I have a history of utterly rubbish New Year’s Eves. Some of the more spectacular events over the years include: poisoning myself and feeling certain that I was actually dying and WHAT WOULD MY MOTHER THINK (spoiler: I survived); being stood up by my then-boyfriend at midnight and having to catch the bus home alone and unhinged; travelling interstate with my best friend to celebrate the occasion, only to have her fall and hit her head on the edge of a gutter and spend the rest of the night in the emergency department. Sigh. As I’ve gotten older (and more antisocial), I’ve opted for low-key celebrations that tend to minimize any chance of disaster. I think last year I may’ve even had a nice time. This is a recipe for a sparkly and sustainable New Year’s Eve — just add your beloved and champagne.

1. Lush Party Popper Bath Ballistic ($2.95 AUD)
It’s time for me to admit that my kind of New Year’s Eve party is a bubble bath party for one. Possibly two, if Johanis becomes too jealous of my bright pink and purple citrus-scented lagoon. I don’t know when I became an actual hermit but the transition seems to be complete.

2. Made Nyota Recycled Brass Earrings ($28 AUD)
These dear earrings are made from recycled brass. Made is an UK-based fairtrade accessories brand and all of their products are made in a workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. Prices range from approximately $19 AUD to $210 AUD and shipping to Australia is at a flat rate of approximately $25 AUD. You can also find some Made products on ASOS here.

3. People Tree Confetti Print Sleeveless Dress ($42.75 AUD)
This 100% organic cotton confetti-print dress is literally a walking celebration. People Tree are a pioneering UK-based fair-trade and sustainable fashion brand that work with producers in fifteen developing countries. People Tree is my favourite fashion brand at the moment and the reverse seasons mean that what I want to buy is always on sale. Score. Shipping to Australia is at a flat rate of approximately $15 and you can also find some People Tree products on ASOS here.

4. Melissa Ultragirl Glitter Flatties in Gold Glitter ($75 AUD)
Nothing says New Year’s Eve like a glitterbomb in bubblegum-scented shoe form. All Melissa shoes are vegan and constructed from a malleable PVC that is comfortable to wear and completely recyclable. The closed styles have in-built air holes, in order to avoid the dreaded stinky-foot. I feel like plastic isn’t the most eco-friendly material out there, but Melissa operates with a zero-waste model that includes recycling all factory waste and recycling overstock shoes from last season into new styles. Prices range from $24.95 AUD to $385 AUD. Shipping within Australia is free and you can also find some Melissa products on ASOS here.

5. Physician’s Formula Happy Booster Mood & Glow Boosting Blush in Rose* ($21.95 AUD)
So, we’ve now reached a point in marketing where a beauty brand is literally selling us happiness. That aside, Physician’s Formula is one of my favourite animal testing-free beauty brands: what’s not to love about kitsch hot pink foil packaging, love hearts, and the scent of violets? If you’re raising your eyebrow right now, just know that I am disappointed in you. Swirled together with a blush brush (which are currently on sale from vegan brand Furless Cosmetics^) the individual colours create a clean bright pink.

6. Natio Rich Colour Creme Gloss in Alive* ($15.95 AUD)
Is it just me who thinks Australian cruelty-free beauty brand Natio is staging a bit of a comeback recently — particularly with their lip products? I know it’s totally obvious to feature a classic red lip for New Year’s Eve but I cannot help myself. Even if you’re celebrating in the bath, New Year’s Eve is a fancy time. Natio are serious when they say rich colour, by the way: this lip gloss is an opaque bold pink-red.

Here are arm swatches of Physician’s Formula Happy Booster Blush in Rose and Natio Rich Colour Creme Gloss in Alive:

What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?

P.S. Check out Planet Ark’s Festive Season Green Guide — it’s a comprehensive but totally user-friendly guide to reducing your environmental impact over the holiday season.

* These products were provided for consideration in accordance with the Disclosure Policy.

^ This is an affiliate link. If you use this link to make a purchase, I receive a percentage of the existing sale price.