Beauty obsessives know that there’s nothing better than refillable packaging. Not only is it more convenient to pay less for top-ups of the products that you love, but it’s much better for the planet, too. According to the WWF, “2.5 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste is produced in the UK” each year, something refillable packaging can help to address. Reducing our overall plastic consumption can mean that less of the material is produced and subsequently thrown away.
Refillable products have captured the shopper’s imagination, too. “[The consumer] is buying fewer products, but the right ones for their skin,” Matt Kennedy, founder of refillable deodorant brand Fussy, previously told British Vogue. “And investing in brands that take time and effort to develop intentional products and accessories that not only perform, but also elevate the bathroom space and tackle big issues like plastic pollution and water waste.”
Every April, Earth Month is celebrated. It reminds us to support initiatives for environmental protection and to continue raising awareness for issues that affect our planet, such as climate change, deforestation and pollution. It’s important that we each chip in and do our part, whether that’s evaluating whether we recycle as meticulously as we should, or doing a much-needed closet clear-out and keeping the secondhand clothing market alive by donating and reselling.
Ways to observe Earth Month include supporting organisations to plant more trees, joining community clean-up initiatives, and reducing our usage of electricity where possible – such as turning off the lights when we are not occupying rooms and unplugging devices when they’re not in use.
On the beauty front, one of the best ways to reduce plastic waste is to invest in brands that offer robust refillable packaging options.
In the spirit of Earth Month, here are seven of the best products that Vogue editors have been refilling on repeat.
Emma Lewisham Supernatural Day Crème
New Zealander Emma Lewisham can do no wrong in my opinion. Not only are the sustainability champs products safe to use during pregnancy and postpartum (shout out to the Illuminating Exfoliant!), but her bottles are refillable too. I take some pride in how long my original packaging has sat in pride of place on my bedside table, as I’ve been refilling Lewisham’s supernatural day cream and night mask for as long as I’ve been using her products. I’m sure I’ll be doing the same with her newly launched Supernatural Crème Cleanser, too! – Laura Hawkins, fashion features & jewellery editor
Le Labo Thé Matcha 26
As with any of Le Labo’s fragrances, when you get to the last spritz of Thé Matcha 26, you can take it in-store for the brand to refill with 20 per cent off. The in-house perfumers whip up the concoctions then and there, detailing the city, the date and your name on the label. While I will always be a sucker for Le Labo’s bestsellers Another 13 and Santal 33, Thé Matcha 26 is for the fragrance connoisseurs with its unique combination of matcha tea accord, fig, vetiver, cedar woods and bitter orange. – Ellie Davis, senior beauty shopping writer
Dries Van Noten Refillable Lipstick
I spent a festive few days in Antwerp over Christmas, and it was while huddling from the icy Belgian winter in the Dries Van Noten flagship that I came across these gorgeous refillable lipsticks. The cases come in these amazing painterly finishes (in true clashing Dries style) and would be a great present for someone (hint, hint). I’m not someone who changes up my beauty regime very often, and having your signature colour in one of these refillable cases would be so chic! – Olivia Allen, fashion writer
Emma Lewisham Supernatural Crème Cleanser
Clearly, the British Vogue office cannot sing Emma Lewisham’s praises enough. This Earth Month, I’m celebrating with a new product that’s fast becoming a staple in my routine. Emma Lewisham’s latest release – the Supernatural Crème Cleanser – is a total gem. A milky, supple cleanser that cleans without leaving the skin squeaky or tight, I’ve been happily lathering up twice a day. A 100ml pouch refill is the cherry on the brilliant cake. – Morgan Fargo, beauty & wellness editor
Guerlain Rouge G Customisable Lipstick
Does it get any better than a lipstick case with a built-in mirror? I think not. Infused with lily flower and almond oil, Guerlain’s lipsticks feel utterly luxurious to apply, and the satin version is super smooth and hydrating. Made to be redilled, Rouge G went through a total reinvention, reducing the weight of the jewel case by 19 per cent and optimising the full manufacturing process, which allowed for a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions. I love the heirloom aspect of the design and the sentiment that you can pass on the case as a time capsule of moments passed. – Ranyechi Udemezue, associate beauty & wellness writer
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
As an oily T-zone girl, this is non-negotiable. A quick touch-up under the eyes and through the centre of my face after a long day revives me just enough to look rested, soft and quietly put-together. What I love most is the refill aspect. When you run out, you don’t need to repurchase the entire compact, just the powder refill, which is cheaper and far less wasteful. It also means I can easily swap shades throughout the year without committing to a whole new product every time my skin tone changes – which is often. Practical, sustainable, and still cute! – Anisa Kennar, associate producer
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Acid Cream Moisturiser
I love the ultra-lightweight, soothing texture and the fact that it dries down without any residue but leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated. It also serves as the perfect tool to lock in any serums I’ve used before application. – Saskia Kemsley, contributing beauty shopping writer
