Guardian

Individual

3 months

Consumer

2018

Gaia

This project took place during my second year of university, as part of my Undergraduate degree course. It was prompted by an open brief to design a sustainable product that could replace a commonly used single-use plastic.

I decided to create a green alternative to make-up remover disks and wet wipes, which actually contain plastic fibers that do not biodegrade. The aim of the project therefore was:

To design a sustainable and innovative makeup removal method that replaces single-use plastic products.

1.
Setting the scene

Makeup industry

The industry of cosmetic products is living its golden days. Valued in an already impressive quantity of USD 106.45 billion, its net worth is only expected to rise in the coming years.

Although makeup removal accounts for only a relatively small percentage of these market revenues, it is an essential part of the industry that should not be overlooked. It has been calculated that the average woman uses more than 4,000 makeup removal cotton pads every three years. The cost of those plus that of the toners, wet wipes and other cleansing products used in addition add up to a total expenditure of approximately £2000.

2.
Defining the issue

Waste in wakeup removal

Unknown to many, cotton pads and wet wipes are actually made of plastic fibers and do not biodegrade. This makes the un-flushable down the toilet — guidance many people do not seem to follow, seeing as 93% of UK’s sewage blocks are caused by wet wipes alone.

These single-use products are particularly problematic given their natural ability to absorb the fats found in the sewage system. The mixture piles up and solidifies in big lumps of mass (sometimes as big as football fields). These are commonly known as “fatbergs” and have been found to be so numerous they are physically changing the shape of British riverbeds.

3.
Market research

Makeup removal methods and products

The most common makeup removal methods and products were studied and analized. The pros and cons of each were considered as well as their cost, their effectiveness and the quality of their results.

Cleansing oils

Wet Wipes

Reusable pads

Liquid remover

Electric brushes

4.
Product Spec

The market gap

After analyzing the market, costumer’s feedback and the issues associated to makeup removal, the following has been set as the goal for the project. To design a device that will allow the process of makeup removal to be:

Quick: in under 5 minutes or less.
Cost efficient for the amount of use.
As waste free as possible.
Mechanically passive: no rubbing, tugging or scrubbing.
Nice on the skin: moisturizing and without chemicals.
Simple: in as few steps as possible.
Enjoyable: promoting self-care and relaxation.
Hygienic: using materials that stop bacterial growth.

5.
Mood boards and Ergonomic studies

6.
Idea generation

7.
Chosen concept

Handheld oil vapouriser

Inspired by the mechanism behind vaping pens, the product would be a small, handheld device that can vapourise cleansing oils and direct them towards the skin in the form of warm steam. The steam would melt the makeup away so it can be easily rinsed with water.

Compact and sturdy, it would include a small re-fillable oil reservoir, pressure-activated pads that release the steam upon contact with the skin automatically, small nozzles to reach delicate areas of the face and body and a docking station with charging functionalities when plugged in.

8.
User Interaction

Step by step use

Turn on: Gaia will heat up and show a green light when it's ready.
Twist to unlock Gaia's top half and pick it up firmly.
Use: bring to your skin and the vapour will begin automatically. Move around your whole face carefully, avoiding your eyes.
Rinse your face and see how the makeup comes right off.
Rinse Gaia to get rid of any residue.
Close: put Gaia's top half back in its docking station and turn the switch, which will allow Gaia to dry itself.

Final product

Gaia is your new makeup removal routine. You won't need to tug and rub at your skin to get your makeup off anymore: simply fill your Gaia with your cleansing oil of choice and let it gently vapourise it onto your skin.

Say goodbye to single-use products and hello to the sustainable and innovative product of the future.