I’ve been rounding up my empties to do a post on what I’d actually buy again, and what I’m just glad to be finished with when it occurred to me that I’ve been pretty committed to not wasting lately. I receive a steady stream of products to review and as hard as it is, I try not to let any of it go to waste. That means giving some away to grateful friends, as well as some creative thinking on my part. Here are a few ideas I’ve rounded up for what you can do with things that you bought and never use.
Conditioner:
– Squirt a bit of it in with a formula you do like until it’s gone, a little added moisture is great for your hair anyway.
– Use it to shave. This is one I do a lot because conditioner gives a pillowy cushion over the skin and enough slip so the blades glides over top eliminating razor burn.
– You can also use it on your dog. I know this sounds weird, but when I wash our dogs I’ll use a dab of conditioner over top to keep their coats shiny.
Foundation:
– If it’s too light you can mix it with a gel bronzer like THIS one which creates a really cool tinted bronzer, a perfect combo with the foundation giving coverage while the bronzer gives warmth.
– If it’s too dark, you can dull down the color by mixing it with your cream for a custom tinted moisturizer (or with your sunscreen for a tinted SPF.)
– Or you can add a little body lotion to it and make your own body makeup to hide veins, razor burn, or uneven skin. Mix it with something like Prtty Peaushun which you can get with a hint of glimmer or bronze, and you’ll see a pretty glow on your legs, arms, and chest.
Moisturizer:
– If it’s too heavy, use it on your body. There is no need to throw away a face hydrator if you’re lubing up daily with lotion anyway. Areas like your neck and chest often have sun damage and could benefit from moisturizers made for the face with extra skin-saving ingredients.
– If it’s too light, consider using a serum to boost its effectiveness. This one from Arcona Replenish Serum uses moisture binders Hyaluronic Acid and Honey Extract to keep the skin moist and hydrated.
Concealer:
– If it’s too thick, consider using it with a dab of moisturizer, I’ve done this with clients whose eyes are dry and concealer highlights every fine line. Just dot a drop of moisturizer on the back of your hand and swipe it up using your concealer brush before grabbing your usual amount of concealer with the same brush. Sweep it under the eyes and pat it in to blend. It can also be used this way on the skin to hide redness.
– If you’re not getting enough coverage or if it just doesn’t match, consider giving it to a friend or just calling it a loss. You can’t build it up if it’s not covering or change the shade so get rid of it and make room for something that you’ll actually use. (Check out concealers I love HERE and always ask if samples are available before buying.)
Shampoo:
– Because most cosmetic brushes are made from real hair, shampoo is the perfect way to wash them. (HERE is a breakdown on how to wash your brushes ICYMI.)
– Use it to refill your hand soap dispensers.
– Use THIS recipe to DIY a bubble solution for your kids.
– Let your husband, kids, dog, or friend have it. Seriously, it’s something used to clean. It’s too useful to just toss out.
If all else fails, consider hosting a swap with your friends to exchange all of the unused beauty products you all have sitting around (check out how to host one HERE), and give some thought to repurposing something before you toss it out.