It is not new “news” that plastic is a major problem for the future of our planet. According to Zero waste week, 120 billion units of plastic packaging/materials are produced by the beauty industry every year. To make matters worse, 95% of this is thrown out after one use, with a significant amount ending up in landfills and the ocean. Not good!

Having plastic-free beauty products should be a priority for everyone. The beauty accessories we use every day shouldn’t be harming the planet when there are easy swaps to make without compromising on quality and cost. Take a look around your bathroom and you’re sure to find a lot of plastic in the everyday products you use. From your disposable razors, to toothbrushes, make up wipes and cotton buds, the material is so entwined with our lives that we barely notice it.

With increasing urgency surrounding climate change, it’s time to swap your plastic beauty accessories and switch to these sustainable alternatives from UpCircle Beauty that are affordable, high quality and most importantly – won’t end up in landfill!

1) Eye Roller

A sustainable, plastic-free, and unisex Eye Roller to massage in UpCircle’s award-winning Eye Cream or Organic Serum for deeper absorption, leaving your eyes brighter, soothed and refreshed!

A metal eye roller is an even better option than a plastic one because it provides a cooling sensation that helps reduce puffiness under the eye. Not only is it better for your skin, but it also lasts longer and is more sustainable. A triple win!

In addition, this Eye Roller’s unique design is like no other. The flat handle end can be used to hygienically scoop product and the ball-shaped head allows you to gently reach and massage the full orbital area.

To celebrate Earth Day, we’re giving away a free Eye Roller with every UpCircle purchase this weekend of the 22nd-23rd of April – it couldn’t be a better time to try out this plastic free switch!

2) Hemp + Cotton Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

It’s time to say good-bye to disposable, single-use wipes, cotton pads and cotton wool and HELLO to reusable makeup remover pads! UpCircle’s Hemp + Cotton Makeup Remover pads are designed for reuse with 7 pads included, one for each day of the week.

Face wipes may be convenient, especially when you’ve just got back from a late night out (we’ve all been there!). However, single-use wipes aren’t great for your skin — and are even worse for the environment. Most disposable wipes contain plastic fibres which, over time, turn into microplastics that are harmful to marine life and birds. Instead, using a reusable makeup remover pad like UpCircle’s is better for the environment and saves you money long term!

3) Plastic-Free Safety Razor

It’s time to make the switch from a plastic disposable razor to UpCircle’s Safety Razor! Although disposable razors seem cheaper up front, you can save a lot more by investing in a plastic-free safety razor. UpCircle worked out you can save £163 a year when using their Safety Razor! With a disposable, you throw the whole thing away when the blades become blunt – but with a safety razor you only replace the blades, and the blades are a lot cheaper to replace than buying a new disposable razor. The aluminium blades are also suitable for recycling! Plastic razors find their way into landfills every year, and when they finally decompose, they become harmful microplastics. There really is no reason not to make this saving savvy switch.

4) Bamboo + Organic Cotton Buds – 200 Pieces

Plastic cotton buds are a small but mighty issue. You use it once, and it takes 400 years to go away.
It’s so easy to use a more sustainable option like UpCircle’s Bamboo + Organic Cotton Buds. As the name says, instead of plastic, the sticks are made from a sustainable source of bamboo and the tips are made with organic cotton. It is the exact same thing, but biodegradable, compostable and zero waste. It is an easy swap, and a great replacement for less environmentally friendly options. Plus, the box contains no plastic so is easily recyclable.

5) Gua Sha Facial Massager

UpCircle’s Gua Sha is made from stainless steel with no plastic to be found here! The Gua Sha is designed to relieve tension and reduce puffiness. Its unique wing shape allows you to contour your face as well as aid lymphatic drainage – all working towards reduced puffiness and boosted circulation for a healthy glow.

In comparison to jade and rose quartz, stainless steel is more durable. So, when it comes to choosing a stainless steel gua sha, you forego the risk of having it break too easily, and it’s also made from an infinitely recyclable material. Geological deposits on the other hand are a finite resource, so the production of gemstones and crystals are often not sustainable, and rarely ethically sourced. The process of mining jade is not just bad for the environment, but it’s poorly regulated and there are serious human rights issues involved in the process. UpCircle’s Gua Sha is a more worthwhile investment and better for the environment – and it’s also £14.99 so not going to break the bank!

Don’t forget that with every UpCircle purchase from Gorgeous Shop this weekend you’ll receive a free Eye Roller worth £8.99!* Besides their range of plastic-free beauty accessories, UpCircle Beauty also make sustainable skincare from ingredients that would usually go to waste. They’ve rescued over 450 tonnes of coffee grounds alone! Good for your skin, good for the world, what a good idea.

*Promotion valid from 22nd April to 23rd April