'This is the season of shining. But this brings some problems, because this is also the season of sustainability-the gorgeous, shiny makeup you plan for future holiday parties is not so good for the planet. You may be wondering, "Does glitter cosmetics that are good for the environment really exist?" The answer is complicated; mass production of glitter eye shadows is not "good" for the environment, no matter how environmentally friendly the ingredients are. But, is there any glitter cosmetics that are better for the environment? Oh yes-it happens to be the best in the industry.

However, before I enter the environmental protection options, let me briefly review the impact of traditional flash on the earth: "The problem with flash in cosmetics is that it is a kind of microplastic, just like any microplastic, it is extremely dangerous to the environment," respect for manufacturing The founder and CEO of Susan Stevens told Zoe Report. "Because of its small size, it will pass through the filter of the water treatment system and eventually enter our waterways directly, polluting rivers, lakes and oceans"-at this point, marine organisms consume microplastic particles. This is troublesome enough, but from there, the flash will eventually enter the human food chain and thus the human body. Even if you don't flush your glitter into the sewer—for example, you throw it in the trash with makeup wipes—it still has an impact on the environment. This flash will end up in a landfill, where it will leak toxic substances into the soil for hundreds of years (and may enter waterways through rainwater runoff, anyway). "Long-term health and environmental problems caused by microplastic pollution can be devastating," Stevens said.

Well, wow, this is a bit disappointing-but it doesn't have to be. Beauty brands have launched sustainable and super shiny options this season.

For those who desire thick traditional glitter, look for biodegradable versions made from plant cellulose, such as BioGlitz products. "Glitter has always been an important part of our fashion vocabulary," Rebecca Richards, the company's co-founder, previously told TZR. "However, our passion for sustainable fashion started to contradict our love for glitter (a toxic microplastic). We knew that there must be a way to create sustainable alternatives to these powerful particles." Richards and Her team found the answer in regenerated eucalyptus cellulose. It looks and feels like ordinary glitter. (As proof, check out the latest Gypsy Sport fashion show. Yes, the bio flash is approved by New York Fashion Week.)

If you prefer buildable shimmer, consider using mica or mineral powder. "We want to create a shimmer that is beautiful, clean, and good for the skin, and good for the earth," a representative of Free People told The Zoe Report when talking about its new Mineral Shimmers. "These beauty products do not contain any plastic or silicone ingredients. We designed a shimmer extracted from minerals, based on birch sap, glycerin and witch hazel. The texture is light, non-sticky, and can provide moisturizing and Soothing effect."

The mixture also contains mica, which is a common shimmer substitute that also appears in Victoria Beckham Beauty's clean "shimmer" shades. It is worth noting that because child labor is often involved, the company has concerns about the way it purchases mica. If supporting sustainable and ethical products is your goal, it is important to ask any beauty brand that uses mica formulas. "We confirm that the mica in our products is sourced responsibly and ethically," Free People said. "We only work with manufacturers who certify that child labor is not used in the mica mining or manufacturing process."

Worried that ecological options will not be as effective as plastic materials? Don't do this, said Dominique Lerma, editor makeup artist and executive artist of MODA Brush. "The best thing about technology is that it is always improving, which is very obvious in the beauty industry," she said. "The clean beauty is not what it was 10 years ago-it is much better." She is a fan of Bodyography's non-plastic glitter paint, and she uses it with the coloring brush of MODA's Renew Complete Kit, which is made from plants. The biodegradable brush set made of base polymer has a full range of environmentally friendly appearance.

Looking to the future, 10 ways can flash responsibly this holiday season.