If you're already 'plant-based', or you want to incorporate more of a natural lifestyle, you may be looking for more opportunities to do this. By going for an eco-friendly approach to your skincare, makeup and overall beauty routine, you can feel great about choosing the 'greener' approach, and reap all the benefits of clean beauty products too. Your wallet will also love you for it! 

1. Embrace the minimal approach: 

Do you absolutely need that new contour palette every Instagram beauty influencer is flaunting right now? After attempting yet another YouTube makeup tutorial, you might be thinking 'yes!'. Next minute, you're lining up at Sephora (socially distancing, of course). You're holding that must-have contour palette in your hand, along with an instant hair mask, 'body luminiser', and the latest caffeine under-eye serum that promises to take your dark circles away (for real this time). A couple of weeks and a couple of hundred dollars later, you realise that you've barely used them, and you resign them to the ever-growing stash of impulse bought cosmetics.

• Take stock of what you use and don't use. Go Marie Kondo on the products that don't make you feel great and get rid of them!
• Know that many beauty companies create products that might seem exciting in the moment, but you probably don't need
• Purchase only quality products that you love to use, and keep them organised so you don't forget about them!

2. Multi-purpose products for the win: 

Are you buying multiple products for every possible beauty concern out there? Companies use smart marketing to make you think you need a different product for every part of your beauty routine. If you simplify, not only will you save money, but you'll be doing the planet a favour too. There are tons of multi-purpose beauty products out there!

Here's some examples:

• Some hair oils can be used on body and face
• Good old Vaseline is perfect for chapped lips, dry skin, cuticles and even make up removal – and it's dermatologist recommended!
• Use clear mascara for a subtle effect, through your brows or even to tame baby hairs!
• Tinted cheek and lip balms, that can also be used on eyes
• Concealers that can be used as contour

3. Vote for eco-friendly companies: 

Choose products from companies that have an eco-friendly ethos, so you're voting with your dollar where it counts. By using the principle of consumer demand, you can help shift companies away from quick profits and subpar practices to a more sustainable way of thriving in business. Know that your healthy living values can shape the world for a better tomorrow! 

Many 'clean beauty' companies sell biodegradable and reusable products that will save you space, time and money, and be better for the planet. 

4. Read the labels: 

It's a sad fact that some beauty products can do you more harm than good. Commercial products are often full of harsh ingredients and dubious chemicals that might give you a superficial result but give you beauty grief down the road. Hair and skin treatments, for example, can give you quick relief from a condition like dryness but then come back to bite you later, when your condition worsens due to the presence of so many human-made chemicals. The challenge is when it does worsen, you often feel like you need to buy more and more! 

Just some ingredients to watch out for: 

• Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) 
• Parabens 
• Artificial fragrances 
• Artificial colourants 
• Silicones 
• Aluminium 
• Mineral oil 
• Polyethene glycol (PEG) 
• Phthalates 
• Triclosan 

5. Use natural beauty products: 

Your skin is your largest organ, and the beauty products you choose to use matter. When you use products made with the health of your skin and the planet in mind, your beauty will naturally shine! 

Some plant-based ingredients to look for:

• Coconut oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
• Tea tree oil
• Rose water
• Hemp seed oil
• Turmeric oil
• Matcha powder
• Pomegranate oil
• Coffee bean
• Rose hip oil
• Manuka honey
• Spirulina
• Avocado oil
• Sea buckthorn oil

As you can see, there are plenty of plant-based oils mentioned (and too many more to mention!). Not all synthetic ingredients are bad (for example, some vitamins which are highly useful), it's just wise to educate yourself on some of the ones shown to cause negative health effects over the long run.

6. Get your nutritional beauty fix: 

Seek out organic, plant-based foods. These foods will hydrate you, nourish your cells and give your skin longevity in structure and smoothness. Take a trip to your local farmer's market and see what goodies they have on offer! Try fruits and vegetables that are in season, and from all colours of the rainbow. By taking a broad nutritional approach to your skincare, you'll find less need to cover up with heavy makeup, because your skin will be radiating from within!

Some of the best plant-based foods for hair, skin and nails: 

• Nuts 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• Avocado 
• Leafy greens 
• Tomatoes 
• Berries 
• Bananas 
• Oats 
• Mushrooms 

For extra beauty support in the most convenient way possible, try Inner Beauty by b Raw. It's full of natural, plant-based ingredients that help stimulate your collagen production. It also gives you the micronutrients and probiotics you need for all round health and glowing skin!