Let’s be real for a second. You and I both know it’s impossible to stop climate change as one single human being. Even if you had a red cape, fighting crime is hard work and would take years to master. I have decided to use the month of September to raise awareness around a low waste lifestyle, one of the many ways in which we can contribute to changing the future of our oceans, forests and animals which are on a slippery slope.
We hear it every day, plastic in our oceans, the Amazon is burning down and the apocalyptic titles keep on piling up. We know this, but what can WE do? How on earth are WE supposed to save our planet? I believe that making small changes, ones that we can sustain, is how we start lowering our footprint on this earth.
Is it possible to be completely waste-free in today’s day and age? Yes, have a look at Bea Johnson, she is a literal machine. I’m not here to show you how to do that. I’m here to show you some basic, attainable changes can make a difference. Switching some of the daily stuff out for products that can be enjoyable to use and doesn’t go straight to a landfill.
LUSH has been kind enough to send me a starter kit for my entire beauty regime. Every single item here has replaced an entire plastic bag filled with plastic and non-recyclable bottles and tubs. Aside from my toiletry bag smelling like a unicorn convention, these items are compact and fit perfectly inside these little LUSH tins. What a pleasure to travel with this lot!
Here is what we have gathered to make the ultimate plastic free beauty kit!
JASON & THE ARGAN OIL SHAMPOO BAR – R120
On a quest for stronger, shinier, softer hair? Try this argan oil-packed, Rose Jam-scented bar. Argan oil is combined with glycerine to give your hair touchable softness and lustrous shine. From this solid foundation, restorative rose absolute and oil balances the scalp making this bar particularly perfect for setting fair hair ablaze with brightness and strength.
BIG SOLID CONDITIONER BAR – R120
A sensationally-scented solid conditioner that’s big on volume and shine. Fine sea salt adds softness and body, and glycerine helps retain moisture. Protein-rich toothed wrack seaweed helps make your hair more manageable. A squeeze of fresh lime and lemon juice get to work on adding gloss by helping the cuticles to lie flat and reflect light.
LIGHT TOUCH NAKED FACIAL OIL – R185
This solid bar is just the thing for promoting a clear, balanced complexion. It cleverly incorporates a toner with the benefits of clarifying witch hazel and refreshing, mineral-rich Irish moss infusion and blue spirulina: microalgae rich in antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental damage. Glide over your skin and gently rub in, or warm between your fingers and apply.
LIKE A VIRGIN COLD CREAM NAKED CLEANSING BALM – R89
Get back to basics with this pure and simple, vegan, naked cold cream – one of the most traditional forms of cleanser and still considered by many to be the best. This modern-day version has a few twists, combining the best of the old formulation with the new. It began with a good look at the formula for Ultrabland and replacing beeswax with organic extra virgin olive oil, organic jojoba oil, and sunflower and candelilla waxes for all of the quenching and cleansing qualities of the original.
AMAZON PRIMER NAKED FACIAL OIL – R185
Hailing from the tropical jungle of the Amazon, softening cupuaçu butter, moisturising murumuru butter and calming andiroba oil deliver intense moisture to your face. Arrowroot powder keeps skin matte and smooth, a perfect primer for applying before makeup and ensuring your artistic endeavours stay put all day. Get your Amazonian glow on and be the queen of the jungle.
Sweep over the skin and gently rub in, or warm between your fingers and massage over the face. The natural green pigment of protective chlorophyllin helps neutralise flushed cheeks, while lemongrass and electric daisies tighten and tone for a bright, clear complexion. A sweet and woody tonka, rosewood and orange perfume, made with oils from Brazil, offers that extra bit of luxury your primer’s been missing.
TEA TOTALER NAKED CLEANSING BALM – R89
Keep skin clear, calm and balanced with this blend of hardworking oils including castor oil, which works with the skin’s natural oil production to keep your complexion happy and healthy. Add a host of helpful herbal antibacterials, including tea tree, sage and rosemary and you’re all set for clear, contented skin. Melt between the fingers before massaging over the skin or simply glide the bar over the face, then wipe away with a damp face cloth. As a bonus, adding water activates a toning phase composed of witch hazel, spring water, and hand-harvested sea salt to clarify and lightly hydrate.
DAMAGED HOT OIL TREATMENT – R130
Whether you like to bring the heat, bust out the bleach, get funky with colours or are all about relaxers, give your hair a day off with this hot oil treatment. With extra virgin olive oil to increase tensile strength and almond and avocado oils to deeply moisturise, your hair will be ready for whatever you have planned for it next. Guar gum reduces static and vanilla absolute lightly perfumes locks for irresistibly touchable hair.
Whether you like to bring the heat, bust out the bleach, get funky with colours or are all about relaxers, give your hair a day off with this hot oil treatment. With extra virgin olive oil to increase tensile strength and almond and avocado oils to deeply moisturise, your hair will be ready for whatever you have planned for it next. Guar gum reduces static and vanilla absolute lightly perfumes locks for irresistibly touchable hair.
Fill a mug with boiling water (leaving a little space at the top) and simply stir in your hot oil treatment until it has completely melted. Allow the treatment to cool for 20 minutes before applying to dry hair. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes before shampooing out Made too much? Keep in the bathroom for a moisture top up as often as you need for up to 4 weeks.
SULTANA OF SOAP – R56.50 (100g)
If your skin’s feeling drier than a desert, Sultana of Soap is your oasis. We’ve mixed loads of dried fruits like apricots, cranberries and currants in with olibanum oil, which is fabulous for replenishing moisture and soothing you. To make it smell even more gorgeous, we’ve added a splash of cheering bergamot oil.
BUFFY BODY BUTTER – R195
Slay dead skin with this scrub-in-a-bar that’s filled with essential oils, cocoa and shea butters, and ground-up goodies that are great to use on thighs and bums, leaving you looking dewy. Rub the bar on wet skin to release the goodness: ground rice, almonds and aduki beans get to work polishing away dead cells, while the blend of lavender oil, cocoa butter and shea butter replenish moisture.
PEARL MASSAGE BAR – R125
This sweet and floral bar is made with antioxidant argan oil, soothing rose oil and absolute, with sago bubbles to massage the skin and help boost circulation. Go on, give it a try.
Melt warning: this product is made with ingredients that allow it to soften around body temperature. During hot spells, it may melt. If you have any concerns please contact Customer Care.
AROMACO SOLID DEO – R76.50 (100g)
This solid deodorant is packed full of gentle, natural ingredients to keep you feeling fresh. Utilise the power of absorbent sodium bicarbonate and witch hazel to stay dry, while antibacterial chamomile vinegar and cooling, fragrant patchouli keep you smelling sweet. Think of Aromaco as a roll on deodorant without the extra packaging. Simply rub under clean, dry armpits and you’re ready to go. Top Tip: To keep Aromaco fresher for longer keep it in it’s wrapper or a reusable box.
PUMICE POWER FOOT SOAP – R80 (70g)
This soapy pumice bar will break down that tough second skin. With brightening sweet orange oil to refresh and rejuvenate from heels to toes. Soap and scrub in one simple motion. We pumice you’ll notice the difference.
