Makeup With A Conscious
Sustainability and self-care go hand in hand, especially for us students trying to look after both the planet and their bank accounts. Beauty brands are stepping up with refillable, eco-friendly products that cut down on waste while keeping your routine looking (and feeling) good. Even better? Many of these brands offer UNiDAYS and Student Beans discounts, meaning you can treat yourself without the guilt or the price tag. With eco-conscious options becoming more accessible than ever, there has never been a better time to glow up sustainably. Here’s everything us uni students need to know about making their beauty routine greener and cheaper.
Skincare That Cares (and saves!)
1. Mio Skincare
If you’re all about that clean, minimal skincare vibe, Mio is a brand worth knowing. They’re cruelty free, vegan friendly, and everything comes in recyclable packaging. Their moisturisers and body butters last forever, which means fewer repurchases, less waste. Mio also runs regular deals and UniDays and Student beans discounts, so you can glow guilt free without spending a fortune.
2. Lumin Skincare
For Lumin, sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s who they are. They’ve delivered over ten million carbon neutral orders and back it up with a real climate commitment. The brand’s shift to shampoo bars is helping phase out plastic bottles, and their subscribe and save model makes it easy to keep your routine on track and your spending predictable. When you factor in UniDays perks, it’s an even smarter pick for green-conscious students
3. Elemis
When you think of luxury skincare, Elemis probably comes to mind, but what makes them stand out is their B Corp Certification, proving they take sustainability seriously. Their refillable packaging and responsible ingredient sourcing show that premium skincare can still have a conscience. Plus, UniDays discounts make their range a little more student friendly because we all deserve a bit of self-care that doesn’t wreck our overdraft.
4. La Roche Posay
The student skincare staple. La Roche Posay is famous for its dermatologist approved, sensitive skin friendly formulas, and now it’s turning its focus toward sustainability too.
The numbers speak for themselves:
That’s a £5 saving every time you refill!
5. Germaine de Capuccini
This brand leads the way in innovation, becoming the first skincare house to introduce 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging. Their Timexpert Wrinkless Eco Refill Pro Collagen Eyes & Lips drops from £56 to £45 when you choose the refill, saving £11 while cutting waste.
It’s luxe, planet friendly, and perfect if you want high end skincare that doesn’t compromise on ethics or your student budget.
Makeup That’s Beautiful Inside and Out
1. Charlotte Tilbury
High end and refillable, Charlotte Tilbury make sustainability feel glamorous. The Magic Cream Moisturiser refill comes in at £69 instead of £79, and the Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder refill costs £34 instead of £39. Small differences, big savings, and way less packaging waste.
2. Lush
If sustainability had a signature scent, it would smell like Lush. Every product is handmade, cruelty free, and comes with as little packaging as possible. Even better, their recycling program rewards you. Bring back your empties for 50p credit per full size pot or 5p per sample pot. Return ten pots and you’ll get £5 off your next shop. It’s skincare with perks and a conscience.
Smart Beauty for Smart Students
Being sustainable isn’t just a trend, it’s a smarter way to shop. Whether it’s swapping to refillable makeup, choosing brands with biodegradable packaging, or using student discounts on ethical skincare, you’re investing in your skin and your planet.
So next time you stock up on skincare or makeup, ask yourself: Can I refill it? Reuse it? Recycle it? Chances are, you’ll find an option that’s kinder to the Earth and your wallet.
