When I tried to make my beauty routine plastic-free, there was one thing I learnt pretty quickly: refillable was better than recyclable. Of course, recyclable packaging is certainly one step ahead of throwaway plastic, but it’s even better if you can avoid waste altogether by using products that can be refilled.
In terms of sustainability, recycling is problematic. Due to the long life span of plastics, including those designed to be recyclable, disposing of them is difficult and can often place huge pressure on resources and the environment. In fact, if you buy a refill instead of a completely new product, you save 70% on CO2, 65% on energy and 45% on water, according to research conducted by The LCA Centre. Up until earlier this year China dealt with majority of the world’s recycling (the UK shipped 2.7 million tonnes of plastic to China and Hong Kong in the last five years, Greenpeace reported) but with the Chinese government banning imports, the recycling problem is set to get worse.
This is why when makeup artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis created her eponymous beauty line, Kjaer Weis, investing in a refillable system was key. Each one of their makeup products is housed in a keep-forever metal case which can be refilled when finished. “Refillable packaging is very important to me because it really cuts down on the overall amount of waste that we produce and leave behind on this planet," Weis told Refinery29. "We see the consequences of not recycling everywhere, especially in the oceans with the enormous amount of plastic buildup. It has had serious ramifications that haven’t been paid enough attention to."
While Kjaer Weis are pioneering this movement, with more and more consumers now looking for eco-friendly alternatives, a whole host of beauty brands are starting to offer refillable options. Even better, refills are often also wallet-friendly - much like when you get a discount for bringing a reusable coffee cup for your latte, buying refills is often cheaper than a brand new product.
Convinced? Click through to discover some of the best refillable beauty brands out there.
Kjaer Weis
Chances are you’ve spotted Kjaer Weis’ Instagrammable metal packaging on your feed. Designed by Marc Atlan (the creative force behind the iconic Comme de Garcons and Helmut Lang packaging), the beautiful silver compacts can be used again and again. Simply pop out the cartridge and refill with a fresh new one.
Must buy: Kjaer Weis Cream Blush, compact: £41, refill: £24, available at Cult Beauty
Why: This is a buttery soft blush that blends like a dream. It lends cheeks a subtle hint of dewy colour and that natural-looking flush we all crave.
Le Labo
Cult fragrance brand Le Labo, known for their minimalist shelfie-worthy bottles and standout scents, offer a refillable service in store. Take your much-loved perfume into one of their boutiques where they will refill the bottle and give you 20% off the original price.
Must buy: Le Labo Rose 31 Eau De Parfum, 100ml: £180, refill: £144, available at Liberty
Why: This is a modern take on the classic Grasse rose with the addition of warm and woody notes such as cedar and centifolia. It's a fragrance that always gets compliments.
Rituals
Ayurvedic bath and body brand, Rituals, have recently committed to a number of greener practises and now offer eco-friendly refills for their body creams, day and night creams, hand washes and fragrance sticks.
Must buy: Rituals Ritual of Namaste Hydrating Overnight Cream, original: £29.50, refill: £25.50, available at Rituals
Why: Packed with hyaluronic acid and Indian rose, this deeply hydrating formula works while you sleep to ensure you wake with plump and glowing skin. When finished, pop out the bottom of the jar and replace with a refill.
Suratt
Surrat is the brainchild of makeup master Troy Surratt and thanks to their high-performance yet skin-friendly products, the brand has a loyal legion of fans. They are making steps to reduce packaging with the eyeliners and brow pencils available with refillable cartridges.
Must buy: Surratt Auto-Graphique Liner in Chat Noir, original: £40, refill: £16, available at Space NK
Why: Inspired by the tools used in Japanese calligraphy and artistry, this inky black eyeliner lets you create a super sharp cat-eye with ease. Plus, the pigment stays put all day.
Buxom Cosmetics
Do you struggle to find an eyeshadow palette where you use all the shades? Buxom might just have the solution. Their refillable palette lets you pick your very own hues from the 40 strong range, and then simply refill when you’ve hit upon on one of your favourites.
Must buy: Buxom Cosmetics Customisable Six Shade Refillable Compact Eye Shadow Palette, palette: £8, individual shades: £8, available at Debenhams
Why: Highly pigmented, every single one of these shades gives good colour pay off. Throw into the mix the primer-infused formula and you have the makings of the perfect long-wear eyeshadow.
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