From packaging to expired items, formula testers to unused products in our homes, the cosmetics industry racks up a lot of waste. Add in the colossal use of unsustainably sourced palm oil, microplastics in glitter, and microbeads and you have an increasingly insidious business. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up makeup.
Picture Credits - Bina Punjani Bridals
We’ve got a few tips on how you can make your own waste-free products at home and still be as glamorous as ever. As a bride, you will have homemade products that are matched perfectly to your skin tone. Rope in the talented makeup artists in Goa to give you that unique bridal glow. Some might even have their own sustainable makeup products to glam up your wedding look.
ECO DEODORANT
This is a quick mix of equal parts coconut oil, baking soda, and cornstarch. You can dab it on or stuff it into an old underarm stick, the latter kept firm by storing it in the fridge. Add in essential oils such as lavender, lime, spearmint, and even sage to combat unpleasant odours. Tea tree oil and cinnamon have proven antibacterial properties so you’ll be in good hands.
Picture Credits - Homecrafted Soaps
QUICK MASCARA & LIQUID EYELINER
You’ll need a strong mascara game if you want a smouldering look at your destination wedding in Goa. Gently heat beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera gel in a double-boiler and mix well. Take off the heat and add in some activated charcoal. Store it in an old mascara tube and get a makeup artist in Goa to stroke out those perfectly angled wingtips for stunning bridal eyes!
Picture Credits - Zeetra Bridal Hair & Makeup
PERSONALISED EYESHADOW
Here’s something to have fun with. Play with natural colour pigments including cocoa powder (brown), beet powder (pink), spirulina (green), activated charcoal (black or grey), and nutmeg (golden brown) mixed with arrowroot powder as your base for gorgeous eye shadow. Adding in some shea butter will help moisturise your skin and prevent the eye shadow from bleeding off.
Picture Credits - Picsurely
INSTANT LIPSTICK & BALM
Melt beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, vitamin E oil and mix well. Add in some flavouring for lip balm or pigments such as beet powder for deep red lipstick. Use an old container to store. For varying shades, make a large quantity and add pigments to smaller batches. The lipstick can also work as blush!
Picture Credits - Studio Grey Photography
5-MINUTE FOUNDATION
Blend varying amounts of arrowroot powder with cocoa, cinnamon, or nutmeg depending on your skin tone. When you’ve got the right colour - test this on the side of your neck - add in jojoba oil until the texture is what you’re looking for.
Picture Credits - Beautilicious Makeup
ON-THE-GO MOISTURISER
Combine your favourite oil (almond, raw sesame, olive, hempseed) with some coconut oil and beeswax. Add in a fragrant essential oil of your choice and whip to form a creamy mixture. Easy, fuss-free, and eco-friendly!
Picture Credits - The Glitter Box
DIY REMOVER
You can just use oil on a reusable cotton pad, but if you want to get all fancy, use a mixture of aloe vera, witch hazel, jojoba oil, and lemon essential oil.
Picture Credits - Jumping Souls