What to Do with Old Makeup?

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Expired makeup needs to be disposed of, but all the other stuff that you no longer like (and have lying around) can be made into something brand new.

Take out all your MAC lipsticks, eyeshadows, and nail paints that have been rotting away in your drawer, and continue reading to find out what you can do with old makeup.

Repurposing and Reusing Old Lipstick

Did you know that all that wasted makeup rotting away can be repurposed into something you like?

Let’s find out how.

Repurposed into Cream Blush

Do you have lipstick that has a weird texture and just doesn’t look good on your lips, no matter how hard you try?

Or maybe you think that the color does not suit your face?

Now, you can turn it into a cream blush. Satin and matte lipsticks make the best blushes, but you can use any for the desired result.

Put some lipstick on your finger.

The quantity of lipstick used will depend on how hard or light it is.

Warm the product between your fingers, and then simply dap some onto the apples of your cheeks for a sun-kissed look.

  • Take a light coat of lipstick and follow the same technique on your nose.
  • If you think that the blush is too light, use another coat of lipstick.
  • Set your blush with a setting spray.

Repurposed into a Tinted Lip Balm

You may have gotten a lipstick shade online that, after trying out in person, you thought was too dark for you.

The good news is that your late-night purchase will not go to waste.

All you have to do is turn the lipstick into a freshly tinted lip balm that will give your lips that shine and protect them from dryness.

  • Take a small amount of lipstick and melt it in a microwave for five to ten seconds.
  • Mix it with three times the amount of petroleum jelly or Vaseline.
  • Pop this mixture into the refrigerator to set.
  • Use the lip balm before bed, to the gym, or when running errands!

Repurposing and Reusing Eyeshadow

You can also repurpose and resue your old eye shadow

Repurposed into a New Nail Color

Old eyeshadow tends to become dry and flaky.

Regardless of how much you try to apply it, it looks patchy on the eyelids, destroying your entire makeup look.

However, you don’t have to throw it away. You can turn your old eyeshadow into some new nail paints. Here’s how:

  • Crush the eyeshadow so that it becomes powder.
  • Mix this powder into a bottle of clear nail polish. Shake the bottle thoroughly.
  • Enjoy your new nail paint!

Repurposed into a Body Bronzer

Do you have a glitter eyeshadow that you think is too tacky for your current vibe?

Instead of throwing it out, you can make it into a beautiful body bronzer for your face and neck.

You can also use it on your back and arms for a beautiful glow that would look great on a night out with friends.

  • Crush the eyeshadow so that it becomes powder.
  • Mix the powder into some moisturizer.
  • Use a clean spatula to mix the eyeshadow into the moisturizer, and your body bronzer is ready to use.

Repurposing and Reusing Old Conditioner

And here are some ways you can repurpose old conditioner

Repurposed into a Shaving Cream

Are you someone who finishes their shampoo way before their conditioner?

Of course, if you are planning to switch your shampoo, getting a conditioner from the same range is a good idea, but what happens to your old conditioner?

You can repurpose it into a shaving cream!

Smooth your conditioner on your body just like you would with shaving cream. Of course, it will not lather up but will provide a softer shave.

The conditioner will also soften your skill and keep it moisturized.

Shave like you would and wash it off once done. We would recommend using a body shower since the conditioner will not wash off well with water only.

Repurposed into a Reverse Shower Technique

Sometimes, conditioner can weigh your hair down. However, this does not mean you need to go out and find yourself a new conditioner.

Instead, you can use it as a shampoo.

Start by wetting your hair in the shower like you usually do. Smooth the conditioner on the length of your hair and wait for a couple of minutes.

This will get rid of all the frizz and ensure that your hair doesn’t tangle once dry.

With the conditioner still on, rub some shampoo onto your scalp. Lather it up like you usually would and then wash it off.

The shampoo will not dry out the hair strands because of the layer of conditioner keeping them protected.

The shampoo will also help wash off extra conditioner so that your hair does not feel greasy or weighed down.

Repurposing and Reusing Face Powder

When face powder is about to finish, getting it out of its container is a hassle.

It doesn’t get absorbed by the sponge but still has enough powder in it that you don’t want to throw it away.

What you can do, however, is use your face powder to make a tinted moisturizer. Here’s how:

  • If your face powder is in cake form, crush it up.
  • Take an empty bottle and pour some moisturizer into it.
  • Stir the powder in and shake it up to mix the moisturizer and powder well.
  • Use the tinted moisturizer on days when you don’t feel like wearing a heavy coverage foundation.

Remember to Throw Out Expired Makeup

Now that you know what to do with old makeup, we must remind you not to mistake it with expired makeup.

Each makeup product comes with a date that must be followed. This date indicates the shelf life of the product.

Sometimes, a product can go bad before the date.

If you feel like the texture has separated or if it smells bad, there are high chances that your makeup product has gone bad.

Unopened products should not lie on your dressing table for more than three years either. This is because makeup contains preservatives that become less effective over time.

Of course, some makeup products last well after their expiration date. The struggle is knowing whether you should toss it out or repurpose it.

Look at the back of your makeup container for a symbol with a number. This could say 3m or 6m.

There will also be a swooshing arrow symbol next to it. This symbol indicates that the makeup can be used for three or six months once it has been opened.

Smaller containers will have this information on the box they come packaged in.

Before you throw the box in the trash, make sure to check for the necessary information.

Then, take a permanent marker and jot down the expiry date on your makeup product.

Here is the general shelf-life of makeup products that you must keep in mind:

  • Eyeshadow: 3 to 6 months
  • Mascara: 3 months
  • Makeup Pencils: 1 year
  • Perfume: 10 years
  • Liquid concealer and foundation: 1 year
  • Gel Eyeliner: 2 months
  • Lip gloss and lipstick: 1 year
  • Powdered blush: 2 years

Now that you know what to do with old makeup, why don’t you get all the makeup rotting in your cupboard out and start cleaning it out?

Toss out the expired products and keep the ones that need to be repurposed aside. Have fun creating new makeup, all from the comfort of your own home!

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