Simple and sustainable swaps to try out this year

This month the BD team tried eco-friendly products that you can swap for out a more sustainable routine. From blenders to mitts, we’ve tried and tested it all, so you don’t have to.

Read our honest thoughts below, and why you need these goodies in your life. After all, when you see the BD Tried & Tested badge, you know we've given it our stamp of approval.

To download hi-res images, and read more about the products, click the brand name.

Manicare Biodegradable Blender - Basmah

What we think: When it comes to makeup application, I'm a brush girl, however, when the Manicare Biodegradable Blender landed on my desk I was intrigued. I made sure the sponge was damp before blending my foundation, and the result was stunning. My foundation looked flawless, yet still natural, and not to mention, it was quicker than a brush. It's safe to say I'm now a convert, and will be using this sponge on a daily basis.

Mitten Exfoliating Mitt – Scarlett

What we think: As a regular user of fake tan, the Mitten Classic Deep Exfoliating Body Mitt is a dream! After just one use, I was able to remove all my residual tan that I normally would have to wait patiently to erode. Not only did it remove the remnants of my fake tan with a breeze, but I was also left with super smooth and glowing skin. This product will become a staple in my body care routine. It allows for up to 250 re-uses making it such a sustainable swap for those who usually use packaged product for exfoliation.

Antipodes Lime Caviar Plumping Cream – Issy R

What we think: As we move into the cooler months this product was dropped on my desk at the right time. The formula is thick and creamy, and when it absorbs into my skin it melts like butter - it's a beautiful and hydrating consistency. I am in my early 30's so I need all the collagen possible! This moisturiser helps support my skin's natural collagen production and having Lime Caviar extract it teams together to promote skin rejuvenation and smooth my wrinkle appearance. Big winner for me.

Marzena Natural Wax Strips - Jess

What we think: Hair removal powerhouse Marzena, has taken sustainability to the next level with their Natural Wax Strips being 100% compostable. Their wax strips deliver the most sustainable at-home hair removal experience in the market. I also found that the wax performed twice as efficiently and effectively than other wax strips I have used in the past, needing to use half the amount of strips that I would normally, which is an added bonus! The strips are also infused Hemp Seed Oil, which offers that additional love to your skin by acting as a calming agent.

Batiste Naturally Dry Shampoo - Ashley

What we think: Batiste Naturally Dry Shampoo is a sustainable swap for those who regularly turn to dry shampoo on good (or bad) hair days! This gem of a product uses 100% natural plant extracts combined with pure rice starch to refresh your hair between washes, the most natural way. Even better, their recyclable can is made up of 40% less packaging than standard, lowering your eco footprint even further.

Swisspers 3 in 1 - Nicola

What we think: The 3 in one Cleanser Infused Pads by Swisspers are a game changer! I was unsure what to think when I first came across this product – how could they possible be full of so much goodness and be so effective AND good for the planet in one little pad. I was pleasantly surprised and have now found myself reaching for them whenever I need a freshen up. Add a splash of water and all the Aloe & Vitamin E goodness is activated. They then so gently but effective remove makeup (including waterproof mascara!!!), cleanses the skin and leaves your face feeling hydrated and refreshed. Best news no need to rinse your face after use. I would recommend these to anyone on the go or with sensitive skin and who might steer clear of makeup wipes. These are the softer and gentler alternative.

Weleda Shower Bar - Lucy

The Weleda shower bar is a great and sustainable alternative to shower gels that come in bottles! It is just as good, foams easily and the bonus is that it smells incredible with a variety of different scents including Ylang Ylang + Iris and Lavender + Vetivier. While it looks like a soap, it has a completely different composition that is much more like a shower gel in a bar shape. It is made with 100% natural essential oils and cleansed my skin nicely with its plant-based formula. What I love the most is that it is made with biodegradable and vegan formula and that the packaging is made from recycled raw materials. I would definitely buy this again!