Our Pick Of The Best Zero Waste Makeup, Beauty & Skincare Brands

March 26, 2026March 26, 2026 by Annabel Lindsay

plastic free eye shadow palette||||||||zero waste makeup|organic makeup rounds|exfoliate concentrated skincare bar|bamboo makeup brushes|plastic-free soap|refill vegan haircare||biodegradable glitter eyeshadow||natural refining body scrub|Natural Vegan Deodorant|biodegradable glitter eyeshadow||bamboo toothbrush|lavender scrub|bamboo safety razor|charcoal toothpaste|||

Recent years have seen a growing trend towards people ditching the plastic and making their beauty routines zero waste. This is no surprise considering the growing awareness around the impact plastic has on our environment and the need for eco-friendly alternatives. The global cosmetics and beauty industry produces 120 billion units of packaging each year. With the majority of this not recycled, this leaves a big question mark over the sustainability of the beauty industry.

From clogging up our waterways to endangering marine animals, plastic has a devastating impact on our planet. It’s one of the reasons we decided early on when starting Veo that beauty had to be an important department for us. In this article, we highlight some of our favourite zero waste beauty and makeup brands which are at the forefront of the green beauty movement. They are using innovative methods to create high quality natural skincare, body care and cosmetic products which don’t cost the earth. As well as being environmentally conscious, all of these independent brands are vegan and cruelty-free.

Zero Waste Makeup – All Earth Mineral Cosmetics

All Earth Mineral Cosmetics is one of the UK’s first zero waste makeup brands offering completely plastic-free refill options in cardboard for their entire range of natural mineral cosmetics. All of their products are made in the UK with cruelty-free and high quality natural minerals.

Top Pick: Natural Vegan Mineral Bronzer (Refill 4g), £15

This Vegan Mineral Bronzer is the perfect zero waste beauty essential. With a radiant shimmer, it adds warmth, contour, and lift to your face. A little goes a long way so if you are after just a touch of warmth this bronzer will go on and on making it very cost efficient.

This versatile bronzer can can also be mixed in with foundation or concealer to darken them if need be and used as an eye shadow or mixed with a lip balm/gloss to create a lip colour. Achieve optimal results using specially designed bronzer brush, and achieve a stunning bronzed look year-round.

Eco Friendly Makeup – Baims Natural Makeup

BAIMS Natural Makeup is your go-to for high-quality, organic cosmetic products that are dedicated to protecting nature. Achieve a radiant appearance with the benefits of vegetable actives across their makeup line, all certified organic by Ecocert. With an emphasis also on eco-packaging and refill solutions, your greener beauty routine will even have your conscience glowing.

Top Pick: Natural & Vegan Eyeshadow Quad Palette 01 Natural in Bamboo Case, £36.75

plastic free eye shadow palette — Brand: BAIMS Natural Makeup

Derived from a nourishing formulation that’s 100% natural with rich mineral content, these eyeshadows have a silky texture that blends well with other colours. Rich in natural vitamin E, shea butter and avocado oil, they also provide excellent care for the eye area and are well suited for those with sensitive skin.

Available in stylish and sustainable bamboo packaging for four eyeshadows (quad) with individual refill options, all eyeshadows can be used variably in the bamboo packaging. Once you’ve finished with a given shade, simply remove the pan from the palette, recycle and replace!

Conscious Beauty Accessories – Wild Rising

Wild Rising Skincare has a range of conscious honest beauty handmade in Devon, UK using natural and ethically sourced materials. Their bamboo and cotton products will help you achieve a lower impact beauty routine. Replace less sustainable beauty and cosmetic products, such as disposable wet wipes and body sponges, with these beautiful alternatives.

Top Pick: Organic Makeup Round | Pack of 10 with Storage Bag £14.00

These reusable cotton rounds are the ideal zero waste alternative for makeup removal or applying toner. The round makeup pads are made by hand using organic bamboo and cotton.

Ethical Skincare – Beauty Kin

Looking for more than just soap? When it comes to raising the bar in skincare solutions, look no further! Beauty Kin bars are developed by pharmacists and packed with nourishing ingredients to leave your skin (and the environment) happy and healthy. Nourishing ingredients mean no more dry skin. Whatever your skin issue, they have a bar that’s right for you.

Top Pick: Exfoliating Skincare Bar, £7.50

Want to work on those clogged pores, dead skin or keratosis pilaris (strawberry skin)? Exfoliate Bar is your bar. It’s also nifty as a pre- post shave to ensure you don’t suffer from in- grown hairs. We’ve also been told it’s great at fake tan prep and removal. It’s a hard working bar this one! Did we mention it smells AMAZING?

Eco-Friendly Cosmetics – Flawless

Flawless make professionally designed makeup brushes. All handmade in the UK from sustainably-sourced bamboo and PETA-approved cruelty-free synthetic brushes. These eco-friendly makeup brushes are a great zero waste alternative to conventional plastic cosmetic brushes.

Top Pick: 11 Piece Bamboo Makeup Brush Set, £35.99

This is the complete eco makeup brush set featuring a wide range of bamboo brushes including contouring brush, buffing brush, flat foundation brush, eye blending brush and highlighting brush.

Natural Skincare Products – Soap Daze

Soap Daze is an independent beauty brand based in Devon, creating a range of handmade soaps with natural ingredients. All of their products are both kind on your skin and the environment. Soap Daze do not only make soaps but have a lovely range of skincare products as well as beauty accessories.

Top Pick: Soap On A Rope, £9

Soaps are often packaged with disposal plastic, but these handmade soaps are packaged in plastic-free packaging. You can even choose from them to not be wrapped in the paper branded packaging if you prefer. Each soap is made in Devon in small batches using fine natural ingredients. Featured above is the Tea Tree and Spirulina soap.

Refillable Haircare – Indie

Indie Refill is on a mission to transform the nation’s hair with high quality, natural ingredients to give you your healthiest ever hair! Made in Liverpool with 0% SLS, sulphates, silicones and parabens, your hair will thank you for its new BFF.

Top Pick: You’re a Smooth Talker Refill Duo, £36

refill vegan haircare — *Brand:* Indie Refill

You’re a Smooth Talker shampoo and conditioner is are nutrient-rich miracle workers that revamp dry or damaged hair. Enriched with argan oil and vitamin E for smooth, shiny strands, it’s also available in refill pouches.

Biodegradable Glitter – Glisten Cosmetics

If you enjoy standing out, Glisten Cosmetics is for you. This small family (and friend) run brand in the UK launched in 2017 and now offers an extensive range of colourful, inclusive products that are affordable for any budget which is close to founder, Natalie’s, heart! The brand is vegan, cruelty-free and are certified by PETA.

Top Pick: Nebula (Purple) Vegan Eye Shadow Chroma Flakes, £16

Image by @cometcharlie from Glisten Cosmetics

Chroma Flakes are iridescent flakes in a gel base making them a super easy and mess free way to apply your pigments! The formula is soft and dries down onto the skin. They are fantastic to use on top of eyeshadow or even on your cheek bones for the euphoria feel. Perfect for parties or festival season.

Cruelty-Free Beauty – Dead Sea Dream

Dead Sea Dream is a streamlined, elegant approach to the spa ritual, beautiful efficacious products with no compromise on performance, dedicated to the pursuit of flexibility in self-care. Capturing the purity and heritage of the Dead Sea region.

Top Pick: Natural Refining Body Scrub, £30

This Refining Body Scrub with Dead Sea salt, olive oil and jojoba oil, helps to invigorate and refine your skin, whilst stimulating blood flow and boosting cellular renewal. After just one treatment, you can expect your skin to feel soft and smooth, with a refined texture and a floral scent. Make this a deeply relaxing part of your skincare rituals and with fully recyclable packaging, do your bit for the planet too.

Natural Deodorants – Kutis Skincare

Kutis believe the natural world provides all we could need for maintaining the health and radiance of our amazing skin. They use high-quality and responsibly sourced ingredients that they blend with care. Their body butters and serums are 100% organic and their cleansing masks are made of natural clays, organic oats and organic plant powders.

Top Pick: Natural Vegan Deodorant (Various Scents), £6.50

Kutis natural vegan deodorant use sunflower wax in place of organic beeswax to create the base of this product as well other high quality natural ingredients that gives you lasting freshness without all the nasty stuff that can be found in commercial deodorants. All products are handmade in the heart of rural Mid-Wales and the deodorant comes in a 100% biodegradable paperboard push-up tube.

Plastic Free Dental Care – WiseSip

WiseSip thoughtfully crafted products designed to leave the world better than they found it, ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations. With a mission to reduce harmful plastic and inspire a reuse culture through distinctive design-led products, they also plant trees with every purchase.

Top Pick: Stainless Steel and Bamboo Toothbrush, £16.95

Toothbrush handles go soggy and mouldy. The Evermore Bamboo Toothbrush puts an end to these problem whilst inspiring reusable habits too. With replaceable bamboo heads and a reusable self-standing stainless steel handle, the Evermore toothbrush is the perfect sustainable solution that also adds a touch of elegance to your bathroom look and feel.

Environmentally Friendly Body Care – Trii

Trii products are designed to turn daily bathing routine into a self-care ritual harnessing the power of the finest skincare ingredients and scents. Each product has been specifically designed with complementary aromas and textures to work in tandem for optimum physical and sensorial results.

Top Pick: Lavender Hand & Body Exfoliating Wash, £8

Calm your senses and enjoy a relaxing experience with Trii’s Lavender Hand & Exfoliating Wash bar. Packed with natural actives like Apricot and Pumice for gentle exfoliation, Aloe Vera for soothing leaving you skin smooth and your skin smelling fresh. Perfect for travel, our slim-line bars guarantee no leaks and are packaged in recyclable and reusable plastic-free packaging

Eco-Friendly Razors – Clean U Skincare

Dedicated to clean living, Clean U Skincare’s founder, Arushi Agarwal, set out to create a household brand anyone could be proud of. Clean U Skincare is intended to conveniently provide a person with solutions to make everyday morning, evening and household routines sustainable and will be accessible for all, always.

Top Pick: Bamboo Razor, £24.95

This double edged bamboo safety razors is carefully engineered for a unique and seamless shaving experience. They are perfectly weighted with a long bamboo handle for a comfortable grip while the stainless safety guard prevents cuts and irritation. All sustainable razor sets all come packaged in complete plastic-free packaging including a kraft paper gift box and branded jute travel pouch. And there’s the full Gift Set version available with Bamboo Safety Razor Gift Set | Travel Pouch, Razor Stand & Blade Pack, and Soap Bar!

Natural Dental Care – Georganics

Introducing natural dental care brand, Georganics. Toothpaste tubes are very difficult to recycle and conventional brands typically have harsh and unnecessary chemicals as ingredients.

With this in mind, Georganics have created a range of organic toothpastes and mouthwashes which solve this problem with active ingredients that clean your teeth naturally. The packaging is metal and glass, and even the seal wrapped around their jars is made from biodegradable cellulose.

Top Pick: Activated Charcoal Toothpaste, £6.90

This natural toothpaste has activated charcoal which naturally whitens teeth and organic peppermint essential oil which has a sweet liquorice aroma. It is also fluoride and glycerine free.

Vegan Beauty – Seeds of Colour

Clean up your beauty routine with Seeds of Colour, the new plant-based makeup coloured by the power of nature. The brand believes in clean, natural beauty. Sourced from the British countryside, SoC active ingredients are organic, vegan and nutrient-rich. Good for your skin and the plane

Top Pick: Lip, Cheek & Lid Tinted Balm Berry Red, £21

Achieve a buildable, blendable flush of natural colour thanks to our unique extraction technology for coloured plant pigments and highly antioxidant botanical extracts in this Tinted Balm. The cleaner, greener, living ingredients are what sets Seeds of Colour apart. This lightweight multi-use balm has a soft touch that helps to keep your skin smooth and protected.

Plastic-Free Beauty Accessories – Wild Rising

And again, Wild Rising believe in honest, clean beauty that is gentle to the skin and to the world. Their natural skincare products are rooted solely from nature and are therefore ethical, vegan and cruelty-free and in addition to being chemical free, plastic free they are everything your skin needs and more.

Top Pick: Natural Rose Quartz Crystal Gua Sha Facial Tool, £18

Wild Risings’s Gua Sha facial massage tool is rooted in traditional chinese medicine which encourages lymphatic drainage for smoother-looking skin. Crafted from natural Rose Quartz Crystal, which is well known for increasing self-love and deep inner healings. Using a Gua Sha daily can help to: improve the appearance of elasticity of the skin, reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines, ease facial muscle tension and help facial oils and moisturisers to absorb better into the skin.

To discover and explore the full range check out the full Sustainable Beauty & Ethical Cosmetics Collections at: https://veo.world/beauty

From Bottle To Bar: Why You Should Switch To Zero-Waste Hair Care

March 26, 2026March 26, 2026 by admin

How often do you buy shampoo and conditioner? If you wash your hair three or four times a week, we’re guessing that’s around once a month. Over a year, that adds up to 24 bottles, and over 10 years it’s a staggering 240 – which is a lot of plastic waste.

A million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute and this number is projected to jump another 20% by 2021. With these alarming figures currently in the media spotlight, many brands and consumers are making changes to their packaging and purchasing.

The beauty industry is already ahead of the game, and you may have already noticed that traditional bars of soap are on the comeback trail; replacing bottled shower gels and body wash.

With that in mind, the latest trend to hit the stores moves north of the body, focusing on sustainable haircare. Replacing your bottled shampoo with a solid solution in the form of a soap bar could break new ground when it comes to environmental impact.

Compact and convenient, this niche beauty category is certainly one to consider if environmental concerns are increasingly playing on your mind.

Adapting a zero-waste hair care routine is one of the easiest changes you can make. However, if you’re worried about switching their shampoo, fear not, as we’re about to assure you that your locks will be just as luscious, and your purse will even be a little lighter.

What is zero-waste haircare?

If you’re a little intrigued but aren’t entirely sure what zero-waste hair care actually means, we’re about to reveal all. Zero-waste products are developed and packaged using only materials that can be reused or composted, rather than sent to landfills or being incinerated.

When it comes to haircare products, we automatically visualise a plastic tube or bottle, because that’s all we know, right? Well, not anymore. Now, thanks to the growth in sustainable living, an increasing number of haircare brands are redefining how we use shampoo and conditioner – and it no longer comes in liquid form.

Say hello to the shampoo bar, a zero-waste, eco-friendly alternative to the endless bottles you’ve been throwing in the bin throughout your life.

Tell me more about shampoo bars…

Although they seem a little strange, solid soap shampoos were commonly used before liquid detergent shampoos became popular in the 1940’s.

Turns out, they even date way back to the 1800’s. In the book Hints on Health, published in 1852, William Edward Coale wrote, “To cleanse the hair, there is nothing better than soap and water . . . the soap, of course, should be mild, and well and plentifully rubbed in, and afterward thoroughly removed with an abundance of water.”

While the process for making a shampoo bar is the same as making soap, a well-formulated shampoo bar is drastically different.

Today’s product has been developed specifically for your hair and is packed with an abundance of rich vitamins and minerals, designed to keep your hair and scalp soft, shiny and full of volume.

Shampoo bars use different proportions of natural oils, butters, and botanicals, that are known to help nourish the hair and scalp.

What are the benefits to the environment?

As mentioned, shampoo bars are plastic free – so you’ll no longer have to squeeze the last drops from the bottle. This also means they have a huge impact on the environment, and as it’s recently been calculated that the number of shampoo bottles condemned to landfills in a year could fill 1,164 football fields, it’s an issue we need to tackle.

Furthermore, because of their smaller size, more can fit into the lorries that transport them to reduce your carbon footprint even further.

What about the benefits to my hair?

Most people find benefits in switching to a shampoo bar such as increased volume, faster-growing hair, reduced dandruff, shinier hair and less frizz. If you have curly hair, you’re likely to have more defined curls with better control.

Shampoo bars don’t contain any harmful chemicals found in liquid shampoo, as they are made from totally natural oils. If you read the ingredients list on the back of the bottle, you’ll most likely see sodium laurel sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, which are the chemicals responsible for the foamy lather when you wash your hair.

However, these ingredients can cause a dry, itchy and irritated scalp, they can dry out your hair, and contribute to hair loss, especially if you shampoo every day.

Once they wash down the drain, it’s worth knowing that these chemicals don’t break down. Instead, they build up in our ecosystem, polluting our rivers, lakes and public water systems.

Whilst shampoo bars do not lather as well, you can be assured they also won’t strip your hair of your natural oils, and they certainly won’t be polluting the environment.

How do you use one?

Because there are no chemicals in a traditional shampoo bar, you’ll miss a little lather, and the change in application needs to be greeted with an open mind.

Some brands recommend rubbing the bar between your hands first while others advise applying it directly to the scalp instead, so it’s best to give both a go and see what you prefer.

You may notice a few changes in the first week, but this is just your hair getting used to the switch. Experts say it takes around a week of washing to see the benefits – so stick with it.

Can I take them on holiday?

Did we mention these are perfect for travel? If you’ve ever been victim to a leaking shampoo bottle in your suitcase, you’ll know how devastating that can be. However, as you don’t have to worry about any spillage with a shampoo bar, you can pop them in your case with ease, knowing they’ve not ruined your new kimono or your gorgeous selection of holiday dresses.

So, not only are they small and lightweight, taking up way less room in your suitcase, they are also TSA approved, which means you don’t have to worry about your liquid allowance at the airport. By popping one of these in your bag, they’ll help prevent using the mini shampoos and conditioners at your hotel, reducing packaging waste.

How long do they last?

They look small, but you only need to use a small amount of a shampoo bar to wash your hair thoroughly. With the water removed, one bar can do the job of 4 to 5 bottles of commercial liquid shampoo, meaning it can last for a few months. However, it all depends on how many people are using it and how often you wash your hair.

To make your shampoo bar last, store it on a well-drained soap dish and don’t let it sit in a puddle of water.

Let the bar breathe and allow it plenty of fresh air to dry between uses. If your bar ever gets waterlogged and becomes gooey, the key is to let it rest on a draining soap dish for a few days and let it dry out before using again.

The verdict?

Making the decision to switch is easy but sticking to it is a challenge for many. If reducing your plastic waste and carbon footprint is important, switch your bottle for a bar and get set to give your hair the natural nourishment it deserves.

On Veo we offer a wide range of shampoo bars and refillable earth-friendly hair care options. Check them out here!

Is Foraging The Next Big Step For Slow Beauty?

March 26, 2026March 26, 2026 by admin

Benzoyl Peroxid, Dihydroxyacetone, Glycerin, Emollient – the list of ingredients contained in our skincare products is pretty scary.

They claim to work wonders on our skin and often come in beautiful packaging, with an expensive price tag.

But with slow-beauty on the rise, and an increasing number of women keen to incorporate a waste-free regime, foraging could be the next big sustainable trend.

So, what is foraging?

Foraging simply involves sourcing ingredients from the wild, usually for food, but in this instance it’s for skincare.

There is an abundance of natural ingredients with skincare benefits in the woodlands, and you can combine them with other natural sources to create a new, organic treat for your face or body.

Natural ingredients grow by season, so you often can’t forage the same stuff all year round.

To help you out, beauty experts reveal what items you can forage each season, where you can find them, and how you can use them to create a gorgeous new product for completely free.

Spring

Chickweed

Where: Chickweed is found in shady, moist locations including gardens and woodlands.

Benefits: Chickweed is commonly used to help treat a number of skin issues as it contains natural antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s regularly used as a quick remedy for itchiness and skin irritation.

Dandelion

Where: Dandelions love moist, sunny areas, they only go dormant during cold winters and are easy to find.

Benefits: The sap derived from dandelions is naturally highly alkaline, meaning it’s great for combating germs, bacteria and fungus.

dandelions in long grass next to pink flowers

It’s also thought the sap can be used to treat conditions like ring worm and eczema. Seen as a natural detoxifier, dandelion juice is often used to help treat acne naturally, with its increased vitamin C content helping to treat and sooth scars and inflammation.

Goose grass

Where: You can find it in turf, landscaped areas, like crop fields, orchards, and in gardens.

Benefits: In the past, goose grass has often been used to treat common skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema. It’s also thought to help aid the healing of small cuts, scrapes and abrasions.

Wild Garlic

Where: You can usually find this near marshland or water drainage ditches in all parts of the country.Benefits: Wild garlic is rich in allicin, meaning it has lots of lovely antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties. It’s used in a variety of products to cleanse the skin and treat acne, removing the bacteria that causes breakouts. Garlic also naturally contains large quantities of vitamins C which, amongst other things, is known to boost collagen and reduce to effects of UV exposure.

Recipe: Dandelion Face Serum

This Dandelion face serum is specially created for all skin types to brighten your complexion, tighten and firm skin. This magical flower has properties known for reducing age spots and scars, so perfect to be used as serum before you wear your daily or nightly moisturizer.

Ingredients

6 fresh dandelion flowers and leaves
Aloe vera leaf
1 teaspoon vitamin E

1. Firstly- wash the flowers and chop off the base of the stems to remove any dirt, leave to drain.

2. Slice the aloe vera leaf down the middle and scoop the gel to fill half a cup.

3. Whiz the dandelions and aloe vera gel together into a food processor (a Nutri bullet would be perfect)

4. Leave to sit for one hour.

5. Either using a cloth or a strainer squeeze the gel into a bowl. Carry on until all you have left is the dandelion leaves left in the strainer and all of your dandelion infused gel in a bowl.

6. Gently mix in the vitamin E

7. Pour into a pot or bottle, preferably made from dark glass to keep it preserved for longer.

8. Add to skin morning and night and use within 10 weeks.

Summer

Chanterelle mushrooms

Where: Growing in clusters, the mushrooms grow in mossy coniferous forests. They are also found in mountainous birch forests.

Benefits: Like many species of fungi, chanterelle mushrooms are packed with vitamin D which is what we get from natural sunlight. Rich in niacin, chanterelle mushrooms can also help address a number of skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, as it helps to reduce redness, inflammation and irritation.

Blackberries

Where: Blackberries are commonly found in brambles in most woodland areas.

Benefits: Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, which help promote good circulation and a strong immune system. The small fruit often features in face masks because of its acne busting astringent properties. The high amount of vitamin C found in blackberries also helps to boost collagen production, and thus makes the skin appear more vibrant and healthy.

Hazelnuts

Where: Find these little gems in moist, lowland soil and under the shade of oak trees.

Benefits: Hazelnuts contain a high concentration of antioxidants, and as such are often applied directly to the skin. Naturally rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, hazelnut based products can help to both hydrate the skin, and preserve its elasticity. Plus they taste great if you want to add some protein to your diet, too!

Honeysuckle

Where: Honeysuckle grows close to home, and even on exteriors of buildings.

Benefits: Honeysuckle is commonly found in remedies for eczema, acne and rosacea. Oil distilled from the plant is also found in hair products as it can strengthen the roots and strands of hair. As an essential oil, honeysuckle is often used in aromatherapy, and is widely thought to help treat headaches, reduce sinus pressure build-up and relieve stress.

Recipe: Rose Face Spritz

This wonderfully refreshing recipe is ideally used as a face toner as well as a face spritz on hot days when you need a little cooling down.

Ingredients

7 Roses
1.5 litres of distilled water

1. Gently pull the petals from the roses and place the them into a colander, under a tap running luke warm water to remove any dirt.

2. When the petals appear to be clean, pop then in a pan of the distilled water. If 1.5 litres is not enough then add more to cover the petals.

3. Over a low to medium heat, bring the petals to a simmer for about 25 minutes until they have lost their colour and are now very pale pink.

4. Strain the mixture and separate the petals from the water. Don’t throw the petals away- they can be enjoyed in a bath that evening!

5. Pour your now Rose water into a dark bottle and enjoy as a Rose water face spritz to cool you down through the summer!

Autumn

Plums

Where: Plums are often found in hedgerows in the wild.

Benefits: Like many natural remedies, rosehips are known for their astringent properties, which means they help to tighten the skin and close the pores. They also contain lycopene and beta carotene (which is what we find in carrots), and can help to remedy hyperpigmentation, where the skin darkens in places due to sun exposure, medication or hormonal changes.

Hawthorn

Where: Hawthorn grows in hedgerows, woodland and scrub.

Benefits: Hawthorn berries are naturally rich in polyphenols, and are thought to boost the immune system and lower blood pressure. Cosmetically, hawthorn berries are found in a wide range of hair products as they’re supposed to be amazing for helping stimulate fast hair growth.

Walnuts

Where: Search in the woodlands for walnuts, most commonly found in southern parts of England.

Benefits: Most benefits come from the shell and leaves, meaning they’re an excellent zero-waste option for DIY beauty remedies. Research shows that the application walnut products can help to protect the skin from free radicals and they are a great exfoliant due to their rough texture.

Recipe: Walnut Body Scrub

This walnut body scrub is designed to increase blood circulation, remove dead skin cells, smooth and brighten your complexion.

Ingredients

12 walnuts
30g refined Shea butter
30g almond oil
5g of Vitamin E
5 drops of Rosehip oil

1. Firstly, take the shells off of the walnuts

2. Next, ground the walnuts into tiny particles. You can either do this in a pestle and mortar, by putting the nuts into a canvas bag and hitting it with a rolling pin or by using a blender. Leave to the side.

3. Place all of the shea butter with the almond oil into a heat proof bowl and place into a pan of water (just as you would to melt chocolate)

4. Turn the heat to a low temperature and watch until the shea butter melts down into the oil.

5. When the mixture is entirely melted, remove from heat and allow to set and go hard. You can pop it in the fridge to speed things up.

6. Grab a big wooden spoon and mix until the product turns fluffy.

7. You can now add in your crushed-up walnuts, Vitamin E and Rosehip oil.

8. Spoon into a dark glass pot to keep it fresh. Enjoy marvelously soft skin with your new walnut scrub!

Winter

Nettles

Where: Nettles love rich, moist soil, meaning you’ll find them growing near rivers, streams, and lakes.

Benefits: When prepared properly, nettles can be a rich source of antioxidants, and as such are commonly used to reverse the effects of a heavily polluted atmosphere. It’s also thought to have powerful anti-aging properties. It’s also thought to inhibit the hormone that causes hair loss, and as such is often used to rinse and stimulate the scalp.

Beech Nuts

Where: Beech nuts like dry conditions, and acidic soil. They can be tricky to find, but woodland is a good place to start.

Benefits: As well as being known to be a powerful antiseptic agent, beech nuts are actually thought to promote healthy, strong hair growth over time. Oil distilled from beech nuts is commonly thought to help strengthen the follicle cells, helping to stall or slow down the effects of hair loss and baldness. Remember: Parts of the beech tree are known to be toxic, so don’t attempt to forage without the guidance and / or supervision of an expert.

Rowan Berries

Where: These berries grow in high altitude locations, particularly in the highlands of Scotland.

Benefits: Packed with a high vitamin C content, these delicious berries can to boost collagen production and synthesis, which helps to keep skin feeling firm, reducing the appearance of wrinkles over time. The berries can also be applied to dry or sore patches of skin to help address itchiness and irritation, and are often used to treat conditions like eczema and other inflammations of the skin.

Pine

Where: Scots pine is the only truly native pine in the UK. It thrives in heathland and is widely planted for timber. It’s also found in the Caledonian Forest in the Scottish Highlands.

Benefits: Nut -based products can help combat the effects of free radicals – which are caused by higher pollution levels – meaning they’re found in a lot of anti-aging products. Naturally fragrant, pine nuts are also incorporated into perfumes and shower gels, not to mention your car air freshener.

Recipe: Rosehip Bath Salts

This luxurious bath salt is infused with local rose hips which you can find throughout autumn and winter. Rose Hips are rich in the essential fatty acids which will nourish and rehydrate dry winter skin and help fight signs of ageing. So, pour a hot bath, sprinkle in your salts, sit back and relax.

Ingredients:

10-15 Rose hips
Himalayan Bath salts
Almond oil
4 Rose petals
4 drops of lavender

Part one:

1. Chop any stalks and leaves from the rosehips and wash with cold water in a strainer.

2. Fill a jar (jam size is perfect) with ⅓ Rose hips and top up with almond oil

3. Leave to infuse for a minimum of 4 hours (The longer the better)

4. Next, strain the Rose hip oil from the jar into another jar so that you now have a beautiful rose hip infused almond oil.

Part two:

1. In a mixing bowl, add the Himalayan bath salts

2. Mix in one tea spoon of your rosehip oil and lavender essential oil (You can add more if you like a stronger smell)

3. Next, take the rose petals and grind them up in a pestle and mortar and add them to the mix.

4. Mix everything up and spoon into a jar, ready to sprinkle into your next bath!

Skinimalism: what is it and how can you achieve it?

March 26, 2026March 26, 2026 by Amelia Marshall

Beautiful smiling woman with healthy skin and hair|||||||||

Skinimalism is a term you might have heard being thrown around recently on social media, and as one of Pinterests top predicted trends for 2021, it is likely to stick around. But what does it actually mean? What constitutes skinimalism and how can you achieve it?

What is skinimalism?

Skinimalism is essentially the return to natural beauty, adopting a minimalist stance on what lotions, potions and makeup you put on your face and hair. The movement stands up for textured complexion because, let’s face it, no one has poreless skin! The ‘skinimalism’ movement is part of the wider ‘true beauty’ movement, which advocates for plus sized models and champions greater diversity in the beauty industry.

shapely woman in grey underwear against a greeny-yellow background showing that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. — Credit: Polina Takilevich

Skinimalism: A saviour?

Sparked by the successive lockdowns living makeup-free and mainly in pj’s, the natural glow is something that more people want to achieve, especially over the past couple of years. Thousands of us are switching out the paint-like foundation for a BB cream or even nothing at all, making the characteristic orange line and slug brows, a thing of the past.

Many beauty brands are also catching on, releasing plant-based and natural ranges of skincare and makeup in order to pander to the movement.

It seems this trend has come round at the right time. With platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat, influencers and celebrities alike are promoting the filter-heavy unnatural look, which is largely unattainable for the rest of us. It goes without saying the perfectly polished images of themselves have severe mental implications for people who are consuming this content, with young people being most at risk.

However, these mental health implications are not new. The overly polished imagery of models that appeared on billboards and in adverts have caused a pan-national crisis of people believing they are not beautiful enough because they are aspiring to unnatural beauty standards. But, since the video where a slice of pizza is turned into a woman on photoshop went viral, we became more aware of the power of photoshop and how most images of models are manipulated to present an image of perfection.

This is where skinimalism takes a stance. Skin texture, enlarged pores, wrinkles and so on are to be embraced, creating much more realistic and attainable beauty standards for the average Joe (or Jolene).

The skinimalism movement is also good news for those of us who suffer with skin conditions. In recent years, the acne positivity movement has increased and notable hashtags such as #freethepimple have created a community of people who are embracing their natural beauty, not hiding it.

girl with textured skin and acne scarring, highlighting the acne positivity movement — Credit: Nicole aka, @theblemishqueen

So, all this talk of skinimalism, but how can I achieve it?!

Skinimalism is stripped back and this is the first port of call – stripping back. This takes on a few forms, including physically cutting down on the makeup and also taking a look at the ingredients in your cosmetics. The movement favours natural ingredients that are proven to help tackle skin problems and contribute to healthy skin, such as vitamin C, Rosehip oil, Argan oil and lavender.

At Veo, we like to ensure all our health and beauty range aligns with this minimalist approach, so we have drafted together some of our favourite pioneers of the skinimalism movement.

Skin care:

KINDBEEUTY

KINDBEEUTY is at the forefront of the skinimalism movement, using only kind and natural ingredients to help you achieve that heavenly, golden hour glow. Their range consists of face masks, creams, oils and even hair care, all of which are toxin and paraben free. Additionally, this incredibly altruistic brand champions zero-waste, using only refillable packaging and even offering free postage for the return of empties!

Some of our favourites include:

Brightening Face Mask, 40g, £12.95

Soothing Face Oil, 30ml, £22.50

Flawless

Designed with your skin and the environment in mind, Flawless are the entirely plant-based skincare brand. Each of the products are crafted with natural ingredients, designed to perform the same as high-end, non-natural skincare products.

Clay Facial Cleanser, 120ml, £14.95

Aloe and Lavender Micellar Water, 100ml, £4.95

Hair care:

Sop

Sop shampoo, conditioner and body wash against a natural beige background — Credit: Sop

The Norfolk-based hair care brand have brought nature into their products, dividing their beautiful range up into 4 components: Smur (a fine drizzle), Loke (a remote track), Beck (a small stream) and Dene (a sandy stretch of coast). All of these plant-based, natural and cruelty-free shampoos, conditioners and bodywash are the naturalists go-to. The minimal packaging is plastic free, with Sop itself being a member of Blue Patch and investors in the local wildlife.

Some of our favourites include:

Neroli and Ylang Ylang Shampoo, 250ml, £17

Juniper and Grapefruit Conditioner, 250ml, £17

Makeup:

All Earth Mineral Cosmetics

These refillable mineral pots are perfect for every skinimalist, offering light and buildable coverage to suit every skin tone and type. What’s more, this mineral makeup contains anti-inflammatory ingredients, making this makeup a viable option for eczema and acne sufferers. All Earth Minerals offer a wide range of powdered makeup, from blush and bronzer to foundation and concealer, beautifully finishing off your natural beauty routine.

Additionally, all these cosmetics are stored in recycled, eco friendly and easily refillable packaging, making these products better for you and the environment!

Some of our favourites include:

Mineral Foundation Pot For Life, £20-£28

Mineral Bronzer Pot For Life, £20

Mineral Contour Powder, £20

All of these brands have been thoroughly checked to ensure all the ingredients are fully traceable and natural.
Achieving the skinimalism look is therefore more than just removing your makeup and runs deeper than what is on the outside. It consists of taking a closer look at the ingredients you are putting on your skin, returning to natural ingredients, which in most cases, have better properties than their chemical-laden counterparts. Skinimalism also (and most importantly) consists of embracing your natural beauty, letting your skin breathe and showing off those beautiful textures. The skinimalism movement is only positive for the health of our skin and mind, so why don’t you give it a try?!

Zero Waste Makeup – All Earth Mineral Cosmetics

Top Pick: Natural Vegan Mineral Bronzer (Refill 4g), £15

Eco Friendly Makeup – Baims Natural Makeup

Top Pick: Natural & Vegan Eyeshadow Quad Palette 01 Natural in Bamboo Case, £36.75

Conscious Beauty Accessories – Wild Rising

Top Pick: Organic Makeup Round | Pack of 10 with Storage Bag £14.00

Ethical Skincare – Beauty Kin

Top Pick: Exfoliating Skincare Bar, £7.50

Eco-Friendly Cosmetics – Flawless

Top Pick: 11 Piece Bamboo Makeup Brush Set, £35.99

Natural Skincare Products – Soap Daze

Top Pick: Soap On A Rope, £9

Refillable Haircare – Indie

Top Pick: You’re a Smooth Talker Refill Duo, £36

Biodegradable Glitter – Glisten Cosmetics

Top Pick: Nebula (Purple) Vegan Eye Shadow Chroma Flakes, £16

Cruelty-Free Beauty – Dead Sea Dream

Top Pick: Natural Refining Body Scrub, £30

Natural Deodorants – Kutis Skincare

Top Pick: Natural Vegan Deodorant (Various Scents), £6.50

Plastic Free Dental Care – WiseSip

Top Pick: Stainless Steel and Bamboo Toothbrush, £16.95

Environmentally Friendly Body Care – Trii

Top Pick: Lavender Hand & Body Exfoliating Wash, £8

Eco-Friendly Razors – Clean U Skincare

Top Pick: Bamboo Razor, £24.95

Natural Dental Care – Georganics

Top Pick: Activated Charcoal Toothpaste, £6.90

Vegan Beauty – Seeds of Colour

Top Pick: Lip, Cheek & Lid Tinted Balm Berry Red, £21

Plastic-Free Beauty Accessories – Wild Rising

Top Pick: Natural Rose Quartz Crystal Gua Sha Facial Tool, £18

What is zero-waste haircare?

Tell me more about shampoo bars…

What are the benefits to the environment?

What about the benefits to my hair?

How do you use one?

Can I take them on holiday?

How long do they last?

The verdict?

So, what is foraging?

Spring

Chickweed

Dandelion

Goose grass

Wild Garlic

Recipe: Dandelion Face Serum

Ingredients

Summer

Chanterelle mushrooms

Blackberries

Hazelnuts

Honeysuckle

Recipe: Rose Face Spritz

Ingredients

Autumn

Plums

Hawthorn

Walnuts

Recipe: Walnut Body Scrub

Ingredients

Winter

Nettles

Beech Nuts

Rowan Berries

Pine

Recipe: Rosehip Bath Salts

Ingredients:

What is skinimalism?

Skinimalism: A saviour?

Skin care:

Hair care:

Makeup:

10% off your first order. No catch.