THE BEAUTY BRANDS TO KEEP YOU GROUNDED THIS EARTH DAY

GLITTER BE GONE

As of April 1st, 2021 Brown Thomas is no longer selling beauty products containing plastic based glitter. Glitter in this form is essentially a micro plastic, and similarly to microbeads when we wash it off, it easily enters water streams contributing to pollution of our oceans, and damaging ecosystems.

According to research by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global release of primary micro plastics into the ocean was estimated at 1.5 million tons per year, accounting for an estimated 15 - 31% of total ocean plastic pollution.

Even in cases where glitter is not ending up in water sourses, the end of life of glitter is still harmful to the environment. Plastics have been found in the stomach contents of numerous organisms, including earthworms, birds, as well as turtles, dolphins and whales.

In 2016 we banned the sale of products containing Microbeads from our business and in 2019 we tackled Single Use Plastic in our stores by removing make up wipes, plastic q-tips and plastic water bottles.

As for your skin this summer, we report on the beauty finds with the feel good factor from within and radiating to the surface…

PLASTIC-FREE PACKAGING WITH AVEDA

Are you committed to making your bathroom plastic-free? This shampoo bar, from cruelty-free and vegan brand Aveda will go a long way to turning this dream into a reality with a super effect on your hair to boot providing weightless, long-lasting nourishment. By choosing this shampoo bar you could help save 2.0 tons of plastic which is equivalent to 180k water bottles. But not just that, all the waste from the manufacturing of this bar will be donated to Clean The World Foundation, who will recycle it into new soap bars to be used in their WASH Education Program Hygiene Kits provided to vulnerable communities around the world. Time to shine a light on this super product and your new summer-ready locks.

CONSCIOUS WONDER-CREAM WITH SUNDAY RILEY

If you needed one more reason to combat pollution then think of the effect it has on your skin. This ceramide-enriched moisturizer replenishes the skin with lasting hydration and strengthens its natural moisture barrier against environmental stressors responsible for premature ageing. All this without compromising on what matters to you most: safety, quality, fast results all with a Certified B Corporation seal of approval which is awarded to businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.

POTENT PLANT POWER WITH PETA VEGAN AESOP

Do yourself and your skin a favour and create a spa experience from the comfort of your home with Aesop for transporting botanical aromas and the peace of mind that comes with buying a vegan and cruelty-free brand. Transform your skin with this light moisturising serum that is rich in potent anti-oxidants. It is readily absorbed, leaves no oily residue and can be used everyday.

LOVE LOCAL WITH MODERN BOTANY

Since the pandemic hit our shores we’ve seen a strong upturn in buying local. If you are keen to support Irish talent that cares for the environment, then its time you were introduced to Modern Botany. Hailing from the picturesque West Cork village of Schull, this Irish beauty brand is signed to 1% for the planet and cruelty free.

CRUELTY-FREE CARE WITH IT COSMETICS

Supple skin for summer is within your reach with this standout cleanser from cruelty-free brand IT Cosmetics. Developed by plastic surgeons this brand has jaw-dropping results and this cleanser is no different. It attracts, traps and removes dirt, oil, impurities and makeup but more impressively it also helps to increase absorbency and improve the efficacy of your moisturizers and serums. Don’t miss your chance of a bargain with IT Cosmetics one-day promotion this Earth Day Thursday, 22nd April.

POSITIVE LUXURY WITH KIEHLS

This cult body cream has kept its place as a top seller year-in-year-out for good reason. It is a must for the summer months where you bare more leg than usual thanks to its moisturising, non-greasy formula that leaves an irresistible finish on your skin.

Now available as a handy refill which is made with 81% less plastic, one pouch replaces four plastic bottles to help reduce the amount of single-use plastic on your favourite Kiehls buys.

The brand has been leading the way in sustainability in beauty for many years with palm oil used in their products sourced from responsible certified suppliers through the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. It also carries a Positive Luxury accreditation that you might know as the Butterfly Mark.

Here at Brown Thomas we are passionate about preserving nature and positive change so tagging on buzzwords doesn’t cut it. Thanks to our in-house sustainability experts, you can be sure that all items on our sustainable edit are third party verified and comply with one of our eight categories under this ethical umbrella.

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