10 Creative Ways to Repurpose Used Makeup Containers
The beauty industry generates a staggering amount of plastic waste from makeup containers and packaging. Rather than simply tossing those used makeup compacts, bottles, and jars in the trash, there are some clever ways to repurpose and breathe new life into them.
Not only does this help minimize your environmental footprint, but it can also be a fun, creative outlet to unleash your inner DIY artist. Here are 10 unique and practical ideas for repurposing your used makeup containers.
From chic storage solutions to whimsical home decor, these sustainable hacks will inspire you to look at your beauty empties in a whole new light. Get ready to reduce, reuse, and recycle your way to a greener, more mindful makeup routine!
1. Makeup Palette Turned Jewelry Holder
One of the most versatile items to repurpose is an old makeup palette. These sturdy, compact containers make excellent holders for your favorite earrings, necklaces, and other delicate jewelry.
Simply remove any existing eyeshadow pans or inserts, give it a quick clean, and you have a sleek, customizable jewelry organizer. You can leave the palette as-is for a minimalist look, or get creative by lining the interior with fabric, decorative paper, or even cork to create designated compartments for different types of jewelry.
This is a great way to keep your precious accessories neat, visible, and easy to access every morning.
How to Repurpose Contact Lens Cases as Makeup Containers
Makeup can be heavy and bulky to carry around in your bag for touchups. You can repurpose contact lens cases as makeup containers to hold small amounts of lipstick, eyeshadow powder and more.
2. Powder Compact as a Trinket Dish
Those classic powder compacts with the built-in mirror make charming little catchall dishes for holding rings, earrings, and other small trinkets on your dresser or vanity. The shallow, circular shape is perfect for corralling your delicate jewelry, paperclips, spare change, or any other small items you want to keep tidy and accessible.
For an extra touch of style, you can spray paint the exterior of the compact in a metallic or pastel hue to match your decor. You can also line the interior with decorative paper, fabric, or even cork to give it a more polished, personalized look.
3. Upcycled Makeup Brushes Holder
If you’ve accumulated a collection of makeup brushes over the years, an old foundation or powder container can be transformed into a stylish, functional brush holder. Simply clean out the container, then use it to neatly display and store your various face, eye, and lip brushes.
For a cohesive, customized look, you can wrap the exterior of the container in decorative paper, fabric, or even washi tape. You can also add a decorative element on top, like a painted wooden initial or a small houseplant, to really make it your own.
4. Refillable Cotton Swab Dispenser
Those little plastic jars that used to hold your cotton swabs or makeup remover pads make excellent refillable dispensers for your everyday cotton swabs. Simply give the container a good wash, then fill it up with your preferred cotton swabs.
This is a much more sustainable solution than constantly buying new plastic containers, and it keeps your cotton swabs neatly organized and easy to access. You can even decorate the outside of the container with washi tape, stickers, or paint to match your bathroom decor.
5. Makeup Bag Organizer Inserts
If you have an old makeup bag or pouch that’s seen better days, don’t toss it! Instead, turn it into a handy organizer insert by repurposing your used makeup containers.
Simply clean out your empty compacts, jars, and bottles, then arrange them strategically inside the makeup bag to create designated compartments for your various beauty products. This helps keep your bag neat, tidy, and easy to rummage through, even when it’s jam-packed.
You can even label the different sections with washi tape or permanent marker to make it extra organized. This is a great way to breathe new life into an old makeup bag and make the most of the storage space you have.
6. Upcycled Candle Holders
With a little creativity, your empty makeup containers can be transformed into chic, one-of-a-kind candle holders. Simply clean out the container, then add a tealight or votive candle inside.
You can leave the exterior as-is for a minimalist look, or dress it up by painting, decoupaging, or wrapping it in decorative tape or twine.
These repurposed candle holders make thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts, and they also add a cozy, personalized touch to your own home decor. Arrange a few on your mantel, side table, or windowsill for a lovely ambiance.
7. DIY Makeup Organizer Trays
If you have an assortment of small makeup containers, jars, and bottles, you can use them to create your own customized organizer trays. Arrange the containers neatly in a shallow box, tray, or even an old baking sheet, then secure them in place with hot glue or double-sided tape.
This is a great way to keep your daily makeup essentials corralled and easy to access on your vanity or bathroom counter. You can even label the different sections to make your morning routine a breeze. Plus, the finished product makes for a chic, personalized storage solution.
8. Upcycled Makeup Brush Cleaner Jar
Those little plastic jars that used to hold your makeup remover pads or cotton swabs can be repurposed into handy makeup brush cleaning stations. Simply give the container a good wash, then fill it with your favorite brush cleansing solution or even just some warm, soapy water.
When it’s time to clean your brushes, just dip them into the solution, swish them around, and let them air dry right in the container. This helps keep your brushes and the cleaning solution contained, rather than having a messy setup on your vanity.
For an extra touch, you can decorate the outside of the jar with washi tape, stickers, or a label to make it more visually appealing.
9. Makeup Container Planters
If you have any larger, sturdier makeup containers – like foundation bottles or powder compacts – they can be transformed into adorable mini planters for succulents, herbs, or other small houseplants.
Simply clean out the container, add some potting soil and your plant of choice, then display it on your windowsill, desk, or anywhere else you need a little greenery. The compact size makes these repurposed planters perfect for tight spaces, and the wide range of container shapes and sizes allows you to get creative with your plant displays.
You can leave the exterior as-is for a sleek, minimalist look, or decorate it with paint, stickers, or other embellishments to match your decor.
10. Upcycled Makeup Organizer Drawers
For a more substantial storage solution, consider transforming a larger makeup container – like a foundation bottle or powder compact – into a multi-compartment organizer with removable drawers. This works especially well for containers with a square or rectangular shape.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the container, then use a utility knife or small saw to carefully cut it into individual compartments or “drawers.” You can then decorate the exterior and line the interior drawers with decorative paper, fabric, or cork to create a polished, customized look.
This DIY organizer is perfect for storing small items like earrings, hair clips, or even extra makeup products in a neat, visually appealing way. It’s a great space-saving solution for your vanity or dresser.
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