Image courtesy of qianma.com

Sustainability is taking the spotlight as more and more people are beginning to realize how important preserving our planet is.  From bans on drinking straws and paper bags to finding ways to produce goods using less energy, brands are getting creative.  However, the beauty industry for years has been a key problem sector—but that’s all about to change.

Presented at this year’s virtual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which ran from January 11^th – January 14^th, beauty mammoth L’Oréal presented their Water Saver technology developed with Swiss start-up, Gjosa.  First unveiled in 2018, L’Oréal presented their final version at CES, which will begin in France before being adapted globally.  This innovative technology flows L’Oréal Professionnel and Kérastase products directly into the stream of water.

(The concept is to help consumers reduce water consumption, by a whopping 80% while washing their hair.) 

Image courtesy of L’Oreal

According to their research, people on average use eight liters of water per minute while washing their hair and this technology would limit that to two liters per minute.  This technology helps preserve water and also enhances the condition of your hair.  While this technology is first being presented to salons, an at-home version is in the works for the future.

Excited by all the sustainably focused technology presented at the conference, Fashion Reverie has rounded up the best brands you can try now to reduce plastic waste and help the planet.  Not only will these products have you looking and feeling amazing, they are also ALL refillable, cutting down significantly on excess containers and packaging.

Image courtesy of b-glowing.com

Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation

One of the pioneers in refillable makeup, founder Kristen Kjaer Weis created the line with the intention of reducing waste over 10 years ago.  The signature KW compacts were designed to easily be refilled to cut down on excess packaging.

The Cream Foundation, made from organic coconut, sweet almond, and sunflower seed oil, not only covers and conceals with its medium to full coverage, but also soothes, tightens, and protects your skin.  For the best results, Kjaer Weis recommends applying this foundation to a well-moisturized face, as it’s formulated without any synthetics.

The foundation comes in multiple compact options such as the Red Editor or Iconic Edition. No matter which one you choose, this multitasking product will not disappoint.

Image courtesy of L’Occitane

L’OCCITANE en Provence Almond Milk Concentrate

This cult favorite smooths skin and moisturizes with 48 hours of hydration.  Made from almonds grown in the South of France, the creamy texture melts right into your skin.

With a light, refreshing scent and amazing feel, it’s easy to see why so many people love this product.  L’OCCITANE en Provence is committed to sustainability—pledging that by 2025 100% of its bottles will be made of recycled plastic and all their stores will offer a recycling service. Currently, many of their products, including the Almond Milk Concentrate, are also sold with refillable pouches to cut down on excess plastic waste.

Image courtesy of Surrat

Surratt Auto-Graphique Eyeliner

This artist approved liquid eyeliner is expensive at $42, but it’s Japanese calligraphy- inspired brush is uniquely ideal for creating precise, long-lasting graphic looks.  The opaque formula goes on strong and dispenses smoothly so you’re able to get the perfect stroke or flick of liner every time—no need to keep going back and filling in.

Plus, while this may feel like a large investment for eyeliner, the pen is refillable and each cartridge will set you back less than $20, which for Surratt lovers is a steal.

Image courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips 2

For kissably soft lips in the most flattering shades, you cannot go wrong with Charlotte Tilbury.  Hot Lips 2 is a collection of gorgeous lipstick shades that will give you fuller looking lips while moisturizing them at the same time.  Inspired by Hollywood elite, Tilbury’s clientele, these lipsticks will have you feeling like you’ve walked off a movie set.

As a bonus, when you’ve used up the tube of lipstick, simply swap it out with another one or be daring and try a different shade.

Image courtesy of Tata Harper

Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer

Sourced from the founder’s own family farm, the botanical ingredients in Tata Harper’s Water-Lock Moisturizer primes and nourishes without any harsh chemicals.  Your complexion will never look better, thanks to the lightweight formula combined with Macro Hyaluronic Acid, Orange Peptides, and Pomegranate.  Water-Lock Moisturizer transforms rough, uneven or dry skin, making it a favorite among editors.

Tata Harper has created refillable pods, which can be placed into your jar to help reduce extra waste.

Image courtesy of Tropic

Tropic Colour Palettes

Customizable palettes offer you the opportunity to create a beauty look and take it with you without all the bulk.  With over 70 products to choose from including concealer, bronzer, setting powder, lipstick, cream contour, eyeshadow, and wax liner, and many others, you can ensure you’re only taking with you the things you need.

Ideal to stash in your purse, gym bag or suitcase for a full face in one little compact, the best part is of course that you can replace the pans to change up your look as often as you’d like without the need for buying another palette.

Looking for more brands that offer refillable products?  Thankfully this year, we’ve seen a major push towards sustainability that’s expanded outside of your favorite indy brands to include prominent, established brands as well, so, you don’t have to look very far to find ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Additional brands that are adapting refillable practices include: Dior, Ouai, Chanel, Molton Brown, Diptyque, Faith in Nature, Hourglass, and La Mer to name a few.

— Janine Silver