When it comes to beauty products, effective formulas and gorgeous colors are at the top of the list. Next comes lush textures and highly Instagrammable packaging (gotta keep up the likes). While considering packaging, it’s worthwhile to think about our environmental impact. Those who want to keep their eco footprints down, reduce their waste and have gorgeous products they can use over and over should consider refillable beauty products.
Here’s how it works: After initially purchasing a full product, the “bones” of the product can be topped off with refillable makeup that use less energy to make. Because they use less natural resources and plastic, they often cost less, too. Win-win. Additionally, beauty product refills save people the heartbreak of throwing out or recycling a gorgeous empty package that they really, really like. (We’re looking at you, fancy perfume bottles.) Instead, the product can be in use for years to come.
And don’t let the idea of mess put you off refillable makeup. The clever packaging (read: magnets and easy pop in and pop out designs) means it couldn’t be easier to switch from an empty palette to a brand spanking new one without any waste, spills or eyeshadow streaks everywhere. What’s more, the option to choose means wearers can personalize their products by selecting the exact lipstick, eyeshadow and contour shades they want.
Those striving for less waste in their beauty routines can incorporate these refillable beauty and makeup products.
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Less-Waste Beauty: Refillable Makeup and Beauty Products
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Hourglass
Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick, $34 at Hourglass
With a chic, ultra slim package, no one will want to throw this out when their lipstick bullet is finished. Thanks to the Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Lipstick Refill ($22), lipstick aficionados can put in a brand-new precise bullet and keep using the package. Select the same shade or choose from over 30 luxe colors.
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Kat Von D
Shade + Light Refillable Face Contour Palette, $49 at Kat Von D
Wondering how to make a cult favorite contouring palette even better? Make it refillable. Kat Von D's flattering palette features removable magnetic pans for customization and a hard shell case that will keep the silky, soft powders intact as the palette bounces around in purses and makeup bags.
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Buxom
Customizable Eyeshadow Bar Palette, $40 at Sephora
Dreaming about producing a bespoke eyeshadow palette? This customizable eyeshadow bar palette is a personalized option without a bank-busting price. Choose six primer-infused eyeshadows to create the palette of your dreams. When you run out of product/become bored, refill the palette with more pigment-packed eyeshadows.
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Kjaer Weis
Cream Blush ($56) and Cream Blush Refills ($32) at Kjaer Weis
Kjaer Weis has been focused on sustainability from its inception. It has a range of sophisticated refillable options, including these complexion brightening blushes. Buy the blush with the modernist compact once, then keep filling it with no-waste refills. Remember to recycle the refill packaging to keep your carbon footprint down.
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Paul & Joe Beaute
Compact CS Limited Edition ($10) and Powder Blush Fall 2018 ($18) at B-glowing
This purrrrfect compact may be limited-edition, but it can be in rotation for years thanks to the clever refillable design. It can house eyebrow powder duos, eye color trios and powder blushes. We suggest the cheery blush duos from the latest collection. They blend together to create a natural-looking flush.
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E.L.F. Cosmetics
Beauty Shield Magnetic Mask Kit ($24) and Beauty Shield Magnetic Mask Refill & 20 Magnet Covers ($14) at E.L.F. Cosmetics
This Instagrammable silver mask is buzzed about thanks to its iron-based formula and magnet tool that brightens and helps to satisfyingly suck out dirt from pores. What should also be known is that after purchasing the kit and tool, shoppers can keep their pores clean with the magnetic mask refill and additional covers.
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Supergoop!
100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder ($30) and 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder Refill ($20) at Supergoop!
We should be going through sunscreen regularly given that we're supposed to be wearing it on a daily basis. Keep protected while considering your eco footprint with this easy-to-apply mineral powder sunscreen and refills. It couldn't be easier to apply the sweat-resistant formula thanks to the brush with built-in loose powder. When one formula runs out, attach another. Choose from translucent, light, medium and deep options.
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Mugler
AURA Refillable Eau de Toilette, $80 at Ulta Beauty
With a bottle this bewitching, users will want to keep the perfume in rotation forever. Thanks to the refillable design, they can. This EDT is a refreshing floral with sultry oriental notes that make it the perfect scent to go from day to night.
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Decorté
Styling Liquid Eyeliner Refillable Liquid Eyeliner ($30) and Styling Liquid Eyeliner - Refillable ($12) at Saks
Refillable liquid eyeliner? Yes, it exists. Keep your cat eye game strong with this precisely pointed eyeliner. When it dries up, pop in a new cartridge. Choose from glossy black or brown. Then continue to perfect those on-point liner flicks.
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Clarins
Everlasting Cushion Foundation SPF 50 ($44) and Everlasting Cushion Foundation SPF 50 Refill ($31) at Clarins
Cushion compacts have quickly become a favorite thanks to their seamless coverage and no-mess application. They earn extra points because a lot of the formulas offer refillable packaging. Take Clarins, for example. When one compact is done, purchase the refill featuring the same moisturizing foundation and a new cushion.
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Chanel
N°5 Parfum Purse Spray Refillable, $110 at Nordstrom
The timeless Chanel fragrance comes in various formulations and perfume sizes, including a handy refillable purse spray. That means you'll never be without the elegant scent. The purse spray packaging isn't much bigger than a lipstick, meaning it can be stashed in clutches and the slimmest micro bags.
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Rituals
The Ritual of Sakura Body Cream ($33) and The Ritual of Sakura Body Cream Refill ($29) at Rituals
Refillable beauty products extend well beyond fragrances and makeup, and this refillable body cream is proof that a zero-waste routine is within reach. Buy the jar once, then keep it going with the eco-friendly refills. The replenishment has the exact same amount of the uplifting rice milk and cherry blossom body cream as the OG, but it saves 65 percent in energy, 70 percent in carbon dioxide emissions and uses 45 percent less water.
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Jane Iredale
Dance With Me Refillable Compact, $20 at Jane Iredale
Those who like options will appreciate this refillable compact because it can be filled (and filled again) with bronzers, bases and mineral powders. The compact comes with a mirror for touch-ups on the go and has a press-button clasp that shuts securely to keep products fresh and prevent makeup bag messes.
