Makeup has been a big challenge in my ongoing quest to reduce single-use plastic. A great first step has been cutting down on the number of products I use. But for those that remain, finding makeup with less packaging isn’t easy.

Plastic cosmetics packaging is a huge environmental problem. Zero Waste Week estimates that the global cosmetics industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging each year. Most of the plastic is not recyclable so it ends up in the landfill.

Note: This is NOT a paid endorsement of any of these products.

Remember refillable makeup compacts?

When I was young, I remember my mother and grandmother using refillable compacts for their face powder. I thought it was so glamorous. Over the years, as our society fell in love with throwaway, we replaced these refillable compacts with disposable plastic compacts.

I don’t wear a lot of makeup but I’m not willing to give it up completely. I’m also not convinced I would have success making my own makeup. So in my quest to reduce waste and limit my exposure to chemicals, I started to research alternatives.

A Canadian company that makes makeup with less packaging

Last fall, I searched “refillable makeup compact” and discovered a Canadian company called Pure Anada.

I was intrigued by this company but I’m reluctant to buy cosmetics online because it’s so hard to make sure the colours are right. I was impressed that Pure Anada offers samples of most products for $1. And, if all you order is samples, they ship for $2 if you use coupon code sample. I ordered samples of concealer, blush, and mineral foundation. Everything arrived within a few days.

My favourite part is they sell magnetic refillable compacts in several different sizes. Their eyeshadow, blush and face-powder refills are packaged in metal trays in paper envelopes. You can mix and match in the compact to suit your needs.

Some of their products, like my favourite mineral foundation, are packaged in plastic. But you can buy refills in small plastic bags so it’s definitely a huge improvement over the excessively-packaged national brands that I was using.

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Sustainable and natural ingredients

Pure Anada makes their products in Manitoba from organic, ethically sourced ingredients. They don’t contain any of the dirty dozen ingredients found in so many cosmetic brands.

What’s not to love? For natural makeup with less packaging, I encourage you to check out this Canadian gem at www.pureanada.ca. Their story is very inspiring.

Have you found natural makeup brands in environmentally-friendly packaging? Tell us about them below.