How to Create a Capsule Makeup Collection

A few weeks ago, I decided to dish on my low-waste beauty products in a ‘get ready with me’ style IGTV video.

I was heading to UC Berkeley to guest lecture, and I always wear a bit more makeup when it comes to being on stage with lights. I thought it was the perfect time to go through my makeup capsule collection and I got a TON of questions and requests for a full blog post!

Some of the links below are affiliate links for more information please see my disclosure policy!

As many of you know, I have struggled a lot with skin problems. I have tried numerous zero-waste skincare routines. A lot of the “zero waste” skincare products I was using were still low waste. Yes, they come in a glass bottle, but they almost always have different plastic parts.

After years of searching, I think I’ve finally found a few items that are really working for my skin thanks to the recommendation of my esthetician, but they do come in plastic.

I’ve decided to stop sweating it. I figure if I’m able to reduce 99% of packaging waste but finally found a few green products (that are working!) then that’s fine by me.

I send my makeup and skincare empties back to Terracycle so I know that they’re in good hands. Many places like Credo and l’Occitane have programs where you can drop your beauty products off and they’ll send them back to Terracycle for you.

one-in; one-out rule:

I don’t know how or why I used to accumulate so many beauty products. I’m not sure if they bred at night, but man, I wound up with so many different colors of eyeshadow that I never wore. Tons of different lip shades and eyeliner and I hardly wore any of them!

When I started going zero waste, I really started to pay attention to how I was accumulating items and what I actually used. I noticed that I wore the exact same products every single day.

I also noticed that when I was halfway through a product I would run out and buy a new one. When I was at the store, I would also pick up one or two other items just because they looked cool.

I would wear those “cool new products” once or twice and then they would languish in my makeup drawer constantly being passed up for my old faithful products.

So, I simply decided to cut all of that out. Now, I don’t go out and buy a new product unless I’m really, really close to being out of it and I buy one item to replace the one that is out not a handful of others.

What I find most fascinating about this, is even though clean beauty is more expensive, on the whole, I’m saving money because I’m not buying a BUNCH of products. I’m only buying a few.

buying in person:

Another way I drastically reduce my waste in my beauty routine is to buy in person. I can see the colors, I can see what the product feels like.

Since I have sensitive acne-prone skin, I can often tell what’s going to work and what’s not. Almost anytime I’ve ordered something new online, I’ve been really disappointed in a color looking slightly off or the product not performing well.

Credo Beauty is one of my all-time favorite places to shop, but I know Sephora has expanded their clean beauty section quite a bit.

related: 10 Zero Waste Makeup Brands

creating a capsule:

When it comes to creating a capsule makeup collection my best tip is to simply pack like you’re going on vacation.

You’ll typically bring your go-to day look and then one or two extra elements for a bit more of a dramatic evening look.

After whittling everything down, I’ve found that’s all I need.

Now, I’ve tried a bunch of different green mascaras and I’ve tried a lot of lip products. If you would like for me to review each kind I’ve tried, let me know in the comment section down below!

my capsule:

primer:

I do really like to prime my face. For an every day look, I like to combine a little bit of primer and foundation together.

This gives the foundation thinner more natural coverage and it stays pretty much all day. I currently have the Juice Beauty Primer which has a nice glow to it. Since I have oily skin sometimes the glow can be a bit much. But, I certainly don’t have to worry about using any highlighter.

The Juice Beauty Primer comes in a glass bottle.

concealer:

I have tried a few concealers. I’m currently still working my way through my RMS concealer which I think is good. I’ve enjoyed using it and I really like the packaging. It’s packaged with a metal top and glass bottom!

However, I really like the Ilia concealer more, but it is packaged in plastic.

foundation:

I used to exclusively use the Marie Veronique Tinted Sunscreen as my foundation which I love! But, as I’ve started doing a lot more work on camera, I’ve needed something a bit more heavy-duty.

I saw that somewhere that Shailene Woodley used the Vapour Foundation when on set. So, I thought it MUST have a great matte finish for camera so I ordered some online and have been sooooo disappointed. It is so greasy and oily. Since I have oily skin my face is subject to non-stop shine all day no matter how much powder I put on.

I am going to try and finish using the product, but honestly, it’s so bad, I don’t know if I can. After I run out of vapor, I think I’m going to try the RMS foundation which just came out.

powder:

Once again, having oily skin I typically finish up with a powder to prevent any excess shine. I’ve been using the AU Natural Skin Food Powder. I have really enjoyed using this and how well it travels. I got it because they offered refills which I think is super cool! But, currently, on the website, I’m not seeing where they sell the refills.

They might be sold out? But, I think the premise of the powder and how it’s refillable is really cool. The powder also has an SPF of 25 which is a great addition.

blush:

I’ve been using the Ilia Multi-Stick in the color At Last for Blush and on my lips if I’m going for a very nude lip. I really like products that can pull double duty. It’s great to have something that works for both my lips and cheeks!

One of the things I love about Ilia is that they package their products in recycled aluminum.

eyeshadow:

I have two eyeshadow palettes. I have one with more neutral summery colors and I was gifted the Aether Eyeshadow Palette in Amethyst Crystal which is really nice for winter and the holidays.

Even though I’m not a huge fan of the color purple a lot of the colors in the palette are very subtle and I really like wearing them! The palette is made completely from paper.

You will have to remove the small tins and elastic band from the palette before recycling, but it’s really cool how they took their packaging into consideration.

eyelash curler:

This has to be one of my favorite tools in my makeup kit. I was so excited to find a really good eyelash curler that comes with pad refills.

I had my original eyelash curler since high school, but it broke this summer. I used the opportunity to try and find a really heavy-duty curler that should last me for the rest of my life.

Replacement pads used to be very common, but they can be difficult to find these days. When you buy the curler it comes with refills, but if you run out you can purchase them separately.

eyeliner:

I have tried quite a few different types of eyeliners. I’ve tried a few of the pencil eyeliners, but they haven’t done very well staying on my face. I have tried the Juice Beauty Liquid Eyeliner which comes in plastic but works very well as well as the Ilia liquid eyeliner which is packaged in recycled aluminum.

I would say the Juice Beauty is a little more difficult to control because it’s kind of like using a small very flexible paintbrush whereas Ilia is a bit more difficult to get a smooth line because it’s like a rigid felt tip pen.

If the Juice had a bit more structure and the Ilia had a bit more flexibility they’d both be perfect! So, for now, I’m just accepting almost perfect and am pretty happy with that!

mascara:

I have tried five different green, low-waste mascaras and I have to say Ilia has knocked it out of the park. Their mascara is packaged in recycled aluminum like the rest of their products. The mascara stays on all day, it doesn’t flake or run, and it washes off easily at night.

The best part is the brush! Half is a comb and half is a brush. It also has some really nourishing ingredients which strengthens your natural lashes.

perfume:

I like to buy smaller fragrances so I can change them up pretty often. I haven’t found a clean signature scent just yet, but right now I’m really liking MCMC Maine Perfume. It comes in a cute roller bottle that I plan on upcycling once I’m done with it.

lips:

I have tried countless lip products and I’m still looking for THE one that can stay on for a few hours. With so many of these green beauty products, I put it on and after I take one sip of water it’s gone.

If I ever find something that stays on longer than a 20 minutes, I’ll be sure to let you know. And, if you want me to compare and contrast the 10 lip products I’ve tried, let me know in the comment section down below!

Currently, I like the Ilia Multistick in a fine romance I keep this one in my purse which is why it wasn’t featured in the video. I have the tata harper in very popular which I wore for my wedding. It’s a great color, but as far as performance goes it’s just OK. The Ilia Multistick is about the same color and I think it lasts longer.

I also have the Kari Gran Lip Whip which is a good clear gloss like lip balm. It works pretty well and is a staple basic.

That is my 15 product capsule make-up beauty collection! I feel like it can pretty easily take me from day to night and through any situation.

I would really like to try some of the 100% Pure Products and maybe a few of the Besame products? And, I definitely am dying to find some lip products that can stay put. If you have any recommendations please let me know!

6 All-Natural Toothpaste Brands + DIYs to Try

Conventional toothpaste is packaged in plastic tubes, and can contain some questionable ingredients which is a double whammy for the environment and our health.

The truth is you don’t need all those unpronounceable ingredients to get that ‘clean teeth’ feeling. In fact, most dentists say the most important part of brushing your teeth is the toothbrush. Ever since I made the switch to zero waste toothpaste, my teeth have never felt cleaner.

You can easily DIY your own toothpaste, but not everyone enjoys DIYs. For that reason, I’ve assembled a list of zero waste toothpaste brands and DIYs you can trust.

First up are brands that make awesome zero waste toothpaste that actually work, then I list a bunch of DIYs for those who prefer making their own.                             

treat yourself natural clay tooth powder:

Have you ever used tooth powder before? It’s not hard to get the hang of, plus it’s kind of fun to try something new and different.

To use tooth powder, you just run your toothbrush under water, dip it into the jar, then brush like normal with the powder attached to your toothbrush bristles.

I really like Treat Yourself’s natural clay tooth powder because it’s full of natural ingredients that are actually good for your teeth. 

Most conventional toothpaste contain questionable ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride, triclosan and artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners and the mouth has an absorbency efficiency rate of more than 90 percent.

Treat Yourself’s natural clay tooth powder only uses natural ingredients you can trust. The star ingredients consist of calcium bentonite clay, cinnamon, turmeric, clove, activated charcoal, and essential oils of frankincense and myrrh.  

I love the fact it comes in a reusable glass jar.  The lid of it is plastic but it’s still a great jar to reuse. I plan to use it to store my DIY deodorant when it’s empty.

davids natural toothpaste:

Perhaps you really love the idea of toothpaste coming in a tube. That’s cool: Davids Natural Toothpaste has you covered.

This toothpaste comes in a 100 percent recyclable metal tub with a small plastic lid. You just have to cut it open and rinse it out first before recycling. 

The tube comes packaged in a box made of FSC certified paperboard that’s manufactured with renewable wind energy. How cool is that?

Also, each box comes with a metal “key” to help you roll up the tube and get the very last drops out of the tube so nothing is wasted, not even the last drop.

Their ingredients are great as well, completely free of fluoride and sulphates. They’re vegan friendly and cruelty free which is a huge plus.

This toothpaste is made from 98 percent USA origin ingredients which is fantastic because the more locally sourced ingredients, the less carbon emissions emitted.

Related: 5 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

To make their brand even more conscious, they’ve been EWG verified for consumer safety and health.

Their ingredients consist of calcium carbonate, purified water, baking soda, vegetable glycerin, hydrated silica, xylitol, sodium cocyl glutamate, carrageenan, peppermint oil, spearmint leaf oil, anise seed extract, wintergreen leaf extract and stevia leaf extract. You can see what each ingredient means and what it does on their very transparent ingredient list.

If you’re looking for an all-natural toothpaste that comes in a recyclable tube and helps support our local economy, this is definitely the toothpaste for you.

uncle harry’s:

Uncle Harry’s toothpaste is very popular within the zero waste community because their natural toothpaste can be bought in glass jars which can be reused when empty. The lid is plastic, so It's not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Their natural toothpaste helps support tooth enamel remineralization. It also helps maintain a natural alkaline pH, which is very important for overall oral health. 

Uncle Harry‘s is a 100 percent vegetarian company that never tests on animals, but all their toothpaste options are completely vegan. None of their products contain soy, gluten or dairy ingredients. 

RELATED: Zero Waste Flossing Options

Their products are free of fluoride, triclosan, artificial sweeteners and sodium lauryl sulfate at all times. Unlike the other toothpastes I’ve listed, they come in a wide array of flavors as well, such as spearmint, cinnamon, peppermint and anise. 

The ingredients for their toothpaste consist of bentonite clay, calcium carbonate, colloidal silver water, sea salt, ionic minerals, mustard seed, and various different essential oils (depending on flavor).

Uncle Harry’s even has children’s toothpaste options that are completely safe for kids and more palatable for youngsters.

To use the toothpaste, you just scoop a little from the jar using your toothbrush or small utensil, brush for one to two minutes, then rinse like normal.

peppermint baking soda toothpaste:

If you prefer DIYs, this peppermint baking soda toothpaste is easy to make.  In fact, you might have all the ingredients for it in your house right now. 

This is my personal favorite homemade toothpaste option. I use it all the time. Even my mom, who’s a dental assistant, approves of this recipe.

It’s super simple to make, only requiring three ingredients: Baking soda, coconut oil and peppermint essential oil. You’ll get that super clean feeling after using it too. 

RELATED: 15 Simple Swaps for a Zero Waste Bathroom

To use, just dip your toothbrush into the toothpaste, then brush away. There’s no need to splash it with any water. Just rinse your brush off when you’re done and you’re good to go. 

You can store this three-ingredient toothpaste in an empty glass jar you have lying around. Super effective and low cost. 

If you find baking soda to be too abrasive on your teeth, try using a little less than the recipe recommends and adjust it to meet your needs.

Making this recipe has honestly saved me so much money: The ingredients are cheap and easy to find waste free. I totally recommend giving it a shot!

dentist approved toothpowder:

If you’re looking for a tooth powder that’s all natural and one your dentist will love, look no further. This dentist approved toothpowder is the best. 

You only need three ingredients to make it: Xylitol, baking soda and bentonite clay. All the ingredients can be found in bulk, or sustainable packaging.

Related: Life Without Bulk Options

This toothpowder recipe was made by collaborating with a dentist to get the perfect formula. How cool is that? It has none of those icky additives like artificial coloring.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener, baking soda dislodges plaque from the teeth and bentonite clay draws out toxins. All you need to do is put the ingredients together in a glass jar and shake it up. 

Make sure to use a wooden or porcelain measuring spoon to touch the bentonite clay, as metal will deactivate it.

The sweetness of the xylitol should cancel out the saltiness of the baking soda, leaving it with a rather neutral taste. It’ll leave you with clean breath and tastes like nothing, perfect for people who prefer minimal to no flavors with their toothpaste.

charcoal toothpaste recipe:

Feel like your teeth need some whitening? This charcoal toothpaste recipe is perfect.

It only requires three ingredients: activated charcoal, coconut oil and baking soda. You can also add a few drops of essential oil for a refreshing aftertaste (I’d use peppermint or spearmint essential oil).

This shouldn’t be your main toothpaste because activated charcoal can cause sensitivity. Use it once or twice a week to help whiten your teeth.

Just be aware it can get pretty messy! The activated charcoal stains a lot of things, so don’t wear nice clothes while using this DIY.

Your teeth are going to feel super clean after using this toothpaste. The activated charcoal is a powerhouse ingredient which binds to grime, dirt and stains beyond the surface, drawing them out.

You can find most of the ingredients for this in bulk, or sustainably packaged. For instance, coconut oil usually comes in glass and baking soda comes in cardboard, which are easy to reuse and/or recycle.

The activated charcoal may be a bit tricky to find plastic free, so keep that in mind. You should be able to purchase activated charcoal plastic free online at the Refill Revolution though (along with other awesome ingredients for making DIYs).

You can store your homemade toothpaste in a small metal tin or a small glass jar you’re repurposing. Just dip your brush into the toothpaste and brush your teeth like you normally would.

Your teeth will turn a bit black at first using this toothpaste, but have no fear. When you rinse out your mouth, it’ll be stain free and feel super clean.

How do you brush your teeth?

Guest Post: Ariana Palmieri is the founder of Greenify-Me.com, a blog dedicated to zero waste living and sustainability. Her work has been featured on MindBodyGreen, Green Matters, The Penny Hoarder and several other publications. Get her free e-book "10 Ways to Reduce Trash" by signing up to her newsletter and learn how to reduce your waste today.

5 Simple Swaps for a Zero Waste Bathroom

This is going to be a quick blog post to share five easy zero waste swaps for the bathroom - these five swaps are great for beginners.

I’m trying to write short blog posts to accompany all of my YouTube videos, and this is a follow up to a post I did a couple month’s ago 5 Easy Swaps for a Zero Waste Kitchen.

Speaking of which, if you haven’t check out my YouTube channel… what are you waiting for? Head on over and subscribe!

Some of the links below are affiliate links for more information please see my disclosure policy.

1. bamboo toothbrush:

This should come as no surprise, but once you finish with your current toothbrush why not switch to a bamboo one? Brush with Bamboo is my all time fave!!

I have been working with Brush with Bamboo for years! They were actually the very first sponsored post on GZW and we’ve had a great relationship ever since. There are tons of other bamboo toothbrush companies that have popped up since (BWB was the first on the scene!) and I don’t think any hold a candle.

Zero Waste Toothpowder + Brush with Bamboo
Zero Waste Toothpaste
The Life of a Toothbrush

2. safety razor:

I love using a safety razor. Am I slightly scared of it? Yes. But only a little. I’ve used one for years and I’ve only nicked myself a few times. This is the razor I have.

Be sure to check out this post if you’re looking for a guide to safety razors and this one if you’re wondering how do I clean my safety razor?

3. bar of soap:

Does a simpler swap exist? Change out your crazy colored body wash for something a bit more natural… like a bar of soap! I talked all about this one in my Winter Favorites Video.

The my favorite videos are some of my favorite to film… because who wouldn’t want to talk about their favorite things. In true zero waste fashion, mine are made up of things that bring me joy like older items and something that aren’t even things!

4. toner:

So, I’m not really sure if this is a tip or swap - I’ll let you decide! Instead of letting your toner absorb into your reusable cloth pads, put your toner in a spray bottle! Boom, less waste.

Pour your toner into a spray bottle, and then spritz your face and let it air dry. I used an old spray bottle, but also have several of these and LOVE them.

This one simple swap has doubled the life of my toner bottle! And, my skin care routine isn’t cheap so I love that I’m saving money and wasting less.

My zero waste skin care routine - morning edition
Zero waste makeup brands
Zero waste skincare brands

5. dry shampoo:

Now, you know how much I LOVE my dry shampoo, I’ve got a full post and recipe on How to Make Eco-Friendly Dry Shampoo.

And, I love that I store it in the most adorable salt shaker that looks just like Nala! A friend picked it up at a thrift shop a few years ago.

Of course, if DIY isn’t your thing, here’s two dry shampoos with clean ingredients that come in recyclable and/or reusable packaging. La Tierra Sagrada and Captain Blankenship.

I hope you enjoyed this short video and blog post! What’s a simple swap you’ve made to make your bathroom more eco-friendly?