Axiology (USA) Multi‑use crayons with low‑impact packaging Axiology pioneered multi‑use color crayons for lips, cheeks, and eyes. Their packaging is made from recycled paper and agricultural waste, offering a strong alternative to traditional plastic makeup components. Packaging: Paper‑based, plastic‑free Highlights: Multi‑sticks, balms https://axiologybeauty.com Elate Beauty (Canada) Refillable bamboo makeup packaging Elate is a pioneer in refillable color cosmetics, offering eye, face, and lip products housed in bamboo compacts. Customers purchase refills only, drastically reducing waste over time. Packaging: Bamboo, aluminum refills Highlights: Eye shadows, mascara, blush https://elatebeauty.com Zao Makeup (France) Refillable bamboo makeup with global reach Zao was one of the first brands to launch a fully refillable makeup line using bamboo packaging. Widely available in Europe, it remains a leader in low‑waste color cosmetics. Packaging: Bamboo with refill pans Highlights: Foundations, powders, eyeshadows https://www.zaomakeup.com Kjaer Weis (Denmark) Luxury refillable makeup designed to last decades Kjaer Weis offers iconic refillable metal compacts built to be used for life. Their products prioritize performance, longevity, and minimal environmental impact per use. Packaging: Metal compacts with refills Highlights: Cream blush, foundation, lipsticks https://kjaerweis.com Ere Perez (Australia) Low‑waste beauty powered by plants Ere Perez combines plant‑based formulas with glass, aluminum, and refill‑friendly packaging. Their multi‑use approach encourages fewer products and simplified routines. Packaging: Glass, aluminum Highlights: Cream blushes, mascaras, lip colors https://ereperez.com Couleur Caramel (France) Certified organic makeup with refillable options A staple in European organic beauty, Couleur Caramel offers a wide range of color cosmetics with refillable and recyclable packaging. Packaging: Refillable pans, cardboard Highlights: Powders, eye products, lipsticks https://www.couleurcaramel.com Besame Cosmetics (USA) Vintage‑inspired, durable makeup design While not marketed as zero waste, Besame’s metal packaging and refill philosophy emphasize durability over disposability — a key sustainability principle often overlooked. Packaging: Metal, glass Highlights: Lipsticks, powders https://besamecosmetics.com INOUI ID Edition (Japan) Minimalist refillable luxury A Japanese luxury line known for refillable face compacts and reduced outer packaging, emphasizing precision formulas and longevity. Packaging: Refillable compacts Highlights: Foundations, powders Uoga Uoga (Lithuania) Natural mineral makeup with refill options A European mineral makeup brand offering refillable powders and recyclable packaging, widely loved in the Baltic and Nordic regions. Packaging: Refillable, recyclable Highlights: Mineral foundations, blush Baims (Germany) Modern refillable clean makeup Baims creates sleek, refillable packaging with certified natural formulas, balancing luxury aesthetics with reduced waste. Packaging: Refillable compacts Highlights: Cream blush, lipsticks La Bouche Rouge (France) Plastic‑free luxury lipsticks La Bouche Rouge is redefining luxury makeup with plastic‑free leather cases and refillable lipstick bullets made in France. Packaging: Leather cases, refillable metal bullets Highlights: Lipsticks https://www.laboucherougeparis.com and of course we have to include ourselves: Zero‑waste makeup crafted with intention River Organics creates plastic‑free, vegan color cosmetics designed to replace entire makeup routines with fewer, better products. Known for lip stains, blush sticks, concealer, brow wax, and highlighters, the brand focuses on solid formulas, compostable packaging, and nourishing plant oils that blur the line between makeup and skincare. Packaging: Compostable paper tubes, glass Highlights: Lip stains, blush sticks, concealer, brow wax Ethos: Crafted minimalism, zero waste, vegan https://riverorganics.org Why Low‑Waste Color Cosmetics Matter in 2026 Color cosmetics generate some of the most complex and unrecyclable packaging in the beauty industry. Pumps, magnets, mirrors, and mixed plastics often end up in landfill. Low‑waste makeup brands challenge this model by: Designing products meant to be refilled, not replaced Using solid and multi‑use formats Reducing packaging weight and material complexity Encouraging slower, more intentional consumption Final Thoughts In 2026, sustainable makeup is no longer niche — but truly low‑waste color cosmetics still require intentional design and restraint. The brands above prove that performance, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility can coexist. Choosing fewer, better makeup products — and supporting brands building circular systems — is one of the most impactful ways to reduce beauty waste.