A while ago I was persuaded to try using mineral makeup, and was really quite chuffed with the results. But as someone who has shunned powder for most of her adult life, had to hunt around for suitable brushes to apply the makeup. I made do with the cheap, plastic sort you find in chemist's shops for a while, but recently I found out about a new range of 'beauty tools' that are not only fab quality, but are made from eco-friendly materials, too. Ecotools, which have recently landed over here from the States, are made from good stuff like bamboo, and perform remarkably well.

Follow the jump for stockist details.

This is the 'Universal Charger', which O2 will be selling in its high street shops. It kills two birds with one stone - firstly the annoyance of trying to find the right charger on some dodgy market stall if you happen to lose yours, and secondly, the annoyance of not being able to charge your phone in someone else's house.

O2's also touting the energy-efficient nature of the device. It consumes 70 percent less power than a standard mobile phone charger, and meets the strict energy efficient guidelines of the US Energy Star rating system. If every single phone in use in the UK was charged with one of these, it would save the country nearly £31.4 million, and cut the carbon emissions of the equivalent of 36,000 cars.

Guys are officially harder to buy presents for (even if you're a guy doing the buying, I'm told) so I'm starting my shopping for my male friends and family today to leave plenty of time for inspiration to strike.

Small presents are the way forward this time around (can you guess why?) so I'm going for the stocking-filler approach, with all gifts at £20 or less. Click on the image below to find out what eco santa has picked out for your brothers, boyfriends, Dads and husbands.

Related: pick of the best eco-friendly xmas offers #2 | Pick of the best eco-friendly xmas offers #1

When it comes to home repurposing, the kitchen may seem like the most daunting prospect yet. It's full of electrical appliances, hots and cold bits and seems somehow beyond our reach, but don't be put off: there is plenty you can do inexpensively in the kitchen using stuff that might otherwise be destined for the skip.

Related: Repurposed home #1: lighting | Repurposed home #2: Funky and functional furniture

These recycled bottle Christmas lights snapped on London's South Bank are an absolute riot of colour, and the drinks containers are such a great idea for making alternative shades.

London's South Bank has put up amazing alternative Christmas displays for several years running now, and these, for 2007, were by Turner Prize nominee Anya Gallico. We're still awaiting news on this year's installation, but it promises to be every bit as exciting and ethical. Watch this space for more info. Meanwhile, Carnaby Street has opted for a no-light, eco-friendly display once again with it's fabulous, giant inflatable snowmen.

[image: Lewisham Dreamer]

Related: Video: see Carnaby Street's awesome eco-friendly Christmas decorations

Remember the Purity Project range I reviewed back in September, which led to some of the kindest remarks I'd ever had from colleagues? Well, my skin's still benefiting from these marvellous, toxin-free potions, and yours can too if you couldn't quite afford that range until now, there's a fantastic special offer for hippyshopper readers that will save you 50% on orders over £25. Follow the jump for details.

Related: Beauty review: The Purity Project | Fantastic eco offers for Christmas #1 | Fantastic eco offers for xmas #2