in. I use this on my legs and pits. I try to maintain the smooth look during the warm months and let everything grow in the winter.

      1. I’ve just had a quick Google and it appears that Moom is an American company although they do sell their products in the UK on Amazon here – This is my affiliate link * https://amzn.to/2rQHMow

        They sell a range of 100% organic hair removal kits. Could be a good option for anyone wanting to try waxing for hair removal.

  17. This post is so awesome! So many good ideas! I’m definitely guilty of having way too many beauty products that I “cannot get rid of.” So i just started placing all the beauty/skin products I use ina drawer as I use them and at the end of the three months whatever I have left in the cabinet gets the boot and whatever is in the drawer I will figure out how to make a more sustainable swap 🙂 one question for you though, have you considered going vegan to reduce your waste? The collagen is created from animal byproducts and the meat/farming industry is one of the most impactful on our environment! I don’t mean for this to come off accusatory or pushy at all, I just would like to open up the conversation and get your thoughts on that 🙂

    1. Hi Molly,

      Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you like the post and found it useful.

      I get asked the vegan question a lot, especially this month as it Veganuary. Here are my thoughts on it…

      My main concern with going vegan myself is that I already have a very restricted diet due to health issues. I’m very limited for food choices which is already very hard so to cut out even more products I think would be a real concern for me, especially as I struggle to keep weight on.

      I’ve recently found out that I’m intolerant to egg whites so I no longer eat those and I have reduced my overall meat consumption. Monday is a meat-free day.
      For beef (which we don’t have very often but is good for my iron levels) we buy sustainable crowd-sourced meat which I keep in the freezer for when we need it – https://www.gypsysoul.co.uk/sustainable-crowd-sourced-meat-from-buy-a-cow

      I also discovered that I’m intolerant to beeswax so I’ll need to switch to vegan food wraps too. So by default, it seems, I’m already having to make some switches to vegan products.

      I would definitely consider switching to vegan beauty products though if I could find some that were good and that came in zero waste packaging. If you know of any please do let me know.

      In all honesty, I do not believe that if the whole world turned vegan it would be a good thing. It would just push the problem onto another source much the same as if everyone suddenly switched to bamboo toothbrushes it would put pressure on the production and sustainability of bamboo.

      The problem is that no matter what you do in life you will have an impact on the planet just by being alive. There is a quote that I love by Jane Goodall… “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make” I think everyone should have their own sustainable lifestyle journey, what works for one person may not work for another but definitely do something.

      Back to the meat question I believe the answer is everyone should definitely be cutting back on meat consumption (or excessive consumption of any kind for that matter). We should also be encouraging & supporting more sustainable forms of meat and dairy production so that those that wish to continue eating meat can do so without such a huge impact on the planet.

      Veganism has become such a huge topic over the last few years and I don’t think you’ll ever get everyone to agree on what is best.

      If my health improved in the future I would consider giving Veganism ago but for now, I’ll just have to stick to reduced meat consumption from sustainable sources.

  18. Switching to a zero waste or low waste beauty hygiene routine has been a struggle for me as I currently still have a lot of plastic or packaged products i’m Trying to use up first. I think it might be another year or so before I’m done using my shampoo and conditioner bottles. After that I would like to switch to shampoo and conditioner bars or reusable bottles.

    I still have 2 regular plastic toothbrushes to use before switching and I struggle finding an alternative for toothpaste that includes fluoride. I would love to have toothpaste tabs though. I still use mouthwash as I struggle with gum health and I’m switching to glass bottles of silk floss instead this month!

    I switched to reusable pads last year as I can’t put in tampons or cups. I love them so far although people get grossed out when I tell them about it. I am a lot more comfortable with using them.

    I Struggle with shaving as I hate doing it but my boyfriend cares so I shave every once in a while for him. I would like to switch to a better alternative razor, but I can’t decide on using a safety razor or something like recycled razors or ones where you switch out the blade tops.

    Finally skin care I struggle with as I got really into it last year and make up I’m cutting down on trying to use only eyeliner (a pencil) and under the eye concealer and lipstick.

    1. Hi Sareh,

      Thanks for stopping by!

      It’s definitely best to use up what you already have first. I’m still working my way through old makeup and nail polishes. When they’re gone I’ll look into sustainable alternatives for them.

      When your plastic toothbrushes have come to the end of their life keep them for cleaning. They work great on the grout in your bathroom or kitchen. If you’re looking for a toothpaste with fluoride I’d recommend checking out Boobalou. They have toothpaste tablets and you can choose to have ones with or without fluoride. – https://www.boobalou.co.uk/toothpaste-tablets.html Boobalou also sells mouthwash tablets and oil pulling mouthwash. They may work for you? I love Booablou!

      A lot of people I talk to about reusable pads or period pants think they’re gross too but they really have changed my entire period experience. I couldn’t recommend them enough, especially WUKA.

      Shaving is such a bore, isn’t it?! Personally, I love my safety razor. Not only do I get a much cleaner shave but I’ve also reduced my bathroom waste. If you did want to get a safety razor I’d recommend getting a long-handled one, for a better grip. I’ve had mine for years now and still love it!

      I found that since I’ve stopped using skincare products I no longer need them. I used to have a whole drawer filled with beauty products and now the only things I use on my skin are soap and occasionally a bit of oil for moisturising, although I’m finding I’m needing that less and less. I also think that having a plant-based wholefood diet has done wonders for my skin.

      Thank you for your comment. I really appreciate it 🙂

  19. Hi, I’m really enjoying reading your blog. I’m particularly looking forward to reading about your experience exploring zero waste deodorants as this is one of the trickier things I’ve identified in my own waste audit.

    I just thought I’d leave a comment here about hair removal. I noticed you use epilating for more long lasting hair removal (ouch!) and wondered if you’d tried IPL?

    It’s bit more pricey but my god is it worth it! I’ve got the lumea prestige IPL and highly recommend it, it’s basically painless just a bit warm. After a few treatments your hair just stops growing. Honestly I wasn’t expecting it to be as effective as it is, I thought it would take longer but after one use I could see where I’d zapped and where I’d missed a bit because it’s just completely bare. Bonus points because you can use it everywhere including bikini areas so no more shaving or waxing *down there*. Maybe it wouldn’t work so well on lighter hair, I’m pale with dark hair which is ideal.

    Anyway, just thought I’d mention it 🙂

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