Are your old cosmetics piling up, and you’re wondering if they’re ready for the trash? Many beauty products can serve a second purpose before they’re discarded. From transforming expired makeup into home essentials to refreshing personal items, there are various creative ways to make the most out of your beauty stash. Here’s how to give those products one last life.
1. Turn Old Lipsticks into Tinted Lip Balms
Old lipsticks can easily be converted into tinted lip balms. Scrape out the remaining lipstick and mix it with a bit of coconut oil or shea butter. Melt the mixture gently and pour it into a small container to create a nourishing, tinted balm.
2. Use Foundation as a Body Bronzer
If your foundation is nearing its expiration date, mix it with a bit of body lotion to create a subtle, sun-kissed look. This DIY bronzer can be applied to your arms, legs, and shoulders, adding a gentle glow without buying new products.
3. Repurpose Eyeshadow as Nail Polish
Old eyeshadow can be crushed and mixed with clear nail polish to create unique shades. Scoop a small amount of eyeshadow powder into the polish bottle, shake it well, and you have a custom color to freshen up your nails.
4. Transform Mascara Wands into Beauty Tools
Once your mascara is finished, clean the wand thoroughly, and you’ve got a versatile beauty tool. Mascara wands can be used to tame brows, exfoliate lips, or even clean jewelry. These small brushes can serve multiple purposes in your routine.
5. Revive Dry or Cracked Powder Makeup
Powders that have cracked or hardened, such as blushes, eyeshadows, or pressed powders, can be given a second life. Simply add a few drops of rubbing alcohol, press the powder back into shape, and let it dry. This trick helps restore powders for a few extra uses.
6. Turn Liquid Eyeliner into Calligraphy Ink
Old liquid eyeliner can make for unique calligraphy ink. Clean the brush, and you can use it to practice lettering or small illustrations. This works particularly well with black eyeliner for a crisp, dark line.
7. Use Perfume Bottles as Room Fresheners
When your favorite perfume is almost empty, leave the bottle open in a small room, closet, or drawer. The lingering fragrance will work as a light air freshener, giving your space a gentle scent without overpowering it.
8. Reclaim Shimmer Powders as Body Shimmers
Shimmer eyeshadows and highlighters can be repurposed as body shimmer. Mix the powder with a bit of body lotion and apply it to your shoulders and collarbones for a subtle, glowing effect. This trick is perfect for special occasions.
9. Convert Eyeliners into Art Supplies
If you have colored eyeliners you no longer use, they can double as fun art supplies for children or for personal creative projects. The smooth texture of eyeliner pencils is ideal for sketching, adding color, or even face painting at costume events.
10. Soften Makeup Brushes for Cleaning Tasks
Makeup brushes that are worn out or too old for your face can still work well for cleaning small crevices. Use them to dust delicate items, clean keyboard keys, or reach into corners of jewelry boxes. Soft brushes are perfect for areas requiring a gentle touch.
11. Turn Leftover Setting Sprays into Fabric Fresheners
If you have a setting spray that’s nearly empty, repurpose it as a fabric refresher. Spray a light mist over pillowcases or linens. Be sure the ingredients won’t stain fabrics, and avoid any strong fragrances if you have sensitivities.
12. Save Empty Lip Balm Tubes for DIY Projects
Once a lip balm is used up, don’t toss the tube. Clean it out, and you have a container ready for homemade lip balms or solid perfumes. Small and portable, these tubes make it easy to experiment with new formulas or store small amounts of your own creations.
13. Transform Loose Powders into Dry Shampoo
Loose face powders can double as a dry shampoo in a pinch. Lightly dust your roots, brush it through, and it will absorb oils and add volume to your hair. Avoid pigmented powders if you have light hair to prevent any visible tint.
14. Recycle Compact Mirrors
Compact mirrors from old powders or blushes are perfect for your purse or car. Simply pop out any remaining product, clean it thoroughly, and you have a small mirror ready for touch-ups on the go.
15. Make a Glitter Glue with Loose Glitter Powders
Loose glitter from eyeshadow palettes can be used to make a glitter glue for crafts. Mix it with a clear glue, and it’s ready to add sparkle to art projects, holiday decorations, or even gift wrapping.
16. Extend the Life of Face Oils as Hair Treatments
Face oils that are nearing expiration can work well on hair. Massage a small amount into the ends for extra moisture, or use it as a scalp treatment before shampooing. Just make sure the ingredients are hair-safe.
17. Transform Makeup Bags into Organizers
Those old makeup bags piling up can be useful around the house. Use them to organize cords, store art supplies, or keep small accessories in one place. They’re great for travel or to stash in your purse for easy organization.
18. Use Old Nail Files for DIY Projects
Even worn-out nail files can have a second use. Use them to smooth edges on small DIY projects, like trimming materials or even distressing wood for a rustic look. Nail files are especially handy for arts and crafts enthusiasts.
19. Keep Old Blush and Bronzer for Staining Natural Fibers
If you have old blush or bronzer, try mixing it with a little water to create a natural dye for fabrics like cotton or linen. This is a unique way to add color to small items like cloth napkins, adding a subtle, earthy tone.
20. Combine Skincare Containers for Travel-Size Options
Empty skincare containers are perfect for travel. Clean them thoroughly, and you can refill them with just the right amount of lotion, serum, or cream for a weekend trip. This is a sustainable way to reduce travel waste and pack light.
21. Repurpose Expired Concealer as a Craft Paint
Expired concealer can be used in arts and crafts projects as a beige or neutral paint. It works well on paper and can create interesting textures. Use it for experimenting with different painting techniques.
22. Donate Unused or Gently Used Products
If you have cosmetics you’ve barely touched or that simply didn’t work for you, consider donating them. Many shelters or charities accept unopened products. Be sure to check the guidelines for each organization to ensure you meet donation standards.
23. Turn Face Mists into Room Sprays
When face mists are near the end, use them as room sprays. The light fragrance works well to freshen a room without the need for harsh air fresheners. Spritz lightly to avoid overpowering scents.
24. Use Makeup Palettes for Art Projects
Old palettes are ideal for kids’ art projects or experimental crafts. You can use them for painting small details, color mixing, or adding metallic accents. These can add texture and color to paper crafts or painted stones.
25. Experiment with Eyeshadows on Fabric Projects
Powder eyeshadows can be dusted onto fabrics and sealed with a fixative spray for unique designs. Try it on light-colored fabrics like canvas tote bags to create custom patterns or add color to plain textiles.
26. Save Lotion Bottles for DIY Cleaners
Clean out empty lotion bottles, and repurpose them as small containers for DIY cleaners or other household liquids. They’re especially helpful for keeping dish soap or homemade solutions in convenient areas around the house.
27. Turn Expired Creams into Shoe Polishes
Some expired creams can be used to shine leather shoes or bags. Test a small amount on a hidden spot, and if it works without staining, use it as a polish. This works particularly well with neutral or colorless creams.
28. Make Highlighter into an At-Home Light Reflector
Highlighter powder can be used to add subtle light effects on mirrors or photo frames. Apply a small amount with a soft brush to create a luminous, decorative accent in your space.
29. Try Old Lip Liner as Craft Outliners
Old lip liners can be used in crafting to outline designs on paper or fabric. The creamy texture helps create smooth, continuous lines, making it ideal for adding details to various art projects.
30. Recycle Compact Cases as Mini Organizers
Once powders or blushes are used up, clean out the compact case and repurpose it. They’re great for storing small jewelry items, safety pins, or even as pill cases in your purse.
Final Word
Incorporating these tips can extend the life of your beauty products, reduce waste, and add a new touch of creativity to your routine. With simple transformations, your old cosmetics can become versatile solutions around the home. This approach not only helps you get more from your beauty collection but also feels like a source of free beauty products, giving you new uses without any additional cost.