The Rise of Overconsumption in Beauty Routines
When do beauty routines become too much, and how much we should consume? TikTok‘s ‘morning shed’ now reveals users daily discarding an ever-growing collection of beauty tools, each tool screaming of the growing trend of overconsumption. From peeling off face masks and mouth tape to unstrapping chin straps and unweaving the heatless curlers. While some find this is a relaxing ritual, but they neglect to consider the amount of products used and if they actually have a positive impact on your beauty and the environment.
Do Beauty Trends Like ‘The Morning Shed’ Actually Work?
Only some of these beauty products are actually prove effective; one notable example being the heatless curler, which, positively, offers users the ability to reuse.
But, do the face masks and under-eye masks which have become staples in the morning shed, actually deliver the overnight glow-up we are promised by influencers? While they can help with hydrating the skin, face masks that are being left on overnight can also irritate the skin, especially those not intended for extended wear.
The Environmental Impact of The Morning Shed
The reality is that globally, according to businesswaste.co.uk, around 120 billion pieces of beauty packaging become waste every year. This statistic starkly illustrates just how damaging one-use products can be to our environment especially when non-recyclable and therefore destined for landfills. This waste contributes to plastic pollution and water contamination, as many companies still haven’t yet invested in recyclable packaging.
The Influence of Social Media and Consumerism
Influencers easily sway Gen-Z and trap us with ‘must-have products’, leading us to occasionally overbuy. But sometimes we need to take a step back, and ask the question, is it all worth it? Video after video, advertisements constantly bombard us with products, and it is hard to feel like we are not missing out. But you are not alone in this; according to the Global Cosmetic Industry, 89% of users on TikTok have bought beauty products seen on the app. So the question we should be asking ourselves is: do we really need this, or is it just another trend?
Making Conscious Choices for a Sustainable Beauty Future
So, what can we do as Gen-Z to make a change in the beauty industry? For a start, we should be more mindfully choose our purchases. Sure, once in a while, we should be able to treat ourselves to a face mask, but is this truly necessary every night? Another option is to look into reusable alternatives and products with biodegradable packaging and natural ingredients. By making these small changes, we can save money, save the environment and save our skin.
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