10 Beauty Buys On Amazon That Help Reduce Waste

Have you ever actually looked into your tiny bathroom trash can and noticed how many cotton balls, Q-Tips, and strings of used floss that have accumulated in a too-short period of time? Imagine not even needing a trash bin under your bathroom sink. We're not quite there yet, but with the help of these 10 eco-friendly beauty buys below, you can get one step further toward a completely waste-free beauty routine.

Note: Before you go out and purchase more beauty products (it's likely you've got a pretty solid shelfie game), make sure to use up everything you already have—this is the first and biggest eco-conscious step forward that you can take. Then, research or sign up for a composting program in your area—pick-up programs offer to swing by your house to pick up your household's compost, including any biodegradable beauty products you might have. (Also check out these other eco-friendly Amazon products that reduce your waste in the bedroom, kitchen, and beyond.)

One of the OGs in the natural deodorant space, Meow Meow Tweet is free of baking soda (an irritant for some people's underarms) and is made with vegan, fair-trade ingredients. (Here are more natural deodorants that really, truly work.)

Plus, the packaging is plastic-free—the glass jar and aluminum lid can be refilled, repurposed or recycled, while the paper box can be repurposed, recycled or composted.

A relatively new item for Love Beauty and Planet, this 2-in-1 bar cleanses and conditions without the hassle of plastic bottles. While it might not lather up as much as your regular shampoo, be assured that it's still doing the jobs, sans suds. With ethically and sustainably-sourced extracts, this bar will free up room in your shower and is perfect for on-the-go travel, too. (More eco-friendly shampoo bars, right here.)

Primarily made from cornstarch and packaged in eco-friendly paper packaging, these good-for-the-Earth floss picks are an easy and simple swap for your wasteful plastics.

You don't have to sacrifice a million Q-Tips to your makeup look. This reusable cotton swab pack is made from medical-grade silicone and comes with two options—one swab for the ears and one for makeup touchups. Once you're done using, quickly clean them off with soap and water, or throw them into your dishwasher.

With charcoal-infused bristles and bamboo wood, these eco-friendly toothbrushes are biodegradable and come with recycled paper packaging, too. (P.S. Here's the deal with activated charcoal toothpaste.)

Save the planet while saving room in your bathroom trash by opting for these washable cotton rounds. Apply cleanser or toner to the pad, swipe across your face, and when you're done, throw it into the drawstring laundry bag to toss into your next load. (You can also use a washcloth and this celeb-loved make-up remover for an eco-friendly alternative to wipes.)

Giving up your favorite beauty products packaged in plastic can be tough. If you're not quite ready for a completely eco-friendly product overall, consider buying these zero waste caps. The two sizes will fit onto any plastic bottle and help get the last drop from every product—in the long run, they'll help you buy and use less.

Ponytail-obsessed peeps, listen up! These plastic-free, biodegradable elastic hair ties are made from organic cotton and natural rubber extracted from rubber trees and are packaged from recycled materials, so you can lose another hair tie with a good conscience. Your average hair tie is made with synthetic rubber and polyester, would could take thousands of years to decompose.

Glitter may be gorgeous, but the effect it's had on our oceans is certainly not as pretty. This eco-friendly option made from a plant-based film called cellulose will suit your needs whether you're preparing for a music festival, in the mood for some sparkly nails, or just want a hit of color on your lids, and it biodegrades in about 90 days.

Mustering up enough energy to floss your teeth at the end of the night can be a challenge. (Kudos to those who do it every day.) If you're going to spend time flossing, why not do it right? Choose silk over plastic with this biodegradable floss, packaged in a compostable paper box. It comes with a glass container that you can buy refills for once you run out.

Related: Are Waterpik Water Flossers As Effective As Flossing?