Eco-Tools Makeup Brushes for Your Eco-Friendly Makeup
by Kristin Underwood, Sacramento, CA 
on 11.21.08
Image source: Eco-Tools
Now that you've slowly updated your makeup stock to include eco-friendly and lead-free makeup, why not also update your brushes with ones made from sustainable and recycled materials by Eco-Tools. We've railed against the untested and toxic chemicals found in common makeup, but the brushes used to apply the gunk are rarely discussed. The brushes by Eco-Tools are available in drugstores across the US and are priced to not break the bank. A great gift idea for the teenager or fashionista in your life.
More images after the jump.
Brushes are available for individual purchase, as well as in 5-piece packs, which are perfect for green gifts this holiday season. The brushes are made with bamboo handles, the metallic binding on the brush (the ferrule) is made from recycled aluminum cans and the bristles are made with animal-free taklon. You can also get other bamboo bath and body products like loofah brushes and facial buffs. Need a new poof for your shower? They also offer recycled plastic bath sponges, as well as bamboo fabric bath sponges.
In 2009, EcoTools plans to expand their line with recycled aluminum cases for the brushes and soy bean oil sponges. They also plan to add nail care items to the line like bamboo sticks and recycled steel sapphire nail files, as well as brow grooming tools and bath & body gels. EcoTools is a member of 1% for the Planet. Brush kits retail for around $15.99. You can find EcoTools Bamboo brushes in drugstores like Walgreens, Ulta, Duane Reade, Rite Aid, Target, Kmart, and online at EcoTools.
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Update to article re: packaging.
This is from Eco-Tools: Packaging is made with 100% cotton backing, and Acid-free PVC made without chlorine and other harmful chemicals that are in regular PVC. The packages are printed with plant-based ink. The packages are meant to be reusable and a great place to store brushes in. With the zip-top closure and the cotton backing, the packages will keep your brushes safe and protected while you are traveling or on-the-go!
More on Eco-Friendly Beauty Products
How to Go Green: Womens Personal Care
Natura's New Makeup Line: Diversa
The Body Shop Gets a Makeover
Makeup Artist Paige Padgett Gives Eco-Friendly Makeup Tips
Questions on Organic Mineral-Based Makeup
Follow @TreeHugger on Twitter & get our headlines with @TH_rss!
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I saw the brushes at the drugstore and was struck by the fact that the carrying case is vinyl. NOT eco! And not something Treehugger should be supporting.
All this is for naught considering the crappy plastic packaging.
Are all companies this freaking stupid?
ewwww.
nice superfluous plastic packaging.
If they care so much they would use a box from cardboard (recycled and recyclable) with an image on the front. Real quality will shine through the box, not to mention integrity.
i found that some of the products that are plastic are made from recycled plastic bottles. and those packaging bags are reusable and recyclable so you can actually use the bag to store something else or recycle them. also i try their brushes and it works really well. i am really glad that i found them and i am going to get more!
I know it's a bit late to comment but I wanted to respond to some of the negative comments. Although I don't believe that the manufacturer of these brushes have wind powdered facilities or have made sure that every item they produce is eco-friendly because they still offer products that are far from it but let's not be so quick to dismiss them. They have to start somewhere and if their eco-friendly items out sell their other products then they could very well discontinue selling those other products. Moreover, even if it is a small amount, a portion of the sales are going to help our environment and these are some of the very few products that are actually accessible to the masses due to them being so budget friendly. Also, if you feel so strongly about the packaging then email them and simply let them know that you would like them to used recycled plastic or cardboard. However, I can see why they would want to use something clear so the consumer would be able to see what they were purchasing because many people have a tendency to rip open packages if they can't see the actual product. Though, I do agree that no matter how good intentioned they are they should do a bit more research prior to labeling something "earth-friendly". They have a Ramie Bath & Shower Mitt in their EcoTools line but Ramie is far from being eco-friendly. Ramie may be a highly renewable plant but it takes a lot of energy and chemicals to actually produce since the fibers are only usable after heavy processing and chemical treatment. Anyhoo... I just think we all would be much more productive as consumers to let them know what they need to improve on and hope that they are truly a company that wants change instead of immediately shrugging them off because they haven't gotten things right yet. After all this is the first time, correct me if I'm wrong, I've heard of any company even attempting to make eco-friendly brushes.