Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves. Whatever our age, size or shape, we all deserve to look in the mirror and feel happy and proud. That’s not vanity, it’s the key to a positive attitude, confidence and sound mental health. However, looking good often comes at a cost… and we’re not talking about the price tag on department store cosmetics or designer outdoor coats. Fashion, makeup and beauty products all come with a pretty sizeable sustainability and animal rights price tag. While we all have our favorite beauty and fashion brands, you may be shocked by just how many brands don’t factor ethics of sustainability into their operations at all.

Image by Jose Luis Photographer via Pexels 

If one of your New Year’s resolutions this year was to be kinder to the planet and the animals with which we share it, here are some ways in which you can get the same great looks with a much smaller ethical footprint…

Buy more preloved clothes and less fast fashion

We all know the huge ethical question marks that hang over fast fashion, despite prominent brands making an effort to clean up their act, pay their employees better and ensure safer conditions in their factories overseas. And as tempting as the bargains they offer may be, saying no to fast fashion can be a strong statement in support of real change in the fashion industry. What’s more, buying pre-loved clothes either in charity stores or on online auctions can help to prevent the huge environmental problems caused by textile waste. Pre-loved clothes can help you to save money on looking great while also helping the environment. 

Invest in cruelty free makeup brands

When you buy your beauty products, toiletries and makeup, there’s no reason not to buy from cruelty-free brands that use sustainably sourced ingredients. Especially when there are so many to choose from out there. Just take a look at these 100% cruelty free lip products and tell us they don’t look as great as your usual go-to brand! Buying from more ethical brands makes a statement against animal testing and for a more ethically aware industry. 

Or try making your own

Of course, if you want to be super-sustainable you could always make your own make up and beauty products. That’s what zero-waste pioneer Bea Johnson did and nobody ever accused her of not looking good. Even ethically sourced beauty products and cosmetics often come in plastic packaging that’s not recyclable. Trying to make your own can save you a fortune while also reducing your landfill waste. 

Remember, looking good starts on the inside

Finally, looking good is about more than what you wear, what you wash your hair with or what you put on your skin. It’s also about eating healthy, staying hydrated and getting plenty of good quality sleep. Simply eating more plants and everything else can help you live more ethically and help you look good. Eating your leafy greens, for instance, can help to rid your body of toxins and improve circulation so your skin gets more nutrients and oxygen, helping you to restore your youthful glow without serums and scrubs.