Water-Wise Beauty: How To Adapt Your Routine During Water Restrictions

A practical guide to adapting your beauty routine during water restrictions, without compromising skin, hair or results.

With water restrictions now a reality in George, everyday routines are being rethought – including beauty. The good news? A glowing complexion doesn’t require running taps. From no-rinse skincare to smarter shower habits, these water-wise beauty tips prove that you can care for your skin while caring for the planet.

1. Switch to water-free cleansing

Avoid rinsing your face with water when you can.

Here are some cleansing alternatives:

  • Micellar water: A gentle, water-free makeup remover and cleanser.

Try Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water 250ml. Buy it here.

  • Cleansing balms/oils: They break down makeup and SPF. I suggest using a reusable cloth or pad with either of these products.

Try Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm. Buy it here.

Try WBeauty CLEANSE Nourishing Cleansing Oil. Buy it here.

Try Haylo Botanicals Face Glow. Buy it here.

Top tip: If you have reusable bamboo cloths, keep them lightly dampened with micellar water to avoid running taps.

2. Mouth and face rinsing hacks

If you must rinse:

  • Basin rinse only: Don’t let the tap run. Fill a small bowl and dunk hands/face.

  • Use a cup: Pour water over face instead of letting the tap run.

3. Choose products that require minimal water

Such as:

Toners/hydrating mists

Try Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner. Buy it here.

Try Avene Thermal Spring Water. Buy it here.

Serums

Try Filorga Hyalu-Filler Hydrating Plumping Serum. Buy it here.

Facial oils

Try Haylo Botanicals Glow Drops. Buy it here.

BB/CC creams with SPF (give heavy foundation a skip)

Try Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF42 PA+++. Buy it here.

Try Erborian CC Crème Dore Mini. Buy it here.

Dry shampoo/scalp mist

Try Batiste Dry Shampoo. Buy it here.

Try Silki No Itch Scalp Mist. Buy it here.

All of these products cut out extra cleansing and water use.

4. Shower and bath adjustments

Beauty routines often tie into shower time. Water saving here counts. Try these minor (but high impact) tips:

  • Limit showers to 5 minutes.

  • Turn off water when using shower gel/soap or shampooing your hair.

  • Use a bucket to catch warm-up water and reuse it for plants (non-chlorinated) or flushing toilets.

5. Hand and body care without excess water

  • Use hand sanitizer when hands aren’t visibly dirty.

  • Lather and rinse with a cup rather than running water.

  • Hydrate your skin with leave-on body lotions or oils. This prevents extra shower time.

  • Give hot showers a skip if you can.

6. Makeup tips that save water

Avoid using products that require heavy removal such as:

  • Glittery, high-pigmented eyeshadow

  • Waterproof mascara

Instead, choose:

Sheer, tinted balms for lips and cheeks. Minimal makeup, minimal removal.

Try Essence Juicy Melon Tinted Lip & Cheek Balm. Buy it here.

Cream blushes and bronzers

Try Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush. Buy it here.

Try Essence Baby Got Bronze Bronzing Stick. Buy it here.

BB Creams with SPF

Try Bioderma Sensibio AR BB Cream SPF30. Buy it here.

Remember less cleaning means less water.

7. Use these methods for your routine

Daily:

  • Micellar water (see recommendation above)

  • Serum & moisturiser

Try Filorga Hyalu-Filler Hydrating Plumping Serum. Buy it here.

Try Filorga Hyalu-Filler Crème. Buy it here.

  • SPF

Try Filorga UV Cellular-Protect Face SPF 50. Buy it here.

Weekly:

  • Exfoliate with a no water scrub

Try Skin Functional 10% Mandelic Acid + 1% Polyglutamic Exfoliant. Buy it here.

  • Sheet mask (no rinse)

Try Filorga Hydra-Filler Mask. Buy it here.

What are your go-to water saving tips? Let me know in the comments.

Kelli x