Sustainability is important. Not solely for preserving natural materials and, in turn, protecting our ecosystem but also for improving our quality of life. When we focus on reusing what’s directly in front of us, we aid in eliminating waste and ultimately curb everyday costs.
There are numerous ways this topic turns up in daily makeup routines. Herein lies the importance of leveraging empty makeup containers to promote an environment-friendly and cost-efficient lifestyle — after all, every little step matters.
For eight creative ways to upcycle your empty makeup containers, keep scrolling below.
Oil diffuser
While oil diffusers are readily available and affordable, there’s a unique charm in upcycling a glass foundation bottle or dropper. These bottles offer durability and often come in various colors, such as sage, brown, or clear, allowing you to infuse your personal space with a hint of modern style.
What you’ll need:
1/4 cup carrier oil (almond, safflower, or olive oil recommended)
1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol
1 teaspoon essential oil (recommended blends below!)
mixing bowl
funnel
rattan chair caning (a decorative alternative to bamboo reeds)
reusable makeup container
Click here for easy-to-follow steps.
Mixing palettes
If you’re anything like me, chances are you have a handful of partially used eyeshadow palettes tucked away in the depths of your bathroom cabinets. No need to twiddle your thumbs for the day you’ll use those not-so-loved shades. Instead, transform the palette as a tool to mix custom shades, whether foundation, blush, or shadow. The possibilities are endless.
Mini storage
Similar to mixing palettes, an eyeshadow container can serve many purposes. You can use an empty eyeshadow or blush compact to store items like jewelry or pills/supplements.
Make a lip scrub
Upcycle empty lip gloss, lip balm, or eye cream containers to make your very own lip scrub. The ingredient list is affordable (and delicious), and the steps are simple. Click here for an easy-to-follow recipe.
Travel-sized containers
Whether you’re traveling afar or home for the holidays, you may find toiletry costs add up quickly. Curb costs by rinsing and refilling small makeup jars, bottles, droppers, and pots with your go-to products (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and more) for on-the-go use.
Makeup brush holder
Makeup brush holder
Although an empty lotion bottle is not considered a conventional makeup container, believe it or not, you can repurpose the essential as a makeup brush holder. Cut off a suitable portion of the bottle — cleaning thoroughly once complete — and unleash your creative side by decorating it with art supplies such as acrylic paint, paint markers, and even markers.
Mini planter
Similar to creating a makeup brush holder, this DIY project requires reusing a makeup container of considerable size. Recommended choices include a powder compact container, a loose powder puff bottle, or even an old travel makeup container. Indoor potting soil will run you anywhere from $10 to $20 on Amazon. You may find the most challenging feat is determining what to plant first.
Pill organizer
Leverage empty pill containers — think probiotics, supplements, or vitamins — as holders for craft materials like beads, buttons, or hair accessories.
Friendly reminder: It’s important to remember to clean and sanitize containers thoroughly before repurposing them to ensure they’re safe for reuse.
Planning to embark on the creative journey of upcycling your empty makeup containers using the steps provided? Share your experience with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.