the unwash review
Founded by Jeanine Lobell of Stila Cosmetics – Neem is blazing a new trail for sustainability in the beauty industry with products made to last and packaging that is entirely reusable. Neen has a focus on buying less and having your products do more. The brand created a one-of-a-kind, medical-grade silicone mold to hold the refillable products that can be washed and reused (they’re even dishwasher safe). Launching with a range of colorful and eye-catching lip, eye, and cheek products – these are made to help you achieve a full look with only a few products.
“I wanted something refillable that really held a good amount of product—it’s not great for business, but we all have to focus on buying less and buying more mindfully, choosing things that last.” – Jeanine Lobell, Founder of Neen
Consumers can buy individual products directly or participate in the brand’s subscription service. Now, this isn’t your typical subscription. Monthly subscribers can receive a postcard containing samples and QR codes for makeup tutorials – all done on models representing everyone. Another plus to this – these are models doing their own makeup, making it something that anyone can achieve instead of a more advanced tutorial that isn’t beginner friendly. Neen’s products look great on every skin shade, which is something their marketing capitalizes on.
Neen makes choosing makeup to purchase easy with their mix-and-match refills and easy-to-use products. Mindful sustainability practices can be challenging for many brands, but Neen is facing this head-on and hoping to inspire consumers to be conscious about what they choose to buy. Neen is upfront about the struggles and successes when selecting more sustainable materials and works to be as transparent about the process as possible. The brand wants you to feel your best in your own skin while also feeling good about creating less waste.
01
OUI the People
Founder Karen Young was on a mission to change how razors are marketed towards women specifically and the disparity in quality between men’s and women’s shaving products. Not only is a stainless steel razor better for the environment, but it is also better for the skin as it leads to less irritation and hyperpigmentation. It’s no wonder their razor has won a slew of awards and is in high demand. The brand offers a range of products and their beloved razor suited for everyone and every need, including their hydrating body gloss and cream body polish.
02
Ries
Ries is a line of TSA-size approved refillable containers retailing at $18. The bottles are crafted from post-consumer recycled plastic and created with the purpose of consistent reuse. Graham saw the plastic problem in the beauty industry and wanted to innovate how we reuse plastics. Being a new brand, this is just the beginning for Ries. The brand continues to test different materials for use to be as conscious of its sustainability as possible. Ries puts value on the circularity of their product and hopes choices like using up-cycled materials will become more of a norm in the beauty industry.
03
Haeckels
The brand has a wide range of candles, fragrances, and hair care products. Initially launched in 2012 as a men’s skincare line, the brand diversified and found a large following outside its male products. The UK-based fan-favorite brand plans a more extensive international expansion due to high demand and interest in its products. With products for everyone and every need, Haeckles holds true to its values and continues to adapt to the needs of its consumers as they grow. The brand is steadfast in its position as a sustainable staple.
