Let’s talk about something that’s been bothering me for a while: the beauty industry has a massive plastic problem. Every year, the cosmetics industry pumps out billions of plastic containers, most of which will never be recycled. That lip balm tube? That compact? That mascara wand? They’re probably heading straight to a landfill or, worse, the ocean.
Once I learned how much plastic waste the beauty industry creates, I knew I had to make a change. That’s why I started Hello Wink—a plastic-free beauty brand that proves sustainability doesn’t have to be boring or beige.
The Problem: Plastic Everywhere
The beauty industry produces over 120 billion units of plastic packaging every single year. And guess what? Only 9% of all plastic waste ever created has been recycled. The rest? It lingers in landfills, pollutes waterways, or breaks down into microplastics that sneak into our food and water.
Most makeup products come wrapped in layers of plastic, from the outer packaging to the product itself. Conventional lipsticks, for example, are often housed in plastic tubes with plastic caps and sometimes even extra plastic wrapping. Even "eco-friendly" beauty brands sometimes use recyclable plastic—but here’s the kicker: most plastic isn’t actually recycled because the process is expensive, complicated, and varies by location.
My Solution: Plastic-Free Beauty That Works
When I created Hello Wink, I knew I couldn’t just make another beauty brand. I wanted something that truly made a difference. That’s why all Hello Wink products are 100% plastic-free, from the formulas to the packaging. No plastic tubes, no sneaky plastic liners, no greenwashing.
Our All Over Color Sticks come in biodegradable push-up tubes, meaning they break down naturally instead of sticking around for centuries. They’re multi-use (lips, cheeks, eyes), cutting down on the need for extra products, and they’re small-batch made to reduce waste. Plus, they’re packed with skin-loving ingredients and bold colors because sustainable beauty shouldn’t be dull.
Small Swaps, Big Impact
I get it—going completely plastic-free overnight isn’t realistic for most people. But the good news? Small swaps add up. Choosing a plastic-free lip balm instead of a conventional one means one less plastic tube in a landfill. Opting for multi-use products means fewer items cluttering up your makeup bag and less waste overall. It’s about making conscious choices where you can.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The beauty industry needs a wake-up call. We, as consumers, have the power to demand better—to choose brands that prioritize the planet over convenience. The more we support sustainable beauty, the more pressure big brands will feel to change their ways.
So, if you’re ready to make a difference, start small. Swap out one plastic-heavy product for a sustainable alternative. Educate yourself on the impact of plastic waste. And if you ever need a plastic-free beauty bestie, you know where to find me. 😉
Are you ready to ditch plastic in your beauty routine? Let’s do this together. 💖
Francesca