If you have a dresser full of makeup, toiletries and beauty products you've never opened and used — whether gifts given to you or stuff you bought on a whim — there are great ways to get rid of these items besides just throwing them into the trash. Here's how you can declutter your stash:
1) Stocking Stuffers/Presents
Divide your unused beauty products into small bags and give these to girlfriends or female coworkers as holiday gifts. (You can do this throughout the year as well by giving these bags as gifts for birthdays, promotions and other special occasions — or when you simply want to surprise a dear friend!)
2) Arts & Crafts
Some makeup colors may not be compatible with your skin tone, but will look great on letters, cards and other art projects. You can even do makeup art projects with your children, as shown on the website Critters and Crayons.
Artist redhongyi used old makeup to create some pieces. "Chinese art requires a lot of precision and skill — one stroke can make a huge difference, and many times, less is more. I felt that this is similar to how a woman carefully puts on her make-up," she told Design Boom. Below are two of her creations.
3) Donations
There are several organizations that accept unused beauty products to give to women in need like Dress for Success, Beauty Bus Organization, Fairy Godmothers Inc. and Give And Makeup. Also, see if your local women's shelter accepts donations. However, make sure to check these organizations' guidelines for donations as some strictly require unexpired beauty products.
4) Swap Party
Makeup Swap Parties are common within many groups of women — or the swap can be done online. Regular swaps take place among communities like MakeupAlley or do a Facebook search to find swaps going on in different places.
"If you have unopened makeup that has not been exposed to the air or in constantly changing environmental temperatures, then you may still be able to use it. I would suggest that you check the manufacturer's expiry date on the packaging, or if you can remember when you purchased the product," said makeup artist Chase Aston via Best Health magazine.
