A group of students have set up a zero-waste store offering sustainable beauty solutions to the population of Manchester.
Located on The University of Manchester’s campus on Oxford Road, Want Not Waste is the city’s first student-run, plastic-free shop – selling a variety of ethical products that can be refilled, reused and recycled.
The aim of the project is to make ‘sustainable’ lifestyles more affordable and accessible for Mancunian students – as well as encouraging them to become environmentally conscious in their beauty routines.
A wide variety of eco toiletries are up for sale – including shampoo and conditioner bars from Manchester start-up Grüum, natural deodorants and handmade feminine hygiene products.
Want Not Waste even sell handmade soap made by a psychology student.
“We have a focus on local products and small businesses/student enterprises, which means our shelves are always changing as students come and go,” a spokesperson for the store stated.
“We’re not for profit, and this allows us to provide more accessible prices and support smaller businesses who may have higher up-front costs.”
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Alongside sustainable beauty products, Want Not Waste also offers cosmetics recycling (to avoid these pesky products going into landfill) as well as dried goods, cleaning products, and a new line of upcycled clothing and jewellery from Junk to Funk.
“As part of Terracycle we accept any brand of makeup packaging that cannot go into kerbside recycling,” said the team.
“This includes flexible tubes, mascara wands, lipstick and concealer sticks, compacts, and face wipe packaging.”
Like everyone else, the Want Not Waste team have been forced to adapt during lockdown – hosting a variety of online workshops, upcycling events and even a blog to reach as many people as possible.
“For the most part, we’re just happy that the shop is surviving and thriving still in the pandemic, not just for the volunteers, but for the customers and our online community,” said the team.
“We’re planning some online events for the new year, including a potential collaboration with The Closet.”
Want Not Waste is based next to the University of Manchester’s Students Union on Oxford Road, M13 9PR.
You can keep up-to-date with their latest sustainable ventures via their Facebook page.
Style
Best dressed at Parklife 2024 as heavens open for day two
Daisy Jackson
The weather has well and truly turned on Parklife, but that’s not stopped the best-dressed in the city pulling out all the stops.
As the festival enters its second day and the sunshine is replaced by classic Mancunian drizzle, the most common accessory is the classic plastic poncho.
But beneath that you’ll spot trends like crochet two-pieces, hot pink skirts, football shirts, paisley-print mini skirts, fishnets, and plenty of cowboy hats.
Outfits seem to get brighter, bolder and more creative every year and this year is no different.
Brands that dominate include the affordable fast fashion retailers like Shein, BooHoo and PrettyLittleThing, among a few vintage finds.
Parklife is now entering its Sunday line-up, with headliners like Doja Cat, Kaytranada and TSHA performing today.
Let’s just hope the rain clears up enough for all of these gorgeous festival-goers to be able to whip their coats off again.
The best-dressed at Parklife 2024 – day two
Love these neon tassels, shaggy jacket and cowboy hatA sheer camo two-piece and cute butterfly crop topCrochet sets and cowboy hatsThis pink-and-orange combo with the blue hair is divineThe best-dressed couple at Parklife 2024These gorgeous girls nailed the Parklife briefObsessed with the holographic pink pants and sports jersey with mini skirtThese tiny ruffle skirts with chunky leather boots and jackets were a 10/10 lookHere come the ponchos…Now THIS is how you do uninhibited festival fashionTop-to-toe paisley paired with some very sensible walking shoesEasy guy to spot in the crowd hereAll-over denim made our list of the best-dressed at ParklifeHot pink fits at Parklife 2024A small shout-out for our new The Manc Group hoodies…
Everything inside the Sephora VIP goodie bags worth more than £1,000
Daisy Jackson
Sephora opening in Manchester has been causing a bit of a stir, with more than 2,000 people queueing up this week to try and nab a free goodie bag.
And while the presents being handed out to the public are pretty impressive, it’s nothing compared to the VIP goodie bags given out at the store’s official launch on Wednesday.
A number of celebrities, influencers, press and other special guests were invited to have a sneak peek of the huge new shop at the Trafford Centre before its official opening to the public.
At the glittering celebration, VIPs were given a glimpse at the huge range of products on offer inside Sephora’s first UK store outside of London.
Those in attendance included actor and TV presenter actor Katie Mcglynn, TV personality Caroline Thomas, actress Alex Fletcher and radio one presenter Natalie O’Leary, Real Housewives of Cheshire, Love Island personalities, and professional footballer Courtney Duffus.
Special guests of Sephora were then sent home with the goodie bag to end all goodie bags, stuffed full of full-sized cult products.
And having totted up the value of everything inside, we can confirm that each goodie bag is worth more than a grand (£1092.93, to be exact). Wowsers.
Olaplex No.3Viral hair product minisBrazilian Bum Bum CreamJust a few of the cult items inside the Sephora VIP goodie bags. Credit: The Manc Group
Viral products inside include Makeup By Mario lipstick, Olaplex, Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, Glossier You perfume, and MorrocanOil hair treatments.
There are also TikTok sensations like the Dr Jart Tiger Grass treatment, which comes out of its tub green but magically turns beige on the skin, cancelling out redness.
And Tarte’s take on the revolutionary tubing mascara, which comes off your lashes with only water and a wipe, was also chucked in.
The most high-value items in the Sephora goodie bags were an Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream worth £64, Caudalie’s brightening serum at £52, and a Neom candle for £38.