Be eco-friendly this Christmas and shop from ethical beauty and sustainable fashion brands which are working to reduce waste.
Every Christmas, millions of items of clothing end up in landfill. In 2019, an Oxfam survey found most partygoers wore outfits just five times before casting them aside. Over in the world of beauty, the cosmetics industry produced 120 billion units of packaging in 2008 — and it has only increased each year.
To avoid unnecessary waste this festive season, it is important to be selective when you’re shopping. We’ve rounded up three top brands which are committed to sustainability and ethical practice in the world of fashion and beauty, so you can feel you’re best while helping the planet.
Sustainable clothing and gym wear
TALA first broke on to the fashion scene in 2019 as an activewear brand but has since broadened its range of clothing to loungewear, athleisure, and outerwear. Founded by fitness influencer and entrepreneur Grace Beverley, the company is committed to sustainable practices and works with select ethically accredited factories across the globe. All clothing and accessories are made from recycled materials (such as plastic bottles upcycled into yarn) or factory offcuts.
If you’re shopping for a fitness fanatic, SkinLuxe is TALA’s buttery-soft, lightweight, made-for-movement activewear collection featuring performance styles in sport bras, racer vests, cycling shorts and high-waisted leggings in an array of colours (£32-£56). For every day, the Zae T-Shirt (£26) is a figure-hugging tee with double-layered fabric for extra support and sculpting. This comes in different lengths and colours too, from sky blue to arctic white. TALA has recently launched its first outerwear collection which includes its Zero Belted Puffer Jacket (£110) and Glacier Longline Puffer Jacket (£120) — both water and wind resistant, while being made from 100% recycled polyester.
Ethical skincare products
REN Skincare is one of the only high-street brands with a commitment to using recycled, recyclable, or reusable packaging by the end of 2021. On a journey since 2018 to fulfil its 2021 Zero Waste pledge, REN has partnered with UK charity Planet Patrol, US charity Surfrider Foundation and global recycling company Terracycle to prevent more than 1.5 tonnes of plastic from entering our ocean. Its products – ranging from face cleansers to body washes – are also PETA accredited and vegan.
Our pick for beauty gifts include REN’s All is Bright set (£57) contains the exfoliating Daily AHA Tonic, which can reduce the appearance of pores, and the evening Dark Spot Sleeping Cream, known for hydrating and targeting dark spots. The All is Calm set (£57) features REN’s antioxidant rich Global Protection Day Cream and ultra-nourishing Overnight Recovery Balm, which calms and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier. Both sets are packaged in a gift bag with a 100% recycled cardboard band to keep your products together.
Eco-friendly make up
Danish cosmetic company Kjaer Weis is one of the leading make-up brands in sustainability, being one of the first luxury beauty companies to introduce refillable packaging at the time of its launch in 2010. All its products, packaging and shipping materials are 100% recyclable, compostable and refillable, sourced from FSC-certified materials, and printed with water-based ink. The company’s refill system allows you to choose your shade and how it is packaged, minimising what gets thrown into landfills. It’s not only the packaging which is ethical but the beauty formulas too, with all products being cruelty- and gluten-free. Kjaer Weis ingredients are all certified by one of two leading European certifications for organic: COSMOS or CCPB.
This autumn, Kjaer Weis launched its Im-Possible Mascara (£30), that delivers dramatic length and high definition which lasts all day long. The Im-Possible mascara is Ecocert COSMOS Organic, a certification it can only achieve if a minimum of 95% of plants it contains are organic and at least 20% of organic ingredients are present in the total formula. Sustainably and organically farmed Beeswax and Carnauba Wax work together to create a beautifully balanced creamy texture, preventing clumps for natural appearing lashes.
